April 2013
Dear IMSA Friends:
This year, we are proudly celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of IMSA’s Student Inquiry and
Research (SIR) Program. Our first IMSAloquium, then called Presentation Day, was held in 1989 with
only ten presentations; this year we are nearing two hundred. In 1989, there was no Internet, the
Human Genome Project (HGP) had just been launched, and Dr. Leon Lederman, one of IMSA’s
founding fathers and former director of Fermilab, won the Nobel Prize for his work on neutrinos. In
2013, students now use the Internet to conduct SIR projects with student colleagues and faculty
advisors in China and Singapore; access HGP results to pursue advanced studies in genetics; and work
side by side with scientists at Fermilab actively conducting research on neutrinos, quarks, and other
mysteries of particle physics. What a difference twenty-five years makes! An important common
thread connecting these past twenty-five years is the fact that these authentic research experiences have
developed habits of mind in critical thinking, thorough analysis, and bold exploration that serve both
students and humanity well. In the words of our mission statement, SIR clearly “ignites and nurtures
creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.”
In this abstract book you will discover our students’ demonstrated potential for exploring their unique
passions, pursuing new interests, and both asking and answering profound questions. Working with
extraordinary advisors, they conduct research at a level far beyond their chronological ages. In fact,
several of our students have already published and presented their work at state, national, and
international venues.
We are deeply indebted to our students’ advisors. The strength of our SIR program lies with
collaborative partnerships, and we are tremendously appreciative of our students’ advisors and their
institutions. During the past twenty-five years IMSA students have worked with thousands of advisors
from hundreds of institutions, and the attention, guidance, and support they have given our students is
both inspiring and humbling. We thank all the experts and leaders who join us in boldly applying
innovative ways to nurture learners’ talents and guide them as they reach extraordinary levels of
achievement. When working together as a collective community, we have the vision, resources, and
influence to shape education in ways that truly enable students to “learn how to learn” so they can
confront present and future challenges that impact our local and global communities and most
certainly improve the quality of life on our planet.
As you read the abstracts, we are confident that you will share our appreciation and admiration of our
students’ work. These young men and women have demonstrated that they take our mission seriously
and are eager to tackle unsolved problems, address challenging issues, and contribute to an evergrowing
body of knowledge. Working with their advisors, our students experience real-world problem
solving, collaboration, and scholarship and for many, this work is a life-changing event. We trust that
you will see for yourself that they are well-prepared to solve the challenges that our world will face in
the future, that they are well-prepared to succeed in, or create, careers that do not yet exist and that they
will, above all, strive to “advance the human condition.”
Sincerely,
Glenn W. “Max” McGee, Ph.D. Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D.
President Coordinator of Student Inquiry & Research
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Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-fifth Annual IMSAloquium
May 2, 2013
Table of Contents
Twenty-Five Years of Student Inquiry and Research …………….………………………………. 2 - 4
Student Accomplishments 2012-13.………..……………………………………………………... 5 - 9
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………....................10
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………...... 11 - 18
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….... 19 - 21
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….……….…23 - 34
Student Abstracts, Organized by Topic…………..…………………..…………….…………... 35 - 132
• A Biochemistry 35 - 38
• B Bioengineering 39 - 42
• C Biology 43 - 58
• D Business 58 - 59
• E Chemistry 59 - 64
• F Computer Science 65 - 70
• G Economics 70 - 72
• H Education 72 - 73
• I Engineering 73 - 78
• J English 78 - 80
• K Environmental Science 80 - 85
• L History 85 - 86
• M Mathematics 86 - 89
• N Medicine 90 - 101
• O Neurobiology 101 - 116
• P Physics 117 - 124
• Q Psychology 125 - 126
• R Social Science 127 - 130
• S Space Science 130 - 131
SIR 2011-12 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..133 - 140
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 141 - 146
Inside Back Cover – IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
IMSAloquium cover designer is Chris Reader, IMSA staff member.
The cover was inspired by Cytoskeleton Minicatalog 2013, Cytoskeleton, Inc.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
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Twenty-Five Years of Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized
learning at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown
into a program that encompasses all disciplines, includes nearly three hundred participants each year, and
participation by each graduating class is about 90%. Credit is now offered for participation in SIR in the
summer, and Summer SIR is growing.
Our students’ accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from
college to begin to make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world
around them. IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is
paying attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are
numerous!
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial listing)
• Analytical Biochemistry
• ASC Nano
• The Astrophysical Journal Letters
• Alpha Epsilon Newsletter
• Biology of Reproduction
• Ceramic Engineering Science
• Ceramic Transactions
• Circulation Research
• Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
• El Conquistador (newspaper)
• Information Processing Letters
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Intelligent Engineering Systems Through Artificial Neural Networks
• Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
• Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
• Journal of Comparative Neurology
• Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology
• Journal of Experimental Secondary Science
• Journal of Physical Chemistry
• Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B
• Learning and Leading with Technology
• Meteoritics and Planetary Science
• Molecular Vision
• Monaldi Archives of Chest Disease
• NATO Science Series
• Nature
• Neuroscience Research Communications
• The Open Virology Journal
• Physics in Medicine and Biology
• Polyhedron
• The Science Teacher
• Biographies of the Citizens of Lee County Illinois: Through the Years
• NCSSSMST Journal
• Traditions, Transitions, and Technologies - Themes in Southwestern Archaeology
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“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith
A. Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the
nation to have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades
9-12 (2005, NSTA Press).
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the
collaborative student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
Presentations (partial listing)
• Adventures of the Mind Conference
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Association of Anatomists Regional Meeting
• American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
• American Chemical Society
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• American Physical Society
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Society of Cell Biology
• American Society of Echocardiography
• American Society of Microbiology
• 10th Annual Dabrowski Conference
• Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University
• Artificial Neural Networks Intelligent Engineering
• Aspen Conference on Perinatal Research
• Association for Chemoreception Science
• Association of Professional Sleep Societies
• Beckman Medical Research Symposium
• Conference on Smart Systems for Bridges, Structure and Highways
• Experimental Biology Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Great Lakes History Conference
• History of the Atomic Age - Chicago Historical Society
• IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
• IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium
• Illinois Association of Gifted Children
• Illinois Section of the Mathematics Association of America
• Illinois Workshop on Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering
• Innovations in Medical Education
• International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon Beam Technology and Nanofabrication
• International LAM Research Conference
• International Signal Processing Conference
• International Students’ Science Fair
• International Water Forum
• Japan Rits Super Science Fair
• Joint NSRC Workshop on Nanoparticle Science at Argonne National Laboratory
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• Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Keystone Energy Board
• Meteorical Society Meeting
• Midwest Drosophilae Conference
• Midwest Society for Pediatric Research
• National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Summit
• National African American Studies Conference
• National Association of Biology Teachers
• National Conference on Undergraduate Research
• Native American Studies Conference
• NATO Network of Excellence
• NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
• Nesset Research Forum
• Pediatric Society
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
• Rush University Research Forum
• Sakharov Readings
• STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach
• Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
• Society for In Vitro Biology
• Topical Workshop on Electronics for Particle Physics
• University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research Day
• University of Wisconsin at Madison 2011 Synchrotron Radiation Center Users’ Meeting
• WaterCon 2011
• Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference
• World Conference on Science
• Young Women in Science and Technology
Competitions (partial listing)
• ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)
• American Concrete Institute’s Concrete Projects Student Paper Competition
• iBioGENEius
• Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
21 finalists since 2008
1 fourth place (individual) category award, 1 (team) third place category award
• Intel Science Talent Search
47 semi-finalists and 12 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
• Jack Kavanagh Memorial Youth Baseball Research Award (Society for American Baseball
Research)
• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact
• National History Day Competition
• Neuroscience Creativity Prize
• Neuroscience Research Prize
• Percy Julian Symposium
• Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
50 regional semi-finalists resulting in 7 regional finalists and 1 national semi-finalist
• Young Epidemiology Scholars
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2012-2013 Student Recognition
Please join us in the Academic Pit at 12:30 pm for our Student Recognition Ceremony
Hosted By
Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee, IMSA President
Brian Chen: Growth Characterization of Electron-Beam-Induced Silver Deposition From Liquid
Precursor
Advisors: Leonidas Ocola and Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the Joint NSRC Workshop on Nanoparticle Science at Argonne National
Laboratory, Nov, 5-6, 2012; Co-author of paper published in the Journal of Vacuum Science and
Technology B, November 8, 2012 (L. Ocola, A. Joshi-Imr, C. Kessel, B. Chen, J. Park*, D. Gosztola, and
R. Divan)
Kathleen Chinetti: Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge Coupled Devices
Advisor: Thomas Schwarz, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Kathleen Chinetti: Benefits of Student Research Opportunities
Advisor: Judy Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High School
Matthew Deng: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Yale Science and Engineering
Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Kevin Emancipator: A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis
C Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Kent Gang: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Yale Science and Engineering
Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Siva Gangavarapu: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Yale Science and Engineering
Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Anna Gupta: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate
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Shreya Jain: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact Finalist, April 12, 2013 at Wheeling High School;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Behavioral
Science
Samuel Kaufman: Determining the Value of a Baseball Player
Advisor: Chris Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Omkar Kelkar: An Analysis of Regulated and Disrupted E4BP4 Circadian Waveforms in Siberian
Hamsters
Advisor: Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan
Srisha Kotlo: Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Advisors: Marcus Henze and John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Naval Science Award; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist2
Anna Kryczka: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Behavioral
Science
Dipen Kumar: The Effect of the Enteric Biome on Lysosomal Hydrolase Activity
Advisor: Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan
Jenny Lee: HPLC–MTT Assay: Anticancer Activity of Aaqueous Garlic Extract is From Allicin
Advisor: Bao-Shiang Lee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of article in Analytical Biochemistry 436 (2013) 187–189 (Jenny Lee, Shalini Gupta, Jin-
Sheng Huang, Lasanthi P. Jayathilaka, Bao-Shiang Lee)
Shelly Li: Thymoquinone Inhibits Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced SiHa Cell Invasion
Advisor(s): Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Shelly Li: Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Advisor: Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project
Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair Finalist2
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Claire Liang: Modeling Spatial Population Dynamics of Stem Cell Lineage in Tissue Regeneration
Advisor: Youfang Cao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at 34th Annual International Conference of the IEEE EMBS, August 28 – September 1,
2012, San Diego, California. (Youfang Cao, Claire Liang, Hammad Naveed, Yingzi Li, Meng Chen, and
Qing Nie)
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
David Lisk: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1; U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate
Anuj Marathe: Heat Shock Protein 70 Maintains Intestinal Homeostasis Through the Regulation of IL-
10 Producing Regulatory T Cells
Advisors: Yunwei Wang and Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Presentation at the 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Annual Meeting and
Exposition, October 14-18, 2012, in Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Anuj Marathe: Transient Therapy-related Surge in Serum Tumor Biomarkers: Characterizing Behavior
and Postulating its Biologic Role
Advisors: Suneel Mundle and Mohan Chelladurai, Rush University Medical Center
Co-author of paper in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, April 2013 (SD Mundle, AS Marathe,
M. Chelladurai)
Aalap Mehta: The Role of RBP2 in MCF-7 Cancer Cell Drug Resistance
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Philip Nebres: Effect of Varying Lipid Concentration on Phase Separation in Model Cell Membrane
Advisor: Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category
Biochemistry/Chemistry; IJAS Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category
Biochemistry/Chemistry
Ruchi Patel: Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Advisor: James Horn, Northern Illinois University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Daniel Rosenthal: Metal-Assisted Etching of Silicon Molds for Electroforming
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the 2013 APS/CNM/EMC Users Meeting at the Argonne National Laboratory,
May 6-9, 2013. (D. Rosenthal, R. Divan, K. Ogando, L.E. Ocola, D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
Poster presentation at the 57th International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon Beam Technology
and Nanofabrication, May 28-31, Nashville, Tennessee. (R. Divan, D. Rosenthal, K. Ogando, L.E. Ocola,
D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
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Robert Schurz: Improvements to Readout Electronics for CMS Hadron Calorimeter
Advisors: Jacob Anderson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist, Chicago Region second
alternate
Carrie Sha Development of Novel Sensor to Reduce Postural Kyphosis
Advisor: Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist; 14th Annual Percy Julian Science Symposium Finalist3, April 20,
2013, at Oak Park and River Forest High School, Illinois
Navika Shukla: Nectin-1 Specific Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Is Sufficient for Infection of the
Cornea and Viral Spread to the Trigeminal Ganglia
Advisor: Tibor Valyi-Nagy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of paper in Molecular Vision (2012) 18:2711-2716. (Navika Shukla, Vaibhav Tiwari, and
Tibor Valyi-Nagy)
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Simona Stancov: The Influence of Sugar Substitutes on Yeast Fermentation with Regards to Volume of
CO2 Produced
Advisor: Joe Traina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Nathan Suek: Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Advisors: Robert Haselkorn and Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Arjun Tambe: An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance
in Arabidopsis
Advisors: Nicolas Cecchini and Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist;
Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular
Biology
Stephanie Wang: A Novel Design Verifying Field Programmable Gate Arrays' Radiation-Tolerance
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Physics, U.S.
Army Special Award for Engineering; Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition
Finalist1
Summer Wu: Characterization and Manipulation of Nanorods via an Applied Magnetic Field
Advisors: Vinayak Dravid and Shih-Han Lo, Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Summer Wu: Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: Kirsten Viola and William Klein, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
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Luke Zhan: Regulation of Type II NKT Cell Cytokine Production by SLAM-Associated Protein
Advisors: Chyung-Ru Wang and Xiufang Weng, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1;;, Best in Category Cellular and
Molecular Biology, Society for In Vitro Biology Award; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
Finalist2
* IMSA Alumnus, class of 2010
1) The Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences State Paper and Project Expositions are May 3 and 4, 2013 at
the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
2) The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is May 12-17, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona.
3) The Percy Julian Science Symposium is April 20, 2013 at Oak Park and River Forest High School
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ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
May 2, 2013
Schedule of Sessions
7:45 AM - 8:35 AM Poster Session
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM IMSAloquium Session 1
9:10 AM - 9:25 AM IMSAloquium Session 2
9:35 AM - 9:50 AM IMSAloquium Session 3
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM IMSAloquium Session 4
10:25 AM - 10:40 AM IMSAloquium Session 5
10:50 AM - 11:05 AM IMSAloquium Session 6
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM IMSAloquium Session 7
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM IMSAloquium Session 8
12:55 PM - 1:10 PM IMSAloquium Session 9
1:20 PM - 1:35 PM IMSAloquium Session 10
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM IMSAloquium Session 11
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM IMSAloquium Session 12
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IMSAloquium Poster List and Presentations by Topic
Biochemistry Title Start
Time
Room
A01Ashok Arjunakani The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids and Cholesterol on Phase
Changes in Membranes
09:35 A-115
A02Molly Cuka
Atene Poskute
Inducing Cell Death in MCF-7 Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
with Camptothecin
11:15 Acad Pit
A-138
A03Clarreesa Hardin The Effect of Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetics on the Viability of
Breast Cancer Cells
1:20 A-115
A04Jenny Lee Water Extract of Garlic Cloves: Preparation, Characterization, and
Assessment of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Mouse Colon Cancer
Cells
12:55 A-155
A05Philip Nebres The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Cholesterol,
Sphingomyelin, and DOPC on Phase Separation in Model Cell
Membranes
09:10 A-115
A06Ruchi Patel Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked
VHH:VHH Through Mutagenesis
11:15 A-113
A07Sajishnu Savya
Joseph Weinrich
The Effects of Fas Ligand on Apoptosis in HT-29 Colon Carcinoma Cells 10:50 Acad Pit
A-138
A08Shohei Yamakawa SAV2455 Binds Promiscuously With a Vast Array of Structurally
Disparate Ligands
2:10 B-110
Bioengineering Title Start
Time
Room
B01Emerald Fikejs Development of Image Processing Methods to Track Sub-Cellular
Organelles in Investigating Asymmetric Stem Cell Division
1:20 A-155
B02Isheng Hou Effect of Cell Nucleus Size on Folding and Three-Dimensional
Organization of Chromosomes in Human Cells
09:35 A-135
B03Claire Liang The Comparison of the Stem Cell Spatial Population Dynamics Model to
its Corresponding Non-Spatial Model for Stem Cell Lineage Studies
1:20 A-113
B04Aalap Mehta Virtual Representation of the Rat Central Nervous System 10:00 Kids Inst
E-115
B05Sreyesh Satpathy An Exploration of the Properties of an Alloy With Improved
Biocompatibility and Durability for Use in Orthopaedic and Dental
Implants
10:50 A-131
B06Elizabeth Weiss The Therapeutic Potential of the Glycogenes MGAT2, MAN1A1, and
MAN2A2 for Glioblastoma Treatment
10:50 B-133
Biology Title Start
Time
Room
C01Soham Ali Genetic Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in the African American
Population
10:50 A-135
C02Isiah Butler The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure and Resulting Transendothelial Water
Flux on Intracellular Calcium Signaling
10:50 A-151
C03Zi-Ning Choo Quantification of Virus-Like Particles in Mice Fed a Lowfat or High
Milkfat Diet
1:45 A-115
C04John Deng Detection of Aß Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Rodent Models via
Immunohistochemistry
2:10 A-121
C05Vishrut Dixit Mechanisms of Kinesin-Driven Microtubule Sliding 12:30 A-147
C06Jonathan D'Souza
Mateusz
Wojtaszek
Pathways in Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced p35 Expression in
Fibrosis
10:00 A-135
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Biology continued
C07Kristy Fang
Nahee Park
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia
Associated MIR137 Locus
11:15 B-108
C08Marisol Flores
Estefany Guzman
Gold-Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus
Type-1 Infection in HeLa Cells
2:10 B-108
C09Ellen Gieser The Effect of the Physical Barrier of a Small Tributary on Gene Flow of
Three Avian Genera in the Congo River Watershed
09:10 A-155
C10Shivani Goel Exosome Uptake in Bladder Cancer Cells 11:15 Kids Inst
E-115
C11Jimmy Huang Methods of Quantifying Oocytes in P2 CD1 Mice 09:35 A-151
Yuanhao Wang
C12Vandana Karan The Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Glioma Cells 12:55 A-135
C13Kathryn Kim
Rohan Verma
Hydrogen Peroxide Production in High Nitric Oxide Adapted Human
Cancer Cells Which Express Tumor Stem Cell-Like Properties
11:15 B-133
C14Srisha Kotlo Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation
and Function
10:00 A-119
C15Maria Kuznetsov Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2
Expression During Pregnancy
10:25 A-155
C16Jiwon Kwak
Nitya Pariti
Molecular Cloning and the Presence of MST1R in Gastroesophageal
Adenocarcinomas
09:10 A-151
C17Jennifer Kwon
Kenneth Yun
Construction of Pathways Involving Genes Related to Severe Congenital
Neutropenia
10:50 B-108
C18Grace Li Morphologically Unique Marine-Derived Bacteria as a Source of Natural
Product Discovery
2:10 A-131
C19Lily Lou
Ciara Wardlow
The Effect of Xanthone, Artemisia absinthium Extract and 6-Oangeloylplenolin
on the Apoptosis Rates of Human Epithelial Breast
Adenocarcinoma Cells
1:45 Acad Pit
A-138
C20Anuj Marathe Heat Shock Protein 70 Mediates IL-10 Production Through ERK
Phosphorylation
2:10 A-115
C21Shruthi Mothkur Effect of Ranolazine on Heart Failure Development 2:10 A-135
C22Shreya Shanker The Role of Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Bile Acid-Stimulated
Chloride Secretion
12:30 A-131
C23Nathan Suek Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis 2:10 A-113
C24Hannah
Swerbenski
Voluntary Exercise Habits in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model Mice and
the Implications of Exercise in Disease Progression
10:25 A-121
C25Arjun Tambe An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic
Acquired Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
08:45 A-121
C26Steven Tan Role of Desmoglein 1 in Keratinocyte Morphology and Differentiation
During Epithelial Colony Development
1:45 Kids Inst
E-115
C27Jeremy
Tyszkiewicz
Inducing Apoptosis in HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma by Use of Metal
Ions
1:20 Acad Pit
A-138
C28Johnny Wu Estrogen Modulation of Prostate Epithelial Cells 10:00 B-108
C29Luke Zhan Regulation of Type II Natural Killer T Cell Cytokine Production by
Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule-Associated Protein
10:25 A-119
Business Title Start
Time
Room
D01Martin Bantchev
Pirapat
Kitipongpatana
Creating a Metagame in Checkers 12:55 Lect Hall
B-206
D02Brennan Wakey Testing the Efficiency of the Currency Futures Market 08:45 A-133
13
Chemistry Title Start
Time Room
E01Matthew Deng
Kent Gang
Siva Gangavarapu
Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms 2:10 Acad Pit
A-138
E02Ujwal Kiran Hydrodenitrogenation Using Tantalum Single-Site Catalysts 10:00 A-121
E03 Jacob Kronenberg Production of Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Use in Water Filters 11:15 A-119
E04Ryan Leemans Understanding and Comparing Photochromic Processes 2:10 A-119
Travis Scott
E05 John McGuire
Jeffrey Tucker
A Thermodynamic and Physical Investigation of the Heusler Alloys
Fe2VAl and Fe2VSn
12:30 A-151
E06Daniel Rosenthal Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical
Etching
11:15 A-121
E07 Justin Sass The Effects of Cost on Metal-Organic Framework Efficiency 12:55 A-113
Yifu Zhang
E08Navika Shukla A Novel Method for Drug Delivery Using Toroidal-Spiral Particles: A
Potential Treatment for Cancer
1:45 A-113
E09Aaron Yu Synthesizing a Library of Combinatorial Catalysts on Surfaces 08:45 B-110
Computer Science Title Start
Time
Room
F01 Advitheey
Chelikani
Analyzing and Testing the Monte Carlo Algorithm in the Game of Go 10:50 A-149
F02 Ryan Eberhardt
Milosz Kowal
Integrating and Simplifying Access to IMSA Information Technology
Resources
1:20 Lect Hall
B-206
F03Amanda Gao
Kristen Mancini
Developing a Commercial Android Application for a Nonprofit
Organization
08:45 A-135
F04 Jackson Gibbons Testing the Muon g-2 Experiment Simulation 1:20 A-133
F05 Saurabh Kumar Viability of Speech Recognition for Online Student Assessments 08:45 A-155
F06Mack Lee Reusing Bandwidth to Maximize Speed and Coverage for the Growing
Demand of Cellular Customers
10:50 A-133
F07 Arthur Li Vehicle Automation During an Earthquake 1:45 A-149
F08 Jingfei Li Creating a Novel Back-End Database for the Open Tree of Life Project 11:15 A-151
Hyun Bin Park
F09 Pratyush Rustagi Improving the Clinical Trials Process Through Efficient Collection and
Storage of Protocol Elements
1:45 A-155
F10 Andrew Schell Gathering Open Source Intelligence for Criminal Investigations 11:15 Lect Hall
B-206
F11Michael Zeng An Algorithmic Implementation of the Bollinger Band Approximation 09:35 A-133
Economics Title Start
Time
Room
G01Samuel Krause The Congressional Budget Office and Their Accuracy in Deficit Prediction 10:25 A-147
G02Andrew Kuznetsov Machine Learning Algorithms for Bidding in Auctions 11:15 B-116
G03Christine Liu National Oil Companies 09:10 A-149
Ashley Radee
Heidi Warning
G04Phuong Vo How Does the Ineffectiveness of Greek Government Contribute to the
European Crisis?
09:35 A-149
14
Education Title Start
Time
Room
H01 Ashima Gupta How to Change the World: Redefining Effective Assessment Practices of
Twenty-First Century Skills in Specialized Domestic and International
Secondary Schools
08:45 Acad Pit
A-138
H02 Anton Karpovich The Effect of Religiosity Upon the Enacted Curricula of Illinois High
Schools
10:50 Lect Hall
B-206
Engineering Title Start
Time
Room
I01 Michael Adams
Daniel Francis
An Exploration Into Altitude and Ascent Rate Control System Design in
High Altitude Balloons
09:10 A-133
Jennifer Hoelzer
I02 Kendell Byrd Advancing Communication for the Disabled 09:10 Kids Inst
E-115
I03 Brian Chien Evolving the Touch Pad to Create New Environments 1:45 A-131
I04 Evan Derse Decreasing Noise Produced by Wind Turbine Blades While Preserving
Efficiency
10:00 Acad Pit
A-138
I05 Claire Hensley Investigating and Evaluating Roller Coaster Propulsion and Energetics 1:20 A-119
I06 Valerie Moore The Design and Development of a Stair Climbing Robot 08:45 Kids Inst
E-115
I07 Sreyesh Satpathy Design and Analysis of a Low Speed Solar Vehicle That Effectively
Functions in a Rural or Suburban Environment
11:15 A-131
I08 Stephanie Wang A Novel Design for Measuring Field Programmable Gate Array Radiation
Tolerance
08:45 A-119
I09 Stephanie Wang Automatic Compensation for Cable Time Delay in Field Programmable
Gate Arrays
09:10 A-119
I10 Kevin Zhang Trapezoidal Clocking in Maintaining Isochronous Circuits 12:55 B-133
English Title Start
Time
Room
J01 Kirstyn Carlson Science Fiction and Fantasy Genre Devices Allow Authors' Self-
Expression
11:15 A-149
J02 Alexander Johnson The Methods of Characterization and Plot Development of an Adult Level
Science Fiction Novel
09:10 B-110
J03 Anna Melberg Blood Money: Death, Financial Gain, and Morality in the Gothic Novel 10:25 A-149
J04 Addison Schwaller The Written Aspect Analysis of Performance Poetry 2:10 A-147
Environmental Science Title Start
Time
Room
K01 Simone
Alexandrova
The Effects of Brand Name Root Stimulants Versus Their Active
Ingredients on Germinated Corn Plants
2:10 B-133
Marco Medina
K02 Lydia Auch
Grace DiCecco
Kenzo Esquivel
A Comparison in Environmental Education: Aurora, Illinois and Beijing,
China
09:10 Acad Pit
A-138
K03 Sarah Blanco
Clare Leahy
Increasing Diversity in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Prairie: Preliminary Findings
09:10 Lect Hall
B-206
K04 Anna Gupta Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter 10:50 A-119
David Lisk
K05 Anna Kryczka Investigating the Feasibility of Green Roofs for Residential Applications 1:45 A-119
15
Environmental Science continued
K06 Earl Justin
Mangulabnan
Influence of the Media on the Public Perception of Alternative Energy 2:10 A-149
Scott Zelman
K07Anthony Ortiz Sustaining Plant Growth With an LED Array 1:45 A-147
K08 Shreya Santhanam Enumeration of Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digesters Using Fluorescent
In Situ Hybridization
09:10 A-147
K09 Samuel Walder Engineering a Better Phytoremediator 09:35 Acad Pit
A-138
History Title Start
Time
Room
L01 Nathan Huxtable Examining Radical Ideology Among Immigrant Workers in Gilded Age
and Progressive Era Chicago
10:50 A-147
L02 Jameson O'Reilly A Study on the Universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 10:00 A-149
Mathematics Title Start
Time
Room
M01Andrew Alonso-
Emanuel
Model of the Spread of West Nile Virus Outbreaks in the United States
Based on Rate of Human Incidences
09:35 B-133
M02Lael Costa Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of
Calabi-Yau Manifolds
1:45 A-135
M03Kevin He Using Geometry to Parameterize Rational Solutions to Algebraic Equations 11:15 A-133
M04Samuel Kaufman
Matthew
Tennenhouse
Predicting a Breakout Season for Major League Baseball Players 09:35 Kids Inst
E-115
M05Evan Li Asymmetric Nature of Wireless Communications 1:45 B-110
M06Suraj Sinha The Application of Markov Chains in Granite Formations 1:20 Kids Inst
E-115
Medicine Title Start
Time
Room
N01 Prachi Aggarwal
Jenson Phung
Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in
Chicago Public Schools
10:00 A-147
Shreya Santhanam
N02 Charlene Angeles The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young
Adults
12:55 A-133
N03 Ryan Chiu Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic
Inflammation Signals by Omega-3 Fatty Acids
09:35 A-155
N04Kevin Emancipator
Gina Liu
A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable
Hepatitis C Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus
08:45 A-115
N05Arjun Garg The Role of Serum Free Light Chain Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring
of Myeloma
08:45 A-151
N06Aaron Geldner Poloxamer 188 as a Repair for Apoptosis 10:00 A-151
N07Annika Gomez Healthcare Providers' Motivations for Hand Hygiene Compliance 10:50 A-155
N08 Tejas Joshi Elucidating Gastrokine Function in NSAID-Induced Inflammation via
Myeloperoxidase Staining
09:35 B-108
N09Kaylee Kauffman Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-
Host Disease Concerning Predisposing Factors, Response to Therapy,
Survival, and Outcome
10:50 B-110
N10Akram Khaja Studying the Mechanisms Through Which NKG2D Receptor Stimulation
Induces CD8 T-cell Survival in the Tumor Environment
08:45 B-116
N11Anna Krzywiec Characterizing Melanoma Stem Cell Responses to 8-OH-DPAT 1:20 B-110
16
Medicine continued
N12 Shannon Kurian
Monica Patel
Characterizing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas Isolates in a
Cohort of Newborn Infants
12:55 B-110
N14 Shelly Li Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and
Neck Cancer Cells
10:00 A-115
N15Viveka Patel Characterizing Patents on Discoveries From Genome-Wide Association
Studies
2:10 A-133
N16 Joseph Reda An Analysis of the Efficacy of SPECT Scans as Both a Predictor and
Measure of Change in Patients of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
12:55 A-115
N17 Sankeerth Reddy
Sunny Shah
Effectiveness of Commonly Used Medical Smartphone Applications in
Correctly Diagnosing Diseases
10:25 B-116
N18Hannah Sambor Using Task Shifting as a Model to Improve Injury and Trauma Care in
Sub-Saharan Africa
10:25 B-110
N19 Frances Seo Correlation of Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm
Newborns
11:15 A-135
N20 Ross Skelly A Prospective Outcome of Condensed Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in
Non-Sterile Abdominal Wall Defects
10:25 B-108
N21 Sai Talluru The Experience of GATA6 Mutations of All Subjects in the Monogenic
Diabetes Registry
10:00 B-133
N22 Shruti Topudurti
Selam Zenebe-Gete
Discovering New Chemokine Agonist Receptor Drugs 10:50 Kids Inst
E-115
Neurobiology Title Start
Time
Room
O01Ashok Arjunakani Changes in Hippocampal Volume Between Patients With Alzheimer's
Disease and Other Cognitive States
10:25 A-113
O02Gary Chen
Dipen Kumar
Acoustical and Optical Amplitude Modulated Signals in the Inferior
Colliculus of the Midbrain
09:10 B-133
O03Kathleen Chinetti The Effect of Early Maternal Care on Recovery From Febrile Seizures in
Cx3cr1GFP Mice Pups
10:50 B-116
O04Anastasia Fafara
Brianna Pusey
Partial Recollection as a Unique Memory Type and Corresponding Brain
Activity
12:30 Kids Inst
E-115
O05Kent Gang
Deborah Park
Investigating the Effects of ALS2 and SOD1 in the Upper Motor Neurons 10:25 Acad Pit
A-138
O06 Stephanie Hatz Exploring Brain Mechanisms Underlying Aversion to Nicotine 12:55 A-119
O07Kevin Hong
Matthew Park
Effects of Alzheimer's Disease on Ribbon Synapses in the dSR Region of
Mouse Disease Models
1:20 B-133
O08 Shreya Jain Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests 10:50 A-115
Anna Kryczka
O09Omkar Kelkar The Circadian and Melatonin-Dependent Regulation of e4bp4 mRNA
Expression in Siberian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
09:10 A-113
O10Omkar Kelkar
Amy Zhu
The Effect of Combined Donepezil and Memantine Treatment on
Hippocampal Subiculum and CA1 in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
09:35 A-113
O11Nishita Kumar
Jackson Michuda
Identifying the Target Genes of TDP-43 Regulated miRNAs and Their
Correlation With Neurodegeneration
1:45 B-133
O12 Lakhena Leang
Xueyang Ren
Progressive Interactions Between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related
FUS Mutant and Protein Chaperones
1:45 Lect Hall
B-206
O13 Jessica Lee Differences Between the Inhibition of Cholinesterase and
Acetylcholinesterase
2:10 A-151
17
Neurobiology continued
O14 Judy Li Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for
the Analysis of Axonal Degeneration
08:45 A-147
O15 Emily Ling
Hye Jean Yoon
Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegenerative Diseases
Associated With Defects in RNA-Binding Proteins
2:10 Lect Hall
B-206
O16 Sarah Martin Role of Mutant SOD1 Molecules as Membrane Active Elements in
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathology
12:30 Lect Hall
B-206
O17 Shivani Patel Expression and Detection of the Ion Channel GABAA Receptor Subunits α1
and γ2 in HEK293 Cells
12:30 B-108
O18Yvette Ramirez Poor Sleep Quality in the Elderly and How it Affects Cognitive Functioning 1:45 A-133
Michelle Wiebe
O19Vignesh Ravi The Effect of Cortical Thickness, Hippocampal Subfield Measures, and
Hippocampal Volume on the Discrimination Power of Alzheimer's Disease
Patients
10:50 A-113
O20Devin Scott
Jennifer Zhang
How Concrete and Abstract Words are Processed With Different
Magnitudes Within the Brain
09:35 A-121
O21 Carrie Sha Effects of Visualization on Long Term Memory in Epileptic Patients 09:10 A-121
O22Medha Singh
Lynette To
Biochemical Studies of Estrogen Receptor Protein Interactions in the
Hippocampus of Rats
11:15 A-155
O23Vimig Socrates Audio-Tactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans 1:20 A-147
O24 Saigopal
Somasundaram
Sarah Valentine
Combinatorial Preconditioning of a Neuronal Cell Line With Low Ethanol
and Resveratrol to Achieve Neuroprotective Upregulation of Focal
Adhesion Kinase and its Phosphorylated Form
08:45 B-133
O25 Summer Wu Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of
Alzheimer's Disease
1:45 A-121
O26 Ellen Zhao Observing Neuron Projections in Mice Brains That Can Be Targeted When
Treating Parkinson's Disease
1:20 B-108
Physics Title Start
Time
Room
P01 Wesley Beck Determining the Future for Finding the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy 12:55 A-121
P02 Sharadyn Ciota Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge-Coupled Devices 1:45 A-151
P03 Youcef Hadjarab Optimizing Energy Resolution in a Prototype PET Imager 09:10 A-131
Kevin Li
Woohyun Shin
P04 Youcef Hadjarab
Kevin Li
Improving Coordinate Resolution in Positron Emission Tomography
Detectors
09:35 A-131
P05 Emily Lindgren Kaon Production by a 120 GeV/c Proton Beam With a Bismuth Target 1:20 A-151
P06 Sagar Punhani Neutrino Oscillations: Real-World Applications on the Digital World 1:20 A-121
P07 Benjamin Rabe The Search for Standard Model Higgs Events in Associated WH Production
Resulting in the b anti-b Decay Channel With DØ Data
10:00 B-110
P08 Robert Schurz Improvements to Readout Electronics for Compact Muon Selenoid Hadron
Calorimeter
10:25 A-115
P09 Abhishek Sethi Analysis of Two Theories to Account for Observed Variations in the Rate
of Radioactive Decay
1:45 B-108
P10 Woohyun Shin Effects of Spatial Resolution on the Temperature Profile of a FLASH
Thermonuclear Flame Model
08:45 A-131
P11 Lee Tang Modeling the Structural Properties of Superconducting Magnets 09:10 B-116
P12 Lia Vallina Construction of a Solenoid Magnet to Cancel the Effects of a Magnetic
Field
12:55 Kids Inst
E-115
P13 Joshua Wu A Measurement of Zero: Simulating a Superconducting Inflector Magnet 10:00 A-113
P14 William Xu Quantum Mechanical Analysis and Control of Plasmonic Wave Packets in
Silver Nanowires
10:25 Kids Inst
E-115
P15 Oleksandr Yarema Comparative Study of the Impact of Differing Progenitor Evolution on
Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions
10:25 A-131
18
Psychology Title Start
Time
Room
Q01Vivian Chau Effects of Childhood Trauma on the Adult Brain 1:20 A-131
Q02Michelle Kinama
Colette Moos
An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Evolutionary Processes
and Artificial Intelligence
2:10 Kids Inst
E-115
Tony
Vadakumchery
Q03 Sophie Legan
Cristina Menchaca
Descriptive Assessment of Social Norms at the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy
10:25 Lect Hall
B-206
Q04 June Qian Impulsivity and Subjective Response to the Stimulating and Sedative
Effects of Alcohol
09:35 B-110
Social Science Title Start
Time
Room
R01 Jacob Akstins
Carissa Lao
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students' Perceptions of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Community
Acceptance at IMSA and at Their Former Schools
09:35 Lect Hall
B-206
R02 Harrison Dimmig Relationships Between Energy Interests, Agriculture, and the Environment
in Contemporary America
09:35 A-147
R03 Rebecca Kleina
Gregory O'Bannon
Descriptive Assessment of Peer Influence Upon Attending the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy
10:00 Lect Hall
B-206
R04 Hankyul Lee Strategy and Tactics of Ancient Warfare From 499 BCE to 14 CE 08:45 A-149
R05 Anthony John
Marquez
The Distinct Rhetorical Tendencies of Democrats and Republicans 1:20 A-149
Erma Mladenova
R06 Karen Olowu
Isabella West
The Implications of Gender and Culture on Body Image 08:45 Lect Hall
B-206
R07 Arjun Sarode Investigating the Portrayal and Comparison of Stereotypes Between
Japanese and Western Media
09:35 B-116
Space Science Title Start
Time
Room
S01 Jonathan Hu The Frequency of Exoplanets Around Stars 2:10 A-155
Steven Kosvick
S02 Mohamed Kady Mining of Precious Metals From Near-Earth Asteroids 10:00 A-133
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 A07 B05 C05 C11 C17
A02 A08 B06 C06 C12 C18
A03 B01 C01 C07 C13 C19
A04 B02 C02 C08 C14 C20
A05 B03 C03 C09 C15 C21
A06 B04 C04 C10 C16 C22
C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 D01 D02 E01 E02 E03 E04 E05
E06 E07 E08 E09 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 F06 F07 F08 F09 F10
F11 G01 G02 G04 H01 H02 I01 I02 I03 I04 I05 I06 I07 I08 I09 I10 J01 J02
J03 J04 K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 K06 K07 K08 K09 L01 L02 M01 M02 M03 M04 M05
N04 N05 N06 N07 N08 N09 N10 N11 N12 N13 N14 N15 N16 N17 N18 N19
Old Cafeteria/Commons
M06
N01
N02
N03
N20 N21
N22
Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A08 * Economics: G01-G04 * Mathematics: M01-M06
* Bioengineering: B01-B06 * Education: H01-H02 * Medicine: N01-N22
* Biology: C01-C29 * Engineering: I01-I10
* Business: D01-D02 * English: J01-J04
* Chemistry: E01-E09 * Environmental Science: K01-K09
* Computer Science: F01-F11 * History: L01-L02
20
Science Atrium
Diagram not to Scale
* Neurobiology: O01-O26
Posters - Hall Between Administrative Offices and Student Life
C135
C133
C142
C145 Stairs
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research Conference Room
A
P01 P02 P03 P04 P05 P06 P07 P08 P09 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14
P15 Q01 Q02 Q03 Q04 R01 R02 R03 R04 R05 R06 R07 S01 S02
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life
C122A
C121A Offices
C125
C126
C127
A108
CAC Office A107
D
Diagram not to Scale
* Physics: P01-P15
* Psychology: Q01-Q04
* Social Science: R01-R07
* Space Science: S01-S02
22
23
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations
08:45 - 9:00
Room Poster
ID
A-115 N04 A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis C
Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Kevin Emancipator, Gina Liu, Sudhir Penugonda
A-119 I08 A Novel Design for Measuring Field Programmable Gate Array Radiation Tolerance
Stephanie Wang, Jinyuan Wu
A-121 C25 An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Arjun Tambe, Nicolas Cecchini
A-131 P10 Effects of Spatial Resolution on the Temperature Profile of a FLASH Thermonuclear Flame
Model
Woohyun Shin, Sean Couch, George Jordan, Don Lamb
A-133 D02 Testing the Efficiency of the Currency Futures Market
Brennan Wakey, Doug Adams
A-135 F03 Developing a Commercial Android Application for a Nonprofit Organization
Amanda Gao, Kristen Mancini, Debbi Daniel-Wayman, John Hayward, Alissa Maas
A-147 O14 Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for the Analysis of
Axonal Degeneration
Judy Li, Rodolfo Gatto, Gerardo Morfini
A-149 R04 Strategy and Tactics of Ancient Warfare From 499 BCE to 14 CE
Hankyul Lee, Lee Eysturlid
A-151 N05 The Role of Serum Free Light Chain Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Myeloma
Arjun Garg, Sairah Alvi
A-155 F05 Viability of Speech Recognition for Online Student Assessments
Saurabh Kumar, Joseph Dvorak
Acad.
Pit
A-138
H01 How to Change the World: Redefining Effective Assessment Practices of Twenty-First
Century Skills in Specialized Domestic and International Secondary Schools
Ashima Gupta, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-110 E09 Synthesizing a Library of Combinatorial Catalysts on Surfaces
Aaron Yu, Guoliang Liu, Chad Mirkin, Sarah Petrosko
B-116 N10 Studying the Mechanisms Through Which NKG2D Receptor Stimulation Induces CD8 T-cell
Survival in the Tumor Environment
Akram Khaja, Jose Alejandro Guevara
B-133 O24 Combinatorial Preconditioning of a Neuronal Cell Line With Low Ethanol and Resveratrol
to Achieve Neuroprotective Upregulation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and its Phosphorylated
Form
Saigopal Somasundaram, Sarah Valentine, Michael Collins, Donald Dosch, Robyn Fischer, Kwang
Hoon Moon, Nazhath Tajuddin
Kids
Inst.
E-115
I06 The Design and Development of a Stair Climbing Robot
Valerie Moore, James Gerry
Lect.
Hall
B-206
R06 The Implications of Gender and Culture on Body Image
Karen Olowu, Isabella West, Kathryn Grubbs
24
9:10 - 9:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O09 The Circadian and Melatonin-Dependent Regulation of e4bp4 mRNA Expression in Siberian
Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Omkar Kelkar, Kenneth Onishi, Brian Prendergast, Tyler Stevenson
A-115 A05 The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Cholesterol, Sphingomyelin, and DOPC on
Phase Separation in Model Cell Membranes
Philip Nebres, Adam Hammond
A-119 I09 Automatic Compensation for Cable Time Delay in Field Programmable Gate Arrays
Stephanie Wang, Jinyuan Wu
A-121 O21 Effects of Visualization on Long Term Memory in Epileptic Patients
Carrie Sha, Vernon Leo Towle
A-131 P03 Optimizing Energy Resolution in a Prototype PET Imager
Youcef Hadjarab, Kevin Li, Woohyun Shin, Pavel Murat
A-133 I01 An Exploration Into Altitude and Ascent Rate Control System Design in High Altitude
Balloons
Michael Adams, Daniel Francis, Jennifer Hoelzer, Geza Gyuk, Ken Walczak
A-147 K08 Enumeration of Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digesters Using Fluorescent In Situ
Hybridization
Shreya Santhanam, Krishna Pagilla, Jai Prakash
A-149 G03 National Oil Companies
Christine Liu, Ashley Radee, Heidi Warning, Lee Eysturlid
A-151 C16 Molecular Cloning and the Presence of MST1R in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinomas
Jiwon Kwak, Nitya Pariti, Daniel Catenacci
A-155 C09 The Effect of the Physical Barrier of a Small Tributary on Gene Flow of Three Avian Genera
in the Congo River Watershed
Ellen Gieser, Shannon Hackett
Acad.
Pit
A-138
K02 A Comparison in Environmental Education: Aurora, Illinois and Beijing, China
Lydia Auch, Grace DiCecco, Kenzo Esquivel, Glenn "Max" McGee, Aracelys Rios
B-108 N13 Using Complete Blood Count as a Marker of Neonatal Sepsis and Line Infections in Neonates
Joshua Lam, Hamzah Miltaha, Maliha Shareef
B-110 J02 The Methods of Characterization and Plot Development of an Adult Level Science Fiction
Novel
Alexander Johnson, Erin Micklo
B-116 P11 Modeling the Structural Properties of Superconducting Magnets
Lee Tang, Tengming Shen, Ryuji Yamada
B-133 O02 Acoustical and Optical Amplitude Modulated Signals in the Inferior Colliculus of the
Midbrain
Gary Chen, Dipen Kumar, Claus-Peter Richter
KI E-115 I02 Advancing Communication for the Disabled
Kendell Byrd, James Gerry
LH B-206 K03 Increasing Diversity in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Prairie: Preliminary
Findings
Sarah Blanco, Clare Leahy, Jean Bigger, Donald Dosch
25
9:35 - 9:50
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O10 The Effect of Combined Donepezil and Memantine Treatment on Hippocampal Subiculum
and CA1 in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Omkar Kelkar, Amy Zhu, Lei Wang
A-115 A01 The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids and Cholesterol on Phase Changes in
Membranes
Ashok Arjunakani, Adam Hammond
A-121 O20 How Concrete and Abstract Words are Processed With Different Magnitudes Within the
Brain
Devin Scott, Jennifer Zhang, Vernon Leo Towle
A-131 P04 Improving Coordinate Resolution in Positron Emission Tomography Detectors
Youcef Hadjarab, Kevin Li, Pavel Murat
A-133 F11 An Algorithmic Implementation of the Bollinger Band Approximation
Michael Zeng, Doug Adams, Sergiy Mesropyan, Dennis Wang
A-135 B02 Effect of Cell Nucleus Size on Folding and Three-Dimensional Organization of
Chromosomes in Human Cells
Isheng Hou, Gamze Gursoy, Jie Liang
A-147 R02 Relationships Between Energy Interests, Agriculture, and the Environment in
Contemporary America
Harrison Dimmig, Claiborne Skinner
A-149 G04 How Does the Ineffectiveness of Greek Government Contribute to the European Crisis?
Phuong Vo, Christian Nokkentved
A-151 C11 Methods of Quantifying Oocytes in P2 CD1 Mice
Jimmy Huang, Yuanhao Wang, Takeshi Kurita, Vanida Serna
A-155 N03 Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic Inflammation
Signals by Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Ryan Chiu, Paul Grippo
Acad.
Pit
A-138
K09 Engineering a Better Phytoremediator
Samuel Walder, Glenn "Max" McGee, Aracelys Rios
B-108 N08 Elucidating Gastrokine Function in NSAID-Induced Inflammation via Myeloperoxidase
Staining
Tejas Joshi, David Boone, Wes Grimm
B-110 Q04 Impulsivity and Subjective Response to the Stimulating and Sedative Effects of Alcohol
June Qian, Harriet de Wit, Jessica Weafer
B-116 R07 Investigating the Portrayal and Comparison of Stereotypes Between Japanese and
Western Media
Arjun Sarode, Jonathan Besancon
B-133 M01 Model of the Spread of West Nile Virus Outbreaks in the United States Based on Rate of
Human Incidences
Andrew Alonso-Emanuel, Donald Dosch, Richard Stalmack
Kids
Inst.
E-115
M04 Predicting a Breakout Season for Major League Baseball Players
Samuel Kaufman, Matthew Tennenhouse, Christopher Kolar
Lect.
Hall
B-206
R01 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students' Perceptions of Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Community Acceptance at IMSA and at Their
Former Schools
Jacob Akstins, Carissa Lao, David Evenson
26
10:00 - 10:15
Room Poster
ID
A-113 P13 A Measurement of Zero: Simulating a Superconducting Inflector Magnet
Joshua Wu, Brendan Kiburg
A-115 N14 Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer
Cells
Shelly Li, Kenneth Alexander
A-119 C14 Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Srisha Kotlo, Marcus Henze, John Solaro
A-121 E02 Hydrodenitrogenation Using Tantalum Single-Site Catalysts
Ujwal Kiran, Randall Meyer
A-133 S02 Mining of Precious Metals From Near-Earth Asteroids
Mohamed Kady, Mark Hammergren
A-135 C06 Pathways in Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced p35 Expression in Fibrosis
Jonathan D'Souza, Mateusz Wojtaszek, Roberta Marangoni, Jun Wei
A-147 N01 Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Prachi Aggarwal, Jenson Phung, Shreya Santhanam, Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren,
Emily Zadikoff
A-149 L02 A Study on the Universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Jameson O'Reilly, Christian Nokkentved
A-151 N06 Poloxamer 188 as a Repair for Apoptosis
Aaron Geldner, Lisa Hoffman, Rapheal Lee
Acad.
Pit
A-138
I04 Decreasing Noise Produced by Wind Turbine Blades While Preserving Efficiency
Evan Derse, Branson Lawrence, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C28 Estrogen Modulation of Prostate Epithelial Cells
Johnny Wu, Dan-Ping (Grace) Hu, Wen-Yang Hu, Gail Prins, Guang-Bin Shi
B-110 P07 The Search for Standard Model Higgs Events in Associated WH Production Resulting in
the b anti-b Decay Channel With DØ Data
Benjamin Rabe, Ryuji Yamada
B-133 N21 The Experience of GATA6 Mutations of All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Sai Talluru, Graeme Bell, David Carmody, Siri Atma Greeley
Kids
Inst.
E-115
B04 Virtual Representation of the Rat Central Nervous System
Aalap Mehta, Andreas Linninger, Indu Venugopal
Lect.
Hall
B-206
R03 Descriptive Assessment of Peer Influence Upon Attending the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy
Rebecca Kleina, Gregory O'Bannon, David Evenson
27
10:25 - 10:40
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O01 Changes in Hippocampal Volume Between Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Other
Cognitive States
Ashok Arjunakani, Lei Wang
A-115 P08 Improvements to Readout Electronics for Compact Muon Selenoid Hadron Calorimeter
Robert Schurz, Jacob Anderson
A-119 C29 Regulation of Type II Natural Killer T Cell Cytokine Production by Signaling
Lymphocytic Activation Molecule-Associated Protein
Luke Zhan, Chyung-Ru Wang, Xiufang Weng
A-121 C24 Voluntary Exercise Habits in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model Mice and the Implications
of Exercise in Disease Progression
Hannah Swerbenski, Joey Cardona, Christine DiDonato
A-131 P15 Comparative Study of the Impact of Differing Progenitor Evolution on Core-Collapse
Supernova Explosions
Oleksandr Yarema, Sean Couch, George Jordan, Don Lamb
A-147 G01 The Congressional Budget Office and Their Accuracy in Deficit Prediction
Samuel Krause, Eric Smith
A-149 J03 Blood Money: Death, Financial Gain, and Morality in the Gothic Novel
Anna Melberg, Adam Kotlarczyk
A-155 C15 Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Expression During
Pregnancy
Maria Kuznetsov, Brian Layden
Acad.
Pit
A-138
O05 Investigating the Effects of ALS2 and SOD1 in the Upper Motor Neurons
Kent Gang, Deborah Park, Pembe Hande Ozdinler
B-108 N20 A Prospective Outcome of Condensed Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in Non-Sterile
Abdominal Wall Defects
Ross Skelly, Jing Liu
B-110 N18 Using Task Shifting as a Model to Improve Injury and Trauma Care in Sub-Saharan
Africa
Hannah Sambor, Stacey Chamberlain
B-116 N17 Effectiveness of Commonly Used Medical Smartphone Applications in Correctly
Diagnosing Diseases
Sankeerth Reddy, Sunny Shah, Susan Styer
Kids
Inst.
E-115
P14 Quantum Mechanical Analysis and Control of Plasmonic Wave Packets in Silver
Nanowires
William Xu, Meishan Zhao
Lect.
Hall
B-206
Q03 Descriptive Assessment of Social Norms at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sophie Legan, Cristina Menchaca, David Evenson
28
10:50 - 11:05
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O19 The Effect of Cortical Thickness, Hippocampal Subfield Measures, and Hippocampal
Volume on the Discrimination Power of Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Vignesh Ravi, Lei Wang
A-115 O08 Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Shreya Jain, Anna Kryczka, Todd Parrish
A-119 K04 Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Anna Gupta, David Lisk, Mark Carlson
A-131 B05 An Exploration of the Properties of an Alloy With Improved Biocompatibility and
Durability for Use in Orthopaedic and Dental Implants
Sreyesh Satpathy, Christos Takoudis
A-133 F06 Reusing Bandwidth to Maximize Speed and Coverage for the Growing Demand of Cellular
Customers
Mack Lee, Randall Berry, Vijay Subramanian
A-135 C01 Genetic Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in the African American Population
Soham Ali, Nathan Ellis
A-147 L01 Examining Radical Ideology Among Immigrant Workers in Gilded Age and Progressive
Era Chicago
Nathan Huxtable, Eric Smith
A-149 F01 Analyzing and Testing the Monte Carlo Algorithm in the Game of Go
Advitheey Chelikani, Phadmakar Patankar
A-151 C02 The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure and Resulting Transendothelial Water Flux on
Intracellular Calcium Signaling
Isiah Butler, Randal Dull
A-155 N07 Healthcare Providers' Motivations for Hand Hygiene Compliance
Annika Gomez, Emily Mawdsley
Acad.
Pit
A-138
A07 The Effects of Fas Ligand on Apoptosis in HT-29 Colon Carcinoma Cells
Sajishnu Savya, Joseph Weinrich, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C17 Construction of Pathways Involving Genes Related to Severe Congenital Neutropenia
Jennifer Kwon, Kenneth Yun, Seth Corey
B-110 N09 Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Concerning Predisposing Factors, Response to Therapy, Survival, and Outcome
Kaylee Kauffman, Morris Kletzel
B-116 O03 The Effect of Early Maternal Care on Recovery From Febrile Seizures in Cx3cr1GFP Mice
Pups
Kathleen Chinetti, Sookyong Koh
B-133 B06 The Therapeutic Potential of the Glycogenes MGAT2, MAN1A1, and MAN2A2 for
Glioblastoma Treatment
Elizabeth Weiss, Roger Kroes
Kids
Inst.
E-115
N22 Discovering New Chemokine Agonist Receptor Drugs
Shruti Topudurti, Selam Zenebe-Gete, Richard Miller, Andrew Shum
Lect.
Hall
B-206
H02 The Effect of Religiosity Upon the Enacted Curricula of Illinois High Schools
Anton Karpovich, Deborah Scarano
29
11:15 - 11:30
Room Poster
ID
A-113 A06 Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Ruchi Patel, James Horn
A-119 E03 Production of Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Use in Water Filters
Jacob Kronenberg, Mark Carlson
A-121 E06 Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Daniel Rosenthal, Ralu Divan, Leonidas Ocola
A-131 I07 Design and Analysis of a Low Speed Solar Vehicle That Effectively Functions in a Rural or
Suburban Environment
Sreyesh Satpathy, Dayal Parthi
A-133 M03 Using Geometry to Parameterize Rational Solutions to Algebraic Equations
Kevin He, Izzet Coskun
A-135 N19 Correlation of Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm Newborns
Frances Seo, Jonathan Muraskas, Sarah Van Nostrand
A-149 J01 Science Fiction and Fantasy Genre Devices Allow Authors' Self-Expression
Kirstyn Carlson, Tracy Townsend
A-151 F08 Creating a Novel Back-End Database for the Open Tree of Life Project
Jingfei Li, Hyun Bin Park, Richard Ree
A-155 O22 Biochemical Studies of Estrogen Receptor Protein Interactions in the Hippocampus of Rats
Medha Singh, Lynette To, Nino Tabatadze, Catherine Woolley
Acad.
Pit
A-138
A02 Inducing Cell Death in MCF-7 Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells with Camptothecin
Molly Cuka, Atene Poskute, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C07 Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia Associated MIR137
Locus
Kristy Fang, Nahee Park, Jubao Duan, Catherine Leites
B-116 G02 Machine Learning Algorithms for Bidding in Auctions
Andrew Kuznetsov, Jason Hartline
B-133 C13 Hydrogen Peroxide Production in High Nitric Oxide Adapted Human Cancer Cells Which
Express Tumor Stem Cell-Like Properties
Kathryn Kim, Rohan Verma, Kim Elseth, Aqil Madeeha, James Radosevich
Kids
Inst.
E-115
C10 Exosome Uptake in Bladder Cancer Cells
Shivani Goel, Carrie Franzen, Gopal Gupta
Lect.
Hall
B-206
F10 Gathering Open Source Intelligence for Criminal Investigations
Andrew Schell, James Bondi, Brad Carnduff
30
12:30 - 12:45
Room Poster
ID
A-131 C22 The Role of Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Bile Acid-Stimulated Chloride Secretion
Shreya Shanker, Jada Domingue, Mrinalini Rao, Jayashree Sarathy
A-147 C05 Mechanisms of Kinesin-Driven Microtubule Sliding
Vishrut Dixit, Vladimir Gelfand
A-151 E05 A Thermodynamic and Physical Investigation of the Heusler Alloys Fe2VAl and Fe2VSn
John McGuire, Jeffrey Tucker, Philip Nash
B-108 O17 Expression and Detection of the Ion Channel GABAA Receptor Subunits α1 and γ2 in
HEK293 Cells
Shivani Patel, Kaouther Ajroud, Dane Chetkovich
Kids
Inst.
E-115
O04 Partial Recollection as a Unique Memory Type and Corresponding Brain Activity
Anastasia Fafara, Brianna Pusey, Joel Voss
Lect.
Hall
B-206
O16 Role of Mutant SOD1 Molecules as Membrane Active Elements in Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis Pathology
Sarah Martin, Michael Allen, Ana Correa
12:55 - 1:10
Room Poster
ID
A-113 E07 The Effects of Cost on Metal-Organic Framework Efficiency
Justin Sass, Yifu Zhang, Randall Snurr, Emmanouil Tyllianakis
A-115 N16 An Analysis of the Efficacy of SPECT Scans as Both a Predictor and Measure of Change in
Patients of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Joseph Reda, August Martinucci, Patricia Reda
A-119 O06 Exploring Brain Mechanisms Underlying Aversion to Nicotine
Stephanie Hatz, Daniel McGehee, Shannon Wolfman
A-121 P01 Determining the Future for Finding the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy
Wesley Beck, Maury Goodman
A-133 N02 The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Charlene Angeles, Mary Kapella
A-135 C12 The Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Glioma Cells
Vandana Karan, David Braun, Douglas Feinstein
A-155 A04 Water Extract of Garlic Cloves: Preparation, Characterization, and Assessment of
Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Mouse Colon Cancer Cells
Jenny Lee, Shalini Gupta, Jinsheng Huang, Lasanthi Jayathilaka, Bao-Shiang Lee
B-110 N12 Characterizing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas Isolates in a Cohort of
Newborn Infants
Shannon Kurian, Monica Patel, Bill Kabat
B-133 I10 Trapezoidal Clocking in Maintaining Isochronous Circuits
Kevin Zhang, Jin Wu
Kids
Inst.
E-115
P12 Construction of a Solenoid Magnet to Cancel the Effects of a Magnetic Field
Lia Vallina, Thomas Gadfort
Lect.
Hall
B-206
D01 Creating a Metagame in Checkers
Martin Bantchev, Pirapat Kitipongpatana, Donald Porzio
31
1:20 - 1:35
Room Poster
ID
A-113 B03 The Comparison of the Stem Cell Spatial Population Dynamics Model to its Corresponding
Non-Spatial Model for Stem Cell Lineage Studies
Claire Liang, Youfang Cao
A-115 A03 The Effect of Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetics on the Viability of Breast Cancer Cells
Clarreesa Hardin, Anita White
A-119 I05 Investigating and Evaluating Roller Coaster Propulsion and Energetics
Claire Hensley, Peter Clancy
A-121 P06 Neutrino Oscillations: Real-World Applications on the Digital World
Sagar Punhani, Maury Goodman
A-131 Q01 Effects of Childhood Trauma on the Adult Brain
Vivian Chau, Royce Lee
A-133 F04 Testing the Muon g-2 Experiment Simulation
Jackson Gibbons, Adam Lyon
A-147 O23 Audio-Tactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Vimig Socrates, Sliman Bensmaia
A-149 R05 The Distinct Rhetorical Tendencies of Democrats and Republicans
Anthony John Marquez, Erma Mladenova, Tracy Townsend
A-151 P05 Kaon Production by a 120 GeV/c Proton Beam With a Bismuth Target
Emily Lindgren, Brendan Casey
A-155 B01 Development of Image Processing Methods to Track Sub-Cellular Organelles in
Investigating Asymmetric Stem Cell Division
Emerald Fikejs, Chi Bang, Jun Cheng
Acad.
Pit
A-138
C27 Inducing Apoptosis in HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma by Use of Metal Ions
Jeremy Tyszkiewicz, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 O26 Observing Neuron Projections in Mice Brains That Can Be Targeted When Treating
Parkinson's Disease
Ellen Zhao, Savio Chan
B-110 N11 Characterizing Melanoma Stem Cell Responses to 8-OH-DPAT
Anna Krzywiec, Jonathan Eby, Caroline Le Poole, Kristin Willenborg
B-133 O07 Effects of Alzheimer's Disease on Ribbon Synapses in the dSR Region of Mouse Disease
Models
Kevin Hong, Matthew Park, Dan Nicholson
Kids
Inst.
E-115
M06 The Application of Markov Chains in Granite Formations
Suraj Sinha, Somak Dutta, Debashis Mondal
Lect.
Hall
B-206
F02 Integrating and Simplifying Access to IMSA Information Technology Resources
Ryan Eberhardt, Milosz Kowal, Ralph Flickinger, Steven Terrell, Fred Yankowski
32
1:45 - 2:00
Room Poster
ID
A-113 E08 A Novel Method for Drug Delivery Using Toroidal-Spiral Particles: A Potential Treatment
for Cancer
Navika Shukla, Ying Liu, Vishal Sharma
A-115 C03 Quantification of Virus-Like Particles in Mice Fed a Lowfat or High Milkfat Diet
Zi-Ning Choo, Eugene Chang
A-119 K05 Investigating the Feasibility of Green Roofs for Residential Applications
Anna Kryczka, Peter Clancy
A-121 O25 Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Summer Wu, William Klein, Kirsten Viola
A-131 I03 Evolving the Touch Pad to Create New Environments
Brian Chien, J. Edward Colgate
A-133 O18 Poor Sleep Quality in the Elderly and How it Affects Cognitive Functioning
Yvette Ramirez, Michelle Wiebe, Kathryn Reid
A-135 M02 Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of Calabi-Yau
Manifolds
Lael Costa, Eric Zaslow
A-147 K07 Sustaining Plant Growth With an LED Array
Anthony Ortiz, Jason Fatten, Will Healy, Margi Werderich
A-149 F07 Vehicle Automation During an Earthquake
Arthur Li, Namrata Pandya
A-151 P02 Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge-Coupled Devices
Sharadyn Ciota, Juan Estrada
A-155 F09 Improving the Clinical Trials Process Through Efficient Collection and Storage of Protocol
Elements
Pratyush Rustagi, Samuel Volchenboum
Acad.
Pit
A-138
C19 The Effect of Xanthone, Artemisia absinthium Extract and 6-O-angeloylplenolin on the
Apoptosis Rates of Human Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
Lily Lou, Ciara Wardlow, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 P09 Analysis of Two Theories to Account for Observed Variations in the Rate of Radioactive
Decay
Abhishek Sethi, Thomas Kroc
B-110 M05 Asymmetric Nature of Wireless Communications
Evan Li, Peng-Jun Wan
B-133 O11 Identifying the Target Genes of TDP-43 Regulated miRNAs and Their Correlation With
Neurodegeneration
Nishita Kumar, Jackson Michuda, Jane Wu
Kids
Inst.
E-115
C26 Role of Desmoglein 1 in Keratinocyte Morphology and Differentiation During Epithelial
Colony Development
Steven Tan, Kathleen Green, Oxana Nekrasova
Lect.
Hall
B-206
O12 Progressive Interactions Between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related FUS Mutant and
Protein Chaperones
Lakhena Leang, Xueyang Ren, Richard Morimoto, Anan Yu
33
2:10 - 2:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 C23 Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Nathan Suek, Piotr Gornicki, Robert Haselkorn
A-115 C20 Heat Shock Protein 70 Mediates IL-10 Production Through ERK Phosphorylation
Anuj Marathe, Eugene Chang, Yunwei Wang
A-119 E04 Understanding and Comparing Photochromic Processes
Ryan Leemans, Travis Scott, Peter Clancy, Anita White
A-121 C04 Detection of Aß Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Rodent Models via
Immunohistochemistry
John Deng, Himanshi Desai, William Klein, Pascale Lacor
A-131 C18 Morphologically Unique Marine-Derived Bacteria as a Source of Natural Product Discovery
Grace Li, Skylar Carlson, Brian Murphy, Mark Sadek
A-133 N15 Characterizing Patents on Discoveries From Genome-Wide Association Studies
Viveka Patel, Brandon Pierce
A-135 C21 Effect of Ranolazine on Heart Failure Development
Shruthi Mothkur, Andrew Wasserstrom
A-147 J04 The Written Aspect Analysis of Performance Poetry
Addison Schwaller, Daniel Gleason
A-149 K06 Influence of the Media on the Public Perception of Alternative Energy
Earl Justin Mangulabnan, Scott Zelman, Robert Kiely
A-151 O13 Differences Between the Inhibition of Cholinesterase and Acetylcholinesterase
Jessica Lee, Changiz Geula
A-155 S01 The Frequency of Exoplanets Around Stars
Jonathan Hu, Steven Kosvick, Jacob Bean
Acad.
Pit
A-138
E01 Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Matthew Deng, Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Ron Hurlbut, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C08 Gold-Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection
in HeLa Cells
Marisol Flores, Estefany Guzman, Thessicar Antoine, Deepak Shukla
B-110 A08 SAV2455 Binds Promiscuously With a Vast Array of Structurally Disparate Ligands
Shohei Yamakawa, Sharrol Bachas
B-133 K01 The Effects of Brand Name Root Stimulants Versus Their Active Ingredients on
Germinated Corn Plants
Simone Alexandrova, Marco Medina, Julie Polz
Kids
Inst.
E-115
Q02 An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Evolutionary Processes and Artificial
Intelligence
Michelle Kinama, Colette Moos, Tony Vadakumchery, Mike Ososky
Lect.
Hall
B-206
O15 Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated With
Defects in RNA-Binding Proteins
Emily Ling, Hye Jean Yoon, Jane Wu
34
35
A01
The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids and Cholesterol on Phase Changes in Membranes
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
While many important investigations have been undertaken for understanding the cell, very little is still
known about the lipids that compose its membranes. Lipids have many interesting traits, such as being
able to create membranes by themselves, going through changes that mimic thermodynamic phases. In
this investigation three lipids, cholesterol, sphingomyelin and dioleoylphosphatidyl-choline (DOPC),
were used to make vesicles and were observed to see if they underwent phase changes. Once the vesicles
were created they were sonicated. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to observe
the finished vesicles to look for phase changes. It was found that the vesicles with the most DOPC had the
least FRET and therefore had the most phase changes. All the other vesicles were more due to a less
amount of DOPC. From this it was concluded that the more DOPC in a vesicle the more phase changes
that can occur.
A02
Inducing Cell Death in MCF-7 Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells with Camptothecin
Presenter(s)
Molly Cuka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Atene Poskute, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Camptothecin, a DNA damager, was used to induce apoptosis in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. An
enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was run to determine the effect of this chemical on
apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Whether apoptosis occurred was recorded based on the presence of
cleaved caspase-3. The procedure involved splitting the cell line into a plate of 24 (4x6) wells and adding
1.0 M, 0.8M, 0.6 M, and 0.4 M solutions of camptothecin. These dilutions were made by dissolving solid
camptothecin into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Since the DMSO could potentially affect the cells, a
control group with just DMSO was run in comparison as well as a control containing only medium. Cells
were exposed to camptothecin for 24 hours. The results of the ELISA test were not as expected. Results
will be drawn conclusively after further testing. Then it will be evident which concentrations are most
effective in inducing apoptosis.
36
A03
The Effect of Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetics on the Viability of Breast Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Clarreesa Hardin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anita White, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Consumers may be concerned that chemical ingredients in cosmetics may have a negative effect on
people with breast cancer by stimulating growth of their cancerous cells. Two common ingredients found
in cosmetics are guar gum and polyvinyl alcohol. This study is designed to test the effects of different
concentrations of these chemical ingredients on MCF7 breast cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed in a
96 well plate using the MTT assay procedure, after five day incubation with the compounds. Preliminary
results suggest no effects of guar gum on the cells at all concentrations tested whereas polyvinyl alcohol
was cytotoxic at all concentrations. Although polyvinyl alcohol is typically not ingested by consumers,
these results warrant further investigation. If we were to gain information regarding a link between
chemical ingredients in cosmetics and the growth of breast cancer cells, this could impact cosmetic
companies all over the world. Safety precautions can take place.
A04
Water Extract of Garlic Cloves: Preparation, Characterization, and Assessment of Oxidative Stress
and Apoptosis in Mouse Colon Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Jenny Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Shalini Gupta, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jinsheng Huang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Lasanthi Jayathilaka, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bao-Shiang Lee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Allium sativum, or garlic, has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer in various epidemiological data.
However, the optimal methods of preparation, anticancer activity, and the signaling pathways of garlic
extracts (GE) are still largely unclear. In this study, we examined the best methods of preparation of the
extract, the characteristics of the active compounds, and the methods through which garlic extracts induce
apoptosis. The results demonstrated that GE maintains activity best at temperatures below 4oC and at
slightly acidic conditions. In addition, we found that allicin, a sulfur-based biochemical molecule, is
responsible for the potency of GE. These results were corroborated by reversed-phase high-performance
liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography analysis of the isolated active compound in GE and
pure allicin. Finally, our results indicated that garlic extracts induce apoptosis through a reactive oxygen
species-based pathway, because treatment with garlic correlated with a high increase in oxidative stress.
Interestingly, treatment by garlic extracts disturbed the expression of many proteins associated with
cancer; for example, heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and HSP90, which are linked to cell regulation and
apoptosis, are downregulated in cells exposed to garlic.
37
A05
The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Cholesterol, Sphingomyelin, and DOPC on Phase
Separation in Model Cell Membranes
Presenter(s)
Philip Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Cell membranes form a barrier between the interior and exterior of the cell and therefore are critical in
communication within the cell's environment. The membrane contains lipids that can exist in various
phases. These phases affect cell functions like signal transduction, lateral sorting, and drug interaction.
Due to difficulty in directly observing cell membranes, model cell membranes are created to mimic the
behavior of the cell membrane. A phase diagram is usually employed to display the various combinations
of lipids in a model cell membrane. This experiment focused on various combinations of two solutions,
one solution with a molar ratio of 1:1:1 of cholesterol, sphingomyelin, and dioleoylphosphotidylcholine
(DOPC) and another solution with a 1:1 molar ratio of cholesterol and sphingomyelin. The mixtures were
sonicated to create small unilamellar vesicles , a model cell membrane. Fluorescence resonance energy
transfer (FRET) analysis was used to determine if phase separation occurs at various combinations of the
two solutions. FRET is a molecular ruler that can be used to determine the distance between two
molecules. Results show that the mixture of the two solutions resulting to the lowest cholesterol
concentration created phase separation. The results are attributed to the unique characteristics of
cholesterol and how it mixes with other lipids.
A06
Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Presenter(s)
Ruchi Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Horn, Northern Illinois University
There is great interest in the development of new methods to manipulate affinity reagents, such as
antibodies. Camelids have a unique class of heavy chain only antibodies that possess a single binding
domain, called VHH. We explored two methods to modify/engineer a model VHH antibody with anticaffeine
properties. The first approach was to generate a tandem anti-caffeine VHH variant which linked
two analogous VHH domains (to facilitate VHH dimerization). Since the linking region would likely play
a role in the final structure, this objective entailed testing different length linkers to determine the
optimum length that would allow the production of monobodies. The resultant variants were analyzed
with size exclusion chromatography. These results suggested the ratio of diabodies to monobodies
decreased as the linker length increased. Currently, a longer 7X linker is being tested to determine
whether it produces 100% monomeric VHH. The second approach was to create and test engineered pHdependent
binding anti-caffeine VHH variants. Quick change mutagenesis and isothermal titration
calorimetry were used to generate and evaluate the engineered variants, respectively. Preliminary results
revealed some variants developed pH dependency. The creation of pH dependent anti-caffeine variants
suggests the approach may be applicable to other antibody-target interactions.
38
A07
The Effects of Fas Ligand on Apoptosis in HT-29 Colon Carcinoma Cells
Presenter(s)
Sajishnu Savya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Joseph Weinrich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Fas ligand is a membrane protein that can initiate apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. HT-29
cells are colon carcinoma cells that are able to resist apoptosis in cell culture conditions. By inducing the
Fas receptor in HT-29 cells, we investigated whether apoptosis can be induced in cancer cells. Fas
receptor was induced by exposing the cells to a Fas ligand environment for 24 hours. We used three
different concentrations of Fas ligand, 0.2μg/L, 0.1 μg/L, and 0.5 μg/L. Finally, we ran a Western blot in
order to detect apoptosis activity in the cell by measuring the amounts of cleaved caspase-3, a protein
vital to initiating the apoptosis pathway. Our results are yet to be determined. If apoptosis is successfully
initiated in our HT-29 cells, this will show that in these cells the Fas ligand pathway is inducible, and
could indicate a viable external treatment for colon cancer.
A08
SAV2455 Binds Promiscuously With a Vast Array of Structurally Disparate Ligands
Presenter(s)
Shohei Yamakawa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sharrol Bachas, Johns Hopkins University
Many species of bacteria have adopted mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance against constituents of the
human immune system. Resistance can be battled by studying the characteristics of binding affinity
between the resistant pathogen and receptor. To elucidate how these regulator proteins can undergo
polyspecific binding, bound proteins can be monitored with green fluorescence. Crystal structures
determined from X-ray diffraction with these same ligands are also being solved to determine ligand
positions and orientations. Pymol software was used to visualize proteins and identify characteristics such
as folding sequence and elements consisting of each amino acid. Line segment visualization was used to
observe the primary and secondary structures, while ribbon visualization was used to observe the
quaternary structure. Results indicate that SAV2455 (an S. aureus protein) folds into a dimer of the SHS2
domain. The binding pocket of SAV2455 is composed of a concave of aromatic residues and one pair of
aliphatic residues that act as pincers. In the binding pocket, there are also three aspartate and glutamate
residues that allow the cationic ligands to bind. These results show that SAV2455 binds ligands in the
multidrug-resistance set with a modest range of binding affinities, considering their diverse structures.
39
B01
Development of Image Processing Methods to Track Sub-Cellular Organelles in Investigating
Asymmetric Stem Cell Division
Presenter(s)
Emerald Fikejs, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chi Bang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jun Cheng, University of Illinois at Chicago
It is important to track the dynamic migration patterns of proteins and sub-cellular organelles in live cells
in order to understand how their dynamic characteristics correlates with cellular processes and organism
development. Utilizing time-lapse live-imaging techniques and customized tracking programs (developed
with Labview and Matlab), the migration patterns of centrosomes and spectrosomes, sub-cellular
organelles in the germline stem cells, were semi-automatically tracked to reveal dynamic parameters such
as velocity, spindle angular velocity, spindle angle, and distance, which are used to examine the
organelles' role in regulating the asymmetric stem cell division. Three main aspects of the tracking
program were successfully developed to optimize the tracking results: 1) digital image processing
techniques were implemented to enhance the clarity/contrast of overlaid images from multiple optical
sections (Matlab); 2) the tracking program was modified to prevent already tracked organelles from being
mistaken for, and resultingly tracked in place of, desired organelles (Labview); and 3) overall programs
were further automated to decrease user intervention and reduce human error. Furthermore, the developed
tracking programs can be generally applied to characterize sub-cellular dynamics in other systems in fourdimensional
image sequences.
40
B02
Effect of Cell Nucleus Size on Folding and Three-Dimensional Organization of Chromosomes in
Human Cells
Presenter(s)
Isheng Hou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gamze Gursoy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jie Liang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Global architecture and spatial organization of chromosomes play critical roles in gene expression,
regulation, and human diseases, including cancer. The three-dimensional structure of chromosomes shows
differences between normal and diseased cells. Single-cell imaging and chromosome capture-based
techniques provide information on chromosome conformations and their spatial organizations across
different cells and in different developmental stages. Computational modeling can provide insights into
the mechanisms of chromosome organization. We developed a polymer model to study the higher-order
chromosome organization in the human cell nucleus. Our model is based on the generation of selfavoiding
polymer chains of chromosomes in a confined spherical space. We generated 10,000
independent conformations in six different confinement sizes to mimic different cells in different
developmental stages. Each generated polymer chain is composed of 250 monomers with a fiber diameter
of 30nm and a persistence length of 150 nm. The average chromosome scaling behavior captured from
our modeling in differentiated cells as well as in stem cells agrees with experimental observations. Our
study shows that the size of the confinement due to different cell nuclei affects the structural features of
the human chromosomes, which might be required for the expression and regulation of cell-specific
genes.
41
B03
The Comparison of the Stem Cell Spatial Population Dynamics Model to its Corresponding Non-
Spatial Model for Stem Cell Lineage Studies
Presenter(s)
Claire Liang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Youfang Cao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Computational models can provide insight on the control mechanisms of stem cell lineage development,
which is critical for advancement in biology and human health. The proliferation and differentiation of
intermediate cells are activated and inhibited by different cytokines, which are molecules produced by
differentiated cells and are spatially diffused to certain distances to act on stem cells and progenitor cells.
The spatial information of cells and diffusion of cytokines usually go ignored in deterministic population
dynamics models. We have developed a stochastic stem cell spatial population dynamics model in which
spatial information of each cell and inhibition ranges of different cytokines are explicitly modeled. In this
work, we aim to show the advantages of spatial population dynamics in studying the homeostatic tissue
size control problem involving stem cell lineages. We have also developed a non-spatial ordinary
differential equations (ODE) model based on our spatial model, solved using the Runge-Kutta method.
Through numerical simulations with different parameters, we show that two models will produce the
same behaviors when the diffusion ranges of cytokines are infinity. However, in situations where
cytokines only diffuse locally to short distances, which is usually the case, the spatial population
dynamics model is more accurate than the non-spatial ODE model.
B04
Virtual Representation of the Rat Central Nervous System
Presenter(s)
Aalap Mehta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Indu Venugopal, University of Illinois at Chicago
The difficulty in delivering drugs within the central nervous system is a major problem in terms of
treatment. In order to better understand the delivery and distribution of drugs within this system, a virtual
model of a female Sprague-Dawley rat central nervous system (CNS) was created using data gathered
from T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. The masks and surface meshes of this model were
generated by using Mimics software and the volume meshes were generated by using 3-Matic software.
As the focus of this project has been to understand the delivery and distribution of drugs via the
intrathecal route of administration, the cerebrospinal fluid space within the rat CNS has been modeled.
Such volume meshes can be easily used in computational fluid dynamics software for understanding the
delivery and distribution of various types of drug formulations.
42
B05
An Exploration of the Properties of an Alloy With Improved Biocompatibility and Durability for
Use in Orthopaedic and Dental Implants
Presenter(s)
Sreyesh Satpathy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Research was done to determine the properties of oxidized TiAl6V4 to analyze its potential use in future
orthopaedic and dental implants. The surface needed to be modified to promote osseointegration,
reducing the chance of implant failure allowing the use of a strong, biocompatible material to construct
long-lasting implants. The samples were thermally oxidized in a furnace at different temperatures starting
at 200 oC and increasing in intervals of 100 oC up to 700 oC, giving a mixture of different crystalline
structures of TiO2 (amorphous, anatase, and rutile) with a focus on the production of the most
biocompatible, anatase. Both rough and smooth samples were used, and two samples at each temperature
for three hours. Goniometry was used to determine the contact angle, which indicated hydrophilicity. The
composition of the sample was observed with fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy. Future
research will involve testing with in vitro cells and lab mice to guarantee biocompatibility before case
studies begin.
B06
The Therapeutic Potential of the Glycogenes MGAT2, MAN1A1, and MAN2A2 for Glioblastoma
Treatment
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Weiss, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Glioblastomas are very serious and highly invasive brain tumors with no known cure. It has been found
that the tumor stem cells within the gliomas cause the reoccurrence of the cancer following therapy.
Using microarrays and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions, glycogene
expression patterns from four types of stem cells isolated from patients' gliomas were determined. The
genes analyzed defined glycosylation patterns of the four different classes of stem cell lines. From the
2592 possible genes analyzed, three were found to have significantly differential expression. These were
MGAT2, MAN 1A1, and MAN2A2, all responsible for core oligosaccharide structure formation. The
genes MGAT2 and MAN1A1 exhibited markedly differentexpression between the highly aggressive
mesenchymal lines and the less invasive classical and proneural lines. Thus, modulation of their
expression may have therapeutic potential. It was found that the gene MGAT2 was expressed at 1.21 fold
higher levels in mesenchymal then in proneural I and that the MAN1A1 gene was expressed at 1.30 fold
higher levels in the mesenchymal than in proneural I lines. The glycogenes encoding MGAT2 and
MAN1A1 have the most therapeutic potential and will be further tested to determine if they can be used
for gene therapy to modulate the invasivity of glioblastomas.
43
C01
Genetic Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in the African American Population
Presenter(s)
Soham Ali, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nathan Ellis, University of Illinois at Chicago
The aim of this project is to identify genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) in African
Americans that also indicate risk for the disease in Caucasians. Recent Genome Wide Association Studies
have shown that significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicating CRC risk in Caucasians
are not found in African Americans. However, African Americans have the highest CRC risk among all
ethnic groups in the United States, and so I filtered a list of SNPs using a program called Haploview to
narrow down the list of SNPs. I filtered them to find SNPs with low frequency (less than 5%), but high
correlation factors (r2>0.8). I then ran these SNPs through a program on the Sequenom website to design
a primer assay. Using this design, I ordered primers for the SNPs, and prepared them in two plates, one of
which would contain 368 DNA samples from CRC cases, and another which would contain 368 DNA
samples from controls. After amplifying the DNA samples through PCR, I sent the plates to the
Sequenom lab to check the presence of the SNPs in the DNA. I am currently waiting for the results to
arrive form that lab. Once I get the results, I will analyze the difference between the percent of SNPs
found in the cases versus the controls, and I hope to find a significant difference between the two groups.
C02
The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure and Resulting Transendothelial Water Flux on Intracellular
Calcium Signaling
Presenter(s)
Isiah Butler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randal Dull, University of Illinois at Chicago
Intracellular calcium regulates the synthesis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which plays a
role in many biological processes, including the body's inflammatory response to injuries resulting in
edema. eNOS also controls vascular tone and the secretion of insulin. The purpose of this investigation
was to observe the effect that hydrostatic pressure had on intracellular calcium signaling. Tests were also
conducted with the enabling of transendothelial water flux, a consequence of hydrostatic pressure. Lung
capillary endothelial cells were cultured in Transwell® Permeable Supports, incubated with a calciumsensitive
fluorescent dye solution, and secured in a Ussing Chamber prior to being imaged. Up to 20 cm
H2O of hydrostatic pressure was applied to the cells in vitro and images were captured simultaneously
with the program AxioVision. To measure the effect of water flux on calcium levels, an outflow tube
leading to an empty reservoir was opened during imaging. Definitive results were difficult to determine
since only a few confluent monolayers were imaged and it was not clear that there was good loading of
the dyes. However, results were obtained that showed that levels of calcium did not increase with the
addition of hydrostatic pressure. Water flux through the cells also failed to increase calcium levels. More
detailed studies are required to fully understand the relationship between hydrostatic pressure and the
regulation of calcium and eNOS.
44
C03
Quantification of Virus-Like Particles in Mice Fed a Lowfat or High Milkfat Diet
Presenter(s)
Zi-Ning Choo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
The gut microbiota, which consists of the microorganisms housed in the mammalian intestine, shifts in
response to dietary changes and influences physiological functions such as nutrient absorption and
inflammation. The effects of the microbiota may be modulated by the gut virome, which includes
bacteriophages that infect intestinal bacteria and can be induced by stress. The aim of this study was to
determine whether the quantity of phages in the gut is affected by diet. Specific pathogen-free mice raised
on either low-fat (LF) or 18% milk-fat (MF) diets for four weeks were placed on the other diet at the
beginning of this study, then returned to their original diets after 21 days. Stool samples collected before
and after both diet changes were homogenized and passed through a 0.22 μm filter to remove bacteria.
Fractionation by ultracentrifugation using density gradient was then performed to isolate virus-like
particles (VLPs). VLPs were subsequently collected on a 0.02 μm filter and quantified using SYBR Gold
staining and fluorescence microscopy visualization. While VLP numbers stayed fairly constant in mice
initially fed the MF diet, the number of VLPs were higher in LF diet mice and dropped when these mice
switched to a MF diet. The difference in VLP numbers between the two groups was statistically
significant (df = 1, 24, F = 11.506, P = 0.002), suggesting that diet may play a role in determining VLP
quantities in the gut.
C04
Detection of Aß Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Rodent Models via Immunohistochemistry
Presenter(s)
John Deng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Himanshi Desai, Northwestern University
William Klein, Northwestern University
Pascale Lacor, Northwestern University
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deposition of amyloid plaques
and tangles. Recently, Aß derived oligomers have been proposed as more potent neurotoxins but their
detection in the brain is still not optimal. In this study, we use immunohistochemistry protocols and
background quenching techniques to increase signal-to-noise ratio for better detection of Aß oligomers.
Brain tissue from transgenic rodent AD models were treated with PBS, sodium borohydride, or a biotin
kit to quench background noise due to endogenous biotin. These slices were then labeled with antibodies
directed against different Aß species (B6E10 or NU4) detected by fluorescently-tagged secondary
antibody or Streptavidin complex conjugated to fluorophore or quantum dots and imaged using a confocal
microscope. The results indicate that sodium borohydride significantly quench background noise cause by
endogenous biotin. The biotin kit, however, does not have a statistically significant effect in reducing
endogenous biotin. Additional quantification of signal strength for using quantum dots is expected to
enhance signal strength and reduce background noise. This research offers new insights to better detect
Aß oligomers in brain tissue and identify their localization in regard to amyloid plaques and will offer the
possibility to assess if treatments are efficient at removing Aß oligomers.
45
C05
Mechanisms of Kinesin-Driven Microtubule Sliding
Presenter(s)
Vishrut Dixit, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vladimir Gelfand, Northwestern University
The cellular cytoskeleton comprises a network of microtubules that, together with microtubule motors, is
essential for intracellular transport. The microtubule motor kinesin-1 is responsible for the transport of
various protein and organelle cargoes. Kinesin contains a motor domain on the N-terminus that moves
along microtubules. In addition to cargo movement, kinesin-1 is also known to drive microtubule sliding.
For sliding, kinesin must contain two sites that bind microtubules. One site is the motor domain. The goal
of this work is to identify the second site that is important for sliding. Two possibilities are the additional
C-terminal binding site that was previously identified biochemically and the binding site in the middle of
the heavy chain that interacts with microtubules not directly but through microtubule-binding protein
ensconsin. To examine sliding functionality in the absence of ensconsin, we created an artificial
truncation of kinesin-1 lacking the auto-inhibition domain and tested the effect of ensconsin depletion by
RNAi on sliding. These experiments show that sliding does not require microtubule binding through
ensconsin. Future plans involve testing the C-terminal site by eliminating charged amino acids that have
an affinity for microtubules. The results of this study increase our knowledge about the mechanism
behind sliding, which could have future implications in neurodegenerative diseases since sliding is
necessary for axon and dendrite formation.
C06
Pathways in Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced p35 Expression in Fibrosis
Presenter(s)
Jonathan D'Souza, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mateusz Wojtaszek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roberta Marangoni, Northwestern University
Jun Wei, Northwestern University
This investigation explored the mechanisms of the p35/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) dependent
pathway associated with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease which causes overgrowth of connective
tissue. Western blots and polymerase chain reaction were employed to analyze mRNA and protein
expression. A time course analysis of human foreskin fibroblasts treated with TGF-β showed that TGF-β
increases p35 expression. Fibroblasts treated with adenoviruses carrying a constantly-active TGF-β
Receptor I, Ad-TBRIca, expressed high levels of p35 and alpha smooth muscle actin, confirming that
constant TGF-β activation causes fibrosis in fibroblasts. Finally, fibroblasts treated with TGF-β and either
with SB431542, a mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) suppressor, or U0126, an
extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) suppressor, revealed that both SMAD and ERK can
contribute to elevated levels of p35 expression. However, it is not yet known which one induces a greater
gene expression response. These results suggest that the SMAD and ERK pathways mediate the TGF-β-
induced increase in p35 expression in connective tissue. Knowing this, future studies can focus on
possible pharmaceutical applications, namely the targeting of SMAD and ERK or their downstream
effects, in the treatment of scleroderma and fibrosis.
46
C07
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia Associated MIR137 Locus
Presenter(s)
Kristy Fang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nahee Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jubao Duan, Northshore Research Center
Catherine Leites, Northshore Research Center
Genetic variants at a non-coding MIR137 locus are found associated with schizophrenia in recent
genome-wide association studies. However, whether MIR137 or other nearby genes (for example, DYPD)
is affected by the genetic variants is unknown. The objective of this investigation was to examine which
genes' promoters interact with the regulator sequences that harbor the putative disease-causal genetic
variants. A chromosome conformation capture assay was performed to detect the physical chromatin
interaction between different regulatory sequences (for example, gene transcriptional enhancer and a gene
promoter) in SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma) and LCL (B-lymphoblastoid) cells. Cells were fixed to retain the
chromatin interaction conformation, cut and religated to enrich physically interacting segments, and
finally enhanced and detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol and gel
electrophoresis. Strong and specific PCR amplifications for primer pairs in MIR137 enhancer and
promoter sequences were detected, but not for primer pairs with MIR137 adjacent regulatory sequences
and DPYD promoters. Therefore, regulatory sequences where schizophrenia-associated genetic variants
reside most likely regulate expressions of MIR137 but not DPYD. Identifying the physical interaction
relationships between regulatory sequences of different regions at the MIR137 locus will help to
understand the causal molecular mechanism of the genetic variants associated with schizophrenia.
47
C08
Gold-Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection in
HeLa Cells
Presenter(s)
Marisol Flores, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Estefany Guzman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thessicar Antoine, University of Illinois at Chicago
Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) entry into mammalian cells is facilitated by the attachment of
glycoproteins gB and gC to heparan sulfate proteoglycan side chains located on the cellular membrane.
The pretreatment of HeLa cells with zinc oxide nanoparticles interferes with the attachment of HSV-1 to
heparan sulfate as nanoparticles attract and neutralize virus particles. To evaluate the effect of gold
capped zinc oxide nanoparticles on HSV-1 infection in HeLa cells, the gold capped zinc oxide was
incubated with cells prior to infection with the HSV-1. Following pretreatment of cells with the gold
capped zinc oxide, we performed an ONPG viral entry assay. Cells were infected with an HSV-1 ßgalactosidase
expressing reporter virus. Results showed that pretreatment with the nanoparticle
significantly decreased viral entry. In addition, we performed a virus free cell-to-cell fusion assay to
explore the effect of our nanoparticles on cell fusion. Results showed that gold-capped zinc oxide is a
strong inhibitor of cell-to-cell fusion, highlighting the inhibitory properties of gold-capped zinc oxide
against HSV-1 cell-to-cell spread. In conclusion, the nanoparticles were found to be an effective inhibitor
of the virus entry and spread.
C09
The Effect of the Physical Barrier of a Small Tributary on Gene Flow of Three Avian Genera in the
Congo River Watershed
Presenter(s)
Ellen Gieser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Shannon Hackett, Field Museum
Barriers to gene flow are regarded as important factors in the evolution of populations and species,
especially in tropical regions. Given that large bodies of water often act as a barrier to gene flow, I
assessed the role small rivers might have on genetic diversification by restricting movement of individuals
across the geographical landscape of a region in Africa. I extracted DNA sequences from blood samples
of thirty-six individuals from three avian genera (Bleda, Erithacus, and Trichastoma), sampling the
mitochondrial genome of these lineages from both sides of a Congo River tributary. The mitochondrial
NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 gene was amplified using standard polymerase chain reaction techniques
and sequenced using an Applied Biosystems 3730 DNA Analyzer. The degree and nature of genetic
variation within and among populations and genera suggested no significant evidence for nucleotide
differentiation among the three localities or across the river. Genetic variability present among individuals
within species in each genera (~1.3%) was typical of within population levels of variability in other birds.
Either the tributary was not an significant barrier to gene flow, or not enough time has passed for the
effects of the barrier to be reflected in significant genetic differentiation.
48
C10
Exosome Uptake in Bladder Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Shivani Goel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Carrie Franzen, Loyola University
Gopal Gupta, Loyola University
Exosomes are secreted microvesicles that help mediate intercellular signaling pathways through their
RNA and protein content. This investigation focused on analyzing exosome uptake by bladder cancer
cells. Exosomes were isolated from bladder cancer cells by ultracentrifugation and stained with the
membrane dye, PKH-26. They were then incubated with bladder cancer cells for different time periods.
The cells were run through the Amnis ImageStreamX, an imaging flow cytometer, which identified PKH-
26 internalized exosomes. We measured the number of PKH-26 spots and PKH-26 fluorescence intensity
to determine total uptake, which increased with longer incubation times. A lack of effect on uptake after
trypsin treatment indicated that exosomes were internalized. This was confirmed by deconvolution
microscopy. Storing the exosomes at 4°C or -20°C did not affect exosome uptake, although incubating
cells with labeled exosomes at 4°C completely blocked it. We developed a novel method for quantifying
exosomes and determined a threshold level and optimal incubation time of exosomes for efficient uptake.
There was verification of the internalization of exosomes and the finding that exosome uptake is an active
and specific process, as incubation at 4°C blocked uptake. This data will be useful in developing
exosomes into a cancer diagnostic or therapy.
C11
Methods of Quantifying Oocytes in P2 CD1 Mice
Presenter(s)
Jimmy Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yuanhao Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Takeshi Kurita, Northwestern University
Vanida Serna, Northwestern University
Female mammals are born with a fixed supply of oocytes, but factors such as disease, age, and
chemotherapy decrease the quality of oocytes, reducing fertility; thus there is an urgent need for
therapeutic treatments to protect oocyte quality. Mouse models are necessary to develop therapies;
however, the entire ovary must be utilized so other analyses cannot be performed. The objective of this
investigation was to establish an accurate sampling method for oocyte counting. Ovaries from two-dayold
CD1 mice were dissected, fixed, processed into paraffin blocks, and sectioned by a standard histology
method. Nuclei of oocytes were labeled by fluorescence staining for DNA and p63 protein and counted.
Our original equation included the thickness of tissue sections to determine the number of oocytes;
however we were unable to accurately gauge the thickness. Hence, we adapted another model, which
involves only measurable parameters such as number of counted oocytes. Our results showed that an
ovary in two-day-old CD1 mice contains 5,055,965 oocytes with a standard deviation of ± 1,382. A
reasonable method for discovering the number of oocytes per ovary has been identified, however, some
problems still exist such as being able to count all of the oocytes seen.
49
C12
The Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Glioma Cells
Presenter(s)
Vandana Karan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Braun, University of Illinois at Chicago
Douglas Feinstein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Previous studies have found the anti-inflammatory drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) to show benefits in
colon cancer, and research also indicates that DMF could have significant cytotoxic effects on glioma
cells. To test the effects of DMF on glioma cells, various dosages of DMF were incubated with the C6 rat
glioma cell line along with its nontransformed primary cell counterpart, astrocytes. Lactate
dehydrogenase assays were run to measure the amount of released LDH, a marker for cell death, for a
given culture after different incubation times. Caspase assays were used to test the possibility that DMF
activates caspase proteins to induce apoptosis. We found DMF to be toxic to C6 cells, while protective to
primary cells at high dosages. The amount of cell death in C6 cells increased to three times the baseline
after treatment with DMF. Astrocyte cell death, in comparison, decreased by about 5%. Results from
caspase assays show no relationship between DMF and caspase-mediated apoptosis. Many current
treatments for cancer are harmful and toxic to primary cells, often resulting in cell death. The use of DMF
in conjunction with current therapies could lower the required dosages of toxic treatments, and result in
less death of healthy cells.
C13
Hydrogen Peroxide Production in High Nitric Oxide Adapted Human Cancer Cells Which Express
Tumor Stem Cell-Like Properties
Presenter(s)
Kathryn Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Rohan Verma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kim Elseth, University of Illinois at Chicago
Aqil Madeeha, University of Illinois at Chicago
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
Recent studies have shown that tumor cells exposed to increasingly high concentrations of nitric oxide
donor DETA-NONOate grow aggressively and have tumor stem cell-like properties. Since tumor stem
cells are generally anaerobic, they should have a higher rate of H2O22 production. In our study, human
adenoarcinoma cell lines from the lung, breast, and oral cavity and the same cell lines adapted to HNO,
were tested for H2O2 production using the Amplex Red Hydrogen Peroxide Assay. A standard curve was
produced using varying concentrations of commercially available H2O2. The results showed that the
parent cell line expressed comparably more H2O2 contrary to our hypothesis. These data were confirmed
using the CellRox Deep Red Reagent which directly measured oxidative stress and showed it to be higher
in parent tumor cells as opposed to in HNO cells. Although we hypothesized that the HNO cells would be
higher H2O2 producers, the parent tumor cells appeared to have upregulated enzymes such as glutathione-
S-transferase pi to counteract the free radical upregulation of the HNO cells. These data support previous
studies and suggest the importance of free radical protective mechanisms, but further research is needed
to confirm the presence of these enzymes.
50
C14
Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Presenter(s)
Srisha Kotlo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Marcus Henze, University of Illinois at Chicago
John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), an inhibitory subunit of the troponin complex, is a key regulator of cardiac
muscle contractility. cTnI is phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) at serine 23/24, serine 43/45, and
threonine 144, sites which are crucial in the regulation of cardiac function. PKCδ has a unique C2 domain
that is thought to target PKCδ to its substrates, and also has an ATP binding domain that contains the
serine 357 phosphorylation site that may regulate PKCδ's substrate specificity for these specific sites.
Here, we analyzed the kinase function and substrate specificity of PKCδ-ΔC2 (C2 domain deleted) and
PKCδ-S357A (mutation from serine to alanine) mutants on sarcomeric proteins. Our results show that
PKCδ-ΔC2 and PKCδ-S357A have increased autophosphorylation and increase the phosphorylation of
TnI and TnT compared to wild type PKCδ. The PKCδ-S357A does not appear to confer a change in
substrate specificity. This suggests that increased phosphorylation of TnI by PKCδ-ΔC2, a known splice
variant of PKCδ, may be an underlying mechanism for depressed cardiac contractile function. Future
experiments will test the functional effect of PKCδ-ΔC2 on cardiac muscle contractility by measuring the
force-calcium and ATPase-calcium relationship.
C15
Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Expression During Pregnancy
Presenter(s)
Maria Kuznetsov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brian Layden, Northwestern University
Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) is a G-protein activated receptor activated by short chain fatty acids
whose expression levels increase during pregnancy in mouse islets. This increase in expression of FFAR2
is anticipated to be due to elevations in hormone levels. In this study, we have explored the regulation of
FFAR2 expression using hormones that are important during pregnancy, dexamethasone, estradiol,
progesterone, and prolactin. Mouse islets were incubated with the hormone for 24 hours with each of
these hormones at physiological levels. Following incubation, RNA was isolated, and cDNA was
synthesized. Data was obtained by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to identify
changes in expression. Results have shown that exposure to dexamethasone and estradiol decreases
expression of FFAR2. However, incubation with progesterone and prolactin increases expression. These
data suggest that the expression of FFAR2 may be dynamically regulated during pregnancy in islets by
pregnancy-related hormones.
51
C16
Molecular Cloning and the Presence of MST1R in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinomas
Presenter(s)
Jiwon Kwak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nitya Pariti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Catenacci, University of Chicago
The macrophage stimulating 1 receptor (MST1R) gene, also known as the RON gene, is an oncogene, a
gene that can potentially cause cancer. Since it has been hypothesized that abnormal activation of this
gene contributes to cancerous growth in gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, investigations of possible
MST1R signaling inhibitors are of interest. We cloned the 4.2 kilobase MST1R gene into bacteria, verified
by DNA sequencing. To correlateMST1R amplification and tumor growth rate, seven cancerous cell lines
were peritoneally injected into nude mice. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, it was determined that
MST1R overexpression led to cancerous growth in mice, and that cell lines not expressing MST1R and
those that were treated with MST1R inhibitors had decreased tumor growth. These studies confirmed that
MST1R plays a role in oncogenesis, and that targeted inhibition may lead to improved clinical outcomes
in patients.
C17
Construction of Pathways Involving Genes Related to Severe Congenital Neutropenia
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Kwon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenneth Yun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seth Corey, Northwestern University
Severe congenital neutropenia is characterized by the body's low count of neutrophils. Patients diagnosed
with this disease are more vulnerable to disease and prone to recurrent infections. This disease is a bone
marrow failure syndrome where stem cells are unable to mature from promyelocyte/myelocyte to
neutrophils. Cytoscape is a bioinformatics software that allows the analysis of a set of genes and maps out
their interactions. First, a search was done for all genes related to severe congenital neutropenia. This
created a path for granulopoiesis (the maturing of bone marrow stem cells into mature neutrophils and
other white blood cells) that mapped the associated genes. The results showed that the following genes
were the main source of the problem: ELANE, HAX1, CSF3R, WAS, G6PC3, GFI-1. For example, CSF3R
codes for the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor which means that a mutation in the CSF3R
gene will inhibit cell signaling, specifically cytokine signaling involved in granulopoiesis. Genetic
mutations that cause severe congenital neutropenia have revealed the clockworks of monitoring of
proliferation and death of granulocytes. Each mutation affects a cell in a unique way and implies the
existence of multiple pathways in the development of severe congenital neutropenia.
52
C18
Morphologically Unique Marine-Derived Bacteria as a Source of Natural Product Discovery
Presenter(s)
Grace Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Skylar Carlson, University of Illinois at Chicago
Brian Murphy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Mark Sadek, University of Illinois at Chicago
The demand for new antibiotics is growing, and the search is branching out to newer sources, such as the
marine environment. In the past, Gram-positive marine-derived bacteria, especially Actinobacteria, have
had a higher success rate of new compound discovery than their Gram-negative counterparts. Because of
this, in the past, focus has been on actinomycetes rather than other bacteria. This investigation focuses on
bacteria that are morphologically unique. Unique refers to non-Actinomycete bacteria that exhibit unique
colony morphology when compared with Actinomycetes or the majority of slimy Gram-negative bacteria.
For this investigation, bacteria samples were collected from various freshwater and saltwater locations
and the ones of interest were isolated. These strains are grown in liquid media and their metabolites
extracted. The metabolite extracts were screened against bacterial pathogens (Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, Enterococcus faecalis, and so forth) and drug-resistant ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR5.
One of our bacterial strains was found to be active against OVCAR5. Analysis of 16S rDNA will be
conducted to identify the genus, and chromatographic techniques will be used to isolate the active
compounds. Thus the lesser studied non-Actinomycete marine-derived bacteria may be a potentially
rewarding source of bioactive compounds for drug-lead discovery.
C19
The Effect of Xanthone, Artemisia absinthium Extract and 6-O-angeloylplenolin on the Apoptosis
Rates of Human Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
Presenter(s)
Lily Lou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ciara Wardlow, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
It has been shown that apoptosis, or programmed cell death, can be induced in cancer cells with the use of
certain organic compounds. For this experiment we chose three compounds, xanthone, Artemisia
absinthium extract and 6-O-angeloylplenolin, shown to induce apoptosis in other types of cancer cells and
planned to identify whether or not they induced apoptosis in MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7)
cells. We tested 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 μg/mL of Artemisia absinthium extract; 5, 10, 20, 40 μM for
xanthone and 9μM for 6-O-angeloylplenolin. Cells were exposed for 24 hours to Artemisia absinthium
extract and for 48 hours to xanthone and 6-O-angeloylplenolin. We ran Western blots to detect the
amounts of cleaved Caspase-3, an enzyme abundantly present in apoptotic cells, in the MCF-7 cells after
exposure to the compounds. We are currently running Western blots on our samples and awaiting results.
53
C20
Heat Shock Protein 70 Mediates IL-10 Production Through ERK Phosphorylation
Presenter(s)
Anuj Marathe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Yunwei Wang, University of Chicago
Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is an important chaperone molecule found ubiquitously throughout the
body. Recently, it has been shown to guard against inflammatory damage by regulating anti-inflammatory
cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) production in regulatory T cell (T-reg) populations in the intestine. This
study aimed to explore the pathway by which this occurs. Five wildtype (WT) and five Hsp70 knockout
(KO) mice were induced with severe bowel inflammation using dextran sodium sulfate. After five days of
treatment, mesenteric lymph nodes were collected and used in a Western blot, which showed ERK protein
kinase was significantly downregulated in Hsp70 KO mice. This means that Hsp70 regulates ERK
phosphorylation which then regulates IL-10 production in T-reg. RAG-1 KO mice were given CD4
CD45RB high T cells (naïve T cells) from WT mice and monitored for five weeks to gauge immune
activity and induce intestinal colitis. Then five mice received CD4 CD45RB low T cells (mature T cells)
from WT and five mice received CD4 CD45RB low T cells from Hsp70 KO mice. WT cells reversed
colitis while Hsp70 KO cells didn't, which once again demonstrates Hsp70's immunoprotective role.
C21
Effect of Ranolazine on Heart Failure Development
Presenter(s)
Shruthi Mothkur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Over six million individuals live with heart failure in the United States, and that number is on the rise.
There are no effective treatments to prevent heart failure but, Ranolazine has been proposed as a
pharmacological prevention method. The drug was studied for its effectiveness on early heart failure
development. The heart muscle contracts and relaxes in a process called cardiac excitation-contraction
coupling that is regulated by Ca2 channels. T-tubule organization is critical to ensure the correct special
organization of Ca2 entry into the cell so contraction occurs properly. During heart failure, t-tubule
organization is disrupted so that Ca2 entry into the myocyte is disorganized causing mechanical problems.
Our study measured the t-tubule organization in individual cells and related it to decreased cardiac
function during development of heart failure. Rats were fed Ranolazine or Captopril for four months
before being sacrificed and analyzed for t-tubule organization. We found that cardiac function decreased
with control animals, increased with Captopril, and was left unchanged with Ranolazine. T-tubule
organization data is being analyzed to find a correlation with the cardiac function data. The results could
help further studies see the effect of Ranolazine in preventing the development of heart failure in humans.
54
C22
The Role of Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Bile Acid-Stimulated Chloride Secretion
Presenter(s)
Shreya Shanker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jada Domingue, University of Illinois at Chicago
Mrinalini Rao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jayashree Sarathy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bile acids are able to activate chloride secretory pathways, but the amount needed to induce chloride
secretion in colonic cell lines is much greater than that needed in primary cultures of colonocytes. The
reason for this discrepancy is unknown. Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) are known to pump out
hydrophobic molecules, some of which could be toxins, from cells. Bile acids at very high concentrations
can be toxic to the intestinal epithelium. Therefore we hypothesized that MRPs may be expelling bile
acids from human colonic adenocarcinoma (T84) cells, thereby needing a higher concentration of bile
acids to induce chloride secretion compared to intact epithelium. To test this hypothesis, T84 cells were
probed for the presence of gene transcripts and proteins of MRP isoforms. We found transcripts of MRP2,
MRP3, and MRP4 in T84 cells, with MRP4 having the highest mRNA expression. Western blot analysis
revealed the presence of MRP4 protein in the membrane fraction of T84 cells. Functional studies looking
at the effects of an MRP inhibitor, MK571, on bile acid induced chloride secretion are in progress.
C23
Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Presenter(s)
Nathan Suek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
A water sample was taken from the lagoon in Washington Park to identify cyanobacteria and to determine
their potential toxin-producing capabilities. Cyanobacteria found in the sample were cultured on plates
and in liquid using cyanobacterial medium BG11. Genomic DNA isolated from single colonies was
sequenced and the resulting reads were assembled into contigs. About two hundred non-overlapping
contigs were longer than 10 kb, representing approximately one cyanobacterial genome. No matching
sequences were found in databases, indicating that this species' DNA has not yet been sequenced. In order
to determine the identity of the cyanobacterium, phylogenetic trees based on16S and 23S rRNA
sequences from one contig were created using MEGA software. We compared our unknown sequence
with those identified by BLAST. Our results suggest that the unknown cyanobacterium is closely related
to Pseudanabaena. We analyzed the longest sequence contig (63 kb) using BLASTX to identify proteincoding
genes for further phylogenetic analysis. Several genes have been identified so far. This is the first
step towards annotation of the genome and functional mining of the genomic sequence to determine
metabolic capabilities of the species such as toxin biosynthesis. Our unknown cyanobacterium is most
likely a sub-species of Pseudanabaena.
55
C24
Voluntary Exercise Habits in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model Mice and the Implications of
Exercise in Disease Progression
Presenter(s)
Hannah Swerbenski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joey Cardona, Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center
Christine DiDonato, Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center
Previous studies have established that physical exercise may be neuroprotective, specifically in the case
of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Our study seeks to further evaluate the exercise behaviors of SMA
mice and the relationship between exercise and SMA disease progression. SMA model mice underwent
an eight week voluntary exercise regimen monitored using an electronic running wheel apparatus. Our
results show that, compared to a healthy control mouse, SMA mice have a significantly lower average
running speed. Additionally, we found that SMA mice spend less time exercising overall, though this
difference was not statistically significant. To examine disease progression, we compared exercised and
unexercised SMA model mice through a variety of phenotypic assays, including grip strength, hang test,
and gait analysis. We also performed morphologic and neurophysiologic analyses to evaluate the effects
of exercise on the pathology and function of the motor unit. Across these tests, we found that exercised
SMA mice performed equivalent or better than non-exercised SMA mice, however, the positive trend did
not reach statistical significance. The results of this pilot study demonstrate a positive relationship
between exercise and slowing SMA disease progression that warrants further investigation.
C25
An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Presenter(s)
Arjun Tambe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nicolas Cecchini, University of Chicago
After an initial pathogen infection, plants often develop a long-lasting and broad-spectrum resistance to
new infections at distal sites, called systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Azelaic acid (AZA), a lipidic
signal, has been shown to be implicated in the induction of a primed state of SAR in Arabidopsis, such
that a secondary infection is met with a stronger defense response. Moreover, exogenous AZA treatment
induces components such as the AZI1 and DIR1 genes, which are essential to SAR induction. To better
understand AZA-priming signaling components, the effect of exogenous AZA on different Arabidopsis
SAR-mutant plants was observed. Because AZA also inhibits root growth, the root lengths of mutant and
wild type plants in growing media supplemented with and without AZA were compared. The earli1 and
sfd1 mutants displayed longer principal roots than wild types did, indicating that these genes are
important in AZA-induced SAR. The SFD1 gene seems to be involved in the transport of a mobile, SARinducing
signal. No relation was found between mutants, AZA, and lateral roots. AZA infiltration in vivo
did not affect col-0 gene expression, and the presence of AZA increased AZI1 expression but not DIR1
expression. Understanding SAR components can provide the possibility of improving plants' chances of
surviving pathogenic infections.
56
C26
Role of Desmoglein 1 in Keratinocyte Morphology and Differentiation During Epithelial Colony
Development
Presenter(s)
Steven Tan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathleen Green, Northwestern University
Oxana Nekrasova, Northwestern University
Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), a protein that makes up desmosomes and plays a role in cell adhesion, localizes in
the suprabasal layers of the epidermis in cells such as keratinocytes. My experiment focused on studying
the effect of Dsg1 on kertinocyte's differentiation and morphology during epithelial colony development.
Keratinocytes with either knockdown (little to no expression) of Dsg1 or overexpressed full length or
truncated mutant of Dsg1 in cells silenced for endogenous protein were grown with the EfnA1-Fc peptide
to form epithelial colonies. I used two approaches to analyze differentiation and morphology of cell
colonies. The localization of actin and Dsg1 were seen in the immunofluorescent imaging to analyze
morphology and Western blot was used to analyze levels of protein expression that are markers of
differentiation. The results indicated that cell colonies with knockdown of desmoglein 1 had lower levels
of differentiation while the overexpression of Dsg1 wild type or truncated mutant recovered
differentiation levels. Also, the wild type of Dsg1 recovered actin structure, but the truncated mutant
failed to do so suggesting a new role of Dsg1 in keratinocyte morphology. In conclusion, Dsg1 induces
higher levels of differentiation and supports proper cell morphology during colony development.
C27
Inducing Apoptosis in HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma by Use of Metal Ions
Presenter(s)
Jeremy Tyszkiewicz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
One of the things that makes cancer dangerous is that it does not go through apoptosis, or programmed
cell death, which is when a cell breaks down and dies in a complicated chain of events. It is theorized that
metal ions signal the cell to start apoptosis, so using these ions may kill cancer cells and make them less
dangerous. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect apoptosis in the treated cells.
Antibodies bind to cleaved caspase 3, a product of apoptosis, and upon addition of other components the
solution turns yellow if positive. Testing the absorbency thus shows the amount of cleaved caspase 3, and
so the amount of apoptosis undergone by the cells. The metal ions being tested are sodium, potassium,
and magnesium at 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.2 M concentrations. The results of the sodium trials suggest
that 1.5 and 1.0 M concentrations are the most effective at inducing apoptosis, while the potassium trial
suggested a concentration of 2.0M is the most effective. The results of this study may result in cheaper or
more effective treatments for cancer.
57
C28
Estrogen Modulation of Prostate Epithelial Cells
Presenter(s)
Johnny Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Wen-Yang Hu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dan-Ping (Grace) Hu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Gail Prins, University of Illinois at Chicago
Guang-Bin Shi, University of Illinois at Chicago
Estrogen may have a carcinogenic impact on prostate glands through transformation of prostate epithelial
cells. Estrogen regulates prostate epithelial cells through three types of estrogen receptors, estrogen
receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor. The main goal of this
study is to investigate the regulation and role of each estrogen receptor in prostate epithelial cells and
their interaction through ligand-independent and ligand-dependent pathways. We began the study by gene
knockdown of each individual estrogen receptor through the usage of xiRNAs, and then observed the
gene expression levels of estrogen receptors by qunatitavie polymerase chain reaction. We normalized
gene expression to housekeeping genes and treated cells with control siRNA that were set to one-fold.
Without estrogen, silencing ERα to a mean of around 0.21 significantly increased ERβ 2.79-folds; in the
presence of 10 nM estrogen, silencing of ERα to 29% causes a 2.97-fold increase of ERβ. These results
showed that the silencing of ERα by siRNA knockdown upregulates ERβ expression in prostate epithelial
cells both in the absence and in the presence of 10 nM of estrogen. This suggests that in normal
conditions, ERα downregulates ERβ in prostate epithelial cells and that this effect is estrogen
independent.
58
C29
Regulation of Type II Natural Killer T Cell Cytokine Production by Signaling Lymphocytic
Activation Molecule-Associated Protein
Presenter(s)
Luke Zhan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chyung-Ru Wang, Northwestern University
Xiufang Weng, Northwestern University
The project's aim was to explore the signal pathway in interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)
expression by type II natural killer T (NKT) cells in the presence or absence of signaling lymphocytic
activation molecule-associated protein (SAP). We used a T cell receptor transgenic mouse model and
crossed it onto a SAP deficient background. To investigate the mechanisms that contribute to IL-4 and
IFN-γ production by type II NKT cells, we isolated cDNA of type II NKT cells from wild type and SAP
deficient backgrounds as templates for real time polymerase chain reaction with primers specific for
different signaling pathways of IL-4 and INF-γ. In particular, we examined the expression levels of
transcription factors known to regulate the expression of IL-4 and INF-γ i n T c ells, s uch a s G ATA-3,
JunB, NFAT-α, NFAT-β, IRF-4, and T-bet . After prolonged cell stimulation, both IRF-4 and GATA-3
expression was inhibited in SAP deficient type II NKT cells. NFAT-α, NFAT-β, and T-bet induction did
not fluctuate significantly in the presence or absence of SAP. The reported defect in IL-4 expression
directly corresponds with the decreased expression of GATA-3 and IRF-4, both of which may function
downstream of SAP.
D01
Creating a Metagame in Checkers
Presenter(s)
Martin Bantchev, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Pirapat Kitipongpatana, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Porzio, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Checkers has been solved; all possible moves have been mapped out using a computer, due to its
simplicity. We removed its perfect balance in order to create a cyclical imbalance metagame which would
result in a more interesting and complex game experience. Because we didn't want to change checkers'
core mechanics, we created modifications: new pieces that the player could buy at the start using a limited
number of points. To test the modifications' effectiveness, we used a twelve player testing group that
played our game while supervised. We set up sessions where the players' choice of pieces, moves, and
strategies were recorded in move logs and interview sheets. At first, the most prevalent strategy was the
Piecafist-King Stall, which used the eponymous pieces' abilities, in combination, to force the opponent
into unfavorable positions. This was the only viable strategy, so we had to create a soft-counter to it, the
Leapfrog. We witnessed players forming strategies with it to counter the dominant Piecafist-King Stall.
We plan on introducing a new piece that is strong against the Leapfrog but vulnerable to the Piecafist-
King Stall strategy to create a Rock-Paper-Scissors relationship between strategies, creating what is
known as a Big Three metagame.
59
D02
Testing the Efficiency of the Currency Futures Market
Presenter(s)
Brennan Wakey, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
The foreign exchange market is one of the most important financial markets in the world, accounting for
trillions of dollars traded daily. If the market were completely efficient, the futures price of a currency
could be calculated easily using a formula that relates the current foreign exchange rate and the difference
between the foreign and domestic interest rates. Our research tested the efficiency of the foreign exchange
futures market by looking at data from past futures contracts. We analyzed this data to see if the prices of
the contracts made sense given what we knew about the interest rates. We also examined potential
profitable trading opportunities, which we found were often available. Additionally, there were several
instances in which the market was very inefficient; the foreign exchange market is not completely
efficient. Further research is necessary to better understand the reasons why the market is efficient only in
some instances, and it could lead to the development of a reliable trading strategy that would take
advantage of the arbitrage opportunities available in the market.
E01
Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Presenter(s)
Matthew Deng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kent Gang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Siva Gangavarapu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ron Hurlbut, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation aims to study the interactions between adatoms of nickel, iron, and cobalt, and silicene
using computational methods. All density functional theory calculations were executed by the program
PWSCF as part of the Quantum Espresso software. The study super-positioned adatoms on a silicene
lattice layer using coordinate positions, and the results were analyzed using post-processing that provided
paramagnetization and charge distributions. Calculations showed that adatoms placed on the center of
silicene rings were most stable, due to highest change in absorption energy (eV). The other stable
positions were located both above and below the silicon atoms, and the position at the midpoint between
those two positions. Furthermore, all reactions between silicene and adatoms were chemically favorable
due to the negative value of the change in absorption energy. Compared to iron and cobalt adatoms, the
nickel atom reaction with silicene resulted in the highest change in absorption energy. In addition to a
stable and energetically favorable reaction between the three adatoms and silicene, the results also suggest
that the further away an adatom is from a silicon atom, the more stable the reaction will be.
60
E02
Hydrodenitrogenation Using Tantalum Single-Site Catalysts
Presenter(s)
Ujwal Kiran, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
As petroleum reserves around the world are depleted, new hydrocarbon sources with increasing amounts
of nitrogen will be utilized. Therefore, more efficient methods of hydrotreating these materials must be
found to satisfy stringent environmental standards. Our current investigation has focused on the use of a
single site tantalum catalyst for hydrodenitrogenation. Using quantum chemical computational methods,
this investigation aimed to understand the mechanism of hydrodenitrogenizing 1-tetrahydroquinoline (1-
THQ) over a silica supported tantalum catalyst. Research determined that this catalyst operates through a
series of reactions. First, 1-THQ above the surface must adsorb to the catalyst through an insertion of the
tantalum into a carbon-nitrogen bond. Then, 1-THQ must perform a ring opening reaction via a nitrogento-
carbon hydrogen transfer. Hydrogenation of this adsorbed complex leads to either formation of
propylbenzene or propylamine, which reacts to form propylbenzene. When propylbenzene is formed, NH
is left behind on the surface which may be further hydrogenated to form ammonia. The complete potential
energy surface for the reaction has been calculated. The results of our investigation show however, that
NH3 formation from NH2 and H is unfavorable and therefore the catalytic site may be poisoned by the
presence of ammonia.
E03
Production of Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Use in Water Filters
Presenter(s)
Jacob Kronenberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Millions of people in developing nations lack sanitary water. Some filters use silver nanoparticles, an
antimicrobial agent. Because cost is pivotal in the developing world, effective nanoparticles from cheaper
base metals were sought. The preparations had three components: cationic base metal salt, reducing agent,
and chelating agent to limit particle size. Three chelators were tried: citrate, oleic acid, and
polyvinylpyrrolidone. In addition to silver nitrate, three metal salts were chosen due to reported
antibacterial properties and low human toxicity: copper sulfate, nickel chloride, and zinc nitrate. Ultraviolet
(UV) spectroscopy was used to verify the creation of nanoparticles. Measuring growth in liquid
cultures of Escherichia coli mixed with the nanoparticles quantified killing effectiveness. UV absorbance
showed that nanoparticles had formed for all four metals. Silver was most effective at reducing bacterial
colony count. Copper and zinc inhibited the enhanced bacterial growth seen with its reactant salt (possibly
acting as a nutrient) but not necessarily with respect to the saline control. Nickel was not effective. If the
copper or zinc preparations could be made to be as effective as silver in disinfecting water, perhaps by
removing unreacted cations, nanoparticle water filters could be cheaper and more available to those who
need them.
61
E04
Understanding and Comparing Photochromic Processes
Presenter(s)
Ryan Leemans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Travis Scott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anita White, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation focuses on how the photochromic process works and how to improve it. We tested
three different protocols to produce photochromic crystals and compared the results. The first protocol we
used was silver nitrate solution in potassium bromide and infused it with titanyl sulfate as a stabilizer to
yield silver coated photochromic crystals. The second protocol used fine crystals of silver chloride
suspended in a solution of tetraethylorthosilicate and sulfuric acid, then infused with silicon dioxide and
methylmethacrylate, creating a prepolymer solution that is able to adhere to glass. The final protocol used
three silver compounds and infused them with a copper chloride solution to observe if a photochromic
reaction occurs. The first trial with silver chloride resulted with darkened samples over a period of an
hour but did not return to a clear color when removed from the ultra-violet (UV) light. In the second trial,
our silver sulfate similarly turned dark in about thirty minutes but didn't return to clear in the absence of
UV light. Our third trial with silver nitrate yielded the same results as the second trial. From our
experiments we conclude it is more challenging to create photochromic dyes to turn from dark to clear in
the absence of UV light than it is to create them to transform from clear to dark in the presence of UV
light. Our experiment, which succeeded in many ways, did fall short of our ambition to improve the
process but all together prove to be insightful.
E05
A Thermodynamic and Physical Investigation of the Heusler Alloys Fe2VAl and Fe2VSn
Presenter(s)
John McGuire, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jeffrey Tucker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Philip Nash, Illinois Institute of Technology
This is a study of the physical properties of the compounds Fe2VSn and Fe2VAl, both of which are
Heusler alloys. Heusler alloys are metal compounds, usually of the form X2YZ, where X and Y are
transition metals and Z is in the groups III-V. They are defined by their crystalline structure and
ferromagnetism, which is measured by attraction to common magnets, despite not having any
ferromagnetic components. Certain Heusler alloys have been shown useful in advanced medical
technology, including that which is used in heart surgery. We investigated the thermodynamic and
physical properties of these compounds, including heat of formation specific heat, density, crystalline
structure, melting point, and hardness. The thermodynamic properties were measured with calorimeters,
which detect minute changes in temperature to measure heat differences in our compounds, both from
formation and from melting. The purpose of this study was to contribute to a large collaboration gathering
similar data on different compounds. These results show that both compounds are Heusler. Neither
compound has any foreseeable industrial or commercial uses, but our collected data has contributed to a
worldwide study.
62
E06
Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Presenter(s)
Daniel Rosenthal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
The efficient formation of silicon organized nanostructures is highly desired due to the potential
applications in fields ranging from solar energy conversion to chemical and biological sensing. The goal
of this project is fabricating silicon micro and nanostructure by metal-assisted chemical etching. The
silicon micro and nanostructures fabrication involves two important steps: patterning the metal layer by
optical, interference and e-beam lithography and silicon etching with a solution containing HF and H2O2.
The Silicon nanostructures are initially patterned by e-beam lithography. It was observed during etching
that the patterning metals, gold and platinum, had the tendency to delaminate from the silicon. We found
that a very thin layer of 1.5 nm titanium as an adhesion layer for noble metals prevents the metal from
detaching from the silicon and greatly improves the accuracy of the patterns etched. After etching, the
metal can be used as a base plate for electroplating, having formed silicon nanostructures as a mold.
Improved accuracy of etching and thus electroplating allows the fabrication of sophisticated devices, such
as highly accurate Fresnel zone plates, diffractive lenses for focusing X-rays for microanalysis,
microspectroscopy, and microdiffraction.
63
E07
The Effects of Cost on Metal-Organic Framework Efficiency
Presenter(s)
Justin Sass, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yifu Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Snurr, Northwestern University
Emmanouil Tyllianakis, Northwestern University
Scientists are looking to replace fossil fuels with other sources of energy, like hydrogen. Storing Hydrogen is the bottleneck for this application, and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are materials that can offer a solution to this direction. MOFs, can store not only hydrogen but also other light gases of environmental interest. This investigation intended to find a correlation between the cost of the materials used to synthesize MOFs and their performance efficiency, hoping to minimize cost while maximizing efficiency. Scholarly articles were used to find MOF syntheses. MOF costs were obtained by searching up each compound on EM Science or Sigma Aldrich. An excel spreadsheet that includes the names of the MOFs, the articles they are mentioned in, and the prices excel spreadsheet that includes the name MOFs, articles they are mentioned in, and prices per gram was made to record the data. Calculations were performed using the force field, charge, and type of atom on each MOF to obtain the performance of these materials to store light gases like methane at 298oK. The MOFs' surface area and free volume were calculated using the material framework coordinates taken from Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre and Materials Studio. The resulting spreadsheet, correlates synthesis cost of these materials with their properties and storage capacities. This investigation is a step towards finding materials for environmental applications like replacing fossil fuels with a better alternative.
64
E08
A Novel Method for Drug Delivery Using Toroidal-Spiral Particles: A Potential Treatment for
Cancer
Presenter(s)
Navika Shukla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ying Liu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Vishal Sharma, University of Illinois at Chicago
Current methods of brain tumor treatment require the use of synthetic implants, which are only capable of
carrying one type of treatment, either an anti-angiogenesis factor or a neoplastic agent. Our novel
toroidal-spiral particle aims to provide a synergistic environment in which the effects of both the antiangiogenesis
factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and the neoplastic agent,
camptothecin-11, can be combined within a polymer (polyethylene glycol) for a more effective cancer
treatment. The novelty of our particle resides in its toroidal-spiral shape, which allows the VEGRF-2 and
camptothecin-11 to reside in the open channels within the particle, and therefore prevents destruction of
the proteins as is usually the case when polymers are used to encapsulate the drugs. The encapsulation
occurs in two phases, the bulk phase and drop phase. The polymeric particle is then cross-linked with a
photo-initiator and ultra-violet light. Thus far, we have determined that the particle is capable of
sustained, targeted release of the anti-angiogenesis factor and neoplastic agent within cell culture. The
next steps would involve determining the effects of the toroidal-spiral particle within various other
models, including animal models.
E09
Synthesizing a Library of Combinatorial Catalysts on Surfaces
Presenter(s)
Aaron Yu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Guoliang Liu, Northwestern University
Chad Mirkin, Northwestern University
Sarah Petrosko, Northwestern University
Combinatorial catalysis is a powerful approach to discover and screen chemical compounds and materials
with novel and/or enhanced catalytic properties. Existing methods such as bulk synthesis and thin film
deposition are limited either in their throughput or the materials gap between the model catalysts and the
ones used in practical application. Therefore, we have to develop a novel process which has a high
throughput and can bridge the materials gap in current process. Previously, we have shown that dip-pen
nanolithography (DPN) can be used to pattern various single-element nanoparticles on silicon nitride
membrane, including noble metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) and three-dimensional transitional
metals oxides (Fe2O3, Co2O3, NiO, CuO). Our research here focuses on growth of bimetallic nanoparticles
from individual patterned seed nanoparticles, for instance, growth platinum on gold. We show that the
following parameters, the consistency of particle patterned using DPN, the particle growth time, and the
solution concentration, are critical in creating core-shell nanoparticles with high quality. We find that
longer growth time and higher solution concentration result in more deposited materials. The synthesis
method that we have developed here can be potentially extended to other bimetallic nanoparticles, and
used for combinatorial catalysis.
65
F01
Analyzing and Testing the Monte Carlo Algorithm in the Game of Go
Presenter(s)
Advitheey Chelikani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The game of Go is one of the only competitively played board games to not have a computer player that
can consistently defeat professional level players. The reason for this lies in the vast possibility of moves
that can be played each turn. The characteristics of the game of Go were used in order to implement and
analyze the Monte Carlo Go algorithm. The Monte Carlo algorithm was chosen because it does not
require specific input and because it generates generally strategic moves. Open source computer Go
programs were examined, slightly modified, and then tested against each other through Gomill, a Python
library. The Monte Carlo algorithm applied to Go involves playing out random moves from a certain
position. The move which results in the most optimal future result for the player is chosen and the
algorithm is then repeated each turn. In addition to scrutinizing algorithms, a Python library containing
Go game rules is being developed in order to aid future programmers. On a large scale, this outcome
indicates that the machine may come out on top in the ongoing face off between man and machine.
F02
Integrating and Simplifying Access to IMSA Information Technology Resources
Presenter(s)
Ryan Eberhardt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Milosz Kowal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralph Flickinger, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Steven Terrell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Fred Yankowski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The current access to Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s (IMSA) information technology (IT)
resources is fragmented across many platforms and services, making students' work inefficient and timeconsuming.
Our investigation focuses on addressing these issues through the development of a single
multi-platform user interface aided by campus-wide surveys and beta testing. An initial questionnaire was
sent out to the student body, asking students to gauge their current satisfaction with IMSA's IT services.
Questions assessed the satisfaction, frequency and purpose of usage of a particular service. For example,
questions regarding the user-friendliness of the print server were asked, as well as questions assessing
whether or not students utilize the community directory. The responses, combined with feedback received
during a private beta testing stage, where a randomly selected group of students was asked to examine a
series of wireframes, guided the development of the software. Preliminary results show that students are
dissatisfied with the current condition of the information technology environment and that the developed
software will increase the students' productivity and efficiency when utilizing the IMSA IT resources.
66
F03
Developing a Commercial Android Application for a Nonprofit Organization
Presenter(s)
Amanda Gao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kristen Mancini, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Debbi Daniel-Wayman, Ten Thousand Villages
John Hayward, Wheaton College
Alissa Maas, Wheaton College
In recent years, the popularity of smartphones has rapidly grown and Android has emerged as a
forerunner in application development. Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit fair trade organization, and
other businesses can use smartphone applications to allow their products to reach a wider audience. This
investigation focused on developing an Android application after we became proficient in the Java
language. Our learning focused on the use of three interfaces: Java code, Extensible Markup Language,
and the graphical user interface. Our application was developed using Eclipse software and was tested on
various Android devices including the T-Mobile HTC G2 and the Asus Transformer TF-101 Tablet. We
created a working prototype which retrieves information from an online database via JavaScript Object
Notation and stores it in the Android SQLite database. It begins with a splash screen which opens to a list
of items. Each item can be selected to reveal detailed information and a larger image. We learned to make
our code structured more efficiently through refactoring. We hope to implement filtering by category and
allow automatic updates of the database for offline use. Our ultimate goal is to create an application that
Ten Thousand Villages can implement.
F04
Testing the Muon g-2 Experiment Simulation
Presenter(s)
Jackson Gibbons, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Lyon, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab, before it will be performed, must first be tested with a simulation
to ensure success. This simulation, which is still in development, must be tested in turn to ensure that new
developments have not made unintentional changes to established functionality. To accomplish this, I
coded unit and framework tests in C that run automatically within the Art framework. The unit tests
assess individual pieces of code, while the framework tests guarantee that the pieces of code work
together properly. Next, I coded framework configuration files, which configure the code and specify
parameter input and data and result output. Whenever the simulation code is built, it will be tested
automatically, to ensure that no changes to the code have compromised its functionality. This work will
help the Muon g-2 experiment prepare to run smoothly when data-taking begins in two years.
67
F05
Viability of Speech Recognition for Online Student Assessments
Presenter(s)
Saurabh Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joseph Dvorak, American Institutes for Research
Online standardized testing is becoming widely incorporated into American schools. The purpose of this
investigation is to assess whether speech recognition is viable for students who cannot use a mouse and
keyboard. Windows Speech Recognition and Dragon Naturally Speaking Premium and Professional
products were evaluated via dictation accuracy testing and analyses of difficulty levels when applied to
different test items. After necessary training, Dictation accuracy for Windows was 78 percent, whereas
Dragon's accuracy was 96 percent. Furthermore, while MouseGrid and Show Numbers of Windows
Speech Recognition provided overall navigation accessibility, Dragon Naturally Speaking's mouse
movement and macro creation capabilities simplified navigation strategies and provided easier
manipulation of simulation, drag and drop, and hot text items. However, natural language and rich text
items affected the psychometrics of the test for all recognizers tested. New speech-related simplifications
were then developed to reduce complications, such as command memorization or excessive mouse
movement apparent in existing mechanisms. The grid test item is currently undergoing an implementation
of these novel designs via modification of the JavaScript interface. Application of the prototype to the test
environment and its implications, such as the cocktail party effect, training required, and location of the
speech engine necessitate further consideration.
F06
Reusing Bandwidth to Maximize Speed and Coverage for the Growing Demand of Cellular
Customers
Presenter(s)
Mack Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Berry, Northwestern University
Vijay Subramanian, Northwestern University
The rapid advancement in cellular technology has caused an increase in demand for cellular data services.
The optimization of signal strength relative to interference using frequency reuse is crucial to meet this
demand. Frequency reuse is the idea of reusing bandwidth by non-adjacent transmitters. To investigate
systems that would achieve desired results, a functional simulation is necessary. Using MATLAB, we
were able to successfully create a simulation that models a modern cellular network in which nodes were
randomly deployed. Throughout this investigation, we implemented a variety of parameters into our
simulation such as noise, interference, density of users, and so forth. With this, we generated a variety of
plots ranging from distribution of signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio to three-dimensional plots of rate
outage versus power and bandwidth. From observing these plots and comparing them with analytic curves
(for validity), full reuse, using one channel within a system, is far superior to fractional reuse, using
multiple channels within a system, and delivers optimal results. Thus, by reusing frequencies, we can
maximize the performance of users in a region, as well as the efficiency in bandwidth allocation.
68
F07
Vehicle Automation During an Earthquake
Presenter(s)
Arthur Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Namrata Pandya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Autonomous vehicles represent a promising innovation for society. These vehicles can help people get
around more efficiently and could even save lives during earthquake situations. A robotic vehicle was
constructed with a VEX Robotics Design System kit and programmed with ROBOTC. Two challenge
scenarios were devised to assess the performance of the vehicle and its optimal responses. The first
scenario was dodging falling buildings; the second was navigating through obstacles. The success rate of
dodging a falling building, at an optimal event trigger distance, was 65% over forty attempts. Obstacle
navigation time difference between automated and optimal manual trials was negligible. These results can
provide data for vehicle companies to implement automatic functions during earthquakes into vehicles.
These vehicles can optimize people's chance of survival during an earthquake.
F08
Creating a Novel Back-End Database for the Open Tree of Life Project
Presenter(s)
Jingfei Li
Hyun Bin Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Ree, Field Museum
The Open Tree of Life project has the goal of creating a collaborative tool for use in compiling various
phylogenetic trees for all species. The back-end of the database currently uses a relational database. A
graph database, which stores nodes and multiple relationships between nodes as opposed to linear
connections, is preferred to a relational database due to simplicity and speed. In this investigation, we
created a set of working programs that successfully reads Newick string (a systematic text format for
evolutionary trees), and stores nodes and relationships to a graph database. The program then determines
certain characteristics of the tree, prioritizes the important information within the tree, and outputs code to
render a scalable vector graphic. The new code that uses the graph database allows for less storage space
and faster access times, resulting in a resource-efficient back-end for the project.
69
F09
Improving the Clinical Trials Process Through Efficient Collection and Storage of Protocol
Elements
Presenter(s)
Pratyush Rustagi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samuel Volchenboum, University of Chicago
The development of industry-sponsored, consortium-driven, or investigator-initiated clinical trials is
hampered by an inefficient, antiquated, paper-driven, error-prone system. A more efficient, electronic
method of data storage for clinical trial elements will drive downstream processes. A granular
understanding of the current processes required for clinical trial approval by the Institutional Review
Board at the University of Chicago is required. The process has many steps and includes many people
working in different groups. Interaction between and among these groups is required to connect the
elements needed to simplify the clinical trial approval process. Through conversations with the Office of
Clinical Research, we have identified many redundancies and inefficiencies. In response, we will be
developing a semi-automated system that eliminates a substantial amount of human involvement, thus
reducing the time required to complete trial approval. Still in progress, this project involves research
beyond the school year for adequate completion. The current project is focused on finishing, collecting,
and mapping the entire clinical trial approval process at the University of Chicago. Pending successful
completion of the first step, there may be opportunities for student involvement in the implementation of
a pilot system that corrects a subset of these inefficiencies.
F10
Gathering Open Source Intelligence for Criminal Investigations
Presenter(s)
Andrew Schell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Bondi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brad Carnduff, Illinois State Police
Open source intelligence, or OSINT, is comprised of data obtained through any sources legally available
to the public. Today, OSINT is not widely used in criminal investigations, and this investigation
determined how OSINT could be used by law enforcement in order to advance an investigation by
providing information unavailable through traditional methods of investigating. To do this, the
investigators researched techniques such as searching, viewing data from images, GPS tracking, and
cross-referencing numerous sources to find and analyze information on social media, images, and videos,
search engines, blogs, and websites. The criteria for determining viable sources of OSINT were the
amount of information discovered, how easy the source was to use, and if the data could assist an
investigation. What the researchers determined was that the best way to contribute to a criminal
investigation was through multiple different sources and using a variety of techniques. The sources and
techniques analyzed throughout this investigation are easy to use, making them perfect for introductory
level law enforcement officers. The next step is to create a video for law enforcement officers that do not
specialize in technology. This video will detail different scenarios where OSINT can be used in order to
aid a criminal investigation.
70
F11
An Algorithmic Implementation of the Bollinger Band Approximation
Presenter(s)
Michael Zeng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
Sergiy Mesropyan, Aardvark Trading LLC
Dennis Wang, Aardvark Trading LLC
Algorithmic trading has been an integral aspect of investing since the early 1970s when it was introduced
to the New York Stock Exchange. As a technical analysis tool created by John Bollinger, the Bollinger
Bands provide a relative approximation of the highness and lowness of a stock price using standard
deviation and moving averages. My investigation created and implemented a method to algorithmically
analyze and execute trades based on the Bollinger Band approximation. Using C, the programming
standard of the trading world, I built off a sample program provided by the Interactive Brokers application
programming interface. This program projected the Bollinger Band approximation onto real market data,
by subscribing to market data functions provided by the Interactive Brokers server. When the price of a
stock hit either one standard deviation above the moving average or one standard deviation below the
moving average, the program would request a trade at those prices and sell when the price hit the moving
average. This investigation has implications in being able to not only model stock prices, but, if this
pattern holds, this elegant, pattern-recognizing algorithm can help us better understand the world in which
we live.
G01
The Congressional Budget Office and Their Accuracy in Deficit Prediction
Presenter(s)
Samuel Krause, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) was created to be a department of government that would
provide non-partisan economic analysis about bills proposed to Congress, providing an alternate
economic perspective on proposed bills. Another main task the CBO has is to periodically release
documents that show the state of the economy as well as make forecasts as to what will happen if current
economic trends continue. My research has been focused around examining the accuracy of the CBO in
deficit prediction by finding predicted value for the deficit and comparing that value to what the real
deficit was that year. This research has shown that the Executive Branch has been more accurate than the
CBO (.0025%) in predicting the deficit over the course of twenty-four years. Although unexpected, this is
most likely due to a tendency of the Administration to make optimistic forecasts and the CBO to make
pessimistic ones. The slight difference in actual forecasted deficits results from the tendency of the
Administration to forecast a lower unemployment rate than the CBO.
71
G02
Machine Learning Algorithms for Bidding in Auctions
Presenter(s)
Andrew Kuznetsov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jason Hartline, Northwestern University
Online auctions are applied in such diverse markets such as Federal Communication Commision
spectrum, sponsored search, and consumer products. Similar to human bidders on websites such as Ebay,
machine learning algorithms are capable of dynamically learning information about bidding situations by
analyzing adversary bids from past auctions. This investigation developed algorithms for learning how to
bid and evaluated them in bidding simulations. The amount of information available to the machine
learning algorithm impacts its ability to learn well. Two models were considered: in the first, bids of all
bidders are reported and in the second, only the identity of the winner is reported. The learning algorithms
were evaluated in two strategic scenarios. In the first scenario, the algorithms were learning to bid in a
first price auction where the opponent bids were selected from a static distribution. In the second scenario,
the machine learning algorithm was evaluated bidding against itself in a simulated first-price auction.
Preliminary analyses show that the learning algorithm was able to consistently approximate within five
percent of the theoretically calculated optimal bid strategy within twenty auctions under the complete
information static distribution scenario. Future work in this project includes comparing the performance
of human bidders to the algorithm.
G03
National Oil Companies
Presenter(s)
Christine Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ashley Radee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Heidi Warning, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
National oil companies (NOCs) are responsible for the majority of the oil production in the world. These
state owned enterprises, operated either directly or indirectly by the government, are often the largest
contributor to their country's economy. However, these companies have inherent structural defects
relating to their level of corruption, efficiency, and sustainability. NOCs are effective means for states to
control resource wealth but are ineffective in promoting innovation and efficiency. Looking at different
examples of companies and their motivations and behaviors, it was determined that national oil
companies are economically inefficient from a shareholder's perspective. In states with NOCs, the
political motivations of a government are inseparable from their business administrations. While NOCs
act as powerful state tools, they include drawbacks that make it impossible to maintain a competitive
atmosphere for innovation and globalization. However, when reevaluated from a stakeholder perspective,
the role of NOCs as both provider and protector of their countries' best interest becomes apparent.
72
G04
How Does the Ineffectiveness of Greek Government Contribute to the European Crisis?
Presenter(s)
Phuong Vo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Trouble in the US, beginning in 2007, affected the global economy. One of the issues that emerged was
the Euro Crisis, which affected Greece the most. In 2009, Greece was revealed to have been
misrepresenting its financial status, especially in the field of banking. My investigation includes the use of
popular media along with scholarly sources. In addition, my advisor serves as a crucial component in my
understanding of this predicament. I have hypothesized that the corruption in the Greek government
caused their country to become the most unstable within the Euro Zone. Under the leadership of
Germany, the Euro Zone countries have helped Greece by lending it additional funds as well as forgiving
some of its debt. However, Greece's government has neither the resources nor the integrity to improve its
economy's current condition. In order to rebuild the nation, political and economic structures will require
change. The present situation in Greece could serve as a warning to other countries that have a corrupt
government, for results of economic weakness may be catastrophic. The larger lesson to be learned is that
the Euro Zone needs to strengthen its ability to respond to crises, and better improve its fiscal policy.
H01
How to Change the World: Redefining Effective Assessment Practices of Twenty-First Century
Skills in Specialized Domestic and International Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)
Ashima Gupta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
As educators rush to adopt the Common Core student learning standards which focus on curriculum
content, business leaders and innovators advocate for students to learn twenty-first century skills
including leadership, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication. To assess the extent
to which these skills are taught and assessed in the United States and international schools, I have
reviewed curriculum documents, published goals, and, when available, tests and instructional practices.
This review along with results from a survey of high school teachers regarding the quality and necessity
of twenty-first century skills has shown that, although lip service is given to the importance of twentyfirst
century skills and that teachers express a desire to teach them, there is little evidence in most schools
that they are present in the curriculum, taught in classes, or assessed in any formal, systemic manner.
Through this research I have developed a set of recommendations for schools that will enable them to
incorporate twenty-first century skills into curriculum, instruction, and assessment along with
recommended resources for this endeavor.
73
H02
The Effect of Religiosity Upon the Enacted Curricula of Illinois High Schools
Presenter(s)
Anton Karpovich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah Scarano, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The battle over the teaching of evolution in classrooms is not new; it began with the Scopes Monkey
Trial. And recently, America's Political Right is weighing proposals that question the science of
evolution. Despite the controversy, a review of the literature found that few studies had analyzed the
influence that a community's religion had on the science curricula enacted in its high schools. This study
used data on the religious makeup of each county in Illinois, and the Survey of Enacted Curriculum data
containing detailed breakdowns of science subjects taught in Illinois schools, and their correlation to
national standards and test scores. The data from these sources was analyzed with a multiple regression to
determine how much of the variance in the science curricula could be explained by variation in
religiosity. Although most variables were not influenced by religiosity, highly evangelical counties had
lower emphasis on communicating understanding (R²=0.130, p=0.026), with the same counties also
having marginally significant trends toward higher PISA scores (R²=0.084, p=0.061). Parochial schools
did not have significantly different curricula than public schools (T=1.013, p=0.311). This study found
that the religious makeup of a community did not have a large effect on science curricula.
I01
An Exploration Into Altitude and Ascent Rate Control System Design in High Altitude Balloons
Presenter(s)
Michael Adams, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Daniel Francis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jennifer Hoelzer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
When compared to orbiting satellites, high altitude balloons are an effective option for gathering
meteorological and astronomical data, and cost much less. In order to further increase their effectiveness,
this investigation explored design options for a system that would control altitude and ascent rate in High
altitude balloons. After time spent on background research, we decided to use a computer-controlled
ballast release system. Several different designs were constructed and tested both in the lab and in
stratospheric flight. Challenges included optimizing volume to surface area ratio, ballast determination,
design of release mechanism, and software design. The design characteristics found most effective were a
ball valve controlled by an Arduino and stepper motor attached to a square prismatic ballast tank.
Through multiple tests this design shows potential and is an indicator that further ascent rate control is
possible. If we were to continue our research further, we would refine our methods that have proven
effective in the lab to create a working system for ascent control.
74
I02
Advancing Communication for the Disabled
Presenter(s)
Kendell Byrd, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Each year approximately 5,600 people are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a
neurodegenerative disorder that makes it progressively harder for people to communicate and function.
Inspired by the efforts of people afflicted with ALS to lead a normal life, this year my investigation
focused on the following question: "What device(s) can I create that will allow the disabled, specifically
those who lack the usage of their voice box and arms, to communicate effectively." This investigation is
researching the possibility of constructing a brain-computer interface device that utilizes
electroencephalography (EEG) technology to utilize the brain as a control device. Additionally, this
project is focused on working with existing EEG devices and focused on the prospects of designing an
inexpensive eye gaze control device. By combining these two devices and developing an integrated
software system, this device would allow a person to efficiently select letters and make words using their
brain and eyes. Ultimately, by using computer speakers and standard text to speech capabilities, the user
will be able to actually speak to people despite their disability, improving communication for the world.
I03
Evolving the Touch Pad to Create New Environments
Presenter(s)
Brian Chien, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Edward Colgate, Northwestern University
Smart technology is constantly evolving to improve interaction between humans and mechatronic
devices. While touch and sight were effective in the early years, a revolutionary new field known as
haptics responds to the human touch. Currently, the Laboratory of Intelligent Mechanical Systems at
Northwestern University is devising a way to utilize human touch by altering the levels of friction on the
touch pad as the finger slides across on the Kindle Fire TPaD. To do this, a modified touchpad with
piezoelectric actuators is attached to the hardware. Then, the Android coding involved utilizes the
modifications to send a frictional response after receiving a physical input. One application that utilizes
the TPaD is a dynamic slider, where a general piecewise function calculating amplitude from the slider
value, number of indents, and indent width is used to determine the level of friction on the TPaD as the
finger is at a certain position on the slider. The program is currently being modified so that the friction
can be measured in a sinusoidal function or sent from a physical input anywhere on the screen. In the
future, these functions may be frictional changes to regular Android applications for commercial use and
development.
75
I04
Decreasing Noise Produced by Wind Turbine Blades While Preserving Efficiency
Presenter(s)
Evan Derse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The investigation was begun collaboratively with students in China to work towards developing wind
turbines. The investigation concerns reducing noise produced by wind turbines, as this can be a major
annoyance and a potential limiting factor in the placement of wind turbines. Wind turbines and turbulence
patterns were researched before designs were developed in Autodesk Inventor computer-aided design
software. These designs were printed using a three-dimensional printer. Additionally computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) tests were run using Autodesk Simulation CFD to analyze turbulence patterns generated
by the turbines. The main structure being tested that modifies traditional wind turbine design is a flared
turbine blade tip to break up the swirling turbulence patterns formed by the blade tip's motion. The
investigation began testing in China, where three turbines were tested for efficiency and found that the
experimental blade generated more energy than the control. However, there were some questions as to the
accuracy of the tests. More preliminary testing was conducted on two of the turbines, but no meaningful
data resulted due to errors in testing methods. The investigation will continue to improve its testing
methods and work toward gathering meaningful data from which conclusions can be drawn.
I05
Investigating and Evaluating Roller Coaster Propulsion and Energetics
Presenter(s)
Claire Hensley, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Many roller coaster enthusiasts are familiar with the concept that the first hill on a roller coaster is always
the tallest because of the frictional loss of mechanical energy. Traditional chain lift motors are slow and
spatially demanding, but the introduction of alternative methods of propulsion would rectify these and
other impracticalities. Initially, we focused on investigating and evaluating different propulsion methods
for the optimal ride. We first consulted literature on the subject and took a tour of Six Flags Great
America with one of their electrical engineers. In order to evaluate chain lifts and investigate the
energetics of roller coasters, a K'NEX model roller coaster was constructed. We measured height at
regular intervals along the track and that data was used to predict velocities at each interval. Actual
velocity measurements allowed us to quantify the frictional loss of kinetic energy. A model linear
induction motor was also constructed and we performed measurements to determine efficiency and
energy output. The data from these two models will be used in the final propulsion method evaluation and
explanation.
76
I06
The Design and Development of a Stair Climbing Robot
Presenter(s)
Valerie Moore, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robots can move horizontally without much difficulty, but they cannot yet move vertically with ease. The
goal of the project is to design and build a robot that can climb stairs, the most common form of vertical
movement used by humans. Beginning with brainstorming, a basic idea of the robot was formed.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software, Autodesk Inventor 2013, was used to create a three-dimensional
virtual model of the robot. The three-dimensional CAD program was used to create part files that were cut
out using the computer numerical control machine. A three-dimensional printer was used to print out
wheels for the robot. A programmed arduino runs four servos that drive the robot. Due to cost constraints
and the availability of parts, a 4:1 scaled model was constructed. A scale model of the stairs was
constructed for testing. The next steps in this process would include building a full scale robot and
making the bed stay level while the robot climbs the stairs.
I07
Design and Analysis of a Low Speed Solar Vehicle That Effectively Functions in a Rural or
Suburban Environment
Presenter(s)
Sreyesh Satpathy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dayal Parthi, National Institute of Technology
This investigation aimed to develop a low-cost, low speed solar vehicle. This vehicle was developed to be
effective in Rourkela, Orissa, India, a suburban area which has electricity for most of the day, but suffers
from power outages due to a lack of infrastructure and a relatively weak grid. The team tested different
methods of increasing the efficiency of the vehicle while focusing on a design that could be implemented
at a low financial cost of about $8000, to be able to run at speeds below 40 km/h, and to be able to take
people around with lightweight baggage. Then a survey was performed to analyze the strengths and
weaknesses of the vehicle, and possible changes that should be made to future applications. The final
product was deemed a success by the team and the people surveyed.
77
I08
A Novel Design for Measuring Field Programmable Gate Array Radiation Tolerance
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
A field programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit, designed to be configured by users after
manufacturing, hence field programmable. The ability to update the functionality after shipping enables
FPGAs to be used in a growing range of applications, such as digital signal processing, medical imaging,
computer vision, speech recognition, bioinformatics, and metal detection. The use of FPGAs also plays an
integral part in the Mu2e project at Fermi National Acceleration Laboratory. Several FPGA chips were
irradiated in a nuclear reactor in University of California at Davis with radiation dosages of 2x1012 to
2x1014 neutrons/cm2 which is equivalent to the two years of radiation a FPGA chip will receive on the
Mu2e detector. The resulting firmware provides a reliable and cost-efficient way to test the functionality
of FPGA chips after having undergone harsh conditions that are not limited to irradiation. This research
successfully predicted the radiation tolerance level of FPGA chips and supports the hypothesis that a
radiation dosage of 2x1013 n/cm2 is safe for the FPGA chips to be used in the Mu2e project.
I09
Automatic Compensation for Cable Time Delay in Field Programmable Gate Arrays
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
FPGAs are susceptible to delay in information delivery. Delays between sending and receiving, results
from numerous factors which can impact the reliability and integrity of an FPGA's data collection. Time
delay can cause inconsistency in data collected. This design project endeavored to develop an effective
method of determining and compensating for time delay between sending and receiving modules.
Designing and building a firmware required ALTERA's circuit design building program (Quartus II 9.1
sp2 Web Edition) and Cyclone III FPGA chips. The circuit description consists of two major types of
logic blocks: phase-locked loops (PLL) and time-to-digital converter (TDC) blocks. Using PPL, clock
skew caused by unstable communication signals can be minimized. Using TDC, cable delay can be
compensated for. Combined, the final circuit description can align both the leading edge and mean-time
reference of the sending and receiving signals. The final circuit description allows automatic
compensation for time delay from cables by realigning the sending and receiving signals to share the
same mean time reference. As a research and development project, the description may be ported to other
larger designs where code is shared.
78
I10
Trapezoidal Clocking in Maintaining Isochronous Circuits
Presenter(s)
Kevin Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jin Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Clocking schemes within circuits are crucial to ensuring that all signals are transmitted and received at the
correct time. Within large detectors, built for responding to the smallest pieces of matter, any small
malfunction in the clock distribution could cause missed detections and false alarms. A completely
isochronous circuit is therefore crucial, and factors affecting the clock distribution include heat, cable
length, and cable loss. This paper examines trapezoidal clocking as a possible solution. Trapezoidal
clocking uses trapezoidal pulses and sums the leading and trailing slopes to create a new waveform with
isochronal zero crossings. Trapezoidal clocking can also be achieved with lossless cables and any odd
function's pulses, not only trapezoidal pulses. By using a series of field programmable gated arrays, we
were able to test the effectiveness of the trapezoidal clocking system in maintaining an effective,
isochronous circuit. Looking at data collected from oscilloscopes, we find that trapezoidal clocking does
maintain isochronous signals.
J01
Science Fiction and Fantasy Genre Devices Allow Authors' Self-Expression
Presenter(s)
Kirstyn Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Science fiction and fantasy allow us to express ourselves more easily, permitting authors to insert
commentary on our society hidden within their work. In this investigation, works by various writers from
these genres were read in order to evaluate if science fiction and fantasy better lend themselves to a more
liberal form of expression than mainstream fiction. The final list consisted of Isaac Asimov, Ursula
LeGuin, Peter Beagle, and Neil Gaiman. These authors were chosen based on the availability of
biographical information and short, manageable stories. From here, the authors' biographies were
searched for significant life experiences, personality traits, and portrayals of themselves within their work.
A working definition of science fiction and fantasy was formed. The stories were then analyzed for
allegorical and symbolic meaning. Further study in this field advances our knowledge in the creative mind
and allows us to further understand these authors and their chosen genres. This study is important because
it allows us to expand our understanding of science fiction and fantasy and why authors are drawn to
these genres versus the mainstream.
79
J02
The Methods of Characterization and Plot Development of an Adult Level Science Fiction Novel
Presenter(s)
Alexander Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Erin Micklo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
My study was based on writing fifty pages of a science fiction novel in order to study characterization and
plot development therein, alongside external research. The results produced detailed information about
characterization and plot development. The former was found to be built by a character's actions,
dialogue, thoughts, and description, from most to least effective in that order. I learned specific methods
such as flashbacks, high pressure decisions, and dialogue-driven conflict to accomplish this. Plot
development was driven by a loop from the environment and other characters making an effect, characters
reacting to it, something else happening, and then characters reflecting and possibly changing because of
it. Specific methods learned to accomplish this include a character accidentally making a change,
misinterpretation of events, and contrasting beliefs emerging across numerous characters. A duality was
found between the two, where plot was driven by characters, and characters came to fruition through the
plot. These results illustrate the mechanisms utilized by all works of literature to portray realistic
characters in an interesting plot, while keeping the reader interested and entertained throughout.
J03
Blood Money: Death, Financial Gain, and Morality in the Gothic Novel
Presenter(s)
Anna Melberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Kotlarczyk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gothic literature has evolved from its German bone rattling and chain shaking origins seen in The Castle
of Otranto (1764) to psychological horror made famous by Edgar Allen Poe to disillusioning southern
gothic novels such as Absalom, Absalom! (1936) by William Faulkner and into modern iterations
exemplified by Blood Meridian (1985) by Cormac McCarthy. I examine a relationship between literature
and economics defined by Michael Watts in The Literary Book of Economics. Using a New Historical
approach to review twelve geographically and temporally diverse gothic novels, I identify economic gains
made by characters. I find that the roots of these gains are the deaths of innocent, secondary characters
who fall in the crossfire of the fight between the villain and the hero. Fallen characters who are perceived
as evil still yield economic gain to the protagonists, but these rewards have their own consequences on the
main characters' lives. This study concludes that the deaths of minor characters lead to substantial
increases in wealth, suggesting that life has a monetary value, and that the integrity of the deceased
correlates with the size of the fortune inherited by the protagonist.
80
J04
The Written Aspect Analysis of Performance Poetry
Presenter(s)
Addison Schwaller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Gleason, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poetry is found in many media and locations, such as poetry readings and slam competitions.
Performance poetry is known for its lively, theatrical style of presentation. Instead of analyzing the
performance aspect, this study recorded and analyzed the occurrence of literary devices contained in the
written aspect of performance poetry; that data set was compared to that of selected printed poetry. The
performance poems were selected if a video of their performance had an average of over sixty thousand
views a year. The transcripts were examined so that literary characteristics in each poem could be
compared. The current data shows that all poems included enriching poetical devices, and, in fact,
performance poems averaged more of these overall than printed poems. This counters the popular belief
that the strongest part of performance poetry lies in the performance; if a poem is composed poorly, the
performance is not likely to substitute. Through data collection it has been noted that poetic styles differ
from one another in the sample; differing amounts of various literary devices are utilized. Performance
poetry does not lack these devices when compared to the rich literary devices normally associated solely
with printed poetry.
K01
The Effects of Brand Name Root Stimulants Versus Their Active Ingredients on Germinated Corn
Plants
Presenter(s)
Simone Alexandrova, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Marco Medina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Julie Polz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
For many years farmers and plant enthusiasts have looked for methods that will yield the biggest,
healthiest plants, in the shortest time. We have looked for cheaper alternatives to what these planters are
currently using. We researched and chose to use the most popular and best-rated root stimulants as well as
their active ingredients. We then grew corn plants, waiting for them to germinate before beginning to
water them with the commercial root stimulant solutions and their active ingredient counterparts. Each
trial lasted approximately six weeks, during which we tracked the plants' growth by taking them out of the
vermiculite and replanting them after measuring their mass, root length and total length (the combined
root and stem length). In general, plants grown using just the active ingredient solutions were healthiest,
having the longest lengths and heaviest masses. For example, the brand name root stimulant RootBoost
had an average total length of 163 mm. In comparison, the plants watered with vitamin B1 (the active
ingredient in RootBoost) had an average total length of 417 mm. Since it is cheaper to manufacture these
individual active ingredients, planters could save a lot of money by switching to them.
81
K02
A Comparison in Environmental Education: Aurora, Illinois and Beijing, China
Presenter(s)
Lydia Auch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grace DiCecco, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenzo Esquivel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aracelys Rios, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
As climate change threatens to alter every aspect of society, environmental awareness is extremely
relevant to our world. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) and the High School
Affiliated to Renmin University of China (RDFZ), as premier residential schools, have a responsibility to
instruct their students on how to positively influence people in order to improve the quality of life on our
planet. We, with collaboration from RDFZ students, assessed the carbon footprint of school buildings and
examined environmental education programs and legislation. Through comparison of greenhouse gas
emissions we found that at IMSA we produced a larger footprint than our counterparts in Beijing.
However, differences could be explained by the type of building measured as well as measurement
procedures. In addition, through our review of current environmental education programs and legislation
in Illinois, we found that while programs are in place, many consist of suggestions and lack mandatory
aspects, which prevents maximum efficacy. From our research we were able to provide recommendations
on improving the environmental literacy with implications for the larger state of environmental education;
reducing the carbon footprint of IMSA residence halls through their renovation; and implementing
effective initiatives to increase student awareness.
82
K03
Increasing Diversity in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Prairie: Preliminary
Findings
Presenter(s)
Sarah Blanco, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Clare Leahy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean Bigger, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The restoration of the IMSA Prairie contributes to the effort of reestablishing native Illinois
environments. As a continuation of last year's project, we identified plants and researched possible
additions for expansion. We additionally burned the prairie for the second time in three years. We
assembled a group of volunteers and burned based on methods typical in prairie burns. We identified
plants using images of prairie specimens and field guides and consulted a variety of literary sources for
researching new plants. We also added an additional nineteen plants to the IMSA Prairie Digital Field
Guide, with twelve plants in the process of identification, and are working to standardize entries in the
Field Guide. We also compiled a list of eleven potential plants beneficial for the prairie's diversity and are
currently mapping where to plant these based on elevation maps. The effects of the burn will not be fully
assessed until next year, but our initial assessment supplemented by additional research is that subsequent
burns should take place in the spring to maximize effectiveness. As for plant additions, plants suited for
moist environments should be placed in the prairie slough while those suitable for drier environments
should be planted on the slopes.
K04
Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Presenter(s)
Anna Gupta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Lisk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
For over a billion people in developing countries, lack of sanitary water results in needless suffering and
death. In this investigation, our goal was to create a filter that would kill 99.9% of bacteria, produce 40 L
of water per day, and cost under $15. In order to construct this, we used the egg whites from one egg,
added approximately 30 ml of 0.1 M silver nitrate solution, poured the solution into a three inch diameter
plastic pipe with stainless steel mesh glued to the bottom, and lightly baked the filter. Kill rates were
determined by plating and counting the surviving Escherichia coli bacteria. In testing, our filters had kill
rates above the target, 99.9%, but had insufficient flow rates, below 0.25 L per day. Added hydrostatic
pressure, from 0.01 to 0.19 atm, subsequently improved the flow rates to 1-2 L per day. however,
excessive pressure extruded the egg patty and destroyed the filter. Determination of the kill rates under
increased pressure is ongoing. In addition, the filters also deteriorated and ceased to filter water if they
were left at room temperature without a sealed container for several days. Going forward, we seek to
improve our filter by increasing flow rate and improving the lifespan of the filter so that it can be used for
several months.
83
K05
Investigating the Feasibility of Green Roofs for Residential Applications
Presenter(s)
Anna Kryczka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Green roofs, a form of sustainable architecture, benefit the environment because they filter storm water,
reduce runoff, remove carbon dioxide from the air, reduce the urban heat island effect and last longer than
conventional roofs. Despite these advantages, green roofs have struggled to gain popularity, especially in
residential settings. To assess the efficiency of sloped green roofs, we constructed roof models and
compared the water retention capacity of a conventional model and various green roof models during
simulated rainfall. Also, by heating the attic space of the model and measuring temperature response, we
were able to calculate the R-value of a green roof in comparison to a conventional roof. Currently, further
experimentation is needed to achieve conclusive results. If we conclude that the sloped green roof models
have a significantly higher water retention capacity and better isolative properties than conventional roofs,
then this may indicate that green roofs are an efficient form of architecture even on sloped roofs. Since
many residential roofs are sloped, this study would advocate the feasibility of installing green roofs on
residential buildings.
K06
Influence of the Media on the Public Perception of Alternative Energy
Presenter(s)
Earl Justin Mangulabnan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Scott Zelman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The American public's perception of varied alternative energy strategies is heavily influenced by the
media. However, different media outlets often have financial or political motives that affect their
portrayal of specific issues. This study explores three different types of alternative energy: solar power,
nuclear energy, and hydraulic fracturing. Each of these energy strategies has recently received significant
media attention. The Japanese nuclear crisis and the bankruptcy of Solyndra drew significant news
coverage, and hydraulic fracturing was treated in Promised Land, a recent film. We analyze how each
story is portrayed by the media, and how it may have influenced American citizens and politicians. We
observed that the information released to the public is highly dependent on the political affiliation of the
news source. From the data gathered by this study, it cannot be determined that American governmental
actions are actually determined by the media. However, one could argue that many of the government's
decisions in response to the aforementioned alternative energy events may have been made solely for the
purpose of quelling public unrest caused by the media. As a result, we believe our study raises important
questions.
84
K07
Sustaining Plant Growth With an LED Array
Presenter(s)
Anthony Ortiz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jason Fatten, Ball Horticultural Company
Will Healy, Ball Horticultural Company
Margi Werderich, Ball Horticultural Company
One main variable a greenhouse grower cannot control is the sunlight intake of a plant or flower. The goal
of my project was to make an inexpensive array of LEDs that successfully controlled the light intake. I
built an array of LEDs and used a spectroradiometer to see the light intensity and different points on the
array. My initial readings on the edges of the array were between 50-70 PAR, and the readings in the
middle of the array were 100-110 PAR. I rearranged the lights so that the readings throughout all points
on the array were within 90-110 PAR. PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation, and is the
integral of power from 400-700nm in micromoles per square meter per second. Another factor I measured
is the heat the lights gave off and the amount of voltage used by the lights. Those measurements are being
made. Even before I embarked on this project, I knew that LED lights were a potential option for
greenhouse growers; by the end of my project, however, I will be able to determine if my method is both
efficient and sustainable.
K08
Enumeration of Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digesters Using Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization
Presenter(s)
Shreya Santhanam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Krishna Pagilla, Illinois Institute of Technology
Jai Prakash, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is a culture-independent approach that allows for the
phylogenetic identification, enumeration, and spatial arrangement of microorganisms. Using FISH one
can enumerate the amount of archaea and bacteria in anaerobic digester samples from a wastewater
treatment facility. The samples were fixed and then hybridized with fluorescent oligonucleotide probes.
Then images of the samples were taken using microscopy, and the amount of archaea and bacteria was
counted. The overall ratio of archaea to bacteria found in the samples was 284:289, almost 1:1. The
results support that archaea and bacteria work together in order to accomplish methanogenesis in the
anaerobic digester.
85
K09
Engineering a Better Phytoremediator
Presenter(s)
Samuel Walder, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aracelys Rios, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Phytoremediation is the removal of wastes from natural systems using plants. Phytoremediation of heavy
metals in water can be equally effective as traditional, expensive chemical methods. To find what makes a
good phytoremediator and how current phytoremediators can be improved upon, twenty-four Eichornia
crassipes, Typha domingensis, and Chlorophytum comosum hyperaccumulators were grown at IMSA and
a school in Beijing (RDFZ). Each plant's growth potential was restricted at a selected point, root, leaf, or
stem, and introduced to Cu2 ions. After analyzing the amount of waste removed per plant, we found that
phytoremediation is locked in the root system; large, fast-growing root systems are the key to
phytoremediation. In addition, large leaves and thick stems do not increase phytoremediation. These
results mean that some plants which might be considered good phytoremediators, like large willows, may
in fact be less efficient than counterparts with lower biomass but high root-to-plant biomass ratios, like
Sedum alfredii. These results have implications for the development of artificial phytoremediators
produced through genetic modification or man-made materials. High root-to-biomass ratio artificial
phytoremediators may represent a more effective, less costly option for waste-water treatment than
translocation-based systems.
L01
Examining Radical Ideology Among Immigrant Workers in Gilded Age and Progressive Era
Chicago
Presenter(s)
Nathan Huxtable, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chicago's Gilded Age and Progressive Era contained significant political and socioeconomic
contributions from radical organizations. However, these groups failed to capture the pervasive support of
immigrant worker populations in Chicago, suggesting to scholars that immigrants accepted the capitalistic
social structure. Yet by drawing upon primary and secondary literature in a case study of these Chicago
workers, these conjectures fail to characterize Chicago's radical-labor relationships. Instead, a few distinct
patterns emerge. Firstly, the immigrants of Packingtown and other ethnic neighborhoods did not accept
capitalism as a way of life. The presence of Chicago's radical organizations and worker participation in
labor organizations indicated a lack of simple acceptance of capitalistic socioeconomic structure. Second,
the efforts of radical organizations to organize workers proved insufficient, as worker participation in
radical groups lacked the influence to inspire a more pervasive support base. Finally, immigrants became
too divided as a population to exact any social change. The division of labor, substantial re-immigration
rates, and the social dynamics of ethnic neighborhoods contributed to this fractionalization. Moreover,
these interactions conveyed the dynamism of Gilded Age and Progressive Era labor relations. In a society
of ever-changing political and social dynamics, looking back in Chicago's past provides a lesson in social
organization.
86
L02
A Study on the Universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Presenter(s)
Jameson O'Reilly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Since its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR), signed by all UN member states, has played a key role in human rights law and
advocacy. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether it truly deserves the title of
Universal. The investigation began by using literature review and database searches to take a look at
several of the global belief systems in direct conflict with the UDHR, including Islam, Asian values, and
conscientious objection. It was found that many of these systems had only very specific objections to the
Declaration, and that a majority of the content of the document is uncontested. Although it is based on the
values of the Enlightenment in Western developed nations, people globally are calling for their rights as
outlined in the UN's Declaration. In fact, every nation recognized by the United Nations is held up to the
standards that the Declaration outlines, and it has been translated into over four hundred languages, the
most of any document. By examining these facts, this study helps to reinforce the concept that all men,
women, and children are created equally and are deserving of the same rights.
M01
Model of the Spread of West Nile Virus Outbreaks in the United States Based on Rate of Human
Incidences
Presenter(s)
Andrew Alonso-Emanuel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Stalmack, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
West Nile Virus has recently been in the news because the United States has been hit with the largest
outbreak ever since West Nile was first recorded in 1999. West Nile Virus outbreaks have been studied
extensively by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but focus on high population density
areas. In previous studies it was found that urbanized and agricultural habitats have the highest
transmission rates for the virus. Rather than using a traditional model based upon number of cases in an
area, I created a model using percent infected in an area. Areas with lower population that initially
appeared to be almost unaffected in a traditional map show different results with higher infection rates.
87
M02
Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of Calabi-Yau Manifolds
Presenter(s)
Lael Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Zaslow, Northwestern University
Many string theorists believe that the universe exists in ten dimensions of space-time. These are the
familiar four, along with an additional six that are compactified into tiny manifolds, causing distortion on
the subatomic level. We wished to better our understanding of the topological properties of those
manifolds, called Calabi-Yau manifolds, which are complex manifolds with the complex equivalent of
orientability. For this investigation, we are using the programming language Sage to build an algorithm
that computes the Betti numbers of a given polytope or space. The Betti numbers are a set of topological
invariants that refer to the number of unconnected spaces of given dimension. When it is finished, we will
apply the program to Calabi-Yau manifolds to expand our knowledge of the manifolds and gain a better
understanding for the mathematics of string theory. We have been working on the program as well as on
finding the Betti numbers of certain simpler Calabi-Yau manifolds by hand, such as the n-torus. A
topological understanding is key to analyzing such spaces rigorously. Our research will add to the
knowledge base regarding mathematical support for string theory.
M03
Using Geometry to Parameterize Rational Solutions to Algebraic Equations
Presenter(s)
Kevin He, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Izzet Coskun, University of Illinois at Chicago
In mathematics, finding solutions to difficult problems often requires the use of multiple perspectives.
Algebraic geometry demonstrates a great example, as geometry motivates methods for solving algebraic
equations. For example, quadratic equations can be solved using projection from a point. In this project,
we used parameters, or new variables used to express functions in different ways, to find solutions of low
degree equations in R2 using certain points on the corresponding curves. The points we used were
singularities, or solutions at which the curve crossed itself, for example, by looping. More specifically, we
parameterized quadratics, cubics with a node, quartics (polynomials of degree four) with three nodes,
quintics (polynomials of degree five) with six nodes, and quintics with three nodes and a triple point. We
are currently trying to generalize these methods to higher degree polynomials. Our study shows the
importance of singularities in understanding solutions of algebraic equations. It also shows how many
seemingly distinct fields in mathematics share common ideas and can be synthesized in an effective and
useful manner.
88
M04
Predicting a Breakout Season for Major League Baseball Players
Presenter(s)
Samuel Kaufman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Matthew Tennenhouse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
abermetrics is the search for objective knowledge, and the pinnacle of sabermetric aspirations is to
predict player's future performance. By cross-referencing past predictions with other projection systems
such as Marcel and PECOTA with the actual outcomes, we have determined each system's reliability and
hope to create a composite system that is more accurate than any of these individual components. This
type of work has implications in numerous fields in which prediction systems are common; a data analyst
could use these methods in order to create better predictions while personally using less computational
power. This enhanced projection system would be used to predict whether or not player X would have a
breakout season in a given year. We defined a breakout season as a player having a spike in performance
of more than twenty percent from the previous season in terms of runs created. Our enhanced projection
system could potentially help baseball programs improve development of rising players and may even
improve fantasy baseball owners' draft capabilities.
M05
Asymmetric Nature of Wireless Communications
Presenter(s)
Evan Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peng-Jun Wan, Illinois Institute of Technology
Interference is a fundamental property of wireless communications. It has the following asymmetric
nature: A group of links may transmit successfully at the same time, but their reverses, which are
typically used for the acknowledgements of the receptions, may not. In this project, I investigate such
asymmetric nature of wireless interference. Suppose that the interference radius of each wireless link is c
times its length for some constant c > 1. For c greater than or equal to 1 √2, I have discovered that for any
positive integer n, there is a group of n links which can be transmitted successfully, but their reverses
have pairwise interference. As the result, their reverses have to transmit one by one. When c is less than 1
√2, it remains open whether such scenario can happen or not. The findings could lead to deeper insight
into the asymmetric nature of wireless interference and help on the design of wireless communication
protocols.
89
M06
The Application of Markov Chains in Granite Formations
Presenter(s)
Suraj Sinha, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Somak Dutta, University of Chicago
Debashis Mondal, University of Chicago
When granite structures are formed under completely ideal conditions, the granular structures are
organized in the pattern of a reversible Markov Chain. When these ideal conditions are tampered with, the
structure of the granite is no longer organized in the pattern formed by a reversible Markov Chain.
Various methods can be used to test data similarity in the statistical world. The aim of this investigation
was to prove that Markov Chains are the most accurate method of representing the patterns present in
these granite structures. Various situations in the natural world require various modes of representation,
for example, in the situation of a coin flip, the Bernoulli Process is the most accurate method of predicting
the next outcome since every event in this experiment is independent; in the case of more complex
instances such as rain fall, it is evident that the events in the experiment are not independent and are in
fact, dependent upon each other. In order to put this dependency into consideration, Markov Chains are
optimal because they consider the probability of transition from one step to another. Through this
investigation, I have explored whether the formation of granite structures can be adequately represented
by Markov Chains.
90
N01
Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public Schools
Presenter(s)
Prachi Aggarwal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jenson Phung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shreya Santhanam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ashley Dyer, Northwestern University
Ruchi Gupta, Northwestern University
Chris Warren, Northwestern University
Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
The goal of this investigation was to increase awareness of asthma prevalence in Chicago Public Schools
(CPS) and describe the current asthma reporting process. Data regarding student medical status were
collected from two sources: 1) CPS health information database; and 2) student medical information
forms (SMI). Focus groups were also conducted with CPS parents to gain qualitative data regarding the
effectiveness of current CPS reporting procedures. Findings suggest that discrepancies exist between the
prevalence rates determined from collected data and current prevalence rates reported in CPS, which are
determined by cases of physician verified asthma. When comparing physician verified asthma to reported
asthma for CPS students (N = 3947) across five schools, the latter rate was higher (Alcott: 2.75% of
students with physician verified asthma versus 5.89% students with asthma reported via other methods ,
LaSalle II: 7.37% versus 10.58%, Onahan: 1.49% versus 7.54%, Hibbard: 3.19% versus 7.01%, and
Hedges: 4.39 versus 8.67%). Based on our results, it is recommended that CPS consider alternate methods
of asthma reporting when determining prevalence rates and that all schools annually distribute SMI forms
to every student. We recommend establishing better communication between parents and staff to increase
education about the asthma reporting process.
N02
The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Presenter(s)
Charlene Angeles, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mary Kapella, University of Illinois at Chicago
A person suffering from the chronic neurologic disorder narcolepsy is characterized by stigmatizing
symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy attacks, hypnogogic hallucinations, and sleep
paralysis. Initial onset of the symptoms usually appears during young adulthood disrupting a person's
education and beginnings of a career; this investigation examines the social impact and stigma caused by
the development of narcolepsy during adolescence. A sample consisting of 124 adults with narcolepsy
and 92 healthy controls completed a questionnaire consisting of the Stigma and Social Impact Scale
(SSIS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).
Descriptive statistics among other statistical analyses were used to investigate relationships among
variables. Significant differences in SSIS, financial insecurity, internalized shame, and social isolation
were found in addition to the narcoleptic subjects scoring consistently lower in SF-36 physical function,
role emotional, and mental health. This investigation found young adults with narcolepsy report an overall
lower quality of life and higher feeling of stigmatization than healthy individuals.
91
N03
Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic Inflammation Signals by
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Presenter(s)
Ryan Chiu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Development of pre-cancerous conditions is largely attributed to increases in levels of pAkt, a pro-growth
protein negatively correlated with levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the pancreas. Phosphatase and tensin
homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor phosphatase gene mutated in 70% of human cancers, inhibits
excess phosphorylation of protein Akt. The interaction between omega-3 and PTEN was investigated,
using pancreatic ductal (HPDE) cells dosed with fatty acids. Half of the cells were blocked with PTEN
inhibitor, and the other half were used as controls. The initial hypothesis was that omega-3 increases
levels of PTEN, but our results revealed that protein expression of PTEN stayed constant. PTEN was then
inhibited, in order to test if it was necessary for decreasing pAkt levels with omega-3 fatty acids. Cells
treated with omega-3 fatty acids and a PTEN inhibitor exhibited higher levels of pAkt compared to cells
treated with omega-3 without the inhibitor, signifying the necessity of PTEN in suppressing
phosphorylation of Akt. Since omega-3 dietary supplements were previously regarded as a preventative
measure against pancreatic premalignant lesions, this study serves to address the efficiency of such
measures. Since PTEN is necessary, but mutated in a majority of patients, these supplements would work
better with the restoration of PTEN.
N04
A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis C Treatment
Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Presenter(s)
Kevin Emancipator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gina Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), a liver-specific infection, can eventually lead to various
forms of tissue damage. Moreover, specifically coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-
1) accentuates the disease process and may reduce HCV treatment efficacy. The experimenters attempted
to create a model stratifying major viral and host risk-factors which may contribute to variable response to
HCV treatment. Clinical data from patients with both HCV and HIV-1 were analyzed in an effort to
quantify the effect of coinfection and identify the associated risk-factors. Variables included in our model
address demographic data, the presence of other diseases, and hepatitis-related laboratory values in
relation to benchmarks of disease progression quantified in terms of tissue damage sustained. Eighty
coinfected patients were examined; sixty-eight were treated and sixteen failed treatment. The median CD4
T-cell count was 443 cells/μl. Male gender was significantly associated with treatment failure (p = 0.029).
White race (p < 0.005) and presence of hepatitis B surface antibody (p = 0.045) was associated with
clearance. A clearer picture will emerge as further data is obtained. Importantly, current results do not
stray from available literature. This study will inform the follow-up in vitro and ex vivo experiments to
further define any association.
92
N05
The Role of Serum Free Light Chain Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Myeloma
Presenter(s)
Arjun Garg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sairah Alvi, The Binding Site
M-protein is the monoclonal immunoglobulin produced in large quantities in patients with plasma cell
disorders. In the past, serological tests to identify M-protein in patients with multiple myeloma and other
plasma cell disorders included a serum and urine protein electrophoresis, and serum and urine
immunofixation electrophoresis. Serological tests typically can only measure M-protein qualitatively. The
serum-free light chain (FLC) assay (Freelite) provides a much more thorough analysis of the M-protein.
Through studying the literature, I determined that the FLC assay has a major role in detecting multiple
myeloma and related plasma cell disorders with its in-depth quantized data. Compared to other available
assays, the sensitivity of the FLC assay is superior, allowing detection within the normal range. A panel
of FLC testing in combination with either serum protein electrophoresis or serum immunofixation
obviated the need to do 24 hour urine testing in the screening panel for plasma cell disorder. With an
effective method of diagnosis for multiple myeloma, patients can begin treatment before complications of
the disease arise.
N06
Poloxamer 188 as a Repair for Apoptosis
Presenter(s)
Aaron Geldner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lisa Hoffman, University of Chicago
Rapheal Lee, University of Chicago
It has been shown that with MDCK cells, Poloxamer 188 (P-188), can repair cell damage in necrotic cells.
We wanted to see if the same would occur with cells in apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell
death. We found that over time we could induce apoptosis in MDCK cells using detergents to damage the
cell membrane. We used two different detergents, Triton-X 100 and saponin. After applying the
detergents for 30 minutes, we applied P-188. We ran Western blots to make sure that the cells were under
going apoptosis. We also used DNA laddering to determine how much cleaved DNA was present. If DNA
laddering was present, then it meant that apoptosis had occurred, yet the intensity of the bands showed
how damaged the cells were. We found that cells treated with Triton-X 100 did show DNA laddering, and
the samples treated with both the Triton and the P-188 had much less intense bands. This suggests that P-
188 does repair cells that are in apoptosis. Cells can often undergo apoptosis after blunt force trauma, so
these findings could help new wound healing treatments.
93
N07
Healthcare Providers' Motivations for Hand Hygiene Compliance
Presenter(s)
Annika Gomez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Emily Mawdsley, University of Chicago
This study investigates the thoughts behind adherence to hand hygiene (HH) regulations. Physicians and
nurses working in intensive care units were asked a series of questions concerning their hand hygiene
compliance and it was noted whether or not they washed their hands. A total of ninety-six health
professionals were interviewed, sixty-six nurses and thirty physicians. Nurses were observed to have a
HH compliance rate of 37.879%, physicians' was 40%, making for a total compliance rate of 38.542%.
When asked the greatest factor which deterred them from washing their hands, 28.8% of noncompliant
and 5.4% of compliant participants cited availability of hand gel dispensers as an issue (p=0.0072). 10.2%
of noncompliant and 45.9% compliant participants cited patient emergency as a deterrent (p=0.0002).
When asked what motivated them to wash their hands, 32.2% of noncompliant participants cited patient
safety. Only 8.1% of compliant participants had similar answers (p=0.0063). When asked when they most
wash their hands, 86.5% of complaint participants answered exit, while 54.2% of noncompliant
participants answered exit (p=0.0016). Significant differences were demonstrated between responses from
those who were observed to wash their hands (compliant) and those who were not (noncompliant). These
results can help further the understanding of HH habits and lead to more thorough promotion of HH
compliance.
N08
Elucidating Gastrokine Function in NSAID-Induced Inflammation via Myeloperoxidase Staining
Presenter(s)
Tejas Joshi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Boone, University of Chicago
Wes Grimm, University of Chicago
Gastrokine-1 (GKN) is a protein thought to be exclusively produced by the stomach, but the specific
functions of this protein in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) induced stomach injury are not
known. NSAIDS are known to injure stomach epithelium and trigger inflammation characterized by
presence of neutrophils. Neutrophils contribute to inflammation by producing the peroxidase enzyme
myeloperoxidase (MPO). We hypothesize that GKN protects the stomach against inflammation from
NSAIDs such as piroxicam. To understand the function of GKN in NSAID induced injury we treated
gastrokine knockout mice with piroxicam for three days and then evaluated the degree of inflammation by
staining stomach tissue for myeloperoxidase. The stomachs of these mice were removed and sectioned
onto slides. Those slides were fluorescently stained for MPO and photographed, and the images were then
analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. We predict increased expression of MPO in the knockout mice
over controls. This result would suggest that gastrokine-1 has a protective effect against NSAID-induced
injury in the stomach.
94
N09
Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Concerning
Predisposing Factors, Response to Therapy, Survival, and Outcome
Presenter(s)
Kaylee Kauffman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Morris Kletzel, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is the most common and most severe long-term complication
that can occur after one has undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Not
much is known about cGVHD in children, and most of the research on the topic has been done at single
institutions with a small number of patients. The files of forty-six pediatric patients who underwent an
allogeneic HCT and later suffered the complication cGVHD at the Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
were used to collect and analyze data to search for possible indicators pre- and post-transplant that a
patient would develop cGVHD and for more information about the complication and its behavior in
children. We used two separate databases and both paper and electronic files for the data on the patients,
and compiled it all onto an Excel spreadsheet. Then, using descriptive statistics techniques, we analyzed
the data. Our results suggest that the factors that may most contribute to the development of cGVHD
include the use of alternative donors, the degree of match, and the age of both donor and recipient.
Further data analysis is currently underway, though it is already obvious that new approaches to cGVHD
prevention and treatment are necessary.
N10
Studying the Mechanisms Through Which NKG2D Receptor Stimulation Induces CD8 T-cell
Survival in the Tumor Environment
Presenter(s)
Akram Khaja, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jose Alejandro Guevara, Loyola University
Tumors exist in hypoxic, low glucose environments that inhibit the survival of other cell types. It has
been shown that activation of the NKG2D receptor may induce CD8 T-cell survival in tumor conditions,
thereby allowing them to destroy tumor cells and limit tumor growth. Immunodefficient mice were given
a matrigel tumor and injected with the Rae1-e ligand for the NKG2D receptor to test for specific effects
of NKG2D activation. Real-time PCR, Western blots, and a microarray analysis were used to analyze the
change in DNA and protein expression in the mice of important survival genes for tumor conditions. It
was found that NKG2D stimulation increased expression of some pertinent metabolic proteins including
glucose transporter 1, lactate dehydrogenase, and hexokinase, implying a change from oxidative reduction
to glycolysis in CD8 T-cells that would require less oxygen and mediate survival in tumor conditions.
Decreased exhaustion markers such as T-bet (transcription factor), mammalian target of rapamycin
(mTOR), and pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 1 may also imply greater survival.
Finally, it was found that telomerase components may have changed expression with NKG2D activation
as well. The data suggests that NKG2D activation may lead to changes that increase CD8 T-cell
survivability. However, further research may help uncover the exact pathway and move towards solving
the problems of cancer.
95
N11
Characterizing Melanoma Stem Cell Responses to 8-OH-DPAT
Presenter(s)
Anna Krzywiec, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Eby, Loyola University
Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Kristin Willenborg, Loyola University
Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) was shown to selectively remove melanocytes from the skin
and serves as a treatment for melanoma. However, some patients exposed to MBEH show
repigmentation, possibly due to its inability to eradicate melanocyte stem cell populations. Recent studies
show that 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-propylamino tetralin (8-DPAT) prevents melanocyte development in the
neural crest of zebrafish. We hypothesize that 8-DPAT will overcome the limitations of MBEH-induced
depigmentation by targeting undifferentiated and self-regenerating stem cells. Mice treated with topical
applications of MBEH and 8-DPAT were monitored for twenty-one days, scanned for depigmentation,
and tissues were available and stained immunohistochemically, showing a decrease in stem cell
populations in 8-DPAT treated tissues compared to MBEH. Organotypic cultures of MBEH and 8-DPAT
mouse and human skin treated for 24-48 hours also showed similar results with a decrease in display of
stem cell markers. Treated cultures of melanoma cell lines were counted for viable cells to determine the
percentage of cell death per treatment and then analyzed with flow cytometry using antibodies to
determine stem cell populations and the effects each treatment has on these populations. Compared to
MBEH, 8-DPAT treated cells showed a decrease in stem cell population. The data suggests that 8-DPAT
may be effective in eliminating melanoma stem cells and may contribute to an effective treatment for
melanoma.
96
N12
Characterizing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas Isolates in a Cohort of Newborn Infants
Presenter(s)
Shannon Kurian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Monica Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Children's Memorial Research Center
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Differences in MRSA types are known to distinguish between hospital-acquired and community-acquired
strains. Newborn infants are at risk for certain post-natal infections such as group B Streptococcus and
Staphylococcus aureus, which are acquired from the mother or the hospital setting. A cohort of fifty-four
MRSA isolates from newborn infants less than 30 days old was examined. The purpose of this study was
to characterize this cohort and predict whether the isolates are community-acquired or hospital-acquired
based on a set of phenotypic and genotypic parameters. The following tests were performed as part of the
characterization: Kirby-Bauer diffusion, polymerase chain reaction, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
(PFGE). These tests were run to determine susceptibilities to antibiotics, specific virulence gene presence,
and restriction enzyme segmentation patterns by PFGE of DNA for this cohort. The Mec-types were
determined and a relational analysis was conducted as part of the determination of isolate source.
Secondarily, an attempt was made to determine if certain MRSA subtypes were associated with specific
types of MRSA infections. Our findings suggest that the majority of MRSA isolates were communityacquired.
The relationship between MRSA type and infection type was not conclusive.
N13
Using Complete Blood Count as a Marker of Neonatal Sepsis and Line Infections in Neonates
Presenter(s)
Joshua Lam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hamzah Miltaha, Loyola University
Maliha Shareef, Loyola University
Premature newborns often require prolonged intravenous nutrition due to gastrointestinal immaturity.
Central lines are utilized because they are more stable and can provide optimal nutrition. However, these
lines are occasionally susceptible to infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate markers of
such infections through the use of the complete blood count (CBC) prior to the positive blood culture.
This is a retrospective chart review and analysis, in which patients born between January 2007 and
January 2013 with central line positive blood cultures for bacteria or fungi were examined, and the CBC
closest to time of central line insertion, the last before blood culture, and the closest to time of positive
blood culture was taken. Eighty six patients were studied, twenty-eight patients (33%) had more than one
line infected, and fifteen patients (17%) had more than one organism. Coagulase negative Staphylococci
(CoNS) was the most common organism (54%), followed by Enterococci (14%) and K. pneumoniae
(8%). Overall, this research could not prove the white blood count as a marker for culture positive central
line infection. The organisms of infection identified remain consistent with previous studies, with CoNS
being the most prevalent.
97
N14
Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Shelly Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Cigarette smoking and infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses are associated with head and
neck cancer. We hypothesized that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treatment of head and neck cancer cells
would increase cell invasiveness. We also hypothesized that pharmacological inhibition of E6
oncoprotein expression and NF-κB activity would lead to decreased invasiveness and apoptosis. To
determine how cigarette smoke might affect head and neck cancer cells, and to identify pharmacological
agents that might be useful for the treatment or prevention of head and neck cancers, we measured the
effects of CSE on the growth and invasive properties of two head and neck cell lines. We also assessed
the abilities of thymoquinone, sulindac, and diclofenac to inhibit cancer cell growth and invasiveness. We
found that treatment of cancer cells with CSE led to a dose-dependent increase in cell invasiveness in a
invasion chamber assay. We also found, using an MTT dye assay, that thymoquinone, sulindac, and
diclofenac inhibited cancer cell proliferation and led to apoptosis. These drugs also reduced cancer cell
invasiveness in the invasion chamber assay. We conclude that the increased invasiveness caused by CSE
can be inhibited by drugs known to inhibit E6 oncoprotein expression and NF-κB activation.
N15
Characterizing Patents on Discoveries From Genome-Wide Association Studies
Presenter(s)
Viveka Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brandon Pierce, University of Chicago
Patents that are related to genome wide associated studies (GWAS) grant rights to use a specific genetic
variant for diagnostic and risk prediction purposes. Since genetic testing may require obtaining rights
from multiple patents and owners, it is expensive and difficult for one to gain the rights to develop and
perform a clinical genetic test. Due to fragmented ownership, the patents could potentially have a
negative impact on the cost, quality, and availability of the particular clinical genetic service. In this work,
we used the United States Patent and Trademark Organization Full-Text and Image Database to identify
patents that protect the rights to test genetic variants identified in GWAS. We then organized information
about these patents in Excel spreadsheets, including application date, issue date, assignee, title, claims,
and patent number. We found that not many GWAS patents have been issued and the companies that have
been issued patents are primarily private firms, such as the Celera Corporation. Thus far, there have only
been two GWAS patents issued in 2013. The patents that are being issued focus on the methods by which
single nucleotide polymorphisms in the DNA can be used to diagnose a human disease. Since a relatively
small number of GWAS patents are being issued, we conclude that researchers do not expect genetic tests
of GWAS-identified variants to have a large clinical impact.
98
N16
An Analysis of the Efficacy of SPECT Scans as Both a Predictor and Measure of Change in Patients
of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Presenter(s)
Joseph Reda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
August Martinucci, Midwest Hyberbaric and Wellness
Patricia Reda, Midwest Hyberbaric and Wellness
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans are commonly used to assess the condition
of patients' brains in terms of function. Often, SPECT scans are used to personalize patients' treatment
regimens to best promote healthy recovery. To further understand the predictive value of SPECT scans,
seven traumatic brain injury patients' SPECT scans from pre- and post-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy
(HBOT) were analyzed. The scans were quantified using Adobe Photoshop CS6. Correlation analyses
were run on the data to pinpoint strong relationships between pre- and post-HBOT SPECT elements.
Paired t-tests were run to quantify overall change in each patient's SPECT scans for comparison with
anecdotal evidence of improvement, demonstrating SPECT scans' efficacy in assessing patient condition.
No statistically significant correlations were found between pre- and post-HBOT mean values of brain
perfusion; thirty-nine statistically significant correlations were found between pre- and post-HBOT
standard deviations in brain perfusion. The latter are impractical for prediction because they primarily
predict global changes in the brain, rather than improvement or remission. All seven patients showed a
statistically significant change in overall perfusion. Changes in perfusion with larger magnitude identified
more closely with previous observations than changes in perfusion with smaller magnitudes.
N17
Effectiveness of Commonly Used Medical Smartphone Applications in Correctly Diagnosing
Diseases
Presenter(s)
Sankeerth Reddy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sunny Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Recently, the use of medical applications on smartphones has gained popularity among people who wish
to self-diagnose their symptoms instead of visiting a doctor. The purpose of our investigation was to test
how accurately these medical applications are able to diagnose a patient when provided with that patient's
symptoms. We used the Mayo Clinic disease and conditions website as a standard to find the symptoms
of twenty-eight diseases of neural, blood, or tissue origin. Then, we chose three applications, WebMD,
Heatlh Tab, and Itriage, and entered the symptoms in each application for each disease. Each application
provided a list of potential diseases in order of likelihood. We recorded whether the application reported
the correct disease to be first in the list, second, or neither. The Friedman test on two way analysis of
ranks, showed that the Itriage application had a better rating of approximately 0.29 higher than the other
two applications. However, when Itriage was compared to the Mayo Clinic website, Itriage rated 1 rank
lower. We concluded that the three applications were not significantly different from one another,
however they were all significantly less accurate than the Mayo Clinic website.
99
N18
Using Task Shifting as a Model to Improve Injury and Trauma Care in Sub-Saharan Africa
Presenter(s)
Hannah Sambor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Stacey Chamberlain, University of Illinois at Chicago
Task shifting, teaching lower level health care providers advanced tasks, is used in resource-limited
settings with few numbers of physicians. This investigation examines how task shifting can be used as a
feasible model to improve injury and trauma care in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study is a review of
medical databases to gain information about the overall burden of injury and trauma care in low income
countries, and the prevalence of pediatric injuries. In central Sub-Saharan Africa, road traffic injuries
have increased from 1990-2010 as a cause of death by 53%; drowning has increased by 54%, and deaths
by fire have increased by 47%. Trauma and injury to children is increasing because of the expansion of
roads without safety education, urbanization, violence, and the lack of health education. Task shifting has
been successfully used in other health care disciplines, such as in HIV/AIDS treatment. For example, a
study in Cameroon showed no statistically significant differences in disease progression or mortality
when antiretroviral treatment was given by a nurse or physician. Further studies are needed to find out if a
task shifting model can be effectively implemented to improve the standard of care for trauma and injury
patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.
N19
Correlation of Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm Newborns
Presenter(s)
Frances Seo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University
Sarah Van Nostrand, Loyola University
Preterm newborns fully coordinate the ability to suck, swallow, and breathe as they approach their due
date (forty 0/7 weeks). They are fed through a nasogastric tube that extends from the nose to the stomach
before the development of independent oral feeding, which is a major milestone that allows discharge
with parents. Knowing the mean gestational age (GA) of complete maturation of this innate reflex will
help medical practitioners predict the discharge date. Variables such as gender, ethnicity, and delivery
route were tested. The study consisted of 1,097 preterm newborns in a single neonatal intensive care unit
from 1978-2001. Subjects were excluded if they were discharged home on tube-feeding, had a congenital
anomaly, or required significant resuscitation at birth. Fischer t-test and ANOVA Tukey HSD test were
used for statistical analysis. The mean GA when preterm newborns could independently feed orally was
thirty-six 5/7 weeks. There was no statistical evidence that gender or race affected the development of
independent oral feeding. Those delivered by Caesarian section compared to those delivered vaginally
had a significant delay in the maturation of this reflex. We conclude preterm newborns independently oral
feed (breast/bottle) approximately three weeks before their due dates regardless of gender or ethnicity.
100
N20
A Prospective Outcome of Condensed Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in Non-Sterile Abdominal
Wall Defects
Presenter(s)
Ross Skelly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jing Liu, Northwestern University
Abdominal surgery requires the opening and subsequent closure of the abdominal wall, and this closure is
never as strong as the original. Local areas of weakness in the abdominal wall are highly susceptible to
the formation of incisional abdominal hernias. Thus, abdominal surgery requires an auxiliary agent for
closure. Our goal was to determine if a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) meshes such as MotifMESH may
reduce recurrence issues associated with incisional abdominal hernias. We performed a case study on ten
subjects who underwent incisional abdominal hernia repair using MotifMESH. Each subject was
monitored for signs of recurrence and infection through periodic check-up visits for 360 days following
surgery. At each visit, subjects indicated the pain associated with their repair on a Visual Analogue Scale
(VAS). They also completed quality of life questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study. Though
the case study is not completed, only one subject has experienced an infection and recurrence issue. From
day 1 to day 360, VAS scores decreased by an average of 17.44 points while overall quality of life
increased by 1.25 points. Preliminary data indicate that using a condensed PTFE mesh may be useful and
effective in incisional abdominal hernia repair. Thus, a larger study to determine this significance may be
warranted.
N21
The Experience of GATA6 Mutations of All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Presenter(s)
Sai Talluru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Graeme Bell, University of Chicago
David Carmody, University of Chicago
Siri Atma Greeley, University of Chicago
This investigation intended to identify cases of GATA6 in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry; study the
clinical, phenotypical, and genetic implications in affected patients; and identify any novel mutations.
Monogenic forms of diabetes are caused by single gene defects. The vast majority of patients with
neonatal diabetes mellitus diagnosed before the first six months of life are found to have an underlying
monogenic cause. GATA6 is a highly conserved transcription factor that is expressed in the pancreas,
heart, gallbladder, and gut tissues. From over sixteen-hundred registry participants, twenty-four were
selected for study based on a diagnosis of diabetes within the first two months of life. Saliva-derived
DNA was isolated and sequenced to identify causal variants within the gene. Two patients were identified
with GATA6 mutations. Their clinical and genetic data was compiled to establish the typical features
associated with this rare genetic mutation. Our data demonstrated that the high frequency of cardiac
defects, intra-uterine growth, neurodevelopmental delay, and digestive tract malformations are
characteristic of GATA6 mutations. Physicians should consider screening for GATA6 mutations in infants
diagnosed with neonatal diabetes mellitus and any one of the other typical features.
101
N22
Discovering New Chemokine Agonist Receptor Drugs
Presenter(s)
Shruti Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Selam Zenebe-Gete, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Miller, Northwestern University
Andrew Shum, Northwestern University
CXCR4 is the chemokine receptor which aids in chemotaxis of stem cells, such as those in the bone
marrow or the brain. SDF-1 is the natural ligand for the CXCR4 receptor. Similarities between novel
molecule 390 and SDF-1 make the novel small molecule a possible agonist of the CXCR4 receptor. 390
is the first small molecule agonist of CXCR4 receptors ever identified and may have a number of uses in
medicine. To determine whether 390 is an agonist to the CXCR4 receptor, we transfected cells with
CXCR4 and exposed them to a negative control, SDF-1, or 10 μM, 1 μM, .1 μM, and .01 μM of our
agonist drug. Next, we took calcium images using the dye fura-52, which indicates an increase of calcium
in the cell resulting from the activation of CXCR4. There was an increase in calcium in the cells,
indicating that the receptor was being activated. When compared to the natural ligand, SDF-1, the levels
were not as high, but were higher than the vehicle control. In the internalization assay, a second way of
assessing agonist effects on receptors, both SDF-1 and 390 internalized the receptor causing it to leave the
cell membrane and enter the cell. The results suggest 390 is an agonist or partial agonist of the CXCR4
receptor.
O01
Changes in Hippocampal Volume Between Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive
States
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia that inhibits memory, thinking skills, and a
person's ability to do simple tasks. AD is closely linked to the hippocampus and it has similarities to other
diseases such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this investigation, hippocampal volumes and
hippocampal subfield volumes of patients with AD, progressive MCI, stable MCI, cognitively normal
control, and preclinical normal control were compared to look for significant differences. Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected from 442 subjects. Then a principal component analysis
was run through MATLAB© in order to condense the data points from many to a few. With this
condensed data, hippocampal maps were created to compare patients. A multivariate analysis of variance
(MANOVA) was used to look for significant differences in the overall hippocampus and in its subfields.
Similar results were obtained from both the subfields and the overall hippocampus. It was found that the
controls and the stable MCI groups were not significantly different from each other. The AD group was
significantly different than the others, having the least hippocampal volume. This data shows the
similarity between AD and MCI and a serious degradation of the hippocampus in these diseases.
102
O02
Acoustical and Optical Amplitude Modulated Signals in the Inferior Colliculus of the Midbrain
Presenter(s)
Gary Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dipen Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claus-Peter Richter, Northwestern University
The inferior colliculus (IC) of the midbrain is known to organize auditory sensory information. Our study
is concerned with determining how exactly it organizes optical amplitude modulated signals versus the
conventional acoustic amplitude modulated signals. The goal is towards creating a better near infrared
stimulated cochlear implant to replace the standard electrical one since focal stimulation is not possible
resulting in reduced tone recognition and range. For our study, guinea pigs were subjected to deafening
and their hearing was tested before and after the deafening using both acoustical and laser stimuli. We
measured their responses to these stimuli and recorded them using a 16 channel electrode which was
placed in IC. By locating the time of the responses, we aim to compare the hearing ability of the deafened
animal and the normal one. This way we can understand the organization of how optical and acoustical
information is organized in the IC. Currently, we are taking the data and running it through a MATLAB
program to create histograms that show at what amplitude and time action potentials take place in the IC.
O03
The Effect of Early Maternal Care on Recovery From Febrile Seizures in Cx3cr1GFP Mice Pups
Presenter(s)
Kathleen Chinetti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sookyong Koh, Children's Memorial Research Center
This investigation studies the relationship between early rearing environment and post-seizure recovery in
mice pups, but first an accurate mouse model of parental neglect needed to be developed. Beginning two
days after birth, pups underwent either three-hour (MD) or fifteen-minute maternal separation daily.
Fourteen days after birth (P14), seizures were induced using bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharides
(LPS) followed by hyperthermia as a model for febrile seizures. Using this model, quality of maternal
care was reduced in the MD litters, as shown by decreased maternal grooming time (p<0.04). This
inferior maternal care affected pups' development, including weight gain. MD pups had significantly
lower weights on P14 than their MD counterparts (p<0.005). They had increased seizure susceptibility as
reflected by lower threshold temperature (p<0.03). These results establish the current mouse model of
maternal deprivation as reliable and accurate, allowing for future experiments regarding post-seizure
recovery. We will use Cx3cr1GFP mice whose brain immune cells microglia are labeled with green
fluorescent protein to quantify febrile seizure-induced activation of immunity and compare between pups
reared in different environment. We propose to test the hypothesis that maternal deprivation not only
make pups more vulnerable to seizure, but also delay their recovery from seizure-induced neuroinflammation.
103
O04
Partial Recollection as a Unique Memory Type and Corresponding Brain Activity
Presenter(s)
Anastasia Fafara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brianna Pusey, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joel Voss, Northwestern University
Partial recollection memory occurs when a person attempts to recall information, like the capital of a
country, but instead only recalls a fragment of information (For example, first/last letter, number of
syllables, and so forth). This kind of memory failure happens to those with brain damage or neurological
diseases as well as healthy individuals, but little is known about how or why. This study explores
mechanisms of partial recollection by identifying corresponding brain activity. An experiment was
designed to evoke partial recollection in the laboratory while simultaneously measuring brain activity
with an electroencephalograph (EEG). During the study phase, subjects read one-hundred and thirty-five
words that were answers to general knowledge questions (for example, pancreas) while EEG data were
recorded. Later subjects responded to the corresponding questions (for example, What organ produces
insulin?). Their answers were then placed into the following categories: (1) correct, for a correct answer,
(2) incorrect, for a completely wrong or absent answer, and (3) partial recollection. In a sample of healthy
young adults (N=11), partial recollection occurred for approximately 9% [T(10)=8.64, P=<0.0001] of all
questions. The comparison of incorrect, correct, and partial EEG data suggested that partial differs from
full recollection, which implies that each condition is distinct. This information may deepen
understanding of memory problems.
O05
Investigating the Effects of ALS2 and SOD1 in the Upper Motor Neurons
Presenter(s)
Kent Gang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Deborah Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pembe Hande Ozdinler, Northwestern University
The mechanisms behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have yet to be understood clearly. Several genes
linked to the disease such as the Cu/Zn-superoxide-dismutase-1 (SOD1) and alsin genes suggest
mechanisms for upper motor neuron death. In order to study the effects of these genes,
immunohistochemistry was used on sections of SOD1 mutant and alsin knockout mice to detect neuronal
markers. Our work involved the identification of mutant mice through DNA purification and polymerase
chain reaction as well as creating neuronal tissue stains and interpreting its meaning. Dissection and
confocal microscopy were two other skills needed to gather data from genetically altered mice. We were
able to use the finished stains of mice at different time points to draw support for the crucial involvement
of upper motor neurons. This is directly in line with research in this field, which is attempting to clarify
how certain genes mediate neuron death.
104
O06
Exploring Brain Mechanisms Underlying Aversion to Nicotine
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Hatz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel McGehee, University of Chicago
Shannon Wolfman, University of Chicago
Smoking tobacco is a leading cause of death and disease worldwide. The addictive properties of nicotine,
its addictive component, depend upon enhanced dopamine release in ventral tegmental area. High doses
can cause avoidance of nicotine, however, which has been seen in behavioral experiments as condition
placement aversion. It is unclear what brain regions mediate aversion, but studies show interpeduncular
nucleus (IPN) is involved. It is hypothesized that high doses limit consumption by activating IPN, which
inhibits laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg) and firing of dopamine neurons. Retrograde labeling dye was
injected bilaterally into LDTg to identify IPN neurons that project there. Immunohistochemistry was done
to confirm injection, but was unsuccessful due to failure of the dye to inject or incorrect stereotaxic
coordinates. Immunolabeling was done for excitatory amino acid transporter-3 (EAAT-3) to determine
the presence of glutamatergic neurons, suggesting excitatory projection from IPN to LDTg. The results
suggest presence of glutamatergic neurons in IPN. Because evidence shows other cell types may also
express EAAT-3, however, the results are inconclusive. Immunolabeling was done for gammaaminobutyric
acid (GABA) to determine presence of GABAergic neurons in IPN, suggesting inhibitory
projection from IPN to LDTg. No GABA labeling was observed in the brain, suggesting ineffective
immunohistochemistry protocol. More experiments must be done to determine if GABA is present in
IPN.
O07
Presenter(s)
Kevin Hong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Matthew Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dan Nicholson, Rush University Medical Center
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is characterized by the build-up of
amyloid plaques in the brain that damage synapses and result in memory loss and impaired motor skills.
Furthermore, a sub-population of AD patients experience visual symptoms such as macular degeneration.
This investigation looked at how AD affected ribbon synapses in the eyes of mouse disease models. A
ribbon synapse is vital for vision because it allows for the extremely fast communication between retinal
neurons. AD mice and wild type mice eyes were fixed, and an electron microscope was used to image the
dSR regions of the mouse eyes. These images were stacked to create three-dimensional representations of
the eye. In these models, we used the scale of the microscope slides to measure the lengths of the ribbon
synapses in relation to the neurons the synapses originated from. Differences in ribbon synapses between
the eyes of disease and wild type mice would indicate that AD affects vision by targeting the ribbon
synapses in the eye.
105
O08
Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Presenter(s)
Shreya Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anna Kryczka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
The hippocampus is a structure located within the temporal lobe of the brain which plays a role in
memory. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) it is possible to map areas of activation
within the hippocampus of a subject engaged in a memory task. The activation patterns could be used as a
way to predict the post-surgery memory deficit in patients who are planning to have brain abnormalities
removed. Such an fMRI scan could replace more invasive techniques such as the Wada test. We created
memory tasks which required subjects to go through the three stages of memory: encoding, storage, and
retrieval. The subjects were placed inside an fMRI machine where they engaged in multiple memory
tasks: a four part visual and verbal task, an emotional memory task, and a scenic memory task. The visual
and verbal memory task had the most hippocampus activation when compared to others. The visual task
displayed 97% activation in the left hippocampus and 87% in the right hippocampus. However, each task
activated the hippocampus minimally in all subjects. In addition, patients with lower accuracy scores had
higher activation levels. We concluded that our tasks have the potential to be used clinically.
O09
The Circadian and Melatonin-Dependent Regulation of e4bp4 mRNA Expression in Siberian
Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Presenter(s)
Omkar Kelkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenneth Onishi, University of Chicago
Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Tyler Stevenson, University of Chicago
Circadian rhythms are controlled by a hypothalamic region referred to as the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the
output of which is regulated by secretion of pineal gland melatonin. The present study employed invasive
or non-invasive methods to examine e4bp4 mRNA expression in male Siberian hamsters. First, I
examined circadian expression of e4bp4 expression in the hypothalamus and established that e4bp4
expression is low during the subjective day and peaks prior to lights off (16L:8D). To examine the role of
melatonin signalling in circadian e4bp4 expression, hamsters were rendered arrhythmic by either
pinealectomy (PINx) or disrupted phase shift (DPS) methods. E4bp4 expression was measured one hour
after lights on (zt1) or zt13 and compared to sham-operated hamsters. In both studies, bmal1 and per1
expression, known circadian genes, were studied for comparison. The data show that both DPS and PINx
are sufficient to disrupt e4bp4 circadian expression. Specifically, PINx and DPS eliminated peak e4bp4
expression at zt13 whereas sham-operated hamsters maintained circadian rhythmicity. The findings are
the first to demonstrate melatonin regulation of circadian e4bp4 expression. These data provide the
foundation for functional studies that assess the role of e4bp4 expression in dictating circadian responses
in physiology and behavior.
106
O10
The Effect of Combined Donepezil and Memantine Treatment on Hippocampal Subiculum and
CA1 in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Presenter(s)
Omkar Kelkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Amy Zhu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Previous research indicates that Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology is marked by substantial
volume loss in the hippocampal subregions subiculum and CA1. In application, singular treatment of
donepezil has not demonstrated significant reduction of rate of hippocampal structural deterioration when
compared with patients who did not receive treatment. Subsequently, the present study will examine the
combined treatment of donepezil and memantine, another commonly used AD treatment, on the rates of
deterioration in hippocampal subfields. To conduct this experiment, principal component analysis was
first used across longitudinal hippocampal surface data to obtain measures of shape change over time.
Then, ANOVA was performed to compare the four sample groups: control, untreated, donepezil, and
combined. The results of the study show that amongst all samples, regardless of treatment, there is no
significant difference in longitudinal shape deterioration in subiculum or CA1 subfields. Although the
data of some principal components in subiculum under dual treatment display significant reduction of
deformation when compared with other treatment patterns, the majority of the principal components in
both subiculum and CA1 demonstrate no significant change. Accordingly, since the trend suggests
insignificant difference, the results conclude that combined treatment is insufficient to reduce
neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease versus single or no treatment.
107
O11
Identifying the Target Genes of TDP-43 Regulated miRNAs and Their Correlation With
Neurodegeneration
Presenter(s)
Nishita Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jackson Michuda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) affect post-transcriptional gene regulation. TAR DNA-binding protein 43
(TDP-43) is a RBP that regulates microRNAs (miRNAs). A pathologic, mutated version of the protein is
associated with neurodegeneration, specifically frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), due to
regulation of abnormal miRNA. Three miRNAs have been found to be regulated by TDP-43: miR-143,
miR-500, and miR-574. The purpose of this investigation is to find the target genes regulated by these
three miRNAs. The potential sites were identified using bioinformatics, and then confirmed
experimentally. To do this, the miRNA target site predictors, DIANA, Pictar, and Targetscan, were used.
Results were filtered to only contain mRNA of genes associated with neuronal development and
degeneration. To confirm the target gene, the miRNA's ability to influence its consequent protein and the
function of that protein, was tested. The primer for the target genes was identified, and then a 3' UTRluciferase
plasmid was created. A luciferase assay was run, to confirm the target genes. Significant results
are contingent upon further testing that will occur in the coming weeks. Identifying potential target sites
of relevant miRNA furthers understanding of FTLD and neurodegeneration.
108
O12
Progressive Interactions Between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related FUS Mutant and Protein
Chaperones
Presenter(s)
Lakhena Leang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Xueyang Ren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Morimoto, Northwestern University
Anan Yu, Northwestern University
Fused-in-sarcoma (FUS) protein has been linked to motor neuron apoptosis in the neurodegenerative
disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutant variations of FUS proteins have been observed to
lose solubility and form aggregates in the cytoplasm. Molecular chaperone Hsc70 is important in
preventing protein misfolding and is known to be recruited to protein aggregation. A progressive loss of
free Hsc70 due to aggregate sequestration is proposed as a cause for the phenotypic complexity of
diseases of protein misfolding. We aim to observe the interactions of wild type and mutant FUS with
chaperones in human prostate cells, and the mechanisms by which these interactions affect cellular
functions mediated by Hsc70. First, plasmids containing mutated and wild type FUS genes were created,
cloned, and confirmed by sequencing. Genes were expressed through transient expression by transfecting
the cloned plasmid into PC-3 cells and observing their expression and subcellular localization using an
epifluorescent microscope. Western blots of the cells confirmed expression of the protein at the corect
molecular weight. Results show that the R521G-FUS protein mutation had the greatest effect on the PC-3
cells. Findings support studies that correlate FUS mutations with ALS. This may help determine
mutations of ALS proteins that are potential molecular targets for therapy.
O13
Differences Between the Inhibition of Cholinesterase and Acetylcholinesterase
Presenter(s)
Jessica Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Changiz Geula, Northwestern University
The purpose of this research was to test for a biomarker that could lead to early diagnosis of Alzheimer's
disease (AD) in living patients. This investigation was conducted using cholinesterase (ChE) activity in
plasma. Plaques and tangles, the pathological hallmarks of AD, contain the ChEs acetylcholinesterase
(AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities. It has been shown that unlike ChEs in normal
neurons and axons, AChE and BuChE in plaques and tangles are inhibited by indoleamines, and protease
inhibitors. We investigated the presence of differences between the inhibition of AChE and BuChE by the
indoleamine serotonin (5-HT) and the protease inhibitor bacitracin in AD plasma when compared with
normal plasma. Parallel inhibition assays were conducted with pairs of normal and AD plasma. We tested
twelve such pairs of plasma for levels of inhibitable AChE and BuChE activities. Our preliminary
observations indicate significantly lower 5-HT and bacitracin inhibitable AChE and BuChE activities in
AD plasma when compared with normal plasma. These results suggest that inhibitable plasma AChE and
BuChE may allow diagnosis of AD perhaps in its early stages, which would then make possible for
treatment to start early in the disease course.
109
O14
Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for the Analysis of Axonal
Degeneration
Presenter(s)
Judy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rodolfo Gatto, University of Illinois at Chicago
Gerardo Morfini, University of Illinois at Chicago
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder resulting from expansion of a
polyglutamine tract in the protein huntingtin (Htt). We evaluated whether alterations in glial cell activity
correlated with axonal degeneration. Immunohistochemistry techniques using well characterized markers
of glial activation were applied to a novel transgenic model of HD (YFP-R6/2) and control (YFP) mice.
Nine animals per group were analyzed at 30, 60, and 90 days of age. Antibodies recognizing myelin basic
protein (MBP) and 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) were used to evaluate
oligodendrocyte activity, whereas an antibody against glial fibrillary acidic proteins (GFAP) was used to
evaluate astrocyte activation. Quantitative fluorescence imaging showed a significant decrement in MBP
immunoreactivity at 60 days of age (p<0.05), as well as increased CNPase levels at 90 days (p<0.001) of
age in YFP-R6/2 mice, compared to YFP mice. Intriguingly, GFAP levels were significantly higher in
YFP-R6/2 mice than YFP mice at 30 days of age (p<0.05), but lower at 90 days (p<0.001). Results from
our studies suggest that mutant Htt expression affects glial cells in two different temporal patterns; an
initial phase characterized by increased astrocytic response, and a late phase featuring oligodendrocyte
activation and myelin deterioration. Taking in consideration our previous work, results here suggest that
glial activation represents a response, rather than a cause of axonal degeneration in HD.
110
O15
Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated With Defects in
RNA-Binding Proteins
Presenter(s)
Emily Ling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Hye Jean Yoon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The purpose of this investigation was to study mitochondrial protectors as potential therapies for
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with mutations in the
RNA-binding proteins, fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS) and TAR DNA-binding protein
of 43 kDA (TDP-43). For ease of observation, this investigation used transgenic Drosophila expressing
mutant FUS and TDP-43 proteins in the ommatidia of the eye. Flies were treated with food containing 5
and 10 μM of the compounds necrostatin-1, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), guanabenz (GBZ), and tacrine. The
eye phenotype was observed at regular intervals using a set of criteria evaluating level of degeneration.
Tacrine and necrostatin-1 were toxic to larvae, but the other two drug treatments affected disease
progression. Compared to the control, NAC and GBZ significantly improved the pupae formation,
eclosion, and survival rates of the transgenic flies. In flies expressing mutant FUS proteins, NAC
improved the eye phenotype compared to GBZ (p<0.05). Flies treated with 10 μM of NAC or GBZ often
showed more severe eye phenotypes than those treated with 5 μM, suggesting that excessive dosages may
worsen symptoms. Although further investigation is needed, NAC and GBZ may be potential therapies
for ALS and related diseases.
111
O16
Role of Mutant SOD1 Molecules as Membrane Active Elements in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Pathology
Presenter(s)
Sarah Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Allen, University of Chicago
Ana Correa, University of Chicago
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease, characterized by the degeneration of
motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. While 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, approximately
10% are familial. A portion of familial cases are attributed to genetic mutations, the most common being
those in the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). How do SOD1 molecules contribute to cell
degeneration in ALS? One hypothesis is that defective SOD1 molecules incorporate in the plasma
membrane making it more permeable to ions. Increased internal calcium would promote apoptosis. To
test this hypothesis, RNA samples encoding for the human SOD1, both native and mutant, were
microinjected into Xenopus laevis oocytes. Protein expression was followed by monitoring the levels of
Venus, a fluorescent label co-transcribed with the SOD1 RNA. To measure the incorporation of the
proteins, the voltage across the oocyte membrane was measured, using a glass microelectrode coupled to
a voltmeter. Preliminary analysis indicates that there is no direct correlation between the membrane
voltage and fluorescence. There may be a small difference between the oocytes expressing native SOD1
and the oocytes expressing mutant channels. These results suggest that the mutant SOD1 molecules are
not incorporating in the oocyte membrane.
O17
Expression and Detection of the Ion Channel GABAA Receptor Subunits α1 and γ2 in HEK293
Cells
Presenter(s)
Shivani Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kaouther Ajroud, Northwestern University
Dane Chetkovich, Northwestern University
The GABAa (gamma aminobutyric acid) receptor is a ligand gated ion channel consisting of multiple
subunits that is major postsynaptic receptor for GABA, a brain neurotransmitter. Mutations in GABAa
receptors have been implicated in neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. Recent
studies suggested that these mutations alter receptor biogenesis, function, and trafficking which may lead
to abnormal antibody formation against the mutated receptor subunits in patients that exacerbate the
disease. The aim of the current study is to develop a tool to detect GABAa receptor autoantibodies. We
generated stable HEK293 cell lines individually expressing GABAa receptor subunits α1 and γ2 and
conducted immunohistochemistry analysis in order to compare and evaluate which expression method
will allow better detection of the autoantibodies. The stable cell lines individually expressing GABAa α1
and γ2 subunits showed strong reactivity to commercial antibodies raised respectively against α1 and γ2
subunits. Thus, our result will allow us to use these stable cell lines as a qualitative tool to detect the
possible presence of GABAa autoantibodies in patients' serum.
112
O18
Poor Sleep Quality in the Elderly and How it Affects Cognitive Functioning
Presenter(s)
Yvette Ramirez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michelle Wiebe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Reid, Northwestern University
Aging is associated with a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, resulting in poor sleep in many elderly
adults. Since sleep is necessary for proper functioning of the cerebrum (the part of the brain responsible
for cognitive functioning), this investigation aimed to find a relationship between poor sleep quality in the
elderly and their cognitive performance. To assess the extent of the effect of poor sleep on cognition, the
Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) scores and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
(PSQI) global scores were compared. From the various tests on the ANAM battery, the mathematical
processing and continuous memory tests were chosen as the two tests to be analyzed. The subjects were
split into good (PSQI score less than 5) and bad (PSQI score greater than or equal to 5) sleepers.
According to a t-test, there was no significant relationship between sleep quality and cognition. The mean
of the number correct on the math test for good sleepers is 19.2 and 18.9 for bad sleepers. We may have
been unable to detect a difference between groups because we did not control for other factors influencing
cognitive performance like gender and age.
O19
The Effect of Cortical Thickness, Hippocampal Subfield Measures, and Hippocampal Volume on
the Discrimination Power of Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Presenter(s)
Vignesh Ravi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Previous research has shown hippocampal volume to be the most accurate biomarker for Alzheimer's
disease (AD) patients. The goal of this research is to determine whether the use of hippocampal subfield
measures, including cortical thickness measures, will increase our ability to discriminate dementia of the
Alzheimer's type from cognitively normal individuals. The methods utilized in this project were principal
components analysis, shell programming, and SPSS. Shell programming was used to navigate to and edit
scripts that managed the data, principal components analysis was used to develop measures on which an
ANOVA could be conducted, and SPSS is being used to analyze the data and draw correlations between
the factors and discrimination power. An ANOVA was used to examine differences between cNC
(control), prMCI (progressive MCI), stMCI (stable MCI), and AD patients. No significant difference was
found between the cNC and pNC, which shows that patients whose conditions were not worsening did not
encounter further hippocampal degradation. This research will help improve the likeliness of diagnosis of
Alzheimer's disease in patients and aid in preventative measures. It will affect the lives of those who have
or know someone with this disease by being cautious about the outcomes.
113
O20
How Concrete and Abstract Words are Processed With Different Magnitudes Within the Brain
Presenter(s)
Devin Scott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jennifer Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Our investigation focused on how concrete and abstract words are processed by examining their
respective magnitudes in the gamma frequency power spectrum (70-100 Hz). A computer program was
utilized to analyze electroencephalograph (EEG) data from six epileptic patients through
electrocortigraphy (ECoG). Ten concrete and ten abstract words, which were categorized based on
stimulus and word type, were given verbally or visually to each patient. Patients were asked to study the
words before a cued recognition task while the electrodes monitored their EEG oscillations. In three
patients, we determined a significant difference between the concrete and abstract magnitudes taken at the
highest peak of the gamma power spectrums within a predetermined time interval. We hypothesized that
the EEGs would show a higher activation in abstract words and T-tests indicated that the abstract word
amplitudes were statistically higher than the concrete word amplitudes in both auditory and visual stimuli
in the frontal and temporal lobes. This supports previous studies that found higher brain activity for
abstract words in the frontal lobe, suggesting a difference in the pathways of word storage in the brain.
O21
Effects of Visualization on Long Term Memory in Epileptic Patients
Presenter(s)
Carrie Sha, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
The ability to visualize images has been previously demonstrated to be a crucial element of memory
retention and free recall. However, changes to the visualization pathway in epileptic patients are largely
unknown. Six postoperative epilepsy surgery patients were given a long-term memory test to compare
their ability to recognize and freely recall abstract and concrete nouns. During these tasks, the electrical
brain activity of the patients was monitored through electrocorticography and brain activations were
studied in the gamma band (70-100 Hz). The latency of the patients' response was measured and their
gamma activations were mapped to cortical areas. Memory activation in the temporal lobe was shown to
have a greater latency for abstract as opposed to concrete nouns. The magnitude of gamma activation
during cued recognition was 16.21733 μV2 higher for abstract nouns than for concrete nouns. The
increased activation for abstract nouns was recorded in both the frontal and temporal lobes for three out of
six patients, suggesting that visualization pathways are widespread in the brain. Further studies could
include studying the association of particular nouns with actions as a memorization mnemonic strategy
for patients. Understanding visualization pathways in epileptic patients may help increase techniques for
memory retrieval.
114
O22
Biochemical Studies of Estrogen Receptor Protein Interactions in the Hippocampus of Rats
Presenter(s)
Medha Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lynette To, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nino Tabatadze, Northwestern University
Catherine Woolley, Northwestern University
Estradiol (E2), locally synthesized in the brain, stimulates estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta. Studies
have shown that the increase in E2 levels suppresses inhibitory synaptic transmissions in the
hippocampus of rats. This study focused on the ERα and other estrogen receptor protein interactions that
occur prior to the suppression of inhibitory synaptic transmissions. After homogenizing hippocampal
regions of rats and obtaining membrane fractions, three Western blots were run to visualize the presence
of ERα and the G protein coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) and inositol trisphosphate
receptor (IP3R). Then two co-immunoprecipitations were run on the samples using mGluR1 antibody to
determine the interactions between [ER-α and mGluR1] and [mGluR1 and IPR3] using Western blots.
Results showed that some ERα and some IP3R were attached to mGluR1, proving that ERα, mGluR1,
and IP3R interact with each other in rat hippocampus. Our study can be further extended by treating
samples with E2 and determining how the interactions are modulated by focusing on downstream
molecular targets that may potentially lead to the suppression of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the
hippocampus. Also, since high E2 levels have been shown to enhance seizures in epileptic individuals,
more efficient anticonvulsant therapy can be found.
O23
Audio-Tactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Presenter(s)
Vimig Socrates, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sliman Bensmaia, University of Chicago
Mechanical oscillations in the environment convey information about objects and events and are
transduced by specialized receptors in the ear or the skin. Importantly, stimulation of the ear drum and of
the skin often happen together and conveys redundant sensory information. The nervous system can thus
integrate information from these two sensory modalities to obtain a more robust percept. In the present
study, we explore the interactions between touch and hearing in the perception of surface texture.
Specifically, we have subjects feel textured surfaces and perform perceptual judgments about them while
manipulating the auditory feedback that they receive. Specifically, we record the sounds made during the
exploration of texture using a small microphone attached to the finger, then replay these vibrations
through earphones. We can then manipulate the frequency composition of this feedback (by putting it
through a filter) and assess the effects of these manipulations on the tactile perception of texture. We find
that certain distortions of the auditory feedback actually change the way textures feel. We explore
different putative neuronal mechanisms that may underlie this audio-tactile interaction.
115
O24
Combinatorial Preconditioning of a Neuronal Cell Line With Low Ethanol and Resveratrol to
Achieve Neuroprotective Upregulation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and its Phosphorylated Form
Presenter(s)
Saigopal Somasundaram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sarah Valentine, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Collins, Loyola University
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kwang Hoon Moon, Loyola University
Nazhath Tajuddin, Loyola University
Toxicologists have identified ethanol (commonly referred to as alcohol) and resveratrol, a chemical
created by plants and found in red wine, as two substances that have an effect on neuropathways. In fact,
there is evidence that cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease may be
reduced in moderate red wine drinkers through a process called neuronal preconditioning. This
experiment focuses on the treatment of a rat neuronal culture PC-12 line treated as neuronal cells with a
control, low levels of ethanol, resveratrol, and a combination of ethanol and resveratrol to find whether
focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its phosphorylated form (pFAK) are upregulated in the cell. The results
will be determined through Western blot analysis of the preconditioned cells, to see if there is an
upregulation of FAK or pFAK. This will allow us to see if preconditioning with alcohol has any effect on
protein regulation within the brain, specifically in the FAK pathway. With this knowledge, the scientific
community can potentially determine whether alcohol preconditioning can prevent neurodegenerative
diseases, thus preventing the onset of such diseases and saving the lives of millions.
116
O25
Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Presenter(s)
Summer Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Klein, Northwestern University
Kirsten Viola, Northwestern University
Alzheimer's disease (AD) afflicts 5.1 million Americans and results in the loss of memory, learning, and
behavior abilities. An urgent need exists for early diagnosis when therapeutic intervention has the
maximum chance to succeed. Although promising, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently
underutilized in AD diagnosis due to the lack of a contrast probe targeting neurotoxins specific to AD. Aβ
oligomers are biomarkers found in the earliest stages of AD and are considered to instigate AD memory
loss. In this investigation, a new MRI contrast probe was synthesized by conjugating magnetic
nanostructures (MNS) with NU4 antibody that specifically targets Aβ oligomers. In vitro studies
confirmed the high specificity of the probe as well as affinity similar to that of the parent antibody in
binding to the target Aβ oligomers. Histology of transgenic mice brain slices showed positive signals after
intranasal injection of the probe. These results indicated that the probe had crossed the blood-brain barrier
and bound to its intended target Aβ oligomers. This work demonstrates that the MRI probe NU4MNS has
the potential to be the first imaging tool to provide early AD diagnosis and to evaluate efficacy of
therapeutic candidates at the early stages of the disease.
O26
Observing Neuron Projections in Mice Brains That Can Be Targeted When Treating Parkinson's
Disease
Presenter(s)
Ellen Zhao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Savio Chan, Northwestern University
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that leads to difficulty with coordination and walking. In the
disease, striatal projections to the globus pallidus external segment (GPe) are affected. The goal was to
find neurons in the GPe that project back to the striatum, an area of the brain where neurons are projected
to the GPe. These pallidal neurons would thus influence the striatal neurons' activity in a feedback manner
that is inhibitory. Because the GPe is involved in movement control, demonstrating the existence of this
population would allow the motor pathway to be better understood. By correlating the projection target
with the physiological activity of the cell, more information can be learned about how these cells operate
in the motor circuitry. Out of the twenty-five cells observed, we found that three projected back to the
striatum. In the future, these separate neuronal populations can be differentially targeted when treating
Parkinson's disease.
117
P01
Determining the Future for Finding the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy
Presenter(s)
Wesley Beck, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrinos are fundamental particles in the lepton sector that interact through the weak nuclear force. With
the discovery of their oscillation in 1998 came the realization that they have non-zero mass. Amongst the
currently unknown parameters of neutrino oscillation is the mass hierarchy, which is the goal for several
experiments to determine. In order to evaluate which experiment would have the best chance of
measuring the mass hierarchy, first, a literature review of the different experiments was done. Among
those review were the Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment, Hyper-Kamiokande, IceCube, the Indian
Neutrino Observatory, the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, the Atacama Cosmology Telescope,
the South Pole Telescope, and a radiative emission of a neutrino pair experiment. It has been determined
that the best chance of discovering the mass hierarchy is the Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment by the
year 2034 due to its independence from other unknown parameters. However, further work is needed to
determine if other possibilities can measure the mass hierarchy sooner. The implication of this research is
that future planned experiments may not need to focus on their capability to find the mass hierarchy,
which could reduce their costs.
P02
Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge-Coupled Devices
Presenter(s)
Sharadyn Ciota, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Juan Estrada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Recent experimental results hint at low-mass dark matter (DM) particles that require a low energy
threshold to detect. Because of this, Fermilab is conducting an experiment using charge-coupled devices
(CCDs), named dark matter in CCDs (DAMIC), to search for low-mass particles (<140 GeV) because
CCDs have a low electronic readout noise, which allows a threshold of 40 eV. To reduce the radiation
background noise, DAMIC was moved from Fermilab (345 m below sea level) to SNOLAB (2200 m
below sea level) to decrease the background made of cosmic rays. To analyze the data from DAMIC, a
code was written in C to extract data from the images and then to produce cuts specific to the image to
normalize the different images' histograms to easily compare the results from Fermilab and SNOLAB to
other experimental data. Our data will be compared to the annual modulation that has been seen in
previous experiments. Data collection from SNOLAB began in late December and the analysis is
ongoing. The data from our analysis will aid us in the DM search.
118
P03
Optimizing Energy Resolution in a Prototype PET Imager
Presenter(s)
Youcef Hadjarab, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Woohyun Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pavel Murat, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes
photomultipliers, scintillators, and a radioactive tracer to construct a three-dimensional representation of a
patient's body processes. Because modern PET scanners require long radiation exposure times, this
investigation explored possible methods of optimizing PET performance in order to enhance image
resolution and efficiency with the goal of reducing radiation exposure and the improvement of overall
safety. Bias voltages were applied to a Hamamatsu multi-pixel photon counter to optimize energy and
timing resolutions. The best energy resolution at the full width at half maximum (FWHM, integrated
charge) achieved with an ORTEC VT120 amplifier was about 11.6%. With a Philips 776 amplifier, the
best recorded energy resolution was approximately 7.4%, which compares favorably with the best results
from other researchers. The best timing resolution achieved was about 260 picoseconds at FWHM with
the ORTEC VT120. Analyzing individual signals with the ORTEC VT120 and the Philips 776 amplifiers
demonstrated shorter leading edge widths and signal lengths with the ORTEC VT120. Varying bias
voltages revealed charge correlated linearly with bias voltages while energy resolutions optimized at
around -73.5 V. Excellent energy and timing resolutions means better spatial resolution and more efficient
use of number of signals, expanding the potential applications of PET.
119
P04
Improving Coordinate Resolution in Positron Emission Tomography Detectors
Presenter(s)
Youcef Hadjarab, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pavel Murat, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive technique used for tracking the development of
tumors and neurological disorders. One of the most important aspects of PET imagers is coordinate
resolution, which is necessary for early diagnosis and locating small irregularities within the body. One
method to improve coordinate resolution involves monolithic crystals attached to silicon photomultiplier
(SiPM) arrays instead of the traditional approach of thin crystals paired with a single SiPM. The hardware
used in this investigation included scintillating lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate crystals (2cm x 2cm x
2cm) wrapped in teflon tape attached to 4x4 Hamamatsu SiPM arrays receiving photons from a 22Na
radioactive source. Thus far, results have been obtained with regards to localizations of signals. Using a
lead collimator, a tool designed to focus a light source, Hamamatsu SiPMs were found to provide accurate
information with respect to the position of a photon source. The ability to localize photon sources is the
key aspect of coordinate resolution and will contribute substantially to the improved functioning of
commercial PET imagers. Coordinate resolutions were obtained from the monolithic detector with onesided
readout and analyzed in respect to other PET detector setups.
P05
Kaon Production by a 120 GeV/c Proton Beam With a Bismuth Target
Presenter(s)
Emily Lindgren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Casey, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The kinetic behavior and production of kaons is an important input to planning and design for future kaon
experiments. This study looks at the kaon production rate by a 120 GeV/c energy proton beam incident on
a bismuth target. The Main Injector Particle Production experiment at Fermi National Accelerator
Laboratory collected the data studied. The data samples for this study were Monte Carlo Fluka
simulations, bismuth target data and empty target data. The empty target data had to be scaled to the
bismuth data and subtracted, after which the bismuth data was compared to the Monte Carlo simulations.
Conditions were set to ensure that the scintillator trigger was fired, that the event took place in the proper
region, that the primary vertex produced at least three tracks. This study reports the rate of production and
the kinetic distribution of kaons that were identified using particle identification techniques. The kaon
production is important to understand for new kaon experiments that will need to produce a specific
amount of kaons to successfully run their experiments.
120
P06
Neutrino Oscillations: Real-World Applications on the Digital World
Presenter(s)
Sagar Punhani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrino oscillations occur everywhere but are rarely detectable, requiring massive detectors.
Experiments are occurring all over the world to discover the properties of neutrinos, and it is important
they get digitally recorded. My project includes maintaining and updating a widely referenced website,
www.neutrinooscillation.org that organizes and updates the progress of neutrino experiments across the
globe. Through my research, I have found and cataloged over one hundred new and developing neutrino
experiments, such as NOvA [NuMI (Neutrinos at the Main Injector) Off-Axis Electron Neutrino
Appearance] and LBNE (Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment); projects that could measure an important
property of neutrinos known as the mass hierarchy of neutrino flavors. My analysis of each of the
different types of experiments, outside of the website, shows neutrino groups are finding many new and
sophisticated ways of detecting these particles and understanding their properties. It is vital to keep all of
this information recorded on the digital realm for students, researchers, and pupils to learn about and
appreciate neutrinos.
P07
The Search for Standard Model Higgs Events in Associated WH Production Resulting in the b antib
Decay Channel With DØ Data
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Rabe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ryuji Yamada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The force-carrying W and Z bosons of the standard model create the need for a particle, the Higgs boson,
that gives them mass through electroweak symmetry breaking. While the standard model predicts the
existence of this particle, it doesn't predict its mass or other properties. Here, we present a search for
standard model Higgs events in associated WH production with the lvbb-bar (lepton, neutrino, b, anti-b)
final state using data from Run II of the DØ detector at the Tevatron. The Compact Muon Solenoid
(CMS) and ATLAS groups at CERN announced the discovery of the Higgs particle last year, but there
has not been clear Higgs signal shown from associated WH production. The aims of this investigation
were finding events that most closely exhibit properties of Higgs events and eliminating background. A
multivariate analysis (MVA) was used that was trained for certain variables to categorize events based
upon their likelihood of being Higgs events. This MVA helped to reject background events and increase
the signal-to-background ratio. Modifications in the MVA included new/different variables with more
distinct values in the studied decay process. The highest MVA output events were examined using event
display software, and a series of candidate Higgs event displays was produced.
121
P08
Improvements to Readout Electronics for Compact Muon Selenoid Hadron Calorimeter
Presenter(s)
Robert Schurz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jacob Anderson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The hadron calorimeter (Hcal) of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) at CERN is important to accurately
measure the energy of particle showers originating from quarks and gluons. The CMS Hcal uses
scintillators and hybrid photodiodes to measure the energy of particles produced in proton collisions. The
CMS Hcal collaboration will be replacing the hybrid photodiodes with silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) in
a series of upgrades to improve the performance and reliability of the calorimeter. We studied one key
characteristic of the SiPMs, their gain, either by a light pulse from a light-emitting diode (LED) or by
analyzing electronic pedestal data. Using the charge distributions of the SiPMs, we determine the gains.
The root mean square of gains determined from pedestal and LED distributions is 0.35 fC and 0.93 fC,
respectively. This indicates that the pedestal method is a more robust measurement technique. We also
observe a systematic bias of the LED gain with respect to the pedestal gain.
P09
Analysis of Two Theories to Account for Observed Variations in the Rate of Radioactive Decay
Presenter(s)
Abhishek Sethi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Kroc, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Some measurements of the rate of radioactive decay show an annual variation. This has been observed at
the Neutron Therapy Facility at Fermilab. Two theories have been proposed thus far explaining this
phenomenon: humidity and solar effects. Our analysis involved the reanalysis of existing data and the
collection of new data. Our first effort looked at the humidity explanation, which explains the effect
through a systematic variation in the measurement process of the nuclear decay rate. We tested different
gases to see the effect of the molecular weight of a gas on the decay rate. We concluded that the molar
mass of a gas is directly proportional to the measured decay rate. To test the theory of solar effects, we
used Matlab in order to look at the phase of the annual variation and compare it to the theory. The
analysis showed that the variation in measured decay rate is contingent on the Earth's exposure of solar
radiation. Variations in solar radiation or variations of the mass of the gas that is flowed through the
chamber will increase the rate of radioactive decay.
122
P10
Effects of Spatial Resolution on the Temperature Profile of a FLASH Thermonuclear Flame Model
Presenter(s)
Woohyun Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sean Couch, University of Chicago
George Jordan, University of Chicago
Don Lamb, University of Chicago
Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), powerful thermonuclear explosions of carbon-oxygen white dwarf stars, are
initiated by deflagrations, or subsonic nuclear burning fronts. Because varying flame resolution affects
outputs of FLASH SNe Ia simulations, this investigation studied the effects of flame resolution on the
temperature profile. Utilizing the FLASH code and Archimedes machine, we varied the resolution for a
one-dimensional laminar flame simulation. Each simulation set a domain of zero to forty km, range of
zero to 1.024E 8 °K, one second run time, and checkpoint file frequency of 1/1,000 of a second.
Increasing resolution did not significantly affect peak temperatures, but did affect the flame front width.
Higher resolutions produced temperature profiles slightly hotter than those of lower resolutions, but these
differences can be attributed to accelerated temperature increase. Resolution directly correlated with the
steepness of the temperature profile. approximately 4.9 m resolution flame front widths were 19.53125 m
long, while 625 m resolution flame front widths were 2.5 km long. Steeper temperature profiles were
consistent throughout the domain. Thinner flame widths more realistically simulate deflagration, opening
opportunities to develop more accurate FLASH flame models. Improved flame models can better simulate
rising flame bubbles and neutronization during thermonuclear combustion.
P11
Modeling the Structural Properties of Superconducting Magnets
Presenter(s)
Lee Tang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tengming Shen, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Ryuji Yamada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The purpose of this investigation was to create simulations of superconducting magnets using the finite
element modeling software, ANSYS. During normal operation, the inner superconducting filaments of the
magnets exert pressure on the silver coating of the wires. This investigation analyzed the effects of the
internal pressure on the structural integrity of the magnets. Contour plots were generated by ANSYS to
illustrate the axial, radial, and hoop stress on the wire. The data from these plots indicated that the points
at the sealed off caps of wire were exposed to the greatest stresses. Additionally, animations were
generated to illustrate the progression of the shape deformation of the magnet. The results of this
investigation indicate a structural weakness in the sealed ends of superconducting magnets and that to
ensure safe operation in accelerator experiments, reinforcements should be made in these vulnerable parts
of the magnet.
123
P12
Construction of a Solenoid Magnet to Cancel the Effects of a Magnetic Field
Presenter(s)
Lia Vallina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Gadfort, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Our project aimed to cancel the effects of a magnetic field by combining two solenoid magnets with
opposite field vectors. We constructed two solenoids by wrapping coils of wire around two aluminum
cylinders and running a current through the wire. We calculated the number of coils and voltage
necessary to produce a magnetic field larger than the one generated by Earth by using the law of Biot-
Savart, an equation that expresses the field strength of a solenoid in terms of the coil density, voltage, and
resistance. To produce equal and opposite fields, the voltage of the larger solenoid was half the voltage of
the smaller one because its coil density was twice as large. We placed the smaller solenoid inside the
larger one and collected measurements of the magnetic field using a Hall probe. The magnetic field
between them doubles when the current is traveling in the same direction through both solenoids' coils,
but cancels when it is traveling in opposite directions. Our design is a prototype of the inflector magnets
inside particle accelerators that allow charged particles into a storage ring undisturbed by the magnetic
field. Understanding how to nullify an existing magnetic field is crucial in accelerator experiments.
P13
A Measurement of Zero: Simulating a Superconducting Inflector Magnet
Presenter(s)
Joshua Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Kiburg, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
A storage ring uses a strong magnetic force to contain muons on a certain trajectory so that their magnetic
moments can be measured. In order to get the muons into this trajectory, an inflector that nullifies the
magnetic field is used to set the muons at a point tangent to the field. We have built two solenoids that can
produce equal and opposite magnetic fields to simulate the inflector and are using a Hall probe to measure
the field within. We have run several tests to examine the precision of the probe measurements and to see
if the solenoids can produce canceling fields. Analytical statistics was used to evaluate the precision. The
results from these tests will be used to improve our understanding of how the inflector works.
124
P14
Quantum Mechanical Analysis and Control of Plasmonic Wave Packets in Silver Nanowires
Presenter(s)
William Xu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Meishan Zhao, University of Chicago
A plasmon is a mix of incident light with surface electrons in a metal. Their interaction in nanowires is of
considerable interest as silver nanowires have unexplained properties, such as faster healing with the use
of nanosilver-infused bandages, that may be better understood through the development of a model.
Previously, the particle-in-a-box system, with infinite potential energy barriers at its boundaries, was used
to model plasmonic interaction in a silver nanowire. This gave results that were accurate enough for the
wave function of the wire and correlated well with experimental evidence. However, greater accuracy can
be achieved by using a square-well model with finite potential energy barriers at its boundaries. We
analyzed the effects of this newly proposed model on various aspects of the nanowire, such as the
wavelengths at certain points, through quantum mechanics and calculus. Our results show that the finite
square-well model correlates more closely with previous experimental results than the particle-in-a-box
model in one-dimensional system. Further study would be to develop a generalized quantum model for
this scenario on the effects of interference in a two-dimensional situation, with two wires and two waves.
P15
Comparative Study of the Impact of Differing Progenitor Evolution on Core-Collapse Supernova
Explosions
Presenter(s)
Oleksandr Yarema, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sean Couch, University of Chicago
George Jordan, University of Chicago
Don Lamb, University of Chicago
The exact structure of the progenitors of core-collapse supernovae (CCSN) is still uncertain. Two
commonly used sets of CCSN progenitors are those taken in 2002 and those taken in 2007, each set
differing in only the exact nuclear reaction rates. Although both sets use progenitors with the same
masses, it seems that the 2002 set is more favored by astrophysicists in modeling supernovae. I sought to
see if one set really does more readily explode than the other by changing the neutrino heating efficiency
from approximately 100% to 180% in order to determine the critical heating needed for a successful
explosion. I have run CCSN simulations using the University of Chicago Astrophysics team's FLASH
code employing progenitors from both the 2002 and 2007 sets. Based on more than thirty-five
simulations, the 2002 set of progenitors does explode more readily than the 2007 set. This difference is
related to the differing compactness of the progenitor cores between the two sets. The detailed nuclear
reaction rates directly affect the progenitor core structures. Knowing how the readiness for explosion
depends on progenitor structure and investigating any unexpected patterns will benefit the entire
astrophysics community.
125
Q01
Effects of Childhood Trauma on the Adult Brain
Presenter(s)
Vivian Chau, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Royce Lee, University of Chicago
Childhood trauma, or the repeated physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical and emotional abuse, or
sexual abuse, can influence behavior in adulthood. Studies have shown that institutionally-raised children
exhibit elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. With this information, we were interested in
whether or not childhood trauma affects brain activity in the adult. In this study, Childhood Trauma
Questionnaires (CTQ) and electroencephalograph (EEG) tasks were given to subjects between the ages of
18 and 55 in order to find correlations between CTQ scores and P300 amplitudes (the magnitude of the
EEG wave .300 seconds after a stimulus appears). By using a statistics program to find correlations,
results show that there is a significant negative correlation between P300 amplitudes in EEG data and
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire scores (r=-0.483, p=0.007, n=30). Higher CTQ scores signify more
severe forms of trauma. Thus, results show that people who experienced more severe cases of childhood
trauma exhibit less brain activity in the parietal lobe. Less activity in the parietal lobe of the brain
suggests decreased level of memory storage, information processing, and performance in math and
computation. With this understanding, predictions and preventions can be used to help children who lack
sufficient parental care.
Q02
An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Evolutionary Processes and Artificial Intelligence
Presenter(s)
Michelle Kinama, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Colette Moos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Tony Vadakumchery, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Tech.
Richard Dawkins described genes as the fundamental pieces of DNA which compete for resources and
survival in order to replicate. He also coined the term meme, a social and cultural unit of replication
transmitted through imitation. This investigation delves into the relationship between genetic replicators
and memetic replicators, and ultimately memetic replicators and intelligence. Using qualitative analysis of
texts about genetics, memetics, formal systems, and consciousness, this investigation is a grounded theory
study that explains the relationship between evolutionary processes both genetic and memetic, as well as
the ethical implications of the development of advanced artificial intelligence. The texts analyzed indicate
that human intelligence is deeply rooted in memetics, as imitation is our main method of learning new
activities and concepts. However, human intelligence itself is limited by the genetic limitations of our
brain. Technology greatly facilitates memetic evolution and replication. Inventions such as smartphones
and the internet increase the speed and fidelity of memetic replication. Technology at a stage where it can
self-sufficiently replicate memes can be said to have artificial intelligence.
126
Q03
Descriptive Assessment of Social Norms at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presenter(s)
Sophie Legan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Cristina Menchaca, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is a school full of opportunity to study human
behavior in a unique environment. We investigated social behaviors regarding some personal habits and
interactions with others at IMSA. We emailed out a survey to all IMSA students asking questions about
activities such as drug use, sleeping habits, and social interaction in order find a relationship between
perceived social norms and actual social norms, and mapped normal IMSA social interaction. According
to the results we received from students, the actual occurrence of the social norms we chose to test was
much lower than the perceived occurrence. We are hoping that this investigation will boost awareness of
certain social norms and aid students in mending any negative behavior shown by these norms.
Q04
Impulsivity and Subjective Response to the Stimulating and Sedative Effects of Alcohol
Presenter(s)
June Qian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Jessica Weafer, University of Chicago
Individual differences in both impulsivity and subject response to the effects of alcohol may predict
alcohol abuse in the future, though little is known about the relationship between impulsivity and
subjective response. The current study examines impulsivity and sensitivity to the subjective effects of
alcohol in two independent samples (n=89 and n=70). At testing sessions, participants received an alcohol
dose (0.65 g/kg) or a placebo, and completed several tasks. Impulsivity measures included the Barrett
Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), while the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES), Profile of Mood States
(POMS), and Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ) measured subjective response to alcohol. In the smaller
group, analyses did not show any significant associations between impulsivity and subjective response to
alcohol. From the larger sample (n=89), analyses showed that more impulsive people demonstrated
greater stimulation and less sedation as measured by the BAES under alcohol on the ascending limb of
the BAC curve. These results reflect the Newtonian Differentiator model, in which drinkers feel a greater
response (more positive, stimulant-like effects) to alcohol on the ascending limb of the BAC curve. This
suggests that more impulsive people may experience increased risk for alcohol abuse because they feel
greater, positive rewarding effects of alcohol.
127
R01
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students' Perceptions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, and Questioning Community Acceptance at IMSA and at Their Former Schools
Presenter(s)
Jacob Akstins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Carissa Lao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This project seeks to describe, through quantitative and qualitative analysis, how students attending the
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) perceive community-wide acceptance of the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community at this school in comparison with their
prior schools. After researching extensively, we developed a voluntary self-report survey which assessed
students' acceptance of non-binary genders and sexual orientations at the Academy. While keeping
privacy and student safety a top concern, we identified factors that inhibit or promote acceptance of the
sexual orientations and genders of others. The results are statistically significant (α<0.01) and indicate
that the LGBTQ community is generally accepted at the Academy, with some exceptions. In the future,
this information could potentially be incorporated into diversity statistics or improve IMSA's environment
to better help the LGBTQ community. These results can also help improve the Academy's diversity
training and be published to inform potential applicants of these perceptions.
R02
Relationships Between Energy Interests, Agriculture, and the Environment in Contemporary
America
Presenter(s)
Harrison Dimmig, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Continued population growth and increased adaptation of technology are pushing the production of
complementary resources in America to new highs, often at the expense of one another and the
environment. This investigation looked at the increasingly complex relationships between these factors,
analyzing the situation from studies involving the environmental, ethical, legislative, and economic
perspectives of all sides. Recent data from government sources, studies from national laboratories and
universities, and news reports provided diverse and informative source material. During the investigation,
it was found that while energy interests trumped agricultural ones most of the time because of greater
legislative success and funding, thus limiting arable land, the environment was the ultimate loser in recent
years. Toxic chemicals from fracking in the Marcellus Shale and regions in the south have killed
grasslands and their inhabitants, while wind turbines across the Midwest disrupt agriculture and nature in
their own ways. Much caution needs to be taken as America's energy future shifts away from coal and key
infrastructure is updated. Horrible drought and shifting seasons are already wreaking havoc with crops,
and show little sign of stopping. A comprehensive plan of action is urgently required to steer America
successfully through the twenty-first century.
128
R03
Descriptive Assessment of Peer Influence Upon Attending the Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy
Presenter(s)
Rebecca Kleina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gregory O'Bannon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Each day, students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) are faced with new
pressures and influences. Students' behaviors, in dealing with drugs and alcohol, sex, and their education
are each affected by positive and negative peer influences. We designed a survey to be completed by
students that assesses the peer influences they've encountered while at IMSA in comparison to their
previous schools. From our data, we expect to see a difference in the intensity of peer influences between
IMSA and students' previous schools. Because of the importance placed on academics at IMSA, more
positive educational influences and less negative drug and alcohol and sex influences are expected. We
also expect to see a correlation in grade level and peer influence intensity, as well as gender and peer
influence intensity. Our data could be useful in helping more students and faculty at IMSA better
understand the peer influences at IMSA, which would help them to better handle them.
R04
Strategy and Tactics of Ancient Warfare From 499 BCE to 14 CE
Presenter(s)
Hankyul Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
From the Classical Greece to the Roman Empire, strategies in warfare and tactics on the battlefield have
evolved greatly. The method in which armies conducted battle changed significantly over five hundred
years, from 499 BCE to 14 CE. Information on the strategies and tactics involved in select battles was
analyzed through the use of numerous primary and secondary sources. From these analyses, general
trends in the conduct of warfare were identified. In the Classical Greek era, the Greek hoplite dominated
warfare, using the feared phalanx formation to defeat large groups of light infantry and cavalry. As time
progressed towards Hellenistic Greece, the slow phalanx was scrapped in favor of a more mobile group of
spear infantry, known as phalangists. The Roman Republic became known for its use of its legions, tough
groups of heavy infantry deployed in maniples that carried the strength of the phalanx, and the mobility of
the phalangists. However, the Roman Empire saw a rise in the strength of cavalry-based armies that could
exploit their mobility against these heavy infantry columns. The investigation concludes that from
Classical Greece to Imperial Rome, warfare saw a transition from slow and heavy infantry to fast and
mobile cavalry.
129
R05
The Distinct Rhetorical Tendencies of Democrats and Republicans
Presenter(s)
Anthony John Marquez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Erma Mladenova, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Rhetoric is a tool used to persuade an audience and substantiate claims through various methods, such as
the three rhetorical pleas of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. The focus of this investigation was to determine
whether there is a correlation between a politician's political affiliation and their use of certain rhetorical
pleas. This investigation consisted in the compilation of data which demonstrates how often rhetorical
pleas are used by Democrats and Republicans, respectively. A collection of nearly seventy-five political
speeches, ads, and debates by presidential candidates from 1980-2012 were analyzed. Upon examination
of these various rhetorical artifacts, it became evident that the Democrats more frequently incorporated
Logos, which is the use of specific facts or logical reasoning, while the Republicans displayed a
propensity towards Pathos, the appeal to the emotional senses of an audience. Furthermore, when a
comparison of the use of rhetoric by candidates from the same party was performed, a significant
distinction between the type of rhetoric used was not evident. Ultimately, our study demonstrates the
different approaches in delivery of information between Democrats and Republicans, articulating the
difference in their political portfolios beyond a contrast in ideology.
R06
The Implications of Gender and Culture on Body Image
Presenter(s)
Karen Olowu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isabella West, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Grubbs, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Body image, a subjective view of an individual's physical appearance, is a result of an individual's self
esteem and their personal evaluation of their body. This study investigated how an IMSA student's gender
and cultural background influenced their view of their ideal body type for both their sex as well as for the
opposite sex. Following a literature review, we became aware of the importance of cultural background in
constructing personal body image. We also found a set of body mass index (BMI) silhouettes used in
other studies, which we altered and then included in our Institutional Review Board approved survey.
Using Vassar Stats, we were able to analyze the results from the two hundred and fifty students we
surveyed. Our results indicated varying body type preferences for individuals of different genders and
cultural backgrounds. Despite the absence of a statistically significant difference across cultural groups
for gender or cultural BMI preferences, within cultural groups there were gender preferences for different
BMI categories. Further analysis of data supported evidence of the importance of both cultural and gender
roles in deciding an individual's body type preference. Limitations of our study, such as its small sample
size, as well as implications for further studies are also discussed.
130
R07
Investigating the Portrayal and Comparison of Stereotypes Between Japanese and Western Media
Presenter(s)
Arjun Sarode, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Besancon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Stereotypes are often seen in media and are useful in determining key ideals of the culture. I examined
various Japanese media sources such as anime, dramas, and books to find evidence of Japanese
stereotypes. I focused on the common perception of the Japanese relationships such as the way men flirt,
how they treat friends, and how they treat strangers. I found that Japanese relationships differ from the
way characters commonly behave in Western media sources. Qualitative analysis of dialogue and
interactions between characters in the media sources was used to obtain evidence of these stereotypes. I
recorded any dialogue that directly showed an example of a stereotype being either supported or
discredited. The evidence supports that Japanese relationship patterns are very similar to the way
interactions are portrayed in Western media sources. These results lessen that accuracy of stereotypes and
the ideology of foreign cultures being radically different from our own. These similarities support the
claim that stereotypes portray some similarities in culture between both Japanese and Western media. My
results caution against the ideology of foreign cultures being radically different from our own.
S01
The Frequency of Exoplanets Around Stars
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Steven Kosvick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jacob Bean, University of Chicago
The frequency of planets around other stars is a fundamental constraint on the theories of planet
formation. We used the February 27th, 2012 data from NASA's Kepler mission to put new constraints on
exoplanet frequency. Kepler uses the transit-detection method to measure the radii of the planets. In this
study, we only considered exoplanets with radii from 0-20 Earth radii and orbital periods from 0-50 days.
Within these parameters, results showed that most exoplanets found were small planets and that exoplanet
frequency increases as orbital period increases. In addition, results also showed that Sun-like stars have a
65% chance of having at least one planet orbiting it. Due to the high number of small planets and the
correlation between planet frequency and orbital period, our results suggest that the number of planets
that could possibly hold extraterrestrial life may be higher than scientists previously thought. Further
studies should be pursued in regards to determining the number of exoplanets in the habitable zones of
their host stars, as more results could further assist researchers in determining the probability of
extraterrestrial life occurrence on any given exoplanet.
131
S02
Mining of Precious Metals From Near-Earth Asteroids
Presenter(s)
Mohamed Kady, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
My investigation addresses the feasibility and prospects of asteroid mining in the near future. The mining
of platinum from near-Earth asteroids is the most likely and most commonly cited destination/resource for
asteroid mining. Literature review has led to potential candidates for asteroid mining based on the
platinum concentration in meteorites and the resources required to refine the platinum. By compiling the
platinum concentrations of 152 metallic meteorites, a mean 90th percentile concentration of 35.6 ppm was
calculated. This is well below Planetary Resources', a prospective asteroid-mining company, claims of
64-73 ppm for an ideal platinum-rich asteroid. In accordance, it seems that the number of known viable
specimens that fit the ideal mining asteroid is relatively low as well, with only a calculated 3% of near-
Earth asteroids being metallic. Finally, even with prototype variable specific impulse magnetoplasma
rocket fuel technology, the amount of fuel required would result in a cost of $2100 to $2900 per returned
troy ounce of material, exceeding the current market value of platinum. So, even without taking mining
operations and spaceship development cost, asteroid mining does not seem realistic or profitable in the
near future.
132
133
2011-2012 Student Recognition
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2011-2012 academic year
Soham Ali: Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors in E-Cadherin in Diverse Patient Populations
Advisors: Nathan Ellis, Shilpa Ravella; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, April 30 – May 4, 2012 in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada
Courtney Amegashie: Concentration Effect of Chemically-Induced Hypoxia on the Metastasis of High
Nitric Oxide Adapted and Non-Adapted Cancer Cells
Advisor: James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research Day, March
8, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois; DuPage County ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and
Scientific Olympics) gold medal winner in biochemistry
Courtney Amegashie: The Comparison of Motility in Parent Versus High Nitric Oxide Adapted Cells
Advisor: James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
DuPage County ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Competition
gold medal winner in biology
Wendy Bindeman: The Expression of MDS1 and EVI1 Complex Locus in Seven Cancer Cell Lines
Advisor: Don Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
Alice Chang: The Role of Simulation in Neurosurgical Education: A Survey of 99 United States
Neurosurgery Program Directors
Advisors: Aruna Ganju and Lisa Glatz, Northwestern University
Co-author of paper published in World Neurosurgery, November 24, 2012, (Aruna Ganju, Salah
G. Aoun, Marc R. Daou, Tarek Y. El Ahmadieh, Alice Chang, Lucy Wang, H. Hunt Batjer, Bernard
R. Bendok)
Zi-Ning Choo: Genes that are Upregulated and that Show Alternative Splice Variations are Revealed by
Exon Microarray Analysis of Pure CSMN Isolated from Disease Models of ALS
Advisor: P. Hande Özdinler, Northwestern University
Poster presented at 20th Annual Meeting International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
and 23rd International Symposium on ALS/MND, December2-7, 2012 Chicago, IL (Javier H. Jara, Zi-
Ning Choo, Ted Li, and P. Hande Özdinler)
Yiyun Cao: Regulation and Role of Regulator of G-protein Signaling-1 in Celiac Disease Pathogenesis
Advisors: Bana Jabri, Cezary Ciszewski; University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
finalist; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist: Chicago Region third place
winner
134
Henry Deng: Networks of Ultrasmall Pd/Cr Nanowires as High Performance Hydrogen Sensors
Advisors: Zhi-Li Xaio, Hsien-Hau Wang, and Michael Latimer; Argonne National Laboratory
Published in ACS Nano, 2011, 5 (9), pp 7443–7452; Publication Date (Web): August 22, 2011 (Article)
DOI: 10.1021/nn2023717 (Xiao-Qiao Zeng, Yong-Lei Wang, Henry Deng, Michael L. Latimer, Zhi-Li
Xiao, John Pearson, Tao Xu, Hsien-Hau Wang, Ulrich Welp, George W. Crabtree, and Wai-Kwong
Kwok); Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada
Sruthi Doniparthi: CDDO Inhibits TGF-Beta-Induced EMT in A549 Lung Epithelial Cells via the
P13K/AKT Pathway
Advisors: Jun Wei and John Varga; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities
Symposium Finalist
Johnny Duan: Runx2 Contributes to Murine Col10a1 Gene Regulation Through Direct Interaction with
Its Cis-Enhancer
Advisor: Qiping Zheng; Rush University Medical Center
Published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2011). 26 (12) pp 2899-2910. (Feifei Li, Yaojuan
Lu, Ming Ding, Dobrawa Napierala, Sam Abbassi, Yuqing Chen, Xiangyun Duan, Siying Wang, Brendan
Lee, and Qiping Zheng)
Nicholas Fung: The Effect of Poly I:C on Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ)-Induced Fibrotic
Responses
Advisors: Feng Fang and John Varga; Northwestern University
Co-presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University, April 5,
2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Feng Fang, Nicholas Fung, John Varga)
Annie Guo: Institutional Review Board Unanticipated Problems Involving Risks to Subjects or Others
Reports Lack Sufficient Information to Determine Causality
Advisors: Steven Belknap, Debra Tice Gibson, Dennis West; Northwestern University
Co-author of poster presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern
University, April 5, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Mai, Guo, Belknap, Tice Gibson, West)
Brinda Gupta: Effect of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridnium (MPP+) on Dopamine Neuron Loss in LPS
Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Advisors: Paul Carvey, Bill Hendey; Rush University Medical Center
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada; Presented at the 2012 Meeting of the Society for In Vitro Biology, June 3 - 7, 2012, Bellevue,
Washington
Rae Hohle: Exploring The Relationship Between Metabolic Acid Base Status and The Number of Apnea,
Bradycardia, and Desaturation Alarms In Infants 27-32 Weeks Gestation in The First Two Weeks of Life.
Advisor(s): Christine Sajous & Pat Hummel, Loyola University
Presented at the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, Inc., Oct 4-5, 2012, in Columbus, OH. (R
Hohle, A Warhekar, PA Hummel, and CH Sajous)
135
Jennifer Huang: Development of an Improved Soft Agar Method
Advisors: Kim Elseth, Benjamin Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, and James Radosevich;
University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster co-presented at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research
Day, March 8, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Jennifer Huang, Melissa Kim, Kim M. Elseth, Benjamin J.
Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, James A. Radosevich)
Aadam Ibraham: FTIR in Pharmacology
Advisor: Carol Hirschmugl; University of Wisconsin at Madison
Poster presented at the 2011 Synchrotron Radiation Center Users' Meeting, September 16-17, 2011 at the
University of Wisconsin at Madison, Wisconsin
Taylor Imburgia: Examining the Levels of Overexcitabilities of IMSA Sophomores
Advisors: Christopher Kolar, Deb McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation at the 10th Annual Dabrowski Conference, July 19-21, 2012 in Denver, Colorado
Adam Kalinich: Flipping the Winner of a Poset Game
Advisor: Lance Fortnow; Northwestern University
Published in Information Processing Letters (2012). 86, pp 86-89. (Adam Kalinich); Intel Science
Talent Search Semi-Finalist and Finalist
Nilesh Kavthekar: Collagen-Hyaluronic Acid Membranes for Tissue Regeneration
Advisor: Justin Liu; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition
Finalist; IJAS Region V Special Award: U.S. Army Special Award for Engineering; IJAS State Project
Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Best in Category Award in Materials Science; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair finalist
Emil Khabiboulline: Modeling of Quench Protection Techniques in Superconducting Solenoid Magnets
Advisor: Iouri Terechkine; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-
19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Melissa Kim: Development of an Improved Soft Agar Method
Advisors: Kim Elseth, Benjamin Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, and James Radosevich;
University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster co-presented at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research
Day, March 8, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Jennifer Huang, Melissa Kim, Kim M. Elseth, Benjamin J.
Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, James A. Radosevich)
Shannon Kurian : The role of SGK1 and RERG in Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Endometriotic Cells
Advisors: Serdar Bulun, Diana Monsivais
Co-presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University, April5, 2012 in
Chicago, Illinois, Diana Monsivais, Shannon Kurian, Monica Patel, Serdar Bulun
136
Jenny Lee: Gold Ion–Angiotensin Peptide Interaction by Mass Spectrometry
Advisor: Bao-Shiang Lee; University of Illinois at Chicago
Published in the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (2012) published online February 2012;
Doi: 10.1007/s13361-011-0328-0 (Jenny Lee, Lasanthi P. Jayathilaka, Shalini Gupta, Jin-Sheng Huang, Bao-
Shiang Lee)
John Lee: Characterization of Linear-Dendron Based Micelle Formulations
Advisor: Jonathan Paley; Argonne National Laboratory
Presented at the Ninth Annual RITS Super Science Fair, Nov. 19-17, 2011 in Kyoto, Japan
Shelly Li: Thymoquinone Inhibits Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced SiHa Cell Invasion
Advisor: Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS Region V Special Award: Naval
Science Award; IJAS State Project Exposition Gold Award Winner
Ted Li: Genes that are Upregulated and that Show Alternative Splice Variations are Revealed by Exon
Microarray Analysis of Pure CSMN Isolated from Disease Models of ALS
Advisor: P. Hande Özdinler, Northwestern Univeristy
Poster presented at 20th Annual Meeting International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
and 23rd International Symposium on ALS/MND, December2-7, 2012 Chicago, IL (Javier H. Jara, Zi-
Ning Choo, Ted Li, and P. Hande Özdinler)
Xiaoyu Li: Dopamine Regulation of Cone-Cone Gap Junctions in Ground Squirrel Retina
Advisor: Steven DeVries; Northwestern University
Published in the Journal of Experimental Secondary Science, October 2011
Xiaoyu Li: Organizational Motifs for Ground Squirrel Cone Bipolar Cells
Advisor: Steven DeVries; Northwestern University
Published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology. (online February, 2012). Adam C. Light, Yongling
Zhu, Jun Shi, Shannon Saszik, Sarah Lindstrom, Laura Davidson, Xiaoyu Li, Vince A. Chiodo, William
W. Hauswirth, Wei Li and Steven H. DeVries. (DOI: 10.1002/cne.23068)
Claire Liang: Modeling Spatial Growth Dynamics of Stem Cell in Tissue Growth and Regeneration
Advisors: Qing Nie and Youfang Cao; University of California at Irvine and University of Illinois at
Chicago
Co-author of paper presented at the Illinois Workshop on Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering,
November 18, 2011; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Project
Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Best in Category Award in Cellular and Molecular Biology
Peter Lu: Nonequilibrium Dynamics in Cuprate Superconductors Using Transient Grating Spectroscopy
Advisors: Nuh Gedik and Fahad Mahmood; Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Rahul Maheswari: IL-10 Expression Surrounding Neuromuscular Junctions in the mSOD1 Mouse
Model of ALS
Advisor: Nichole Mesnard; University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster presented at the American Association of Anatomists regional meeting, February 25, 2012, Rush
University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois; Second Place Award in the High School Student Poster
Competition
137
Anuj Marathe: Heat Shock Protein 70 Regulates Interleukin 10 Producing Regulatory T Cells
Advisors: Eugene Chang, Yunwei Wang; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences
Paper Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Paper Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Project
Exposition Gold Award Winner; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair finalist; Chicago
Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist and Chicago Region runner-up
Sarah Martin: TNFα Expression Surrounding Neuromuscular Junctions in the mSOD1 Mouse Model of
ALS
Advisor: Nichole Mesnard; University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster presented at the American Association of Anatomists regional meeting, February 25, 2012, Rush
University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
Aalap Mehta: The Role of RBP2 in MCF-7 Cancer Cell Drug Resistance
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1; IJAS Special Award: Society for In
Vitro Biology Award; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Paper
Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Project Exposition Silver Award Winner
Thitipong Mongkolrattanothai: Ranolazine Inhibition of the Late Sodium Ion Current Slows the
Progression of Heart Failure, Disorganization of T-tubules, and Hypertrophy of the Heart
Advisors: James Kelly, Amanda Nahhas, Matthew O’Toole, and J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern
University
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, October 8-15, 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand
Laura Napierkowski: R&D for the Tracking Detector for the Muon g-2 Experiment at Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory
Advisor: Mandy Rominsky; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presented at the American Physical Society April Meeting 2012, March 31 - April 3, 2012, Atlanta,
Georgia
Deokgeun Park: Initial Calibration of CCD Images for the Dark Energy Survey
Advisors: H. Thomas Diehl and Douglas Tucker; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Published in the Journal of Experimental Secondary Science, October 2011; Illinois Junior Academy of
Sciences Region V Project Exposition participant; IJAS Region V Special Award: U.S. Air Force Special
Award; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Monica Patel: The role of SGK1 and RERG in Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Endometriotic Cells
Advisors: Serdar Bulun, Diana Monsivais
Co-presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University, April5, 2012 in
Chicago, Illinois, (Diana Monsivais, Shannon Kurian, Monica Patel, Serdar Bulun)
Shivani Patel: Immunohistochemical Localization of HCN1-4 Channels in the Mouse Brain
Advisor: Dane Chetkovich; Northwestern University
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, April 30 – May 4, 2012 in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada
138
Nishith Reddy: The Effect of Transgenic MA20 on Inflammation of the Intestinal Epithelium
Advisor: David Boone; University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-
19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sarah Salameh: Early Events in Herpes Simplex Virus Lifecycle with Implications for an Infection of
Lifetime
Advisor: Deepak Shukla; University of Illinois at Chicago
Published in The Open Virology Journal (2012) Vol. 6, pp 1-6 (Sarah Salameh, Urmi Sheth, and Deepak
Shukla)
Urmi Sheth: Early Events in Herpes Simplex Virus Lifecycle with Implications for an Infection of
Lifetime
Advisor: Deepak Shukla; University of Illinois at Chicago
Published in The Open Virology Journal (2012) Vol. 6, pp 1-6 (Sarah Salameh, Urmi Sheth, and Deepak
Shukla)
Yanchen Shi: A Low-Power Wave Union TDC Implemented in FPGA
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-author of paper presented at the Topical Workshop on Electronics for Particle Physics 2011
(TWEPP-11), September 26-30, 2011 in Vienna, Austria (Jinyuan Wu, Yanchen Shi, Douglas Zhu)
Rose Neiberg Sloan: Stable Expansions of the Integers
Advisor: David Marker; University of Illinois at Chicago
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Michelle Suh: The Comparison of the Different Radiotherapy Neutron Sources in Various Facilities for
the Optimal Result in Neutron Therapy
Advisor: Thomas Kroc; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, October 8-15, 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand;
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
Shannon Tai: Increased Heterogeneity of Calcium Cycling in Myocytes from Failing Hearts
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Presented at the Ninth Annual RITS Super Science Fair, Nov. 19-17, 2011 in Kyoto, Japan
Lee Tang: Modulation of the Akt/Protein Kinase B Pathway in Human Neutrophils Through the
Inhibition of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog and PH Domain Leucine-Rich Repeat Protein
Phosphatase
Advisor: Xiangdong Zhu; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition participant
139
Riva Trivedi: A Comparison of Drosophila CMI to Human MLL2/ALR Reveals Homologous Histone
Binding and Recognition Preferences
Advisors: Claudia Zraly and Andrew Dingwall; Loyola University
Co-author of paper published in the Journal of Secondary Science, October 2012; (Riva Trivedi, Claudia
Zraly, and Andrew Dingwall)
Rheanna Vimawala: Factors Influencing Successful Discontinuance of Caffeine at 34 Weeks Corrected
Gestational Age in Premature Infants Treated for Apnea of Prematurity
Advisors: Christine Sajous and Bonnie Kanzia, Loyola University
Presentation at the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, Inc., Oct 4-5, 2012, in Columbus, OH. (R
Vimawala, PA Hummel, and CH Sajous)
Lucy Wang: The Role of Simulation in Neurosurgical Education: A Survey of 99 United States
Neurosurgery Program Directors
Advisors: Aruna Ganju and Lisa Glatz, Northwestern University
Co-author of paper published in World Neurosurgery, November 24, 2012, (Aruna Ganju, Salah
G. Aoun, Marc R. Daou, Tarek Y. El Ahmadieh, Alice Chang, Lucy Wang, H. Hunt Batjer, Bernard
R. Bendok)
Aditi Warhekar: Exploring The Relationship Between Metabolic Acid Base Status and The Number of
Apnea, Bradycardia, and Desaturation Alarms In Infants 27-32 Weeks Gestation in The First Two Weeks
of Life.
Advisors: Christine Sajous and Pat Hummel, Loyola University
Presented at the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, Inc., Oct 4-5, 2012, in Columbus, OH. (R
Hohle, A Warhekar, PA Hummel, and CH Sajous)
Jordan Williams: The Effect of Silver Ion on Sewage Treatment Bacteria
Advisors: Megan Schrementi and Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the Ninth Annual RITS Super Science Fair, Nov. 19-17, 2011 in Kyoto, Japan
Summer Wu: Characterization and Manipulation of Nanorods via an Applied Magnetic Field
Advisors: Shih-han Lo, Vinayak Dravid; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS Region V Special Awards: Mu
Alpha Theta Award and Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. (YSEA) Science Fair Award;
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Paper Exposition Gold Award
Winner; IJAS State Project Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Best in Category Award in
Materials Science; Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact finalist
Douglas Zhu: A Low-Power Wave Union TDC Implemented in FPGA
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-author of paper presented at the Topical Workshop on Electronics for Particle Physics 2011
(TWEPP-11), September 26-30, 2011 in Vienna, Austria (Jinyuan Wu, Yanchen Shi, Douglas Zhu)
140
Note: Mahi Singh’s research from the 2010 and 2011 academic years was published in 2013.
Mahi Singh (Class of 2011): Dnmt3b Is a Haploinsufficient Tumor Suppressor Gene in Myc-Induced
Lymphomagenesis
Advisors: Lucy Godley, Aparna Vasanthakumar, and Janet Lepore; University of Chicago
Co-author of paper published in Blood, March 14, 2013 (Aparna Vasanthakumar, Janet B. Lepore,
Matthew H. Zegarek, Masha Kocherginsky, Mahi Singh, Elizabeth M. Davis, Petra A. Link, John
Anastasi, Michelle M. Le Beau, Adam R. Karpf, and Lucy A. Godley)
141
Index
Poster/
Abstract
Number
Page
Number Name Time Room
I01 73 Michael Adams 09:10 A-133
N01 90 Prachi Aggarwal 10:00 A-147
R01 127 Jacob Akstins 09:35 Lect. Hall B-206
K01 80 Simone Alexandrova 2:10 B-133
C01 43 Soham Ali 10:50 A-135
M01 86 Andrew Alonso-Emanuel 09:35 B-133
N02 90 Charlene Angeles 12:55 A-133
A01 35 Ashok Arjunakani 09:35 A-115
O01 101 Ashok Arjunakani 10:25 A-113
K02 81 Lydia Auch 09:10 Acad. Pit A-138
D01 58 Martin Bantchev 12:55 Lect. Hall B-206
P01 117 Wesley Beck 12:55 A-121
K03 82 Sarah Blanco 09:10 Lect. Hall B-206
C02 43 Isiah Butler 10:50 A-151
I02 74 Kendell Byrd 09:10 Kids Inst. E-115
J01 78 Kirstyn Carlson 11:15 A-149
Q01 125 Vivian Chau 1:20 A-131
F01 65 Advitheey Chelikani 10:50 A-149
O02 102 Gary Chen 09:10 B-133
I03 74 Brian Chien 1:45 A-131
O03 102 Kathleen Chinetti 10:50 B-116
N03 91 Ryan Chiu 09:35 A-155
C03 44 Zi-Ning Choo 1:45 A-115
P02 117 Sharadyn Ciota 1:45 A-151
M02 87 Lael Costa 1:45 A-135
A02 35 Molly Cuka 11:15 Acad. Pit A-138
C06 45 Jonathan D'Souza 10:00 A-135
C04 44 John Deng 2:10 A-121
E01 59 Matthew Deng 2:10 Acad. Pit A-138
I04 75 Evan Derse 10:00 Acad. Pit A-138
K02 81 Grace DiCecco 09:10 Acad. Pit A-138
R02 127 Harrison Dimmig 09:35 A-147
C05 45 Vishrut Dixit 12:30 A-147
F02 65 Ryan Eberhardt 1:20 Lect. Hall B-206
N04 91 Kevin Emancipator 08:45 A-115
K02 81 Kenzo Esquivel 09:10 Acad. Pit A-138
142
O04 103 Anastasia Fafara 12:30 Kids Inst. E-115
C07 46 Kristy Fang 11:15 B-108
B01 39 Emerald Fikejs 1:20 A-155
C08 47 Marisol Flores 2:10 B-108
I01 73 Daniel Francis 09:10 A-133
O05 103 Kent Gang 10:25 Acad. Pit A-138
E01 59 Kent Gang 2:10 Acad. Pit A-138
E01 59 Siva Gangavarapu 2:10 Acad. Pit A-138
F03 66 Amanda Gao 08:45 A-135
N05 92 Arjun Garg 08:45 A-151
N06 92 Aaron Geldner 10:00 A-151
F04 66 Jackson Gibbons 1:20 A-133
C09 47 Ellen Gieser 09:10 A-155
C10 48 Shivani Goel 11:15 Kids Inst. E-115
N07 93 Annika Gomez 10:50 A-155
K04 82 Anna Gupta 10:50 A-119
H01 72 Ashima Gupta 08:45 Acad. Pit A-138
C08 47 Estefany Guzman 2:10 B-108
P03 118 Youcef Hadjarab 09:10 A-131
P04 119 Youcef Hadjarab 09:35 A-131
A03 36 Clarreesa Hardin 1:20 A-115
O06 104 Stephanie Hatz 12:55 A-119
M03 87 Kevin He 11:15 A-133
I05 75 Claire Hensley 1:20 A-119
I01 73 Jennifer Hoelzer 09:10 A-133
O07 104 Kevin Hong 1:20 B-133
B02 40 Isheng Hou 09:35 A-135
S01 130 Jonathan Hu 2:10 A-155
C11 48 Jimmy Huang 09:35 A-151
L01 85 Nathan Huxtable 10:50 A-147
O08 105 Shreya Jain 10:50 A-115
J02 79 Alexander Johnson 09:10 B-110
N08 93 Tejas Joshi 09:35 B-108
S02 131 Mohamed Kady 10:00 A-133
C12 49 Vandana Karan 12:55 A-135
H02 73 Anton Karpovich 10:50 Lect. Hall B-206
N09 94 Kaylee Kauffman 10:50 B-110
M04 88 Samuel Kaufman 09:35 Kids Inst. E-115
O09 105 Omkar Kelkar 09:10 A-113
O10 106 Omkar Kelkar 09:35 A-113
N10 94 Akram Khaja 08:45 B-116
143
C13 49 Kathryn Kim 11:15 B-133
Q02 125 Michelle Kinama 2:10 Kids Inst. E-115
E02 60 Ujwal Kiran 10:00 A-121
D01 59 Pirapat Kitipongpatana 12:55 Lect. Hall B-206
R03 128 Rebecca Kleina 10:00 Lect. Hall B-206
S01 130 Steven Kosvick 2:10 A-155
C14 50 Srisha Kotlo 10:00 A-119
F02 65 Milosz Kowal 1:20 Lect. Hall B-206
G01 70 Samuel Krause 10:25 A-147
E03 60 Jacob Kronenberg 11:15 A-119
O08 105 Anna Kryczka 10:50 A-115
K05 83 Anna Kryczka 1:45 A-119
N11 95 Anna Krzywiec 1:20 B-110
O02 102 Dipen Kumar 09:10 B-133
O11 107 Nishita Kumar 1:45 B-133
F05 67 Saurabh Kumar 08:45 A-155
N12 96 Shannon Kurian 12:55 B-110
G02 71 Andrew Kuznetsov 11:15 B-116
C15 50 Maria Kuznetsov 10:25 A-155
C16 51 Jiwon Kwak 09:10 A-151
C17 51 Jennifer Kwon 10:50 B-108
N13 96 Joshua Lam 09:10 B-108
R01 127 Carissa Lao 09:35 Lect. Hall B-206
K03 82 Clare Leahy 09:10 Lect. Hall B-206
O12 108 Lakhena Leang 1:45 Lect. Hall B-206
R04 128 Hankyul Lee 08:45 A-149
A04 36 Jenny Lee 12:55 A-155
O13 108 Jessica Lee 2:10 A-151
F06 67 Mack Lee 10:50 A-133
E04 61 Ryan Leemans 2:10 A-119
Q03 126 Sophie Legan 10:25 Lect. Hall B-206
F07 68 Arthur Li 1:45 A-149
M05 88 Evan Li 1:45 B-110
C18 52 Grace Li 2:10 A-131
F08 68 Jingfei Li 11:15 A-151
O14 109 Judy Li 08:45 A-147
P04 119 Kevin Li 09:35 A-131
P03 118 Kevin Li 09:10 A-131
N14 97 Shelly Li 10:00 A-115
B03 41 Claire Liang 1:20 A-113
P05 119 Emily Lindgren 1:20 A-151
144
O15 110 Emily Ling 2:10 Lect. Hall B-206
K04 82 David Lisk 10:50 A-119
G03 71 Christine Liu 09:10 A-149
N04 91 Gina Liu 08:45 A-115
C19 52 Lily Lou 1:45 Acad. Pit A-138
F03 66 Kristen Mancini 08:45 A-135
K06 83 Earl Justin Mangulabnan 2:10 A-149
C20 53 Anuj Marathe 2:10 A-115
R05 129 Anthony John Marquez 1:20 A-149
O16 111 Sarah Martin 12:30 Lect. Hall B-206
E05 61 John McGuire 12:30 A-151
K01 80 Marco Medina 2:10 B-133
B04 41 Aalap Mehta 10:00 Kids Inst. E-115
J03 79 Anna Melberg 10:25 A-149
Q03 126 Cristina Menchaca 10:25 Lect. Hall B-206
O11 107 Jackson Michuda 1:45 B-133
R05 129 Erma Mladenova 1:20 A-149
I06 76 Valerie Moore 08:45 Kids Inst. E-115
Q02 125 Colette Moos 2:10 Kids Inst. E-115
C21 53 Shruthi Mothkur 2:10 A-135
A05 37 Philip Nebres 09:10 A-115
R03 128 Gregory O'Bannon 10:00 Lect. Hall B-206
L02 86 Jameson O'Reilly 10:00 A-149
R06 129 Karen Olowu 08:45 Lect. Hall B-206
K07 84 Anthony Ortiz 1:45 A-147
C16 51 Nitya Pariti 09:10 A-151
O05 103 Deborah Park 10:25 Acad. Pit A-138
F08 68 Hyun Bin Park 11:15 A-151
O07 104 Matthew Park 1:20 B-133
C07 46 Nahee Park 11:15 B-108
N12 96 Monica Patel 12:55 B-110
A06 37 Ruchi Patel 11:15 A-113
O17 111 Shivani Patel 12:30 B-108
N15 97 Viveka Patel 2:10 A-133
N01 90 Jenson Phung 10:00 A-147
A02 35 Atene Poskute 11:15 Acad. Pit A-138
P06 120 Sagar Punhani 1:20 A-121
O04 103 Brianna Pusey 12:30 Kids Inst. E-115
Q04 126 June Qian 09:35 B-110
P07 120 Benjamin Rabe 10:00 B-110
G03 71 Ashley Radee 09:10 A-149
145
O18 112 Yvette Ramirez 1:45 A-133
O19 112 Vignesh Ravi 10:50 A-113
N16 98 Joseph Reda 12:55 A-115
N17 98 Sankeerth Reddy 10:25 B-116
O12 108 Xueyang Ren 1:45 Lect. Hall B-206
E06 62 Daniel Rosenthal 11:15 A-121
F09 69 Pratyush Rustagi 1:45 A-155
N18 99 Hannah Sambor 10:25 B-110
K08 84 Shreya Santhanam 09:10 A-147
N01 90 Shreya Santhanam 10:00 A-147
R07 130 Arjun Sarode 09:35 B-116
E07 63 Justin Sass 12:55 A-113
B05 42 Sreyesh Satpathy 10:50 A-131
I07 76 Sreyesh Satpathy 11:15 A-131
A07 38 Sajishnu Savya 10:50 Acad. Pit A-138
F10 69 Andrew Schell 11:15 Lect. Hall B-206
P08 121 Robert Schurz 10:25 A-115
J04 80 Addison Schwaller 2:10 A-147
O20 113 Devin Scott 09:35 A-121
E04 61 Travis Scott 2:10 A-119
N19 99 Frances Seo 11:15 A-135
P09 121 Abhishek Sethi 1:45 B-108
O21 113 Carrie Sha 09:10 A-121
N17 98 Sunny Shah 10:25 B-116
C22 54 Shreya Shanker 12:30 A-131
P10 122 Woohyun Shin 08:45 A-131
P03 118 Woohyun Shin 09:10 A-131
E08 64 Navika Shukla 1:45 A-113
O22 114 Medha Singh 11:15 A-155
M06 89 Suraj Sinha 1:20 Kids Inst. E-115
N20 100 Ross Skelly 10:25 B-108
O23 114 Vimig Socrates 1:20 A-147
O24 115 Saigopal Somasundaram 08:45 B-133
C23 54 Nathan Suek 2:10 A-113
C24 55 Hannah Swerbenski 10:25 A-121
N21 100 Sai Talluru 10:00 B-133
C25 55 Arjun Tambe 08:45 A-121
C26 56 Steven Tan 1:45 Kids Inst. E-115
P11 122 Lee Tang 09:10 B-116
M04 88 Matthew Tennenhouse 09:35 Kids Inst. E-115
O22 114 Lynette To 11:15 A-155
146
N22 101 Shruti Topudurti 10:50 Kids Inst. E-115
E05 61 Jeffrey Tucker 12:30 A-151
C27 56 Jeremy Tyszkiewicz 1:20 Acad. Pit A-138
Q02 125 Tony Vadakumchery 2:10 Kids Inst. E-115
O24 115 Sarah Valentine 08:45 B-133
P12 123 Lia Vallina 12:55 Kids Inst. E-115
C13 49 Rohan Verma 11:15 B-133
G04 72 Phuong Vo 09:35 A-149
D02 59 Brennan Wakey 08:45 A-133
K09 85 Samuel Walder 09:35 Acad. Pit A-138
I08 77 Stephanie Wang 08:45 A-119
I09 77 Stephanie Wang 09:10 A-119
C11 48 Yuanhao Wang 09:35 A-151
C19 52 Ciara Wardlow 1:45 Acad. Pit A-138
G03 71 Heidi Warning 09:10 A-149
A07 38 Joseph Weinrich 10:50 Acad. Pit A-138
B06 42 Elizabeth Weiss 10:50 B-133
R06 129 Isabella West 08:45 Lect. Hall B-206
O18 112 Michelle Wiebe 1:45 A-133
C06 45 Mateusz Wojtaszek 10:00 A-135
C28 57 Johnny Wu 10:00 B-108
P13 123 Joshua Wu 10:00 A-113
O25 116 Summer Wu 1:45 A-121
P14 124 William Xu 10:25 Kids Inst. E-115
A08 38 Shohei Yamakawa 2:10 B-110
P15 124 Oleksandr Yarema 10:25 A-131
O15 110 Hye Jean Yoon 2:10 Lect. Hall B-206
E09 64 Aaron Yu 08:45 B-110
C17 51 Kenneth Yun 10:50 B-108
K06 83 Scott Zelman 2:10 A-149
N22 101 Selam Zenebe-Gete 10:50 Kids Inst. E-115
F11 70 Michael Zeng 09:35 A-133
C29 58 Luke Zhan 10:25 A-119
O20 113 Jennifer Zhang 09:35 A-121
I10 78 Kevin Zhang 12:55 B-133
E07 63 Yifu Zhang 12:55 A-113
O26 116 Ellen Zhao 1:20 B-108
O10 106 Amy Zhu 09:35 A-113
Dear IMSA Friends:
This year, we are proudly celebrating the twenty-fifth anniversary of IMSA’s Student Inquiry and
Research (SIR) Program. Our first IMSAloquium, then called Presentation Day, was held in 1989 with
only ten presentations; this year we are nearing two hundred. In 1989, there was no Internet, the
Human Genome Project (HGP) had just been launched, and Dr. Leon Lederman, one of IMSA’s
founding fathers and former director of Fermilab, won the Nobel Prize for his work on neutrinos. In
2013, students now use the Internet to conduct SIR projects with student colleagues and faculty
advisors in China and Singapore; access HGP results to pursue advanced studies in genetics; and work
side by side with scientists at Fermilab actively conducting research on neutrinos, quarks, and other
mysteries of particle physics. What a difference twenty-five years makes! An important common
thread connecting these past twenty-five years is the fact that these authentic research experiences have
developed habits of mind in critical thinking, thorough analysis, and bold exploration that serve both
students and humanity well. In the words of our mission statement, SIR clearly “ignites and nurtures
creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the human condition.”
In this abstract book you will discover our students’ demonstrated potential for exploring their unique
passions, pursuing new interests, and both asking and answering profound questions. Working with
extraordinary advisors, they conduct research at a level far beyond their chronological ages. In fact,
several of our students have already published and presented their work at state, national, and
international venues.
We are deeply indebted to our students’ advisors. The strength of our SIR program lies with
collaborative partnerships, and we are tremendously appreciative of our students’ advisors and their
institutions. During the past twenty-five years IMSA students have worked with thousands of advisors
from hundreds of institutions, and the attention, guidance, and support they have given our students is
both inspiring and humbling. We thank all the experts and leaders who join us in boldly applying
innovative ways to nurture learners’ talents and guide them as they reach extraordinary levels of
achievement. When working together as a collective community, we have the vision, resources, and
influence to shape education in ways that truly enable students to “learn how to learn” so they can
confront present and future challenges that impact our local and global communities and most
certainly improve the quality of life on our planet.
As you read the abstracts, we are confident that you will share our appreciation and admiration of our
students’ work. These young men and women have demonstrated that they take our mission seriously
and are eager to tackle unsolved problems, address challenging issues, and contribute to an evergrowing
body of knowledge. Working with their advisors, our students experience real-world problem
solving, collaboration, and scholarship and for many, this work is a life-changing event. We trust that
you will see for yourself that they are well-prepared to solve the challenges that our world will face in
the future, that they are well-prepared to succeed in, or create, careers that do not yet exist and that they
will, above all, strive to “advance the human condition.”
Sincerely,
Glenn W. “Max” McGee, Ph.D. Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D.
President Coordinator of Student Inquiry & Research
1
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-fifth Annual IMSAloquium
May 2, 2013
Table of Contents
Twenty-Five Years of Student Inquiry and Research …………….………………………………. 2 - 4
Student Accomplishments 2012-13.………..……………………………………………………... 5 - 9
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………....................10
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………...... 11 - 18
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….... 19 - 21
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….……….…23 - 34
Student Abstracts, Organized by Topic…………..…………………..…………….…………... 35 - 132
• A Biochemistry 35 - 38
• B Bioengineering 39 - 42
• C Biology 43 - 58
• D Business 58 - 59
• E Chemistry 59 - 64
• F Computer Science 65 - 70
• G Economics 70 - 72
• H Education 72 - 73
• I Engineering 73 - 78
• J English 78 - 80
• K Environmental Science 80 - 85
• L History 85 - 86
• M Mathematics 86 - 89
• N Medicine 90 - 101
• O Neurobiology 101 - 116
• P Physics 117 - 124
• Q Psychology 125 - 126
• R Social Science 127 - 130
• S Space Science 130 - 131
SIR 2011-12 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..133 - 140
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 141 - 146
Inside Back Cover – IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
IMSAloquium cover designer is Chris Reader, IMSA staff member.
The cover was inspired by Cytoskeleton Minicatalog 2013, Cytoskeleton, Inc.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
2
Twenty-Five Years of Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized
learning at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown
into a program that encompasses all disciplines, includes nearly three hundred participants each year, and
participation by each graduating class is about 90%. Credit is now offered for participation in SIR in the
summer, and Summer SIR is growing.
Our students’ accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from
college to begin to make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world
around them. IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is
paying attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are
numerous!
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial listing)
• Analytical Biochemistry
• ASC Nano
• The Astrophysical Journal Letters
• Alpha Epsilon Newsletter
• Biology of Reproduction
• Ceramic Engineering Science
• Ceramic Transactions
• Circulation Research
• Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
• El Conquistador (newspaper)
• Information Processing Letters
• Inorganic Chemistry
• Intelligent Engineering Systems Through Artificial Neural Networks
• Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry
• Journal of Bone and Mineral Research
• Journal of Comparative Neurology
• Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology
• Journal of Experimental Secondary Science
• Journal of Physical Chemistry
• Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B
• Learning and Leading with Technology
• Meteoritics and Planetary Science
• Molecular Vision
• Monaldi Archives of Chest Disease
• NATO Science Series
• Nature
• Neuroscience Research Communications
• The Open Virology Journal
• Physics in Medicine and Biology
• Polyhedron
• The Science Teacher
• Biographies of the Citizens of Lee County Illinois: Through the Years
• NCSSSMST Journal
• Traditions, Transitions, and Technologies - Themes in Southwestern Archaeology
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“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith
A. Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the
nation to have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades
9-12 (2005, NSTA Press).
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the
collaborative student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
Presentations (partial listing)
• Adventures of the Mind Conference
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• American Association of Anatomists Regional Meeting
• American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists
• American Chemical Society
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• American Physical Society
• American Psychiatric Association
• American Society of Cell Biology
• American Society of Echocardiography
• American Society of Microbiology
• 10th Annual Dabrowski Conference
• Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University
• Artificial Neural Networks Intelligent Engineering
• Aspen Conference on Perinatal Research
• Association for Chemoreception Science
• Association of Professional Sleep Societies
• Beckman Medical Research Symposium
• Conference on Smart Systems for Bridges, Structure and Highways
• Experimental Biology Meeting of the American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Great Lakes History Conference
• History of the Atomic Age - Chicago Historical Society
• IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society
• IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium
• Illinois Association of Gifted Children
• Illinois Section of the Mathematics Association of America
• Illinois Workshop on Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering
• Innovations in Medical Education
• International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon Beam Technology and Nanofabrication
• International LAM Research Conference
• International Signal Processing Conference
• International Students’ Science Fair
• International Water Forum
• Japan Rits Super Science Fair
• Joint NSRC Workshop on Nanoparticle Science at Argonne National Laboratory
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• Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Keystone Energy Board
• Meteorical Society Meeting
• Midwest Drosophilae Conference
• Midwest Society for Pediatric Research
• National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Summit
• National African American Studies Conference
• National Association of Biology Teachers
• National Conference on Undergraduate Research
• Native American Studies Conference
• NATO Network of Excellence
• NCSSSMST Student Research Symposium
• Nesset Research Forum
• Pediatric Society
• Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Undergraduate Mathematics Conference
• Rush University Research Forum
• Sakharov Readings
• STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach
• Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology
• Society for In Vitro Biology
• Topical Workshop on Electronics for Particle Physics
• University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research Day
• University of Wisconsin at Madison 2011 Synchrotron Radiation Center Users’ Meeting
• WaterCon 2011
• Water Environment Federation Technical Exhibition and Conference
• World Conference on Science
• Young Women in Science and Technology
Competitions (partial listing)
• ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics)
• American Concrete Institute’s Concrete Projects Student Paper Competition
• iBioGENEius
• Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
21 finalists since 2008
1 fourth place (individual) category award, 1 (team) third place category award
• Intel Science Talent Search
47 semi-finalists and 12 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
• Jack Kavanagh Memorial Youth Baseball Research Award (Society for American Baseball
Research)
• Junior Science and Humanities Symposium
• Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact
• National History Day Competition
• Neuroscience Creativity Prize
• Neuroscience Research Prize
• Percy Julian Symposium
• Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
50 regional semi-finalists resulting in 7 regional finalists and 1 national semi-finalist
• Young Epidemiology Scholars
5
2012-2013 Student Recognition
Please join us in the Academic Pit at 12:30 pm for our Student Recognition Ceremony
Hosted By
Dr. Glenn “Max” McGee, IMSA President
Brian Chen: Growth Characterization of Electron-Beam-Induced Silver Deposition From Liquid
Precursor
Advisors: Leonidas Ocola and Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the Joint NSRC Workshop on Nanoparticle Science at Argonne National
Laboratory, Nov, 5-6, 2012; Co-author of paper published in the Journal of Vacuum Science and
Technology B, November 8, 2012 (L. Ocola, A. Joshi-Imr, C. Kessel, B. Chen, J. Park*, D. Gosztola, and
R. Divan)
Kathleen Chinetti: Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge Coupled Devices
Advisor: Thomas Schwarz, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Kathleen Chinetti: Benefits of Student Research Opportunities
Advisor: Judy Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High School
Matthew Deng: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Yale Science and Engineering
Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Kevin Emancipator: A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis
C Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Kent Gang: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Yale Science and Engineering
Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Siva Gangavarapu: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Yale Science and Engineering
Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Anna Gupta: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate
6
Shreya Jain: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact Finalist, April 12, 2013 at Wheeling High School;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Behavioral
Science
Samuel Kaufman: Determining the Value of a Baseball Player
Advisor: Chris Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Omkar Kelkar: An Analysis of Regulated and Disrupted E4BP4 Circadian Waveforms in Siberian
Hamsters
Advisor: Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan
Srisha Kotlo: Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Advisors: Marcus Henze and John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Naval Science Award; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist2
Anna Kryczka: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Behavioral
Science
Dipen Kumar: The Effect of the Enteric Biome on Lysosomal Hydrolase Activity
Advisor: Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan
Jenny Lee: HPLC–MTT Assay: Anticancer Activity of Aaqueous Garlic Extract is From Allicin
Advisor: Bao-Shiang Lee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of article in Analytical Biochemistry 436 (2013) 187–189 (Jenny Lee, Shalini Gupta, Jin-
Sheng Huang, Lasanthi P. Jayathilaka, Bao-Shiang Lee)
Shelly Li: Thymoquinone Inhibits Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced SiHa Cell Invasion
Advisor(s): Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Shelly Li: Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Advisor: Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project
Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; Intel International Science and
Engineering Fair Finalist2
7
Claire Liang: Modeling Spatial Population Dynamics of Stem Cell Lineage in Tissue Regeneration
Advisor: Youfang Cao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at 34th Annual International Conference of the IEEE EMBS, August 28 – September 1,
2012, San Diego, California. (Youfang Cao, Claire Liang, Hammad Naveed, Yingzi Li, Meng Chen, and
Qing Nie)
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
David Lisk: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1; U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate
Anuj Marathe: Heat Shock Protein 70 Maintains Intestinal Homeostasis Through the Regulation of IL-
10 Producing Regulatory T Cells
Advisors: Yunwei Wang and Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Presentation at the 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Annual Meeting and
Exposition, October 14-18, 2012, in Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Anuj Marathe: Transient Therapy-related Surge in Serum Tumor Biomarkers: Characterizing Behavior
and Postulating its Biologic Role
Advisors: Suneel Mundle and Mohan Chelladurai, Rush University Medical Center
Co-author of paper in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, April 2013 (SD Mundle, AS Marathe,
M. Chelladurai)
Aalap Mehta: The Role of RBP2 in MCF-7 Cancer Cell Drug Resistance
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Philip Nebres: Effect of Varying Lipid Concentration on Phase Separation in Model Cell Membrane
Advisor: Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category
Biochemistry/Chemistry; IJAS Region V Project Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category
Biochemistry/Chemistry
Ruchi Patel: Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Advisor: James Horn, Northern Illinois University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Daniel Rosenthal: Metal-Assisted Etching of Silicon Molds for Electroforming
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the 2013 APS/CNM/EMC Users Meeting at the Argonne National Laboratory,
May 6-9, 2013. (D. Rosenthal, R. Divan, K. Ogando, L.E. Ocola, D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
Poster presentation at the 57th International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon Beam Technology
and Nanofabrication, May 28-31, Nashville, Tennessee. (R. Divan, D. Rosenthal, K. Ogando, L.E. Ocola,
D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
8
Robert Schurz: Improvements to Readout Electronics for CMS Hadron Calorimeter
Advisors: Jacob Anderson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist, Chicago Region second
alternate
Carrie Sha Development of Novel Sensor to Reduce Postural Kyphosis
Advisor: Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist; 14th Annual Percy Julian Science Symposium Finalist3, April 20,
2013, at Oak Park and River Forest High School, Illinois
Navika Shukla: Nectin-1 Specific Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Is Sufficient for Infection of the
Cornea and Viral Spread to the Trigeminal Ganglia
Advisor: Tibor Valyi-Nagy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of paper in Molecular Vision (2012) 18:2711-2716. (Navika Shukla, Vaibhav Tiwari, and
Tibor Valyi-Nagy)
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Simona Stancov: The Influence of Sugar Substitutes on Yeast Fermentation with Regards to Volume of
CO2 Produced
Advisor: Joe Traina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Nathan Suek: Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Advisors: Robert Haselkorn and Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Arjun Tambe: An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance
in Arabidopsis
Advisors: Nicolas Cecchini and Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist;
Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular
Biology
Stephanie Wang: A Novel Design Verifying Field Programmable Gate Arrays' Radiation-Tolerance
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist1, Best in Category Physics, U.S.
Army Special Award for Engineering; Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition
Finalist1
Summer Wu: Characterization and Manipulation of Nanorods via an Applied Magnetic Field
Advisors: Vinayak Dravid and Shih-Han Lo, Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Summer Wu: Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: Kirsten Viola and William Klein, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
9
Luke Zhan: Regulation of Type II NKT Cell Cytokine Production by SLAM-Associated Protein
Advisors: Chyung-Ru Wang and Xiufang Weng, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist1;;, Best in Category Cellular and
Molecular Biology, Society for In Vitro Biology Award; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
Finalist2
* IMSA Alumnus, class of 2010
1) The Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences State Paper and Project Expositions are May 3 and 4, 2013 at
the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
2) The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair is May 12-17, 2013 in Phoenix, Arizona.
3) The Percy Julian Science Symposium is April 20, 2013 at Oak Park and River Forest High School
10
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
May 2, 2013
Schedule of Sessions
7:45 AM - 8:35 AM Poster Session
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM IMSAloquium Session 1
9:10 AM - 9:25 AM IMSAloquium Session 2
9:35 AM - 9:50 AM IMSAloquium Session 3
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM IMSAloquium Session 4
10:25 AM - 10:40 AM IMSAloquium Session 5
10:50 AM - 11:05 AM IMSAloquium Session 6
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM IMSAloquium Session 7
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM IMSAloquium Session 8
12:55 PM - 1:10 PM IMSAloquium Session 9
1:20 PM - 1:35 PM IMSAloquium Session 10
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM IMSAloquium Session 11
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM IMSAloquium Session 12
11
IMSAloquium Poster List and Presentations by Topic
Biochemistry Title Start
Time
Room
A01Ashok Arjunakani The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids and Cholesterol on Phase
Changes in Membranes
09:35 A-115
A02Molly Cuka
Atene Poskute
Inducing Cell Death in MCF-7 Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
with Camptothecin
11:15 Acad Pit
A-138
A03Clarreesa Hardin The Effect of Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetics on the Viability of
Breast Cancer Cells
1:20 A-115
A04Jenny Lee Water Extract of Garlic Cloves: Preparation, Characterization, and
Assessment of Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Mouse Colon Cancer
Cells
12:55 A-155
A05Philip Nebres The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Cholesterol,
Sphingomyelin, and DOPC on Phase Separation in Model Cell
Membranes
09:10 A-115
A06Ruchi Patel Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked
VHH:VHH Through Mutagenesis
11:15 A-113
A07Sajishnu Savya
Joseph Weinrich
The Effects of Fas Ligand on Apoptosis in HT-29 Colon Carcinoma Cells 10:50 Acad Pit
A-138
A08Shohei Yamakawa SAV2455 Binds Promiscuously With a Vast Array of Structurally
Disparate Ligands
2:10 B-110
Bioengineering Title Start
Time
Room
B01Emerald Fikejs Development of Image Processing Methods to Track Sub-Cellular
Organelles in Investigating Asymmetric Stem Cell Division
1:20 A-155
B02Isheng Hou Effect of Cell Nucleus Size on Folding and Three-Dimensional
Organization of Chromosomes in Human Cells
09:35 A-135
B03Claire Liang The Comparison of the Stem Cell Spatial Population Dynamics Model to
its Corresponding Non-Spatial Model for Stem Cell Lineage Studies
1:20 A-113
B04Aalap Mehta Virtual Representation of the Rat Central Nervous System 10:00 Kids Inst
E-115
B05Sreyesh Satpathy An Exploration of the Properties of an Alloy With Improved
Biocompatibility and Durability for Use in Orthopaedic and Dental
Implants
10:50 A-131
B06Elizabeth Weiss The Therapeutic Potential of the Glycogenes MGAT2, MAN1A1, and
MAN2A2 for Glioblastoma Treatment
10:50 B-133
Biology Title Start
Time
Room
C01Soham Ali Genetic Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in the African American
Population
10:50 A-135
C02Isiah Butler The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure and Resulting Transendothelial Water
Flux on Intracellular Calcium Signaling
10:50 A-151
C03Zi-Ning Choo Quantification of Virus-Like Particles in Mice Fed a Lowfat or High
Milkfat Diet
1:45 A-115
C04John Deng Detection of Aß Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Rodent Models via
Immunohistochemistry
2:10 A-121
C05Vishrut Dixit Mechanisms of Kinesin-Driven Microtubule Sliding 12:30 A-147
C06Jonathan D'Souza
Mateusz
Wojtaszek
Pathways in Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced p35 Expression in
Fibrosis
10:00 A-135
12
Biology continued
C07Kristy Fang
Nahee Park
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia
Associated MIR137 Locus
11:15 B-108
C08Marisol Flores
Estefany Guzman
Gold-Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus
Type-1 Infection in HeLa Cells
2:10 B-108
C09Ellen Gieser The Effect of the Physical Barrier of a Small Tributary on Gene Flow of
Three Avian Genera in the Congo River Watershed
09:10 A-155
C10Shivani Goel Exosome Uptake in Bladder Cancer Cells 11:15 Kids Inst
E-115
C11Jimmy Huang Methods of Quantifying Oocytes in P2 CD1 Mice 09:35 A-151
Yuanhao Wang
C12Vandana Karan The Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Glioma Cells 12:55 A-135
C13Kathryn Kim
Rohan Verma
Hydrogen Peroxide Production in High Nitric Oxide Adapted Human
Cancer Cells Which Express Tumor Stem Cell-Like Properties
11:15 B-133
C14Srisha Kotlo Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation
and Function
10:00 A-119
C15Maria Kuznetsov Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2
Expression During Pregnancy
10:25 A-155
C16Jiwon Kwak
Nitya Pariti
Molecular Cloning and the Presence of MST1R in Gastroesophageal
Adenocarcinomas
09:10 A-151
C17Jennifer Kwon
Kenneth Yun
Construction of Pathways Involving Genes Related to Severe Congenital
Neutropenia
10:50 B-108
C18Grace Li Morphologically Unique Marine-Derived Bacteria as a Source of Natural
Product Discovery
2:10 A-131
C19Lily Lou
Ciara Wardlow
The Effect of Xanthone, Artemisia absinthium Extract and 6-Oangeloylplenolin
on the Apoptosis Rates of Human Epithelial Breast
Adenocarcinoma Cells
1:45 Acad Pit
A-138
C20Anuj Marathe Heat Shock Protein 70 Mediates IL-10 Production Through ERK
Phosphorylation
2:10 A-115
C21Shruthi Mothkur Effect of Ranolazine on Heart Failure Development 2:10 A-135
C22Shreya Shanker The Role of Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Bile Acid-Stimulated
Chloride Secretion
12:30 A-131
C23Nathan Suek Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis 2:10 A-113
C24Hannah
Swerbenski
Voluntary Exercise Habits in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model Mice and
the Implications of Exercise in Disease Progression
10:25 A-121
C25Arjun Tambe An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic
Acquired Resistance in Arabidopsis thaliana
08:45 A-121
C26Steven Tan Role of Desmoglein 1 in Keratinocyte Morphology and Differentiation
During Epithelial Colony Development
1:45 Kids Inst
E-115
C27Jeremy
Tyszkiewicz
Inducing Apoptosis in HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma by Use of Metal
Ions
1:20 Acad Pit
A-138
C28Johnny Wu Estrogen Modulation of Prostate Epithelial Cells 10:00 B-108
C29Luke Zhan Regulation of Type II Natural Killer T Cell Cytokine Production by
Signaling Lymphocytic Activation Molecule-Associated Protein
10:25 A-119
Business Title Start
Time
Room
D01Martin Bantchev
Pirapat
Kitipongpatana
Creating a Metagame in Checkers 12:55 Lect Hall
B-206
D02Brennan Wakey Testing the Efficiency of the Currency Futures Market 08:45 A-133
13
Chemistry Title Start
Time Room
E01Matthew Deng
Kent Gang
Siva Gangavarapu
Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms 2:10 Acad Pit
A-138
E02Ujwal Kiran Hydrodenitrogenation Using Tantalum Single-Site Catalysts 10:00 A-121
E03 Jacob Kronenberg Production of Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Use in Water Filters 11:15 A-119
E04Ryan Leemans Understanding and Comparing Photochromic Processes 2:10 A-119
Travis Scott
E05 John McGuire
Jeffrey Tucker
A Thermodynamic and Physical Investigation of the Heusler Alloys
Fe2VAl and Fe2VSn
12:30 A-151
E06Daniel Rosenthal Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical
Etching
11:15 A-121
E07 Justin Sass The Effects of Cost on Metal-Organic Framework Efficiency 12:55 A-113
Yifu Zhang
E08Navika Shukla A Novel Method for Drug Delivery Using Toroidal-Spiral Particles: A
Potential Treatment for Cancer
1:45 A-113
E09Aaron Yu Synthesizing a Library of Combinatorial Catalysts on Surfaces 08:45 B-110
Computer Science Title Start
Time
Room
F01 Advitheey
Chelikani
Analyzing and Testing the Monte Carlo Algorithm in the Game of Go 10:50 A-149
F02 Ryan Eberhardt
Milosz Kowal
Integrating and Simplifying Access to IMSA Information Technology
Resources
1:20 Lect Hall
B-206
F03Amanda Gao
Kristen Mancini
Developing a Commercial Android Application for a Nonprofit
Organization
08:45 A-135
F04 Jackson Gibbons Testing the Muon g-2 Experiment Simulation 1:20 A-133
F05 Saurabh Kumar Viability of Speech Recognition for Online Student Assessments 08:45 A-155
F06Mack Lee Reusing Bandwidth to Maximize Speed and Coverage for the Growing
Demand of Cellular Customers
10:50 A-133
F07 Arthur Li Vehicle Automation During an Earthquake 1:45 A-149
F08 Jingfei Li Creating a Novel Back-End Database for the Open Tree of Life Project 11:15 A-151
Hyun Bin Park
F09 Pratyush Rustagi Improving the Clinical Trials Process Through Efficient Collection and
Storage of Protocol Elements
1:45 A-155
F10 Andrew Schell Gathering Open Source Intelligence for Criminal Investigations 11:15 Lect Hall
B-206
F11Michael Zeng An Algorithmic Implementation of the Bollinger Band Approximation 09:35 A-133
Economics Title Start
Time
Room
G01Samuel Krause The Congressional Budget Office and Their Accuracy in Deficit Prediction 10:25 A-147
G02Andrew Kuznetsov Machine Learning Algorithms for Bidding in Auctions 11:15 B-116
G03Christine Liu National Oil Companies 09:10 A-149
Ashley Radee
Heidi Warning
G04Phuong Vo How Does the Ineffectiveness of Greek Government Contribute to the
European Crisis?
09:35 A-149
14
Education Title Start
Time
Room
H01 Ashima Gupta How to Change the World: Redefining Effective Assessment Practices of
Twenty-First Century Skills in Specialized Domestic and International
Secondary Schools
08:45 Acad Pit
A-138
H02 Anton Karpovich The Effect of Religiosity Upon the Enacted Curricula of Illinois High
Schools
10:50 Lect Hall
B-206
Engineering Title Start
Time
Room
I01 Michael Adams
Daniel Francis
An Exploration Into Altitude and Ascent Rate Control System Design in
High Altitude Balloons
09:10 A-133
Jennifer Hoelzer
I02 Kendell Byrd Advancing Communication for the Disabled 09:10 Kids Inst
E-115
I03 Brian Chien Evolving the Touch Pad to Create New Environments 1:45 A-131
I04 Evan Derse Decreasing Noise Produced by Wind Turbine Blades While Preserving
Efficiency
10:00 Acad Pit
A-138
I05 Claire Hensley Investigating and Evaluating Roller Coaster Propulsion and Energetics 1:20 A-119
I06 Valerie Moore The Design and Development of a Stair Climbing Robot 08:45 Kids Inst
E-115
I07 Sreyesh Satpathy Design and Analysis of a Low Speed Solar Vehicle That Effectively
Functions in a Rural or Suburban Environment
11:15 A-131
I08 Stephanie Wang A Novel Design for Measuring Field Programmable Gate Array Radiation
Tolerance
08:45 A-119
I09 Stephanie Wang Automatic Compensation for Cable Time Delay in Field Programmable
Gate Arrays
09:10 A-119
I10 Kevin Zhang Trapezoidal Clocking in Maintaining Isochronous Circuits 12:55 B-133
English Title Start
Time
Room
J01 Kirstyn Carlson Science Fiction and Fantasy Genre Devices Allow Authors' Self-
Expression
11:15 A-149
J02 Alexander Johnson The Methods of Characterization and Plot Development of an Adult Level
Science Fiction Novel
09:10 B-110
J03 Anna Melberg Blood Money: Death, Financial Gain, and Morality in the Gothic Novel 10:25 A-149
J04 Addison Schwaller The Written Aspect Analysis of Performance Poetry 2:10 A-147
Environmental Science Title Start
Time
Room
K01 Simone
Alexandrova
The Effects of Brand Name Root Stimulants Versus Their Active
Ingredients on Germinated Corn Plants
2:10 B-133
Marco Medina
K02 Lydia Auch
Grace DiCecco
Kenzo Esquivel
A Comparison in Environmental Education: Aurora, Illinois and Beijing,
China
09:10 Acad Pit
A-138
K03 Sarah Blanco
Clare Leahy
Increasing Diversity in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Prairie: Preliminary Findings
09:10 Lect Hall
B-206
K04 Anna Gupta Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter 10:50 A-119
David Lisk
K05 Anna Kryczka Investigating the Feasibility of Green Roofs for Residential Applications 1:45 A-119
15
Environmental Science continued
K06 Earl Justin
Mangulabnan
Influence of the Media on the Public Perception of Alternative Energy 2:10 A-149
Scott Zelman
K07Anthony Ortiz Sustaining Plant Growth With an LED Array 1:45 A-147
K08 Shreya Santhanam Enumeration of Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digesters Using Fluorescent
In Situ Hybridization
09:10 A-147
K09 Samuel Walder Engineering a Better Phytoremediator 09:35 Acad Pit
A-138
History Title Start
Time
Room
L01 Nathan Huxtable Examining Radical Ideology Among Immigrant Workers in Gilded Age
and Progressive Era Chicago
10:50 A-147
L02 Jameson O'Reilly A Study on the Universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 10:00 A-149
Mathematics Title Start
Time
Room
M01Andrew Alonso-
Emanuel
Model of the Spread of West Nile Virus Outbreaks in the United States
Based on Rate of Human Incidences
09:35 B-133
M02Lael Costa Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of
Calabi-Yau Manifolds
1:45 A-135
M03Kevin He Using Geometry to Parameterize Rational Solutions to Algebraic Equations 11:15 A-133
M04Samuel Kaufman
Matthew
Tennenhouse
Predicting a Breakout Season for Major League Baseball Players 09:35 Kids Inst
E-115
M05Evan Li Asymmetric Nature of Wireless Communications 1:45 B-110
M06Suraj Sinha The Application of Markov Chains in Granite Formations 1:20 Kids Inst
E-115
Medicine Title Start
Time
Room
N01 Prachi Aggarwal
Jenson Phung
Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in
Chicago Public Schools
10:00 A-147
Shreya Santhanam
N02 Charlene Angeles The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young
Adults
12:55 A-133
N03 Ryan Chiu Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic
Inflammation Signals by Omega-3 Fatty Acids
09:35 A-155
N04Kevin Emancipator
Gina Liu
A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable
Hepatitis C Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human
Immunodeficiency Virus
08:45 A-115
N05Arjun Garg The Role of Serum Free Light Chain Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring
of Myeloma
08:45 A-151
N06Aaron Geldner Poloxamer 188 as a Repair for Apoptosis 10:00 A-151
N07Annika Gomez Healthcare Providers' Motivations for Hand Hygiene Compliance 10:50 A-155
N08 Tejas Joshi Elucidating Gastrokine Function in NSAID-Induced Inflammation via
Myeloperoxidase Staining
09:35 B-108
N09Kaylee Kauffman Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-
Host Disease Concerning Predisposing Factors, Response to Therapy,
Survival, and Outcome
10:50 B-110
N10Akram Khaja Studying the Mechanisms Through Which NKG2D Receptor Stimulation
Induces CD8 T-cell Survival in the Tumor Environment
08:45 B-116
N11Anna Krzywiec Characterizing Melanoma Stem Cell Responses to 8-OH-DPAT 1:20 B-110
16
Medicine continued
N12 Shannon Kurian
Monica Patel
Characterizing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas Isolates in a
Cohort of Newborn Infants
12:55 B-110
N14 Shelly Li Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and
Neck Cancer Cells
10:00 A-115
N15Viveka Patel Characterizing Patents on Discoveries From Genome-Wide Association
Studies
2:10 A-133
N16 Joseph Reda An Analysis of the Efficacy of SPECT Scans as Both a Predictor and
Measure of Change in Patients of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
12:55 A-115
N17 Sankeerth Reddy
Sunny Shah
Effectiveness of Commonly Used Medical Smartphone Applications in
Correctly Diagnosing Diseases
10:25 B-116
N18Hannah Sambor Using Task Shifting as a Model to Improve Injury and Trauma Care in
Sub-Saharan Africa
10:25 B-110
N19 Frances Seo Correlation of Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm
Newborns
11:15 A-135
N20 Ross Skelly A Prospective Outcome of Condensed Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in
Non-Sterile Abdominal Wall Defects
10:25 B-108
N21 Sai Talluru The Experience of GATA6 Mutations of All Subjects in the Monogenic
Diabetes Registry
10:00 B-133
N22 Shruti Topudurti
Selam Zenebe-Gete
Discovering New Chemokine Agonist Receptor Drugs 10:50 Kids Inst
E-115
Neurobiology Title Start
Time
Room
O01Ashok Arjunakani Changes in Hippocampal Volume Between Patients With Alzheimer's
Disease and Other Cognitive States
10:25 A-113
O02Gary Chen
Dipen Kumar
Acoustical and Optical Amplitude Modulated Signals in the Inferior
Colliculus of the Midbrain
09:10 B-133
O03Kathleen Chinetti The Effect of Early Maternal Care on Recovery From Febrile Seizures in
Cx3cr1GFP Mice Pups
10:50 B-116
O04Anastasia Fafara
Brianna Pusey
Partial Recollection as a Unique Memory Type and Corresponding Brain
Activity
12:30 Kids Inst
E-115
O05Kent Gang
Deborah Park
Investigating the Effects of ALS2 and SOD1 in the Upper Motor Neurons 10:25 Acad Pit
A-138
O06 Stephanie Hatz Exploring Brain Mechanisms Underlying Aversion to Nicotine 12:55 A-119
O07Kevin Hong
Matthew Park
Effects of Alzheimer's Disease on Ribbon Synapses in the dSR Region of
Mouse Disease Models
1:20 B-133
O08 Shreya Jain Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests 10:50 A-115
Anna Kryczka
O09Omkar Kelkar The Circadian and Melatonin-Dependent Regulation of e4bp4 mRNA
Expression in Siberian Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
09:10 A-113
O10Omkar Kelkar
Amy Zhu
The Effect of Combined Donepezil and Memantine Treatment on
Hippocampal Subiculum and CA1 in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
09:35 A-113
O11Nishita Kumar
Jackson Michuda
Identifying the Target Genes of TDP-43 Regulated miRNAs and Their
Correlation With Neurodegeneration
1:45 B-133
O12 Lakhena Leang
Xueyang Ren
Progressive Interactions Between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related
FUS Mutant and Protein Chaperones
1:45 Lect Hall
B-206
O13 Jessica Lee Differences Between the Inhibition of Cholinesterase and
Acetylcholinesterase
2:10 A-151
17
Neurobiology continued
O14 Judy Li Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for
the Analysis of Axonal Degeneration
08:45 A-147
O15 Emily Ling
Hye Jean Yoon
Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegenerative Diseases
Associated With Defects in RNA-Binding Proteins
2:10 Lect Hall
B-206
O16 Sarah Martin Role of Mutant SOD1 Molecules as Membrane Active Elements in
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Pathology
12:30 Lect Hall
B-206
O17 Shivani Patel Expression and Detection of the Ion Channel GABAA Receptor Subunits α1
and γ2 in HEK293 Cells
12:30 B-108
O18Yvette Ramirez Poor Sleep Quality in the Elderly and How it Affects Cognitive Functioning 1:45 A-133
Michelle Wiebe
O19Vignesh Ravi The Effect of Cortical Thickness, Hippocampal Subfield Measures, and
Hippocampal Volume on the Discrimination Power of Alzheimer's Disease
Patients
10:50 A-113
O20Devin Scott
Jennifer Zhang
How Concrete and Abstract Words are Processed With Different
Magnitudes Within the Brain
09:35 A-121
O21 Carrie Sha Effects of Visualization on Long Term Memory in Epileptic Patients 09:10 A-121
O22Medha Singh
Lynette To
Biochemical Studies of Estrogen Receptor Protein Interactions in the
Hippocampus of Rats
11:15 A-155
O23Vimig Socrates Audio-Tactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans 1:20 A-147
O24 Saigopal
Somasundaram
Sarah Valentine
Combinatorial Preconditioning of a Neuronal Cell Line With Low Ethanol
and Resveratrol to Achieve Neuroprotective Upregulation of Focal
Adhesion Kinase and its Phosphorylated Form
08:45 B-133
O25 Summer Wu Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of
Alzheimer's Disease
1:45 A-121
O26 Ellen Zhao Observing Neuron Projections in Mice Brains That Can Be Targeted When
Treating Parkinson's Disease
1:20 B-108
Physics Title Start
Time
Room
P01 Wesley Beck Determining the Future for Finding the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy 12:55 A-121
P02 Sharadyn Ciota Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge-Coupled Devices 1:45 A-151
P03 Youcef Hadjarab Optimizing Energy Resolution in a Prototype PET Imager 09:10 A-131
Kevin Li
Woohyun Shin
P04 Youcef Hadjarab
Kevin Li
Improving Coordinate Resolution in Positron Emission Tomography
Detectors
09:35 A-131
P05 Emily Lindgren Kaon Production by a 120 GeV/c Proton Beam With a Bismuth Target 1:20 A-151
P06 Sagar Punhani Neutrino Oscillations: Real-World Applications on the Digital World 1:20 A-121
P07 Benjamin Rabe The Search for Standard Model Higgs Events in Associated WH Production
Resulting in the b anti-b Decay Channel With DØ Data
10:00 B-110
P08 Robert Schurz Improvements to Readout Electronics for Compact Muon Selenoid Hadron
Calorimeter
10:25 A-115
P09 Abhishek Sethi Analysis of Two Theories to Account for Observed Variations in the Rate
of Radioactive Decay
1:45 B-108
P10 Woohyun Shin Effects of Spatial Resolution on the Temperature Profile of a FLASH
Thermonuclear Flame Model
08:45 A-131
P11 Lee Tang Modeling the Structural Properties of Superconducting Magnets 09:10 B-116
P12 Lia Vallina Construction of a Solenoid Magnet to Cancel the Effects of a Magnetic
Field
12:55 Kids Inst
E-115
P13 Joshua Wu A Measurement of Zero: Simulating a Superconducting Inflector Magnet 10:00 A-113
P14 William Xu Quantum Mechanical Analysis and Control of Plasmonic Wave Packets in
Silver Nanowires
10:25 Kids Inst
E-115
P15 Oleksandr Yarema Comparative Study of the Impact of Differing Progenitor Evolution on
Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions
10:25 A-131
18
Psychology Title Start
Time
Room
Q01Vivian Chau Effects of Childhood Trauma on the Adult Brain 1:20 A-131
Q02Michelle Kinama
Colette Moos
An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Evolutionary Processes
and Artificial Intelligence
2:10 Kids Inst
E-115
Tony
Vadakumchery
Q03 Sophie Legan
Cristina Menchaca
Descriptive Assessment of Social Norms at the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy
10:25 Lect Hall
B-206
Q04 June Qian Impulsivity and Subjective Response to the Stimulating and Sedative
Effects of Alcohol
09:35 B-110
Social Science Title Start
Time
Room
R01 Jacob Akstins
Carissa Lao
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students' Perceptions of
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Community
Acceptance at IMSA and at Their Former Schools
09:35 Lect Hall
B-206
R02 Harrison Dimmig Relationships Between Energy Interests, Agriculture, and the Environment
in Contemporary America
09:35 A-147
R03 Rebecca Kleina
Gregory O'Bannon
Descriptive Assessment of Peer Influence Upon Attending the Illinois
Mathematics and Science Academy
10:00 Lect Hall
B-206
R04 Hankyul Lee Strategy and Tactics of Ancient Warfare From 499 BCE to 14 CE 08:45 A-149
R05 Anthony John
Marquez
The Distinct Rhetorical Tendencies of Democrats and Republicans 1:20 A-149
Erma Mladenova
R06 Karen Olowu
Isabella West
The Implications of Gender and Culture on Body Image 08:45 Lect Hall
B-206
R07 Arjun Sarode Investigating the Portrayal and Comparison of Stereotypes Between
Japanese and Western Media
09:35 B-116
Space Science Title Start
Time
Room
S01 Jonathan Hu The Frequency of Exoplanets Around Stars 2:10 A-155
Steven Kosvick
S02 Mohamed Kady Mining of Precious Metals From Near-Earth Asteroids 10:00 A-133
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 A07 B05 C05 C11 C17
A02 A08 B06 C06 C12 C18
A03 B01 C01 C07 C13 C19
A04 B02 C02 C08 C14 C20
A05 B03 C03 C09 C15 C21
A06 B04 C04 C10 C16 C22
C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 D01 D02 E01 E02 E03 E04 E05
E06 E07 E08 E09 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 F06 F07 F08 F09 F10
F11 G01 G02 G04 H01 H02 I01 I02 I03 I04 I05 I06 I07 I08 I09 I10 J01 J02
J03 J04 K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 K06 K07 K08 K09 L01 L02 M01 M02 M03 M04 M05
N04 N05 N06 N07 N08 N09 N10 N11 N12 N13 N14 N15 N16 N17 N18 N19
Old Cafeteria/Commons
M06
N01
N02
N03
N20 N21
N22
Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A08 * Economics: G01-G04 * Mathematics: M01-M06
* Bioengineering: B01-B06 * Education: H01-H02 * Medicine: N01-N22
* Biology: C01-C29 * Engineering: I01-I10
* Business: D01-D02 * English: J01-J04
* Chemistry: E01-E09 * Environmental Science: K01-K09
* Computer Science: F01-F11 * History: L01-L02
20
Science Atrium
Diagram not to Scale
* Neurobiology: O01-O26
Posters - Hall Between Administrative Offices and Student Life
C135
C133
C142
C145 Stairs
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research Conference Room
A
P01 P02 P03 P04 P05 P06 P07 P08 P09 P10 P11 P12 P13 P14
P15 Q01 Q02 Q03 Q04 R01 R02 R03 R04 R05 R06 R07 S01 S02
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life
C122A
C121A Offices
C125
C126
C127
A108
CAC Office A107
D
Diagram not to Scale
* Physics: P01-P15
* Psychology: Q01-Q04
* Social Science: R01-R07
* Space Science: S01-S02
22
23
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations
08:45 - 9:00
Room Poster
ID
A-115 N04 A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis C
Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Kevin Emancipator, Gina Liu, Sudhir Penugonda
A-119 I08 A Novel Design for Measuring Field Programmable Gate Array Radiation Tolerance
Stephanie Wang, Jinyuan Wu
A-121 C25 An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Arjun Tambe, Nicolas Cecchini
A-131 P10 Effects of Spatial Resolution on the Temperature Profile of a FLASH Thermonuclear Flame
Model
Woohyun Shin, Sean Couch, George Jordan, Don Lamb
A-133 D02 Testing the Efficiency of the Currency Futures Market
Brennan Wakey, Doug Adams
A-135 F03 Developing a Commercial Android Application for a Nonprofit Organization
Amanda Gao, Kristen Mancini, Debbi Daniel-Wayman, John Hayward, Alissa Maas
A-147 O14 Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for the Analysis of
Axonal Degeneration
Judy Li, Rodolfo Gatto, Gerardo Morfini
A-149 R04 Strategy and Tactics of Ancient Warfare From 499 BCE to 14 CE
Hankyul Lee, Lee Eysturlid
A-151 N05 The Role of Serum Free Light Chain Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Myeloma
Arjun Garg, Sairah Alvi
A-155 F05 Viability of Speech Recognition for Online Student Assessments
Saurabh Kumar, Joseph Dvorak
Acad.
Pit
A-138
H01 How to Change the World: Redefining Effective Assessment Practices of Twenty-First
Century Skills in Specialized Domestic and International Secondary Schools
Ashima Gupta, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-110 E09 Synthesizing a Library of Combinatorial Catalysts on Surfaces
Aaron Yu, Guoliang Liu, Chad Mirkin, Sarah Petrosko
B-116 N10 Studying the Mechanisms Through Which NKG2D Receptor Stimulation Induces CD8 T-cell
Survival in the Tumor Environment
Akram Khaja, Jose Alejandro Guevara
B-133 O24 Combinatorial Preconditioning of a Neuronal Cell Line With Low Ethanol and Resveratrol
to Achieve Neuroprotective Upregulation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and its Phosphorylated
Form
Saigopal Somasundaram, Sarah Valentine, Michael Collins, Donald Dosch, Robyn Fischer, Kwang
Hoon Moon, Nazhath Tajuddin
Kids
Inst.
E-115
I06 The Design and Development of a Stair Climbing Robot
Valerie Moore, James Gerry
Lect.
Hall
B-206
R06 The Implications of Gender and Culture on Body Image
Karen Olowu, Isabella West, Kathryn Grubbs
24
9:10 - 9:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O09 The Circadian and Melatonin-Dependent Regulation of e4bp4 mRNA Expression in Siberian
Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Omkar Kelkar, Kenneth Onishi, Brian Prendergast, Tyler Stevenson
A-115 A05 The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Cholesterol, Sphingomyelin, and DOPC on
Phase Separation in Model Cell Membranes
Philip Nebres, Adam Hammond
A-119 I09 Automatic Compensation for Cable Time Delay in Field Programmable Gate Arrays
Stephanie Wang, Jinyuan Wu
A-121 O21 Effects of Visualization on Long Term Memory in Epileptic Patients
Carrie Sha, Vernon Leo Towle
A-131 P03 Optimizing Energy Resolution in a Prototype PET Imager
Youcef Hadjarab, Kevin Li, Woohyun Shin, Pavel Murat
A-133 I01 An Exploration Into Altitude and Ascent Rate Control System Design in High Altitude
Balloons
Michael Adams, Daniel Francis, Jennifer Hoelzer, Geza Gyuk, Ken Walczak
A-147 K08 Enumeration of Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digesters Using Fluorescent In Situ
Hybridization
Shreya Santhanam, Krishna Pagilla, Jai Prakash
A-149 G03 National Oil Companies
Christine Liu, Ashley Radee, Heidi Warning, Lee Eysturlid
A-151 C16 Molecular Cloning and the Presence of MST1R in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinomas
Jiwon Kwak, Nitya Pariti, Daniel Catenacci
A-155 C09 The Effect of the Physical Barrier of a Small Tributary on Gene Flow of Three Avian Genera
in the Congo River Watershed
Ellen Gieser, Shannon Hackett
Acad.
Pit
A-138
K02 A Comparison in Environmental Education: Aurora, Illinois and Beijing, China
Lydia Auch, Grace DiCecco, Kenzo Esquivel, Glenn "Max" McGee, Aracelys Rios
B-108 N13 Using Complete Blood Count as a Marker of Neonatal Sepsis and Line Infections in Neonates
Joshua Lam, Hamzah Miltaha, Maliha Shareef
B-110 J02 The Methods of Characterization and Plot Development of an Adult Level Science Fiction
Novel
Alexander Johnson, Erin Micklo
B-116 P11 Modeling the Structural Properties of Superconducting Magnets
Lee Tang, Tengming Shen, Ryuji Yamada
B-133 O02 Acoustical and Optical Amplitude Modulated Signals in the Inferior Colliculus of the
Midbrain
Gary Chen, Dipen Kumar, Claus-Peter Richter
KI E-115 I02 Advancing Communication for the Disabled
Kendell Byrd, James Gerry
LH B-206 K03 Increasing Diversity in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Prairie: Preliminary
Findings
Sarah Blanco, Clare Leahy, Jean Bigger, Donald Dosch
25
9:35 - 9:50
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O10 The Effect of Combined Donepezil and Memantine Treatment on Hippocampal Subiculum
and CA1 in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Omkar Kelkar, Amy Zhu, Lei Wang
A-115 A01 The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids and Cholesterol on Phase Changes in
Membranes
Ashok Arjunakani, Adam Hammond
A-121 O20 How Concrete and Abstract Words are Processed With Different Magnitudes Within the
Brain
Devin Scott, Jennifer Zhang, Vernon Leo Towle
A-131 P04 Improving Coordinate Resolution in Positron Emission Tomography Detectors
Youcef Hadjarab, Kevin Li, Pavel Murat
A-133 F11 An Algorithmic Implementation of the Bollinger Band Approximation
Michael Zeng, Doug Adams, Sergiy Mesropyan, Dennis Wang
A-135 B02 Effect of Cell Nucleus Size on Folding and Three-Dimensional Organization of
Chromosomes in Human Cells
Isheng Hou, Gamze Gursoy, Jie Liang
A-147 R02 Relationships Between Energy Interests, Agriculture, and the Environment in
Contemporary America
Harrison Dimmig, Claiborne Skinner
A-149 G04 How Does the Ineffectiveness of Greek Government Contribute to the European Crisis?
Phuong Vo, Christian Nokkentved
A-151 C11 Methods of Quantifying Oocytes in P2 CD1 Mice
Jimmy Huang, Yuanhao Wang, Takeshi Kurita, Vanida Serna
A-155 N03 Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic Inflammation
Signals by Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Ryan Chiu, Paul Grippo
Acad.
Pit
A-138
K09 Engineering a Better Phytoremediator
Samuel Walder, Glenn "Max" McGee, Aracelys Rios
B-108 N08 Elucidating Gastrokine Function in NSAID-Induced Inflammation via Myeloperoxidase
Staining
Tejas Joshi, David Boone, Wes Grimm
B-110 Q04 Impulsivity and Subjective Response to the Stimulating and Sedative Effects of Alcohol
June Qian, Harriet de Wit, Jessica Weafer
B-116 R07 Investigating the Portrayal and Comparison of Stereotypes Between Japanese and
Western Media
Arjun Sarode, Jonathan Besancon
B-133 M01 Model of the Spread of West Nile Virus Outbreaks in the United States Based on Rate of
Human Incidences
Andrew Alonso-Emanuel, Donald Dosch, Richard Stalmack
Kids
Inst.
E-115
M04 Predicting a Breakout Season for Major League Baseball Players
Samuel Kaufman, Matthew Tennenhouse, Christopher Kolar
Lect.
Hall
B-206
R01 Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students' Perceptions of Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Community Acceptance at IMSA and at Their
Former Schools
Jacob Akstins, Carissa Lao, David Evenson
26
10:00 - 10:15
Room Poster
ID
A-113 P13 A Measurement of Zero: Simulating a Superconducting Inflector Magnet
Joshua Wu, Brendan Kiburg
A-115 N14 Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer
Cells
Shelly Li, Kenneth Alexander
A-119 C14 Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Srisha Kotlo, Marcus Henze, John Solaro
A-121 E02 Hydrodenitrogenation Using Tantalum Single-Site Catalysts
Ujwal Kiran, Randall Meyer
A-133 S02 Mining of Precious Metals From Near-Earth Asteroids
Mohamed Kady, Mark Hammergren
A-135 C06 Pathways in Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced p35 Expression in Fibrosis
Jonathan D'Souza, Mateusz Wojtaszek, Roberta Marangoni, Jun Wei
A-147 N01 Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Prachi Aggarwal, Jenson Phung, Shreya Santhanam, Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren,
Emily Zadikoff
A-149 L02 A Study on the Universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Jameson O'Reilly, Christian Nokkentved
A-151 N06 Poloxamer 188 as a Repair for Apoptosis
Aaron Geldner, Lisa Hoffman, Rapheal Lee
Acad.
Pit
A-138
I04 Decreasing Noise Produced by Wind Turbine Blades While Preserving Efficiency
Evan Derse, Branson Lawrence, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C28 Estrogen Modulation of Prostate Epithelial Cells
Johnny Wu, Dan-Ping (Grace) Hu, Wen-Yang Hu, Gail Prins, Guang-Bin Shi
B-110 P07 The Search for Standard Model Higgs Events in Associated WH Production Resulting in
the b anti-b Decay Channel With DØ Data
Benjamin Rabe, Ryuji Yamada
B-133 N21 The Experience of GATA6 Mutations of All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Sai Talluru, Graeme Bell, David Carmody, Siri Atma Greeley
Kids
Inst.
E-115
B04 Virtual Representation of the Rat Central Nervous System
Aalap Mehta, Andreas Linninger, Indu Venugopal
Lect.
Hall
B-206
R03 Descriptive Assessment of Peer Influence Upon Attending the Illinois Mathematics and
Science Academy
Rebecca Kleina, Gregory O'Bannon, David Evenson
27
10:25 - 10:40
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O01 Changes in Hippocampal Volume Between Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Other
Cognitive States
Ashok Arjunakani, Lei Wang
A-115 P08 Improvements to Readout Electronics for Compact Muon Selenoid Hadron Calorimeter
Robert Schurz, Jacob Anderson
A-119 C29 Regulation of Type II Natural Killer T Cell Cytokine Production by Signaling
Lymphocytic Activation Molecule-Associated Protein
Luke Zhan, Chyung-Ru Wang, Xiufang Weng
A-121 C24 Voluntary Exercise Habits in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model Mice and the Implications
of Exercise in Disease Progression
Hannah Swerbenski, Joey Cardona, Christine DiDonato
A-131 P15 Comparative Study of the Impact of Differing Progenitor Evolution on Core-Collapse
Supernova Explosions
Oleksandr Yarema, Sean Couch, George Jordan, Don Lamb
A-147 G01 The Congressional Budget Office and Their Accuracy in Deficit Prediction
Samuel Krause, Eric Smith
A-149 J03 Blood Money: Death, Financial Gain, and Morality in the Gothic Novel
Anna Melberg, Adam Kotlarczyk
A-155 C15 Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Expression During
Pregnancy
Maria Kuznetsov, Brian Layden
Acad.
Pit
A-138
O05 Investigating the Effects of ALS2 and SOD1 in the Upper Motor Neurons
Kent Gang, Deborah Park, Pembe Hande Ozdinler
B-108 N20 A Prospective Outcome of Condensed Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in Non-Sterile
Abdominal Wall Defects
Ross Skelly, Jing Liu
B-110 N18 Using Task Shifting as a Model to Improve Injury and Trauma Care in Sub-Saharan
Africa
Hannah Sambor, Stacey Chamberlain
B-116 N17 Effectiveness of Commonly Used Medical Smartphone Applications in Correctly
Diagnosing Diseases
Sankeerth Reddy, Sunny Shah, Susan Styer
Kids
Inst.
E-115
P14 Quantum Mechanical Analysis and Control of Plasmonic Wave Packets in Silver
Nanowires
William Xu, Meishan Zhao
Lect.
Hall
B-206
Q03 Descriptive Assessment of Social Norms at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sophie Legan, Cristina Menchaca, David Evenson
28
10:50 - 11:05
Room Poster
ID
A-113 O19 The Effect of Cortical Thickness, Hippocampal Subfield Measures, and Hippocampal
Volume on the Discrimination Power of Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Vignesh Ravi, Lei Wang
A-115 O08 Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Shreya Jain, Anna Kryczka, Todd Parrish
A-119 K04 Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Anna Gupta, David Lisk, Mark Carlson
A-131 B05 An Exploration of the Properties of an Alloy With Improved Biocompatibility and
Durability for Use in Orthopaedic and Dental Implants
Sreyesh Satpathy, Christos Takoudis
A-133 F06 Reusing Bandwidth to Maximize Speed and Coverage for the Growing Demand of Cellular
Customers
Mack Lee, Randall Berry, Vijay Subramanian
A-135 C01 Genetic Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in the African American Population
Soham Ali, Nathan Ellis
A-147 L01 Examining Radical Ideology Among Immigrant Workers in Gilded Age and Progressive
Era Chicago
Nathan Huxtable, Eric Smith
A-149 F01 Analyzing and Testing the Monte Carlo Algorithm in the Game of Go
Advitheey Chelikani, Phadmakar Patankar
A-151 C02 The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure and Resulting Transendothelial Water Flux on
Intracellular Calcium Signaling
Isiah Butler, Randal Dull
A-155 N07 Healthcare Providers' Motivations for Hand Hygiene Compliance
Annika Gomez, Emily Mawdsley
Acad.
Pit
A-138
A07 The Effects of Fas Ligand on Apoptosis in HT-29 Colon Carcinoma Cells
Sajishnu Savya, Joseph Weinrich, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C17 Construction of Pathways Involving Genes Related to Severe Congenital Neutropenia
Jennifer Kwon, Kenneth Yun, Seth Corey
B-110 N09 Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Concerning Predisposing Factors, Response to Therapy, Survival, and Outcome
Kaylee Kauffman, Morris Kletzel
B-116 O03 The Effect of Early Maternal Care on Recovery From Febrile Seizures in Cx3cr1GFP Mice
Pups
Kathleen Chinetti, Sookyong Koh
B-133 B06 The Therapeutic Potential of the Glycogenes MGAT2, MAN1A1, and MAN2A2 for
Glioblastoma Treatment
Elizabeth Weiss, Roger Kroes
Kids
Inst.
E-115
N22 Discovering New Chemokine Agonist Receptor Drugs
Shruti Topudurti, Selam Zenebe-Gete, Richard Miller, Andrew Shum
Lect.
Hall
B-206
H02 The Effect of Religiosity Upon the Enacted Curricula of Illinois High Schools
Anton Karpovich, Deborah Scarano
29
11:15 - 11:30
Room Poster
ID
A-113 A06 Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Ruchi Patel, James Horn
A-119 E03 Production of Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Use in Water Filters
Jacob Kronenberg, Mark Carlson
A-121 E06 Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Daniel Rosenthal, Ralu Divan, Leonidas Ocola
A-131 I07 Design and Analysis of a Low Speed Solar Vehicle That Effectively Functions in a Rural or
Suburban Environment
Sreyesh Satpathy, Dayal Parthi
A-133 M03 Using Geometry to Parameterize Rational Solutions to Algebraic Equations
Kevin He, Izzet Coskun
A-135 N19 Correlation of Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm Newborns
Frances Seo, Jonathan Muraskas, Sarah Van Nostrand
A-149 J01 Science Fiction and Fantasy Genre Devices Allow Authors' Self-Expression
Kirstyn Carlson, Tracy Townsend
A-151 F08 Creating a Novel Back-End Database for the Open Tree of Life Project
Jingfei Li, Hyun Bin Park, Richard Ree
A-155 O22 Biochemical Studies of Estrogen Receptor Protein Interactions in the Hippocampus of Rats
Medha Singh, Lynette To, Nino Tabatadze, Catherine Woolley
Acad.
Pit
A-138
A02 Inducing Cell Death in MCF-7 Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells with Camptothecin
Molly Cuka, Atene Poskute, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C07 Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia Associated MIR137
Locus
Kristy Fang, Nahee Park, Jubao Duan, Catherine Leites
B-116 G02 Machine Learning Algorithms for Bidding in Auctions
Andrew Kuznetsov, Jason Hartline
B-133 C13 Hydrogen Peroxide Production in High Nitric Oxide Adapted Human Cancer Cells Which
Express Tumor Stem Cell-Like Properties
Kathryn Kim, Rohan Verma, Kim Elseth, Aqil Madeeha, James Radosevich
Kids
Inst.
E-115
C10 Exosome Uptake in Bladder Cancer Cells
Shivani Goel, Carrie Franzen, Gopal Gupta
Lect.
Hall
B-206
F10 Gathering Open Source Intelligence for Criminal Investigations
Andrew Schell, James Bondi, Brad Carnduff
30
12:30 - 12:45
Room Poster
ID
A-131 C22 The Role of Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Bile Acid-Stimulated Chloride Secretion
Shreya Shanker, Jada Domingue, Mrinalini Rao, Jayashree Sarathy
A-147 C05 Mechanisms of Kinesin-Driven Microtubule Sliding
Vishrut Dixit, Vladimir Gelfand
A-151 E05 A Thermodynamic and Physical Investigation of the Heusler Alloys Fe2VAl and Fe2VSn
John McGuire, Jeffrey Tucker, Philip Nash
B-108 O17 Expression and Detection of the Ion Channel GABAA Receptor Subunits α1 and γ2 in
HEK293 Cells
Shivani Patel, Kaouther Ajroud, Dane Chetkovich
Kids
Inst.
E-115
O04 Partial Recollection as a Unique Memory Type and Corresponding Brain Activity
Anastasia Fafara, Brianna Pusey, Joel Voss
Lect.
Hall
B-206
O16 Role of Mutant SOD1 Molecules as Membrane Active Elements in Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis Pathology
Sarah Martin, Michael Allen, Ana Correa
12:55 - 1:10
Room Poster
ID
A-113 E07 The Effects of Cost on Metal-Organic Framework Efficiency
Justin Sass, Yifu Zhang, Randall Snurr, Emmanouil Tyllianakis
A-115 N16 An Analysis of the Efficacy of SPECT Scans as Both a Predictor and Measure of Change in
Patients of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Joseph Reda, August Martinucci, Patricia Reda
A-119 O06 Exploring Brain Mechanisms Underlying Aversion to Nicotine
Stephanie Hatz, Daniel McGehee, Shannon Wolfman
A-121 P01 Determining the Future for Finding the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy
Wesley Beck, Maury Goodman
A-133 N02 The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Charlene Angeles, Mary Kapella
A-135 C12 The Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Glioma Cells
Vandana Karan, David Braun, Douglas Feinstein
A-155 A04 Water Extract of Garlic Cloves: Preparation, Characterization, and Assessment of
Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis in Mouse Colon Cancer Cells
Jenny Lee, Shalini Gupta, Jinsheng Huang, Lasanthi Jayathilaka, Bao-Shiang Lee
B-110 N12 Characterizing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas Isolates in a Cohort of
Newborn Infants
Shannon Kurian, Monica Patel, Bill Kabat
B-133 I10 Trapezoidal Clocking in Maintaining Isochronous Circuits
Kevin Zhang, Jin Wu
Kids
Inst.
E-115
P12 Construction of a Solenoid Magnet to Cancel the Effects of a Magnetic Field
Lia Vallina, Thomas Gadfort
Lect.
Hall
B-206
D01 Creating a Metagame in Checkers
Martin Bantchev, Pirapat Kitipongpatana, Donald Porzio
31
1:20 - 1:35
Room Poster
ID
A-113 B03 The Comparison of the Stem Cell Spatial Population Dynamics Model to its Corresponding
Non-Spatial Model for Stem Cell Lineage Studies
Claire Liang, Youfang Cao
A-115 A03 The Effect of Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetics on the Viability of Breast Cancer Cells
Clarreesa Hardin, Anita White
A-119 I05 Investigating and Evaluating Roller Coaster Propulsion and Energetics
Claire Hensley, Peter Clancy
A-121 P06 Neutrino Oscillations: Real-World Applications on the Digital World
Sagar Punhani, Maury Goodman
A-131 Q01 Effects of Childhood Trauma on the Adult Brain
Vivian Chau, Royce Lee
A-133 F04 Testing the Muon g-2 Experiment Simulation
Jackson Gibbons, Adam Lyon
A-147 O23 Audio-Tactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Vimig Socrates, Sliman Bensmaia
A-149 R05 The Distinct Rhetorical Tendencies of Democrats and Republicans
Anthony John Marquez, Erma Mladenova, Tracy Townsend
A-151 P05 Kaon Production by a 120 GeV/c Proton Beam With a Bismuth Target
Emily Lindgren, Brendan Casey
A-155 B01 Development of Image Processing Methods to Track Sub-Cellular Organelles in
Investigating Asymmetric Stem Cell Division
Emerald Fikejs, Chi Bang, Jun Cheng
Acad.
Pit
A-138
C27 Inducing Apoptosis in HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma by Use of Metal Ions
Jeremy Tyszkiewicz, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 O26 Observing Neuron Projections in Mice Brains That Can Be Targeted When Treating
Parkinson's Disease
Ellen Zhao, Savio Chan
B-110 N11 Characterizing Melanoma Stem Cell Responses to 8-OH-DPAT
Anna Krzywiec, Jonathan Eby, Caroline Le Poole, Kristin Willenborg
B-133 O07 Effects of Alzheimer's Disease on Ribbon Synapses in the dSR Region of Mouse Disease
Models
Kevin Hong, Matthew Park, Dan Nicholson
Kids
Inst.
E-115
M06 The Application of Markov Chains in Granite Formations
Suraj Sinha, Somak Dutta, Debashis Mondal
Lect.
Hall
B-206
F02 Integrating and Simplifying Access to IMSA Information Technology Resources
Ryan Eberhardt, Milosz Kowal, Ralph Flickinger, Steven Terrell, Fred Yankowski
32
1:45 - 2:00
Room Poster
ID
A-113 E08 A Novel Method for Drug Delivery Using Toroidal-Spiral Particles: A Potential Treatment
for Cancer
Navika Shukla, Ying Liu, Vishal Sharma
A-115 C03 Quantification of Virus-Like Particles in Mice Fed a Lowfat or High Milkfat Diet
Zi-Ning Choo, Eugene Chang
A-119 K05 Investigating the Feasibility of Green Roofs for Residential Applications
Anna Kryczka, Peter Clancy
A-121 O25 Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Summer Wu, William Klein, Kirsten Viola
A-131 I03 Evolving the Touch Pad to Create New Environments
Brian Chien, J. Edward Colgate
A-133 O18 Poor Sleep Quality in the Elderly and How it Affects Cognitive Functioning
Yvette Ramirez, Michelle Wiebe, Kathryn Reid
A-135 M02 Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of Calabi-Yau
Manifolds
Lael Costa, Eric Zaslow
A-147 K07 Sustaining Plant Growth With an LED Array
Anthony Ortiz, Jason Fatten, Will Healy, Margi Werderich
A-149 F07 Vehicle Automation During an Earthquake
Arthur Li, Namrata Pandya
A-151 P02 Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge-Coupled Devices
Sharadyn Ciota, Juan Estrada
A-155 F09 Improving the Clinical Trials Process Through Efficient Collection and Storage of Protocol
Elements
Pratyush Rustagi, Samuel Volchenboum
Acad.
Pit
A-138
C19 The Effect of Xanthone, Artemisia absinthium Extract and 6-O-angeloylplenolin on the
Apoptosis Rates of Human Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
Lily Lou, Ciara Wardlow, Robyn Fischer, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 P09 Analysis of Two Theories to Account for Observed Variations in the Rate of Radioactive
Decay
Abhishek Sethi, Thomas Kroc
B-110 M05 Asymmetric Nature of Wireless Communications
Evan Li, Peng-Jun Wan
B-133 O11 Identifying the Target Genes of TDP-43 Regulated miRNAs and Their Correlation With
Neurodegeneration
Nishita Kumar, Jackson Michuda, Jane Wu
Kids
Inst.
E-115
C26 Role of Desmoglein 1 in Keratinocyte Morphology and Differentiation During Epithelial
Colony Development
Steven Tan, Kathleen Green, Oxana Nekrasova
Lect.
Hall
B-206
O12 Progressive Interactions Between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related FUS Mutant and
Protein Chaperones
Lakhena Leang, Xueyang Ren, Richard Morimoto, Anan Yu
33
2:10 - 2:25
Room Poster
ID
A-113 C23 Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Nathan Suek, Piotr Gornicki, Robert Haselkorn
A-115 C20 Heat Shock Protein 70 Mediates IL-10 Production Through ERK Phosphorylation
Anuj Marathe, Eugene Chang, Yunwei Wang
A-119 E04 Understanding and Comparing Photochromic Processes
Ryan Leemans, Travis Scott, Peter Clancy, Anita White
A-121 C04 Detection of Aß Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Rodent Models via
Immunohistochemistry
John Deng, Himanshi Desai, William Klein, Pascale Lacor
A-131 C18 Morphologically Unique Marine-Derived Bacteria as a Source of Natural Product Discovery
Grace Li, Skylar Carlson, Brian Murphy, Mark Sadek
A-133 N15 Characterizing Patents on Discoveries From Genome-Wide Association Studies
Viveka Patel, Brandon Pierce
A-135 C21 Effect of Ranolazine on Heart Failure Development
Shruthi Mothkur, Andrew Wasserstrom
A-147 J04 The Written Aspect Analysis of Performance Poetry
Addison Schwaller, Daniel Gleason
A-149 K06 Influence of the Media on the Public Perception of Alternative Energy
Earl Justin Mangulabnan, Scott Zelman, Robert Kiely
A-151 O13 Differences Between the Inhibition of Cholinesterase and Acetylcholinesterase
Jessica Lee, Changiz Geula
A-155 S01 The Frequency of Exoplanets Around Stars
Jonathan Hu, Steven Kosvick, Jacob Bean
Acad.
Pit
A-138
E01 Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Matthew Deng, Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Ron Hurlbut, Glenn "Max" McGee
B-108 C08 Gold-Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection
in HeLa Cells
Marisol Flores, Estefany Guzman, Thessicar Antoine, Deepak Shukla
B-110 A08 SAV2455 Binds Promiscuously With a Vast Array of Structurally Disparate Ligands
Shohei Yamakawa, Sharrol Bachas
B-133 K01 The Effects of Brand Name Root Stimulants Versus Their Active Ingredients on
Germinated Corn Plants
Simone Alexandrova, Marco Medina, Julie Polz
Kids
Inst.
E-115
Q02 An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Evolutionary Processes and Artificial
Intelligence
Michelle Kinama, Colette Moos, Tony Vadakumchery, Mike Ososky
Lect.
Hall
B-206
O15 Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated With
Defects in RNA-Binding Proteins
Emily Ling, Hye Jean Yoon, Jane Wu
34
35
A01
The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids and Cholesterol on Phase Changes in Membranes
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
While many important investigations have been undertaken for understanding the cell, very little is still
known about the lipids that compose its membranes. Lipids have many interesting traits, such as being
able to create membranes by themselves, going through changes that mimic thermodynamic phases. In
this investigation three lipids, cholesterol, sphingomyelin and dioleoylphosphatidyl-choline (DOPC),
were used to make vesicles and were observed to see if they underwent phase changes. Once the vesicles
were created they were sonicated. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to observe
the finished vesicles to look for phase changes. It was found that the vesicles with the most DOPC had the
least FRET and therefore had the most phase changes. All the other vesicles were more due to a less
amount of DOPC. From this it was concluded that the more DOPC in a vesicle the more phase changes
that can occur.
A02
Inducing Cell Death in MCF-7 Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells with Camptothecin
Presenter(s)
Molly Cuka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Atene Poskute, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Camptothecin, a DNA damager, was used to induce apoptosis in the breast cancer cell line MCF-7. An
enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) was run to determine the effect of this chemical on
apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Whether apoptosis occurred was recorded based on the presence of
cleaved caspase-3. The procedure involved splitting the cell line into a plate of 24 (4x6) wells and adding
1.0 M, 0.8M, 0.6 M, and 0.4 M solutions of camptothecin. These dilutions were made by dissolving solid
camptothecin into dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Since the DMSO could potentially affect the cells, a
control group with just DMSO was run in comparison as well as a control containing only medium. Cells
were exposed to camptothecin for 24 hours. The results of the ELISA test were not as expected. Results
will be drawn conclusively after further testing. Then it will be evident which concentrations are most
effective in inducing apoptosis.
36
A03
The Effect of Chemical Ingredients in Cosmetics on the Viability of Breast Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Clarreesa Hardin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anita White, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Consumers may be concerned that chemical ingredients in cosmetics may have a negative effect on
people with breast cancer by stimulating growth of their cancerous cells. Two common ingredients found
in cosmetics are guar gum and polyvinyl alcohol. This study is designed to test the effects of different
concentrations of these chemical ingredients on MCF7 breast cancer cells. Cell viability was assessed in a
96 well plate using the MTT assay procedure, after five day incubation with the compounds. Preliminary
results suggest no effects of guar gum on the cells at all concentrations tested whereas polyvinyl alcohol
was cytotoxic at all concentrations. Although polyvinyl alcohol is typically not ingested by consumers,
these results warrant further investigation. If we were to gain information regarding a link between
chemical ingredients in cosmetics and the growth of breast cancer cells, this could impact cosmetic
companies all over the world. Safety precautions can take place.
A04
Water Extract of Garlic Cloves: Preparation, Characterization, and Assessment of Oxidative Stress
and Apoptosis in Mouse Colon Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Jenny Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Shalini Gupta, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jinsheng Huang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Lasanthi Jayathilaka, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bao-Shiang Lee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Allium sativum, or garlic, has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer in various epidemiological data.
However, the optimal methods of preparation, anticancer activity, and the signaling pathways of garlic
extracts (GE) are still largely unclear. In this study, we examined the best methods of preparation of the
extract, the characteristics of the active compounds, and the methods through which garlic extracts induce
apoptosis. The results demonstrated that GE maintains activity best at temperatures below 4oC and at
slightly acidic conditions. In addition, we found that allicin, a sulfur-based biochemical molecule, is
responsible for the potency of GE. These results were corroborated by reversed-phase high-performance
liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography analysis of the isolated active compound in GE and
pure allicin. Finally, our results indicated that garlic extracts induce apoptosis through a reactive oxygen
species-based pathway, because treatment with garlic correlated with a high increase in oxidative stress.
Interestingly, treatment by garlic extracts disturbed the expression of many proteins associated with
cancer; for example, heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) and HSP90, which are linked to cell regulation and
apoptosis, are downregulated in cells exposed to garlic.
37
A05
The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Cholesterol, Sphingomyelin, and DOPC on Phase
Separation in Model Cell Membranes
Presenter(s)
Philip Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Cell membranes form a barrier between the interior and exterior of the cell and therefore are critical in
communication within the cell's environment. The membrane contains lipids that can exist in various
phases. These phases affect cell functions like signal transduction, lateral sorting, and drug interaction.
Due to difficulty in directly observing cell membranes, model cell membranes are created to mimic the
behavior of the cell membrane. A phase diagram is usually employed to display the various combinations
of lipids in a model cell membrane. This experiment focused on various combinations of two solutions,
one solution with a molar ratio of 1:1:1 of cholesterol, sphingomyelin, and dioleoylphosphotidylcholine
(DOPC) and another solution with a 1:1 molar ratio of cholesterol and sphingomyelin. The mixtures were
sonicated to create small unilamellar vesicles , a model cell membrane. Fluorescence resonance energy
transfer (FRET) analysis was used to determine if phase separation occurs at various combinations of the
two solutions. FRET is a molecular ruler that can be used to determine the distance between two
molecules. Results show that the mixture of the two solutions resulting to the lowest cholesterol
concentration created phase separation. The results are attributed to the unique characteristics of
cholesterol and how it mixes with other lipids.
A06
Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Presenter(s)
Ruchi Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Horn, Northern Illinois University
There is great interest in the development of new methods to manipulate affinity reagents, such as
antibodies. Camelids have a unique class of heavy chain only antibodies that possess a single binding
domain, called VHH. We explored two methods to modify/engineer a model VHH antibody with anticaffeine
properties. The first approach was to generate a tandem anti-caffeine VHH variant which linked
two analogous VHH domains (to facilitate VHH dimerization). Since the linking region would likely play
a role in the final structure, this objective entailed testing different length linkers to determine the
optimum length that would allow the production of monobodies. The resultant variants were analyzed
with size exclusion chromatography. These results suggested the ratio of diabodies to monobodies
decreased as the linker length increased. Currently, a longer 7X linker is being tested to determine
whether it produces 100% monomeric VHH. The second approach was to create and test engineered pHdependent
binding anti-caffeine VHH variants. Quick change mutagenesis and isothermal titration
calorimetry were used to generate and evaluate the engineered variants, respectively. Preliminary results
revealed some variants developed pH dependency. The creation of pH dependent anti-caffeine variants
suggests the approach may be applicable to other antibody-target interactions.
38
A07
The Effects of Fas Ligand on Apoptosis in HT-29 Colon Carcinoma Cells
Presenter(s)
Sajishnu Savya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Joseph Weinrich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Fas ligand is a membrane protein that can initiate apoptosis, also known as programmed cell death. HT-29
cells are colon carcinoma cells that are able to resist apoptosis in cell culture conditions. By inducing the
Fas receptor in HT-29 cells, we investigated whether apoptosis can be induced in cancer cells. Fas
receptor was induced by exposing the cells to a Fas ligand environment for 24 hours. We used three
different concentrations of Fas ligand, 0.2μg/L, 0.1 μg/L, and 0.5 μg/L. Finally, we ran a Western blot in
order to detect apoptosis activity in the cell by measuring the amounts of cleaved caspase-3, a protein
vital to initiating the apoptosis pathway. Our results are yet to be determined. If apoptosis is successfully
initiated in our HT-29 cells, this will show that in these cells the Fas ligand pathway is inducible, and
could indicate a viable external treatment for colon cancer.
A08
SAV2455 Binds Promiscuously With a Vast Array of Structurally Disparate Ligands
Presenter(s)
Shohei Yamakawa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sharrol Bachas, Johns Hopkins University
Many species of bacteria have adopted mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance against constituents of the
human immune system. Resistance can be battled by studying the characteristics of binding affinity
between the resistant pathogen and receptor. To elucidate how these regulator proteins can undergo
polyspecific binding, bound proteins can be monitored with green fluorescence. Crystal structures
determined from X-ray diffraction with these same ligands are also being solved to determine ligand
positions and orientations. Pymol software was used to visualize proteins and identify characteristics such
as folding sequence and elements consisting of each amino acid. Line segment visualization was used to
observe the primary and secondary structures, while ribbon visualization was used to observe the
quaternary structure. Results indicate that SAV2455 (an S. aureus protein) folds into a dimer of the SHS2
domain. The binding pocket of SAV2455 is composed of a concave of aromatic residues and one pair of
aliphatic residues that act as pincers. In the binding pocket, there are also three aspartate and glutamate
residues that allow the cationic ligands to bind. These results show that SAV2455 binds ligands in the
multidrug-resistance set with a modest range of binding affinities, considering their diverse structures.
39
B01
Development of Image Processing Methods to Track Sub-Cellular Organelles in Investigating
Asymmetric Stem Cell Division
Presenter(s)
Emerald Fikejs, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chi Bang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jun Cheng, University of Illinois at Chicago
It is important to track the dynamic migration patterns of proteins and sub-cellular organelles in live cells
in order to understand how their dynamic characteristics correlates with cellular processes and organism
development. Utilizing time-lapse live-imaging techniques and customized tracking programs (developed
with Labview and Matlab), the migration patterns of centrosomes and spectrosomes, sub-cellular
organelles in the germline stem cells, were semi-automatically tracked to reveal dynamic parameters such
as velocity, spindle angular velocity, spindle angle, and distance, which are used to examine the
organelles' role in regulating the asymmetric stem cell division. Three main aspects of the tracking
program were successfully developed to optimize the tracking results: 1) digital image processing
techniques were implemented to enhance the clarity/contrast of overlaid images from multiple optical
sections (Matlab); 2) the tracking program was modified to prevent already tracked organelles from being
mistaken for, and resultingly tracked in place of, desired organelles (Labview); and 3) overall programs
were further automated to decrease user intervention and reduce human error. Furthermore, the developed
tracking programs can be generally applied to characterize sub-cellular dynamics in other systems in fourdimensional
image sequences.
40
B02
Effect of Cell Nucleus Size on Folding and Three-Dimensional Organization of Chromosomes in
Human Cells
Presenter(s)
Isheng Hou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gamze Gursoy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jie Liang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Global architecture and spatial organization of chromosomes play critical roles in gene expression,
regulation, and human diseases, including cancer. The three-dimensional structure of chromosomes shows
differences between normal and diseased cells. Single-cell imaging and chromosome capture-based
techniques provide information on chromosome conformations and their spatial organizations across
different cells and in different developmental stages. Computational modeling can provide insights into
the mechanisms of chromosome organization. We developed a polymer model to study the higher-order
chromosome organization in the human cell nucleus. Our model is based on the generation of selfavoiding
polymer chains of chromosomes in a confined spherical space. We generated 10,000
independent conformations in six different confinement sizes to mimic different cells in different
developmental stages. Each generated polymer chain is composed of 250 monomers with a fiber diameter
of 30nm and a persistence length of 150 nm. The average chromosome scaling behavior captured from
our modeling in differentiated cells as well as in stem cells agrees with experimental observations. Our
study shows that the size of the confinement due to different cell nuclei affects the structural features of
the human chromosomes, which might be required for the expression and regulation of cell-specific
genes.
41
B03
The Comparison of the Stem Cell Spatial Population Dynamics Model to its Corresponding Non-
Spatial Model for Stem Cell Lineage Studies
Presenter(s)
Claire Liang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Youfang Cao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Computational models can provide insight on the control mechanisms of stem cell lineage development,
which is critical for advancement in biology and human health. The proliferation and differentiation of
intermediate cells are activated and inhibited by different cytokines, which are molecules produced by
differentiated cells and are spatially diffused to certain distances to act on stem cells and progenitor cells.
The spatial information of cells and diffusion of cytokines usually go ignored in deterministic population
dynamics models. We have developed a stochastic stem cell spatial population dynamics model in which
spatial information of each cell and inhibition ranges of different cytokines are explicitly modeled. In this
work, we aim to show the advantages of spatial population dynamics in studying the homeostatic tissue
size control problem involving stem cell lineages. We have also developed a non-spatial ordinary
differential equations (ODE) model based on our spatial model, solved using the Runge-Kutta method.
Through numerical simulations with different parameters, we show that two models will produce the
same behaviors when the diffusion ranges of cytokines are infinity. However, in situations where
cytokines only diffuse locally to short distances, which is usually the case, the spatial population
dynamics model is more accurate than the non-spatial ODE model.
B04
Virtual Representation of the Rat Central Nervous System
Presenter(s)
Aalap Mehta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andreas Linninger, University of Illinois at Chicago
Indu Venugopal, University of Illinois at Chicago
The difficulty in delivering drugs within the central nervous system is a major problem in terms of
treatment. In order to better understand the delivery and distribution of drugs within this system, a virtual
model of a female Sprague-Dawley rat central nervous system (CNS) was created using data gathered
from T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. The masks and surface meshes of this model were
generated by using Mimics software and the volume meshes were generated by using 3-Matic software.
As the focus of this project has been to understand the delivery and distribution of drugs via the
intrathecal route of administration, the cerebrospinal fluid space within the rat CNS has been modeled.
Such volume meshes can be easily used in computational fluid dynamics software for understanding the
delivery and distribution of various types of drug formulations.
42
B05
An Exploration of the Properties of an Alloy With Improved Biocompatibility and Durability for
Use in Orthopaedic and Dental Implants
Presenter(s)
Sreyesh Satpathy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Research was done to determine the properties of oxidized TiAl6V4 to analyze its potential use in future
orthopaedic and dental implants. The surface needed to be modified to promote osseointegration,
reducing the chance of implant failure allowing the use of a strong, biocompatible material to construct
long-lasting implants. The samples were thermally oxidized in a furnace at different temperatures starting
at 200 oC and increasing in intervals of 100 oC up to 700 oC, giving a mixture of different crystalline
structures of TiO2 (amorphous, anatase, and rutile) with a focus on the production of the most
biocompatible, anatase. Both rough and smooth samples were used, and two samples at each temperature
for three hours. Goniometry was used to determine the contact angle, which indicated hydrophilicity. The
composition of the sample was observed with fourier-transformation infrared spectroscopy. Future
research will involve testing with in vitro cells and lab mice to guarantee biocompatibility before case
studies begin.
B06
The Therapeutic Potential of the Glycogenes MGAT2, MAN1A1, and MAN2A2 for Glioblastoma
Treatment
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Weiss, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Glioblastomas are very serious and highly invasive brain tumors with no known cure. It has been found
that the tumor stem cells within the gliomas cause the reoccurrence of the cancer following therapy.
Using microarrays and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reactions, glycogene
expression patterns from four types of stem cells isolated from patients' gliomas were determined. The
genes analyzed defined glycosylation patterns of the four different classes of stem cell lines. From the
2592 possible genes analyzed, three were found to have significantly differential expression. These were
MGAT2, MAN 1A1, and MAN2A2, all responsible for core oligosaccharide structure formation. The
genes MGAT2 and MAN1A1 exhibited markedly differentexpression between the highly aggressive
mesenchymal lines and the less invasive classical and proneural lines. Thus, modulation of their
expression may have therapeutic potential. It was found that the gene MGAT2 was expressed at 1.21 fold
higher levels in mesenchymal then in proneural I and that the MAN1A1 gene was expressed at 1.30 fold
higher levels in the mesenchymal than in proneural I lines. The glycogenes encoding MGAT2 and
MAN1A1 have the most therapeutic potential and will be further tested to determine if they can be used
for gene therapy to modulate the invasivity of glioblastomas.
43
C01
Genetic Risk Factors for Colorectal Cancer in the African American Population
Presenter(s)
Soham Ali, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nathan Ellis, University of Illinois at Chicago
The aim of this project is to identify genetic risk factors for colorectal cancer (CRC) in African
Americans that also indicate risk for the disease in Caucasians. Recent Genome Wide Association Studies
have shown that significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) indicating CRC risk in Caucasians
are not found in African Americans. However, African Americans have the highest CRC risk among all
ethnic groups in the United States, and so I filtered a list of SNPs using a program called Haploview to
narrow down the list of SNPs. I filtered them to find SNPs with low frequency (less than 5%), but high
correlation factors (r2>0.8). I then ran these SNPs through a program on the Sequenom website to design
a primer assay. Using this design, I ordered primers for the SNPs, and prepared them in two plates, one of
which would contain 368 DNA samples from CRC cases, and another which would contain 368 DNA
samples from controls. After amplifying the DNA samples through PCR, I sent the plates to the
Sequenom lab to check the presence of the SNPs in the DNA. I am currently waiting for the results to
arrive form that lab. Once I get the results, I will analyze the difference between the percent of SNPs
found in the cases versus the controls, and I hope to find a significant difference between the two groups.
C02
The Effect of Hydrostatic Pressure and Resulting Transendothelial Water Flux on Intracellular
Calcium Signaling
Presenter(s)
Isiah Butler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randal Dull, University of Illinois at Chicago
Intracellular calcium regulates the synthesis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), which plays a
role in many biological processes, including the body's inflammatory response to injuries resulting in
edema. eNOS also controls vascular tone and the secretion of insulin. The purpose of this investigation
was to observe the effect that hydrostatic pressure had on intracellular calcium signaling. Tests were also
conducted with the enabling of transendothelial water flux, a consequence of hydrostatic pressure. Lung
capillary endothelial cells were cultured in Transwell® Permeable Supports, incubated with a calciumsensitive
fluorescent dye solution, and secured in a Ussing Chamber prior to being imaged. Up to 20 cm
H2O of hydrostatic pressure was applied to the cells in vitro and images were captured simultaneously
with the program AxioVision. To measure the effect of water flux on calcium levels, an outflow tube
leading to an empty reservoir was opened during imaging. Definitive results were difficult to determine
since only a few confluent monolayers were imaged and it was not clear that there was good loading of
the dyes. However, results were obtained that showed that levels of calcium did not increase with the
addition of hydrostatic pressure. Water flux through the cells also failed to increase calcium levels. More
detailed studies are required to fully understand the relationship between hydrostatic pressure and the
regulation of calcium and eNOS.
44
C03
Quantification of Virus-Like Particles in Mice Fed a Lowfat or High Milkfat Diet
Presenter(s)
Zi-Ning Choo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
The gut microbiota, which consists of the microorganisms housed in the mammalian intestine, shifts in
response to dietary changes and influences physiological functions such as nutrient absorption and
inflammation. The effects of the microbiota may be modulated by the gut virome, which includes
bacteriophages that infect intestinal bacteria and can be induced by stress. The aim of this study was to
determine whether the quantity of phages in the gut is affected by diet. Specific pathogen-free mice raised
on either low-fat (LF) or 18% milk-fat (MF) diets for four weeks were placed on the other diet at the
beginning of this study, then returned to their original diets after 21 days. Stool samples collected before
and after both diet changes were homogenized and passed through a 0.22 μm filter to remove bacteria.
Fractionation by ultracentrifugation using density gradient was then performed to isolate virus-like
particles (VLPs). VLPs were subsequently collected on a 0.02 μm filter and quantified using SYBR Gold
staining and fluorescence microscopy visualization. While VLP numbers stayed fairly constant in mice
initially fed the MF diet, the number of VLPs were higher in LF diet mice and dropped when these mice
switched to a MF diet. The difference in VLP numbers between the two groups was statistically
significant (df = 1, 24, F = 11.506, P = 0.002), suggesting that diet may play a role in determining VLP
quantities in the gut.
C04
Detection of Aß Oligomers in Alzheimer's Disease Rodent Models via Immunohistochemistry
Presenter(s)
John Deng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Himanshi Desai, Northwestern University
William Klein, Northwestern University
Pascale Lacor, Northwestern University
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deposition of amyloid plaques
and tangles. Recently, Aß derived oligomers have been proposed as more potent neurotoxins but their
detection in the brain is still not optimal. In this study, we use immunohistochemistry protocols and
background quenching techniques to increase signal-to-noise ratio for better detection of Aß oligomers.
Brain tissue from transgenic rodent AD models were treated with PBS, sodium borohydride, or a biotin
kit to quench background noise due to endogenous biotin. These slices were then labeled with antibodies
directed against different Aß species (B6E10 or NU4) detected by fluorescently-tagged secondary
antibody or Streptavidin complex conjugated to fluorophore or quantum dots and imaged using a confocal
microscope. The results indicate that sodium borohydride significantly quench background noise cause by
endogenous biotin. The biotin kit, however, does not have a statistically significant effect in reducing
endogenous biotin. Additional quantification of signal strength for using quantum dots is expected to
enhance signal strength and reduce background noise. This research offers new insights to better detect
Aß oligomers in brain tissue and identify their localization in regard to amyloid plaques and will offer the
possibility to assess if treatments are efficient at removing Aß oligomers.
45
C05
Mechanisms of Kinesin-Driven Microtubule Sliding
Presenter(s)
Vishrut Dixit, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vladimir Gelfand, Northwestern University
The cellular cytoskeleton comprises a network of microtubules that, together with microtubule motors, is
essential for intracellular transport. The microtubule motor kinesin-1 is responsible for the transport of
various protein and organelle cargoes. Kinesin contains a motor domain on the N-terminus that moves
along microtubules. In addition to cargo movement, kinesin-1 is also known to drive microtubule sliding.
For sliding, kinesin must contain two sites that bind microtubules. One site is the motor domain. The goal
of this work is to identify the second site that is important for sliding. Two possibilities are the additional
C-terminal binding site that was previously identified biochemically and the binding site in the middle of
the heavy chain that interacts with microtubules not directly but through microtubule-binding protein
ensconsin. To examine sliding functionality in the absence of ensconsin, we created an artificial
truncation of kinesin-1 lacking the auto-inhibition domain and tested the effect of ensconsin depletion by
RNAi on sliding. These experiments show that sliding does not require microtubule binding through
ensconsin. Future plans involve testing the C-terminal site by eliminating charged amino acids that have
an affinity for microtubules. The results of this study increase our knowledge about the mechanism
behind sliding, which could have future implications in neurodegenerative diseases since sliding is
necessary for axon and dendrite formation.
C06
Pathways in Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced p35 Expression in Fibrosis
Presenter(s)
Jonathan D'Souza, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mateusz Wojtaszek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roberta Marangoni, Northwestern University
Jun Wei, Northwestern University
This investigation explored the mechanisms of the p35/transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) dependent
pathway associated with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease which causes overgrowth of connective
tissue. Western blots and polymerase chain reaction were employed to analyze mRNA and protein
expression. A time course analysis of human foreskin fibroblasts treated with TGF-β showed that TGF-β
increases p35 expression. Fibroblasts treated with adenoviruses carrying a constantly-active TGF-β
Receptor I, Ad-TBRIca, expressed high levels of p35 and alpha smooth muscle actin, confirming that
constant TGF-β activation causes fibrosis in fibroblasts. Finally, fibroblasts treated with TGF-β and either
with SB431542, a mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) suppressor, or U0126, an
extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) suppressor, revealed that both SMAD and ERK can
contribute to elevated levels of p35 expression. However, it is not yet known which one induces a greater
gene expression response. These results suggest that the SMAD and ERK pathways mediate the TGF-β-
induced increase in p35 expression in connective tissue. Knowing this, future studies can focus on
possible pharmaceutical applications, namely the targeting of SMAD and ERK or their downstream
effects, in the treatment of scleroderma and fibrosis.
46
C07
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia Associated MIR137 Locus
Presenter(s)
Kristy Fang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nahee Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jubao Duan, Northshore Research Center
Catherine Leites, Northshore Research Center
Genetic variants at a non-coding MIR137 locus are found associated with schizophrenia in recent
genome-wide association studies. However, whether MIR137 or other nearby genes (for example, DYPD)
is affected by the genetic variants is unknown. The objective of this investigation was to examine which
genes' promoters interact with the regulator sequences that harbor the putative disease-causal genetic
variants. A chromosome conformation capture assay was performed to detect the physical chromatin
interaction between different regulatory sequences (for example, gene transcriptional enhancer and a gene
promoter) in SH-SY5Y (neuroblastoma) and LCL (B-lymphoblastoid) cells. Cells were fixed to retain the
chromatin interaction conformation, cut and religated to enrich physically interacting segments, and
finally enhanced and detected using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol and gel
electrophoresis. Strong and specific PCR amplifications for primer pairs in MIR137 enhancer and
promoter sequences were detected, but not for primer pairs with MIR137 adjacent regulatory sequences
and DPYD promoters. Therefore, regulatory sequences where schizophrenia-associated genetic variants
reside most likely regulate expressions of MIR137 but not DPYD. Identifying the physical interaction
relationships between regulatory sequences of different regions at the MIR137 locus will help to
understand the causal molecular mechanism of the genetic variants associated with schizophrenia.
47
C08
Gold-Capped Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle Inhibition of Herpes Simplex Virus Type-1 Infection in
HeLa Cells
Presenter(s)
Marisol Flores, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Estefany Guzman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thessicar Antoine, University of Illinois at Chicago
Deepak Shukla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) entry into mammalian cells is facilitated by the attachment of
glycoproteins gB and gC to heparan sulfate proteoglycan side chains located on the cellular membrane.
The pretreatment of HeLa cells with zinc oxide nanoparticles interferes with the attachment of HSV-1 to
heparan sulfate as nanoparticles attract and neutralize virus particles. To evaluate the effect of gold
capped zinc oxide nanoparticles on HSV-1 infection in HeLa cells, the gold capped zinc oxide was
incubated with cells prior to infection with the HSV-1. Following pretreatment of cells with the gold
capped zinc oxide, we performed an ONPG viral entry assay. Cells were infected with an HSV-1 ßgalactosidase
expressing reporter virus. Results showed that pretreatment with the nanoparticle
significantly decreased viral entry. In addition, we performed a virus free cell-to-cell fusion assay to
explore the effect of our nanoparticles on cell fusion. Results showed that gold-capped zinc oxide is a
strong inhibitor of cell-to-cell fusion, highlighting the inhibitory properties of gold-capped zinc oxide
against HSV-1 cell-to-cell spread. In conclusion, the nanoparticles were found to be an effective inhibitor
of the virus entry and spread.
C09
The Effect of the Physical Barrier of a Small Tributary on Gene Flow of Three Avian Genera in the
Congo River Watershed
Presenter(s)
Ellen Gieser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Shannon Hackett, Field Museum
Barriers to gene flow are regarded as important factors in the evolution of populations and species,
especially in tropical regions. Given that large bodies of water often act as a barrier to gene flow, I
assessed the role small rivers might have on genetic diversification by restricting movement of individuals
across the geographical landscape of a region in Africa. I extracted DNA sequences from blood samples
of thirty-six individuals from three avian genera (Bleda, Erithacus, and Trichastoma), sampling the
mitochondrial genome of these lineages from both sides of a Congo River tributary. The mitochondrial
NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 gene was amplified using standard polymerase chain reaction techniques
and sequenced using an Applied Biosystems 3730 DNA Analyzer. The degree and nature of genetic
variation within and among populations and genera suggested no significant evidence for nucleotide
differentiation among the three localities or across the river. Genetic variability present among individuals
within species in each genera (~1.3%) was typical of within population levels of variability in other birds.
Either the tributary was not an significant barrier to gene flow, or not enough time has passed for the
effects of the barrier to be reflected in significant genetic differentiation.
48
C10
Exosome Uptake in Bladder Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Shivani Goel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Carrie Franzen, Loyola University
Gopal Gupta, Loyola University
Exosomes are secreted microvesicles that help mediate intercellular signaling pathways through their
RNA and protein content. This investigation focused on analyzing exosome uptake by bladder cancer
cells. Exosomes were isolated from bladder cancer cells by ultracentrifugation and stained with the
membrane dye, PKH-26. They were then incubated with bladder cancer cells for different time periods.
The cells were run through the Amnis ImageStreamX, an imaging flow cytometer, which identified PKH-
26 internalized exosomes. We measured the number of PKH-26 spots and PKH-26 fluorescence intensity
to determine total uptake, which increased with longer incubation times. A lack of effect on uptake after
trypsin treatment indicated that exosomes were internalized. This was confirmed by deconvolution
microscopy. Storing the exosomes at 4°C or -20°C did not affect exosome uptake, although incubating
cells with labeled exosomes at 4°C completely blocked it. We developed a novel method for quantifying
exosomes and determined a threshold level and optimal incubation time of exosomes for efficient uptake.
There was verification of the internalization of exosomes and the finding that exosome uptake is an active
and specific process, as incubation at 4°C blocked uptake. This data will be useful in developing
exosomes into a cancer diagnostic or therapy.
C11
Methods of Quantifying Oocytes in P2 CD1 Mice
Presenter(s)
Jimmy Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yuanhao Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Takeshi Kurita, Northwestern University
Vanida Serna, Northwestern University
Female mammals are born with a fixed supply of oocytes, but factors such as disease, age, and
chemotherapy decrease the quality of oocytes, reducing fertility; thus there is an urgent need for
therapeutic treatments to protect oocyte quality. Mouse models are necessary to develop therapies;
however, the entire ovary must be utilized so other analyses cannot be performed. The objective of this
investigation was to establish an accurate sampling method for oocyte counting. Ovaries from two-dayold
CD1 mice were dissected, fixed, processed into paraffin blocks, and sectioned by a standard histology
method. Nuclei of oocytes were labeled by fluorescence staining for DNA and p63 protein and counted.
Our original equation included the thickness of tissue sections to determine the number of oocytes;
however we were unable to accurately gauge the thickness. Hence, we adapted another model, which
involves only measurable parameters such as number of counted oocytes. Our results showed that an
ovary in two-day-old CD1 mice contains 5,055,965 oocytes with a standard deviation of ± 1,382. A
reasonable method for discovering the number of oocytes per ovary has been identified, however, some
problems still exist such as being able to count all of the oocytes seen.
49
C12
The Effects of Dimethyl Fumarate on Glioma Cells
Presenter(s)
Vandana Karan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Braun, University of Illinois at Chicago
Douglas Feinstein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Previous studies have found the anti-inflammatory drug dimethyl fumarate (DMF) to show benefits in
colon cancer, and research also indicates that DMF could have significant cytotoxic effects on glioma
cells. To test the effects of DMF on glioma cells, various dosages of DMF were incubated with the C6 rat
glioma cell line along with its nontransformed primary cell counterpart, astrocytes. Lactate
dehydrogenase assays were run to measure the amount of released LDH, a marker for cell death, for a
given culture after different incubation times. Caspase assays were used to test the possibility that DMF
activates caspase proteins to induce apoptosis. We found DMF to be toxic to C6 cells, while protective to
primary cells at high dosages. The amount of cell death in C6 cells increased to three times the baseline
after treatment with DMF. Astrocyte cell death, in comparison, decreased by about 5%. Results from
caspase assays show no relationship between DMF and caspase-mediated apoptosis. Many current
treatments for cancer are harmful and toxic to primary cells, often resulting in cell death. The use of DMF
in conjunction with current therapies could lower the required dosages of toxic treatments, and result in
less death of healthy cells.
C13
Hydrogen Peroxide Production in High Nitric Oxide Adapted Human Cancer Cells Which Express
Tumor Stem Cell-Like Properties
Presenter(s)
Kathryn Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Rohan Verma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kim Elseth, University of Illinois at Chicago
Aqil Madeeha, University of Illinois at Chicago
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
Recent studies have shown that tumor cells exposed to increasingly high concentrations of nitric oxide
donor DETA-NONOate grow aggressively and have tumor stem cell-like properties. Since tumor stem
cells are generally anaerobic, they should have a higher rate of H2O22 production. In our study, human
adenoarcinoma cell lines from the lung, breast, and oral cavity and the same cell lines adapted to HNO,
were tested for H2O2 production using the Amplex Red Hydrogen Peroxide Assay. A standard curve was
produced using varying concentrations of commercially available H2O2. The results showed that the
parent cell line expressed comparably more H2O2 contrary to our hypothesis. These data were confirmed
using the CellRox Deep Red Reagent which directly measured oxidative stress and showed it to be higher
in parent tumor cells as opposed to in HNO cells. Although we hypothesized that the HNO cells would be
higher H2O2 producers, the parent tumor cells appeared to have upregulated enzymes such as glutathione-
S-transferase pi to counteract the free radical upregulation of the HNO cells. These data support previous
studies and suggest the importance of free radical protective mechanisms, but further research is needed
to confirm the presence of these enzymes.
50
C14
Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Presenter(s)
Srisha Kotlo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Marcus Henze, University of Illinois at Chicago
John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cardiac troponin I (cTnI), an inhibitory subunit of the troponin complex, is a key regulator of cardiac
muscle contractility. cTnI is phosphorylated by protein kinase C (PKC) at serine 23/24, serine 43/45, and
threonine 144, sites which are crucial in the regulation of cardiac function. PKCδ has a unique C2 domain
that is thought to target PKCδ to its substrates, and also has an ATP binding domain that contains the
serine 357 phosphorylation site that may regulate PKCδ's substrate specificity for these specific sites.
Here, we analyzed the kinase function and substrate specificity of PKCδ-ΔC2 (C2 domain deleted) and
PKCδ-S357A (mutation from serine to alanine) mutants on sarcomeric proteins. Our results show that
PKCδ-ΔC2 and PKCδ-S357A have increased autophosphorylation and increase the phosphorylation of
TnI and TnT compared to wild type PKCδ. The PKCδ-S357A does not appear to confer a change in
substrate specificity. This suggests that increased phosphorylation of TnI by PKCδ-ΔC2, a known splice
variant of PKCδ, may be an underlying mechanism for depressed cardiac contractile function. Future
experiments will test the functional effect of PKCδ-ΔC2 on cardiac muscle contractility by measuring the
force-calcium and ATPase-calcium relationship.
C15
Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Expression During Pregnancy
Presenter(s)
Maria Kuznetsov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brian Layden, Northwestern University
Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) is a G-protein activated receptor activated by short chain fatty acids
whose expression levels increase during pregnancy in mouse islets. This increase in expression of FFAR2
is anticipated to be due to elevations in hormone levels. In this study, we have explored the regulation of
FFAR2 expression using hormones that are important during pregnancy, dexamethasone, estradiol,
progesterone, and prolactin. Mouse islets were incubated with the hormone for 24 hours with each of
these hormones at physiological levels. Following incubation, RNA was isolated, and cDNA was
synthesized. Data was obtained by using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction to identify
changes in expression. Results have shown that exposure to dexamethasone and estradiol decreases
expression of FFAR2. However, incubation with progesterone and prolactin increases expression. These
data suggest that the expression of FFAR2 may be dynamically regulated during pregnancy in islets by
pregnancy-related hormones.
51
C16
Molecular Cloning and the Presence of MST1R in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinomas
Presenter(s)
Jiwon Kwak, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nitya Pariti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Catenacci, University of Chicago
The macrophage stimulating 1 receptor (MST1R) gene, also known as the RON gene, is an oncogene, a
gene that can potentially cause cancer. Since it has been hypothesized that abnormal activation of this
gene contributes to cancerous growth in gastroesophageal adenocarcinomas, investigations of possible
MST1R signaling inhibitors are of interest. We cloned the 4.2 kilobase MST1R gene into bacteria, verified
by DNA sequencing. To correlateMST1R amplification and tumor growth rate, seven cancerous cell lines
were peritoneally injected into nude mice. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, it was determined that
MST1R overexpression led to cancerous growth in mice, and that cell lines not expressing MST1R and
those that were treated with MST1R inhibitors had decreased tumor growth. These studies confirmed that
MST1R plays a role in oncogenesis, and that targeted inhibition may lead to improved clinical outcomes
in patients.
C17
Construction of Pathways Involving Genes Related to Severe Congenital Neutropenia
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Kwon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenneth Yun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seth Corey, Northwestern University
Severe congenital neutropenia is characterized by the body's low count of neutrophils. Patients diagnosed
with this disease are more vulnerable to disease and prone to recurrent infections. This disease is a bone
marrow failure syndrome where stem cells are unable to mature from promyelocyte/myelocyte to
neutrophils. Cytoscape is a bioinformatics software that allows the analysis of a set of genes and maps out
their interactions. First, a search was done for all genes related to severe congenital neutropenia. This
created a path for granulopoiesis (the maturing of bone marrow stem cells into mature neutrophils and
other white blood cells) that mapped the associated genes. The results showed that the following genes
were the main source of the problem: ELANE, HAX1, CSF3R, WAS, G6PC3, GFI-1. For example, CSF3R
codes for the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor receptor which means that a mutation in the CSF3R
gene will inhibit cell signaling, specifically cytokine signaling involved in granulopoiesis. Genetic
mutations that cause severe congenital neutropenia have revealed the clockworks of monitoring of
proliferation and death of granulocytes. Each mutation affects a cell in a unique way and implies the
existence of multiple pathways in the development of severe congenital neutropenia.
52
C18
Morphologically Unique Marine-Derived Bacteria as a Source of Natural Product Discovery
Presenter(s)
Grace Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Skylar Carlson, University of Illinois at Chicago
Brian Murphy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Mark Sadek, University of Illinois at Chicago
The demand for new antibiotics is growing, and the search is branching out to newer sources, such as the
marine environment. In the past, Gram-positive marine-derived bacteria, especially Actinobacteria, have
had a higher success rate of new compound discovery than their Gram-negative counterparts. Because of
this, in the past, focus has been on actinomycetes rather than other bacteria. This investigation focuses on
bacteria that are morphologically unique. Unique refers to non-Actinomycete bacteria that exhibit unique
colony morphology when compared with Actinomycetes or the majority of slimy Gram-negative bacteria.
For this investigation, bacteria samples were collected from various freshwater and saltwater locations
and the ones of interest were isolated. These strains are grown in liquid media and their metabolites
extracted. The metabolite extracts were screened against bacterial pathogens (Mycobacterium
tuberculosis, Enterococcus faecalis, and so forth) and drug-resistant ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR5.
One of our bacterial strains was found to be active against OVCAR5. Analysis of 16S rDNA will be
conducted to identify the genus, and chromatographic techniques will be used to isolate the active
compounds. Thus the lesser studied non-Actinomycete marine-derived bacteria may be a potentially
rewarding source of bioactive compounds for drug-lead discovery.
C19
The Effect of Xanthone, Artemisia absinthium Extract and 6-O-angeloylplenolin on the Apoptosis
Rates of Human Epithelial Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells
Presenter(s)
Lily Lou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ciara Wardlow, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
It has been shown that apoptosis, or programmed cell death, can be induced in cancer cells with the use of
certain organic compounds. For this experiment we chose three compounds, xanthone, Artemisia
absinthium extract and 6-O-angeloylplenolin, shown to induce apoptosis in other types of cancer cells and
planned to identify whether or not they induced apoptosis in MCF-7 (Michigan Cancer Foundation-7)
cells. We tested 5, 15, 25, 35 and 45 μg/mL of Artemisia absinthium extract; 5, 10, 20, 40 μM for
xanthone and 9μM for 6-O-angeloylplenolin. Cells were exposed for 24 hours to Artemisia absinthium
extract and for 48 hours to xanthone and 6-O-angeloylplenolin. We ran Western blots to detect the
amounts of cleaved Caspase-3, an enzyme abundantly present in apoptotic cells, in the MCF-7 cells after
exposure to the compounds. We are currently running Western blots on our samples and awaiting results.
53
C20
Heat Shock Protein 70 Mediates IL-10 Production Through ERK Phosphorylation
Presenter(s)
Anuj Marathe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Yunwei Wang, University of Chicago
Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) is an important chaperone molecule found ubiquitously throughout the
body. Recently, it has been shown to guard against inflammatory damage by regulating anti-inflammatory
cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10) production in regulatory T cell (T-reg) populations in the intestine. This
study aimed to explore the pathway by which this occurs. Five wildtype (WT) and five Hsp70 knockout
(KO) mice were induced with severe bowel inflammation using dextran sodium sulfate. After five days of
treatment, mesenteric lymph nodes were collected and used in a Western blot, which showed ERK protein
kinase was significantly downregulated in Hsp70 KO mice. This means that Hsp70 regulates ERK
phosphorylation which then regulates IL-10 production in T-reg. RAG-1 KO mice were given CD4
CD45RB high T cells (naïve T cells) from WT mice and monitored for five weeks to gauge immune
activity and induce intestinal colitis. Then five mice received CD4 CD45RB low T cells (mature T cells)
from WT and five mice received CD4 CD45RB low T cells from Hsp70 KO mice. WT cells reversed
colitis while Hsp70 KO cells didn't, which once again demonstrates Hsp70's immunoprotective role.
C21
Effect of Ranolazine on Heart Failure Development
Presenter(s)
Shruthi Mothkur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Over six million individuals live with heart failure in the United States, and that number is on the rise.
There are no effective treatments to prevent heart failure but, Ranolazine has been proposed as a
pharmacological prevention method. The drug was studied for its effectiveness on early heart failure
development. The heart muscle contracts and relaxes in a process called cardiac excitation-contraction
coupling that is regulated by Ca2 channels. T-tubule organization is critical to ensure the correct special
organization of Ca2 entry into the cell so contraction occurs properly. During heart failure, t-tubule
organization is disrupted so that Ca2 entry into the myocyte is disorganized causing mechanical problems.
Our study measured the t-tubule organization in individual cells and related it to decreased cardiac
function during development of heart failure. Rats were fed Ranolazine or Captopril for four months
before being sacrificed and analyzed for t-tubule organization. We found that cardiac function decreased
with control animals, increased with Captopril, and was left unchanged with Ranolazine. T-tubule
organization data is being analyzed to find a correlation with the cardiac function data. The results could
help further studies see the effect of Ranolazine in preventing the development of heart failure in humans.
54
C22
The Role of Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Bile Acid-Stimulated Chloride Secretion
Presenter(s)
Shreya Shanker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jada Domingue, University of Illinois at Chicago
Mrinalini Rao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jayashree Sarathy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bile acids are able to activate chloride secretory pathways, but the amount needed to induce chloride
secretion in colonic cell lines is much greater than that needed in primary cultures of colonocytes. The
reason for this discrepancy is unknown. Multidrug resistance proteins (MRPs) are known to pump out
hydrophobic molecules, some of which could be toxins, from cells. Bile acids at very high concentrations
can be toxic to the intestinal epithelium. Therefore we hypothesized that MRPs may be expelling bile
acids from human colonic adenocarcinoma (T84) cells, thereby needing a higher concentration of bile
acids to induce chloride secretion compared to intact epithelium. To test this hypothesis, T84 cells were
probed for the presence of gene transcripts and proteins of MRP isoforms. We found transcripts of MRP2,
MRP3, and MRP4 in T84 cells, with MRP4 having the highest mRNA expression. Western blot analysis
revealed the presence of MRP4 protein in the membrane fraction of T84 cells. Functional studies looking
at the effects of an MRP inhibitor, MK571, on bile acid induced chloride secretion are in progress.
C23
Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Presenter(s)
Nathan Suek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
A water sample was taken from the lagoon in Washington Park to identify cyanobacteria and to determine
their potential toxin-producing capabilities. Cyanobacteria found in the sample were cultured on plates
and in liquid using cyanobacterial medium BG11. Genomic DNA isolated from single colonies was
sequenced and the resulting reads were assembled into contigs. About two hundred non-overlapping
contigs were longer than 10 kb, representing approximately one cyanobacterial genome. No matching
sequences were found in databases, indicating that this species' DNA has not yet been sequenced. In order
to determine the identity of the cyanobacterium, phylogenetic trees based on16S and 23S rRNA
sequences from one contig were created using MEGA software. We compared our unknown sequence
with those identified by BLAST. Our results suggest that the unknown cyanobacterium is closely related
to Pseudanabaena. We analyzed the longest sequence contig (63 kb) using BLASTX to identify proteincoding
genes for further phylogenetic analysis. Several genes have been identified so far. This is the first
step towards annotation of the genome and functional mining of the genomic sequence to determine
metabolic capabilities of the species such as toxin biosynthesis. Our unknown cyanobacterium is most
likely a sub-species of Pseudanabaena.
55
C24
Voluntary Exercise Habits in Spinal Muscular Atrophy Model Mice and the Implications of
Exercise in Disease Progression
Presenter(s)
Hannah Swerbenski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joey Cardona, Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center
Christine DiDonato, Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center
Previous studies have established that physical exercise may be neuroprotective, specifically in the case
of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Our study seeks to further evaluate the exercise behaviors of SMA
mice and the relationship between exercise and SMA disease progression. SMA model mice underwent
an eight week voluntary exercise regimen monitored using an electronic running wheel apparatus. Our
results show that, compared to a healthy control mouse, SMA mice have a significantly lower average
running speed. Additionally, we found that SMA mice spend less time exercising overall, though this
difference was not statistically significant. To examine disease progression, we compared exercised and
unexercised SMA model mice through a variety of phenotypic assays, including grip strength, hang test,
and gait analysis. We also performed morphologic and neurophysiologic analyses to evaluate the effects
of exercise on the pathology and function of the motor unit. Across these tests, we found that exercised
SMA mice performed equivalent or better than non-exercised SMA mice, however, the positive trend did
not reach statistical significance. The results of this pilot study demonstrate a positive relationship
between exercise and slowing SMA disease progression that warrants further investigation.
C25
An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance in
Arabidopsis thaliana
Presenter(s)
Arjun Tambe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nicolas Cecchini, University of Chicago
After an initial pathogen infection, plants often develop a long-lasting and broad-spectrum resistance to
new infections at distal sites, called systemic acquired resistance (SAR). Azelaic acid (AZA), a lipidic
signal, has been shown to be implicated in the induction of a primed state of SAR in Arabidopsis, such
that a secondary infection is met with a stronger defense response. Moreover, exogenous AZA treatment
induces components such as the AZI1 and DIR1 genes, which are essential to SAR induction. To better
understand AZA-priming signaling components, the effect of exogenous AZA on different Arabidopsis
SAR-mutant plants was observed. Because AZA also inhibits root growth, the root lengths of mutant and
wild type plants in growing media supplemented with and without AZA were compared. The earli1 and
sfd1 mutants displayed longer principal roots than wild types did, indicating that these genes are
important in AZA-induced SAR. The SFD1 gene seems to be involved in the transport of a mobile, SARinducing
signal. No relation was found between mutants, AZA, and lateral roots. AZA infiltration in vivo
did not affect col-0 gene expression, and the presence of AZA increased AZI1 expression but not DIR1
expression. Understanding SAR components can provide the possibility of improving plants' chances of
surviving pathogenic infections.
56
C26
Role of Desmoglein 1 in Keratinocyte Morphology and Differentiation During Epithelial Colony
Development
Presenter(s)
Steven Tan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathleen Green, Northwestern University
Oxana Nekrasova, Northwestern University
Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), a protein that makes up desmosomes and plays a role in cell adhesion, localizes in
the suprabasal layers of the epidermis in cells such as keratinocytes. My experiment focused on studying
the effect of Dsg1 on kertinocyte's differentiation and morphology during epithelial colony development.
Keratinocytes with either knockdown (little to no expression) of Dsg1 or overexpressed full length or
truncated mutant of Dsg1 in cells silenced for endogenous protein were grown with the EfnA1-Fc peptide
to form epithelial colonies. I used two approaches to analyze differentiation and morphology of cell
colonies. The localization of actin and Dsg1 were seen in the immunofluorescent imaging to analyze
morphology and Western blot was used to analyze levels of protein expression that are markers of
differentiation. The results indicated that cell colonies with knockdown of desmoglein 1 had lower levels
of differentiation while the overexpression of Dsg1 wild type or truncated mutant recovered
differentiation levels. Also, the wild type of Dsg1 recovered actin structure, but the truncated mutant
failed to do so suggesting a new role of Dsg1 in keratinocyte morphology. In conclusion, Dsg1 induces
higher levels of differentiation and supports proper cell morphology during colony development.
C27
Inducing Apoptosis in HT-29 Colorectal Adenocarcinoma by Use of Metal Ions
Presenter(s)
Jeremy Tyszkiewicz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
One of the things that makes cancer dangerous is that it does not go through apoptosis, or programmed
cell death, which is when a cell breaks down and dies in a complicated chain of events. It is theorized that
metal ions signal the cell to start apoptosis, so using these ions may kill cancer cells and make them less
dangerous. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect apoptosis in the treated cells.
Antibodies bind to cleaved caspase 3, a product of apoptosis, and upon addition of other components the
solution turns yellow if positive. Testing the absorbency thus shows the amount of cleaved caspase 3, and
so the amount of apoptosis undergone by the cells. The metal ions being tested are sodium, potassium,
and magnesium at 2.0, 1.5, 1.0, 0.5, and 0.2 M concentrations. The results of the sodium trials suggest
that 1.5 and 1.0 M concentrations are the most effective at inducing apoptosis, while the potassium trial
suggested a concentration of 2.0M is the most effective. The results of this study may result in cheaper or
more effective treatments for cancer.
57
C28
Estrogen Modulation of Prostate Epithelial Cells
Presenter(s)
Johnny Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Wen-Yang Hu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Dan-Ping (Grace) Hu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Gail Prins, University of Illinois at Chicago
Guang-Bin Shi, University of Illinois at Chicago
Estrogen may have a carcinogenic impact on prostate glands through transformation of prostate epithelial
cells. Estrogen regulates prostate epithelial cells through three types of estrogen receptors, estrogen
receptor alpha (ERα), estrogen receptor beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled receptor. The main goal of this
study is to investigate the regulation and role of each estrogen receptor in prostate epithelial cells and
their interaction through ligand-independent and ligand-dependent pathways. We began the study by gene
knockdown of each individual estrogen receptor through the usage of xiRNAs, and then observed the
gene expression levels of estrogen receptors by qunatitavie polymerase chain reaction. We normalized
gene expression to housekeeping genes and treated cells with control siRNA that were set to one-fold.
Without estrogen, silencing ERα to a mean of around 0.21 significantly increased ERβ 2.79-folds; in the
presence of 10 nM estrogen, silencing of ERα to 29% causes a 2.97-fold increase of ERβ. These results
showed that the silencing of ERα by siRNA knockdown upregulates ERβ expression in prostate epithelial
cells both in the absence and in the presence of 10 nM of estrogen. This suggests that in normal
conditions, ERα downregulates ERβ in prostate epithelial cells and that this effect is estrogen
independent.
58
C29
Regulation of Type II Natural Killer T Cell Cytokine Production by Signaling Lymphocytic
Activation Molecule-Associated Protein
Presenter(s)
Luke Zhan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chyung-Ru Wang, Northwestern University
Xiufang Weng, Northwestern University
The project's aim was to explore the signal pathway in interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ)
expression by type II natural killer T (NKT) cells in the presence or absence of signaling lymphocytic
activation molecule-associated protein (SAP). We used a T cell receptor transgenic mouse model and
crossed it onto a SAP deficient background. To investigate the mechanisms that contribute to IL-4 and
IFN-γ production by type II NKT cells, we isolated cDNA of type II NKT cells from wild type and SAP
deficient backgrounds as templates for real time polymerase chain reaction with primers specific for
different signaling pathways of IL-4 and INF-γ. In particular, we examined the expression levels of
transcription factors known to regulate the expression of IL-4 and INF-γ i n T c ells, s uch a s G ATA-3,
JunB, NFAT-α, NFAT-β, IRF-4, and T-bet . After prolonged cell stimulation, both IRF-4 and GATA-3
expression was inhibited in SAP deficient type II NKT cells. NFAT-α, NFAT-β, and T-bet induction did
not fluctuate significantly in the presence or absence of SAP. The reported defect in IL-4 expression
directly corresponds with the decreased expression of GATA-3 and IRF-4, both of which may function
downstream of SAP.
D01
Creating a Metagame in Checkers
Presenter(s)
Martin Bantchev, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Pirapat Kitipongpatana, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Porzio, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Checkers has been solved; all possible moves have been mapped out using a computer, due to its
simplicity. We removed its perfect balance in order to create a cyclical imbalance metagame which would
result in a more interesting and complex game experience. Because we didn't want to change checkers'
core mechanics, we created modifications: new pieces that the player could buy at the start using a limited
number of points. To test the modifications' effectiveness, we used a twelve player testing group that
played our game while supervised. We set up sessions where the players' choice of pieces, moves, and
strategies were recorded in move logs and interview sheets. At first, the most prevalent strategy was the
Piecafist-King Stall, which used the eponymous pieces' abilities, in combination, to force the opponent
into unfavorable positions. This was the only viable strategy, so we had to create a soft-counter to it, the
Leapfrog. We witnessed players forming strategies with it to counter the dominant Piecafist-King Stall.
We plan on introducing a new piece that is strong against the Leapfrog but vulnerable to the Piecafist-
King Stall strategy to create a Rock-Paper-Scissors relationship between strategies, creating what is
known as a Big Three metagame.
59
D02
Testing the Efficiency of the Currency Futures Market
Presenter(s)
Brennan Wakey, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
The foreign exchange market is one of the most important financial markets in the world, accounting for
trillions of dollars traded daily. If the market were completely efficient, the futures price of a currency
could be calculated easily using a formula that relates the current foreign exchange rate and the difference
between the foreign and domestic interest rates. Our research tested the efficiency of the foreign exchange
futures market by looking at data from past futures contracts. We analyzed this data to see if the prices of
the contracts made sense given what we knew about the interest rates. We also examined potential
profitable trading opportunities, which we found were often available. Additionally, there were several
instances in which the market was very inefficient; the foreign exchange market is not completely
efficient. Further research is necessary to better understand the reasons why the market is efficient only in
some instances, and it could lead to the development of a reliable trading strategy that would take
advantage of the arbitrage opportunities available in the market.
E01
Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Presenter(s)
Matthew Deng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kent Gang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Siva Gangavarapu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ron Hurlbut, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation aims to study the interactions between adatoms of nickel, iron, and cobalt, and silicene
using computational methods. All density functional theory calculations were executed by the program
PWSCF as part of the Quantum Espresso software. The study super-positioned adatoms on a silicene
lattice layer using coordinate positions, and the results were analyzed using post-processing that provided
paramagnetization and charge distributions. Calculations showed that adatoms placed on the center of
silicene rings were most stable, due to highest change in absorption energy (eV). The other stable
positions were located both above and below the silicon atoms, and the position at the midpoint between
those two positions. Furthermore, all reactions between silicene and adatoms were chemically favorable
due to the negative value of the change in absorption energy. Compared to iron and cobalt adatoms, the
nickel atom reaction with silicene resulted in the highest change in absorption energy. In addition to a
stable and energetically favorable reaction between the three adatoms and silicene, the results also suggest
that the further away an adatom is from a silicon atom, the more stable the reaction will be.
60
E02
Hydrodenitrogenation Using Tantalum Single-Site Catalysts
Presenter(s)
Ujwal Kiran, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
As petroleum reserves around the world are depleted, new hydrocarbon sources with increasing amounts
of nitrogen will be utilized. Therefore, more efficient methods of hydrotreating these materials must be
found to satisfy stringent environmental standards. Our current investigation has focused on the use of a
single site tantalum catalyst for hydrodenitrogenation. Using quantum chemical computational methods,
this investigation aimed to understand the mechanism of hydrodenitrogenizing 1-tetrahydroquinoline (1-
THQ) over a silica supported tantalum catalyst. Research determined that this catalyst operates through a
series of reactions. First, 1-THQ above the surface must adsorb to the catalyst through an insertion of the
tantalum into a carbon-nitrogen bond. Then, 1-THQ must perform a ring opening reaction via a nitrogento-
carbon hydrogen transfer. Hydrogenation of this adsorbed complex leads to either formation of
propylbenzene or propylamine, which reacts to form propylbenzene. When propylbenzene is formed, NH
is left behind on the surface which may be further hydrogenated to form ammonia. The complete potential
energy surface for the reaction has been calculated. The results of our investigation show however, that
NH3 formation from NH2 and H is unfavorable and therefore the catalytic site may be poisoned by the
presence of ammonia.
E03
Production of Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Use in Water Filters
Presenter(s)
Jacob Kronenberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Millions of people in developing nations lack sanitary water. Some filters use silver nanoparticles, an
antimicrobial agent. Because cost is pivotal in the developing world, effective nanoparticles from cheaper
base metals were sought. The preparations had three components: cationic base metal salt, reducing agent,
and chelating agent to limit particle size. Three chelators were tried: citrate, oleic acid, and
polyvinylpyrrolidone. In addition to silver nitrate, three metal salts were chosen due to reported
antibacterial properties and low human toxicity: copper sulfate, nickel chloride, and zinc nitrate. Ultraviolet
(UV) spectroscopy was used to verify the creation of nanoparticles. Measuring growth in liquid
cultures of Escherichia coli mixed with the nanoparticles quantified killing effectiveness. UV absorbance
showed that nanoparticles had formed for all four metals. Silver was most effective at reducing bacterial
colony count. Copper and zinc inhibited the enhanced bacterial growth seen with its reactant salt (possibly
acting as a nutrient) but not necessarily with respect to the saline control. Nickel was not effective. If the
copper or zinc preparations could be made to be as effective as silver in disinfecting water, perhaps by
removing unreacted cations, nanoparticle water filters could be cheaper and more available to those who
need them.
61
E04
Understanding and Comparing Photochromic Processes
Presenter(s)
Ryan Leemans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Travis Scott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anita White, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation focuses on how the photochromic process works and how to improve it. We tested
three different protocols to produce photochromic crystals and compared the results. The first protocol we
used was silver nitrate solution in potassium bromide and infused it with titanyl sulfate as a stabilizer to
yield silver coated photochromic crystals. The second protocol used fine crystals of silver chloride
suspended in a solution of tetraethylorthosilicate and sulfuric acid, then infused with silicon dioxide and
methylmethacrylate, creating a prepolymer solution that is able to adhere to glass. The final protocol used
three silver compounds and infused them with a copper chloride solution to observe if a photochromic
reaction occurs. The first trial with silver chloride resulted with darkened samples over a period of an
hour but did not return to a clear color when removed from the ultra-violet (UV) light. In the second trial,
our silver sulfate similarly turned dark in about thirty minutes but didn't return to clear in the absence of
UV light. Our third trial with silver nitrate yielded the same results as the second trial. From our
experiments we conclude it is more challenging to create photochromic dyes to turn from dark to clear in
the absence of UV light than it is to create them to transform from clear to dark in the presence of UV
light. Our experiment, which succeeded in many ways, did fall short of our ambition to improve the
process but all together prove to be insightful.
E05
A Thermodynamic and Physical Investigation of the Heusler Alloys Fe2VAl and Fe2VSn
Presenter(s)
John McGuire, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jeffrey Tucker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Philip Nash, Illinois Institute of Technology
This is a study of the physical properties of the compounds Fe2VSn and Fe2VAl, both of which are
Heusler alloys. Heusler alloys are metal compounds, usually of the form X2YZ, where X and Y are
transition metals and Z is in the groups III-V. They are defined by their crystalline structure and
ferromagnetism, which is measured by attraction to common magnets, despite not having any
ferromagnetic components. Certain Heusler alloys have been shown useful in advanced medical
technology, including that which is used in heart surgery. We investigated the thermodynamic and
physical properties of these compounds, including heat of formation specific heat, density, crystalline
structure, melting point, and hardness. The thermodynamic properties were measured with calorimeters,
which detect minute changes in temperature to measure heat differences in our compounds, both from
formation and from melting. The purpose of this study was to contribute to a large collaboration gathering
similar data on different compounds. These results show that both compounds are Heusler. Neither
compound has any foreseeable industrial or commercial uses, but our collected data has contributed to a
worldwide study.
62
E06
Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Presenter(s)
Daniel Rosenthal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
The efficient formation of silicon organized nanostructures is highly desired due to the potential
applications in fields ranging from solar energy conversion to chemical and biological sensing. The goal
of this project is fabricating silicon micro and nanostructure by metal-assisted chemical etching. The
silicon micro and nanostructures fabrication involves two important steps: patterning the metal layer by
optical, interference and e-beam lithography and silicon etching with a solution containing HF and H2O2.
The Silicon nanostructures are initially patterned by e-beam lithography. It was observed during etching
that the patterning metals, gold and platinum, had the tendency to delaminate from the silicon. We found
that a very thin layer of 1.5 nm titanium as an adhesion layer for noble metals prevents the metal from
detaching from the silicon and greatly improves the accuracy of the patterns etched. After etching, the
metal can be used as a base plate for electroplating, having formed silicon nanostructures as a mold.
Improved accuracy of etching and thus electroplating allows the fabrication of sophisticated devices, such
as highly accurate Fresnel zone plates, diffractive lenses for focusing X-rays for microanalysis,
microspectroscopy, and microdiffraction.
63
E07
The Effects of Cost on Metal-Organic Framework Efficiency
Presenter(s)
Justin Sass, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yifu Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Snurr, Northwestern University
Emmanouil Tyllianakis, Northwestern University
Scientists are looking to replace fossil fuels with other sources of energy, like hydrogen. Storing Hydrogen is the bottleneck for this application, and metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are materials that can offer a solution to this direction. MOFs, can store not only hydrogen but also other light gases of environmental interest. This investigation intended to find a correlation between the cost of the materials used to synthesize MOFs and their performance efficiency, hoping to minimize cost while maximizing efficiency. Scholarly articles were used to find MOF syntheses. MOF costs were obtained by searching up each compound on EM Science or Sigma Aldrich. An excel spreadsheet that includes the names of the MOFs, the articles they are mentioned in, and the prices excel spreadsheet that includes the name MOFs, articles they are mentioned in, and prices per gram was made to record the data. Calculations were performed using the force field, charge, and type of atom on each MOF to obtain the performance of these materials to store light gases like methane at 298oK. The MOFs' surface area and free volume were calculated using the material framework coordinates taken from Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre and Materials Studio. The resulting spreadsheet, correlates synthesis cost of these materials with their properties and storage capacities. This investigation is a step towards finding materials for environmental applications like replacing fossil fuels with a better alternative.
64
E08
A Novel Method for Drug Delivery Using Toroidal-Spiral Particles: A Potential Treatment for
Cancer
Presenter(s)
Navika Shukla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ying Liu, University of Illinois at Chicago
Vishal Sharma, University of Illinois at Chicago
Current methods of brain tumor treatment require the use of synthetic implants, which are only capable of
carrying one type of treatment, either an anti-angiogenesis factor or a neoplastic agent. Our novel
toroidal-spiral particle aims to provide a synergistic environment in which the effects of both the antiangiogenesis
factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and the neoplastic agent,
camptothecin-11, can be combined within a polymer (polyethylene glycol) for a more effective cancer
treatment. The novelty of our particle resides in its toroidal-spiral shape, which allows the VEGRF-2 and
camptothecin-11 to reside in the open channels within the particle, and therefore prevents destruction of
the proteins as is usually the case when polymers are used to encapsulate the drugs. The encapsulation
occurs in two phases, the bulk phase and drop phase. The polymeric particle is then cross-linked with a
photo-initiator and ultra-violet light. Thus far, we have determined that the particle is capable of
sustained, targeted release of the anti-angiogenesis factor and neoplastic agent within cell culture. The
next steps would involve determining the effects of the toroidal-spiral particle within various other
models, including animal models.
E09
Synthesizing a Library of Combinatorial Catalysts on Surfaces
Presenter(s)
Aaron Yu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Guoliang Liu, Northwestern University
Chad Mirkin, Northwestern University
Sarah Petrosko, Northwestern University
Combinatorial catalysis is a powerful approach to discover and screen chemical compounds and materials
with novel and/or enhanced catalytic properties. Existing methods such as bulk synthesis and thin film
deposition are limited either in their throughput or the materials gap between the model catalysts and the
ones used in practical application. Therefore, we have to develop a novel process which has a high
throughput and can bridge the materials gap in current process. Previously, we have shown that dip-pen
nanolithography (DPN) can be used to pattern various single-element nanoparticles on silicon nitride
membrane, including noble metals (gold, silver, platinum, palladium) and three-dimensional transitional
metals oxides (Fe2O3, Co2O3, NiO, CuO). Our research here focuses on growth of bimetallic nanoparticles
from individual patterned seed nanoparticles, for instance, growth platinum on gold. We show that the
following parameters, the consistency of particle patterned using DPN, the particle growth time, and the
solution concentration, are critical in creating core-shell nanoparticles with high quality. We find that
longer growth time and higher solution concentration result in more deposited materials. The synthesis
method that we have developed here can be potentially extended to other bimetallic nanoparticles, and
used for combinatorial catalysis.
65
F01
Analyzing and Testing the Monte Carlo Algorithm in the Game of Go
Presenter(s)
Advitheey Chelikani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The game of Go is one of the only competitively played board games to not have a computer player that
can consistently defeat professional level players. The reason for this lies in the vast possibility of moves
that can be played each turn. The characteristics of the game of Go were used in order to implement and
analyze the Monte Carlo Go algorithm. The Monte Carlo algorithm was chosen because it does not
require specific input and because it generates generally strategic moves. Open source computer Go
programs were examined, slightly modified, and then tested against each other through Gomill, a Python
library. The Monte Carlo algorithm applied to Go involves playing out random moves from a certain
position. The move which results in the most optimal future result for the player is chosen and the
algorithm is then repeated each turn. In addition to scrutinizing algorithms, a Python library containing
Go game rules is being developed in order to aid future programmers. On a large scale, this outcome
indicates that the machine may come out on top in the ongoing face off between man and machine.
F02
Integrating and Simplifying Access to IMSA Information Technology Resources
Presenter(s)
Ryan Eberhardt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Milosz Kowal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralph Flickinger, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Steven Terrell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Fred Yankowski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The current access to Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy’s (IMSA) information technology (IT)
resources is fragmented across many platforms and services, making students' work inefficient and timeconsuming.
Our investigation focuses on addressing these issues through the development of a single
multi-platform user interface aided by campus-wide surveys and beta testing. An initial questionnaire was
sent out to the student body, asking students to gauge their current satisfaction with IMSA's IT services.
Questions assessed the satisfaction, frequency and purpose of usage of a particular service. For example,
questions regarding the user-friendliness of the print server were asked, as well as questions assessing
whether or not students utilize the community directory. The responses, combined with feedback received
during a private beta testing stage, where a randomly selected group of students was asked to examine a
series of wireframes, guided the development of the software. Preliminary results show that students are
dissatisfied with the current condition of the information technology environment and that the developed
software will increase the students' productivity and efficiency when utilizing the IMSA IT resources.
66
F03
Developing a Commercial Android Application for a Nonprofit Organization
Presenter(s)
Amanda Gao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kristen Mancini, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Debbi Daniel-Wayman, Ten Thousand Villages
John Hayward, Wheaton College
Alissa Maas, Wheaton College
In recent years, the popularity of smartphones has rapidly grown and Android has emerged as a
forerunner in application development. Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit fair trade organization, and
other businesses can use smartphone applications to allow their products to reach a wider audience. This
investigation focused on developing an Android application after we became proficient in the Java
language. Our learning focused on the use of three interfaces: Java code, Extensible Markup Language,
and the graphical user interface. Our application was developed using Eclipse software and was tested on
various Android devices including the T-Mobile HTC G2 and the Asus Transformer TF-101 Tablet. We
created a working prototype which retrieves information from an online database via JavaScript Object
Notation and stores it in the Android SQLite database. It begins with a splash screen which opens to a list
of items. Each item can be selected to reveal detailed information and a larger image. We learned to make
our code structured more efficiently through refactoring. We hope to implement filtering by category and
allow automatic updates of the database for offline use. Our ultimate goal is to create an application that
Ten Thousand Villages can implement.
F04
Testing the Muon g-2 Experiment Simulation
Presenter(s)
Jackson Gibbons, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Lyon, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The Muon g-2 experiment at Fermilab, before it will be performed, must first be tested with a simulation
to ensure success. This simulation, which is still in development, must be tested in turn to ensure that new
developments have not made unintentional changes to established functionality. To accomplish this, I
coded unit and framework tests in C that run automatically within the Art framework. The unit tests
assess individual pieces of code, while the framework tests guarantee that the pieces of code work
together properly. Next, I coded framework configuration files, which configure the code and specify
parameter input and data and result output. Whenever the simulation code is built, it will be tested
automatically, to ensure that no changes to the code have compromised its functionality. This work will
help the Muon g-2 experiment prepare to run smoothly when data-taking begins in two years.
67
F05
Viability of Speech Recognition for Online Student Assessments
Presenter(s)
Saurabh Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joseph Dvorak, American Institutes for Research
Online standardized testing is becoming widely incorporated into American schools. The purpose of this
investigation is to assess whether speech recognition is viable for students who cannot use a mouse and
keyboard. Windows Speech Recognition and Dragon Naturally Speaking Premium and Professional
products were evaluated via dictation accuracy testing and analyses of difficulty levels when applied to
different test items. After necessary training, Dictation accuracy for Windows was 78 percent, whereas
Dragon's accuracy was 96 percent. Furthermore, while MouseGrid and Show Numbers of Windows
Speech Recognition provided overall navigation accessibility, Dragon Naturally Speaking's mouse
movement and macro creation capabilities simplified navigation strategies and provided easier
manipulation of simulation, drag and drop, and hot text items. However, natural language and rich text
items affected the psychometrics of the test for all recognizers tested. New speech-related simplifications
were then developed to reduce complications, such as command memorization or excessive mouse
movement apparent in existing mechanisms. The grid test item is currently undergoing an implementation
of these novel designs via modification of the JavaScript interface. Application of the prototype to the test
environment and its implications, such as the cocktail party effect, training required, and location of the
speech engine necessitate further consideration.
F06
Reusing Bandwidth to Maximize Speed and Coverage for the Growing Demand of Cellular
Customers
Presenter(s)
Mack Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Berry, Northwestern University
Vijay Subramanian, Northwestern University
The rapid advancement in cellular technology has caused an increase in demand for cellular data services.
The optimization of signal strength relative to interference using frequency reuse is crucial to meet this
demand. Frequency reuse is the idea of reusing bandwidth by non-adjacent transmitters. To investigate
systems that would achieve desired results, a functional simulation is necessary. Using MATLAB, we
were able to successfully create a simulation that models a modern cellular network in which nodes were
randomly deployed. Throughout this investigation, we implemented a variety of parameters into our
simulation such as noise, interference, density of users, and so forth. With this, we generated a variety of
plots ranging from distribution of signal-to-interference-and-noise-ratio to three-dimensional plots of rate
outage versus power and bandwidth. From observing these plots and comparing them with analytic curves
(for validity), full reuse, using one channel within a system, is far superior to fractional reuse, using
multiple channels within a system, and delivers optimal results. Thus, by reusing frequencies, we can
maximize the performance of users in a region, as well as the efficiency in bandwidth allocation.
68
F07
Vehicle Automation During an Earthquake
Presenter(s)
Arthur Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Namrata Pandya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Autonomous vehicles represent a promising innovation for society. These vehicles can help people get
around more efficiently and could even save lives during earthquake situations. A robotic vehicle was
constructed with a VEX Robotics Design System kit and programmed with ROBOTC. Two challenge
scenarios were devised to assess the performance of the vehicle and its optimal responses. The first
scenario was dodging falling buildings; the second was navigating through obstacles. The success rate of
dodging a falling building, at an optimal event trigger distance, was 65% over forty attempts. Obstacle
navigation time difference between automated and optimal manual trials was negligible. These results can
provide data for vehicle companies to implement automatic functions during earthquakes into vehicles.
These vehicles can optimize people's chance of survival during an earthquake.
F08
Creating a Novel Back-End Database for the Open Tree of Life Project
Presenter(s)
Jingfei Li
Hyun Bin Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Ree, Field Museum
The Open Tree of Life project has the goal of creating a collaborative tool for use in compiling various
phylogenetic trees for all species. The back-end of the database currently uses a relational database. A
graph database, which stores nodes and multiple relationships between nodes as opposed to linear
connections, is preferred to a relational database due to simplicity and speed. In this investigation, we
created a set of working programs that successfully reads Newick string (a systematic text format for
evolutionary trees), and stores nodes and relationships to a graph database. The program then determines
certain characteristics of the tree, prioritizes the important information within the tree, and outputs code to
render a scalable vector graphic. The new code that uses the graph database allows for less storage space
and faster access times, resulting in a resource-efficient back-end for the project.
69
F09
Improving the Clinical Trials Process Through Efficient Collection and Storage of Protocol
Elements
Presenter(s)
Pratyush Rustagi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samuel Volchenboum, University of Chicago
The development of industry-sponsored, consortium-driven, or investigator-initiated clinical trials is
hampered by an inefficient, antiquated, paper-driven, error-prone system. A more efficient, electronic
method of data storage for clinical trial elements will drive downstream processes. A granular
understanding of the current processes required for clinical trial approval by the Institutional Review
Board at the University of Chicago is required. The process has many steps and includes many people
working in different groups. Interaction between and among these groups is required to connect the
elements needed to simplify the clinical trial approval process. Through conversations with the Office of
Clinical Research, we have identified many redundancies and inefficiencies. In response, we will be
developing a semi-automated system that eliminates a substantial amount of human involvement, thus
reducing the time required to complete trial approval. Still in progress, this project involves research
beyond the school year for adequate completion. The current project is focused on finishing, collecting,
and mapping the entire clinical trial approval process at the University of Chicago. Pending successful
completion of the first step, there may be opportunities for student involvement in the implementation of
a pilot system that corrects a subset of these inefficiencies.
F10
Gathering Open Source Intelligence for Criminal Investigations
Presenter(s)
Andrew Schell, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Bondi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brad Carnduff, Illinois State Police
Open source intelligence, or OSINT, is comprised of data obtained through any sources legally available
to the public. Today, OSINT is not widely used in criminal investigations, and this investigation
determined how OSINT could be used by law enforcement in order to advance an investigation by
providing information unavailable through traditional methods of investigating. To do this, the
investigators researched techniques such as searching, viewing data from images, GPS tracking, and
cross-referencing numerous sources to find and analyze information on social media, images, and videos,
search engines, blogs, and websites. The criteria for determining viable sources of OSINT were the
amount of information discovered, how easy the source was to use, and if the data could assist an
investigation. What the researchers determined was that the best way to contribute to a criminal
investigation was through multiple different sources and using a variety of techniques. The sources and
techniques analyzed throughout this investigation are easy to use, making them perfect for introductory
level law enforcement officers. The next step is to create a video for law enforcement officers that do not
specialize in technology. This video will detail different scenarios where OSINT can be used in order to
aid a criminal investigation.
70
F11
An Algorithmic Implementation of the Bollinger Band Approximation
Presenter(s)
Michael Zeng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
Sergiy Mesropyan, Aardvark Trading LLC
Dennis Wang, Aardvark Trading LLC
Algorithmic trading has been an integral aspect of investing since the early 1970s when it was introduced
to the New York Stock Exchange. As a technical analysis tool created by John Bollinger, the Bollinger
Bands provide a relative approximation of the highness and lowness of a stock price using standard
deviation and moving averages. My investigation created and implemented a method to algorithmically
analyze and execute trades based on the Bollinger Band approximation. Using C, the programming
standard of the trading world, I built off a sample program provided by the Interactive Brokers application
programming interface. This program projected the Bollinger Band approximation onto real market data,
by subscribing to market data functions provided by the Interactive Brokers server. When the price of a
stock hit either one standard deviation above the moving average or one standard deviation below the
moving average, the program would request a trade at those prices and sell when the price hit the moving
average. This investigation has implications in being able to not only model stock prices, but, if this
pattern holds, this elegant, pattern-recognizing algorithm can help us better understand the world in which
we live.
G01
The Congressional Budget Office and Their Accuracy in Deficit Prediction
Presenter(s)
Samuel Krause, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) was created to be a department of government that would
provide non-partisan economic analysis about bills proposed to Congress, providing an alternate
economic perspective on proposed bills. Another main task the CBO has is to periodically release
documents that show the state of the economy as well as make forecasts as to what will happen if current
economic trends continue. My research has been focused around examining the accuracy of the CBO in
deficit prediction by finding predicted value for the deficit and comparing that value to what the real
deficit was that year. This research has shown that the Executive Branch has been more accurate than the
CBO (.0025%) in predicting the deficit over the course of twenty-four years. Although unexpected, this is
most likely due to a tendency of the Administration to make optimistic forecasts and the CBO to make
pessimistic ones. The slight difference in actual forecasted deficits results from the tendency of the
Administration to forecast a lower unemployment rate than the CBO.
71
G02
Machine Learning Algorithms for Bidding in Auctions
Presenter(s)
Andrew Kuznetsov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jason Hartline, Northwestern University
Online auctions are applied in such diverse markets such as Federal Communication Commision
spectrum, sponsored search, and consumer products. Similar to human bidders on websites such as Ebay,
machine learning algorithms are capable of dynamically learning information about bidding situations by
analyzing adversary bids from past auctions. This investigation developed algorithms for learning how to
bid and evaluated them in bidding simulations. The amount of information available to the machine
learning algorithm impacts its ability to learn well. Two models were considered: in the first, bids of all
bidders are reported and in the second, only the identity of the winner is reported. The learning algorithms
were evaluated in two strategic scenarios. In the first scenario, the algorithms were learning to bid in a
first price auction where the opponent bids were selected from a static distribution. In the second scenario,
the machine learning algorithm was evaluated bidding against itself in a simulated first-price auction.
Preliminary analyses show that the learning algorithm was able to consistently approximate within five
percent of the theoretically calculated optimal bid strategy within twenty auctions under the complete
information static distribution scenario. Future work in this project includes comparing the performance
of human bidders to the algorithm.
G03
National Oil Companies
Presenter(s)
Christine Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ashley Radee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Heidi Warning, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
National oil companies (NOCs) are responsible for the majority of the oil production in the world. These
state owned enterprises, operated either directly or indirectly by the government, are often the largest
contributor to their country's economy. However, these companies have inherent structural defects
relating to their level of corruption, efficiency, and sustainability. NOCs are effective means for states to
control resource wealth but are ineffective in promoting innovation and efficiency. Looking at different
examples of companies and their motivations and behaviors, it was determined that national oil
companies are economically inefficient from a shareholder's perspective. In states with NOCs, the
political motivations of a government are inseparable from their business administrations. While NOCs
act as powerful state tools, they include drawbacks that make it impossible to maintain a competitive
atmosphere for innovation and globalization. However, when reevaluated from a stakeholder perspective,
the role of NOCs as both provider and protector of their countries' best interest becomes apparent.
72
G04
How Does the Ineffectiveness of Greek Government Contribute to the European Crisis?
Presenter(s)
Phuong Vo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Trouble in the US, beginning in 2007, affected the global economy. One of the issues that emerged was
the Euro Crisis, which affected Greece the most. In 2009, Greece was revealed to have been
misrepresenting its financial status, especially in the field of banking. My investigation includes the use of
popular media along with scholarly sources. In addition, my advisor serves as a crucial component in my
understanding of this predicament. I have hypothesized that the corruption in the Greek government
caused their country to become the most unstable within the Euro Zone. Under the leadership of
Germany, the Euro Zone countries have helped Greece by lending it additional funds as well as forgiving
some of its debt. However, Greece's government has neither the resources nor the integrity to improve its
economy's current condition. In order to rebuild the nation, political and economic structures will require
change. The present situation in Greece could serve as a warning to other countries that have a corrupt
government, for results of economic weakness may be catastrophic. The larger lesson to be learned is that
the Euro Zone needs to strengthen its ability to respond to crises, and better improve its fiscal policy.
H01
How to Change the World: Redefining Effective Assessment Practices of Twenty-First Century
Skills in Specialized Domestic and International Secondary Schools
Presenter(s)
Ashima Gupta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
As educators rush to adopt the Common Core student learning standards which focus on curriculum
content, business leaders and innovators advocate for students to learn twenty-first century skills
including leadership, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication. To assess the extent
to which these skills are taught and assessed in the United States and international schools, I have
reviewed curriculum documents, published goals, and, when available, tests and instructional practices.
This review along with results from a survey of high school teachers regarding the quality and necessity
of twenty-first century skills has shown that, although lip service is given to the importance of twentyfirst
century skills and that teachers express a desire to teach them, there is little evidence in most schools
that they are present in the curriculum, taught in classes, or assessed in any formal, systemic manner.
Through this research I have developed a set of recommendations for schools that will enable them to
incorporate twenty-first century skills into curriculum, instruction, and assessment along with
recommended resources for this endeavor.
73
H02
The Effect of Religiosity Upon the Enacted Curricula of Illinois High Schools
Presenter(s)
Anton Karpovich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Deborah Scarano, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The battle over the teaching of evolution in classrooms is not new; it began with the Scopes Monkey
Trial. And recently, America's Political Right is weighing proposals that question the science of
evolution. Despite the controversy, a review of the literature found that few studies had analyzed the
influence that a community's religion had on the science curricula enacted in its high schools. This study
used data on the religious makeup of each county in Illinois, and the Survey of Enacted Curriculum data
containing detailed breakdowns of science subjects taught in Illinois schools, and their correlation to
national standards and test scores. The data from these sources was analyzed with a multiple regression to
determine how much of the variance in the science curricula could be explained by variation in
religiosity. Although most variables were not influenced by religiosity, highly evangelical counties had
lower emphasis on communicating understanding (R²=0.130, p=0.026), with the same counties also
having marginally significant trends toward higher PISA scores (R²=0.084, p=0.061). Parochial schools
did not have significantly different curricula than public schools (T=1.013, p=0.311). This study found
that the religious makeup of a community did not have a large effect on science curricula.
I01
An Exploration Into Altitude and Ascent Rate Control System Design in High Altitude Balloons
Presenter(s)
Michael Adams, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Daniel Francis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jennifer Hoelzer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Geza Gyuk, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
When compared to orbiting satellites, high altitude balloons are an effective option for gathering
meteorological and astronomical data, and cost much less. In order to further increase their effectiveness,
this investigation explored design options for a system that would control altitude and ascent rate in High
altitude balloons. After time spent on background research, we decided to use a computer-controlled
ballast release system. Several different designs were constructed and tested both in the lab and in
stratospheric flight. Challenges included optimizing volume to surface area ratio, ballast determination,
design of release mechanism, and software design. The design characteristics found most effective were a
ball valve controlled by an Arduino and stepper motor attached to a square prismatic ballast tank.
Through multiple tests this design shows potential and is an indicator that further ascent rate control is
possible. If we were to continue our research further, we would refine our methods that have proven
effective in the lab to create a working system for ascent control.
74
I02
Advancing Communication for the Disabled
Presenter(s)
Kendell Byrd, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Each year approximately 5,600 people are diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a
neurodegenerative disorder that makes it progressively harder for people to communicate and function.
Inspired by the efforts of people afflicted with ALS to lead a normal life, this year my investigation
focused on the following question: "What device(s) can I create that will allow the disabled, specifically
those who lack the usage of their voice box and arms, to communicate effectively." This investigation is
researching the possibility of constructing a brain-computer interface device that utilizes
electroencephalography (EEG) technology to utilize the brain as a control device. Additionally, this
project is focused on working with existing EEG devices and focused on the prospects of designing an
inexpensive eye gaze control device. By combining these two devices and developing an integrated
software system, this device would allow a person to efficiently select letters and make words using their
brain and eyes. Ultimately, by using computer speakers and standard text to speech capabilities, the user
will be able to actually speak to people despite their disability, improving communication for the world.
I03
Evolving the Touch Pad to Create New Environments
Presenter(s)
Brian Chien, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Edward Colgate, Northwestern University
Smart technology is constantly evolving to improve interaction between humans and mechatronic
devices. While touch and sight were effective in the early years, a revolutionary new field known as
haptics responds to the human touch. Currently, the Laboratory of Intelligent Mechanical Systems at
Northwestern University is devising a way to utilize human touch by altering the levels of friction on the
touch pad as the finger slides across on the Kindle Fire TPaD. To do this, a modified touchpad with
piezoelectric actuators is attached to the hardware. Then, the Android coding involved utilizes the
modifications to send a frictional response after receiving a physical input. One application that utilizes
the TPaD is a dynamic slider, where a general piecewise function calculating amplitude from the slider
value, number of indents, and indent width is used to determine the level of friction on the TPaD as the
finger is at a certain position on the slider. The program is currently being modified so that the friction
can be measured in a sinusoidal function or sent from a physical input anywhere on the screen. In the
future, these functions may be frictional changes to regular Android applications for commercial use and
development.
75
I04
Decreasing Noise Produced by Wind Turbine Blades While Preserving Efficiency
Presenter(s)
Evan Derse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The investigation was begun collaboratively with students in China to work towards developing wind
turbines. The investigation concerns reducing noise produced by wind turbines, as this can be a major
annoyance and a potential limiting factor in the placement of wind turbines. Wind turbines and turbulence
patterns were researched before designs were developed in Autodesk Inventor computer-aided design
software. These designs were printed using a three-dimensional printer. Additionally computational fluid
dynamics (CFD) tests were run using Autodesk Simulation CFD to analyze turbulence patterns generated
by the turbines. The main structure being tested that modifies traditional wind turbine design is a flared
turbine blade tip to break up the swirling turbulence patterns formed by the blade tip's motion. The
investigation began testing in China, where three turbines were tested for efficiency and found that the
experimental blade generated more energy than the control. However, there were some questions as to the
accuracy of the tests. More preliminary testing was conducted on two of the turbines, but no meaningful
data resulted due to errors in testing methods. The investigation will continue to improve its testing
methods and work toward gathering meaningful data from which conclusions can be drawn.
I05
Investigating and Evaluating Roller Coaster Propulsion and Energetics
Presenter(s)
Claire Hensley, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Many roller coaster enthusiasts are familiar with the concept that the first hill on a roller coaster is always
the tallest because of the frictional loss of mechanical energy. Traditional chain lift motors are slow and
spatially demanding, but the introduction of alternative methods of propulsion would rectify these and
other impracticalities. Initially, we focused on investigating and evaluating different propulsion methods
for the optimal ride. We first consulted literature on the subject and took a tour of Six Flags Great
America with one of their electrical engineers. In order to evaluate chain lifts and investigate the
energetics of roller coasters, a K'NEX model roller coaster was constructed. We measured height at
regular intervals along the track and that data was used to predict velocities at each interval. Actual
velocity measurements allowed us to quantify the frictional loss of kinetic energy. A model linear
induction motor was also constructed and we performed measurements to determine efficiency and
energy output. The data from these two models will be used in the final propulsion method evaluation and
explanation.
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I06
The Design and Development of a Stair Climbing Robot
Presenter(s)
Valerie Moore, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Gerry, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robots can move horizontally without much difficulty, but they cannot yet move vertically with ease. The
goal of the project is to design and build a robot that can climb stairs, the most common form of vertical
movement used by humans. Beginning with brainstorming, a basic idea of the robot was formed.
Computer-aided design (CAD) software, Autodesk Inventor 2013, was used to create a three-dimensional
virtual model of the robot. The three-dimensional CAD program was used to create part files that were cut
out using the computer numerical control machine. A three-dimensional printer was used to print out
wheels for the robot. A programmed arduino runs four servos that drive the robot. Due to cost constraints
and the availability of parts, a 4:1 scaled model was constructed. A scale model of the stairs was
constructed for testing. The next steps in this process would include building a full scale robot and
making the bed stay level while the robot climbs the stairs.
I07
Design and Analysis of a Low Speed Solar Vehicle That Effectively Functions in a Rural or
Suburban Environment
Presenter(s)
Sreyesh Satpathy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dayal Parthi, National Institute of Technology
This investigation aimed to develop a low-cost, low speed solar vehicle. This vehicle was developed to be
effective in Rourkela, Orissa, India, a suburban area which has electricity for most of the day, but suffers
from power outages due to a lack of infrastructure and a relatively weak grid. The team tested different
methods of increasing the efficiency of the vehicle while focusing on a design that could be implemented
at a low financial cost of about $8000, to be able to run at speeds below 40 km/h, and to be able to take
people around with lightweight baggage. Then a survey was performed to analyze the strengths and
weaknesses of the vehicle, and possible changes that should be made to future applications. The final
product was deemed a success by the team and the people surveyed.
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I08
A Novel Design for Measuring Field Programmable Gate Array Radiation Tolerance
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
A field programmable gate array (FPGA) is an integrated circuit, designed to be configured by users after
manufacturing, hence field programmable. The ability to update the functionality after shipping enables
FPGAs to be used in a growing range of applications, such as digital signal processing, medical imaging,
computer vision, speech recognition, bioinformatics, and metal detection. The use of FPGAs also plays an
integral part in the Mu2e project at Fermi National Acceleration Laboratory. Several FPGA chips were
irradiated in a nuclear reactor in University of California at Davis with radiation dosages of 2x1012 to
2x1014 neutrons/cm2 which is equivalent to the two years of radiation a FPGA chip will receive on the
Mu2e detector. The resulting firmware provides a reliable and cost-efficient way to test the functionality
of FPGA chips after having undergone harsh conditions that are not limited to irradiation. This research
successfully predicted the radiation tolerance level of FPGA chips and supports the hypothesis that a
radiation dosage of 2x1013 n/cm2 is safe for the FPGA chips to be used in the Mu2e project.
I09
Automatic Compensation for Cable Time Delay in Field Programmable Gate Arrays
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
FPGAs are susceptible to delay in information delivery. Delays between sending and receiving, results
from numerous factors which can impact the reliability and integrity of an FPGA's data collection. Time
delay can cause inconsistency in data collected. This design project endeavored to develop an effective
method of determining and compensating for time delay between sending and receiving modules.
Designing and building a firmware required ALTERA's circuit design building program (Quartus II 9.1
sp2 Web Edition) and Cyclone III FPGA chips. The circuit description consists of two major types of
logic blocks: phase-locked loops (PLL) and time-to-digital converter (TDC) blocks. Using PPL, clock
skew caused by unstable communication signals can be minimized. Using TDC, cable delay can be
compensated for. Combined, the final circuit description can align both the leading edge and mean-time
reference of the sending and receiving signals. The final circuit description allows automatic
compensation for time delay from cables by realigning the sending and receiving signals to share the
same mean time reference. As a research and development project, the description may be ported to other
larger designs where code is shared.
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I10
Trapezoidal Clocking in Maintaining Isochronous Circuits
Presenter(s)
Kevin Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jin Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Clocking schemes within circuits are crucial to ensuring that all signals are transmitted and received at the
correct time. Within large detectors, built for responding to the smallest pieces of matter, any small
malfunction in the clock distribution could cause missed detections and false alarms. A completely
isochronous circuit is therefore crucial, and factors affecting the clock distribution include heat, cable
length, and cable loss. This paper examines trapezoidal clocking as a possible solution. Trapezoidal
clocking uses trapezoidal pulses and sums the leading and trailing slopes to create a new waveform with
isochronal zero crossings. Trapezoidal clocking can also be achieved with lossless cables and any odd
function's pulses, not only trapezoidal pulses. By using a series of field programmable gated arrays, we
were able to test the effectiveness of the trapezoidal clocking system in maintaining an effective,
isochronous circuit. Looking at data collected from oscilloscopes, we find that trapezoidal clocking does
maintain isochronous signals.
J01
Science Fiction and Fantasy Genre Devices Allow Authors' Self-Expression
Presenter(s)
Kirstyn Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Science fiction and fantasy allow us to express ourselves more easily, permitting authors to insert
commentary on our society hidden within their work. In this investigation, works by various writers from
these genres were read in order to evaluate if science fiction and fantasy better lend themselves to a more
liberal form of expression than mainstream fiction. The final list consisted of Isaac Asimov, Ursula
LeGuin, Peter Beagle, and Neil Gaiman. These authors were chosen based on the availability of
biographical information and short, manageable stories. From here, the authors' biographies were
searched for significant life experiences, personality traits, and portrayals of themselves within their work.
A working definition of science fiction and fantasy was formed. The stories were then analyzed for
allegorical and symbolic meaning. Further study in this field advances our knowledge in the creative mind
and allows us to further understand these authors and their chosen genres. This study is important because
it allows us to expand our understanding of science fiction and fantasy and why authors are drawn to
these genres versus the mainstream.
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J02
The Methods of Characterization and Plot Development of an Adult Level Science Fiction Novel
Presenter(s)
Alexander Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Erin Micklo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
My study was based on writing fifty pages of a science fiction novel in order to study characterization and
plot development therein, alongside external research. The results produced detailed information about
characterization and plot development. The former was found to be built by a character's actions,
dialogue, thoughts, and description, from most to least effective in that order. I learned specific methods
such as flashbacks, high pressure decisions, and dialogue-driven conflict to accomplish this. Plot
development was driven by a loop from the environment and other characters making an effect, characters
reacting to it, something else happening, and then characters reflecting and possibly changing because of
it. Specific methods learned to accomplish this include a character accidentally making a change,
misinterpretation of events, and contrasting beliefs emerging across numerous characters. A duality was
found between the two, where plot was driven by characters, and characters came to fruition through the
plot. These results illustrate the mechanisms utilized by all works of literature to portray realistic
characters in an interesting plot, while keeping the reader interested and entertained throughout.
J03
Blood Money: Death, Financial Gain, and Morality in the Gothic Novel
Presenter(s)
Anna Melberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adam Kotlarczyk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gothic literature has evolved from its German bone rattling and chain shaking origins seen in The Castle
of Otranto (1764) to psychological horror made famous by Edgar Allen Poe to disillusioning southern
gothic novels such as Absalom, Absalom! (1936) by William Faulkner and into modern iterations
exemplified by Blood Meridian (1985) by Cormac McCarthy. I examine a relationship between literature
and economics defined by Michael Watts in The Literary Book of Economics. Using a New Historical
approach to review twelve geographically and temporally diverse gothic novels, I identify economic gains
made by characters. I find that the roots of these gains are the deaths of innocent, secondary characters
who fall in the crossfire of the fight between the villain and the hero. Fallen characters who are perceived
as evil still yield economic gain to the protagonists, but these rewards have their own consequences on the
main characters' lives. This study concludes that the deaths of minor characters lead to substantial
increases in wealth, suggesting that life has a monetary value, and that the integrity of the deceased
correlates with the size of the fortune inherited by the protagonist.
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J04
The Written Aspect Analysis of Performance Poetry
Presenter(s)
Addison Schwaller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel Gleason, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poetry is found in many media and locations, such as poetry readings and slam competitions.
Performance poetry is known for its lively, theatrical style of presentation. Instead of analyzing the
performance aspect, this study recorded and analyzed the occurrence of literary devices contained in the
written aspect of performance poetry; that data set was compared to that of selected printed poetry. The
performance poems were selected if a video of their performance had an average of over sixty thousand
views a year. The transcripts were examined so that literary characteristics in each poem could be
compared. The current data shows that all poems included enriching poetical devices, and, in fact,
performance poems averaged more of these overall than printed poems. This counters the popular belief
that the strongest part of performance poetry lies in the performance; if a poem is composed poorly, the
performance is not likely to substitute. Through data collection it has been noted that poetic styles differ
from one another in the sample; differing amounts of various literary devices are utilized. Performance
poetry does not lack these devices when compared to the rich literary devices normally associated solely
with printed poetry.
K01
The Effects of Brand Name Root Stimulants Versus Their Active Ingredients on Germinated Corn
Plants
Presenter(s)
Simone Alexandrova, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Marco Medina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Julie Polz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
For many years farmers and plant enthusiasts have looked for methods that will yield the biggest,
healthiest plants, in the shortest time. We have looked for cheaper alternatives to what these planters are
currently using. We researched and chose to use the most popular and best-rated root stimulants as well as
their active ingredients. We then grew corn plants, waiting for them to germinate before beginning to
water them with the commercial root stimulant solutions and their active ingredient counterparts. Each
trial lasted approximately six weeks, during which we tracked the plants' growth by taking them out of the
vermiculite and replanting them after measuring their mass, root length and total length (the combined
root and stem length). In general, plants grown using just the active ingredient solutions were healthiest,
having the longest lengths and heaviest masses. For example, the brand name root stimulant RootBoost
had an average total length of 163 mm. In comparison, the plants watered with vitamin B1 (the active
ingredient in RootBoost) had an average total length of 417 mm. Since it is cheaper to manufacture these
individual active ingredients, planters could save a lot of money by switching to them.
81
K02
A Comparison in Environmental Education: Aurora, Illinois and Beijing, China
Presenter(s)
Lydia Auch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Grace DiCecco, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kenzo Esquivel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aracelys Rios, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
As climate change threatens to alter every aspect of society, environmental awareness is extremely
relevant to our world. The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) and the High School
Affiliated to Renmin University of China (RDFZ), as premier residential schools, have a responsibility to
instruct their students on how to positively influence people in order to improve the quality of life on our
planet. We, with collaboration from RDFZ students, assessed the carbon footprint of school buildings and
examined environmental education programs and legislation. Through comparison of greenhouse gas
emissions we found that at IMSA we produced a larger footprint than our counterparts in Beijing.
However, differences could be explained by the type of building measured as well as measurement
procedures. In addition, through our review of current environmental education programs and legislation
in Illinois, we found that while programs are in place, many consist of suggestions and lack mandatory
aspects, which prevents maximum efficacy. From our research we were able to provide recommendations
on improving the environmental literacy with implications for the larger state of environmental education;
reducing the carbon footprint of IMSA residence halls through their renovation; and implementing
effective initiatives to increase student awareness.
82
K03
Increasing Diversity in the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Prairie: Preliminary
Findings
Presenter(s)
Sarah Blanco, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Clare Leahy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean Bigger, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The restoration of the IMSA Prairie contributes to the effort of reestablishing native Illinois
environments. As a continuation of last year's project, we identified plants and researched possible
additions for expansion. We additionally burned the prairie for the second time in three years. We
assembled a group of volunteers and burned based on methods typical in prairie burns. We identified
plants using images of prairie specimens and field guides and consulted a variety of literary sources for
researching new plants. We also added an additional nineteen plants to the IMSA Prairie Digital Field
Guide, with twelve plants in the process of identification, and are working to standardize entries in the
Field Guide. We also compiled a list of eleven potential plants beneficial for the prairie's diversity and are
currently mapping where to plant these based on elevation maps. The effects of the burn will not be fully
assessed until next year, but our initial assessment supplemented by additional research is that subsequent
burns should take place in the spring to maximize effectiveness. As for plant additions, plants suited for
moist environments should be placed in the prairie slough while those suitable for drier environments
should be planted on the slopes.
K04
Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Presenter(s)
Anna Gupta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Lisk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
For over a billion people in developing countries, lack of sanitary water results in needless suffering and
death. In this investigation, our goal was to create a filter that would kill 99.9% of bacteria, produce 40 L
of water per day, and cost under $15. In order to construct this, we used the egg whites from one egg,
added approximately 30 ml of 0.1 M silver nitrate solution, poured the solution into a three inch diameter
plastic pipe with stainless steel mesh glued to the bottom, and lightly baked the filter. Kill rates were
determined by plating and counting the surviving Escherichia coli bacteria. In testing, our filters had kill
rates above the target, 99.9%, but had insufficient flow rates, below 0.25 L per day. Added hydrostatic
pressure, from 0.01 to 0.19 atm, subsequently improved the flow rates to 1-2 L per day. however,
excessive pressure extruded the egg patty and destroyed the filter. Determination of the kill rates under
increased pressure is ongoing. In addition, the filters also deteriorated and ceased to filter water if they
were left at room temperature without a sealed container for several days. Going forward, we seek to
improve our filter by increasing flow rate and improving the lifespan of the filter so that it can be used for
several months.
83
K05
Investigating the Feasibility of Green Roofs for Residential Applications
Presenter(s)
Anna Kryczka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Green roofs, a form of sustainable architecture, benefit the environment because they filter storm water,
reduce runoff, remove carbon dioxide from the air, reduce the urban heat island effect and last longer than
conventional roofs. Despite these advantages, green roofs have struggled to gain popularity, especially in
residential settings. To assess the efficiency of sloped green roofs, we constructed roof models and
compared the water retention capacity of a conventional model and various green roof models during
simulated rainfall. Also, by heating the attic space of the model and measuring temperature response, we
were able to calculate the R-value of a green roof in comparison to a conventional roof. Currently, further
experimentation is needed to achieve conclusive results. If we conclude that the sloped green roof models
have a significantly higher water retention capacity and better isolative properties than conventional roofs,
then this may indicate that green roofs are an efficient form of architecture even on sloped roofs. Since
many residential roofs are sloped, this study would advocate the feasibility of installing green roofs on
residential buildings.
K06
Influence of the Media on the Public Perception of Alternative Energy
Presenter(s)
Earl Justin Mangulabnan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Scott Zelman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Kiely, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The American public's perception of varied alternative energy strategies is heavily influenced by the
media. However, different media outlets often have financial or political motives that affect their
portrayal of specific issues. This study explores three different types of alternative energy: solar power,
nuclear energy, and hydraulic fracturing. Each of these energy strategies has recently received significant
media attention. The Japanese nuclear crisis and the bankruptcy of Solyndra drew significant news
coverage, and hydraulic fracturing was treated in Promised Land, a recent film. We analyze how each
story is portrayed by the media, and how it may have influenced American citizens and politicians. We
observed that the information released to the public is highly dependent on the political affiliation of the
news source. From the data gathered by this study, it cannot be determined that American governmental
actions are actually determined by the media. However, one could argue that many of the government's
decisions in response to the aforementioned alternative energy events may have been made solely for the
purpose of quelling public unrest caused by the media. As a result, we believe our study raises important
questions.
84
K07
Sustaining Plant Growth With an LED Array
Presenter(s)
Anthony Ortiz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jason Fatten, Ball Horticultural Company
Will Healy, Ball Horticultural Company
Margi Werderich, Ball Horticultural Company
One main variable a greenhouse grower cannot control is the sunlight intake of a plant or flower. The goal
of my project was to make an inexpensive array of LEDs that successfully controlled the light intake. I
built an array of LEDs and used a spectroradiometer to see the light intensity and different points on the
array. My initial readings on the edges of the array were between 50-70 PAR, and the readings in the
middle of the array were 100-110 PAR. I rearranged the lights so that the readings throughout all points
on the array were within 90-110 PAR. PAR stands for Photosynthetically Active Radiation, and is the
integral of power from 400-700nm in micromoles per square meter per second. Another factor I measured
is the heat the lights gave off and the amount of voltage used by the lights. Those measurements are being
made. Even before I embarked on this project, I knew that LED lights were a potential option for
greenhouse growers; by the end of my project, however, I will be able to determine if my method is both
efficient and sustainable.
K08
Enumeration of Microorganisms in Anaerobic Digesters Using Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization
Presenter(s)
Shreya Santhanam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Krishna Pagilla, Illinois Institute of Technology
Jai Prakash, Illinois Institute of Technology
Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is a culture-independent approach that allows for the
phylogenetic identification, enumeration, and spatial arrangement of microorganisms. Using FISH one
can enumerate the amount of archaea and bacteria in anaerobic digester samples from a wastewater
treatment facility. The samples were fixed and then hybridized with fluorescent oligonucleotide probes.
Then images of the samples were taken using microscopy, and the amount of archaea and bacteria was
counted. The overall ratio of archaea to bacteria found in the samples was 284:289, almost 1:1. The
results support that archaea and bacteria work together in order to accomplish methanogenesis in the
anaerobic digester.
85
K09
Engineering a Better Phytoremediator
Presenter(s)
Samuel Walder, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Aracelys Rios, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Phytoremediation is the removal of wastes from natural systems using plants. Phytoremediation of heavy
metals in water can be equally effective as traditional, expensive chemical methods. To find what makes a
good phytoremediator and how current phytoremediators can be improved upon, twenty-four Eichornia
crassipes, Typha domingensis, and Chlorophytum comosum hyperaccumulators were grown at IMSA and
a school in Beijing (RDFZ). Each plant's growth potential was restricted at a selected point, root, leaf, or
stem, and introduced to Cu2 ions. After analyzing the amount of waste removed per plant, we found that
phytoremediation is locked in the root system; large, fast-growing root systems are the key to
phytoremediation. In addition, large leaves and thick stems do not increase phytoremediation. These
results mean that some plants which might be considered good phytoremediators, like large willows, may
in fact be less efficient than counterparts with lower biomass but high root-to-plant biomass ratios, like
Sedum alfredii. These results have implications for the development of artificial phytoremediators
produced through genetic modification or man-made materials. High root-to-biomass ratio artificial
phytoremediators may represent a more effective, less costly option for waste-water treatment than
translocation-based systems.
L01
Examining Radical Ideology Among Immigrant Workers in Gilded Age and Progressive Era
Chicago
Presenter(s)
Nathan Huxtable, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chicago's Gilded Age and Progressive Era contained significant political and socioeconomic
contributions from radical organizations. However, these groups failed to capture the pervasive support of
immigrant worker populations in Chicago, suggesting to scholars that immigrants accepted the capitalistic
social structure. Yet by drawing upon primary and secondary literature in a case study of these Chicago
workers, these conjectures fail to characterize Chicago's radical-labor relationships. Instead, a few distinct
patterns emerge. Firstly, the immigrants of Packingtown and other ethnic neighborhoods did not accept
capitalism as a way of life. The presence of Chicago's radical organizations and worker participation in
labor organizations indicated a lack of simple acceptance of capitalistic socioeconomic structure. Second,
the efforts of radical organizations to organize workers proved insufficient, as worker participation in
radical groups lacked the influence to inspire a more pervasive support base. Finally, immigrants became
too divided as a population to exact any social change. The division of labor, substantial re-immigration
rates, and the social dynamics of ethnic neighborhoods contributed to this fractionalization. Moreover,
these interactions conveyed the dynamism of Gilded Age and Progressive Era labor relations. In a society
of ever-changing political and social dynamics, looking back in Chicago's past provides a lesson in social
organization.
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L02
A Study on the Universality of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Presenter(s)
Jameson O'Reilly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Since its adoption by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights (UDHR), signed by all UN member states, has played a key role in human rights law and
advocacy. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether it truly deserves the title of
Universal. The investigation began by using literature review and database searches to take a look at
several of the global belief systems in direct conflict with the UDHR, including Islam, Asian values, and
conscientious objection. It was found that many of these systems had only very specific objections to the
Declaration, and that a majority of the content of the document is uncontested. Although it is based on the
values of the Enlightenment in Western developed nations, people globally are calling for their rights as
outlined in the UN's Declaration. In fact, every nation recognized by the United Nations is held up to the
standards that the Declaration outlines, and it has been translated into over four hundred languages, the
most of any document. By examining these facts, this study helps to reinforce the concept that all men,
women, and children are created equally and are deserving of the same rights.
M01
Model of the Spread of West Nile Virus Outbreaks in the United States Based on Rate of Human
Incidences
Presenter(s)
Andrew Alonso-Emanuel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Richard Stalmack, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
West Nile Virus has recently been in the news because the United States has been hit with the largest
outbreak ever since West Nile was first recorded in 1999. West Nile Virus outbreaks have been studied
extensively by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but focus on high population density
areas. In previous studies it was found that urbanized and agricultural habitats have the highest
transmission rates for the virus. Rather than using a traditional model based upon number of cases in an
area, I created a model using percent infected in an area. Areas with lower population that initially
appeared to be almost unaffected in a traditional map show different results with higher infection rates.
87
M02
Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of Calabi-Yau Manifolds
Presenter(s)
Lael Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Zaslow, Northwestern University
Many string theorists believe that the universe exists in ten dimensions of space-time. These are the
familiar four, along with an additional six that are compactified into tiny manifolds, causing distortion on
the subatomic level. We wished to better our understanding of the topological properties of those
manifolds, called Calabi-Yau manifolds, which are complex manifolds with the complex equivalent of
orientability. For this investigation, we are using the programming language Sage to build an algorithm
that computes the Betti numbers of a given polytope or space. The Betti numbers are a set of topological
invariants that refer to the number of unconnected spaces of given dimension. When it is finished, we will
apply the program to Calabi-Yau manifolds to expand our knowledge of the manifolds and gain a better
understanding for the mathematics of string theory. We have been working on the program as well as on
finding the Betti numbers of certain simpler Calabi-Yau manifolds by hand, such as the n-torus. A
topological understanding is key to analyzing such spaces rigorously. Our research will add to the
knowledge base regarding mathematical support for string theory.
M03
Using Geometry to Parameterize Rational Solutions to Algebraic Equations
Presenter(s)
Kevin He, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Izzet Coskun, University of Illinois at Chicago
In mathematics, finding solutions to difficult problems often requires the use of multiple perspectives.
Algebraic geometry demonstrates a great example, as geometry motivates methods for solving algebraic
equations. For example, quadratic equations can be solved using projection from a point. In this project,
we used parameters, or new variables used to express functions in different ways, to find solutions of low
degree equations in R2 using certain points on the corresponding curves. The points we used were
singularities, or solutions at which the curve crossed itself, for example, by looping. More specifically, we
parameterized quadratics, cubics with a node, quartics (polynomials of degree four) with three nodes,
quintics (polynomials of degree five) with six nodes, and quintics with three nodes and a triple point. We
are currently trying to generalize these methods to higher degree polynomials. Our study shows the
importance of singularities in understanding solutions of algebraic equations. It also shows how many
seemingly distinct fields in mathematics share common ideas and can be synthesized in an effective and
useful manner.
88
M04
Predicting a Breakout Season for Major League Baseball Players
Presenter(s)
Samuel Kaufman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Matthew Tennenhouse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
abermetrics is the search for objective knowledge, and the pinnacle of sabermetric aspirations is to
predict player's future performance. By cross-referencing past predictions with other projection systems
such as Marcel and PECOTA with the actual outcomes, we have determined each system's reliability and
hope to create a composite system that is more accurate than any of these individual components. This
type of work has implications in numerous fields in which prediction systems are common; a data analyst
could use these methods in order to create better predictions while personally using less computational
power. This enhanced projection system would be used to predict whether or not player X would have a
breakout season in a given year. We defined a breakout season as a player having a spike in performance
of more than twenty percent from the previous season in terms of runs created. Our enhanced projection
system could potentially help baseball programs improve development of rising players and may even
improve fantasy baseball owners' draft capabilities.
M05
Asymmetric Nature of Wireless Communications
Presenter(s)
Evan Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peng-Jun Wan, Illinois Institute of Technology
Interference is a fundamental property of wireless communications. It has the following asymmetric
nature: A group of links may transmit successfully at the same time, but their reverses, which are
typically used for the acknowledgements of the receptions, may not. In this project, I investigate such
asymmetric nature of wireless interference. Suppose that the interference radius of each wireless link is c
times its length for some constant c > 1. For c greater than or equal to 1 √2, I have discovered that for any
positive integer n, there is a group of n links which can be transmitted successfully, but their reverses
have pairwise interference. As the result, their reverses have to transmit one by one. When c is less than 1
√2, it remains open whether such scenario can happen or not. The findings could lead to deeper insight
into the asymmetric nature of wireless interference and help on the design of wireless communication
protocols.
89
M06
The Application of Markov Chains in Granite Formations
Presenter(s)
Suraj Sinha, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Somak Dutta, University of Chicago
Debashis Mondal, University of Chicago
When granite structures are formed under completely ideal conditions, the granular structures are
organized in the pattern of a reversible Markov Chain. When these ideal conditions are tampered with, the
structure of the granite is no longer organized in the pattern formed by a reversible Markov Chain.
Various methods can be used to test data similarity in the statistical world. The aim of this investigation
was to prove that Markov Chains are the most accurate method of representing the patterns present in
these granite structures. Various situations in the natural world require various modes of representation,
for example, in the situation of a coin flip, the Bernoulli Process is the most accurate method of predicting
the next outcome since every event in this experiment is independent; in the case of more complex
instances such as rain fall, it is evident that the events in the experiment are not independent and are in
fact, dependent upon each other. In order to put this dependency into consideration, Markov Chains are
optimal because they consider the probability of transition from one step to another. Through this
investigation, I have explored whether the formation of granite structures can be adequately represented
by Markov Chains.
90
N01
Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public Schools
Presenter(s)
Prachi Aggarwal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jenson Phung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shreya Santhanam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ashley Dyer, Northwestern University
Ruchi Gupta, Northwestern University
Chris Warren, Northwestern University
Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
The goal of this investigation was to increase awareness of asthma prevalence in Chicago Public Schools
(CPS) and describe the current asthma reporting process. Data regarding student medical status were
collected from two sources: 1) CPS health information database; and 2) student medical information
forms (SMI). Focus groups were also conducted with CPS parents to gain qualitative data regarding the
effectiveness of current CPS reporting procedures. Findings suggest that discrepancies exist between the
prevalence rates determined from collected data and current prevalence rates reported in CPS, which are
determined by cases of physician verified asthma. When comparing physician verified asthma to reported
asthma for CPS students (N = 3947) across five schools, the latter rate was higher (Alcott: 2.75% of
students with physician verified asthma versus 5.89% students with asthma reported via other methods ,
LaSalle II: 7.37% versus 10.58%, Onahan: 1.49% versus 7.54%, Hibbard: 3.19% versus 7.01%, and
Hedges: 4.39 versus 8.67%). Based on our results, it is recommended that CPS consider alternate methods
of asthma reporting when determining prevalence rates and that all schools annually distribute SMI forms
to every student. We recommend establishing better communication between parents and staff to increase
education about the asthma reporting process.
N02
The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Presenter(s)
Charlene Angeles, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mary Kapella, University of Illinois at Chicago
A person suffering from the chronic neurologic disorder narcolepsy is characterized by stigmatizing
symptoms such as excessive daytime sleepiness, cataplexy attacks, hypnogogic hallucinations, and sleep
paralysis. Initial onset of the symptoms usually appears during young adulthood disrupting a person's
education and beginnings of a career; this investigation examines the social impact and stigma caused by
the development of narcolepsy during adolescence. A sample consisting of 124 adults with narcolepsy
and 92 healthy controls completed a questionnaire consisting of the Stigma and Social Impact Scale
(SSIS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).
Descriptive statistics among other statistical analyses were used to investigate relationships among
variables. Significant differences in SSIS, financial insecurity, internalized shame, and social isolation
were found in addition to the narcoleptic subjects scoring consistently lower in SF-36 physical function,
role emotional, and mental health. This investigation found young adults with narcolepsy report an overall
lower quality of life and higher feeling of stigmatization than healthy individuals.
91
N03
Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic Inflammation Signals by
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Presenter(s)
Ryan Chiu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Development of pre-cancerous conditions is largely attributed to increases in levels of pAkt, a pro-growth
protein negatively correlated with levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the pancreas. Phosphatase and tensin
homolog (PTEN), a tumor suppressor phosphatase gene mutated in 70% of human cancers, inhibits
excess phosphorylation of protein Akt. The interaction between omega-3 and PTEN was investigated,
using pancreatic ductal (HPDE) cells dosed with fatty acids. Half of the cells were blocked with PTEN
inhibitor, and the other half were used as controls. The initial hypothesis was that omega-3 increases
levels of PTEN, but our results revealed that protein expression of PTEN stayed constant. PTEN was then
inhibited, in order to test if it was necessary for decreasing pAkt levels with omega-3 fatty acids. Cells
treated with omega-3 fatty acids and a PTEN inhibitor exhibited higher levels of pAkt compared to cells
treated with omega-3 without the inhibitor, signifying the necessity of PTEN in suppressing
phosphorylation of Akt. Since omega-3 dietary supplements were previously regarded as a preventative
measure against pancreatic premalignant lesions, this study serves to address the efficiency of such
measures. Since PTEN is necessary, but mutated in a majority of patients, these supplements would work
better with the restoration of PTEN.
N04
A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis C Treatment
Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Presenter(s)
Kevin Emancipator, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gina Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), a liver-specific infection, can eventually lead to various
forms of tissue damage. Moreover, specifically coinfection with human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-
1) accentuates the disease process and may reduce HCV treatment efficacy. The experimenters attempted
to create a model stratifying major viral and host risk-factors which may contribute to variable response to
HCV treatment. Clinical data from patients with both HCV and HIV-1 were analyzed in an effort to
quantify the effect of coinfection and identify the associated risk-factors. Variables included in our model
address demographic data, the presence of other diseases, and hepatitis-related laboratory values in
relation to benchmarks of disease progression quantified in terms of tissue damage sustained. Eighty
coinfected patients were examined; sixty-eight were treated and sixteen failed treatment. The median CD4
T-cell count was 443 cells/μl. Male gender was significantly associated with treatment failure (p = 0.029).
White race (p < 0.005) and presence of hepatitis B surface antibody (p = 0.045) was associated with
clearance. A clearer picture will emerge as further data is obtained. Importantly, current results do not
stray from available literature. This study will inform the follow-up in vitro and ex vivo experiments to
further define any association.
92
N05
The Role of Serum Free Light Chain Assays for Diagnosis and Monitoring of Myeloma
Presenter(s)
Arjun Garg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sairah Alvi, The Binding Site
M-protein is the monoclonal immunoglobulin produced in large quantities in patients with plasma cell
disorders. In the past, serological tests to identify M-protein in patients with multiple myeloma and other
plasma cell disorders included a serum and urine protein electrophoresis, and serum and urine
immunofixation electrophoresis. Serological tests typically can only measure M-protein qualitatively. The
serum-free light chain (FLC) assay (Freelite) provides a much more thorough analysis of the M-protein.
Through studying the literature, I determined that the FLC assay has a major role in detecting multiple
myeloma and related plasma cell disorders with its in-depth quantized data. Compared to other available
assays, the sensitivity of the FLC assay is superior, allowing detection within the normal range. A panel
of FLC testing in combination with either serum protein electrophoresis or serum immunofixation
obviated the need to do 24 hour urine testing in the screening panel for plasma cell disorder. With an
effective method of diagnosis for multiple myeloma, patients can begin treatment before complications of
the disease arise.
N06
Poloxamer 188 as a Repair for Apoptosis
Presenter(s)
Aaron Geldner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lisa Hoffman, University of Chicago
Rapheal Lee, University of Chicago
It has been shown that with MDCK cells, Poloxamer 188 (P-188), can repair cell damage in necrotic cells.
We wanted to see if the same would occur with cells in apoptosis, which is a form of programmed cell
death. We found that over time we could induce apoptosis in MDCK cells using detergents to damage the
cell membrane. We used two different detergents, Triton-X 100 and saponin. After applying the
detergents for 30 minutes, we applied P-188. We ran Western blots to make sure that the cells were under
going apoptosis. We also used DNA laddering to determine how much cleaved DNA was present. If DNA
laddering was present, then it meant that apoptosis had occurred, yet the intensity of the bands showed
how damaged the cells were. We found that cells treated with Triton-X 100 did show DNA laddering, and
the samples treated with both the Triton and the P-188 had much less intense bands. This suggests that P-
188 does repair cells that are in apoptosis. Cells can often undergo apoptosis after blunt force trauma, so
these findings could help new wound healing treatments.
93
N07
Healthcare Providers' Motivations for Hand Hygiene Compliance
Presenter(s)
Annika Gomez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Emily Mawdsley, University of Chicago
This study investigates the thoughts behind adherence to hand hygiene (HH) regulations. Physicians and
nurses working in intensive care units were asked a series of questions concerning their hand hygiene
compliance and it was noted whether or not they washed their hands. A total of ninety-six health
professionals were interviewed, sixty-six nurses and thirty physicians. Nurses were observed to have a
HH compliance rate of 37.879%, physicians' was 40%, making for a total compliance rate of 38.542%.
When asked the greatest factor which deterred them from washing their hands, 28.8% of noncompliant
and 5.4% of compliant participants cited availability of hand gel dispensers as an issue (p=0.0072). 10.2%
of noncompliant and 45.9% compliant participants cited patient emergency as a deterrent (p=0.0002).
When asked what motivated them to wash their hands, 32.2% of noncompliant participants cited patient
safety. Only 8.1% of compliant participants had similar answers (p=0.0063). When asked when they most
wash their hands, 86.5% of complaint participants answered exit, while 54.2% of noncompliant
participants answered exit (p=0.0016). Significant differences were demonstrated between responses from
those who were observed to wash their hands (compliant) and those who were not (noncompliant). These
results can help further the understanding of HH habits and lead to more thorough promotion of HH
compliance.
N08
Elucidating Gastrokine Function in NSAID-Induced Inflammation via Myeloperoxidase Staining
Presenter(s)
Tejas Joshi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Boone, University of Chicago
Wes Grimm, University of Chicago
Gastrokine-1 (GKN) is a protein thought to be exclusively produced by the stomach, but the specific
functions of this protein in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) induced stomach injury are not
known. NSAIDS are known to injure stomach epithelium and trigger inflammation characterized by
presence of neutrophils. Neutrophils contribute to inflammation by producing the peroxidase enzyme
myeloperoxidase (MPO). We hypothesize that GKN protects the stomach against inflammation from
NSAIDs such as piroxicam. To understand the function of GKN in NSAID induced injury we treated
gastrokine knockout mice with piroxicam for three days and then evaluated the degree of inflammation by
staining stomach tissue for myeloperoxidase. The stomachs of these mice were removed and sectioned
onto slides. Those slides were fluorescently stained for MPO and photographed, and the images were then
analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. We predict increased expression of MPO in the knockout mice
over controls. This result would suggest that gastrokine-1 has a protective effect against NSAID-induced
injury in the stomach.
94
N09
Retrospective Analysis of Pediatric Patients With Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease Concerning
Predisposing Factors, Response to Therapy, Survival, and Outcome
Presenter(s)
Kaylee Kauffman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Morris Kletzel, Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) is the most common and most severe long-term complication
that can occur after one has undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT). Not
much is known about cGVHD in children, and most of the research on the topic has been done at single
institutions with a small number of patients. The files of forty-six pediatric patients who underwent an
allogeneic HCT and later suffered the complication cGVHD at the Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
were used to collect and analyze data to search for possible indicators pre- and post-transplant that a
patient would develop cGVHD and for more information about the complication and its behavior in
children. We used two separate databases and both paper and electronic files for the data on the patients,
and compiled it all onto an Excel spreadsheet. Then, using descriptive statistics techniques, we analyzed
the data. Our results suggest that the factors that may most contribute to the development of cGVHD
include the use of alternative donors, the degree of match, and the age of both donor and recipient.
Further data analysis is currently underway, though it is already obvious that new approaches to cGVHD
prevention and treatment are necessary.
N10
Studying the Mechanisms Through Which NKG2D Receptor Stimulation Induces CD8 T-cell
Survival in the Tumor Environment
Presenter(s)
Akram Khaja, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jose Alejandro Guevara, Loyola University
Tumors exist in hypoxic, low glucose environments that inhibit the survival of other cell types. It has
been shown that activation of the NKG2D receptor may induce CD8 T-cell survival in tumor conditions,
thereby allowing them to destroy tumor cells and limit tumor growth. Immunodefficient mice were given
a matrigel tumor and injected with the Rae1-e ligand for the NKG2D receptor to test for specific effects
of NKG2D activation. Real-time PCR, Western blots, and a microarray analysis were used to analyze the
change in DNA and protein expression in the mice of important survival genes for tumor conditions. It
was found that NKG2D stimulation increased expression of some pertinent metabolic proteins including
glucose transporter 1, lactate dehydrogenase, and hexokinase, implying a change from oxidative reduction
to glycolysis in CD8 T-cells that would require less oxygen and mediate survival in tumor conditions.
Decreased exhaustion markers such as T-bet (transcription factor), mammalian target of rapamycin
(mTOR), and pyruvate dehydrogenase lipoamide kinase isozyme 1 may also imply greater survival.
Finally, it was found that telomerase components may have changed expression with NKG2D activation
as well. The data suggests that NKG2D activation may lead to changes that increase CD8 T-cell
survivability. However, further research may help uncover the exact pathway and move towards solving
the problems of cancer.
95
N11
Characterizing Melanoma Stem Cell Responses to 8-OH-DPAT
Presenter(s)
Anna Krzywiec, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Eby, Loyola University
Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Kristin Willenborg, Loyola University
Monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) was shown to selectively remove melanocytes from the skin
and serves as a treatment for melanoma. However, some patients exposed to MBEH show
repigmentation, possibly due to its inability to eradicate melanocyte stem cell populations. Recent studies
show that 8-hydroxy-2-di-n-propylamino tetralin (8-DPAT) prevents melanocyte development in the
neural crest of zebrafish. We hypothesize that 8-DPAT will overcome the limitations of MBEH-induced
depigmentation by targeting undifferentiated and self-regenerating stem cells. Mice treated with topical
applications of MBEH and 8-DPAT were monitored for twenty-one days, scanned for depigmentation,
and tissues were available and stained immunohistochemically, showing a decrease in stem cell
populations in 8-DPAT treated tissues compared to MBEH. Organotypic cultures of MBEH and 8-DPAT
mouse and human skin treated for 24-48 hours also showed similar results with a decrease in display of
stem cell markers. Treated cultures of melanoma cell lines were counted for viable cells to determine the
percentage of cell death per treatment and then analyzed with flow cytometry using antibodies to
determine stem cell populations and the effects each treatment has on these populations. Compared to
MBEH, 8-DPAT treated cells showed a decrease in stem cell population. The data suggests that 8-DPAT
may be effective in eliminating melanoma stem cells and may contribute to an effective treatment for
melanoma.
96
N12
Characterizing Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureas Isolates in a Cohort of Newborn Infants
Presenter(s)
Shannon Kurian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Monica Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Bill Kabat, Children's Memorial Research Center
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterium resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics.
Differences in MRSA types are known to distinguish between hospital-acquired and community-acquired
strains. Newborn infants are at risk for certain post-natal infections such as group B Streptococcus and
Staphylococcus aureus, which are acquired from the mother or the hospital setting. A cohort of fifty-four
MRSA isolates from newborn infants less than 30 days old was examined. The purpose of this study was
to characterize this cohort and predict whether the isolates are community-acquired or hospital-acquired
based on a set of phenotypic and genotypic parameters. The following tests were performed as part of the
characterization: Kirby-Bauer diffusion, polymerase chain reaction, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis
(PFGE). These tests were run to determine susceptibilities to antibiotics, specific virulence gene presence,
and restriction enzyme segmentation patterns by PFGE of DNA for this cohort. The Mec-types were
determined and a relational analysis was conducted as part of the determination of isolate source.
Secondarily, an attempt was made to determine if certain MRSA subtypes were associated with specific
types of MRSA infections. Our findings suggest that the majority of MRSA isolates were communityacquired.
The relationship between MRSA type and infection type was not conclusive.
N13
Using Complete Blood Count as a Marker of Neonatal Sepsis and Line Infections in Neonates
Presenter(s)
Joshua Lam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hamzah Miltaha, Loyola University
Maliha Shareef, Loyola University
Premature newborns often require prolonged intravenous nutrition due to gastrointestinal immaturity.
Central lines are utilized because they are more stable and can provide optimal nutrition. However, these
lines are occasionally susceptible to infection. The purpose of this study was to investigate markers of
such infections through the use of the complete blood count (CBC) prior to the positive blood culture.
This is a retrospective chart review and analysis, in which patients born between January 2007 and
January 2013 with central line positive blood cultures for bacteria or fungi were examined, and the CBC
closest to time of central line insertion, the last before blood culture, and the closest to time of positive
blood culture was taken. Eighty six patients were studied, twenty-eight patients (33%) had more than one
line infected, and fifteen patients (17%) had more than one organism. Coagulase negative Staphylococci
(CoNS) was the most common organism (54%), followed by Enterococci (14%) and K. pneumoniae
(8%). Overall, this research could not prove the white blood count as a marker for culture positive central
line infection. The organisms of infection identified remain consistent with previous studies, with CoNS
being the most prevalent.
97
N14
Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Presenter(s)
Shelly Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Cigarette smoking and infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses are associated with head and
neck cancer. We hypothesized that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) treatment of head and neck cancer cells
would increase cell invasiveness. We also hypothesized that pharmacological inhibition of E6
oncoprotein expression and NF-κB activity would lead to decreased invasiveness and apoptosis. To
determine how cigarette smoke might affect head and neck cancer cells, and to identify pharmacological
agents that might be useful for the treatment or prevention of head and neck cancers, we measured the
effects of CSE on the growth and invasive properties of two head and neck cell lines. We also assessed
the abilities of thymoquinone, sulindac, and diclofenac to inhibit cancer cell growth and invasiveness. We
found that treatment of cancer cells with CSE led to a dose-dependent increase in cell invasiveness in a
invasion chamber assay. We also found, using an MTT dye assay, that thymoquinone, sulindac, and
diclofenac inhibited cancer cell proliferation and led to apoptosis. These drugs also reduced cancer cell
invasiveness in the invasion chamber assay. We conclude that the increased invasiveness caused by CSE
can be inhibited by drugs known to inhibit E6 oncoprotein expression and NF-κB activation.
N15
Characterizing Patents on Discoveries From Genome-Wide Association Studies
Presenter(s)
Viveka Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brandon Pierce, University of Chicago
Patents that are related to genome wide associated studies (GWAS) grant rights to use a specific genetic
variant for diagnostic and risk prediction purposes. Since genetic testing may require obtaining rights
from multiple patents and owners, it is expensive and difficult for one to gain the rights to develop and
perform a clinical genetic test. Due to fragmented ownership, the patents could potentially have a
negative impact on the cost, quality, and availability of the particular clinical genetic service. In this work,
we used the United States Patent and Trademark Organization Full-Text and Image Database to identify
patents that protect the rights to test genetic variants identified in GWAS. We then organized information
about these patents in Excel spreadsheets, including application date, issue date, assignee, title, claims,
and patent number. We found that not many GWAS patents have been issued and the companies that have
been issued patents are primarily private firms, such as the Celera Corporation. Thus far, there have only
been two GWAS patents issued in 2013. The patents that are being issued focus on the methods by which
single nucleotide polymorphisms in the DNA can be used to diagnose a human disease. Since a relatively
small number of GWAS patents are being issued, we conclude that researchers do not expect genetic tests
of GWAS-identified variants to have a large clinical impact.
98
N16
An Analysis of the Efficacy of SPECT Scans as Both a Predictor and Measure of Change in Patients
of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
Presenter(s)
Joseph Reda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
August Martinucci, Midwest Hyberbaric and Wellness
Patricia Reda, Midwest Hyberbaric and Wellness
Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans are commonly used to assess the condition
of patients' brains in terms of function. Often, SPECT scans are used to personalize patients' treatment
regimens to best promote healthy recovery. To further understand the predictive value of SPECT scans,
seven traumatic brain injury patients' SPECT scans from pre- and post-hyperbaric-oxygen-therapy
(HBOT) were analyzed. The scans were quantified using Adobe Photoshop CS6. Correlation analyses
were run on the data to pinpoint strong relationships between pre- and post-HBOT SPECT elements.
Paired t-tests were run to quantify overall change in each patient's SPECT scans for comparison with
anecdotal evidence of improvement, demonstrating SPECT scans' efficacy in assessing patient condition.
No statistically significant correlations were found between pre- and post-HBOT mean values of brain
perfusion; thirty-nine statistically significant correlations were found between pre- and post-HBOT
standard deviations in brain perfusion. The latter are impractical for prediction because they primarily
predict global changes in the brain, rather than improvement or remission. All seven patients showed a
statistically significant change in overall perfusion. Changes in perfusion with larger magnitude identified
more closely with previous observations than changes in perfusion with smaller magnitudes.
N17
Effectiveness of Commonly Used Medical Smartphone Applications in Correctly Diagnosing
Diseases
Presenter(s)
Sankeerth Reddy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sunny Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Recently, the use of medical applications on smartphones has gained popularity among people who wish
to self-diagnose their symptoms instead of visiting a doctor. The purpose of our investigation was to test
how accurately these medical applications are able to diagnose a patient when provided with that patient's
symptoms. We used the Mayo Clinic disease and conditions website as a standard to find the symptoms
of twenty-eight diseases of neural, blood, or tissue origin. Then, we chose three applications, WebMD,
Heatlh Tab, and Itriage, and entered the symptoms in each application for each disease. Each application
provided a list of potential diseases in order of likelihood. We recorded whether the application reported
the correct disease to be first in the list, second, or neither. The Friedman test on two way analysis of
ranks, showed that the Itriage application had a better rating of approximately 0.29 higher than the other
two applications. However, when Itriage was compared to the Mayo Clinic website, Itriage rated 1 rank
lower. We concluded that the three applications were not significantly different from one another,
however they were all significantly less accurate than the Mayo Clinic website.
99
N18
Using Task Shifting as a Model to Improve Injury and Trauma Care in Sub-Saharan Africa
Presenter(s)
Hannah Sambor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Stacey Chamberlain, University of Illinois at Chicago
Task shifting, teaching lower level health care providers advanced tasks, is used in resource-limited
settings with few numbers of physicians. This investigation examines how task shifting can be used as a
feasible model to improve injury and trauma care in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study is a review of
medical databases to gain information about the overall burden of injury and trauma care in low income
countries, and the prevalence of pediatric injuries. In central Sub-Saharan Africa, road traffic injuries
have increased from 1990-2010 as a cause of death by 53%; drowning has increased by 54%, and deaths
by fire have increased by 47%. Trauma and injury to children is increasing because of the expansion of
roads without safety education, urbanization, violence, and the lack of health education. Task shifting has
been successfully used in other health care disciplines, such as in HIV/AIDS treatment. For example, a
study in Cameroon showed no statistically significant differences in disease progression or mortality
when antiretroviral treatment was given by a nurse or physician. Further studies are needed to find out if a
task shifting model can be effectively implemented to improve the standard of care for trauma and injury
patients in Sub-Saharan Africa.
N19
Correlation of Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm Newborns
Presenter(s)
Frances Seo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University
Sarah Van Nostrand, Loyola University
Preterm newborns fully coordinate the ability to suck, swallow, and breathe as they approach their due
date (forty 0/7 weeks). They are fed through a nasogastric tube that extends from the nose to the stomach
before the development of independent oral feeding, which is a major milestone that allows discharge
with parents. Knowing the mean gestational age (GA) of complete maturation of this innate reflex will
help medical practitioners predict the discharge date. Variables such as gender, ethnicity, and delivery
route were tested. The study consisted of 1,097 preterm newborns in a single neonatal intensive care unit
from 1978-2001. Subjects were excluded if they were discharged home on tube-feeding, had a congenital
anomaly, or required significant resuscitation at birth. Fischer t-test and ANOVA Tukey HSD test were
used for statistical analysis. The mean GA when preterm newborns could independently feed orally was
thirty-six 5/7 weeks. There was no statistical evidence that gender or race affected the development of
independent oral feeding. Those delivered by Caesarian section compared to those delivered vaginally
had a significant delay in the maturation of this reflex. We conclude preterm newborns independently oral
feed (breast/bottle) approximately three weeks before their due dates regardless of gender or ethnicity.
100
N20
A Prospective Outcome of Condensed Polytetrafluoroethylene Mesh in Non-Sterile Abdominal
Wall Defects
Presenter(s)
Ross Skelly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jing Liu, Northwestern University
Abdominal surgery requires the opening and subsequent closure of the abdominal wall, and this closure is
never as strong as the original. Local areas of weakness in the abdominal wall are highly susceptible to
the formation of incisional abdominal hernias. Thus, abdominal surgery requires an auxiliary agent for
closure. Our goal was to determine if a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) meshes such as MotifMESH may
reduce recurrence issues associated with incisional abdominal hernias. We performed a case study on ten
subjects who underwent incisional abdominal hernia repair using MotifMESH. Each subject was
monitored for signs of recurrence and infection through periodic check-up visits for 360 days following
surgery. At each visit, subjects indicated the pain associated with their repair on a Visual Analogue Scale
(VAS). They also completed quality of life questionnaires at the beginning and end of the study. Though
the case study is not completed, only one subject has experienced an infection and recurrence issue. From
day 1 to day 360, VAS scores decreased by an average of 17.44 points while overall quality of life
increased by 1.25 points. Preliminary data indicate that using a condensed PTFE mesh may be useful and
effective in incisional abdominal hernia repair. Thus, a larger study to determine this significance may be
warranted.
N21
The Experience of GATA6 Mutations of All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Presenter(s)
Sai Talluru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Graeme Bell, University of Chicago
David Carmody, University of Chicago
Siri Atma Greeley, University of Chicago
This investigation intended to identify cases of GATA6 in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry; study the
clinical, phenotypical, and genetic implications in affected patients; and identify any novel mutations.
Monogenic forms of diabetes are caused by single gene defects. The vast majority of patients with
neonatal diabetes mellitus diagnosed before the first six months of life are found to have an underlying
monogenic cause. GATA6 is a highly conserved transcription factor that is expressed in the pancreas,
heart, gallbladder, and gut tissues. From over sixteen-hundred registry participants, twenty-four were
selected for study based on a diagnosis of diabetes within the first two months of life. Saliva-derived
DNA was isolated and sequenced to identify causal variants within the gene. Two patients were identified
with GATA6 mutations. Their clinical and genetic data was compiled to establish the typical features
associated with this rare genetic mutation. Our data demonstrated that the high frequency of cardiac
defects, intra-uterine growth, neurodevelopmental delay, and digestive tract malformations are
characteristic of GATA6 mutations. Physicians should consider screening for GATA6 mutations in infants
diagnosed with neonatal diabetes mellitus and any one of the other typical features.
101
N22
Discovering New Chemokine Agonist Receptor Drugs
Presenter(s)
Shruti Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Selam Zenebe-Gete, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Miller, Northwestern University
Andrew Shum, Northwestern University
CXCR4 is the chemokine receptor which aids in chemotaxis of stem cells, such as those in the bone
marrow or the brain. SDF-1 is the natural ligand for the CXCR4 receptor. Similarities between novel
molecule 390 and SDF-1 make the novel small molecule a possible agonist of the CXCR4 receptor. 390
is the first small molecule agonist of CXCR4 receptors ever identified and may have a number of uses in
medicine. To determine whether 390 is an agonist to the CXCR4 receptor, we transfected cells with
CXCR4 and exposed them to a negative control, SDF-1, or 10 μM, 1 μM, .1 μM, and .01 μM of our
agonist drug. Next, we took calcium images using the dye fura-52, which indicates an increase of calcium
in the cell resulting from the activation of CXCR4. There was an increase in calcium in the cells,
indicating that the receptor was being activated. When compared to the natural ligand, SDF-1, the levels
were not as high, but were higher than the vehicle control. In the internalization assay, a second way of
assessing agonist effects on receptors, both SDF-1 and 390 internalized the receptor causing it to leave the
cell membrane and enter the cell. The results suggest 390 is an agonist or partial agonist of the CXCR4
receptor.
O01
Changes in Hippocampal Volume Between Patients With Alzheimer's Disease and Other Cognitive
States
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia that inhibits memory, thinking skills, and a
person's ability to do simple tasks. AD is closely linked to the hippocampus and it has similarities to other
diseases such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this investigation, hippocampal volumes and
hippocampal subfield volumes of patients with AD, progressive MCI, stable MCI, cognitively normal
control, and preclinical normal control were compared to look for significant differences. Magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) scans were collected from 442 subjects. Then a principal component analysis
was run through MATLAB© in order to condense the data points from many to a few. With this
condensed data, hippocampal maps were created to compare patients. A multivariate analysis of variance
(MANOVA) was used to look for significant differences in the overall hippocampus and in its subfields.
Similar results were obtained from both the subfields and the overall hippocampus. It was found that the
controls and the stable MCI groups were not significantly different from each other. The AD group was
significantly different than the others, having the least hippocampal volume. This data shows the
similarity between AD and MCI and a serious degradation of the hippocampus in these diseases.
102
O02
Acoustical and Optical Amplitude Modulated Signals in the Inferior Colliculus of the Midbrain
Presenter(s)
Gary Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dipen Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claus-Peter Richter, Northwestern University
The inferior colliculus (IC) of the midbrain is known to organize auditory sensory information. Our study
is concerned with determining how exactly it organizes optical amplitude modulated signals versus the
conventional acoustic amplitude modulated signals. The goal is towards creating a better near infrared
stimulated cochlear implant to replace the standard electrical one since focal stimulation is not possible
resulting in reduced tone recognition and range. For our study, guinea pigs were subjected to deafening
and their hearing was tested before and after the deafening using both acoustical and laser stimuli. We
measured their responses to these stimuli and recorded them using a 16 channel electrode which was
placed in IC. By locating the time of the responses, we aim to compare the hearing ability of the deafened
animal and the normal one. This way we can understand the organization of how optical and acoustical
information is organized in the IC. Currently, we are taking the data and running it through a MATLAB
program to create histograms that show at what amplitude and time action potentials take place in the IC.
O03
The Effect of Early Maternal Care on Recovery From Febrile Seizures in Cx3cr1GFP Mice Pups
Presenter(s)
Kathleen Chinetti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sookyong Koh, Children's Memorial Research Center
This investigation studies the relationship between early rearing environment and post-seizure recovery in
mice pups, but first an accurate mouse model of parental neglect needed to be developed. Beginning two
days after birth, pups underwent either three-hour (MD) or fifteen-minute maternal separation daily.
Fourteen days after birth (P14), seizures were induced using bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharides
(LPS) followed by hyperthermia as a model for febrile seizures. Using this model, quality of maternal
care was reduced in the MD litters, as shown by decreased maternal grooming time (p<0.04). This
inferior maternal care affected pups' development, including weight gain. MD pups had significantly
lower weights on P14 than their MD counterparts (p<0.005). They had increased seizure susceptibility as
reflected by lower threshold temperature (p<0.03). These results establish the current mouse model of
maternal deprivation as reliable and accurate, allowing for future experiments regarding post-seizure
recovery. We will use Cx3cr1GFP mice whose brain immune cells microglia are labeled with green
fluorescent protein to quantify febrile seizure-induced activation of immunity and compare between pups
reared in different environment. We propose to test the hypothesis that maternal deprivation not only
make pups more vulnerable to seizure, but also delay their recovery from seizure-induced neuroinflammation.
103
O04
Partial Recollection as a Unique Memory Type and Corresponding Brain Activity
Presenter(s)
Anastasia Fafara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brianna Pusey, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joel Voss, Northwestern University
Partial recollection memory occurs when a person attempts to recall information, like the capital of a
country, but instead only recalls a fragment of information (For example, first/last letter, number of
syllables, and so forth). This kind of memory failure happens to those with brain damage or neurological
diseases as well as healthy individuals, but little is known about how or why. This study explores
mechanisms of partial recollection by identifying corresponding brain activity. An experiment was
designed to evoke partial recollection in the laboratory while simultaneously measuring brain activity
with an electroencephalograph (EEG). During the study phase, subjects read one-hundred and thirty-five
words that were answers to general knowledge questions (for example, pancreas) while EEG data were
recorded. Later subjects responded to the corresponding questions (for example, What organ produces
insulin?). Their answers were then placed into the following categories: (1) correct, for a correct answer,
(2) incorrect, for a completely wrong or absent answer, and (3) partial recollection. In a sample of healthy
young adults (N=11), partial recollection occurred for approximately 9% [T(10)=8.64, P=<0.0001] of all
questions. The comparison of incorrect, correct, and partial EEG data suggested that partial differs from
full recollection, which implies that each condition is distinct. This information may deepen
understanding of memory problems.
O05
Investigating the Effects of ALS2 and SOD1 in the Upper Motor Neurons
Presenter(s)
Kent Gang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Deborah Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pembe Hande Ozdinler, Northwestern University
The mechanisms behind amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have yet to be understood clearly. Several genes
linked to the disease such as the Cu/Zn-superoxide-dismutase-1 (SOD1) and alsin genes suggest
mechanisms for upper motor neuron death. In order to study the effects of these genes,
immunohistochemistry was used on sections of SOD1 mutant and alsin knockout mice to detect neuronal
markers. Our work involved the identification of mutant mice through DNA purification and polymerase
chain reaction as well as creating neuronal tissue stains and interpreting its meaning. Dissection and
confocal microscopy were two other skills needed to gather data from genetically altered mice. We were
able to use the finished stains of mice at different time points to draw support for the crucial involvement
of upper motor neurons. This is directly in line with research in this field, which is attempting to clarify
how certain genes mediate neuron death.
104
O06
Exploring Brain Mechanisms Underlying Aversion to Nicotine
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Hatz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel McGehee, University of Chicago
Shannon Wolfman, University of Chicago
Smoking tobacco is a leading cause of death and disease worldwide. The addictive properties of nicotine,
its addictive component, depend upon enhanced dopamine release in ventral tegmental area. High doses
can cause avoidance of nicotine, however, which has been seen in behavioral experiments as condition
placement aversion. It is unclear what brain regions mediate aversion, but studies show interpeduncular
nucleus (IPN) is involved. It is hypothesized that high doses limit consumption by activating IPN, which
inhibits laterodorsal tegmentum (LDTg) and firing of dopamine neurons. Retrograde labeling dye was
injected bilaterally into LDTg to identify IPN neurons that project there. Immunohistochemistry was done
to confirm injection, but was unsuccessful due to failure of the dye to inject or incorrect stereotaxic
coordinates. Immunolabeling was done for excitatory amino acid transporter-3 (EAAT-3) to determine
the presence of glutamatergic neurons, suggesting excitatory projection from IPN to LDTg. The results
suggest presence of glutamatergic neurons in IPN. Because evidence shows other cell types may also
express EAAT-3, however, the results are inconclusive. Immunolabeling was done for gammaaminobutyric
acid (GABA) to determine presence of GABAergic neurons in IPN, suggesting inhibitory
projection from IPN to LDTg. No GABA labeling was observed in the brain, suggesting ineffective
immunohistochemistry protocol. More experiments must be done to determine if GABA is present in
IPN.
O07
Presenter(s)
Kevin Hong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Matthew Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dan Nicholson, Rush University Medical Center
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. It is characterized by the build-up of
amyloid plaques in the brain that damage synapses and result in memory loss and impaired motor skills.
Furthermore, a sub-population of AD patients experience visual symptoms such as macular degeneration.
This investigation looked at how AD affected ribbon synapses in the eyes of mouse disease models. A
ribbon synapse is vital for vision because it allows for the extremely fast communication between retinal
neurons. AD mice and wild type mice eyes were fixed, and an electron microscope was used to image the
dSR regions of the mouse eyes. These images were stacked to create three-dimensional representations of
the eye. In these models, we used the scale of the microscope slides to measure the lengths of the ribbon
synapses in relation to the neurons the synapses originated from. Differences in ribbon synapses between
the eyes of disease and wild type mice would indicate that AD affects vision by targeting the ribbon
synapses in the eye.
105
O08
Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Presenter(s)
Shreya Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Anna Kryczka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
The hippocampus is a structure located within the temporal lobe of the brain which plays a role in
memory. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) it is possible to map areas of activation
within the hippocampus of a subject engaged in a memory task. The activation patterns could be used as a
way to predict the post-surgery memory deficit in patients who are planning to have brain abnormalities
removed. Such an fMRI scan could replace more invasive techniques such as the Wada test. We created
memory tasks which required subjects to go through the three stages of memory: encoding, storage, and
retrieval. The subjects were placed inside an fMRI machine where they engaged in multiple memory
tasks: a four part visual and verbal task, an emotional memory task, and a scenic memory task. The visual
and verbal memory task had the most hippocampus activation when compared to others. The visual task
displayed 97% activation in the left hippocampus and 87% in the right hippocampus. However, each task
activated the hippocampus minimally in all subjects. In addition, patients with lower accuracy scores had
higher activation levels. We concluded that our tasks have the potential to be used clinically.
O09
The Circadian and Melatonin-Dependent Regulation of e4bp4 mRNA Expression in Siberian
Hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Presenter(s)
Omkar Kelkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenneth Onishi, University of Chicago
Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Tyler Stevenson, University of Chicago
Circadian rhythms are controlled by a hypothalamic region referred to as the suprachiasmatic nucleus, the
output of which is regulated by secretion of pineal gland melatonin. The present study employed invasive
or non-invasive methods to examine e4bp4 mRNA expression in male Siberian hamsters. First, I
examined circadian expression of e4bp4 expression in the hypothalamus and established that e4bp4
expression is low during the subjective day and peaks prior to lights off (16L:8D). To examine the role of
melatonin signalling in circadian e4bp4 expression, hamsters were rendered arrhythmic by either
pinealectomy (PINx) or disrupted phase shift (DPS) methods. E4bp4 expression was measured one hour
after lights on (zt1) or zt13 and compared to sham-operated hamsters. In both studies, bmal1 and per1
expression, known circadian genes, were studied for comparison. The data show that both DPS and PINx
are sufficient to disrupt e4bp4 circadian expression. Specifically, PINx and DPS eliminated peak e4bp4
expression at zt13 whereas sham-operated hamsters maintained circadian rhythmicity. The findings are
the first to demonstrate melatonin regulation of circadian e4bp4 expression. These data provide the
foundation for functional studies that assess the role of e4bp4 expression in dictating circadian responses
in physiology and behavior.
106
O10
The Effect of Combined Donepezil and Memantine Treatment on Hippocampal Subiculum and
CA1 in Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Presenter(s)
Omkar Kelkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Amy Zhu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Previous research indicates that Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology is marked by substantial
volume loss in the hippocampal subregions subiculum and CA1. In application, singular treatment of
donepezil has not demonstrated significant reduction of rate of hippocampal structural deterioration when
compared with patients who did not receive treatment. Subsequently, the present study will examine the
combined treatment of donepezil and memantine, another commonly used AD treatment, on the rates of
deterioration in hippocampal subfields. To conduct this experiment, principal component analysis was
first used across longitudinal hippocampal surface data to obtain measures of shape change over time.
Then, ANOVA was performed to compare the four sample groups: control, untreated, donepezil, and
combined. The results of the study show that amongst all samples, regardless of treatment, there is no
significant difference in longitudinal shape deterioration in subiculum or CA1 subfields. Although the
data of some principal components in subiculum under dual treatment display significant reduction of
deformation when compared with other treatment patterns, the majority of the principal components in
both subiculum and CA1 demonstrate no significant change. Accordingly, since the trend suggests
insignificant difference, the results conclude that combined treatment is insufficient to reduce
neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease versus single or no treatment.
107
O11
Identifying the Target Genes of TDP-43 Regulated miRNAs and Their Correlation With
Neurodegeneration
Presenter(s)
Nishita Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jackson Michuda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) affect post-transcriptional gene regulation. TAR DNA-binding protein 43
(TDP-43) is a RBP that regulates microRNAs (miRNAs). A pathologic, mutated version of the protein is
associated with neurodegeneration, specifically frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), due to
regulation of abnormal miRNA. Three miRNAs have been found to be regulated by TDP-43: miR-143,
miR-500, and miR-574. The purpose of this investigation is to find the target genes regulated by these
three miRNAs. The potential sites were identified using bioinformatics, and then confirmed
experimentally. To do this, the miRNA target site predictors, DIANA, Pictar, and Targetscan, were used.
Results were filtered to only contain mRNA of genes associated with neuronal development and
degeneration. To confirm the target gene, the miRNA's ability to influence its consequent protein and the
function of that protein, was tested. The primer for the target genes was identified, and then a 3' UTRluciferase
plasmid was created. A luciferase assay was run, to confirm the target genes. Significant results
are contingent upon further testing that will occur in the coming weeks. Identifying potential target sites
of relevant miRNA furthers understanding of FTLD and neurodegeneration.
108
O12
Progressive Interactions Between Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Related FUS Mutant and Protein
Chaperones
Presenter(s)
Lakhena Leang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Xueyang Ren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Morimoto, Northwestern University
Anan Yu, Northwestern University
Fused-in-sarcoma (FUS) protein has been linked to motor neuron apoptosis in the neurodegenerative
disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutant variations of FUS proteins have been observed to
lose solubility and form aggregates in the cytoplasm. Molecular chaperone Hsc70 is important in
preventing protein misfolding and is known to be recruited to protein aggregation. A progressive loss of
free Hsc70 due to aggregate sequestration is proposed as a cause for the phenotypic complexity of
diseases of protein misfolding. We aim to observe the interactions of wild type and mutant FUS with
chaperones in human prostate cells, and the mechanisms by which these interactions affect cellular
functions mediated by Hsc70. First, plasmids containing mutated and wild type FUS genes were created,
cloned, and confirmed by sequencing. Genes were expressed through transient expression by transfecting
the cloned plasmid into PC-3 cells and observing their expression and subcellular localization using an
epifluorescent microscope. Western blots of the cells confirmed expression of the protein at the corect
molecular weight. Results show that the R521G-FUS protein mutation had the greatest effect on the PC-3
cells. Findings support studies that correlate FUS mutations with ALS. This may help determine
mutations of ALS proteins that are potential molecular targets for therapy.
O13
Differences Between the Inhibition of Cholinesterase and Acetylcholinesterase
Presenter(s)
Jessica Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Changiz Geula, Northwestern University
The purpose of this research was to test for a biomarker that could lead to early diagnosis of Alzheimer's
disease (AD) in living patients. This investigation was conducted using cholinesterase (ChE) activity in
plasma. Plaques and tangles, the pathological hallmarks of AD, contain the ChEs acetylcholinesterase
(AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activities. It has been shown that unlike ChEs in normal
neurons and axons, AChE and BuChE in plaques and tangles are inhibited by indoleamines, and protease
inhibitors. We investigated the presence of differences between the inhibition of AChE and BuChE by the
indoleamine serotonin (5-HT) and the protease inhibitor bacitracin in AD plasma when compared with
normal plasma. Parallel inhibition assays were conducted with pairs of normal and AD plasma. We tested
twelve such pairs of plasma for levels of inhibitable AChE and BuChE activities. Our preliminary
observations indicate significantly lower 5-HT and bacitracin inhibitable AChE and BuChE activities in
AD plasma when compared with normal plasma. These results suggest that inhibitable plasma AChE and
BuChE may allow diagnosis of AD perhaps in its early stages, which would then make possible for
treatment to start early in the disease course.
109
O14
Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for the Analysis of Axonal
Degeneration
Presenter(s)
Judy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rodolfo Gatto, University of Illinois at Chicago
Gerardo Morfini, University of Illinois at Chicago
Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative genetic disorder resulting from expansion of a
polyglutamine tract in the protein huntingtin (Htt). We evaluated whether alterations in glial cell activity
correlated with axonal degeneration. Immunohistochemistry techniques using well characterized markers
of glial activation were applied to a novel transgenic model of HD (YFP-R6/2) and control (YFP) mice.
Nine animals per group were analyzed at 30, 60, and 90 days of age. Antibodies recognizing myelin basic
protein (MBP) and 2', 3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase (CNPase) were used to evaluate
oligodendrocyte activity, whereas an antibody against glial fibrillary acidic proteins (GFAP) was used to
evaluate astrocyte activation. Quantitative fluorescence imaging showed a significant decrement in MBP
immunoreactivity at 60 days of age (p<0.05), as well as increased CNPase levels at 90 days (p<0.001) of
age in YFP-R6/2 mice, compared to YFP mice. Intriguingly, GFAP levels were significantly higher in
YFP-R6/2 mice than YFP mice at 30 days of age (p<0.05), but lower at 90 days (p<0.001). Results from
our studies suggest that mutant Htt expression affects glial cells in two different temporal patterns; an
initial phase characterized by increased astrocytic response, and a late phase featuring oligodendrocyte
activation and myelin deterioration. Taking in consideration our previous work, results here suggest that
glial activation represents a response, rather than a cause of axonal degeneration in HD.
110
O15
Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Neurodegenerative Diseases Associated With Defects in
RNA-Binding Proteins
Presenter(s)
Emily Ling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Hye Jean Yoon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The purpose of this investigation was to study mitochondrial protectors as potential therapies for
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with mutations in the
RNA-binding proteins, fused in sarcoma/translated in liposarcoma (FUS) and TAR DNA-binding protein
of 43 kDA (TDP-43). For ease of observation, this investigation used transgenic Drosophila expressing
mutant FUS and TDP-43 proteins in the ommatidia of the eye. Flies were treated with food containing 5
and 10 μM of the compounds necrostatin-1, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), guanabenz (GBZ), and tacrine. The
eye phenotype was observed at regular intervals using a set of criteria evaluating level of degeneration.
Tacrine and necrostatin-1 were toxic to larvae, but the other two drug treatments affected disease
progression. Compared to the control, NAC and GBZ significantly improved the pupae formation,
eclosion, and survival rates of the transgenic flies. In flies expressing mutant FUS proteins, NAC
improved the eye phenotype compared to GBZ (p<0.05). Flies treated with 10 μM of NAC or GBZ often
showed more severe eye phenotypes than those treated with 5 μM, suggesting that excessive dosages may
worsen symptoms. Although further investigation is needed, NAC and GBZ may be potential therapies
for ALS and related diseases.
111
O16
Role of Mutant SOD1 Molecules as Membrane Active Elements in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Pathology
Presenter(s)
Sarah Martin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Allen, University of Chicago
Ana Correa, University of Chicago
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disease, characterized by the degeneration of
motor neurons in the brain stem and spinal cord. While 90% of ALS cases are sporadic, approximately
10% are familial. A portion of familial cases are attributed to genetic mutations, the most common being
those in the copper-zinc superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). How do SOD1 molecules contribute to cell
degeneration in ALS? One hypothesis is that defective SOD1 molecules incorporate in the plasma
membrane making it more permeable to ions. Increased internal calcium would promote apoptosis. To
test this hypothesis, RNA samples encoding for the human SOD1, both native and mutant, were
microinjected into Xenopus laevis oocytes. Protein expression was followed by monitoring the levels of
Venus, a fluorescent label co-transcribed with the SOD1 RNA. To measure the incorporation of the
proteins, the voltage across the oocyte membrane was measured, using a glass microelectrode coupled to
a voltmeter. Preliminary analysis indicates that there is no direct correlation between the membrane
voltage and fluorescence. There may be a small difference between the oocytes expressing native SOD1
and the oocytes expressing mutant channels. These results suggest that the mutant SOD1 molecules are
not incorporating in the oocyte membrane.
O17
Expression and Detection of the Ion Channel GABAA Receptor Subunits α1 and γ2 in HEK293
Cells
Presenter(s)
Shivani Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kaouther Ajroud, Northwestern University
Dane Chetkovich, Northwestern University
The GABAa (gamma aminobutyric acid) receptor is a ligand gated ion channel consisting of multiple
subunits that is major postsynaptic receptor for GABA, a brain neurotransmitter. Mutations in GABAa
receptors have been implicated in neurological diseases, such as schizophrenia and epilepsy. Recent
studies suggested that these mutations alter receptor biogenesis, function, and trafficking which may lead
to abnormal antibody formation against the mutated receptor subunits in patients that exacerbate the
disease. The aim of the current study is to develop a tool to detect GABAa receptor autoantibodies. We
generated stable HEK293 cell lines individually expressing GABAa receptor subunits α1 and γ2 and
conducted immunohistochemistry analysis in order to compare and evaluate which expression method
will allow better detection of the autoantibodies. The stable cell lines individually expressing GABAa α1
and γ2 subunits showed strong reactivity to commercial antibodies raised respectively against α1 and γ2
subunits. Thus, our result will allow us to use these stable cell lines as a qualitative tool to detect the
possible presence of GABAa autoantibodies in patients' serum.
112
O18
Poor Sleep Quality in the Elderly and How it Affects Cognitive Functioning
Presenter(s)
Yvette Ramirez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Michelle Wiebe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Reid, Northwestern University
Aging is associated with a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, resulting in poor sleep in many elderly
adults. Since sleep is necessary for proper functioning of the cerebrum (the part of the brain responsible
for cognitive functioning), this investigation aimed to find a relationship between poor sleep quality in the
elderly and their cognitive performance. To assess the extent of the effect of poor sleep on cognition, the
Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) scores and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
(PSQI) global scores were compared. From the various tests on the ANAM battery, the mathematical
processing and continuous memory tests were chosen as the two tests to be analyzed. The subjects were
split into good (PSQI score less than 5) and bad (PSQI score greater than or equal to 5) sleepers.
According to a t-test, there was no significant relationship between sleep quality and cognition. The mean
of the number correct on the math test for good sleepers is 19.2 and 18.9 for bad sleepers. We may have
been unable to detect a difference between groups because we did not control for other factors influencing
cognitive performance like gender and age.
O19
The Effect of Cortical Thickness, Hippocampal Subfield Measures, and Hippocampal Volume on
the Discrimination Power of Alzheimer's Disease Patients
Presenter(s)
Vignesh Ravi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Previous research has shown hippocampal volume to be the most accurate biomarker for Alzheimer's
disease (AD) patients. The goal of this research is to determine whether the use of hippocampal subfield
measures, including cortical thickness measures, will increase our ability to discriminate dementia of the
Alzheimer's type from cognitively normal individuals. The methods utilized in this project were principal
components analysis, shell programming, and SPSS. Shell programming was used to navigate to and edit
scripts that managed the data, principal components analysis was used to develop measures on which an
ANOVA could be conducted, and SPSS is being used to analyze the data and draw correlations between
the factors and discrimination power. An ANOVA was used to examine differences between cNC
(control), prMCI (progressive MCI), stMCI (stable MCI), and AD patients. No significant difference was
found between the cNC and pNC, which shows that patients whose conditions were not worsening did not
encounter further hippocampal degradation. This research will help improve the likeliness of diagnosis of
Alzheimer's disease in patients and aid in preventative measures. It will affect the lives of those who have
or know someone with this disease by being cautious about the outcomes.
113
O20
How Concrete and Abstract Words are Processed With Different Magnitudes Within the Brain
Presenter(s)
Devin Scott, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jennifer Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Our investigation focused on how concrete and abstract words are processed by examining their
respective magnitudes in the gamma frequency power spectrum (70-100 Hz). A computer program was
utilized to analyze electroencephalograph (EEG) data from six epileptic patients through
electrocortigraphy (ECoG). Ten concrete and ten abstract words, which were categorized based on
stimulus and word type, were given verbally or visually to each patient. Patients were asked to study the
words before a cued recognition task while the electrodes monitored their EEG oscillations. In three
patients, we determined a significant difference between the concrete and abstract magnitudes taken at the
highest peak of the gamma power spectrums within a predetermined time interval. We hypothesized that
the EEGs would show a higher activation in abstract words and T-tests indicated that the abstract word
amplitudes were statistically higher than the concrete word amplitudes in both auditory and visual stimuli
in the frontal and temporal lobes. This supports previous studies that found higher brain activity for
abstract words in the frontal lobe, suggesting a difference in the pathways of word storage in the brain.
O21
Effects of Visualization on Long Term Memory in Epileptic Patients
Presenter(s)
Carrie Sha, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
The ability to visualize images has been previously demonstrated to be a crucial element of memory
retention and free recall. However, changes to the visualization pathway in epileptic patients are largely
unknown. Six postoperative epilepsy surgery patients were given a long-term memory test to compare
their ability to recognize and freely recall abstract and concrete nouns. During these tasks, the electrical
brain activity of the patients was monitored through electrocorticography and brain activations were
studied in the gamma band (70-100 Hz). The latency of the patients' response was measured and their
gamma activations were mapped to cortical areas. Memory activation in the temporal lobe was shown to
have a greater latency for abstract as opposed to concrete nouns. The magnitude of gamma activation
during cued recognition was 16.21733 μV2 higher for abstract nouns than for concrete nouns. The
increased activation for abstract nouns was recorded in both the frontal and temporal lobes for three out of
six patients, suggesting that visualization pathways are widespread in the brain. Further studies could
include studying the association of particular nouns with actions as a memorization mnemonic strategy
for patients. Understanding visualization pathways in epileptic patients may help increase techniques for
memory retrieval.
114
O22
Biochemical Studies of Estrogen Receptor Protein Interactions in the Hippocampus of Rats
Presenter(s)
Medha Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lynette To, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nino Tabatadze, Northwestern University
Catherine Woolley, Northwestern University
Estradiol (E2), locally synthesized in the brain, stimulates estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and beta. Studies
have shown that the increase in E2 levels suppresses inhibitory synaptic transmissions in the
hippocampus of rats. This study focused on the ERα and other estrogen receptor protein interactions that
occur prior to the suppression of inhibitory synaptic transmissions. After homogenizing hippocampal
regions of rats and obtaining membrane fractions, three Western blots were run to visualize the presence
of ERα and the G protein coupled metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR1) and inositol trisphosphate
receptor (IP3R). Then two co-immunoprecipitations were run on the samples using mGluR1 antibody to
determine the interactions between [ER-α and mGluR1] and [mGluR1 and IPR3] using Western blots.
Results showed that some ERα and some IP3R were attached to mGluR1, proving that ERα, mGluR1,
and IP3R interact with each other in rat hippocampus. Our study can be further extended by treating
samples with E2 and determining how the interactions are modulated by focusing on downstream
molecular targets that may potentially lead to the suppression of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the
hippocampus. Also, since high E2 levels have been shown to enhance seizures in epileptic individuals,
more efficient anticonvulsant therapy can be found.
O23
Audio-Tactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Presenter(s)
Vimig Socrates, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sliman Bensmaia, University of Chicago
Mechanical oscillations in the environment convey information about objects and events and are
transduced by specialized receptors in the ear or the skin. Importantly, stimulation of the ear drum and of
the skin often happen together and conveys redundant sensory information. The nervous system can thus
integrate information from these two sensory modalities to obtain a more robust percept. In the present
study, we explore the interactions between touch and hearing in the perception of surface texture.
Specifically, we have subjects feel textured surfaces and perform perceptual judgments about them while
manipulating the auditory feedback that they receive. Specifically, we record the sounds made during the
exploration of texture using a small microphone attached to the finger, then replay these vibrations
through earphones. We can then manipulate the frequency composition of this feedback (by putting it
through a filter) and assess the effects of these manipulations on the tactile perception of texture. We find
that certain distortions of the auditory feedback actually change the way textures feel. We explore
different putative neuronal mechanisms that may underlie this audio-tactile interaction.
115
O24
Combinatorial Preconditioning of a Neuronal Cell Line With Low Ethanol and Resveratrol to
Achieve Neuroprotective Upregulation of Focal Adhesion Kinase and its Phosphorylated Form
Presenter(s)
Saigopal Somasundaram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sarah Valentine, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Collins, Loyola University
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kwang Hoon Moon, Loyola University
Nazhath Tajuddin, Loyola University
Toxicologists have identified ethanol (commonly referred to as alcohol) and resveratrol, a chemical
created by plants and found in red wine, as two substances that have an effect on neuropathways. In fact,
there is evidence that cognitive decline in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease may be
reduced in moderate red wine drinkers through a process called neuronal preconditioning. This
experiment focuses on the treatment of a rat neuronal culture PC-12 line treated as neuronal cells with a
control, low levels of ethanol, resveratrol, and a combination of ethanol and resveratrol to find whether
focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and its phosphorylated form (pFAK) are upregulated in the cell. The results
will be determined through Western blot analysis of the preconditioned cells, to see if there is an
upregulation of FAK or pFAK. This will allow us to see if preconditioning with alcohol has any effect on
protein regulation within the brain, specifically in the FAK pathway. With this knowledge, the scientific
community can potentially determine whether alcohol preconditioning can prevent neurodegenerative
diseases, thus preventing the onset of such diseases and saving the lives of millions.
116
O25
Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Presenter(s)
Summer Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Klein, Northwestern University
Kirsten Viola, Northwestern University
Alzheimer's disease (AD) afflicts 5.1 million Americans and results in the loss of memory, learning, and
behavior abilities. An urgent need exists for early diagnosis when therapeutic intervention has the
maximum chance to succeed. Although promising, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is currently
underutilized in AD diagnosis due to the lack of a contrast probe targeting neurotoxins specific to AD. Aβ
oligomers are biomarkers found in the earliest stages of AD and are considered to instigate AD memory
loss. In this investigation, a new MRI contrast probe was synthesized by conjugating magnetic
nanostructures (MNS) with NU4 antibody that specifically targets Aβ oligomers. In vitro studies
confirmed the high specificity of the probe as well as affinity similar to that of the parent antibody in
binding to the target Aβ oligomers. Histology of transgenic mice brain slices showed positive signals after
intranasal injection of the probe. These results indicated that the probe had crossed the blood-brain barrier
and bound to its intended target Aβ oligomers. This work demonstrates that the MRI probe NU4MNS has
the potential to be the first imaging tool to provide early AD diagnosis and to evaluate efficacy of
therapeutic candidates at the early stages of the disease.
O26
Observing Neuron Projections in Mice Brains That Can Be Targeted When Treating Parkinson's
Disease
Presenter(s)
Ellen Zhao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Savio Chan, Northwestern University
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that leads to difficulty with coordination and walking. In the
disease, striatal projections to the globus pallidus external segment (GPe) are affected. The goal was to
find neurons in the GPe that project back to the striatum, an area of the brain where neurons are projected
to the GPe. These pallidal neurons would thus influence the striatal neurons' activity in a feedback manner
that is inhibitory. Because the GPe is involved in movement control, demonstrating the existence of this
population would allow the motor pathway to be better understood. By correlating the projection target
with the physiological activity of the cell, more information can be learned about how these cells operate
in the motor circuitry. Out of the twenty-five cells observed, we found that three projected back to the
striatum. In the future, these separate neuronal populations can be differentially targeted when treating
Parkinson's disease.
117
P01
Determining the Future for Finding the Neutrino Mass Hierarchy
Presenter(s)
Wesley Beck, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrinos are fundamental particles in the lepton sector that interact through the weak nuclear force. With
the discovery of their oscillation in 1998 came the realization that they have non-zero mass. Amongst the
currently unknown parameters of neutrino oscillation is the mass hierarchy, which is the goal for several
experiments to determine. In order to evaluate which experiment would have the best chance of
measuring the mass hierarchy, first, a literature review of the different experiments was done. Among
those review were the Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment, Hyper-Kamiokande, IceCube, the Indian
Neutrino Observatory, the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe, the Atacama Cosmology Telescope,
the South Pole Telescope, and a radiative emission of a neutrino pair experiment. It has been determined
that the best chance of discovering the mass hierarchy is the Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment by the
year 2034 due to its independence from other unknown parameters. However, further work is needed to
determine if other possibilities can measure the mass hierarchy sooner. The implication of this research is
that future planned experiments may not need to focus on their capability to find the mass hierarchy,
which could reduce their costs.
P02
Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge-Coupled Devices
Presenter(s)
Sharadyn Ciota, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Juan Estrada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Recent experimental results hint at low-mass dark matter (DM) particles that require a low energy
threshold to detect. Because of this, Fermilab is conducting an experiment using charge-coupled devices
(CCDs), named dark matter in CCDs (DAMIC), to search for low-mass particles (<140 GeV) because
CCDs have a low electronic readout noise, which allows a threshold of 40 eV. To reduce the radiation
background noise, DAMIC was moved from Fermilab (345 m below sea level) to SNOLAB (2200 m
below sea level) to decrease the background made of cosmic rays. To analyze the data from DAMIC, a
code was written in C to extract data from the images and then to produce cuts specific to the image to
normalize the different images' histograms to easily compare the results from Fermilab and SNOLAB to
other experimental data. Our data will be compared to the annual modulation that has been seen in
previous experiments. Data collection from SNOLAB began in late December and the analysis is
ongoing. The data from our analysis will aid us in the DM search.
118
P03
Optimizing Energy Resolution in a Prototype PET Imager
Presenter(s)
Youcef Hadjarab, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Woohyun Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pavel Murat, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a medical diagnostic imaging technique that utilizes
photomultipliers, scintillators, and a radioactive tracer to construct a three-dimensional representation of a
patient's body processes. Because modern PET scanners require long radiation exposure times, this
investigation explored possible methods of optimizing PET performance in order to enhance image
resolution and efficiency with the goal of reducing radiation exposure and the improvement of overall
safety. Bias voltages were applied to a Hamamatsu multi-pixel photon counter to optimize energy and
timing resolutions. The best energy resolution at the full width at half maximum (FWHM, integrated
charge) achieved with an ORTEC VT120 amplifier was about 11.6%. With a Philips 776 amplifier, the
best recorded energy resolution was approximately 7.4%, which compares favorably with the best results
from other researchers. The best timing resolution achieved was about 260 picoseconds at FWHM with
the ORTEC VT120. Analyzing individual signals with the ORTEC VT120 and the Philips 776 amplifiers
demonstrated shorter leading edge widths and signal lengths with the ORTEC VT120. Varying bias
voltages revealed charge correlated linearly with bias voltages while energy resolutions optimized at
around -73.5 V. Excellent energy and timing resolutions means better spatial resolution and more efficient
use of number of signals, expanding the potential applications of PET.
119
P04
Improving Coordinate Resolution in Positron Emission Tomography Detectors
Presenter(s)
Youcef Hadjarab, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kevin Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Pavel Murat, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive technique used for tracking the development of
tumors and neurological disorders. One of the most important aspects of PET imagers is coordinate
resolution, which is necessary for early diagnosis and locating small irregularities within the body. One
method to improve coordinate resolution involves monolithic crystals attached to silicon photomultiplier
(SiPM) arrays instead of the traditional approach of thin crystals paired with a single SiPM. The hardware
used in this investigation included scintillating lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate crystals (2cm x 2cm x
2cm) wrapped in teflon tape attached to 4x4 Hamamatsu SiPM arrays receiving photons from a 22Na
radioactive source. Thus far, results have been obtained with regards to localizations of signals. Using a
lead collimator, a tool designed to focus a light source, Hamamatsu SiPMs were found to provide accurate
information with respect to the position of a photon source. The ability to localize photon sources is the
key aspect of coordinate resolution and will contribute substantially to the improved functioning of
commercial PET imagers. Coordinate resolutions were obtained from the monolithic detector with onesided
readout and analyzed in respect to other PET detector setups.
P05
Kaon Production by a 120 GeV/c Proton Beam With a Bismuth Target
Presenter(s)
Emily Lindgren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Casey, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The kinetic behavior and production of kaons is an important input to planning and design for future kaon
experiments. This study looks at the kaon production rate by a 120 GeV/c energy proton beam incident on
a bismuth target. The Main Injector Particle Production experiment at Fermi National Accelerator
Laboratory collected the data studied. The data samples for this study were Monte Carlo Fluka
simulations, bismuth target data and empty target data. The empty target data had to be scaled to the
bismuth data and subtracted, after which the bismuth data was compared to the Monte Carlo simulations.
Conditions were set to ensure that the scintillator trigger was fired, that the event took place in the proper
region, that the primary vertex produced at least three tracks. This study reports the rate of production and
the kinetic distribution of kaons that were identified using particle identification techniques. The kaon
production is important to understand for new kaon experiments that will need to produce a specific
amount of kaons to successfully run their experiments.
120
P06
Neutrino Oscillations: Real-World Applications on the Digital World
Presenter(s)
Sagar Punhani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrino oscillations occur everywhere but are rarely detectable, requiring massive detectors.
Experiments are occurring all over the world to discover the properties of neutrinos, and it is important
they get digitally recorded. My project includes maintaining and updating a widely referenced website,
www.neutrinooscillation.org that organizes and updates the progress of neutrino experiments across the
globe. Through my research, I have found and cataloged over one hundred new and developing neutrino
experiments, such as NOvA [NuMI (Neutrinos at the Main Injector) Off-Axis Electron Neutrino
Appearance] and LBNE (Long-Baseline Neutrino Experiment); projects that could measure an important
property of neutrinos known as the mass hierarchy of neutrino flavors. My analysis of each of the
different types of experiments, outside of the website, shows neutrino groups are finding many new and
sophisticated ways of detecting these particles and understanding their properties. It is vital to keep all of
this information recorded on the digital realm for students, researchers, and pupils to learn about and
appreciate neutrinos.
P07
The Search for Standard Model Higgs Events in Associated WH Production Resulting in the b antib
Decay Channel With DØ Data
Presenter(s)
Benjamin Rabe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ryuji Yamada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The force-carrying W and Z bosons of the standard model create the need for a particle, the Higgs boson,
that gives them mass through electroweak symmetry breaking. While the standard model predicts the
existence of this particle, it doesn't predict its mass or other properties. Here, we present a search for
standard model Higgs events in associated WH production with the lvbb-bar (lepton, neutrino, b, anti-b)
final state using data from Run II of the DØ detector at the Tevatron. The Compact Muon Solenoid
(CMS) and ATLAS groups at CERN announced the discovery of the Higgs particle last year, but there
has not been clear Higgs signal shown from associated WH production. The aims of this investigation
were finding events that most closely exhibit properties of Higgs events and eliminating background. A
multivariate analysis (MVA) was used that was trained for certain variables to categorize events based
upon their likelihood of being Higgs events. This MVA helped to reject background events and increase
the signal-to-background ratio. Modifications in the MVA included new/different variables with more
distinct values in the studied decay process. The highest MVA output events were examined using event
display software, and a series of candidate Higgs event displays was produced.
121
P08
Improvements to Readout Electronics for Compact Muon Selenoid Hadron Calorimeter
Presenter(s)
Robert Schurz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jacob Anderson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The hadron calorimeter (Hcal) of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) at CERN is important to accurately
measure the energy of particle showers originating from quarks and gluons. The CMS Hcal uses
scintillators and hybrid photodiodes to measure the energy of particles produced in proton collisions. The
CMS Hcal collaboration will be replacing the hybrid photodiodes with silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) in
a series of upgrades to improve the performance and reliability of the calorimeter. We studied one key
characteristic of the SiPMs, their gain, either by a light pulse from a light-emitting diode (LED) or by
analyzing electronic pedestal data. Using the charge distributions of the SiPMs, we determine the gains.
The root mean square of gains determined from pedestal and LED distributions is 0.35 fC and 0.93 fC,
respectively. This indicates that the pedestal method is a more robust measurement technique. We also
observe a systematic bias of the LED gain with respect to the pedestal gain.
P09
Analysis of Two Theories to Account for Observed Variations in the Rate of Radioactive Decay
Presenter(s)
Abhishek Sethi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Kroc, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Some measurements of the rate of radioactive decay show an annual variation. This has been observed at
the Neutron Therapy Facility at Fermilab. Two theories have been proposed thus far explaining this
phenomenon: humidity and solar effects. Our analysis involved the reanalysis of existing data and the
collection of new data. Our first effort looked at the humidity explanation, which explains the effect
through a systematic variation in the measurement process of the nuclear decay rate. We tested different
gases to see the effect of the molecular weight of a gas on the decay rate. We concluded that the molar
mass of a gas is directly proportional to the measured decay rate. To test the theory of solar effects, we
used Matlab in order to look at the phase of the annual variation and compare it to the theory. The
analysis showed that the variation in measured decay rate is contingent on the Earth's exposure of solar
radiation. Variations in solar radiation or variations of the mass of the gas that is flowed through the
chamber will increase the rate of radioactive decay.
122
P10
Effects of Spatial Resolution on the Temperature Profile of a FLASH Thermonuclear Flame Model
Presenter(s)
Woohyun Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sean Couch, University of Chicago
George Jordan, University of Chicago
Don Lamb, University of Chicago
Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), powerful thermonuclear explosions of carbon-oxygen white dwarf stars, are
initiated by deflagrations, or subsonic nuclear burning fronts. Because varying flame resolution affects
outputs of FLASH SNe Ia simulations, this investigation studied the effects of flame resolution on the
temperature profile. Utilizing the FLASH code and Archimedes machine, we varied the resolution for a
one-dimensional laminar flame simulation. Each simulation set a domain of zero to forty km, range of
zero to 1.024E 8 °K, one second run time, and checkpoint file frequency of 1/1,000 of a second.
Increasing resolution did not significantly affect peak temperatures, but did affect the flame front width.
Higher resolutions produced temperature profiles slightly hotter than those of lower resolutions, but these
differences can be attributed to accelerated temperature increase. Resolution directly correlated with the
steepness of the temperature profile. approximately 4.9 m resolution flame front widths were 19.53125 m
long, while 625 m resolution flame front widths were 2.5 km long. Steeper temperature profiles were
consistent throughout the domain. Thinner flame widths more realistically simulate deflagration, opening
opportunities to develop more accurate FLASH flame models. Improved flame models can better simulate
rising flame bubbles and neutronization during thermonuclear combustion.
P11
Modeling the Structural Properties of Superconducting Magnets
Presenter(s)
Lee Tang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tengming Shen, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Ryuji Yamada, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The purpose of this investigation was to create simulations of superconducting magnets using the finite
element modeling software, ANSYS. During normal operation, the inner superconducting filaments of the
magnets exert pressure on the silver coating of the wires. This investigation analyzed the effects of the
internal pressure on the structural integrity of the magnets. Contour plots were generated by ANSYS to
illustrate the axial, radial, and hoop stress on the wire. The data from these plots indicated that the points
at the sealed off caps of wire were exposed to the greatest stresses. Additionally, animations were
generated to illustrate the progression of the shape deformation of the magnet. The results of this
investigation indicate a structural weakness in the sealed ends of superconducting magnets and that to
ensure safe operation in accelerator experiments, reinforcements should be made in these vulnerable parts
of the magnet.
123
P12
Construction of a Solenoid Magnet to Cancel the Effects of a Magnetic Field
Presenter(s)
Lia Vallina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Thomas Gadfort, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Our project aimed to cancel the effects of a magnetic field by combining two solenoid magnets with
opposite field vectors. We constructed two solenoids by wrapping coils of wire around two aluminum
cylinders and running a current through the wire. We calculated the number of coils and voltage
necessary to produce a magnetic field larger than the one generated by Earth by using the law of Biot-
Savart, an equation that expresses the field strength of a solenoid in terms of the coil density, voltage, and
resistance. To produce equal and opposite fields, the voltage of the larger solenoid was half the voltage of
the smaller one because its coil density was twice as large. We placed the smaller solenoid inside the
larger one and collected measurements of the magnetic field using a Hall probe. The magnetic field
between them doubles when the current is traveling in the same direction through both solenoids' coils,
but cancels when it is traveling in opposite directions. Our design is a prototype of the inflector magnets
inside particle accelerators that allow charged particles into a storage ring undisturbed by the magnetic
field. Understanding how to nullify an existing magnetic field is crucial in accelerator experiments.
P13
A Measurement of Zero: Simulating a Superconducting Inflector Magnet
Presenter(s)
Joshua Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Kiburg, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
A storage ring uses a strong magnetic force to contain muons on a certain trajectory so that their magnetic
moments can be measured. In order to get the muons into this trajectory, an inflector that nullifies the
magnetic field is used to set the muons at a point tangent to the field. We have built two solenoids that can
produce equal and opposite magnetic fields to simulate the inflector and are using a Hall probe to measure
the field within. We have run several tests to examine the precision of the probe measurements and to see
if the solenoids can produce canceling fields. Analytical statistics was used to evaluate the precision. The
results from these tests will be used to improve our understanding of how the inflector works.
124
P14
Quantum Mechanical Analysis and Control of Plasmonic Wave Packets in Silver Nanowires
Presenter(s)
William Xu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Meishan Zhao, University of Chicago
A plasmon is a mix of incident light with surface electrons in a metal. Their interaction in nanowires is of
considerable interest as silver nanowires have unexplained properties, such as faster healing with the use
of nanosilver-infused bandages, that may be better understood through the development of a model.
Previously, the particle-in-a-box system, with infinite potential energy barriers at its boundaries, was used
to model plasmonic interaction in a silver nanowire. This gave results that were accurate enough for the
wave function of the wire and correlated well with experimental evidence. However, greater accuracy can
be achieved by using a square-well model with finite potential energy barriers at its boundaries. We
analyzed the effects of this newly proposed model on various aspects of the nanowire, such as the
wavelengths at certain points, through quantum mechanics and calculus. Our results show that the finite
square-well model correlates more closely with previous experimental results than the particle-in-a-box
model in one-dimensional system. Further study would be to develop a generalized quantum model for
this scenario on the effects of interference in a two-dimensional situation, with two wires and two waves.
P15
Comparative Study of the Impact of Differing Progenitor Evolution on Core-Collapse Supernova
Explosions
Presenter(s)
Oleksandr Yarema, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sean Couch, University of Chicago
George Jordan, University of Chicago
Don Lamb, University of Chicago
The exact structure of the progenitors of core-collapse supernovae (CCSN) is still uncertain. Two
commonly used sets of CCSN progenitors are those taken in 2002 and those taken in 2007, each set
differing in only the exact nuclear reaction rates. Although both sets use progenitors with the same
masses, it seems that the 2002 set is more favored by astrophysicists in modeling supernovae. I sought to
see if one set really does more readily explode than the other by changing the neutrino heating efficiency
from approximately 100% to 180% in order to determine the critical heating needed for a successful
explosion. I have run CCSN simulations using the University of Chicago Astrophysics team's FLASH
code employing progenitors from both the 2002 and 2007 sets. Based on more than thirty-five
simulations, the 2002 set of progenitors does explode more readily than the 2007 set. This difference is
related to the differing compactness of the progenitor cores between the two sets. The detailed nuclear
reaction rates directly affect the progenitor core structures. Knowing how the readiness for explosion
depends on progenitor structure and investigating any unexpected patterns will benefit the entire
astrophysics community.
125
Q01
Effects of Childhood Trauma on the Adult Brain
Presenter(s)
Vivian Chau, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Royce Lee, University of Chicago
Childhood trauma, or the repeated physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical and emotional abuse, or
sexual abuse, can influence behavior in adulthood. Studies have shown that institutionally-raised children
exhibit elevated symptoms of depression and anxiety. With this information, we were interested in
whether or not childhood trauma affects brain activity in the adult. In this study, Childhood Trauma
Questionnaires (CTQ) and electroencephalograph (EEG) tasks were given to subjects between the ages of
18 and 55 in order to find correlations between CTQ scores and P300 amplitudes (the magnitude of the
EEG wave .300 seconds after a stimulus appears). By using a statistics program to find correlations,
results show that there is a significant negative correlation between P300 amplitudes in EEG data and
Childhood Trauma Questionnaire scores (r=-0.483, p=0.007, n=30). Higher CTQ scores signify more
severe forms of trauma. Thus, results show that people who experienced more severe cases of childhood
trauma exhibit less brain activity in the parietal lobe. Less activity in the parietal lobe of the brain
suggests decreased level of memory storage, information processing, and performance in math and
computation. With this understanding, predictions and preventions can be used to help children who lack
sufficient parental care.
Q02
An Investigation Into the Relationship Between Evolutionary Processes and Artificial Intelligence
Presenter(s)
Michelle Kinama, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Colette Moos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Tony Vadakumchery, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Tech.
Richard Dawkins described genes as the fundamental pieces of DNA which compete for resources and
survival in order to replicate. He also coined the term meme, a social and cultural unit of replication
transmitted through imitation. This investigation delves into the relationship between genetic replicators
and memetic replicators, and ultimately memetic replicators and intelligence. Using qualitative analysis of
texts about genetics, memetics, formal systems, and consciousness, this investigation is a grounded theory
study that explains the relationship between evolutionary processes both genetic and memetic, as well as
the ethical implications of the development of advanced artificial intelligence. The texts analyzed indicate
that human intelligence is deeply rooted in memetics, as imitation is our main method of learning new
activities and concepts. However, human intelligence itself is limited by the genetic limitations of our
brain. Technology greatly facilitates memetic evolution and replication. Inventions such as smartphones
and the internet increase the speed and fidelity of memetic replication. Technology at a stage where it can
self-sufficiently replicate memes can be said to have artificial intelligence.
126
Q03
Descriptive Assessment of Social Norms at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presenter(s)
Sophie Legan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Cristina Menchaca, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) is a school full of opportunity to study human
behavior in a unique environment. We investigated social behaviors regarding some personal habits and
interactions with others at IMSA. We emailed out a survey to all IMSA students asking questions about
activities such as drug use, sleeping habits, and social interaction in order find a relationship between
perceived social norms and actual social norms, and mapped normal IMSA social interaction. According
to the results we received from students, the actual occurrence of the social norms we chose to test was
much lower than the perceived occurrence. We are hoping that this investigation will boost awareness of
certain social norms and aid students in mending any negative behavior shown by these norms.
Q04
Impulsivity and Subjective Response to the Stimulating and Sedative Effects of Alcohol
Presenter(s)
June Qian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Jessica Weafer, University of Chicago
Individual differences in both impulsivity and subject response to the effects of alcohol may predict
alcohol abuse in the future, though little is known about the relationship between impulsivity and
subjective response. The current study examines impulsivity and sensitivity to the subjective effects of
alcohol in two independent samples (n=89 and n=70). At testing sessions, participants received an alcohol
dose (0.65 g/kg) or a placebo, and completed several tasks. Impulsivity measures included the Barrett
Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), while the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES), Profile of Mood States
(POMS), and Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ) measured subjective response to alcohol. In the smaller
group, analyses did not show any significant associations between impulsivity and subjective response to
alcohol. From the larger sample (n=89), analyses showed that more impulsive people demonstrated
greater stimulation and less sedation as measured by the BAES under alcohol on the ascending limb of
the BAC curve. These results reflect the Newtonian Differentiator model, in which drinkers feel a greater
response (more positive, stimulant-like effects) to alcohol on the ascending limb of the BAC curve. This
suggests that more impulsive people may experience increased risk for alcohol abuse because they feel
greater, positive rewarding effects of alcohol.
127
R01
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students' Perceptions of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,
Transgender, and Questioning Community Acceptance at IMSA and at Their Former Schools
Presenter(s)
Jacob Akstins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Carissa Lao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This project seeks to describe, through quantitative and qualitative analysis, how students attending the
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) perceive community-wide acceptance of the lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) community at this school in comparison with their
prior schools. After researching extensively, we developed a voluntary self-report survey which assessed
students' acceptance of non-binary genders and sexual orientations at the Academy. While keeping
privacy and student safety a top concern, we identified factors that inhibit or promote acceptance of the
sexual orientations and genders of others. The results are statistically significant (α<0.01) and indicate
that the LGBTQ community is generally accepted at the Academy, with some exceptions. In the future,
this information could potentially be incorporated into diversity statistics or improve IMSA's environment
to better help the LGBTQ community. These results can also help improve the Academy's diversity
training and be published to inform potential applicants of these perceptions.
R02
Relationships Between Energy Interests, Agriculture, and the Environment in Contemporary
America
Presenter(s)
Harrison Dimmig, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Continued population growth and increased adaptation of technology are pushing the production of
complementary resources in America to new highs, often at the expense of one another and the
environment. This investigation looked at the increasingly complex relationships between these factors,
analyzing the situation from studies involving the environmental, ethical, legislative, and economic
perspectives of all sides. Recent data from government sources, studies from national laboratories and
universities, and news reports provided diverse and informative source material. During the investigation,
it was found that while energy interests trumped agricultural ones most of the time because of greater
legislative success and funding, thus limiting arable land, the environment was the ultimate loser in recent
years. Toxic chemicals from fracking in the Marcellus Shale and regions in the south have killed
grasslands and their inhabitants, while wind turbines across the Midwest disrupt agriculture and nature in
their own ways. Much caution needs to be taken as America's energy future shifts away from coal and key
infrastructure is updated. Horrible drought and shifting seasons are already wreaking havoc with crops,
and show little sign of stopping. A comprehensive plan of action is urgently required to steer America
successfully through the twenty-first century.
128
R03
Descriptive Assessment of Peer Influence Upon Attending the Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy
Presenter(s)
Rebecca Kleina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gregory O'Bannon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Each day, students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) are faced with new
pressures and influences. Students' behaviors, in dealing with drugs and alcohol, sex, and their education
are each affected by positive and negative peer influences. We designed a survey to be completed by
students that assesses the peer influences they've encountered while at IMSA in comparison to their
previous schools. From our data, we expect to see a difference in the intensity of peer influences between
IMSA and students' previous schools. Because of the importance placed on academics at IMSA, more
positive educational influences and less negative drug and alcohol and sex influences are expected. We
also expect to see a correlation in grade level and peer influence intensity, as well as gender and peer
influence intensity. Our data could be useful in helping more students and faculty at IMSA better
understand the peer influences at IMSA, which would help them to better handle them.
R04
Strategy and Tactics of Ancient Warfare From 499 BCE to 14 CE
Presenter(s)
Hankyul Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
From the Classical Greece to the Roman Empire, strategies in warfare and tactics on the battlefield have
evolved greatly. The method in which armies conducted battle changed significantly over five hundred
years, from 499 BCE to 14 CE. Information on the strategies and tactics involved in select battles was
analyzed through the use of numerous primary and secondary sources. From these analyses, general
trends in the conduct of warfare were identified. In the Classical Greek era, the Greek hoplite dominated
warfare, using the feared phalanx formation to defeat large groups of light infantry and cavalry. As time
progressed towards Hellenistic Greece, the slow phalanx was scrapped in favor of a more mobile group of
spear infantry, known as phalangists. The Roman Republic became known for its use of its legions, tough
groups of heavy infantry deployed in maniples that carried the strength of the phalanx, and the mobility of
the phalangists. However, the Roman Empire saw a rise in the strength of cavalry-based armies that could
exploit their mobility against these heavy infantry columns. The investigation concludes that from
Classical Greece to Imperial Rome, warfare saw a transition from slow and heavy infantry to fast and
mobile cavalry.
129
R05
The Distinct Rhetorical Tendencies of Democrats and Republicans
Presenter(s)
Anthony John Marquez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Erma Mladenova, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tracy Townsend, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Rhetoric is a tool used to persuade an audience and substantiate claims through various methods, such as
the three rhetorical pleas of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. The focus of this investigation was to determine
whether there is a correlation between a politician's political affiliation and their use of certain rhetorical
pleas. This investigation consisted in the compilation of data which demonstrates how often rhetorical
pleas are used by Democrats and Republicans, respectively. A collection of nearly seventy-five political
speeches, ads, and debates by presidential candidates from 1980-2012 were analyzed. Upon examination
of these various rhetorical artifacts, it became evident that the Democrats more frequently incorporated
Logos, which is the use of specific facts or logical reasoning, while the Republicans displayed a
propensity towards Pathos, the appeal to the emotional senses of an audience. Furthermore, when a
comparison of the use of rhetoric by candidates from the same party was performed, a significant
distinction between the type of rhetoric used was not evident. Ultimately, our study demonstrates the
different approaches in delivery of information between Democrats and Republicans, articulating the
difference in their political portfolios beyond a contrast in ideology.
R06
The Implications of Gender and Culture on Body Image
Presenter(s)
Karen Olowu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Isabella West, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Grubbs, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Body image, a subjective view of an individual's physical appearance, is a result of an individual's self
esteem and their personal evaluation of their body. This study investigated how an IMSA student's gender
and cultural background influenced their view of their ideal body type for both their sex as well as for the
opposite sex. Following a literature review, we became aware of the importance of cultural background in
constructing personal body image. We also found a set of body mass index (BMI) silhouettes used in
other studies, which we altered and then included in our Institutional Review Board approved survey.
Using Vassar Stats, we were able to analyze the results from the two hundred and fifty students we
surveyed. Our results indicated varying body type preferences for individuals of different genders and
cultural backgrounds. Despite the absence of a statistically significant difference across cultural groups
for gender or cultural BMI preferences, within cultural groups there were gender preferences for different
BMI categories. Further analysis of data supported evidence of the importance of both cultural and gender
roles in deciding an individual's body type preference. Limitations of our study, such as its small sample
size, as well as implications for further studies are also discussed.
130
R07
Investigating the Portrayal and Comparison of Stereotypes Between Japanese and Western Media
Presenter(s)
Arjun Sarode, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Besancon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Stereotypes are often seen in media and are useful in determining key ideals of the culture. I examined
various Japanese media sources such as anime, dramas, and books to find evidence of Japanese
stereotypes. I focused on the common perception of the Japanese relationships such as the way men flirt,
how they treat friends, and how they treat strangers. I found that Japanese relationships differ from the
way characters commonly behave in Western media sources. Qualitative analysis of dialogue and
interactions between characters in the media sources was used to obtain evidence of these stereotypes. I
recorded any dialogue that directly showed an example of a stereotype being either supported or
discredited. The evidence supports that Japanese relationship patterns are very similar to the way
interactions are portrayed in Western media sources. These results lessen that accuracy of stereotypes and
the ideology of foreign cultures being radically different from our own. These similarities support the
claim that stereotypes portray some similarities in culture between both Japanese and Western media. My
results caution against the ideology of foreign cultures being radically different from our own.
S01
The Frequency of Exoplanets Around Stars
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Steven Kosvick, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jacob Bean, University of Chicago
The frequency of planets around other stars is a fundamental constraint on the theories of planet
formation. We used the February 27th, 2012 data from NASA's Kepler mission to put new constraints on
exoplanet frequency. Kepler uses the transit-detection method to measure the radii of the planets. In this
study, we only considered exoplanets with radii from 0-20 Earth radii and orbital periods from 0-50 days.
Within these parameters, results showed that most exoplanets found were small planets and that exoplanet
frequency increases as orbital period increases. In addition, results also showed that Sun-like stars have a
65% chance of having at least one planet orbiting it. Due to the high number of small planets and the
correlation between planet frequency and orbital period, our results suggest that the number of planets
that could possibly hold extraterrestrial life may be higher than scientists previously thought. Further
studies should be pursued in regards to determining the number of exoplanets in the habitable zones of
their host stars, as more results could further assist researchers in determining the probability of
extraterrestrial life occurrence on any given exoplanet.
131
S02
Mining of Precious Metals From Near-Earth Asteroids
Presenter(s)
Mohamed Kady, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
My investigation addresses the feasibility and prospects of asteroid mining in the near future. The mining
of platinum from near-Earth asteroids is the most likely and most commonly cited destination/resource for
asteroid mining. Literature review has led to potential candidates for asteroid mining based on the
platinum concentration in meteorites and the resources required to refine the platinum. By compiling the
platinum concentrations of 152 metallic meteorites, a mean 90th percentile concentration of 35.6 ppm was
calculated. This is well below Planetary Resources', a prospective asteroid-mining company, claims of
64-73 ppm for an ideal platinum-rich asteroid. In accordance, it seems that the number of known viable
specimens that fit the ideal mining asteroid is relatively low as well, with only a calculated 3% of near-
Earth asteroids being metallic. Finally, even with prototype variable specific impulse magnetoplasma
rocket fuel technology, the amount of fuel required would result in a cost of $2100 to $2900 per returned
troy ounce of material, exceeding the current market value of platinum. So, even without taking mining
operations and spaceship development cost, asteroid mining does not seem realistic or profitable in the
near future.
132
133
2011-2012 Student Recognition
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2011-2012 academic year
Soham Ali: Analysis of Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors in E-Cadherin in Diverse Patient Populations
Advisors: Nathan Ellis, Shilpa Ravella; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, April 30 – May 4, 2012 in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada
Courtney Amegashie: Concentration Effect of Chemically-Induced Hypoxia on the Metastasis of High
Nitric Oxide Adapted and Non-Adapted Cancer Cells
Advisor: James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presented at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research Day, March
8, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois; DuPage County ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and
Scientific Olympics) gold medal winner in biochemistry
Courtney Amegashie: The Comparison of Motility in Parent Versus High Nitric Oxide Adapted Cells
Advisor: James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
DuPage County ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) Competition
gold medal winner in biology
Wendy Bindeman: The Expression of MDS1 and EVI1 Complex Locus in Seven Cancer Cell Lines
Advisor: Don Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
Alice Chang: The Role of Simulation in Neurosurgical Education: A Survey of 99 United States
Neurosurgery Program Directors
Advisors: Aruna Ganju and Lisa Glatz, Northwestern University
Co-author of paper published in World Neurosurgery, November 24, 2012, (Aruna Ganju, Salah
G. Aoun, Marc R. Daou, Tarek Y. El Ahmadieh, Alice Chang, Lucy Wang, H. Hunt Batjer, Bernard
R. Bendok)
Zi-Ning Choo: Genes that are Upregulated and that Show Alternative Splice Variations are Revealed by
Exon Microarray Analysis of Pure CSMN Isolated from Disease Models of ALS
Advisor: P. Hande Özdinler, Northwestern University
Poster presented at 20th Annual Meeting International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
and 23rd International Symposium on ALS/MND, December2-7, 2012 Chicago, IL (Javier H. Jara, Zi-
Ning Choo, Ted Li, and P. Hande Özdinler)
Yiyun Cao: Regulation and Role of Regulator of G-protein Signaling-1 in Celiac Disease Pathogenesis
Advisors: Bana Jabri, Cezary Ciszewski; University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist; Illinois Junior
Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
finalist; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist: Chicago Region third place
winner
134
Henry Deng: Networks of Ultrasmall Pd/Cr Nanowires as High Performance Hydrogen Sensors
Advisors: Zhi-Li Xaio, Hsien-Hau Wang, and Michael Latimer; Argonne National Laboratory
Published in ACS Nano, 2011, 5 (9), pp 7443–7452; Publication Date (Web): August 22, 2011 (Article)
DOI: 10.1021/nn2023717 (Xiao-Qiao Zeng, Yong-Lei Wang, Henry Deng, Michael L. Latimer, Zhi-Li
Xiao, John Pearson, Tao Xu, Hsien-Hau Wang, Ulrich Welp, George W. Crabtree, and Wai-Kwong
Kwok); Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada
Sruthi Doniparthi: CDDO Inhibits TGF-Beta-Induced EMT in A549 Lung Epithelial Cells via the
P13K/AKT Pathway
Advisors: Jun Wei and John Varga; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities
Symposium Finalist
Johnny Duan: Runx2 Contributes to Murine Col10a1 Gene Regulation Through Direct Interaction with
Its Cis-Enhancer
Advisor: Qiping Zheng; Rush University Medical Center
Published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (2011). 26 (12) pp 2899-2910. (Feifei Li, Yaojuan
Lu, Ming Ding, Dobrawa Napierala, Sam Abbassi, Yuqing Chen, Xiangyun Duan, Siying Wang, Brendan
Lee, and Qiping Zheng)
Nicholas Fung: The Effect of Poly I:C on Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGFβ)-Induced Fibrotic
Responses
Advisors: Feng Fang and John Varga; Northwestern University
Co-presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University, April 5,
2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Feng Fang, Nicholas Fung, John Varga)
Annie Guo: Institutional Review Board Unanticipated Problems Involving Risks to Subjects or Others
Reports Lack Sufficient Information to Determine Causality
Advisors: Steven Belknap, Debra Tice Gibson, Dennis West; Northwestern University
Co-author of poster presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern
University, April 5, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Mai, Guo, Belknap, Tice Gibson, West)
Brinda Gupta: Effect of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridnium (MPP+) on Dopamine Neuron Loss in LPS
Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Advisors: Paul Carvey, Bill Hendey; Rush University Medical Center
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada; Presented at the 2012 Meeting of the Society for In Vitro Biology, June 3 - 7, 2012, Bellevue,
Washington
Rae Hohle: Exploring The Relationship Between Metabolic Acid Base Status and The Number of Apnea,
Bradycardia, and Desaturation Alarms In Infants 27-32 Weeks Gestation in The First Two Weeks of Life.
Advisor(s): Christine Sajous & Pat Hummel, Loyola University
Presented at the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, Inc., Oct 4-5, 2012, in Columbus, OH. (R
Hohle, A Warhekar, PA Hummel, and CH Sajous)
135
Jennifer Huang: Development of an Improved Soft Agar Method
Advisors: Kim Elseth, Benjamin Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, and James Radosevich;
University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster co-presented at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research
Day, March 8, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Jennifer Huang, Melissa Kim, Kim M. Elseth, Benjamin J.
Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, James A. Radosevich)
Aadam Ibraham: FTIR in Pharmacology
Advisor: Carol Hirschmugl; University of Wisconsin at Madison
Poster presented at the 2011 Synchrotron Radiation Center Users' Meeting, September 16-17, 2011 at the
University of Wisconsin at Madison, Wisconsin
Taylor Imburgia: Examining the Levels of Overexcitabilities of IMSA Sophomores
Advisors: Christopher Kolar, Deb McGrath, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation at the 10th Annual Dabrowski Conference, July 19-21, 2012 in Denver, Colorado
Adam Kalinich: Flipping the Winner of a Poset Game
Advisor: Lance Fortnow; Northwestern University
Published in Information Processing Letters (2012). 86, pp 86-89. (Adam Kalinich); Intel Science
Talent Search Semi-Finalist and Finalist
Nilesh Kavthekar: Collagen-Hyaluronic Acid Membranes for Tissue Regeneration
Advisor: Justin Liu; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition
Finalist; IJAS Region V Special Award: U.S. Army Special Award for Engineering; IJAS State Project
Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Best in Category Award in Materials Science; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair finalist
Emil Khabiboulline: Modeling of Quench Protection Techniques in Superconducting Solenoid Magnets
Advisor: Iouri Terechkine; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-
19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Melissa Kim: Development of an Improved Soft Agar Method
Advisors: Kim Elseth, Benjamin Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, and James Radosevich;
University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster co-presented at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry Clinic and Research
Day, March 8, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois (Jennifer Huang, Melissa Kim, Kim M. Elseth, Benjamin J.
Vesper, Maaly Bassiony, Bulent Aydrogan, James A. Radosevich)
Shannon Kurian : The role of SGK1 and RERG in Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Endometriotic Cells
Advisors: Serdar Bulun, Diana Monsivais
Co-presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University, April5, 2012 in
Chicago, Illinois, Diana Monsivais, Shannon Kurian, Monica Patel, Serdar Bulun
136
Jenny Lee: Gold Ion–Angiotensin Peptide Interaction by Mass Spectrometry
Advisor: Bao-Shiang Lee; University of Illinois at Chicago
Published in the Journal of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry (2012) published online February 2012;
Doi: 10.1007/s13361-011-0328-0 (Jenny Lee, Lasanthi P. Jayathilaka, Shalini Gupta, Jin-Sheng Huang, Bao-
Shiang Lee)
John Lee: Characterization of Linear-Dendron Based Micelle Formulations
Advisor: Jonathan Paley; Argonne National Laboratory
Presented at the Ninth Annual RITS Super Science Fair, Nov. 19-17, 2011 in Kyoto, Japan
Shelly Li: Thymoquinone Inhibits Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced SiHa Cell Invasion
Advisor: Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS Region V Special Award: Naval
Science Award; IJAS State Project Exposition Gold Award Winner
Ted Li: Genes that are Upregulated and that Show Alternative Splice Variations are Revealed by Exon
Microarray Analysis of Pure CSMN Isolated from Disease Models of ALS
Advisor: P. Hande Özdinler, Northwestern Univeristy
Poster presented at 20th Annual Meeting International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations
and 23rd International Symposium on ALS/MND, December2-7, 2012 Chicago, IL (Javier H. Jara, Zi-
Ning Choo, Ted Li, and P. Hande Özdinler)
Xiaoyu Li: Dopamine Regulation of Cone-Cone Gap Junctions in Ground Squirrel Retina
Advisor: Steven DeVries; Northwestern University
Published in the Journal of Experimental Secondary Science, October 2011
Xiaoyu Li: Organizational Motifs for Ground Squirrel Cone Bipolar Cells
Advisor: Steven DeVries; Northwestern University
Published in the Journal of Comparative Neurology. (online February, 2012). Adam C. Light, Yongling
Zhu, Jun Shi, Shannon Saszik, Sarah Lindstrom, Laura Davidson, Xiaoyu Li, Vince A. Chiodo, William
W. Hauswirth, Wei Li and Steven H. DeVries. (DOI: 10.1002/cne.23068)
Claire Liang: Modeling Spatial Growth Dynamics of Stem Cell in Tissue Growth and Regeneration
Advisors: Qing Nie and Youfang Cao; University of California at Irvine and University of Illinois at
Chicago
Co-author of paper presented at the Illinois Workshop on Regenerative Biology and Tissue Engineering,
November 18, 2011; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Project
Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Best in Category Award in Cellular and Molecular Biology
Peter Lu: Nonequilibrium Dynamics in Cuprate Superconductors Using Transient Grating Spectroscopy
Advisors: Nuh Gedik and Fahad Mahmood; Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Rahul Maheswari: IL-10 Expression Surrounding Neuromuscular Junctions in the mSOD1 Mouse
Model of ALS
Advisor: Nichole Mesnard; University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster presented at the American Association of Anatomists regional meeting, February 25, 2012, Rush
University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois; Second Place Award in the High School Student Poster
Competition
137
Anuj Marathe: Heat Shock Protein 70 Regulates Interleukin 10 Producing Regulatory T Cells
Advisors: Eugene Chang, Yunwei Wang; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences
Paper Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Paper Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Project
Exposition Gold Award Winner; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair finalist; Chicago
Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist and Chicago Region runner-up
Sarah Martin: TNFα Expression Surrounding Neuromuscular Junctions in the mSOD1 Mouse Model of
ALS
Advisor: Nichole Mesnard; University of Illinois at Chicago
Poster presented at the American Association of Anatomists regional meeting, February 25, 2012, Rush
University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
Aalap Mehta: The Role of RBP2 in MCF-7 Cancer Cell Drug Resistance
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist1; IJAS Special Award: Society for In
Vitro Biology Award; Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Paper
Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Project Exposition Silver Award Winner
Thitipong Mongkolrattanothai: Ranolazine Inhibition of the Late Sodium Ion Current Slows the
Progression of Heart Failure, Disorganization of T-tubules, and Hypertrophy of the Heart
Advisors: James Kelly, Amanda Nahhas, Matthew O’Toole, and J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern
University
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, October 8-15, 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand
Laura Napierkowski: R&D for the Tracking Detector for the Muon g-2 Experiment at Fermi National
Accelerator Laboratory
Advisor: Mandy Rominsky; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presented at the American Physical Society April Meeting 2012, March 31 - April 3, 2012, Atlanta,
Georgia
Deokgeun Park: Initial Calibration of CCD Images for the Dark Energy Survey
Advisors: H. Thomas Diehl and Douglas Tucker; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Published in the Journal of Experimental Secondary Science, October 2011; Illinois Junior Academy of
Sciences Region V Project Exposition participant; IJAS Region V Special Award: U.S. Air Force Special
Award; Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Monica Patel: The role of SGK1 and RERG in Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Endometriotic Cells
Advisors: Serdar Bulun, Diana Monsivais
Co-presented at the Eighth Annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University, April5, 2012 in
Chicago, Illinois, (Diana Monsivais, Shannon Kurian, Monica Patel, Serdar Bulun)
Shivani Patel: Immunohistochemical Localization of HCN1-4 Channels in the Mouse Brain
Advisor: Dane Chetkovich; Northwestern University
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, April 30 – May 4, 2012 in Winnipeg, Manitoba,
Canada
138
Nishith Reddy: The Effect of Transgenic MA20 on Inflammation of the Intestinal Epithelium
Advisor: David Boone; University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-
19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Sarah Salameh: Early Events in Herpes Simplex Virus Lifecycle with Implications for an Infection of
Lifetime
Advisor: Deepak Shukla; University of Illinois at Chicago
Published in The Open Virology Journal (2012) Vol. 6, pp 1-6 (Sarah Salameh, Urmi Sheth, and Deepak
Shukla)
Urmi Sheth: Early Events in Herpes Simplex Virus Lifecycle with Implications for an Infection of
Lifetime
Advisor: Deepak Shukla; University of Illinois at Chicago
Published in The Open Virology Journal (2012) Vol. 6, pp 1-6 (Sarah Salameh, Urmi Sheth, and Deepak
Shukla)
Yanchen Shi: A Low-Power Wave Union TDC Implemented in FPGA
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-author of paper presented at the Topical Workshop on Electronics for Particle Physics 2011
(TWEPP-11), September 26-30, 2011 in Vienna, Austria (Jinyuan Wu, Yanchen Shi, Douglas Zhu)
Rose Neiberg Sloan: Stable Expansions of the Integers
Advisor: David Marker; University of Illinois at Chicago
Intel Science Talent Search semi-finalist
Michelle Suh: The Comparison of the Different Radiotherapy Neutron Sources in Various Facilities for
the Optimal Result in Neutron Therapy
Advisor: Thomas Kroc; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presented at the International Student Science Fair, October 8-15, 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand;
Presented at the American Junior Academy of Sciences conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 15-19, 2012 in Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada
Shannon Tai: Increased Heterogeneity of Calcium Cycling in Myocytes from Failing Hearts
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Presented at the Ninth Annual RITS Super Science Fair, Nov. 19-17, 2011 in Kyoto, Japan
Lee Tang: Modulation of the Akt/Protein Kinase B Pathway in Human Neutrophils Through the
Inhibition of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog and PH Domain Leucine-Rich Repeat Protein
Phosphatase
Advisor: Xiangdong Zhu; University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition participant
139
Riva Trivedi: A Comparison of Drosophila CMI to Human MLL2/ALR Reveals Homologous Histone
Binding and Recognition Preferences
Advisors: Claudia Zraly and Andrew Dingwall; Loyola University
Co-author of paper published in the Journal of Secondary Science, October 2012; (Riva Trivedi, Claudia
Zraly, and Andrew Dingwall)
Rheanna Vimawala: Factors Influencing Successful Discontinuance of Caffeine at 34 Weeks Corrected
Gestational Age in Premature Infants Treated for Apnea of Prematurity
Advisors: Christine Sajous and Bonnie Kanzia, Loyola University
Presentation at the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, Inc., Oct 4-5, 2012, in Columbus, OH. (R
Vimawala, PA Hummel, and CH Sajous)
Lucy Wang: The Role of Simulation in Neurosurgical Education: A Survey of 99 United States
Neurosurgery Program Directors
Advisors: Aruna Ganju and Lisa Glatz, Northwestern University
Co-author of paper published in World Neurosurgery, November 24, 2012, (Aruna Ganju, Salah
G. Aoun, Marc R. Daou, Tarek Y. El Ahmadieh, Alice Chang, Lucy Wang, H. Hunt Batjer, Bernard
R. Bendok)
Aditi Warhekar: Exploring The Relationship Between Metabolic Acid Base Status and The Number of
Apnea, Bradycardia, and Desaturation Alarms In Infants 27-32 Weeks Gestation in The First Two Weeks
of Life.
Advisors: Christine Sajous and Pat Hummel, Loyola University
Presented at the Midwest Society for Pediatric Research, Inc., Oct 4-5, 2012, in Columbus, OH. (R
Hohle, A Warhekar, PA Hummel, and CH Sajous)
Jordan Williams: The Effect of Silver Ion on Sewage Treatment Bacteria
Advisors: Megan Schrementi and Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented at the Ninth Annual RITS Super Science Fair, Nov. 19-17, 2011 in Kyoto, Japan
Summer Wu: Characterization and Manipulation of Nanorods via an Applied Magnetic Field
Advisors: Shih-han Lo, Vinayak Dravid; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS Region V Special Awards: Mu
Alpha Theta Award and Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. (YSEA) Science Fair Award;
Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences Paper Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Paper Exposition Gold Award
Winner; IJAS State Project Exposition Gold Award Winner; IJAS State Best in Category Award in
Materials Science; Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact finalist
Douglas Zhu: A Low-Power Wave Union TDC Implemented in FPGA
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-author of paper presented at the Topical Workshop on Electronics for Particle Physics 2011
(TWEPP-11), September 26-30, 2011 in Vienna, Austria (Jinyuan Wu, Yanchen Shi, Douglas Zhu)
140
Note: Mahi Singh’s research from the 2010 and 2011 academic years was published in 2013.
Mahi Singh (Class of 2011): Dnmt3b Is a Haploinsufficient Tumor Suppressor Gene in Myc-Induced
Lymphomagenesis
Advisors: Lucy Godley, Aparna Vasanthakumar, and Janet Lepore; University of Chicago
Co-author of paper published in Blood, March 14, 2013 (Aparna Vasanthakumar, Janet B. Lepore,
Matthew H. Zegarek, Masha Kocherginsky, Mahi Singh, Elizabeth M. Davis, Petra A. Link, John
Anastasi, Michelle M. Le Beau, Adam R. Karpf, and Lucy A. Godley)
141
Index
Poster/
Abstract
Number
Page
Number Name Time Room
I01 73 Michael Adams 09:10 A-133
N01 90 Prachi Aggarwal 10:00 A-147
R01 127 Jacob Akstins 09:35 Lect. Hall B-206
K01 80 Simone Alexandrova 2:10 B-133
C01 43 Soham Ali 10:50 A-135
M01 86 Andrew Alonso-Emanuel 09:35 B-133
N02 90 Charlene Angeles 12:55 A-133
A01 35 Ashok Arjunakani 09:35 A-115
O01 101 Ashok Arjunakani 10:25 A-113
K02 81 Lydia Auch 09:10 Acad. Pit A-138
D01 58 Martin Bantchev 12:55 Lect. Hall B-206
P01 117 Wesley Beck 12:55 A-121
K03 82 Sarah Blanco 09:10 Lect. Hall B-206
C02 43 Isiah Butler 10:50 A-151
I02 74 Kendell Byrd 09:10 Kids Inst. E-115
J01 78 Kirstyn Carlson 11:15 A-149
Q01 125 Vivian Chau 1:20 A-131
F01 65 Advitheey Chelikani 10:50 A-149
O02 102 Gary Chen 09:10 B-133
I03 74 Brian Chien 1:45 A-131
O03 102 Kathleen Chinetti 10:50 B-116
N03 91 Ryan Chiu 09:35 A-155
C03 44 Zi-Ning Choo 1:45 A-115
P02 117 Sharadyn Ciota 1:45 A-151
M02 87 Lael Costa 1:45 A-135
A02 35 Molly Cuka 11:15 Acad. Pit A-138
C06 45 Jonathan D'Souza 10:00 A-135
C04 44 John Deng 2:10 A-121
E01 59 Matthew Deng 2:10 Acad. Pit A-138
I04 75 Evan Derse 10:00 Acad. Pit A-138
K02 81 Grace DiCecco 09:10 Acad. Pit A-138
R02 127 Harrison Dimmig 09:35 A-147
C05 45 Vishrut Dixit 12:30 A-147
F02 65 Ryan Eberhardt 1:20 Lect. Hall B-206
N04 91 Kevin Emancipator 08:45 A-115
K02 81 Kenzo Esquivel 09:10 Acad. Pit A-138
142
O04 103 Anastasia Fafara 12:30 Kids Inst. E-115
C07 46 Kristy Fang 11:15 B-108
B01 39 Emerald Fikejs 1:20 A-155
C08 47 Marisol Flores 2:10 B-108
I01 73 Daniel Francis 09:10 A-133
O05 103 Kent Gang 10:25 Acad. Pit A-138
E01 59 Kent Gang 2:10 Acad. Pit A-138
E01 59 Siva Gangavarapu 2:10 Acad. Pit A-138
F03 66 Amanda Gao 08:45 A-135
N05 92 Arjun Garg 08:45 A-151
N06 92 Aaron Geldner 10:00 A-151
F04 66 Jackson Gibbons 1:20 A-133
C09 47 Ellen Gieser 09:10 A-155
C10 48 Shivani Goel 11:15 Kids Inst. E-115
N07 93 Annika Gomez 10:50 A-155
K04 82 Anna Gupta 10:50 A-119
H01 72 Ashima Gupta 08:45 Acad. Pit A-138
C08 47 Estefany Guzman 2:10 B-108
P03 118 Youcef Hadjarab 09:10 A-131
P04 119 Youcef Hadjarab 09:35 A-131
A03 36 Clarreesa Hardin 1:20 A-115
O06 104 Stephanie Hatz 12:55 A-119
M03 87 Kevin He 11:15 A-133
I05 75 Claire Hensley 1:20 A-119
I01 73 Jennifer Hoelzer 09:10 A-133
O07 104 Kevin Hong 1:20 B-133
B02 40 Isheng Hou 09:35 A-135
S01 130 Jonathan Hu 2:10 A-155
C11 48 Jimmy Huang 09:35 A-151
L01 85 Nathan Huxtable 10:50 A-147
O08 105 Shreya Jain 10:50 A-115
J02 79 Alexander Johnson 09:10 B-110
N08 93 Tejas Joshi 09:35 B-108
S02 131 Mohamed Kady 10:00 A-133
C12 49 Vandana Karan 12:55 A-135
H02 73 Anton Karpovich 10:50 Lect. Hall B-206
N09 94 Kaylee Kauffman 10:50 B-110
M04 88 Samuel Kaufman 09:35 Kids Inst. E-115
O09 105 Omkar Kelkar 09:10 A-113
O10 106 Omkar Kelkar 09:35 A-113
N10 94 Akram Khaja 08:45 B-116
143
C13 49 Kathryn Kim 11:15 B-133
Q02 125 Michelle Kinama 2:10 Kids Inst. E-115
E02 60 Ujwal Kiran 10:00 A-121
D01 59 Pirapat Kitipongpatana 12:55 Lect. Hall B-206
R03 128 Rebecca Kleina 10:00 Lect. Hall B-206
S01 130 Steven Kosvick 2:10 A-155
C14 50 Srisha Kotlo 10:00 A-119
F02 65 Milosz Kowal 1:20 Lect. Hall B-206
G01 70 Samuel Krause 10:25 A-147
E03 60 Jacob Kronenberg 11:15 A-119
O08 105 Anna Kryczka 10:50 A-115
K05 83 Anna Kryczka 1:45 A-119
N11 95 Anna Krzywiec 1:20 B-110
O02 102 Dipen Kumar 09:10 B-133
O11 107 Nishita Kumar 1:45 B-133
F05 67 Saurabh Kumar 08:45 A-155
N12 96 Shannon Kurian 12:55 B-110
G02 71 Andrew Kuznetsov 11:15 B-116
C15 50 Maria Kuznetsov 10:25 A-155
C16 51 Jiwon Kwak 09:10 A-151
C17 51 Jennifer Kwon 10:50 B-108
N13 96 Joshua Lam 09:10 B-108
R01 127 Carissa Lao 09:35 Lect. Hall B-206
K03 82 Clare Leahy 09:10 Lect. Hall B-206
O12 108 Lakhena Leang 1:45 Lect. Hall B-206
R04 128 Hankyul Lee 08:45 A-149
A04 36 Jenny Lee 12:55 A-155
O13 108 Jessica Lee 2:10 A-151
F06 67 Mack Lee 10:50 A-133
E04 61 Ryan Leemans 2:10 A-119
Q03 126 Sophie Legan 10:25 Lect. Hall B-206
F07 68 Arthur Li 1:45 A-149
M05 88 Evan Li 1:45 B-110
C18 52 Grace Li 2:10 A-131
F08 68 Jingfei Li 11:15 A-151
O14 109 Judy Li 08:45 A-147
P04 119 Kevin Li 09:35 A-131
P03 118 Kevin Li 09:10 A-131
N14 97 Shelly Li 10:00 A-115
B03 41 Claire Liang 1:20 A-113
P05 119 Emily Lindgren 1:20 A-151
144
O15 110 Emily Ling 2:10 Lect. Hall B-206
K04 82 David Lisk 10:50 A-119
G03 71 Christine Liu 09:10 A-149
N04 91 Gina Liu 08:45 A-115
C19 52 Lily Lou 1:45 Acad. Pit A-138
F03 66 Kristen Mancini 08:45 A-135
K06 83 Earl Justin Mangulabnan 2:10 A-149
C20 53 Anuj Marathe 2:10 A-115
R05 129 Anthony John Marquez 1:20 A-149
O16 111 Sarah Martin 12:30 Lect. Hall B-206
E05 61 John McGuire 12:30 A-151
K01 80 Marco Medina 2:10 B-133
B04 41 Aalap Mehta 10:00 Kids Inst. E-115
J03 79 Anna Melberg 10:25 A-149
Q03 126 Cristina Menchaca 10:25 Lect. Hall B-206
O11 107 Jackson Michuda 1:45 B-133
R05 129 Erma Mladenova 1:20 A-149
I06 76 Valerie Moore 08:45 Kids Inst. E-115
Q02 125 Colette Moos 2:10 Kids Inst. E-115
C21 53 Shruthi Mothkur 2:10 A-135
A05 37 Philip Nebres 09:10 A-115
R03 128 Gregory O'Bannon 10:00 Lect. Hall B-206
L02 86 Jameson O'Reilly 10:00 A-149
R06 129 Karen Olowu 08:45 Lect. Hall B-206
K07 84 Anthony Ortiz 1:45 A-147
C16 51 Nitya Pariti 09:10 A-151
O05 103 Deborah Park 10:25 Acad. Pit A-138
F08 68 Hyun Bin Park 11:15 A-151
O07 104 Matthew Park 1:20 B-133
C07 46 Nahee Park 11:15 B-108
N12 96 Monica Patel 12:55 B-110
A06 37 Ruchi Patel 11:15 A-113
O17 111 Shivani Patel 12:30 B-108
N15 97 Viveka Patel 2:10 A-133
N01 90 Jenson Phung 10:00 A-147
A02 35 Atene Poskute 11:15 Acad. Pit A-138
P06 120 Sagar Punhani 1:20 A-121
O04 103 Brianna Pusey 12:30 Kids Inst. E-115
Q04 126 June Qian 09:35 B-110
P07 120 Benjamin Rabe 10:00 B-110
G03 71 Ashley Radee 09:10 A-149
145
O18 112 Yvette Ramirez 1:45 A-133
O19 112 Vignesh Ravi 10:50 A-113
N16 98 Joseph Reda 12:55 A-115
N17 98 Sankeerth Reddy 10:25 B-116
O12 108 Xueyang Ren 1:45 Lect. Hall B-206
E06 62 Daniel Rosenthal 11:15 A-121
F09 69 Pratyush Rustagi 1:45 A-155
N18 99 Hannah Sambor 10:25 B-110
K08 84 Shreya Santhanam 09:10 A-147
N01 90 Shreya Santhanam 10:00 A-147
R07 130 Arjun Sarode 09:35 B-116
E07 63 Justin Sass 12:55 A-113
B05 42 Sreyesh Satpathy 10:50 A-131
I07 76 Sreyesh Satpathy 11:15 A-131
A07 38 Sajishnu Savya 10:50 Acad. Pit A-138
F10 69 Andrew Schell 11:15 Lect. Hall B-206
P08 121 Robert Schurz 10:25 A-115
J04 80 Addison Schwaller 2:10 A-147
O20 113 Devin Scott 09:35 A-121
E04 61 Travis Scott 2:10 A-119
N19 99 Frances Seo 11:15 A-135
P09 121 Abhishek Sethi 1:45 B-108
O21 113 Carrie Sha 09:10 A-121
N17 98 Sunny Shah 10:25 B-116
C22 54 Shreya Shanker 12:30 A-131
P10 122 Woohyun Shin 08:45 A-131
P03 118 Woohyun Shin 09:10 A-131
E08 64 Navika Shukla 1:45 A-113
O22 114 Medha Singh 11:15 A-155
M06 89 Suraj Sinha 1:20 Kids Inst. E-115
N20 100 Ross Skelly 10:25 B-108
O23 114 Vimig Socrates 1:20 A-147
O24 115 Saigopal Somasundaram 08:45 B-133
C23 54 Nathan Suek 2:10 A-113
C24 55 Hannah Swerbenski 10:25 A-121
N21 100 Sai Talluru 10:00 B-133
C25 55 Arjun Tambe 08:45 A-121
C26 56 Steven Tan 1:45 Kids Inst. E-115
P11 122 Lee Tang 09:10 B-116
M04 88 Matthew Tennenhouse 09:35 Kids Inst. E-115
O22 114 Lynette To 11:15 A-155
146
N22 101 Shruti Topudurti 10:50 Kids Inst. E-115
E05 61 Jeffrey Tucker 12:30 A-151
C27 56 Jeremy Tyszkiewicz 1:20 Acad. Pit A-138
Q02 125 Tony Vadakumchery 2:10 Kids Inst. E-115
O24 115 Sarah Valentine 08:45 B-133
P12 123 Lia Vallina 12:55 Kids Inst. E-115
C13 49 Rohan Verma 11:15 B-133
G04 72 Phuong Vo 09:35 A-149
D02 59 Brennan Wakey 08:45 A-133
K09 85 Samuel Walder 09:35 Acad. Pit A-138
I08 77 Stephanie Wang 08:45 A-119
I09 77 Stephanie Wang 09:10 A-119
C11 48 Yuanhao Wang 09:35 A-151
C19 52 Ciara Wardlow 1:45 Acad. Pit A-138
G03 71 Heidi Warning 09:10 A-149
A07 38 Joseph Weinrich 10:50 Acad. Pit A-138
B06 42 Elizabeth Weiss 10:50 B-133
R06 129 Isabella West 08:45 Lect. Hall B-206
O18 112 Michelle Wiebe 1:45 A-133
C06 45 Mateusz Wojtaszek 10:00 A-135
C28 57 Johnny Wu 10:00 B-108
P13 123 Joshua Wu 10:00 A-113
O25 116 Summer Wu 1:45 A-121
P14 124 William Xu 10:25 Kids Inst. E-115
A08 38 Shohei Yamakawa 2:10 B-110
P15 124 Oleksandr Yarema 10:25 A-131
O15 110 Hye Jean Yoon 2:10 Lect. Hall B-206
E09 64 Aaron Yu 08:45 B-110
C17 51 Kenneth Yun 10:50 B-108
K06 83 Scott Zelman 2:10 A-149
N22 101 Selam Zenebe-Gete 10:50 Kids Inst. E-115
F11 70 Michael Zeng 09:35 A-133
C29 58 Luke Zhan 10:25 A-119
O20 113 Jennifer Zhang 09:35 A-121
I10 78 Kevin Zhang 12:55 B-133
E07 63 Yifu Zhang 12:55 A-113
O26 116 Ellen Zhao 1:20 B-108
O10 106 Amy Zhu 09:35 A-113
April 2014
April 17, 2014
www.imsa.edu
April 2014
Dear IMSA Friends:
The Student Inquiry and Research Program (SIR) at IMSA is evidence in action of the
Academy’s mission “to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the
human condition.” By engaging in the rich opportunities provided by the SIR experience, IMSA
students pursue compelling questions of interest, conduct investigations, communicate findings,
and ultimately impact society and the global community.
Partnerships with distinguished professionals at colleges and universities, research institutions,
businesses, and museums allow our students to gain experience in real-world problem solving,
collaboration, and scholarship. The ability to work with professionals is a life-changing
experience for our students. Working with world-class scholars and advisors, students have
contributed to advances in a variety of fields from science, technology, engineering and
mathematics, to the performing arts and history. This work is shared through presentations,
publications, and collaborations with other students, scholars, artists, and inventors throughout
the world.
Evidence of our students’ excellence in all fields is found within this proceedings book of the
twenty-sixth year of SIR. In this abstract book you will learn of our students’ inquiries into their
unique passions, their pursuit of new interests, and their ability to both ask and answer deep
questions. Working with extraordinary advisors, they conduct high-level research fitting a worldclass
institution. In fact, a number of our students have already published and presented their
work at state, national, and international conferences.
We are tremendously indebted to our students’ advisors and their institutions. The strength of our
SIR program lies with these collaborative partnerships. We thank all the experts and leaders who
nurture IMSA students’ talents in innovative ways and guide them as they attain exceptional
levels of achievement.
These students exemplify a tradition of excellence. We have high expectations for our students,
and many far exceed these expectations for accomplishments and contributions to society. They
are well-prepared to confront and solve present and future challenges that impact our local and
global communities. Thank you for celebrating our students’ successes with us!
Sincerely,
Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D. Catherine C. Veal
Coordinator of Student Inquiry and Research President
1
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-sixth Annual IMSAloquium
April 17, 2014
Table of Contents
Student Inquiry and Research …………………………………….…………………………………… 2
Student Accomplishments 2013-14.………..……………………………………………………... 3 - 10
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………....................11
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………....... 12 - 24
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….... 22 - 24
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….……….…25 - 36
Student Abstracts, Organized by Topic…………..…………………..…………….…………... 37 - 135
A Biochemistry 37 - 40
B Bioengineering 40 - 46
C Biology 46 - 69
D Business 69 - 70
E Chemistry 71 - 74
F Computer Science 75 - 80
G Economics 80 - 84
H Education 84 - 85
I Engineering 85 - 90
J English 90
K Environmental Science 91 - 93
L Fine Arts 93
M History 94 - 95
N Law 95
O Mathematics 96 - 97
P Medicine 98 - 106
Q Neurobiology 107 - 119
R Physics 120 - 125
S Psychology 125 - 131
T Social Science 132 - 133
U Space Science 133 - 135
SIR 2012-13 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..136 - 141
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 142 - 146
Inside Back Cover - IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
IMSAloquium cover designer is Lael Costa (IMSA Class of 2014). The image was drawn by hand on a computer;
Silk was used to embellish the design and create a symmetrical version. It was completed using Adobe PhotoShop CC.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
2
Twenty-Six Years of Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized
learning at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown
into a program that encompasses all disciplines, includes nearly three hundred participants each year, and
participation by each graduating class has grown to about 90%. Credit is now offered for participation in
SIR in the summer, and Summer SIR continues to grow.
Our students’ accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from
college to begin to make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world
around them. IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is
paying attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are
numerous! Representative publications, presentations, and accomplishments are listed below.
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial listing)
Biophysical Journal
Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B
Nature
The Open Virology Journal
Young Scientist Journal
“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith
A. Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the
nation to have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades
9-12 (2005, NSTA Press).
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the
collaborative student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
Presentations (brief listing)
American Physical Society
American Society of Microbiology
Associated Professional Sleep Societies
10th Annual Dabrowski Conference
IEEE Ninth Workshop on Spatial Stochastic Models for Wireless Networks
Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
Competitions (brief listing)
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
26 finalists since 2008
3 fourth place (individual) category awards, 1 (team) third place category award
Intel Science Talent Search
47 semi-finalists and 13 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
56 regional semi-finalists; 7 regional finalists, resulting in 1 national semi-finalist
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2013-2014 Student Recognition
Please join us at 12:30 in the Academic Pit to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.
Prachi Aggarwal: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisors: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Charlene Angeles: The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Advisor: Mary Kapella; University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-presenter at 7th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, June 1-5, 2013
Ashok Arjunakani: The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids on Phase Changes in the Cell
Membrane
Advisor: Adam Hammond; University of Chicago
Presentation at the 9th International Student Science Fair, July 11-15, 2013, in Cornwall, England
Ashok Arjunakani: The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Advisors: Madeeha Agil, Kim Elseth, and James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State Finalist1; Intel ISEF
Finalist2
Ryan Chiu: Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic Inflammation
Signals by Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Advisor: Paul Grippo; Northwestern University
Presentation at the 9th International Student Science Fair, July 11-15, 2013, in Cornwall, England
Lael Costa: Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of Calabi-Yau
Manifolds
Advisor: Nir Avani, Northwestern University
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Lael Costa: Benefits of High School Student Research Opportunities
Student panelist at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central High
School
Matthew Deng: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented and published in the Singapore International Science Challenge Proceeding, 2013, July 1-5,
pages 80-94 (Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Matthew Deng, Max McGee, Ron Hurlbut, Michael Lee
Dao Kang, Sean Ng Peng Nam, Harman Johll, and Tok Eng Soon; Presentation at the American Junior
Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual
conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Jennifer Du: Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Advisor: Aldwin Anterola; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist
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Grace Duan: Identification of Active Brain Regions During Sleep
Advisors: Jennie Yufen Chen and Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State Finalist1; Intel ISEF
Finalist2
Cassandra Erwin: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge Finalist4
Ryan Franks: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge Finalist4
Kent Gang: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented and published in the Singapore International Science Challenge Proceeding, 2013, July 1-5,
pages 80-94 (Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Matthew Deng, Max McGee, Ron Hurlbut, Michael Lee
Dao Kang, Sean Ng Peng Nam, Harman Johll, and Tok Eng Soon; Presentation at the American Junior
Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual
conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Siva Gangavarapu: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented and published in the Singapore International Science Challenge Proceeding, 2013, July 1-5,
pages 80-94 (Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Matthew Deng, Max McGee, Ron Hurlbut, Michael Lee
Dao Kang, Sean Ng Peng Nam, Harman Johll, and Tok Eng Soon; Presentation at the American Junior
Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual
conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Al-Jalil Gault: The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and its Effect on Memory Functioning in
Homeless Youth
Advisor: Scott J. Hunter; University of Chicago
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Anna Gupta: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presentation at the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize National Competition, June 14-16, 2013,
Portland, Oregon; Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American
Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago,
Illinois; Poster presentation and award at the Illinois Water Environment Association WATERCON
banquet, March 17, 2014, Springfield, Illinois; Presentation at the Illinois section of the American Water
Works Association conference March 19, 2014 Springfield, Illinois
Claire Hensley: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
5
Michael Hrcek: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
Shreya Jain: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Omkar Kelkar: An Analysis of Regulated and Disrupted E4BP4 Circadian Waveforms in Siberian
Hamsters
Advisor: Brian Prendergast; University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Omair Khan: Burns Alter the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases Inflammation and Sepsis
Advisors: Mashkoor Choudhry and Zasckary Earley; Loyola University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: Special award from the Society
for In Vitro Biology; IJAS State finalist1
Srisha Kotlo: Analysis of Critcal PKC-delta Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Advisor: Marcus Henze; University of Illinois at Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-
16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois; Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist
Sanjay Kottapali: Evaluating Molecular Function
Advisors: Debabrata Chakravarti and J. Brandon Parker; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1
Anna Kryczka: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago. Illinois
Maria Kuznetsov: Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Expression During
Pregnancy
Advisor: Brian Layden; Northwestern University
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013
Lakhena Leang: Creating an Isogenic Inducible Model for ALS-related FUS R521G Aggregation in
Neuro2A cells
Advisor: Richard Morimoto; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Mack Lee: Analysis of Rate Outage with Fractional Frequency Reuse and Interference Cancellation
Advisors: Randall Berry and Vijay Subramanian, Northwestern University
Co-presenter at the IEEE Ninth Workshop on Spatial Stochastic Models for Wireless Networks, May 13,
2013, Tsukuba Science City, Japan (Lan Xing, Mack Lee, Rajeev Agrawal, Randall Berry, Vijay
Subramanian)
6
Judy Li: Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for the Analysis of
Axonal Degeneration in Huntington’s Disease
Advisors: Rudolfo Gatto and Gerardo Morfini; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013
David Lisk: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presentation at the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize National Competition, June 14-16, 2013,
Portland, Oregon; Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American
Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago,
Illinois; Poster presentation and award at the Illinois Water Environment Association WATERCON
banquet, March 17, 2014, Springfield, Illinois; Presentation at the Illinois section of the American Water
Works Association conference March 19, 2014, Springfield, Illinois
Vivian Liu: Structural Studies of Llama Antibodies in Complex with HIV-1 gp120
Advisor: Lei Chen; National Institutes of Health
Sigma Xi: Student Research Showcase, third place, high school division, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Sameeksha Malhotra: Identification of Active Brain Regions During Sleep
Advisors: Jennie Yufen Chen and Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1; Intel ISEF
finalist2
Alec Mangan: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
Alonzo Marsh: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
Sruthi Mothkur: Non-Linear Relationship Between T-Tubule Remodeling and Sr Calcium Release in
Failing Rat Ventricle
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Co-author of abstract published in Biophysical Journal, 2014, Volume 106, Issue 2, and co-presenter at
the 58th annual meeting of the Biophysical Society Feb 15-19, 2014, San Francisco, CA (Jasleen Singh,
Nikhil Bassi, Shannon Tai3, Shruthi Mothkur, William Marszalec, Neha Singh, Gary L. Aistrup, J.
Andrew Wasserstrom)
Philip Nebres: The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Lipids on Phase Separation
Advisor: Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Presentation at the 9th International Student Science Fair, July 11-15, 2013, in Cornwall, England;
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Philip Nebres: The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Advisors: Madeeha Agil, Kim Elseth, and James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State Finalist1; Intel ISEF
Finalist2
7
Michelle Park: The pH of Drinks and Their Effect on Teeth
Advisor: Don Dosch; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Jenson Phung: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisors; Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Cristal Quinones: The pH of Drinks and Their Effect on Teeth
Advisor: Don Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Aishwarya Raj: Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to KDM5A and the
Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya; University of Illinois at Chicago
Sigma Xi Student Research Showcase
Xueyang Ren: Creating an Isogenic Inducible Model for ALS-Related FUS R521G Aggregation in
Neuro2A cells
Advisor: Richard Morimoto; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Daniel Rosenthal: Metal-Assisted Etching of Silicon Molds for Electroforming
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola; Argonne National Laboratory
Co-author of paper in Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B 31(6), 2013;
http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.4821651 (Ralu Divan, Dan Rosenthal, Karim Ogando, Leonidas E. Ocola,
Daniel Rosenmann and Nicolaie Moldovan)
Daniel Rosenthal: Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola; Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School; Participated in YouTube video “A Look Inside Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials”
Published on Jan 29, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Krh7tozGY
Shreya Santhanam: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago
Public Schools
Advisors; Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago. Illinois
Sreyesh Satpathy: Magnetic Resonance Probe Optimization for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: William Klein and Kirsten Viola; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Science Paper Exposition;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1
8
Janani Sivakumar: Identification of Gravitationally Lensed Quasars: A Morphological Approach
Advisor: Sivakumar Muthuswamy; Motorola Solutions
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Simona Stancov: The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated Alterations of Nuclear
Hormone Receptor Expression and Metabolism
Advisor: Kristina Martinez; University of Chicago
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013; 39th Annual
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Ranjani Sundar: Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and Estrogenic Target
Genes in Ishikawa Cells
Advisors: Serdar Bulun and Ping Yin; Northwestern University
Co-author of paper to be published in Young Scientist Journal, Vol. 4, May 2014 (Ranjani Sundar, Ping
Yin, Serdar E. Bulun); 39th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Alternate;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1, Intel ISEF
finalist2; Sigma Xi: Student Research Showcase
Poornima Sundaravelu: Allelic Variation in Catechol-o-Methyltransferase and Interpersonal Stressors
on Adolescent Well-Being
Advisor: Eva Telzer; University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Sai Talluru: The Experience of GATA6 Mutations oof All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Advisors: Graeme Bell, David Carmody, and Siri Atma Greeley; University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Rashmi Thimmapuram: Novel Method to Find the Language Region Using Electrocorticography
During Natural Conversion
Advisor: Vernon Leo Towle; University of Chicago
39th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: Special Award from the Navy
Lynette To: Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T cells in Response to Qa-1-
restricted Mtb-Specific Peptides
Advisors: Yao Bian and Chung-Ru Wang; Northwestern University
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013
Shruti R. Topudurti: The Effect of Small Molecule 390 on CXCR4 Receptors
Advisors: Richard J. Miller and Andrew Shum; Northwestern University
Co-author of paper to be published in Young Scientist Journal, Vol. 4, May 2014 (Selam B. Zenebe-Gete,
Shruti R. Topudurti, Andrew Shum, Richard J. Miller)
Lia Vallina: An OPERA-3d Model of Muon Injection in the Muon g-2 Storage Ring
Advisor: Brendan Kiburg; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation at the American Physical Society Conference, Savannah, Georgia, April 4-7, 2014
9
Stephanie Wang: A Novel Design Verifying Field Programmable Gate Arrays' Radiation-Tolerance
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie Wang: The CAKE Clocking and the Trapezoidal Clocking Schemes: Principles and Demo
Tests
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-presenter at the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference and Workshop
on Room-Temperature Semiconductor X-ray and Gamma Ray Detectors, 2013 Seoul Korea Oct 27-Nov
2, 2013 (J. Wu, S. Wang, K. Zhang)
Selam B. Zenebe-Gete: The Effect of Small Molecule 390 on CXCR4 Receptors
Advisors: Richard J. Miller and Andrew Shum; Northwestern University
Co-author of paper to be published in Young Scientist Journal, Vol. 4, May 2014 (Selam B. Zenebe-Gete,
Shruti R. Topudurti, Andrew Shum, Richard J. Miller)
Luke Zhan: Regulation of Type II NKT Cell Cytokine Production by SLAM-Associated Protein
Advisors: Chyung-Ru Wang and Xiufang Weng; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
1) The Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences State Project Expositions is May 2 and 3, 2014 at Northern
Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.
2) The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is May 11-16, 2014 in Los Angeles,
California.
3) Alumnus, class of 2012.
4) The winning team of the NASA Exploration Design Challenge will be announced in April; winners
will build and have their design launched and tested on Orion's first test flight, Exploration Flight Test-1.
10
11
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
April 17, 2014
Schedule of Sessions
7:45 AM - 8:35 AM Poster Session
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM IMSAloquium Session 1
9:10 AM - 9:25 AM IMSAloquium Session 2
9:35 AM - 9:50 AM IMSAloquium Session 3
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM IMSAloquium Session 4
10:25 AM - 10:40 AM IMSAloquium Session 5
10:50 AM - 11:05 AM IMSAloquium Session 6
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM IMSAloquium Session 7
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Student Recognition
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM IMSAloquium Session 8
12:55 PM - 1:10 PM IMSAloquium Session 9
1:20 PM - 1:35 PM IMSAloquium Session 10
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM IMSAloquium Session 11
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM IMSAloquium Session 12
12
IMSAloquium Poster List and Presentation by Topic
Biochemistry
ID Presenter Title Time Room
A01 Kaia Ball Functional Characterization of the HopZ Family of Type III
Effectors
9:10 A-147
A02 Ryan Franks The Effect of pH and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium
Concentration on Two-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells
10:00 A-121
A03 Deborah Park
Ruchi Patel
Determining the Optimal Conditions for Inducing Apoptosis in
MCF-7 Cells With Aspirin Treatment
10:25 B-133
A04 Archit
Potharazu
Zachary Yager
Optimizing Light Absorption in Cyanobacteria 11:15 B-206 Lect.
Hall
A05 Aishwarya Raj Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to Lysine
(K)-Specific Demethylase 5A and the Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
2:10 B-108
A06 Ranjani Sundar Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and
Estrogenic Target Genes
1:20 A-155
A07 Sai Talluru
Amy Zhu
Elucidating Proteins Involved in Mitochondrial Division and
Tethering Using the Yeast Two-Hybrid System
2:10 A-155
Bioengineering
ID Presenter Title Time Room
B01 Ashok
Arjunakani
Philip Nebres
Investigating Methylation Patterns in Cancer Suppressor Genes
Through Gene Sequencing
1:45 A-138
Acad. Pit
B02 Jennifer Du Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus
cellulolyticus
10:25 A-149
B03 Ashley Kim Confirmation of Protein Immobilization on Carbon Nanofibers
Through Imaging Labeled With Glucose Oxidase-Coupled Gold
Nanoparticles
10:00 A-113
B04 Danielle
Madsen
Centrosome and Spectrosome Orientation in Drosophila APC2-
mut Stem Cell Asymmetric Division
10:00 A-115
B05 Rajiv Patel-
O'Connor
An Investigation of a Novel Peptide Amphiphile for Diagnosing
Atherosclerosis in vivo
12:55 A-117
B06 Sean Potempa Engineering Vascularized Bone 11:15 A-121
B07 Sagar Punhani
Kyle Thomas
Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Chronic Stroke
Subjects
9:35 A-131
B08 Susie Shin Construction of a Human Gene Regulatory Network 9:35 A-113
B09 Tera Sparks Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Functionalized Capture
Surfaces
2:10 A-117
B10 Rajiv Trehan Highlighting Cancerous Tissue During Brain Tumor Resection
Surgery
11:15 A-147
B11 Vivek Vermani Development of a Simulation Visual Prosthetic Device 9:10 A-119
B12 Elizabeth Weiss The Effects of the Overexpression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2 in
Glioblastoma Multiforme
1:45 A-131
13
Biology
ID Presenter Title Time Room
C01 Joshua-Paul
Ajayi
Effects of Kallikrien Gene Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer Risk
and Prostate Specific Antigen
1:45 A-113
C02 Waleed Ali Utilizing Nuclear Morphometry to Differentiate Between Salivary
Gland Cancers
1:45 A-121
C03 Ashok
Arjunakani
Philip Nebres
The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer
Cell Lines
2:10 A-138
Acad. Pit
C04 Xindi Chen Regulation of Interleukin 17 Receptor D by MicroRNA193a-3p in
Colon Cancers and Associated Diseases
9:35 A-115
C05 Mary Cody The Effect of Different Meat Types and Chemicals on Carrion
Insect Attraction
10:50 A-133
C06 John Deng Effects of Dietary Fat on Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in
Normal Mouse Colon
12:30 A-119
C07 Vishrut Dixit New Regulators of Lysosome Motility 1:20 A-147
C08 Natalie Dong
Atene Poskute
Saigopal
Somasundaram
Optimizing DNA Sequencing Using DNA Isolation, Polymerase
Chain Reaction, and Gel Electrophoresis
10:50 B-206
Lect. Hall
C09 Nisa Faheem
Somie Park
Lajvanthi
Sudhakar
The Effect of microRNA on the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell
Lung and Breast Adenocarcinoma
12:30 B-206
Lect. Hall
C10 Kristy Fang
Nahee Park
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within
Schizophrenia-Associated MIR137 Locus
12:30 A-121
C11 Yan Lin Feng Deoxycholic Acid Alters Expression of Cancer and Epigenetic
Genes in Mouse Intestinal Epithelium
1:45 B-116
C12 Natasha Freund Using Golden Helix to Analyze Data From Whole Genome
Sequences of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
1:20 A-131
C13 Geronimo
Garcia
Priya Trivedi
Examining Cell-Cell Communication in Filamentous
Cyanobacteria Using Electron Tomography
8:45 A-149
C14 Cammille Go Patterns Behind Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in
Glaucoma on Oscillatory Potential Waves
1:20 A-115
C15 Annika Gomez Engineering a Luminescent Reporter Protein to Track Influenza A
Virus Infection in vivo
10:25 A-113
C16 Alyda Huerta CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-Guided Upregulation of Utrophin as a
Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
10:00 A-147
C17 Shreya Jain Effect of High Nitric Oxide Microenvironment on Cancer Cell
Migration
1:20 A-138
Acad. Pit
C18 Elijah Jimenez Phenotypic Characterization of OX40L-Expressing Dendritic Cells
Expanding T-Regulatory T-Cells
8:45 A-131
C19 Vivian Jin
Shuchi Patel
Error Correction Approach of Next Generation Sequencing Data
for Analysis of HIV-1 Variability
10:25 A-133
C20 Omkar Kelkar The Effect of Photoperiod and Thyroid Hormone on Innate
Immune Response in Phodopus sungorus
10:25 A-135
14
C21 Nicholas Kiene Effects of Environmental Factors, Immune Evasion, and Reservoir
Population on the Prevalence of Lyme Disease
10:00 B-133
C22 Srisha Kotlo The Role of E2F1 in Regulating Bone Marrow Cell Oxidative
Metabolism and Ischemic Cardiac Repair
C23 Sanjay
Kottapalli
Evaluating Molecular Function of Proteins Through Integrase-
Mediated Cassette Exchange
1:45 A-135
C24 Kathryn Kuna Analysis of Retinoblastoma I and Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase
5A on Metabolic Pathways
12:55 B-108
C25 Quinn Lewis Effects of a Nuclear Receptor Agonist on Gene Expression of
Hepatocyte Organoids
2:10 B-116
C26 Gina Liu Identification of Fate Regulators in Human Embryonic Stem Cells 8:45 A-151
C27 Gina Liu Creating an Efficient Code Pipeline to Analyze Caenorhabditis
elegans Drug Sensitivity
9:10 A-151
C28 Shruthi
Mothkur
Correlation Between Intracellular Calcium Release and T-Tubule
Organization in Failing Rat Myocytes
1:20 B-108
C29 Shruthi
Mothkur
Characterization of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B Alterations in
Human Breast Cancer
1:45 B-108
C30 Emily Mu Functions of Transcriptional Corepressor Groucho on Neuronal
Differentiation
9:10 A-115
C31 Julian Pacheco Association Between Diabetes-Related Single Nucleotide
Polymorphisms and Various Cancer Types
12:30 A-135
C32 Breanna
Pederson
Homozygous Genotypes Long Adenine and Short Variant of
Serotonin Transporter Gene and Link to Autism
10:25 A-155
C33 Michael
Pradaxay
Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Roles in
the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease
1:20 A-113
C34 Maureen Reiser The Relationship Between Enrichment Type and Daily Activity in
a Mountain Lion
12:55 B-206 Lect.
Hall
C35 Nicole Schubert Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Enrichment for Captive
Gray Wolves (Canis lupus)
1:45 B-206 Lect.
Hall
C36 Christopher
Shin
The Role of Viral Protein 1/2 in Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Replication
1:45 A-155
C37 Sachi Singh Effect of Apolipoprotein E4 Allele on Deterioration of Brains in
Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
1:20 A-133
C38 Shelly Teng The Effects of A4V Superoxide Dismutase 1 Mutant Protein
Incorporation on Calcium Ion Membrane Conductance
2:10 A-121
C39 Yash Thacker Designing an Algorithm to Analyze Images of Moving
Mitochondria
12:30 E-115 Kids
Inst.
C40 Lynette To Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T
Cells
1:20 A-149
C41 Brian Vien The Effects of the Microflora on Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration
in vitro
2:10 A-133
C42 Amanda Walsh Determining Gene Recruitment Sequences for Targeting ACT1
Gene to the Nuclear Periphery in Yeast
8:45 A-121
C43 William
Widjaja
The Role of ER71 in Blood Vessel Development 11:15 A-133
C44 Mayuri Yasuda The Absence of Gut Microbes Alters Hepatic Nuclear Receptor
Expression
1:20 B-116
15
C45 Sung Yeo The Effects of Adiponectin on Fibrosis 1:20 A-121
Business
ID Presenter Title Time Room
D01 Sun Kim
John Satter
Possible Short Term Investment Strategy 1:45 E-115 Kids
Inst.
D02 Rohit
Mahankali
An Ethnographic Study of Start-Up Businesses and Their
Approaches to Defining Target Markets
10:50 B-108
D03 Jonathan
Peloquin
Investigation of the Implementation of Global Positioning Systems
in Missiles and New Technologies
9:35 E-115 Kids
Inst.
Chemistry
ID Presenter Title Time Room
E01 Kyle Chen Characterization of Polymer Modification via Sequential
Infiltration Synthesis Process
8:45 A-133
E02 Siva
Gangavarapu
Atomic Layer Deposition of Hafnium Oxide on a Silicon Substrate
E03 Arjit Jaiswal
Varun Patel
Using Granular Silicon-Graphene Anodes to Boost the Capacity of
Lithium-Ion Batteries
12:55 A-151
E04 Jacob
Kronenberg
Engineering Self-Assembling Peptides to Tune the Coordination
Environment of Metalloporphyrins
12:30 A-133
E05 Anna Kryczka Computational Study of Propane Dehydrogenation Over Palladium
Alloy Catalysts
8:45 B-116
E06 Nida
Normantaite
Phase Transitions From Amorphous to Crystalline in Polyethylene
Terephthalate Polymer
10:50 A-115
E07 Daniel
Rosenthal
The Effects of Process Parameters on Metal-Assisted Chemical
Etching
E08 Mateusz
Wojtaszek
Detecting and Quantifying Trace Amounts of Silver Nanoparticles
and Ions in Solution
10:00 B-108
Computer Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
F01 Ethan Bian
Benjamin Rabe
Creating a Fast and Accurate Physics Engine Modeling Soft-Body
Collisions with OpenGL and Java
12:55 E-115 Kids
Inst.
F02 Remy Bubulka Constructing and Optimizing a System to Store and Protect
Corporate Records
9:10 A-121
F03 Advitheey
Chelikani
Saurabh Kumar
Using Markov Decision Processes to Determine Optimal Claim
Policy for Automobile Accidents
1:45 A-151
F04 Advitheey
Chelikani
Comparing the Rate Monotonic and Earliest Deadline First
Scheduling Algorithms
1:20 A-151
F05 Diana Chen
Sneha Thakkar
Showing Ego Depletion and Motivation in Video Games 11:15 A-138
Acad. Pit
F06 Eric Hennenfent Constructing a Web Interface for the NOvA Experiment 9:10 A-155
F07 Saurabh Kumar Measurement of Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Accuracy Using
Machine Learning Algorithms
2:10 A-151
16
F08 Andrew
Kuznetsov
Development of Mechanical Turk Simulations for Auction Theory
Research
1:20 E-115
Kids Inst.
F09 Claire Lee
Emily Rader
Transition From Biological Life to the Development of Artificial
Intelligence
2:10 B-206
Lect. Hall
F10 Mack Lee Simulating Bandwidth Reuse Methods to Maximize Speed and
Coverage for Cellular Customers
F11 Nicholas
Magerko
Jonathan
Reynolds
Constructing High Quality Three-Dimensional Models With
Economical Hardware
10:25 A-115
Economics
ID Presenter Title Time Room
G01 Timothy Gietl Effect of Refinery Outages on Petroleum Administration for
Defense District - West Coast Gasoline Prices
10:50 B-110
G02 Timothy Gietl Development of Trading and Risk Management Strategies for
Ibovespa Index Futures
11:15 B-110
G03 Yasmine
Gordon
A Comparison of Accuracy and Validity of Risk Adjustment
Models Used in the Health Care Industry
10:50 A-138
Acad. Pit
G04 Huajie Huang How Rigged is the London Interbank Offered Rate? 9:35 B-110
G05 Huajie Huang How Efficient is the Foreign Exchange Market? 10:00 B-110
G06 Derek Lubecke Investigating Central Banking Development, Policies, and Actions
Throughout the World
8:45 B-133
G07 Daniel Pechi International Pharmaceutical Markets and Patent Law 11:15 A-117
G08 Michael Zeng A Visually Intuitive Approach to Market Profiles 10:25 B-110
Education
ID Presenter Title Time Room
H01 Karin Han Agent-Based Modeling and the Understanding of Causality in
College Biology Students
12:30 B-110
H02 Kayla Ingram Black and Latino Student Motivation Engaged in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
10:25 A-119
Engineering
ID Presenter Title Time Room
I01 Michael Adams Design of a Double Rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Prototype 11:15 A-113
I02 Timothy
Akintilo
Vimal
Bellamkonda
Development of a Quantitative System for Evaluating At-Home
Standing of the Mobility Disabled
10:00 B-116
I03 Tahj Alli-
Balogun
Thomas Wu
A Physical and Chemical Investigation of the Heusler Alloy
Fe2TiSn
9:10 A-131
I04 Daniel Atten
Marissa
Borchering
Separating Carbon Dioxide Gas From Lawn Mower Exhaust
Gases
10:25 B-116
17
I05 Eric Barrientos Purifying Contaminated Water With Silver Nanoparticle-Infused
Ceramic Filters
9:35 B-108
I06 Brendan
Batliner
Milan Shah
Integration of Sensors in a Wireless High Altitude Balloon Cut-
Down System
2:10 A-119
I07 Evan Derse Modifying Wind Turbine Blade Design to Reduce Noise While
Retaining or Increasing Power Generation
8:45 B-110
I08 Kevin He
Adit Suvarna
A Multiplexed Readout Scheme for a Large Array of
Photomultiplier Tubes
11:15 A-149
I09 Vinesh Kannan Modifying and Reinforcing Bimetallic Strips for Application in
Expanding Structures
10:25 B-108
I10 Alan Yang Improving the Efficiency of Power Amplifiers in Radio
Frequency Plasma Lamps
12:55 A-131
English
ID Presenter Title Time Room
J01 Ana Curtis Gender-Driven Perceptions of Women in Nineteenth Century
British Literature
11:15 A-115
Environmental Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
K01 Elise Douglas
Gregory
O'Bannon
Synthesis of Isobutanol From Lignocellulosic Biomass Inoculated
With Fungus and Bacteria
1:20 A-117
K02 Anna Gupta
David Lisk
Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter 9:10 B-108
K03 Eveline Liu The Role of Climate Change in the Biodiversity of Ant Species 8:45 A-119
K04 Bailey
Simmons-
Brown
Chlorella’s Effect on Ammonium and Nitrate Levels 9:10 B-116
K05 Aaron Victor
Ziang Wang
Investigation of the Ecological and Economical Effects of Green
Roofs
9:35 B-116
Fine Arts
ID Presenter Title Time Room
L01 Daniel Collins Thematic Development in Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas and its
Applications to Modern Composition
2:10 E-102 Aud.
History
ID Presenter Title Time Room
M01 Max
Kontorovich
An Examination of the Causes of World War II and the Cold War 9:10 A-133
M02 Andrew Salij Vikings and Monasteries: An Analysis of the Conversion of
Medieval Europe
9:10 B-133
M03 Stephanie Wang Confucius to Fake Gucci? A Historical Approach to Explaining
the Development of China's Black Market
10:00 A-138 Acad.
Pit
18
Law
ID Presenter Title Time Room
N01 Edward Jun A Study of the Application of Death Penalty Law in Sub-Saharan
Africa
1:45 A-117
Mathematics
ID Presenter Title Time Room
O01 Lael Costa Taking the Red Pill: Degenerations of Matrix Space 11:15 A-135
O02 Luke Musgrave Examining Influential Factors for Team Pitching Environments in
Major League Baseball
12:55 B-116
O03 Suraj Sinha Upset Definition and Prediction in Tennis 9:35 A-121
O04 James Tao Counting Rational Space Curves Meeting Lines and Points Using
the Method of Degeneration
12:30 A-155
Medicine
ID Presenter Title Time Room
P01 Max Ackerman Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic
Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis
8:45 A-135
P02 Prachi
Aggarwal
Jenson Phung
Shreya
Santhanam
An Evaluation of Chicago Public Schools’ Health-Related
Policies
9:10 B-206 Lect.
Hall
P03 Ryan Chiu Epidermal Growth Factor Ameliorates Transforming Growth
Factor β-Induced Collagen Deposition in Pancreatic Stellate Cells
2:10 A-147
P04 Lohitha
Guntupalli
Assessment of Non-Rapid Eye Movement Delta Sleep and its
Correlation to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
2:10 A-113
P05 Taylor Herr Pain Trajectories Across Different Variables for Inpatients at the
University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center
12:30 A-113
P06 Fengling Hu
Effects of T1L Reovirus Infection on Antiviral Response of
Human Lamina Propria Cell Types in vitro
9:35 A-147
P07 Sharon Johnson
Sophia Lam
The Correlation Between Gestational Age and Independent Oral
Feeding in Preterm Newborns
10:50 A-147
P08 Omair Khan Burn Injury Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases
Inflammation and Risk of Sepsis
1:45 A-149
P09 Frances Seo Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reaching
Distance of Impaired Arm Post Stroke
10:00 A-117
P10 Abhishek Sethi Does Connective Tissue Growth Factor Cause Left Atrial Fibrosis
in Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
2:10 A-135
P11 Vimig Socrates Clinical Studies in Venous Leg Ulcers and Incisional Hernias 10:00 A-151
P12 Simona Stancov The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated
Alterations of Nuclear Hormone Receptor Expression
11:15 B-116
P13 Shruti
Topudurti
Selam Zenebe-
Gete
The Effects of the Novel Agonist 390 on the CXC Type 4
Chemokine Receptor
10:50 A-135
P14 Paul Wang The Future of Healthcare Reform: The Quantitative and
Qualitative Implications of Value-Based Care
10:25 A-138 Acad.
Pit
19
P15 Irina Wirjan Identifying the Melanosomal Component Responsible for
Selective Sensitivity to Bleaching Phenols
8:45 A-117
P16 Luke Zhan Effects of KBU2046 on Common Chemotherapeutics and
Androgen Regulation in Breast and Prostate Cancers
11:15 B-133
Neurobiology
ID Presenter Title Time Room
Q01 Kristin Carlson Alteration of Brain Connections in Resting State Networks After
Performing Simple Motor Actions
2:10 B-133
Q02 Greeshma
Chilukuri
Jayathi
Varadheeswaran
Automatic Switching Point From Perfusion to Permeability Using
a Single Full-Dose Contrast Injection
1:20 B-133
Q03 Joseph
Donermeyer
Dawson Patel
A Comparison of the Magnitude of Visual Simon Effect in High
School Students With and Without Music
10:25 B-206 Lect.
Hall
Q04 Grace Duan
Sameeksha
Malhotra
Active Brain Regions During Sleep Using
Electroencephalography Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
1:45 B-133
Q05 Anastasia
Fafara
Brianna Pusey
Age-Related Changes in Visual Learning Strategies 8:45 E-115 Kids
Inst.
Q06 Kayla Hannon Infant Tractography of the Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule 10:50 A-113
Q07 Rhea Harsoor
Shveta Thakkar
Following Speech Through the Brain: Three Successive Parallel
Networks
10:50 A-155
Q08 Mohamed Kady
Harishankar
Logaraj
The Effects of Neurotrophic Drugs on the Degeneration of
Cochlear Hair Cells in Guinea Pigs
8:45 A-147
Q09 Vandana Karan Effects of Vindeburnol on Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathology 10:50 A-131
Q10 Taylor Knopf Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: A Nationwide Inpatient
Sample
11:15 A-131
Q11 Lakhena Leang
Xueyang Ren
Identifying Chaperones and Co-Chaperones Affecting Mechanisms
of FUS R521G Aggregation in N2A Cells
10:50 A-149
Q12 Jessica Lee Inhibitable Plasma Cholinesterases as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s
Disease
10:00 A-131
Q13 Judy Li Activated c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Contributes to the Differential
Vulnerability of Neurons in Huntington’s Disease
10:00 A-135
Q14 Emily Ling Using Microfluidic Chambers to Evaluate the Effect of MitoQ on
Fused in Sarcoma-Mediated Neurotoxicity
10:25 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q15 Emily Ling
Hye Jean Yoon
Screening Potential Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 10:50 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q16 Matthew Park Extracting the Hemodynamic Response With the Finite Impulse
Response Filter
12:55 B-133
Q17 Haneesha
Paruchuri
Analysis Comparing Defective RNA Binding Proteins in
Association With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
10:00 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q18 Vignesh Ravi Monitoring the Time and Extent of Neurodegeneration in the
Motor Cortex of a Novel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse
Model
9:10 A-138
Acad. Pit
20
Q19 Sreyesh
Satpathy
Optimization of a Magnetic Resonance Probe for Early Detection
of Alzheimer’s Disease
1:20 B-110
Q20 Sajishnu Savya The Relationship Between the Hippocampus and Long-Term
Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
1:45 A-133
Q21 Vimig Socrates Audiotactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans 9:35 A-151
Q22 Rashmi
Thimmapuram
Method to Find the Language Region in the Brain Using
Electrocorticography From Natural Conversation
11:15 A-155
Q23 Rashmi
Thimmapuram
The Role of Microglial Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in
Alzheimer’s Disease
1:45 B-110
Q24 Wenhan Wang Functional Analysis of Dopaminergic Neurons Derived From
Human Embryonic Stem Cells
10:25 A-121
Q25 Hye Jean Yoon Developing Therapeutic Approaches to TAR DNA Binding Protein
43 and Fused in Sarcoma Proteinopathies
11:15 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q26 Timothy Zhou Quantifying the Effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Axon
Continuity and Larval Motility
8:45 B-206
Lect. Hall
Physics
ID Presenter Title Time Room
R01 Vikram Anjur
Alexander
Moreno
Performance Validation of the QIE10 Application Specific
Integrated Circuits for the Phase I Upgrade of the Compact Muon
Solenoid Detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider
1:45 A-147
R02 Mason
Dearborn
Cosmic Ray Background in the NOvA Neutrino Experiment 8:45 A-155
R03 Daniel
Gonzalez
Measuring the Energy of Antineutrinos 9:35 A-155
R04 Ka wai Lee Ultrasonic Thermometry for the Analysis of Thermal Protection
Materials
9:35 A-133
R05 Jameson
O'Reilly
Measurement of the Ratio of σ(pp → Z + bb)/σ(pp → Z + jj) at √s
= 1.96
10:25 A-117
R06 Sattvic Ray Analyzing the X-Ray Spectra of Nova V339 Delphi and Nova KT
Eridani Using Model Atmospheres
2:10 A-131
R07 Dennis Rich Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Used in Thermoelectric Devices by
Chemical Vapor Deposition
9:10 A-113
R08 Bhairvi Shah Fiber Optic Interferometers as Acoustic Sensors for Bubble
Chamber Dark Matter Detectors
10:50 A-117
R09 Janani
Sivakumar
A Search for Strong Gravitational Lenses in the Dark Energy
Survey Supernova Fields
9:35 A-149
R10 Emma Sloan Beam Test of the Muon g-2 Tracker 1:45 A-115
R11 Lia Vallina Constructing a Model of the Muon g-2 Magnet in Opera-3d 9:35 A-117
Psychology
ID Presenter Title Time Room
S01 Marissa Brock
Alexandra
Johnson
The Correlation Between Exercise and Stress of Adolescents in
Academically Rigorous Environments
10:00 A-119
S02 Al-Jalil Gault The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and the Effect on
Memory Functioning in Homeless Youth
9:35 A-138
Acad. Pit
21
S03 Leehwa Hong
Vivian Liu
A Cross-Cultural Study of the Relationship Between Empathy and
Social Dominance
11:15 B-108
S04 Nisha Kishore The Emotional Intelligence of Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy Students
9:35 B-206
Lect. Hall
S05 Patty Li
Yiqiao Wu
Investigating the Origins of Suicide in Asian American and Pacific
Islander Youth and Elderly
9:10 E-115
Kids Inst.
S06 Hsing-Duan
Louh
Malachi
Loviska
Relieving Stress by Increasing Stress Awareness 10:50 A-119
S07 Saraswathi
Nookala
The Effect of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Generosity 9:35 A-135
S08 Aniruddha
Shekara
Associations Between Impulsive Choice and Risk-Taking in
Relation to Gambling
8:45 A-138
Acad. Pit
S09 Remmie Spinks The Effect of Time in Captivity on a Gray Wolf’s Capacity of
Trust in Humans
1:20 B-206
Lect. Hall
S10 Poornima
Sundaravelu
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Allelic Variation and Interpersonal
Stressors on Adolescent Well-Being
10:00 A-149
S11 Rachel Thain The Effects of Visual Speech Cues on the Speed of Spoken
Language Perception in Adults
12:55 A-147
S12 Ryan Yang Anxieties: Effects on Self-Concept and Common Methods of
Relieving Anxiety
10:00 B-206
Lect. Hall
Social Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
T01 Anna Borromeo An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Millennium Villages
Project to Eradicate Global Poverty
11:15 A-151
T02 Amy De La
Torre
Laura Lehmann
The Invisible Social and Emotional Struggles of Women in Law
Enforcement and the Military
11:15 A-119
T03 Molly Fane
Alonzo Marsh
Measuring the Health of the News Industry 10:50 B-133
Space Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
U01 Austin Cao
Dayna Lei
Characterizing Charge-Coupled Device and Naked-Eye Telescope
Observations at the Doane Observatory
1:20 A-119
U02 Kieran Groble Measuring Diffuse Interstellar Bands in Henry Draper Catalogue
Stars
8:45 A-115
U03 Ujwal Kiran
Megan Roller
Numerical and Visual Modeling of Comet Dust Trails 1:45 A-119
U04 Alec Mangan Designing a Radiation Shield for the NASA Exploration Design
Challenge
9:10 B-110
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 A07 B06 B12 C06 C12
A02 B01 B07 C01 C07 C13
A03 B02 B08 C02 C08 C14
A04 B03 B09 C03 C09 C15
A05 B04 B10 C04 C10 C16
A06 B05 B11 C05 C11 C17
C18 C19 C20 C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31
C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38 C39 C40 C41 C42 C43 C44 C45
D01 D02 D03 E01 E02 E03 E04 E05 E06 E07 E08 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 F06 F07
F08 F09 F10 F11 G01 G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 H01 H02 I01 I02 I03 I04
I09 I10 J01 K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 L01 M01 M02 M03 N01 O01 O02 O03
Old Cafeteria/Commons
I05
I06
I07
I08
O04 P01
P02
P03
Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A07 * Economics: G01-G08 * History: M01-M03
* Bioengineering: B01-B12 * Education: H01-H02 * Law: N01
* Biology: C01-C45 * Engineering: I01-I10 * Mathematics: O01-O04
* Business: D01-D03 * English: J01 * Medicine: P01-P03
* Chemistry: E01-E108 * Environmental Science: K01-K05 continued
* Computer Science: F01-F11 * Fine Arts: L01
Old Cafeteria/Commons
Diagram not to Scale
* Medicine Continued: P04-P16
* Neurobiology: Q01-Q13
continued
Poster Map
C135
C133
C142
C145 Stairs
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research Conference Room
U03 U04
A U02
U01
Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q19 Q20 Q21
Q22 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q26 R01 R02 R03 R04 R05
R06 R07 R08 R09 R10 R11 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 S06 S07 S08 S09 S10 S11 S12
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life
C122A
C121A Offices
C125
C126
C127
A108
T01 T02 T03
A107
CAC Office
D
Diagram not to Scale
* Neurobiology continued: Q14-Q26
* Physics: R01-R11
* Psychology: S01-S12
* Social Science: T01-T03
* Space Science: U01-U04
25
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations
8:45 - 9:00
Room ID
A-115 U02 Measuring Diffuse Interstellar Bands in Henry Draper Catalogue Stars
Kieran Groble; Advisor(s): Don York
A-117 P15 Identifying the Melanosomal Component Responsible for Selective Sensitivity to
Bleaching Phenols
Irina Wirjan; Advisor(s): Jonathan Eby, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-119 K03 The Role of Climate Change in the Biodiversity of Ant Species
Eveline Liu; Advisor(s): Gracen Brilmyer, Corrie Moreau
A-121 C42 Determining Gene Recruitment Sequences for Targeting ACT1 Gene to the Nuclear
Periphery in Yeast
Amanda Walsh; Advisor(s): Donna Brickner, Jason Brickner
A-131 C18 Phenotypic Characterization of OX40L-Expressing Dendritic Cells Expanding TRegulatory
T-Cells
Elijah Jimenez; Advisor(s): Palash Bhattacharya, Bellur Prabhakar
A-133 E01 Characterization of Polymer Modification via Sequential Infiltration Synthesis
Process
Kyle Chen; Advisor(s): Leonidas Ocola
A-135 P01 Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic Inflammation in Ulcerative
Colitis
Max Ackerman; Advisor(s): Sarah Goeppinger, Adam Mikolajczyk, David Rubin
A-138
Acad.
Pit
S08 Associations Between Impulsive Choice and Risk-Taking in Relation to Gambling
Aniruddha Shekara; Advisor(s): Jessica Weafer, Harriet de Wit
A-147 Q08 The Effects of Neurotrophic Drugs on the Degeneration of Cochlear Hair Cells in
Guinea Pigs
Mohamed Kady, Harishankar Logaraj; Advisor(s): Claus-Peter Richter
A-149 C13 Examining Cell-Cell Communication in Filamentous Cyanobacteria Using Electron
Tomography
Geronimo Garcia, Priya Trivedi; Advisor(s): Robert Haselkorn, Amin Nasser
A-151 C26 Identification of Fate Regulators in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Gina Liu; Advisor(s): Fei Wang
A-155 R02 Cosmic Ray Background in the NOvA Neutrino Experiment
Mason Dearborn; Advisor(s): Lisa Goodenough, Maury Goodman
B-110 I07 Modifying Wind Turbine Blade Design to Reduce Noise While Retaining or
Increasing Power Generation
Evan Derse; Advisor(s): Eric Hawker
B-116 E05 Computational Study of Propane Dehydrogenation Over Palladium Alloy Catalysts
Anna Kryczka; Advisor(s): Randall Meyer
B-133 G06 Investigating Central Banking Development, Policies, and Actions Throughout the
World
Derek Lubecke; Advisor(s): Eric Smith
B-206
Lect.
Hall
Q26 Quantifying the Effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Axon Continuity and
Larval Motility
Timothy Zhou; Advisor(s): Yang Li, Jane Wu
26
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q05 Age-Related Changes in Visual Learning Strategies
Anastasia Fafara, Brianna Pusey; Advisor(s): Kelly Brandstatt, Anthony Ryals, Joel Voss
9:10 - 9:25
Room ID
A-113 R07 Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Used in Thermoelectric Devices by Chemical Vapor
Deposition
Dennis Rich; Advisor(s): Venkat Chandrasekhar, Tanuj Gupta
A-115 C30 Functions of Transcriptional Corepressor Groucho on Neuronal Differentiation
Emily Mu; Advisor(s): Wei Du, Tianyi Zhang
A-119 B11 Development of a Simulation Visual Prosthetic Device
Vivek Vermani; Advisor(s): Gayatri Kaskhedikar, Philip Troyk
A-121 F02 Constructing and Optimizing a System to Store and Protect Corporate Records
Remy Bubulka; Advisor(s): Brian Gravelle
A-131 I03 A Physical and Chemical Investigation of the Heusler Alloy Fe2TiSn
Tahj Alli-Balogun, Thomas Wu; Advisor(s): Susan Meschel, Philip Nash
A-133 M01 An Examination of the Causes of World War II and the Cold War
Max Kontorovich; Advisor(s): Lee Eysturlid
A-138
Acad.
Pit
Q18 Monitoring the Time and Extent of Neurodegeneration in the Motor Cortex of a
Novel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse Model
Vignesh Ravi; Advisor(s): Mukesh Gautam, Pembe Hande Ozdinler
A-147 A01 Functional Characterization of the HopZ Family of Type III Effectors
Kaia Ball; Advisor(s): Andrew Manning
A-151 C27 Creating an Efficient Code Pipeline to Analyze Caenorhabditis elegans Drug
Sensitivity
Gina Liu; Advisor(s): Erik Andersen
A-155 F06 Constructing a Web Interface for the NOvA Experiment
Eric Hennenfent; Advisor(s): Maury Goodman, Jonathan Paley, Louise Suter
B-108 K02 Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Anna Gupta, David Lisk; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson
B-110 U04 Designing a Radiation Shield for the NASA Exploration Design Challenge
Alec Mangan; Advisor(s): Eric Hawker
B-116 K04 Chlorella’s Effect on Ammonium and Nitrate Levels
Bailey Simmons-Brown; Advisor(s): Peter Clancy
B-133 M02 Vikings and Monasteries: An Analysis of the Conversion of Medieval Europe
Andrew Salij; Advisor(s): Eric Smith
B-206
Lect.
Hall
P02 An Evaluation of Chicago Public Schools’ Health-Related Policies
Prachi Aggarwal, Jenson Phung, Shreya Santhanam; Advisor(s): Ashley Dyer, Ruchi
Gupta, Victoria Rivkina
E-115
Kids
Inst.
S05 Investigating the Origins of Suicide in Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth
and Elderly
Patty Li, Yiqiao Wu; Advisor(s): Mark Chiang, Rooshey Hasnain
27
9:35 - 9:50
Room ID
A-113 B08 Construction of a Human Gene Regulatory Network
Susie Shin; Advisor(s): Insuk Lee
A-115 C04 Regulation of Interleukin 17 Receptor D by MicroRNA193a-3p in Colon Cancers
and Associated Diseases
Xindi Chen; Advisor(s): Katherine Meckel, Joel Pekow
A-117 R11 Constructing a Model of the Muon g-2 Magnet in Opera-3d
Lia Vallina; Advisor(s): Brendan Kiburg
A-121 O03 Upset Definition and Prediction in Tennis
Suraj Sinha; Advisor(s): Yea-Jane Chu, Jing Shyr
A-131 B07 Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Chronic Stroke Subjects
Sagar Punhani, Kyle Thomas; Advisor(s): Derek Miller, William Rymer
A-133 R04 Ultrasonic Thermometry for the Analysis of Thermal Protection Materials
Ka wai Lee; Advisor(s): Donald Yuhas
A-135 S07 The Effect of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Generosity
Saraswathi Nookala; Advisor(s): Matthew Kirkpatrick, Harriet de Wit
A-138
Acad.
Pit
S02 The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and the Effect on Memory Functioning
in Homeless Youth
Al-Jalil Gault; Advisor(s): Scott Hunter
A-147 P06 Effects of T1L Reovirus Infection on Antiviral Response of Human Lamina Propria
Cell Types in vitro
Fengling Hu; Advisor(s): Romain Bouziat, Reinhard Hinterleitner, Bana Jabri
A-149 R09 A Search for Strong Gravitational Lenses in the Dark Energy Survey Supernova
Fields
Janani Sivakumar; Advisor(s): Elizabeth Buckley-Geer, H. Thomas Diehl
A-151 Q21 Audiotactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Vimig Socrates; Advisor(s): Sliman Bensmaia
A-155 R03 Measuring the Energy of Antineutrinos
Daniel Gonzalez; Advisor(s): Zelimir Djurcic
B-108 I05 Purifying Contaminated Water With Silver Nanoparticle-Infused Ceramic Filters
Eric Barrientos; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson
B-110 G04 How Rigged is the London Interbank Offered Rate?
Huajie Huang; Advisor(s): Doug Adams
B-116 K05 Investigation of the Ecological and Economical Effects of Green Roofs
Aaron Victor, Ziang Wang; Advisor(s): Peter Clancy
B-206
Lect.
Hall
S04 The Emotional Intelligence of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students
Nisha Kishore; Advisor(s): David Evenson, Christopher Kolar
E-115
Kids
Inst.
D03 Investigation of the Implementation of Global Positioning Systems in Missiles and
New Technologies
Jonathan Peloquin; Advisor(s): Timothy Vaughan
28
10:00 - 10:15
Room ID
A-113 B03 Confirmation of Protein Immobilization on Carbon Nanofibers Through Imaging
Labeled With Glucose Oxidase-Coupled Gold Nanoparticles
Ashley Kim; Advisor(s): In Seop Chang
A-115 B04 Centrosome and Spectrosome Orientation in Drosophila APC2-mut Stem Cell
Asymmetric Division
Danielle Madsen; Advisor(s): Chi Bang, Jun Cheng
A-117 P09 Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reaching Distance of
Impaired Arm Post Stroke
Frances Seo; Advisor(s): Fleur Veltink, Jun Yao
A-119 S01 The Correlation Between Exercise and Stress of Adolescents in Academically
Rigorous Environments
Marissa Brock, Alexandra Johnson; Advisor(s): David Lundgren, Jerald Thomas
A-121 A02 The Effect of pH and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Concentration on Two-
Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells
Ryan Franks; Advisor(s): Jeong Choe-Hwang
A-131 Q12 Inhibitable Plasma Cholinesterases as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jessica Lee; Advisor(s): Changiz Geula
A-135 Q13 Activated c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Contributes to the Differential Vulnerability of
Neurons in Huntington’s Disease
Judy Li; Advisor(s): Rodolfo Gatto, Gerardo Morfini
A-138
Acad.
Pit
M03 Confucius to Fake Gucci? A Historical Approach to Explaining the Development of
China's Black Market
Stephanie Wang; Advisor(s): Kirsty Montgomery
A-147 C16 CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-Guided Upregulation of Utrophin as a Therapy for Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy
Alyda Huerta; Advisor(s): Renzhi Han, Andrew Mariano, Audrey Torcaso
A-149 S10 Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Allelic Variation and Interpersonal Stressors on
Adolescent Well-Being
Poornima Sundaravelu; Advisor(s): Eva Telzer
A-151 P11 Clinical Studies in Venous Leg Ulcers and Incisional Hernias
Vimig Socrates; Advisor(s): Jing Liu
B-108 E08 Detecting and Quantifying Trace Amounts of Silver Nanoparticles and Ions in
Solution
Mateusz Wojtaszek; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson
B-110 G05 How Efficient is the Foreign Exchange Market?
Huajie Huang; Advisor(s): Doug Adams
B-116 I02 Development of a Quantitative System for Evaluating At-Home Standing of the
Mobility Disabled
Timothy Akintilo, Vimal Bellamkonda; Advisor(s): Arun Jayaraman, Luca Lonini,
Timothy Reissman
B-133 C21 Effects of Environmental Factors, Immune Evasion, and Reservoir Population on
the Prevalence of Lyme Disease
Nicholas Kiene; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch, Megan Schrementi
B-206
Lect.
Hall
S12 Anxieties: Effects on Self-Concept and Common Methods of Relieving Anxiety
Ryan Yang; Advisor(s): David Evenson
29
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q17 Analysis Comparing Defective RNA Binding Proteins in Association With
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Haneesha Paruchuri; Advisor(s): Warren McGee, Jane Wu
10:25 - 10:40
Room ID
A-113 C15 Engineering a Luminescent Reporter Protein to Track Influenza A Virus Infection
in vivo
Annika Gomez; Advisor(s): Balaji Manicassamy
A-115 F11 Constructing High Quality Three-Dimensional Models With Economical Hardware
Nicholas Magerko, Jonathan Reynolds; Advisor(s): Namrata Pandya, Jason Rock
A-117 R05 Measurement of the Ratio of σ(pp → Z + bb)/σ(pp → Z + jj) at √s = 1.96
Jameson O'Reilly; Advisor(s): Ashish Kumar
A-119 H02 Black and Latino Student Motivation Engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics
Kayla Ingram; Advisor(s): Adrienne Coleman
A-121 Q24 Functional Analysis of Dopaminergic Neurons Derived From Human Embryonic
Stem Cells
Wenhan Wang; Advisor(s): Zhong Xie
A-133 C19 Error Correction Approach of Next Generation Sequencing Data for Analysis of
HIV-1 Variability
Vivian Jin, Shuchi Patel; Advisor(s): Eunyoung Kim, Sudhir Penugonda, Ramon
Redondo Lorenzo
A-135 C20 The Effect of Photoperiod and Thyroid Hormone on Innate Immune Response in
Phodopus sungorus
Omkar Kelkar; Advisor(s): Kenneth Onishi, Brian Prendergast, Tyler Stevenson
A-138
Acad.
Pit
P14 The Future of Healthcare Reform: The Quantitative and Qualitative Implications of
Value-Based Care
Paul Wang; Advisor(s): Samir Itchhaporia, Rebecca Maroon
A-149 B02 Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Jennifer Du; Advisor(s): Aldwin Anterola
A-155 C32 Homozygous Genotypes Long Adenine and Short Variant of Serotonin Transporter
Gene and Link to Autism
Breanna Pederson; Advisor(s): Edwin Cook, Kelley Moore
B-108 I09 Modifying and Reinforcing Bimetallic Strips for Application in Expanding
Structures
Vinesh Kannan; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson, Vandana Chinwalla, Carl Heine
B-110 G08 A Visually Intuitive Approach to Market Profiles
Michael Zeng; Advisor(s): Doug Adams, Sergiy Mesropyan, Dennis Wang
B-116 I04 Separating Carbon Dioxide Gas From Lawn Mower Exhaust Gases
Daniel Atten, Marissa Borchering; Advisor(s): Peter Clancy, Robyn Fischer
B-133 A03 Determining the Optimal Conditions for Inducing Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells With
Aspirin Treatment
Deborah Park, Ruchi Patel; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch
B-206
Lect.
Hall
Q03 A Comparison of the Magnitude of Visual Simon Effect in High School Students
With and Without Music
Joseph Donermeyer, Dawson Patel; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer
30
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q14 Using Microfluidic Chambers to Evaluate the Effect of MitoQ on Fused in Sarcoma-
Mediated Neurotoxicity
Emily Ling; Advisor(s): Jane Wu
10:50 - 11:05
Room ID
A-113 Q06 Infant Tractography of the Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule
Kayla Hannon; Advisor(s): Jeffrey Neil
A-115 E06 Phase Transitions From Amorphous to Crystalline in Polyethylene Terephthalate
Polymer
Nida Normantaite; Advisor(s): Steven Sibener
A-117 R08 Fiber Optic Interferometers as Acoustic Sensors for Bubble Chamber Dark Matter
Detectors
Bhairvi Shah; Advisor(s): Eric Dahl
A-119 S06 Relieving Stress by Increasing Stress Awareness
Hsing-Duan Louh, Malachi Loviska; Advisor(s): Kathryn Grubbs
A-131 Q09 Effects of Vindeburnol on Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathology
Vandana Karan; Advisor(s): Douglas Feinstein
A-133 C05 The Effect of Different Meat Types and Chemicals on Carrion Insect Attraction
Mary Cody; Advisor(s): Susan Styer
A-135 P13 The Effects of the Novel Agonist 390 on the CXC Type 4 Chemokine Receptor
Shruti Topudurti, Selam Zenebe-Gete; Advisor(s): Richard Miller
A-138
Acad.
Pit
G03 A Comparison of Accuracy and Validity of Risk Adjustment Models Used in the
Health Care Industry
Yasmine Gordon; Advisor(s): Samir Itchhaporia, Rebecca Maroon
A-147 P07 The Correlation Between Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm
Newborns
Sharon Johnson, Sophia Lam; Advisor(s): Jonathan Muraskas, Sarah van Nostrand
A-149 Q11 Identifying Chaperones and Co-Chaperones Affecting Mechanisms of FUS R521G
Aggregation in N2A Cells
Lakhena Leang, Xueyang Ren; Advisor(s): Sue Fox, Richard Morimoto, Anan Yu
A-155 Q07 Following Speech Through the Brain: Three Successive Parallel Networks
Rhea Harsoor, Shveta Thakkar; Advisor(s): Vernon Leo Towle
B-108 D02 An Ethnographic Study of Start-Up Businesses and Their Approaches to Defining
Target Markets
Rohit Mahankali; Advisor(s): Carl Heine
B-110 G01 Effect of Refinery Outages on Petroleum Administration for Defense District - West
Coast Gasoline Prices
Timothy Gietl; Advisor(s): Josh Matalon
B-133 T03 Measuring the Health of the News Industry
Molly Fane, Alonzo Marsh; Advisor(s): Eric Smith
B-206
Lect.
Hall
C08 Optimizing DNA Sequencing Using DNA Isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and
Gel Electrophoresis
Natalie Dong, Atene Poskute, Saigopal Somasundaram; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch,
Robyn Fischer
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q15 Screening Potential Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Emily Ling, Hye Jean Yoon; Advisor(s): Mengmeng Chen, Xiaoping Chen, Kazuo
Fushimi, Jane Wu
31
11:15 - 11:30
Room ID
A-113 I01 Design of a Double Rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Prototype
Michael Adams; Advisor(s): Francisco Ruiz
A-115 J01 Gender-Driven Perceptions of Women in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Ana Curtis; Advisor(s): Leah Kind
A-117 G07 International Pharmaceutical Markets and Patent Law
Daniel Pechi; Advisor(s): Christian Nokkentved
A-119 T02 The Invisible Social and Emotional Struggles of Women in Law Enforcement and
the Military
Amy De La Torre, Laura Lehmann; Advisor(s): James Bondi, Kristen Ziman
A-121 B06 Engineering Vascularized Bone
Sean Potempa; Advisor(s): Eric Brey, Brianna Roux
A-131 Q10 Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Taylor Knopf; Advisor(s): Sarah Song
A-133 C43 The Role of ER71 in Blood Vessel Development
William Widjaja; Advisor(s): Changwon Park
A-135 O01 Taking the Red Pill: Degenerations of Matrix Space
Lael Costa; Advisor(s): Nir Avni
A-138
Acad.
Pit
F05 Showing Ego Depletion and Motivation in Video Games
Diana Chen, Sneha Thakkar; Advisor(s): Ian Horswill
A-147 B10 Highlighting Cancerous Tissue During Brain Tumor Resection Surgery
Rajiv Trehan; Advisor(s): Lagnojita Sinha, Ken Tichauer
A-149 I08 A Multiplexed Readout Scheme for a Large Array of Photomultiplier Tubes
Kevin He, Adit Suvarna; Advisor(s): Edward Kearns, Jinyuan Wu
A-151 T01 An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Millennium Villages Project to Eradicate
Global Poverty
Anna Borromeo; Advisor(s): Juliet Sorensen
A-155 Q22 Method to Find the Language Region in the Brain Using Electrocorticography From
Natural Conversation
Rashmi Thimmapuram; Advisor(s): Vernon Leo Towle
B-108 S03 A Cross-Cultural Study of the Relationship Between Empathy and Social
Dominance
Leehwa Hong, Vivian Liu; Advisor(s): Joan Chiao, Vandana Chinwalla
B-110 G02 Development of Trading and Risk Management Strategies for Ibovespa Index
Futures
Timothy Gietl; Advisor(s): Mark Glasberg, Max Rhee
B-116 P12 The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated Alterations of
Nuclear Hormone Receptor Expression
Simona Stancov; Advisor(s): Eugene Chang, Kristina Martinez
B-133 P16 Effects of KBU2046 on Common Chemotherapeutics and Androgen Regulation in
Breast and Prostate Cancers
Luke Zhan; Advisor(s): Raymond Bergan, Xiaoke Huang, Megan Schrementi
B-206
Lect.
Hall
A04 Optimizing Light Absorption in Cyanobacteria
Archit Potharazu, Zachary Yager; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer
32
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q25 Developing Therapeutic Approaches to TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 and Fused in
Sarcoma Proteinopathies
Hye Jean Yoon; Advisor(s): Mengmeng Chen, Xiaoping Chen, Jane Wu
12:30 - 12:45
Room ID
A-113 P05 Pain Trajectories Across Different Variables for Inpatients at the University of
Illinois at Chicago Medical Center
Taylor Herr; Advisor(s): William Galanter
A-119 C06 Effects of Dietary Fat on Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in Normal Mouse
Colon
John Deng; Advisor(s): Anas Almoghrabi, Marc Bissonnette, Urszula Dougherty
A-121 C10 Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia-Associated
MIR137 Locus
Kristy Fang, Nahee Park; Advisor(s): Jubao Duan
A-133 E04 Engineering Self-Assembling Peptides to Tune the Coordination Environment of
Metalloporphyrins
Jacob Kronenberg; Advisor(s): H. Christopher Fry
A-135 C31 Association Between Diabetes-Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and
Various Cancer Types
Julian Pacheco; Advisor(s): Brandon Pierce, Chenan Zhang
A-155 O04 Counting Rational Space Curves Meeting Lines and Points Using the Method of
Degeneration
James Tao; Advisor(s): Izzet Coskun
B-110 H01 Agent-Based Modeling and the Understanding of Causality in College Biology
Students
Karin Han; Advisor(s): Matthew Lira, Mike Stieff
B-206
Lect.
Hall
C09 The Effect of microRNA on the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung and Breast
Adenocarcinoma
Nisa Faheem, Somie Park, Lajvanthi Sudhakar; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer
E-115
Kids
Inst.
C39 Designing an Algorithm to Analyze Images of Moving Mitochondria
Yash Thacker; Advisor(s): Yang Li, Jane Wu
12:55 - 1:10
Room ID
A-117 B05 An Investigation of a Novel Peptide Amphiphile for Diagnosing Atherosclerosis in
vivo
Rajiv Patel-O'Connor; Advisor(s): Eun Ji Chung, Matthew Tirrell
A-131 I10 Improving the Efficiency of Power Amplifiers in Radio Frequency Plasma Lamps
Alan Yang; Advisor(s): Hung Yu David Yang
A-147 S11 The Effects of Visual Speech Cues on the Speed of Spoken Language Perception in
Adults
Rachel Thain; Advisor(s): Tina Grieco-Calub, Kristi Ward
33
A-151 E03 Using Granular Silicon-Graphene Anodes to Boost the Capacity of Lithium-Ion
Batteries
Arjit Jaiswal, Varun Patel; Advisor(s): R. Stephen Berry, George Tolley
B-108 C24 Analysis of Retinoblastoma I and Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase 5A on Metabolic
Pathways
Kathryn Kuna; Advisor(s): Elizaveta Benevolenskaya
B-116 O02 Examining Influential Factors for Team Pitching Environments in Major League
Baseball
Luke Musgrave; Advisor(s): Christopher Kolar
B-133 Q16 Extracting the Hemodynamic Response With the Finite Impulse Response Filter
Matthew Park; Advisor(s): Jennie Yufen Chen, Todd Parrish
B-206
Lect.
Hall
C34 The Relationship Between Enrichment Type and Daily Activity in a Mountain Lion
Maureen Reiser; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer, Randy Johnson
E-115
Kids
Inst.
F01 Creating a Fast and Accurate Physics Engine Modeling Soft-Body Collisions with
OpenGL and Java
Ethan Bian, Benjamin Rabe; Advisor(s): Phadmakar Patankar
1:20 - 1:35
Room ID
A-113 C33 Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Roles in the Onset of
Alzheimer’s Disease
Michael Pradaxay; Advisor(s): Ken-Ichiro Fukuchi
A-115 C14 Patterns Behind Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glaucoma on Oscillatory
Potential Waves
Cammille Go; Advisor(s): Xiaorong Liu
A-117 K01 Synthesis of Isobutanol From Lignocellulosic Biomass Inoculated With Fungus and
Bacteria
Elise Douglas, Gregory O'Bannon; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch, Branson Lawrence
A-119 U01 Characterizing Charge-Coupled Device and Naked-Eye Telescope Observations at
the Doane Observatory
Austin Cao, Dayna Lei; Advisor(s): Larry Ciupik, Mark Hammergren, Lou Nigra, Ken
Walczak
A-121 C45 The Effects of Adiponectin on Fibrosis
Sung Yeo; Advisor(s): Roberta Goncalves Marangoni
A-131 C12 Using Golden Helix to Analyze Data From Whole Genome Sequences of Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome
Natasha Freund; Advisor(s): Margrit Urbanek
A-133 C37 Effect of Apolipoprotein E4 Allele on Deterioration of Brains in Patients With
Alzheimer’s Disease
Sachi Singh; Advisor(s): Lei Wang
A-138
Acad.
Pit
C17 Effect of High Nitric Oxide Microenvironment on Cancer Cell Migration
Shreya Jain; Advisor(s): James Radosevich
A-147 C07 New Regulators of Lysosome Motility
Vishrut Dixit; Advisor(s): Vladimir Gelfand, Michael Winding
A-149 C40 Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T Cells
Lynette To; Advisor(s): Yao Bian, Chyung-Ru Wang
34
A-151 F04 Comparing the Rate Monotonic and Earliest Deadline First Scheduling Algorithms
Advitheey Chelikani; Advisor(s): Shangping Ren
A-155 A06 Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and Estrogenic
Target Genes
Ranjani Sundar; Advisor(s): Serdar Bulun, Ping Yin
B-108 C28 Correlation Between Intracellular Calcium Release and T-Tubule Organization in
Failing Rat Myocytes
Shruthi Mothkur; Advisor(s): J. Andrew Wasserstrom
B-110 Q19 Optimization of a Magnetic Resonance Probe for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s
Disease
Sreyesh Satpathy; Advisor(s): William Klein, Kirsten Viola
B-116 C44 The Absence of Gut Microbes Alters Hepatic Nuclear Receptor Expression
Mayuri Yasuda; Advisor(s): Eugene Chang, Kristina Martinez
B-133 Q02 Automatic Switching Point From Perfusion to Permeability Using a Single Full-Dose
Contrast Injection
Greeshma Chilukuri, Jayathi Varadheeswaran; Advisor(s): Jennie Yufen Chen, Todd
Parrish, Xue Wang
B-206
Lect.
Hall
S09 The Effect of Time in Captivity on a Gray Wolf’s Capacity of Trust in Humans
Remmie Spinks; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer, Randy Johnson
E-115
Kids
Inst.
F08 Development of Mechanical Turk Simulations for Auction Theory Research
Andrew Kuznetsov; Advisor(s): Phadmakar Patankar
1:45 - 2:00
Room ID
A-113 C01 Effects of Kallikrien Gene Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer Risk and Prostate
Specific Antigen
Joshua-Paul Ajayi; Advisor(s): Rick Kittles
A-115 R10 Beam Test of the Muon g-2 Tracker
Emma Sloan; Advisor(s): Brendan Casey
A-117 N01 A Study of the Application of Death Penalty Law in Sub-Saharan Africa
Edward Jun; Advisor(s): Sandra Babcock, Delphine Lourtau, Shubra Ohri
A-119 U03 Numerical and Visual Modeling of Comet Dust Trails
Ujwal Kiran, Megan Roller; Advisor(s): Larry Ciupik, Mark Hammergren, Lou Nigra,
Ken Walczak
A-121 C02 Utilizing Nuclear Morphometry to Differentiate Between Salivary Gland Cancers
Waleed Ali; Advisor(s): Ryan Deaton, Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, Virgilia Macias
A-131 B12 The Effects of the Overexpression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2 in Glioblastoma
Multiforme
Elizabeth Weiss; Advisor(s): Roger Kroes, Joseph Moskal, Mary Schmidt
A-133 Q20 The Relationship Between the Hippocampus and Long-Term Memory Loss in
Alzheimer's Disease
Sajishnu Savya; Advisor(s): Lei Wang
A-135 C23 Evaluating Molecular Function of Proteins Through Integrase-Mediated Cassette
Exchange
Sanjay Kottapalli; Advisor(s): Debabrata Chakravarti, J. Brandon Parker
35
A-138
Acad. Pit
B01 Investigating Methylation Patterns in Cancer Suppressor Genes Through Gene
Sequencing
Ashok Arjunakani, Philip Nebres; Advisor(s): Berna Demircan, Kim Elseth, James
Radosevich
A-147 R01 Performance Validation of the QIE10 Application Specific Integrated Circuits for the
Phase I Upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid Detector at CERN's Large Hadron
Collider
Vikram Anjur, Alexander Moreno; Advisor(s): James Hirschauer, Elliot Hughes, Titas
Roy
A-149 P08 Burn Injury Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases Inflammation and Risk of
Sepsis
Omair Khan; Advisor(s): Mashkoor Choudhry, Zackary Earley, Xiaoling Li
A-151 F03 Using Markov Decision Processes to Determine Optimal Claim Policy for Automobile
Accidents
Advitheey Chelikani, Saurabh Kumar; Advisor(s): Piotr Gmytrasiewicz
A-155 C36 The Role of Viral Protein 1/2 in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication
Christopher Shin; Advisor(s): Nick Huffmaster, Greg Smith
B-108 C29 Characterization of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B Alterations in Human Breast
Cancer
Shruthi Mothkur; Advisor(s): Elizaveta Benevolenskaya
B-110 Q23 The Role of Microglial Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in Alzheimer’s
Disease
Rashmi Thimmapuram; Advisor(s): Maira Bicca, William Klein
B-116 C11 Deoxycholic Acid Alters Expression of Cancer and Epigenetic Genes in Mouse
Intestinal Epithelium
Yan Lin Feng; Advisor(s): Eugene Chang, Kyle Dolan
B-133 Q04 Active Brain Regions During Sleep Using Electroencephalography Functional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Grace Duan, Sameeksha Malhotra; Advisor(s): Todd Parrish, Xue Wang
B-206
Lect. Hall
C35 Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Enrichment for Captive Gray Wolves (Canis
lupus)
Nicole Schubert; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer, Randy Johnson
E-115
Kids Inst.
D01 Possible Short Term Investment Strategy
Sun Kim, John Satter; Advisor(s): Richard Kolsky, Kevin Lynch
36
2:10 - 2:25
Room ID
A-113 P04 Assessment of Non-Rapid Eye Movement Delta Sleep and its Correlation to
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Lohitha Guntupalli; Advisor(s): Samir Patel
A-117 B09 Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Functionalized Capture Surfaces
Tera Sparks; Advisor(s): Seungpyo Hong, Hao-Jui Hsu
A-119 I06 Integration of Sensors in a Wireless High Altitude Balloon Cut-Down System
Brendan Batliner, Milan Shah; Advisor(s): Lou Nigra, Ken Walczak
A-121 C38 The Effects of A4V Superoxide Dismutase 1 Mutant Protein Incorporation on
Calcium Ion Membrane Conductance
Shelly Teng; Advisor(s): Michael Allen, Ana Correa, Jacob Riehm
A-131 R06 Analyzing the X-Ray Spectra of Nova V339 Delphi and Nova KT Eridani Using
Model Atmospheres
Sattvic Ray; Advisor(s): Daniel van Rossum
A-133 C41 The Effects of the Microflora on Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration in vitro
Brian Vien; Advisor(s): Ali Djalilian
A-135 P10 Does Connective Tissue Growth Factor Cause Left Atrial Fibrosis in Dilated
Cardiomyopathy?
Abhishek Sethi; Advisor(s): Allen Samarel
A-138
Acad.
Pit
C03 The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Ashok Arjunakani, Philip Nebres; Advisor(s): Kim Elseth, James Radosevich
A-147 P03 Epidermal Growth Factor Ameliorates Transforming Growth Factor β-Induced
Collagen Deposition in Pancreatic Stellate Cells
Ryan Chiu; Advisor(s): Paul Grippo, Windel Emman Mascariñas, Daniel Principe
A-151 F07 Measurement of Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Accuracy Using Machine Learning
Algorithms
Saurabh Kumar; Advisor(s): Paul Kump, Miles Wernick
A-155 A07 Elucidating Proteins Involved in Mitochondrial Division and Tethering Using the
Yeast Two-Hybrid System
Sai Talluru, Amy Zhu; Advisor(s): Laura Lackner, Holly Ping
B-108 A05 Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to Lysine (K)-Specific
Demethylase 5A and the Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
Aishwarya Raj; Advisor(s): Elizaveta Benevolenskaya
B-116 C25 Effects of a Nuclear Receptor Agonist on Gene Expression of Hepatocyte Organoids
Quinn Lewis; Advisor(s): Candace Cham, Eugene Chang, Kristina Martinez
B-133 Q01 Alteration of Brain Connections in Resting State Networks After Performing Simple
Motor Actions
Kristin Carlson; Advisor(s): Todd Parrish, Xue Wang
B-206
Lect.
Hall
F09 Transition From Biological Life to the Development of Artificial Intelligence
Claire Lee, Emily Rader; Advisor(s): Mike Ososky
E-102
Aud.
L01 Thematic Development in Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas and its Applications to
Modern Composition
Daniel Collins; Advisor(s): Peter Dong
37
A01
Functional Characterization of the HopZ Family of Type III Effectors
Presenter(s)
Kaia Ball, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
Andrew Manning, University of Chicago
Tomato production is a major industry worldwide, with the average American eating over twenty pounds
annually. Tomato crops can be afflicted by a wide variety of pathogens that reduce the output of the crop.
The bacteria Pseudomonas syringae is a model laboratory pathogen for understanding bacterial-plant
interactions in numerous species, including tomatoes. It utilizes a type III secretion system (T3SS) to
infect host cells. Understanding the role of T3SS effectors in P. syringae infection allows researchers to
dissect mechanisms of pathogenesis. During infection, P. syringae produces many effector proteins,
including members of the HopZ protein family. Previous studies have shown that HopZ3 aids in virulence
by transferring an acetyl group to several defense proteins, interrupting defense signalling. I studied
whether close relatives of HopZ3 (HopZ1a, HopZ1b, HopZ1c, HopZ2) also transfer acetyl groups onto
proteins. The genes of these proteins were cloned, optimal expression conditions were found, and the
samples were tested to determine whether the proteins had acetyltransferase activity. Activity of at least
HopZ1a suggests that these proteins are similar to HopZ3 in function. Further studies will look into how
to block this activity and lower the virulence of P. syringae.
A02
The Effect of pH and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Concentration on Two-Chambered
Microbial Fuel Cells
Presenter(s)
Ryan Franks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeong Choe-Hwang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a viable method of utilizing waste to generate energy. The conditions
under which marine MFCs operate are changing. For instance, carbon dioxide emissions and increased
nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) can change the ocean environment and may further affect
the MFC performance. To investigate the influences of these factors, voltage generation was measured in
a methylene blue-mediated, two-chamber microbial fuel cell. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was subjected to
an environment with varied pH levels and NPK concentrations. MFC performance was found to be
optimal at pH 6.4 and a nitrogen concentration of 0.00313 grams/liter. Measurements suggest that ocean
acidification and fertilizer run-off may increase voltage production in MFCs but will reduce voltage at
more excessive levels. Based on this, MFC voltage generation may be optimized when submerged in
waters with higher NPK concentrations which could have some applications in wastewater treatment
facilities that accumulate NPK in their sludge dewatering streams.
38
A03
Determining the Optimal Conditions for Inducing Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells With Aspirin
Treatment
Presenter(s)
Deborah Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ruchi Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Case studies of tumor samples taken from colorectal cancer patients with the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-
bisphosphonate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA) gene mutation on low dosage
regimens of aspirin have indicated longer patient survival. Studies conducted with cancer cell lines with
PIK3CA mutations showed an increase in apoptosis when treated with aspirin. The specific connection
between PIK3CA mutations and aspirin has yet to be determined as these findings are still new and
developing. Our investigation delved into the reasons and range of the effectiveness of aspirin on
apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line. Using well cultures of MCF-7 cells with highly varied concentrations of
aspirin, we determined the optimal growth time and aspirin concentrations to use for apoptosis detection.
Our results found the optimal growth time to be 48 hours and the optimal concentrations to be 5-10 mM
of aspirin. The Fluorometric TUNEL System stained the cells to identify apoptotic cells. We predict that
the cells treated with increasing amounts of aspirin will show increased level of apoptosis. This result is
significant when considering different treatment options for cancer patients involving use of aspirin.
A04
Optimizing Light Absorption in Cyanobacteria
Presenter(s)
Archit Potharazu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Zachary Yager, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of our experiment is to optimize environmental conditions for maximum light absorption by
the core membrane linker protein (LCM) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a strain of cyanobacteria. LCM
is a major constituent of the terminal energy acceptor in the phycobilisome (PCB), a complex that sits on
the chloroplast thylakoid membrane and is responsible for most of the light absorption for photosystem II.
We also worked with the PcyA and Ho1 genes, which encode proteins that are co- expressed so that LCM
can absorb light. We are cloning the three genes into an expression vector and will transform the vector
into Escherichia coli for protein production and testing. Preliminary results from other studies show that
LCM absorption is extremely red- shifted (~667 nanometers) at a neutral pH and room temperature
(26oC) with strong light. We aim to test absorption while varying pH, temperature, light intensity, and the
presence of specific metal ions. Maximizing light absorption in cyanobacteria can lead to improved
biofuel production.
39
A05
Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase 5A and
the Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
Presenter(s)
Aishwarya Raj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
The retinoblastoma 1(Rb1) and (K)-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) genes have critical roles in cell
cycle regulation and metabolism that consequently affects cancer metabolism. Rb1, when inactivated,
causes defects in cell differentiation. Interestingly, the inactivation (double knock down) of Kdm5a in
addition to Rb1, rescues the defects resulting from loss of Rb1. To test Kdm5a’s effects further, gene
expression in cells induced to differentiate were analyzed for the following gene ontologies: muscle
system, cell cycle, and metabolic-related ontologies glutathione, mitochondrion, and alanine, aspartate,
glutamate (AAG). The effects on gene expression due to the loss of Rb1, Kdm5a, or both were analyzed
relative to wild type due to their direct impact on cell regulation and metabolic pathways. Using
Microsoft Excel, GI tools software, and experimental work, Kdm5a and Rb1 were confirmed to have both
a cooperative and inverse relationship in regulation of gene expression through various cellular processes.
Thus, results of the investigation illustrate that the inactivation of both Kdm5a and Rb1 significantly
restores gene expression for metabolic and muscle system ontologies but not for cell cycle ontology. The
application of this research would allow for Kdm5a focused drug targets.
A06
Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and Estrogenic Target Genes
Presenter(s)
Ranjani Sundar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Serdar Bulun, Northwestern University
Ping Yin, Northwestern University
Phthalates are used as plasticizers in many of the products found in medical, household, and industrial
applications. Little research has been completed on the negative effects of these phthalates as potential
endocrine disrupting chemicals. As these chemicals are ingested, the mechanism by which they affect the
reproductive system is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to observe how two phthalates,
Di-n-butyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate, and two phthalate alternatives, dioctyl terephthalate and
butylated hydroxytoluene, tested in conjunction with and without estradiol, affect uterine cells in
comparison to control and 17β-estradiol treatment. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was
used to observe changes in expression of mRNA with chemical treatment. Results show, based on change
in proliferative and estrogenic target genes, each of the chemical treatments (in conjunction with and
without estradiol) increased proliferation in Ishikawa cells. All compounds led to upregulation of the
majority of the estrogen mediated genes tested. These results opened possible classifications for
mechanisms of these compounds and led to evidence that these phthalates and phthalate alternatives can
be classified as potential endocrine disruptors based on increase of proliferative and estrogen mediated
gene expression, supporting the hypothesis that these chemicals can have negative effects on the female
reproductive system.
40
A07
Elucidating Proteins Involved in Mitochondrial Division and Tethering Using the Yeast Two-
Hybrid System
Presenter(s)
Sai Talluru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Amy Zhu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Laura Lackner, Northwestern University
Holly Ping, Northwestern University
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that are primarily responsible for energy production in cells. The
shape and distribution of mitochondria affect its function and cellular function. The four main activities
that determine mitochondrial shape and distribution are division, fusion, motility, and tethering. Tethering
describes the anchoring of mitochondria to cellular structures. The purpose of this investigation is to
elucidate the proteins involved in the molecular systems that mediate mitochondrial division and
tethering. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we are able to test for novel protein-protein interactions
with genome library screening, plasmid isolation, restriction digests, spot tests, and yeast transformations.
Preliminary results suggest a novel interaction between the two tether components Caf4 and Mdm36. We
also used the mitochondrial division protein Dnm1 and the tether protein Num1 in yeast two-hybrid
screens against a library of six thousand yeast proteins. Our screening suggests a potential interaction
between Mth1 and Num1. Early results suggest potential interactions between Dnm1 and the following
candidate proteins: Fir1, Slx5, Ade2, Cyc8, Sym1, Nis1, and Gat4. More research is necessary to validate
and functionally assess these interactions. Elucidating molecular structures that regulate mitochondrial
division and tethering may further our understanding of neurological diseases, which have been
associated with defects in mitochondrial shape and distribution.
B01
Investigating Methylation Patterns in Cancer Suppressor Genes Through Gene Sequencing
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Philip Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Berna Demircan, University of Illinois at Chicago
Kim Elseth, University of Illinois at Chicago
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
One flourishing area of cancer research is the observation of DNA methylation patterns. DNA
methylation is used in the body to turn genes on and off. Cancers usually have aberrantly methylated
genes and scientists have avidly researched these methylation patterns. This investigation involves
identifying and comparing the methylation of several genes in lung cancer cells. First cancer cells were
cultured and then the genomic DNA was extracted. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction was
used to amplify the cancer DNA and to select the specific gene that was under observation. Gel
electrophoresis was run so that the unmethylated and methylated portions of genes could be identified.
Potentially this research could find a universal trait in common between several cancer types. This in turn
would enable scientists to manufacture drugs that combat mutations found in tumor- suppressor genes.
41
B02
Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Du, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Aldwin Anterola, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Bioethanol is currently made by digesting and fermenting starch, but cellulose in plants can also be
digested to create alcohol. Because this process usually involves treating the cellulose with heat and acid
beforehand, engineering cellulolytic proteins that are able to function in highly acidic and hot conditions
can greatly advance the future of bioethanol in viable alternative energy sources. We cloned the fusion tag
vector PCHalo with DNA inserts from Acidothermus cellulolyticus, a thermoacidophilic bacterium that
can digest cellulose. Then we sought to express the protein from this vector in competent E. coli cells. We
were able to clone the plasmid containing the insert successfully, but we were not able to express the
proteins in a soluble form. The protein’s failure to be expressed could have been caused by a variety of
reasons, such as the amino acid composition of the expression vector, or the failure of the bacterial cells
used for expression. Successful expression of thermoacidophilic cellulase may greatly improve the
efficiency and cost of bioethanol production in the future.
B03
Confirmation of Protein Immobilization on Carbon Nanofibers Through Imaging Labeled With
Glucose Oxidase-Coupled Gold Nanoparticles
Presenter(s)
Ashley Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
In Seop Chang, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Enzymatic biofuel cells are devices that are able to generate electricity by catalyzing the reductionoxidation
reactions occurring at the cathode of its functioning system. Protein immobilization on carbon
nanofibers plays the most important part of the electricity production in certain enzymatic biofuel cells.
Gold nanoparticle labeling is utilized to display that the protein was immobilized onto the carbon
nanofibers, as the gold nanoparticles, which attach to the protein, are evident through transmission
electron microscope imaging. The gold nanoparticles in this investigation were coupled with glucose
oxidase (GOx), an enzyme that instigates a reduction-oxidation reaction, which is the protein being
immobilized. There are two different ways of labeling; carbodiimide chemistry and streptavidin-biotin
attraction. The streptavidin-biotin attraction method was more difficult in that the attachment of GOx to
biotin is hard to confirm completely because it resulted in varied sizes of the gold nanoparticles. With
carbodiimide chemistry, the gold nanoparticles were more uniform in size and spread throughout the
carbon nanofiber, making it easier to support the attachment. The attachment is vital as the gold
nanoparticles represent the immobilization of glucose oxidase on the carbon nanofiber. After testing both
methods, carbodiimide chemistry resulted in being more effective.
42
B04
Centrosome and Spectrosome Orientation in Drosophila APC2-mut Stem Cell Asymmetric Division
Presenter(s)
Danielle Madsen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chi Bang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jun Cheng, University of Illinois at Chicago
Germline stem cells (GSCs) divide asymmetrically to maintain tissue homeostasis through balance of
self-renewal and differentiation. The adenomatous polyposis coli 2 (APC2) is a tumor suppressor protein
that is hypothesized to localize to the apical cortex, serve as a binding protein for the apical aster
microtubules during mitosis, and regulate the spindle orientation. Spectrosome is a cytoskeletal organelle
that is hypothesized to regulate the spindle orientation in male GSCs. Immunofluorescence staining and
confocal imaging of Drosophila testes via APC2 mutation revealed the roles of the APC2 on centrosome
and spectrosome orientations in GSCs. A significant increase in misoriented centrosomes (P<0.001) was
observed, although the spectrosome positioning was not significantly different. In wild-type GSCs, the
spectrosome location shifted from basal to apical when the centrosomes were misoriented. In contrast, the
spectrosome location change was diminished in APC2-mut. Furthermore, APC2 mutation had a
statistically significant increase (P<.001) in GSC number. Our data suggests that the spectrosomes repositioned
to the apical cortex when the centrosomes are misoriented, and the APC2 is important to the
spectrosome localization in GSCs with misoriented centrosomes.
B05
An Investigation of a Novel Peptide Amphiphile for Diagnosing Atherosclerosis in vivo
Presenter(s)
Rajiv Patel-O'Connor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eun Ji Chung, University of Chicago
Matthew Tirrell, University of Chicago
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, a disease which has prevailed as the
leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States for the past eighty years. It has recently
been elucidated that one of the defining characteristics of the onset of atherosclerosis is the
overexpression of CCR2 receptors on sub-endothelial cells. We developed a monocyte-targeting peptide
amphiphile micelle with gadolinium (MPAM-Gd), using a peptide head already known to bind to the
CCR2 receptor, and tested its functionality as a contrast agent for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
MPAM-Gd was synthesized via conjugation of a peptide head to a hydrophobic tail. The peptide head
was purified through high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Overall micelle
size and structure was determined via dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and
potency as a contrast agent was determined by measuring relaxivity values r1 and r2. Preliminary results
have revealed that overall micellar structure is spherical. This spherical structure could potentially allow
MPAM-Gd to function not only as a diagnosing agent but also as a therapeutic agent.
43
B06
Engineering Vascularized Bone
Presenter(s)
Sean Potempa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Brey, Illinois Institute of Technology
Brianna Roux, Illinois Institute of Technology
One major problem with engineering tissues is the need for blood vessels. Mesenchymal stem cells
(MSC) are used in conjunction with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to create blood
vessel networks. This study had two goals: 1) to optimize the ratio of MSCs to HUVECs for creating the
best network as measured by vessel area, length, and diameter, and 2) to optimize culture conditions to
differentiate MSCs into bone, while still maintaining a complex vessel network. Co-culture spheroids
ranging from 0 to 100% MSCs were cultured for up to three weeks. Cultures with 50% MSCs produced
the longest vessels and highest vessel area, while 70% MSCs produced the largest diameter vessels. The
optimal ratio (50% MSCs) was used to find the growth media combination that created a large, complex
vascularized bone network. Three types were tested: osteogenic media (induces bone growth), endothelial
media (induces blood vessel growth), and a combination of the two. Control groups were measured after
10, 20, and 30 days; the experimental groups had the media type switched after 10 or 20 days and were
grown for 30 days. The results suggested there was no statistical difference in the outgrowth area between
groups.
B07
Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Chronic Stroke Subjects
Presenter(s)
Sagar Punhani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kyle Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Derek Miller, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
William Rymer, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Previous studies have demonstrated that there are asymmetries in descending vestibular drive to cervical
motoneuron pools post-stroke. However, it remains unknown if ascending vestibular drive to ocular
motoneuron pools is also disrupted. We investigated the hypothesis that ascending vestibular drive is
asymmetrically distributed to the clinically-affected (CA) and clinically-spared (CS) ocular motoneuron
pools post-stroke, due in part to a stroke mediated disruption of cortical pathways which modulate
vestibular reflex excitability. We measured ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs), a
biphasic surface potential recorded from the ocular musculature, in the eye muscles of eleven chronic
stroke subjects using high intensity acoustic stimulation. The mean normalized population CA oVEMP
amplitude (mean ± sd: 3.2 ± 2.3) was significantly larger than the mean normalized population CS
oVEMP amplitude (2.0 ± 0.6) [Wilcoxin test, p=0.0322]. In conclusion, these data support our hypothesis
that following stroke, there is an asymmetric distribution of vestibular drive to the CA and CS ocular
motoneuron pools. This finding coupled with future research in the field may have implications in stroke
rehabilitation.
44
B08
Construction of a Human Gene Regulatory Network
Presenter(s)
Susie Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Insuk Lee, Yonsei University
The complete understanding of the human genome will open doors to treatments for many diseases.
While genes and their phenotypes have previously been identified separately, they are recently combined
in a network for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of an organism. Other than the
physical and functional regulatory network, a transcriptional regulatory network will specifically serve as
a critical data set in the future because it involves direction. Computational work was done to select (from
scholarly articles) gene regulation between transcription factors and their target genes, and then a closer
review was conducted to confirm their accuracy. The project will continue until about three thousand
interactions are collected. The completed data set will be used in various ways such as a reference set for
other networks.
B09
Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Functionalized Capture Surfaces
Presenter(s)
Tera Sparks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
Hao-Jui Hsu, University of Illinois at Chicago
The capturing of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is important because the cells can be analyzed to provide
information that is capable of predicting disease relapse, overall survival, as well as the response to
therapy for patients who currently or could potentially have metastatic cancer. To accomplish this, we
made cell capture surfaces by conjugating the anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (aEpCAM) to either
epoxy-functionalized glass or dendrimer-immobilized surfaces. We targeted EpCAM because it is usually
expressed on CTCs and not on regular hematological cells, which results in CTC-specific capturing. To
test these surfaces, we used a flow chamber to run cancer cells in suspension over the surfaces and used
the results to determine each type of surface's capturing efficiency. Our results show that aEpCAMfunctionalized
surfaces are able to capture CTCs. In addition, using dendrimer-functionalized surfaces
further enhanced the capturing efficiency, which could be attributed to the multivalent binding effects
introduced by dendrimers.
45
B10
Highlighting Cancerous Tissue During Brain Tumor Resection Surgery
Presenter(s)
Rajiv Trehan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lagnojita Sinha, Illinois Institute of Technology
Ken Tichauer, Illinois Institute of Technology
Since the 1950's scientists have been working to use fluorescence imaging to help visualize tumors in
brain cancer surgery, allowing surgeons to have point accuracy with real time scanning. In this study,
fluorescence image analysis software was developed to optimize tumor-to-healthy tissue contrast in
surgical data from human and rat brains. Various mathematical analysis tools were employed to
accentuate abnormal drug delivery characteristics of brain tumors. Preliminary results are suggesting that
tumor tissue does not always follow the same pattern in retention of the fluorescence solution. This
changes the amount of luminescence exhibited by the healthy and tumor tissue. Mathematical models are
currently being developed to explain the various uptake kinetics of fluorescence that are observed in
different brain tissues. This advanced image analysis tool is expected to provide at least two orders of
magnitude improvement in the contrast between tumor and healthy tissue, providing surgeons with a
more sensitive means of determining which tissues to remove and which to avoid.
B11
Development of a Simulation Visual Prosthetic Device
Presenter(s)
Vivek Vermani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gayatri Kaskhedikar, Illinois Institute of Technology
Philip Troyk, Illinois Institute of Technology
A pressing issue in our society is blindness, and a revolutionary breakthrough in this field comes in the
form of visual prostheses. The purpose of this investigation is to provide a method for the family
members of prospective volunteers who will receive the visual prostheses to understand the type of vision
that can be given, as well as for use in general education about visual prostheses. The guiding question for
this investigation is: How can we design a simulation of the visual prosthetic device? The coding for this
investigation was done in the language Visual C++ on Microsoft Visual Studio. A Raspberry Pi, a
portable single board Linux computer, was used to process the images obtained from a camera and video
eyewear goggles were used to display the images to the user. Tests still need to be done to determine the
effectiveness of the simulated vision.
46
B12
The Effects of the Overexpression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2 in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Weiss, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Joseph Moskal, Northwestern University
Mary Schmidt, Northwestern University
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common types of highly invasive primary brain
tumors for which there is no effective treatment. As cell surface oligosaccharide structures are critical to
tumor invasivity, modulation of the expression of the genes involved in the production of these cell
surface sugar structures may have potential as a therapeutic for GBM. Several genes that synthesize
oligosaccharide structures have been identified, including the MAN1A1 and MGAT2 mRNA, which are
down-regulated in glioma stem cells. This year focused on the creation of GBM cell lines with different
levels of expression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2. In this study, these two human glycogenes were cloned
into expression vectors and used to create individual stable transfectants in the human U373MG glioma
cell line. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated high levels of mRNA expression of each
of these genes in forty-eight newly created cell lines as compared to the parental U373 cells. Western blot
analysis was performed to ensure that the proteins were subsequently expressed in the respective clones.
Proper function of each of the clones was evaluated by the use of lectins specifically recognizing
oligosaccharide structures produces by each of these glycogenes. Adhesion and signal transduction assays
were performed to determine the resultant changes in tumor invasivity in these overexpressing cell lines.
C01
Effects of Kallikrien Gene Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer Risk and Prostate Specific Antigen
Presenter(s)
Joshua-Paul Ajayi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rick Kittles, University of Illinois at Chicago
Prostate cancer (Pca) is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer related
deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, African Americans (AA) suffer from this burden more than
any other race/ethnic group, as approximately one in six AAs will be diagnosed with Pca during their life
time. Along with high Pca rates, AAs also have the highest prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the
United States. This study analyzed a set of twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within five
kallikrien (KLK) genes to investigate their association with elevated PSA levels and increased risk of Pca.
A SNP is a genetic variation when a single nucleotide is changed. Data on 621 AA men recruited at
Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC were used for analyses, and classified into three different
groups: healthy controls (no cancer), controls with PSA ≤4 ng/ml, and Pca cases. The results of the
analyses showed one SNP, rs266870, was associated with increased Pca risk and six SNPs were
associated with PSA levels; the two most significant SNPs were rs2569526 (P = 0.013) and rs12461743
(P = 0.013). This study demonstrated that KLK gene polymorphisms affect both Pca risk and PSA levels
in AA men.
47
C02
Utilizing Nuclear Morphometry to Differentiate Between Salivary Gland Cancers
Presenter(s)
Waleed Ali, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ryan Deaton, University of Illinois at Chicago
Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Virgilia Macias, University of Illinois at Chicago
Salivary gland cancers have proven to be difficult to properly diagnose, a troubling fact because certain
ones require widely different treatments. In nuclear morphometry, the analyzing of the characteristics of
the nuclei of the cell, lies the possibility to accurately differentiate salivary gland cancers such as adenoid
cystic carcinoma (ACC) from polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA). After extracting
characteristics of eight samples of each of these two types of cancer, I created a model using MATLABTM
which I hypothesize could discriminate between nuclei of ACC and PLGA. Preliminary results so far
support this hypothesis. Statistical regression analysis has selected certain traits such as nuclear shape and
chromatin density as the baseline to discern between the two aforementioned cancers. We are currently
examining a validation set of ACC and PLGA for confirmation. With nuclear morphometry and other
diagnostic tools, doctors will be better able to more quickly and safely treat sufferers of salivary gland
cancers.
C03
The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Philip Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kim Elseth, University of Illinois at Chicago
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cellular adhesion, the binding of a cell to a surface or another cell, plays a major role in the progression
of cancer. Studies show that nitric oxide (NO), which is found in elevated levels in cancer cells, greatly
affects the cellular adhesion. However, the data is conflicting as to whether NO promotes or inhibits
cellular adhesion. In this investigation the cell adhesion of several cell lines were analyzed to clarify the
relationship between NO and cell adhesion. Each cell line used was divided into two groups: 1) parental
cell line, unmodified cultured cancer cells; and 2) high nitric oxide (HNO) cells that were adapted to
survive in high levels of NO. Five sets of cell solutions from both groups were placed on a mixer for one
to five hours. Cells were then counted as either single, double (two cells bound together), or clumps (three
or more cells bound together). For the HNO cell lines, the percentage of single cells increased while the
double and clumped cells decreased as time went on. The parental cell lines showed the opposite trend
with single cells decreasing and double cells and clumps increasing. Consequently, NO causes a decrease
in cell adhesion in cancer cells.
48
C04
Regulation of Interleukin 17 Receptor D by MicroRNA193a-3p in Colon Cancers and Associated
Diseases
Presenter(s)
Xindi Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Katherine Meckel, University of Chicago
Joel Pekow, University of Chicago
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's
disease, causing chronic intestinal tract inflammation. A patient with extensive IBD-associated colitis for
over ten years has a higher probability of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies identified
changes in microribonucleic acid (miRNA) and related protein target concentrations in IBD-associated
colon cancers. Regulation of interleukin 17 receptor D (IL17RD) by miRNA193a-3p, a tumor suppressor
that is dysregulated in colon cancer, indicates the role of IL17RD in the transition from IBD to IBDassociated
colon cancer. IL17RD concentrations in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were measured
using Western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction after transfection of miRNA193a-3p.
Using immunohistochemistry, IL17RD concentrations from different types of colon tissue (normal
control, various UC, sporadic, and IL17RD- associated CRC) were compared; concentrations were higher
in tumors than in UC or control tissues. Due to the downregulation of IL17RD after a miRNA193a-3p
transfection, it is a likely protein target of miRNA193a-3p. These findings demonstrate a novel
mechanism likely involved in IBD-associated cancer. Further studies could solidify the role of
miRNA193a-3p and IL17RD as biomarkers for the transition from IBD to IBD-associated colon cancers.
C05
The Effect of Different Meat Types and Chemicals on Carrion Insect Attraction
Presenter(s)
Mary Cody, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In forensics research, different types of meats have been used to represent corpses. However, the research
emphasis has been on the effects the environment plays on the insects' attraction, rather than the attraction
from the type meat and its decay chemicals. In outdoor trials, I measured the time it took for carrion
insects to be attracted to three different types of meat: chicken, liver, and beef. Additional variables
included adding blood and putrescine, a chemical found on corpses, to the samples, as well as raising the
temperature of the sample to 37oC and increasing the surface area. Indoor trials were conducted using
chicken samples and testing the same variables tested outdoors, using the rate of meat eating the by
dermestid beetles. I combined the outdoor trials in a two-way ANOVA test which showed that the meat
type and chemicals made a significant difference, but there was no interaction between them. I ran a oneway
ANOVA comparing beef with an increased surface area to a regular sample. These results were
again significantly different, showing that factors such as meat type and the state of the meat do affect the
attraction of carrion insects.
49
C06
Effects of Dietary Fat on Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in Normal Mouse Colon
Presenter(s)
John Deng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anas Almoghrabi, University of Chicago
Marc Bissonnette, University of Chicago
Urszula Dougherty, University of Chicago
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Western diet has
been suggested to play an important role in colon cancer development. Since tumor suppressor Secreted
frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1), which suppresses Wnt signaling, is downregulated in colon cancer, we
hypothesized that diet might influence its expression. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry and
Western blotting to investigate diet effects on colonic Sfrp1 expression in normal mouse colon.
Immunostaining suggested that high fat diet reduces Sfrp1 expression compared to low fat diet. These
results were confirmed by Western blotting with lower Sfrp1 in Western diet compared to low fat diet.
Mice fed a combination of Western diet plus fish oil fat showed the highest colonic Sfrp1 expression.
Since Western diet increases colonic tumor development compared to low fat diet and fish oil diet inhibits
tumor development, our preliminary results suggest that diets may modulate tumor development by
altering Sfrp1. Additional samples will be run to confirm these results. This research offers new insights
into how diet might influence colon cancer development via complex molecular mechanisms involving
tumor suppressor genes. Through consumption of healthier diets, individuals might decrease their risk of
colon cancer.
C07
New Regulators of Lysosome Motility
Presenter(s)
Vishrut Dixit, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vladimir Gelfand, Northwestern University
Michael Winding, Northwestern University
The cellular cytoskeleton comprises a network of microtubules that, together with microtubule motors, is
essential for intracellular transport of various protein complexes and organelles. We used time-lapse
microscopy in combination with a genome-wide RNAi screen to search for factors regulating lysosome
motility along microtubules. To classify hits, we modified a temporal color code analysis plugin to
visualize lysosome movement in a single frame. Initial screening results showed that the knockdown of
proteins encoded by genes CG1193, CG14435, and CG14351 results in decreased lysosome motility. To
further verify these hits, each gene was tested individually with quantitative data analysis. We are
currently working on analyzing data for both lysosome and peroxisome motility to confirm preliminary
results; this quantitative data analysis will be completed in the next few weeks. The results of this study
increase our knowledge about factors affecting organelle transport, which may have future implications in
understanding transport in neurons with possible links to neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions in
axonal transport, including abnormal accumulations of protein and organelles, have been shown to link to
major human neurodegenerative diseases.
50
C08
Optimizing DNA Sequencing Using DNA Isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Gel
Electrophoresis
Presenter(s)
Natalie Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Atene Poskute, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Saigopal Somasundaram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
At the molecular level, DNA can be broken down to a sequence of four different nitrogenous bases. The
process of determining this sequence is known as DNA sequencing and can provide important
information in biological research. DNA from MO59K fibroblast cells, donated human cheek cells, CEM
white blood cells, and U937 white blood cells was isolated. Primers were selected and designed, adjusting
the sequence included in each primer in order to adjust the annealing temperature for each pair.
Optimization of polymerase chain reaction as well as isolation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is
ongoing. Changes in the source of mtDNA as well as changing annealing temperatures are also ongoing.
C09
The Effect of microRNA on the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung and Breast Adenocarcinoma
Presenter(s)
Nisa Faheem, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Somie Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lajvanthi Sudhakar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Microribonucleic acid (miRNA), twenty to twenty-five nucleotide long strands of genetic expression
regulators, may have some function in the proliferation of a variety of carcinomas. The microRNA strand
Hsa-miR-122-5p is designed to inhibit the expression of tumor suppressor genes, thus potentially
inducing proliferation of MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma and H522 non-small cell lung cancer cells. We
tested the effect of miRNA on H522 and MCF-7 cells by transfecting miRNA into the cell lines with
DharmaFECT reagent. Quantitative cell counts were taken of non-transfected cells and cells transfected
with Hsa-miR-122-5p miRNA, positive control miRNA, and negative control miRNAto determine the
proliferation of transfected cells. We determined a significant (P < 0.05) proliferation in the MCF-7 cells
which contained the transfected miRNA against the negative control. However the data were not
conclusively supported by the positive and negative controls as they were not significantly different from
each other. We are in the process of plating the cells on slides to determine transfection efficiency. Our
results will reveal more about the function of miRNA and its relationship in cancer development,
providing insight into different therapeutic methods.
51
C10
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia-Associated MIR137 Locus
Presenter(s)
Kristy Fang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nahee Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jubao Duan, NorthShore University HealthSystem
Although the non-coding MIR137 locus has been identified as a new schizophrenia susceptibility locus, it
is unknown what gene the disease risk variants affect. The objective of this study is to determine the
physical chromatin interactions between putative regulatory sequences flanking the common disease risk
variant (rs1198588) and the promoter/enhancer sequences adjacent to MIR137 and other genes such as
dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DYPD). A chromosome conformation capture (3C) assay using SHSY5Y
(a neuroblastoma cell line) was carried out. Cells were fixed, chromatins were cut and re-ligated to
test interacting segments, segments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bands were
visualized using gel electrophoresis. Amplified DNA was then sequenced to confirm these interactions.
Previous results suggested that sequences flanking the rare disease risk variant adjacent to MIR137 did
not interact with DPYD promoters. However, the sequence flanking the common risk variant rs1198588
yielded a robust and specific PCR amplification with DPYD as well as the MIR 137 adjacent promoter
and enhancer sequences. Thus, the regulatory sequence flanking the rs1198588 regulated the expression
of DPYD, but did not regulate the expression of the pseudogene LOC 729987 promoter. By pinpointing
the regulatory sequence interactions, the molecular mechanisms of MIR137 locus with schizophrenia can
be better understood.
C11
Deoxycholic Acid Alters Expression of Cancer and Epigenetic Genes in Mouse Intestinal
Epithelium
Presenter(s)
Yan Lin Feng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kyle Dolan, University of Chicago
Studies have shown that bacterial metabolites in the gut may alter intestinal gene expression, leading to
colorectal cancer. We suspect epigenetics plays a role in cancer development since cancer cells display
aberrant epigenetic patterns. We assessed the effects of deoxycholic acid (DCA), a bacterial metabolite
linked with colorectal cancer, on certain cancer and epigenetic-related genes in the small intestine. In a
culture model of intestinal epithelium derived from mouse stem cells, DCA exposure decreased the
abundance of transcripts for DNA methyltranferases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a) and methylcytosine oxidases
(Tet2, Tet3). DCA exposure also increased the expression of growth arrest and DNA damage 45
(Gadd45), a cellular stress response gene. These results suggest that DCA causes abnormal methylation
patterns by suppressing DNMT and TET expression at the transcriptional level. Additionally, the increase
in GADD indicates that significant DCA-induced DNA damage occurred. This finding proposes a
possible link between DNA damage and reduced DNMT and TET expression. Further studies on DCA's
effects on gene expression may provide more insight into the mechanisms underlying how this bacterial
metabolite promotes colorectal cancer.
52
C12
Using Golden Helix to Analyze Data From Whole Genome Sequences of Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome
Presenter(s)
Natasha Freund, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Margrit Urbanek, Northwestern University
High throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is used to compare genetic information of affected
subjects to that of control subjects to assess the likelihood that genomic variants are linked to causes of
complex diseases, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). NGS develops large amounts of data
that must be filtered by quality using bioinformatics technology, such as Golden Helix. This study used
previously sequenced genomes of fifty-four women with PCOS and eighteen controls. These genetic files
were formatted and uploaded to Golden Helix SNP and Variation Suite. After reading NGS articles and
software manuals, I applied various filters to determine how this technology analyzes variant linkage to
complex diseases. By viewing the filtered outputs in Golden Helix's genome browse, I found that alleles
with a call rate higher than 85%, and genotype quality and read depth greater than 20 were sufficiently
filtered for genotype marker annotations, including those for clinically important genotypes, known
alternative nucleotides, and allelic variants found in previous studies. Golden Helix's call rate, genotype
quality, read depth, and cross-annotation filters are most effective in providing the highest quality data for
comparing to the reference sequence. These findings will help develop a standard for these new programs
in future genetic association studies.
C13
Examining Cell-Cell Communication in Filamentous Cyanobacteria Using Electron Tomography
Presenter(s)
Geronimo Garcia, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Priya Trivedi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
Amin Nasser, University of Chicago
Cyanobacteria are green-blue gram-negative prokaryotes that carry out photosynthesis, fixing carbon
dioxide and generating oxygen. In response to nitrogen deprivation, about 10% of vegetative cells of
filamentous cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 differentiate into nitrogen-fixing heterocysts,
providing an anaerobic environment required for nitrogen fixation. Cell communication is important
between these specialized cells as amino acids are transported from heterocysts to vegetative cells while
sugar is transported from vegetative cells to heterocysts. Our goal was to examine the structure and
composition of heterocysts and vegetative cells in order to determine function, composition, and location
of possible channels between these cells. Cells grown in medium with and without a nitrogen source were
high pressure frozen, sectioned, and visualized by electron microscopy. Three-dimensional tomograms
were generated and used to model the cells. We found that channels exist between cells. We determined
the dimensions of the channels and found that between a heterocyst and vegetative cell the channels are
14 nanometers in diameter and 21 nanometers long (+2 SD) while the average measurements of channels
between vegetative cells are 12 nanometers in diameter and length (+2 SD). We also noticed that these
channels might serve as molecular markers, dictating where the heterocyst's neck develops.
53
C14
Patterns Behind Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glaucoma on Oscillatory Potential
Waves
Presenter(s)
Cammille Go, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Xiaorong Liu, Northwestern University
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is a group of neuropathic diseases that
result in the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to blindness. In closed-angle
glaucoma, the patient possesses high intraocular pressure (IOP), as the aqueous humor cannot drain
through the blocked trabecular meshwork. We established a model mimicking this condition by using
laser illumination and microbead injection to cause elevated IOP for eight weeks. Full-field
electroretinography (ERG) was used to stimulate in vivo mouse eyes and to measure the electrical
responses, allowing us to monitor the degeneration of retinal function over time. ERG records a-waves, bwaves,
and oscillatory potentials (OPs). A-waves and b-waves are created as a response to stimulation by
photoreceptor cells and bipolar cells respectively. OPs, created in the inner retina, reflect functional
changes in RGCs. By measuring the decrease in the amplitude of OPs, we chronicled the effects of
glaucoma on RGCs. In our ocular hypertension model, we noted that there was a decrease in OPs,
demonstrating the degeneration of RGCs. Furthermore, the extent of degeneration can be estimated
because the OPs gradually decrease with time. In conclusion, our mouse model enables us to extrapolate
patterns about the human disease and test potential cures.
C15
Engineering a Luminescent Reporter Protein to Track Influenza A Virus Infection in vivo
Presenter(s)
Annika Gomez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Balaji Manicassamy, University of Chicago
This study aims to develop a novel reporter system that would allow us to follow influenza A virus (IAV)
infection in vivo in a mouse model of influenza infection using firefly luciferase (FFluc) as a reporter.
IAV promoter and terminator sequences were added to the reporter gene to ensure that it can only be
translated into FFluc protein in the case of IAV infection. The gene was cloned into plasmids containing a
mouse polymerase promoter. These DNA constructs where transfected into mouse fibroblast cells. Cells
were cotransfected with Renilla luciferase, which served as a normalizing control. The transfected cells
were infected with IAV, or a mini genome assay was performed, to determine if the construct functioned
correctly. Luciferase assays were performed on the cell lysates to determine the amount of luciferase in
each group. Results from the mini genome assay showed a high amount of FFluc production compared to
the control (2,061,510 relative light units (RLU) compared to 1,786 RLU). Results from the
transfection/infection experiments also showed a high amount of FFluc production in infected cells
compared with uninfected cells (216,623 RLU compared to 39,857 RLU). These results indicate that the
DNA construct containing FFluc reporter is functional and can be used to track IAV infection in vivo.
54
C16
CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-Guided Upregulation of Utrophin as a Therapy for Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy
Presenter(s)
Alyda Huerta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Renzhi Han, Loyola University
Andrew Mariano, Loyola University
Audrey Torcaso, Loyola University
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive trait that affects one out of every thirty-six
hundred male infants. It is caused by mutations in the DMD gene that encodes for dystrophin. Dystrophin
links the muscle cytosketeleton to the extracellular matrix and prevents stress to the plasma membrane
and damage to myofibers. Upregulating utrophin could compensate for the lack of dystrophin in the
muscle cells of patients with DMD because utrophin's homology with dystrophin allows it to interact with
the same proteins in the cytoskeleton network. As a possible therapy for DMD, we used the engineered
transcription factor dCas9-VP64 and utrophin-targeting guide ribonucleic acid (gRNA) to upregulate
utrophin. We transfected cultured cells with the pLKO-dCas9-VP64 construct only or with an equal ratio
of the three pLKO-dCas9-VP64-hUtr constructs. RNA extracts were obtained 48 hours after transfection
and then reverse transcribed into complementary DNA. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel
electrophoresis indicated that there was an increase in the utrophin mRNA with the three pLKO-dCas9-
VP64-hUtr constructs compared to dCas9- VP64 only. Additional reverse transcriptase PCR and Western
blot analysis is currently in progress to test each single gRNA individually along with the dCas9-VP64
construct for upregulation of utrophin.
C17
Effect of High Nitric Oxide Microenvironment on Cancer Cell Migration
Presenter(s)
Shreya Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cancer cells are unique because they resist cell death, form new blood vessels, and metastasize or spread
cancer in the body. Nitric oxide (NO) is a chemical that can help a microenvironment thrive or diminish.
In large quantities, NO inhibits expression of cell adhesion molecules, causing metastasis. The aim of the
present study was to find a correlation between the cell migration rates of high nitric oxide cells (HNO)
and parent cells in cancerous cell lines. Five cell lines were investigated and a scratch assay protocol was
executed to study cell migration by creating an artificial gap on a cell monolayer and capturing images at
regular intervals to measure the distance of the gap over time. The study found that the parent breast
tissue cell lines migrated faster than the HNO cells. On the other hand, the parent lung tumor cell line had
a slower metastatic rate compared to the HNO cells. There was minimal difference between the migration
rates of HNO cells and parent cells in each cell line. Further research will need to be conducted to
discover how NO reacts to certain environments so researchers and doctors can cure cancer or alleviate
pain for patients.
55
C18
Phenotypic Characterization of OX40L-Expressing Dendritic Cells Expanding T-Regulatory TCells
Presenter(s)
Elijah Jimenez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Palash Bhattacharya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bellur Prabhakar, University of Illinois at Chicago
Earlier work has shown that bone marrow cells isolated from mouse femurs can be cultured ex vivo in the
presence of the cytokine granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor to differentiate into bone
marrow dendritic cells (BMDC). These cells can be classified into two distinct populations based on the
expression of the co-stimulatory molecule OX40L. Only OX40L-expressing BMDCs have the capacity of
selectively proliferating regulatory T-cells in co-cultures. Thus, these cells could be relevant for
regulating immunological tolerance. To better understand the phenotype of OX40L positive BMDCs and
to correlate this with its tolerogenic function, we conducted a whole genome microarray to determine
relative gene expression between OX40L positive and OX40L negative BMDCs. Our data revealed that
OX40L positive BMDCs expressed higher levels of CD80 and CD86, co-stimulatory molecules related to
antigen presentation. They also expressed higher levels of the cytokines CCL5 and CCL22, which are
chemoattractants for T-cell subtypes. Finally OX40L positive BMDCs differentially expressed the
transcription factors NFAT5 and c-REL. We further confirmed some of these findings through
quantitative and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We also cultured BMDCs in the presence of
various inhibitors to determine which cell-signaling pathway affected OX40L expression. Flow
cytometry-based data revealed that the NF-kB and PI3K pathways are involved in OX40L expression in
BMDCs.
56
C19
Error Correction Approach of Next Generation Sequencing Data for Analysis of HIV-1 Variability
Presenter(s)
Vivian Jin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shuchi Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eunyoung Kim, Northwestern University
Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Ramon Redondo Lorenzo, Northwestern University
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) constitutes one of the major medical challenges due to
infectious diseases that the world is facing, affecting more than thirty million people. Due to its high
mutation rate, enormous population sizes, and rapid turnover, HIV-1 generates a swarm of mutants,
known as a quasispecies, whose variability constitutes a major mechanism in the HIV-1 virus adaptability
and evasion to drugs. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies can be used to analyze the highly
variable HIV-1 in order to understand host-virus interactions and viral evolution. However, these
sequencing machines can introduce errors that become difficult to distinguish between low-frequency
variants and viral mutations. In the present project we have developed an analysis pipeline for 454
sequencing data that is an NGS platform. We used control sequences of known composition tagged with
two identifiers to quantify sequencing errors. This data was analyzed to identify the frequencies at which
errors occurred, the relationship between the errors and sequence frequency, and the existence of specific
error-prone regions. The error correction approach will distinguish between naturally occurring mutations
and sequencing errors. This study will provide insight for an accurate analysis of the HIV-1 viral
variability and evolution that is critical to successful treatment development.
C20
The Effect of Photoperiod and Thyroid Hormone on Innate Immune Response in Phodopus
sungorus
Presenter(s)
Omkar Kelkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenneth Onishi, University of Chicago
Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Tyler Stevenson, University of Chicago
Short day lengths (SD) enhance multiple aspects of immune function and recent research indicated that
thyroid hormone (T3) is sufficient to mimic the effects of SDs on some aspects of immune function
(white blood cell counts and T cell mediated inflammatory responses). This study examined whether
photoperiod and T3 likewise affect innate immune responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which
simulates a bacterial infection. In the study, long day (LD) and SD hamsters, along with LD hamsters pretreated
with 1 g of T3, were injected with LPS or saline (as a control). SD hamsters exhibited reductions
in sickness behaviors and hypothalamic cytokine (NFKb and IL-beta) production, as compared to LD
hamsters. T3 treatment, however, was without effect on any of these responses to LPS. The data suggest
that photoperiod significantly affects behavioral and molecular sickness responses, but that thyroid
hormones are not sufficient to mimic the effects of SD photoperiods on these aspects of immune function.
Effects of thyroid hormones on immune function appear to be trait-specific.
57
C21
Effects of Environmental Factors, Immune Evasion, and Reservoir Population on the Prevalence of
Lyme Disease
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Kiene, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Megan Schrementi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, and transported to humans by the deer tick,
Ixodes scapularis, is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. Yearly case estimates
previous to 2013 approached twenty to thirty thousand cases, but the Centers for Disease Control now
estimates around three hundred thousand cases per year. This study explored factors contributing to
elevated prevalence of B. burgdorferi infection. A literature review examined factors like vector and
reservoir population, climate, acorn density, and antigenic variation. The factors contributing highly to the
occurrence of Lyme disease were determined to be acorn density feeding the reservoir population and B.
burgdorferi variation of outer surface proteins, leading to avoidance of host immune response. Further, B.
burgdorferi is able to effectively evade immune response, which may contribute to increased severity and
reinfection of human hosts. Correlation studies of case numbers in local areas indicate that environmental
variables do not affect Lyme disease infectivity.
C22
The Role of E2F1 in Regulating Bone Marrow Cell Oxidative Metabolism and Ischemic Cardiac
Repair
Presenter(s)
Srisha Kotlo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gangjian Qin, Northwestern University
Tianjiao Sun, Northwestern University
Shiyue Xu, Northwestern University
Myocardial ischemia is a condition leading to hypoxia and an environment in which the heart tissue is
damaged. Endothelial progenitor cells have therapeutic potential for ischemic cardiac repair. Recent
studies suggest that E2F1 suppression enhances oxidative phosphorylation in progenitor cells and is
associated with cell differentiation. Our goal was to see how E2F1 regulates bone marrow (BM)
progenitor cell differentiation, thereby impacting ischemic cardiac repair. We cultured BM lineage
negative progenitor cells under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. BM lineage negative cells were isolated
through magnetic cell sorting and analyzed for PDK expression level, cell metabolic profile, and cell
function. E2F1 deficiency leads to a reduction of expression of PDK2 and PDK4, which results in a
decrease of PDH-E1a phosphorylation. Compared to wild-type BM cells, E2F1 deficient cells showed
about a two-fold increase in expression of endothelial markers. Genetic deletion of E2F1 in BM
progenitor cells enhances oxidative metabolism and differentiation towards endothelial lineage in vitro
and in the ischemic tissue environment. This suggests that inhibition of E2F1 in BM progenitor cells
enhances differentiation of BM cells which are recruited to the ischemic heart, and may improve the
recovery from cardiac ischemic injury.
58
C23
Evaluating Molecular Function of Proteins Through Integrase-Mediated Cassette Exchange
Presenter(s)
Sanjay Kottapalli, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Debabrata Chakravarti, Northwestern University
J. Brandon Parker, Northwestern University
One method for investigating protein function involves lowering expression of the endogenous protein by
RNA interference (knockdown) in order to examine the resulting cellular phenotype. However, problems
arise when attempting to rescue the phenotype by reintroducing mutants of the protein at its original
expression level, due to position effects. Here, we introduce a method for site-specific integrase-mediated
cassette exchange (IMCE), which utilizes the enzyme ΦC31 integrase to swap the genetic material
between attP sites on an acceptor cassette with the DNA between attB sites on a donor vector. Our
acceptor cassette was constructed with the phosphoglycerate kinase promoter and the mCherry red
fluorescent protein gene, flanked by attP sites. The donor cassette was constructed with the enhanced
green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene, flanked by attB sites. A cotransfection of the acceptor and donor
cassettes +/- integrase into cells showed several instances of EGFP expression, indicating moderate
success of IMCE between transient plasmids. These preliminary results show promise for planned
knockdown/rescue experiments involving cotransfections of integrase and donor cassettes incorporating
rescue transgenes in cells containing the acceptor cassette integrated at a stable locus. This method will
have broader uses in molecular analyses by ensuring uniform expression of wild type and mutant proteins.
C24
Analysis of Retinoblastoma I and Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase 5A on Metabolic Pathways
Presenter(s)
Kathryn Kuna, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) and lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5A (Kdm5a) are regulators of several cell
processes, such as the cell cycle, muscle differentiation, and metabolism. Rb1 -/- cells are defective in
differentiation, and the double knockout of Rb1 and Kdm5a genes rescues differentiation. They were
analyzed in relation to the metabolic pathways mitochondrion, the citrate cycle, and the electron transport
chain. Analysis of previous research was used to create diagrams describing how pathways were affected
by gene expression and how specific genes were affected in Rb1-deficient cells. Esrrg is a regulator of
cell metabolism that rescued by the double knockout of Kdm5a and Rb1. The expression levels of Esrrg
in C2C12 myoblasts with different levels of differentiation were analyzed using quantitative polymerase
chain reaction. The data from the diagrams suggested that gene expression of the citrate cycle decreases
in Rb1-inactive cells compared to wild type cells, and the double knockout of Rb1 and Kdm5a rescues the
expression of the mitochondrion genes. The data indicates that as differentiation progresses, Esrrg
expression levels rise. Cancer cells often have abnormal differentiation due to Rb1- inactivation, so the
antagonistic relationship between Kdm5a and Rb1could be used to create a drug that targets Kdm5a, an
easier target, while affecting Rb1.
59
C25
Effects of a Nuclear Receptor Agonist on Gene Expression of Hepatocyte Organoids
Presenter(s)
Quinn Lewis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Candace Cham, University of Chicago
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kristina Martinez, University of Chicago
The constitutive androstane nuclear receptor (CAR) upregulates the expression of xenobiotic
enzymes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism in response to the known CAR agonist, 1,4-
bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene or TCPOBOP (TCP). It is expected that microbial
metabolites may also activate CAR in hepatic organoids (hepanoids). Thus the aim of the project
was to first determine the effective dose of TCP that induces CAR target gene expression. We
treated hepanoids with various concentrations of TCP and analyzed gene expression by
quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene, Insig-1, and
Cyp2b10 genes; all of which are genes known to be affected by TCP in hepatocyte cells. We
observed an increase in gene expression of Cyp2b10 at the 100 nM dose, but not Insig-1. Further
investigation will assess the effect of microbial metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids and
hydrogen sulfide, on CAR-regulated gene expression. Resultant findings may implicate an
important role of intestinal bacteria in regulating lipid metabolism in the liver.
C26
Identification of Fate Regulators in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Presenter(s)
Gina Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Fei Wang, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are well-known for pluripotence, the ability to differentiate into
any mature cell type. This property makes them ideal for studying the molecular mechanisms involved in
early development, a process not easily observable in vitro. Genes of interest showed significantly altered
expression during chemically stimulated differentiation. hESCs were transfected with lentiviral vectors
which introduced short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs, silencing a specific gene; expression of
established genetic markers was then measured to further verify the function of this silenced gene in
either suppressing or promoting a particular path of differentiation. Genes PAX6, SOX17, and T were
tested as markers of ectoderm (nerve), endoderm (inner organs), and mesoderm (skeletal muscle)
differentiation, respectively. The study found multiple previously uncharacterized genes which exhibited
major expression pattern change during either neural or endoderm differentiation. Further analysis of
individual genes found two genes potentially contributing to the mechanisms maintaining pluripotency.
These potential regulatory genes will be further characterized in future studies, contributing to knowledge
of early development and stem cell biology which can enable regenerative therapies and birth defect
avoidance.
60
C27
Creating an Efficient Code Pipeline to Analyze Caenorhabditis elegans Drug Sensitivity
Presenter(s)
Gina Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Erik Andersen, Northwestern University
Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm found worldwide, is commonly used as a genetic model organism.
In traits such as drug sensitivity, phenotypic differences between geographically distant strains can be
traced back to genetic factors through genomic mapping. Due to the high volume of data gathered, a code
pipeline which would automate analysis became necessary. Using the R environment and language, I
wrote a script which would automatically apply a series of analytical commands to given lists of control
and test assays. This script is able to account for manually entered data, eliminating wells deemed
contaminated by the researcher. After incorporation of the R Markdown markup language and knitr
package, the R script output automatically generates a formatted HTML report with plots created using
the ggplot2 package. I am currently testing the applicability of my script to different experimental trials
and improving the readability of my report outputs. I have also begun preliminary work to connect both
drug dose response and genomic divergence to the existing code. This work will greatly increase the
efficiency of future drug sensitivity trial analysis and graphical output.
C28
Correlation Between Intracellular Calcium Release and T-Tubule Organization in Failing Rat
Myocytes
Presenter(s)
Shruthi Mothkur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Heart failure afflicts about 5.7 million people in the United States a year and is a causative agent in one in
nine deaths. Intracellular calcium cycling regulates cardiac systolic and diastolic function in a process
called cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Contractions are caused during the cardiac action potential
as calcium enters the cell through depolarization-activated calcium channels placed along invaginations
along the sarcolemma called t-tubules. During heart failure, this process is disturbed and the contractile
phase is effectively prolonged and t-tubule organization is disturbed. The goal of this study was to
investigate the relationship between t-tubule remodeling and calcium release in heart failure. Intact hearts
from spontaneously hypertensive rats were analyzed to obtain a measurement of organizational index of ttubules
and the heterogeneity index, or standard deviation of calcium transients in individual heart cells.
Results indicate that t-tubule remodeling causes a non-linear increase in the variability of calcium release
along the cell length as the efficiency of calcium-induced calcium release decreases due to distance from
type 1 calcium channels located on the t-tubule increases.
61
C29
Characterization of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B Alterations in Human Breast Cancer
Presenter(s)
Shruthi Mothkur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 232,670 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed
in 2014. Understanding the role of epigenomics during mammary tumorigenesis may elucidate the
process of tumor development. Evidence suggests that deregulation of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B is
linked to tumorigenesis. Through the use of publicly available cancer profiling databases, we analyzed
gene expression level, DNA copy number alterations, and somatic mutations of the three genes in
different tissue samples of human breast cancer. We found significant overexpression of EZH2, KDM5A,
and KDM5B compared to normal breast tissue samples. We correlated gene expression level of these
genes with tumor grade, stage, expression of hormone receptors, and patient survival in these breast
cancer datasets. Consistent with published data, EZH2 expression level was increased in high grade
cancers. Additionally, we analyzed gene expression changes in response to drug treatments. We generated
a map of somatic mutations in the genes and a cross species analysis was run. The results show that the
mutation sites are conservative across species, suggesting the functional significance of the mutations.
This finding indicates that reduction of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B levels in tumor cells may lead to
inhibition of cancer progression.
C30
Functions of Transcriptional Corepressor Groucho on Neuronal Differentiation
Presenter(s)
Emily Mu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Wei Du, University of Chicago
Tianyi Zhang, University of Chicago
In humans, neural tubes differentiate into neurons and glial cells before birth. Accurate and regulated
differentiation is necessary for healthy brain development. Within Drosophila melanogaster and humans
exist a number of transcription cofactors with homologous functions in neuronal differentiation including
corepressor Groucho (GRO). In this study technologies including RNA interference, tissue dissection,
immunostaining, and fluorescent microscopy imaging were used to clarify protein mechanisms in both
early and late-stage neuronal differentiation in the D. melanogaster model organism. Our Drosophila
model established two novel functions for GRO in neuronal development: loss of function GRO
upregulates rhomboid and activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and increases
rough expression. This study developed a new model for the binary function of GRO: under normal
conditions, GRO promotes atonal by suppressing EGFR activity, however, removing EGFR allows for
GRO to instead suppress atonal, inducing an extra level of regulation in early neuronal differentiation.
The development of a neural differentiation model can facilitate the creation of new therapies to aid
developmental regulation.
62
C31
Association Between Diabetes-Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Various Cancer Types
Presenter(s)
Julian Pacheco, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brandon Pierce, University of Chicago
Chenan Zhang, University of Chicago
The goal of this project was to determine if diabetes-related genetic variants [single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNP)] are associated with cancer risk. Prior studies have shown that diabetics are at
increased risk for cancer. Data from the Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) for various cancer
types (ovarian, prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung) was used to estimate associations with cancer for
SNPs known to influence fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and type 2 diabetes risk. Diabetes-related SNPs
were identified using prior literature. A program was then run to identify and extract association estimates
for these SNPs in the cancer GWAS results files. Scatterplots were created to show which SNPs showed
an association with cancer risk, and association trends were plotted as a line. The slope of the line
corresponded to one of three results: positive, negative, or no association. Seventeen graphs showed some
association between the diabetes-related SNPs and different subsets of cancer. Some showed diabetes risk
alleles were associated with decreased chance of a certain subtype of cancer. By showing that there are
associations between diabetes-related and various subtypes of cancers, it became evident that preventative
research should be conducted. In conclusion, our results suggest that for certain cancer subtypes, cancer
risk is influenced by diabetes-related SNPs.
C32
Homozygous Genotypes Long Adenine and Short Variant of Serotonin Transporter Gene and Link
to Autism
Presenter(s)
Breanna Pederson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Edwin Cook, University of Illinois at Chicago
Kelley Moore, University of Illinois at Chicago
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mental condition that exhibits deficits in social
communication/interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Although most cases of ASD have
unknown causes, many genetic variants are associated with ASD. This project, the Simons Simplex
Collection, examined the phenotypic expression of the homozygous long adenine (LALA) 5-HTTLPR
genotype of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) compared to the homozygous short genotype (SS) in
1,906 autistic subjects. This study attempted to replicate the University of Illinois at Chicago Autism
Center of Excellence results which found a relationship between these genotypes and phenotypes.
Polymerase chain reaction and Msp I digests were performed to determine the genotype of each subject,
including the length of the gene and which nucleotide was present at the cut point. To measure phenotypic
expression the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised factor compulsion, rituals, and sameness (CRS) was
used. The low and high CRS groups were compared to the SS genotype and the LALA genotype groups.
The Pearson chi-square value was 0.95 (p-value of .33) showing that there was no statistical significance
in the relationship of these genotypes and CRS levels. Therefore, the LALA genotype does not coincide
with a higher CRS level than the SS genotype in people with Western European heritage in this sample.
63
C33
Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Roles in the Onset of Alzheimer’s
Disease
Presenter(s)
Michael Pradaxay, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ken-Ichiro Fukuchi, University of Illinois at Peoria
The amyloid hypothesis regarding Alzheimer's disease states that the neurodegeneration may be caused
by beta amyloid (Aβ) buildup in the human brain leading to dementia. Aβ is produced from its precursor,
amyloid precursor protein (APP). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has a large role in immune systems and is a
part of the IL-1/toll receptor family. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length
polymorphism were used in order to amplify APP and TLR4 and identify mutated copies of TLR4
respectively. Several mice have been genotyped for APP and TLR4 gene throughout the investigation. A
further understanding on TLR4’s role in Alzheimer’s disease was attained throughout testing. Mice were
tested to see if they possessed different numbers of copies of the TLR4 gene (0, 1, 2, 6 or 7). Larger
quantities of TLR4 were tested in amyloid detection and clearance. The APP genotyping done in the
experiment allows for a more accurate idea of disease causation. Results of this investigation include the
genotyping of mice DNA samples which may assist in mapping the differences in the number of TLR4
gene copies. These results, with other investigations, may lead to a better understanding of Alzheimer’s
disease origins and possible therapeutic treatments.
C34
The Relationship Between Enrichment Type and Daily Activity in a Mountain Lion
Presenter(s)
Maureen Reiser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Randy Johnson, Phillips Park Zoo
It is crucial to prevent stereotypical or repeated negative behaviors of captive animals in zoos. The most
efficient method to halting these behaviors is the practice of enrichment activities which can stimulate
animals to be more active. I observed and recorded the successfulness of enrichment activities by
comparing the amount of time spent by two mountain lions during and after the activity. I ran a two-way
ANOVA to compare the mean times of activity for each mountain lion. There was not a statistical
difference between the mean times, however the analysis showed that Tonka (the male) on average,
spends more time on enrichment and is active longer compared to Macha (the female). Macha and Tonka
both like the same activities and spend about the same amount of time on activities. There is no
correlation between times spent after the enrichment activity. Tonka is stimulated by the enrichment
activities to be more active than Macha. The preliminary results indicate that successful enrichment
activities motivate animals to be active and prevent stereotypical behaviors.
64
C35
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Enrichment for Captive Gray Wolves (Canis lupus)
Presenter(s)
Nicole Schubert, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Randy Johnson, Phillips Park Zoo
Enrichment activities are created to trigger the natural instincts of captive animals to prevent them from
exhibiting negative characteristics. In this study, two eight-year-old wolves were observed for a half hour
after being introduced to the day’s activity. Details regarding the activity were recorded, including the
type of activity it was (food or scent-based), the zookeepers involved in the activity, and the amount of
time each wolf spent on the activity. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures test was used to
determine if there was a significant difference between the activity types. It was found that there was no
significant difference in the amount of time the wolves spent doing either activity (p = 0.64296). There
was also no significant difference between the amount of time the wolves spent on the activities with
more than one zookeeper present (p = 0.86632). It was found, however, that the male wolf in the study
spent significantly more time on the activities (p = 0.006889). These results do not suggest that any of the
factors examined affect the amount of time the wolves are involved in the activity, but they do suggest
that it would vary between individuals, as expected. It was noted that the female wolf often got distracted
by the zookeepers and another wolf in a connected exhibit after being given enrichment. It is possible that
this distraction was the reason the female did not participate.
C36
The Role of Viral Protein 1/2 in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication
Presenter(s)
Christopher Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nick Huffmaster, Northwestern University
Greg Smith, Northwestern University
The focus of this study is to investigate how ubiquitination, a protein modification on the amino acid
lysine known to alter protein function, regulates herpes virus neuroinvasion. The neuroinvasive herpes
viruses, such as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), can cause lifelong infections in humans. The viral
protein 1/2 (VP1/2) plays an important role in neuroinvasion. Therefore, we mutated two potential sites of
ubiquitination in VP1/2 and determined the contribution of these sites to HSV-1 replication. Experiments
were completed by infecting cultured epithelial cells. Mutating site 636 had no impact on viral
replication. However, mutating site 1976 caused a defect in viral propagation and spread. The data
indicates that site 1976 is critical for VP1/2 function. This novel information regarding the regulation of
VP1/2 in HSV-1 can potentially provide more insight into the mechanisms behind herpes virus infections
of the nervous system.
65
C37
Effect of Apolipoprotein E4 Allele on Deterioration of Brains in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Sachi Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has three allele variations: ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4. The ApoE gene is
involved in plasma lipoprotein metabolism and lipid transportation in tissues. The presence of ApoE4 in
the central nervous system increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the
mechanisms behind the allele ApoE4’s connection to AD are unclear. This investigation tests the effect of
ApoE4 on the deterioration of the brain in AD patients by comparing the volume of the hippocampus of
AD patients one year prior to onset of AD (pMCI patients) carrying ApoE4+ to the volume of the
hippocampus of pMCI patients who do not carry the ApoE4 allele. The data was compared quantitatively
by running correlation tests on FreeSurfer data analysis software. This investigation hopes to show that
the presence of the ApoE4 allele in patients effects deterioration of the hippocampus one year prior to
onset of AD. If this is the case then other parts of the brain will be examined for the effect of the ApoE4
allele to see what about the allele causes increased deterioration of the brain. These insights to the ApoE4
allele can help better understand and treat and diagnose patients suffering from AD.
C38
The Effects of A4V Superoxide Dismutase 1 Mutant Protein Incorporation on Calcium Ion
Membrane Conductance
Presenter(s)
Shelly Teng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Allen, University of Chicago
Ana Correa, University of Chicago
Jacob Riehm, University of Chicago
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of
control in the motor neuron system. One possible cause of the familial form of ALS results from
mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, that lead to defective proteins. The point
mutation caused by a substitution of alanine to valine leads to the A4VSOD1 mutant, which is the most
deleterious. Our study specifically targets the incorporation of this protein into lipid bilayers and its
ability to create ion conducting pores. In our investigation, we used a computer-based system that controls
the voltage across lipid membranes in order to measure protein-induced conductance perturbations. These
effects were measured by the quantitative differences in the amount of current across the lipid bilayer, due
to changes in transmembrane ion flow. Data was obtained for control experiments and other experiments
that also included the A4VSOD1 mutation protein. We then analyzed this data to determine the effects of
this protein and its ability to create pores that can conduct calcium. Thus far, our results suggest that
A4VSOD1 allows higher calcium conductance and more current jump events in the membrane. From
these results, we infer that the A4V mutation causes greater toxicity by promoting lipid bilayer instability
through its own incorporation into the membrane and that it may contribute to cell death by creating
calcium conductive pores.
66
C39
Designing an Algorithm to Analyze Images of Moving Mitochondria
Presenter(s)
Yash Thacker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yang Li, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Neuron morphology is a useful tool for understanding a neuron’s function in terms of processing the
synaptic information of the neurons in patients with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s disease. I researched coding an algorithm using MATLAB software based on research
findings and equations designed by previous researchers. The algorithm is being written to de-noise
images of moving of mitochondria, therefore there is still some time before the data can be collected.
While constructing the algorithm we are using particle enhancement techniques and Haar-like features to
make the algorithm analyzing capabilities more accurate. Statistical data such as p-values can be used to
determine effectiveness of the algorithm in terms of accuracy, in addition to using other tests to compare
any significant deviation the algorithm will have in comparison to present algorithms. Based on the
statistical tests, we will be able to test the new algorithm for mitochondrial imaging analysis.
C40
Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T Cells
Presenter(s)
Lynette To, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yao Bian, Northwestern University
Chyung-Ru Wang, Northwestern University
Most vertebrate animals express the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region that codes for MHC
molecules responsible for antigen processing and presentation to circulating lymphocytes in order to
produce an immune response. Critical to disease survival and pathogen eradication, these immune
responses are driven by CD8+ T cells and cytokines such as IFN-gamma to amplify the response. It has
been shown that HLA-E, the human homologue for MHC-Ib molecule Qa-1, may be involved in
controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections. This study investigates two immunization
methods, CpG as an adjuvant and Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA), to generate a Qa-1-restricted Mtbspecific
CD8+ T cell response in naive B6 and class-II knockout (CII-KO) mice. After sacrificing
immunized mice, cells from the spleen and lymph nodes were used as effector cells in an ELISPOT to
detect an interferon- gamma immune response. Results show moderate Mtb specificity in CpGimmunized
B6 mice, but no Mtb specificity in immunized CII-KO mice, suggesting the importance of
CD4+ T cells in priming CD8+ stimulation. Further investigations can determine the Mtb specificity of
CFA immunization in B6 mice, possibly leading to the determination of select Mtb peptides' potential to
be used in vaccine strategies for humans.
67
C41
The Effects of the Microflora on Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration in vitro
Presenter(s)
Brian Vien, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ali Djalilian, University of Illinois at Chicago
Damage to the cornea will cause impairment of vision, but it will normally heal with time. This
investigation tested whether or not bacteria may improve recovery rates of the corneal epithelia and
decrease the amount of time necessary for patients to recover. We tested the secretions of Staphylococcus
epidermis, a prominent corneal bacterium, and other microfloral bacteria in addition to their respective
heat-killed variants on the human corneal epithelial cell line HCLE to examine resulting differences in
migration rates via a method called scratch assay. The results indicate that only the secreted products of
Staphylococcus epidermis increase the rate of migration, an indicator of wound healing. The cells treated
with heat-killed bacterial residues and with the secreted products of other bacteria all displayed inhibition
of migration rate. Based on the results, we conclude that Staphylococcus epidermis may provide the cells
with some benefits in corneal epithelial cell migration while heat-killed bacterial residues tested inhibits
cell migration.
C42
Determining Gene Recruitment Sequences for Targeting ACT1 Gene to the Nuclear Periphery in
Yeast
Presenter(s)
Amanda Walsh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donna Brickner, Northwestern University
Jason Brickner, Northwestern University
The genome in eukaryotic nuclei is spatially organized and has been proposed to function as a regulator
of gene expression. In brewer’s yeast, many genes are targeted to the nuclear periphery, which promotes
their full expression. Gene recruitment sequences (GRS) located within the promoters of genes control
their targeting. This inquiry sought to identify the GRS(s) responsible for targeting the gene encoding the
essential cytoskeletal protein actin (ACT1) to the nuclear periphery. Fragments of the ACT1 promoter
were inserted into a test location in the yeast genome. This strain possesses green fluorescent protein
marking the test location and red fluorescent protein marking the nuclear envelope. Images of these cells
were captured on a confocal microscope and scored as to whether or not the green dot (the gene)
overlapped with the red envelope. The results show that an eight base pair GRS is sufficient to confer
localization of the test location to the nuclear periphery. This activity is not affected by the orientation of
the fragment. We will test if peripheral localization is lost when a mutated GRS is inserted. Future studies
will identify the protein that interacts with this GRS to mediate targeting to the nuclear periphery.
68
C43
The Role of ER71 in Blood Vessel Development
Presenter(s)
William Widjaja, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Changwon Park, University of Illinois at Chicago
Vascular endothelial cells play a key role in pathophysiological angiogenesis. The purpose of this
research was to understand the biology of endothelial cells by performing a series of experiments. To this
end, we focused on the ER71 protein which is a member of the ETS transcription factor family. First, we
examined whether ER71 could regulate endothelial genes with special focus on FLK1, which is an
indispensable gene for endothelial cell development. ER71 cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) and cloned into mammalian expressed plasmids. Then, the plasmid was transfected into
mammalian cells together with plasmids in which luciferase activity was under control of the promoter of
the FLK1 gene. After confirming the proper expression of transfected ER71 with quantitative real-time
PCR, luciferase activity was measured. We found that ER71 significantly upregulated the activity of the
FLK1 promoter, suggesting that ER71 can act as an upstream regulator of FLK1. We were able to
reproduce the results that the principal investigator’s lab group found and successfully learned some
experiments important for biological science research.
C44
The Absence of Gut Microbes Alters Hepatic Nuclear Receptor Expression
Presenter(s)
Mayuri Yasuda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kristina Martinez, University of Chicago
Alterations in the gut microbiota may have direct impact on metabolic pathways in the gut and liver. We
expect that gut microbes significantly alter the function of hepatic nuclear receptors (NR), constitutive
androstane receptor (CAR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), which are
major regulators of lipid metabolism. To test this hypothesis, specific pathogen free (SPF) and germ free
(GF) mice were fed standard chow diets and high saturated milk fat (MF) diets for twelve weeks. Body
weight and food intake were measured weekly. Fat pad weight and liver weight were measured at the end
of the study. Liver tissue was collected for measurement of CAR and PPARα target genes via quantitative
polymerase chain reaction. MF feeding increased the body weight of SPF mice, but not GF mice.
Additionally, the MF-mediated increase of mesenteric fat pad weight was higher in SPF versus GF mice.
In the liver, CAR and its target gene cyp2b10 and the PPARα target cyp4a10 were highly expressed in GF
compared to SPF mice on chow diet. Interestingly, the MF diet induced CAR and cyp4a10 expression
compared to the chow diet in SPF, but not in GF mice. Collectively, these findings suggest a relationship
between the gut microbiota and hepatic NR expression.
69
C45
The Effects of Adiponectin on Fibrosis
Presenter(s)
Sung Yeo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roberta Goncalves Marangoni, Northwestern University
Systemic sclerosis, a fibrotic disease that has no cure, causes the accumulation of collagen in the
extracellular matrix. Adiponectin, a protein secreted in fat tissues, has potent anti-fibrotic effects in vitro,
and is a current target of research for fibrosis therapy. We hypothesized that adipose adiponectin
attenuates fibrosis in vivo, and we tested the hypothesis by analyzing the effect of adiponectin on the
thickness of the dermis of the mice samples. We first confirmed that our given transgenic mice samples
have increased levels of adiponectin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using a bleomycin
mouse model, a well-known model for the induction of skin fibrosis, we ran the Western blots to detect
the amount of collagen in our samples. In addition, we used eosin and hematoxylin and trichrome staining
to visually examine the effect of adiponectin on the thickness of the dermis under a bright field
microscope. We quantified these thicknesses in each of our samples to test whether the effect of
adiponectin on fibrosis was significant or not. All of our results confirmed that adiponectin attenuates
fibrosis in vivo. Our findings are significant in further research of adiponectin as a novel target for fibrosis
therapy.
D01
Possible Short Term Investment Strategy
Presenter(s)
Sun Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
John Satter, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Kolsky, Northwestern University/Morgan Stanley
Kevin Lynch, Northwestern University/Morgan Stanley
The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events on television on Earth. One of the most anticipated
aspects of this event are the famous, comedic, and unique commercials utilized by a multitude of
international corporations. This investigation seeks to find a correlation between stock price performance
and Super Bowl advertising. If a strong correlation exists, it could then be used to create a strategy for
investing in Super Bowl advertising companies during a certain time period after the Super Bowl in order
to generate above market returns. The correlation was researched on a short term and a long term basis
where the stock prices of companies that advertised were tracked along with their respective indices on
specific dates before and after the Super Bowl. The data was inconsistent at times, which made the
regressions inaccurate. After several more samples were taken, an applicable correlation between the
companies that advertised in the Super Bowl and their short and long term success in stock price could
not be found. Therefore, we do not believe one can develop a successful investment strategy based upon
whether or not a company is willing to advertise during the Super Bowl.
70
D02
An Ethnographic Study of Start-Up Businesses and Their Approaches to Defining Target Markets
Presenter(s)
Rohit Mahankali, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Carl Heine, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Start-ups today must take the needs of the customer into consideration if they are going to succeed. But
how do they do this? This investigation addresses this question to discover how exactly start-ups in 1871,
a digital start-up incubator in Chicago, acquire customers and communicate with them. In order to collect
data for this project, interviews with professional entrepreneurs were conducted at 1871 using a specific
questionnaire regarding their approaches to marketing and defining target markets. The objectives of this
investigation were to: 1) Investigate the relation between net quarterly revenue obtained by a business and
its customer research funding while simultaneously keeping track of the company in consideration; that
is, technology companies, retailers, e-business, and so forth; 2) Understand the mechanisms in a
company’s selection of target market; and 3) Find out which target markets can yield the most monetary
success for various types of start-up companies. Findings indicate that the type of start-up company
strongly influences investment in customer research. For example, digital applications, in comparison to
traveling companies, invest a lot less into customer research. Other types of companies, such as energyrelated
companies tend to invest even more money into customer research. Analyzing these patterns is
instrumental to understanding start-up companies.
D03
Investigation of the Implementation of Global Positioning Systems in Missiles and New
Technologies
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Peloquin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy Vaughan, Richardson RFPD
Global positioning system (GPS) technology is a quickly growing field. This investigation examines both
how GPS technology is currently put into use by looking at how it is tested and implemented, as well as
the future of the product in several fields. To answer the question of how GPS technology is currently put
to use, we looked at the guidance chip used in the AGM-154 missile, testing the signal using a Noise and
Gain Analyzer to determine if there’s a more efficient method of testing or a way it could be used in nonmilitary
applications. To determine the future of GPS technology, the investigation focused on readings
by companies that use the technology to see what they are developing. Our results revealed that using a
Hewlett-Packard Internet Bus cable instead of a floppy disk would make the testing process of GPS chips
more efficient, but that there is no other practical use for the missile’s chip as it would be cost-prohibitive
in any other field. Our preliminary results indicate that global navigation satellite systems, the field that
GPS belongs to, is key to the development of drone technology and other autonomous machines that
require accurate location.
71
E01
Characterization of Polymer Modification via Sequential Infiltration Synthesis Process
Presenter(s)
Kyle Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
The creation of etch resistant coatings with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film has benefits in
assisting the production of electronic devices, notably hard drives. Using the sequential infiltration
synthesis (SiS) process, water and trimethylamine gases alternate injection into a vacuumed chamber onto
a PMMA film, and we can form aluminum oxide within the coating. As higher levels of aluminum oxide
generate higher etch resistance, we can find an optimal point of etch resistance by testing for the highest
amount of aluminum oxide. We examined variables such as temperature, and the delay between the
pulses of the gases in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) system. Our results show that the optimal point
for delays between gases in the ALD system is around 0.5 seconds since there is the greatest amount of
aluminum oxide present. Additionally, the greatest modification in the carbon double oxygen bond takes
place at this delay. We also deduced that for PMMA films, a higher temperature also allows for greater
aluminum oxide deposits. Our research will lead into a better understanding of SiS processing, which can
lead to next generation hard drives.
E02
Atomic Layer Deposition of Hafnium Oxide on a Silicon Substrate
Presenter(s)
Siva Gangavarapu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Satheesh Selvaraj, University of Illinois at Chicago
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has recently emerged as a cornerstone tool in chemical engineering,
especially involving nanomaterials. Using an apparatus that allows modification of temperature and
pressure settings with alternating cycles of precursor and inert gas purging, ALD deposits thin films in a
layer-by-layer fashion onto a substrate in a highly controlled manner. This study concerned the deposition
of hafnium oxide on silicon substrate. The thin film deposition on the substrate surface after the
deposition was analyzed through ellipsometry. Preliminary results suggest that certain hydroxylcontaining
compounds, such as ethanol and methanol, positively influence deposition of this particular
oxide using its organometallic precursor. Specifically, alcohols widen the window of opportunity, which
consists of a certain range of temperature, during which the deposition can occur with maximum
precision. These results can be applied to deposit thin hafnium oxide coatings for bio-implants, energy,
and semiconductor applications.
72
E03
Using Granular Silicon-Graphene Anodes to Boost the Capacity of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Presenter(s)
Arjit Jaiswal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Varun Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
R. Stephen Berry, University of Chicago
George Tolley, University of Chicago
As oil becomes scarce, researchers are looking towards the next generation of vehicle power - batteries.
Although lithium-ion batteries have been in production for a few years, they are currently not as cost
effective or power efficient as is desirable for general consumption. Our research primarily consisted of
analysis of reports on lithium batteries from Argonne National Laboratory as well as universities. We
were able to collaborate with scientists leading the national research on batteries and observe the full
production of test batteries. We discovered that silicon anodes can provide the battery with 750 watt hours
per liter as opposed to 400 to 620 watt hours per liter from traditional graphite anodes. However, silicon is
harder to implement in batteries because of swelling and cracking in the battery when ions are transferred
to and from the anode. We concluded that silicon grains embedded in graphene sheets would allow the
silicon to expand without breaking, while using grains would also reduce the cost. The graphene is able to
expand and contract with the transfer of ions, maintaining conductivity. Our findings show that the
battery for electric cars can be improved greatly by utilizing granular silicon-graphene anodes, aiding an
increase in popularity for electric vehicles.
E04
Engineering Self-Assembling Peptides to Tune the Coordination Environment of Metalloporphyrins
Presenter(s)
Jacob Kronenberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
H. Christopher Fry, Argonne National Laboratory
Metalloporphyrin-binding proteins such as hemoglobin, cytochrome c, and light harvesting proteins play
key roles in biology. Materials with similar tunable properties could have applications in areas as diverse
as chemotherapy, chemical catalysis, and sustainable energy. A series of heme-binding peptides which
self-assemble into long aspect-ratio fibers were designed and synthesized. Techniques such as infrared
and circular dichroism spectroscopies were used to analyze the -sheet peptide secondary structure,
whereas scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the supramolecular fiber structure.
Electron paramagnetic resonance and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopies were used to examine the
coordination environments of the bound porphyrins in the fibers. Preliminary findings suggest that the
peptides c16-AHL3K3CO2H and c16-MHL3K3CO2H yield a high spin heme, and the peptide c16-
H2L3K3CO2H yield a low spin system. Additionally, results suggest that all peptides can bind carbon
monoxide whereas initial results suggest that only c16-H2L3K3CO2H can reversibly bind oxygen. As a
result, we have successfully demonstrated the ability to modulate the coordination environment of a heme
molecule within a self-assembled peptide amphiphile construct. Future experiments will determine how
these peptide assemblies interact with cells, where it is believed that they may be able to mechanistically
trigger cell death in cancer cells similar to that found for cytochrome c.
73
E05
Computational Study of Propane Dehydrogenation Over Palladium Alloy Catalysts
Presenter(s)
Anna Kryczka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Propene, a product of propane dehydrogenation, is a commonly used molecule in industry as a polymer
building block. This project examined the energetics of propane dehydrogenation and hydrogenolysis
over the PdZn(111) row structure and Pd(111) surfaces using quantum-based computer simulation.
Although our experimental collaborators have demonstrated some success with PdZn alloy catalysts, we
do not know how the surface geometry influences the result. Using computer simulations, we evaluated
the potential energy surface for the dehydrogenation of propane to propene as well as further
dehydrogenation and C-C cleavage. Propane dehydrogenation was found to have a lower energy barrier
over Pd(111) than over PdZn(111) row structure. However, once formed, propene desorption was favored
over further dehydrogenation on the PdZn(111) row surface whereas further dehydrogenation was favored
over desorption on Pd(111). Understanding the factors that govern propane dehydrogenation can aid in
improvement of the industrial catalyst and thereby decrease production costs and increase yield.
E06
Phase Transitions From Amorphous to Crystalline in Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer
Presenter(s)
Nida Normantaite, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steven Sibener, University of Chicago
With increased temperatures, a phase transitioning polymer will form lamellar structures, such as
spherulites, that originate from a specific nuclei. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic
polymer that can be prepared in an amorphous state at room temperature. In order to determine the
crystallinity of a PET sample, an atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to probe the surface of a 2.0
millimolar solution of the polymer before and after annealing at high temperatures. Preliminary imaging
results suggest a distinct pattern of crystalline structures in the annealed PET that are significantly more
organized than the structure of the PET in the amorphous phase. Phase transitions from amorphous to
crystalline in semi-crystalline polymers are currently being considered for application in nanocomposite
reinforcements.
74
E07
The Effects of Process Parameters on Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Presenter(s)
Daniel Rosenthal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Silicon nanostructures have a wide range of uses, revolutionizing solar cells and sensors for biological
systems. One method of fabricating such structures is metal-assisted chemical etching. The rate at which
this etching occurs is very sensitive to a variety of parameters. This study observed the effects of different
temperatures, solution concentrations, pattern geometry, and metal catalysts on the etching rate. Higher
temperatures were observed to correlate with faster etching rates, but also with higher delamination of the
metal catalyst from the silicon structures. Lower temperatures correlated to slower etching rates and less
delamination. Ideal etching parameters would result in high etching rates and low delamination rates.
Varying concentrations of the etching solution resulted in different etching rates. Smaller areas of metal
result in higher etching rates. Silver etched faster than gold, but had considerably more delamination.
E08
Detecting and Quantifying Trace Amounts of Silver Nanoparticles and Ions in Solution
Presenter(s)
Mateusz Wojtaszek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation explored methods for quantifying silver ions and nanoparticles in solution. Because
silver is a potent antimicrobial that affects humans and the environment, the quantification of free silver is
important. The methods explored included light absorbance, light scattering, and quenching of
fluorescence. Based on the results, absorbance, scattering, and fluorescence quenching of unaltered
quinine with silver have been ruled out as potential assays for silver concentration. These can measure
concentrations in the millimolar range, but the desired sensitivity is at least in the micromolar range.
Currently, attachment of iodine to quinine is being attempted. Iodine is a potent quencher and published
research shows that silver displaces iodine from other fluorophores more readily than other ions likely to
be found in ground water. The desired compound for this purpose is quinine iodosulfate. Crystals of a
compound with the desired characteristics have been made; the fluorescence is depressed until silver is
added. Unfortunately, the sensitivity is still unsatisfactory. However, this method is likely to be more
selective for silver than others. Once a simple method for silver quantification is devised, it can be used to
ensure silver based products, including water filters, are safe for the population and the environment.
75
F01
Creating a Fast and Accurate Physics Engine Modeling Soft-Body Collisions with OpenGL and
Java
Presenter(s)
Ethan Bian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Benjamin Rabe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The ability to realistically simulate physics with computers allows experiments to run accurately,
efficiently, and at low cost. Modeling soft-body objects is one such realm of computer-simulated physics
that has only recently become feasible, as computing power continues to rapidly increase. This
investigation has aimed to produce a fast and accurate real-time physics engine with the primary intent of
modeling soft-body collisions using OpenGL and Java. However, modeling a variety of types of physics
was also a major goal of the investigation. The engine is composed of modules for simulating mechanics,
electricity and magnetism, and planetary (large-scale gravitation) effects. The investigation explores a
variety of algorithms such as the Runge-Kutta approximation algorithm and the bounding-box collisiondetection
algorithm. The physics engine produced is an aggregation of such algorithms selected for
accuracy and speed. Calculations performed with the chosen algorithms show reasonable adherence to
both theoretical and experimental values.
F02
Constructing and Optimizing a System to Store and Protect Corporate Records
Presenter(s)
Remy Bubulka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brian Gravelle, Business Solutions, Inc.
With the increased widespread use of cloud and mobile computing, many businesses are moving toward
an online-only record keeping system. In this investigation the goal was to create a system catered to a
specific company before working to make it broad enough to suit the needs of many businesses. The
website runs on a server using SQL, which handled the innermost and vital functions such as preserving
data. We constructed the user interface using a combination of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS in order to
make the system easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. The manipulation of the data was handled by
ASP.Net and Visual Basic, which also acted as the connection between the user interface and the server.
As a result it is now a quick, efficient, and user friendly way for users to browse any amount of data and
all previous records for which they have clearance. It allows users to freely find all information pertaining
to their activities and is customizable in order to be usable by businesses in any industry and of any size.
In addition to this the system implements an encryption algorithm and restrictive parameters in order to
preserve the integrity of the data.
76
F03
Using Markov Decision Processes to Determine Optimal Claim Policy for Automobile Accidents
Presenter(s)
Advitheey Chelikani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Saurabh Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gmytrasiewicz, University of Illinois at Chicago
Markov decision processes provide a framework for determining the solution to a sequential decision
problem. Utilizing the well-known technique of value iteration, we programed a general solver to output
the optimal decision given a time horizon. The general solver was applied to a maze environment in
which an agent travels through states with a set of possible moves that each result in a specific benefit or
loss. The solver calculated the optimal route for the agent given a starting state and a time horizon. The
general solver was then adapted to address whether or not a policy holder in Illinois should, or should not,
make a claim after having an accident with particular damage amounts. With regards to results, what is
important is not to have a chart of optimal behaviors for every possible type of consumer but rather to
have a method of calculating such a chart or portion of a chart whenever necessary, and this is what we
have achieved. Using the program, insured clients can enter in relevant data following a crash and be
advised on a financially optimal decision to make.
F04
Comparing the Rate Monotonic and Earliest Deadline First Scheduling Algorithms
Presenter(s)
Advitheey Chelikani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Shangping Ren, Illinois Institute of Technology
Rate-monotonic (RM) and earliest deadline first (EDF) are two of the most popular scheduling algorithms
used for scheduling tasks on processors for applications with deadline constraints. Through researching
these two algorithms, I hope to develop a clearer picture as to the differences between the two algorithms
and the situations where each should be used. Utilizing the Java programming language, I programmed
several different algorithms for task set generation. Using open source tools, my own code, and other
available code, I examined the distributions of task sets generated by different task set generators. It is
evident that an inherent bias is present in these task set generators. Results show that a more concentrated
task set favors the RM algorithm. Further investigation shows that tasks sets with harmonic relations will
increase the schedulable utilization of RM. With these results we hope to improve the utilization of
computer systems by selecting appropriate scheduling algorithms. By understanding the advantages and
disadvantages of RM and EDF, we can make appropriate and application-dependent choices so that the
real-time application deadlines can be satisfied and system resources are better utilized.
77
F05
Showing Ego Depletion and Motivation in Video Games
Presenter(s)
Diana Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sneha Thakkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ian Horswill, Northwestern University
We are investigating the simulation of the psychological phenomenon known as ego depletion in order to
realize the best way a programmer can demonstrate more complex psychological concepts in lifesimulation
games such as the Sims. More specifically, we will be showing the process of ego depletion, as
recognized by Roy Baumeister. Our coding for this project could be adapted to show other psychological
phenomena as well as be used as a possible educational tool. First, we had to learn the basics for C#
coding and using Unity. Then, using a pre-made two-dimensional tile-based Sims-like program to create
the level design for the space that the characters would be navigating in, we created a scenario upon
which we used formulas that we derived to have the character use a more rational decision-making system
until it is depleted to switch to the more spontaneous decision-making system. We are using
procrastination in our scenarios to demonstrate ego depletion. As of now, the necessary algorithms and
coding for the higher level programming are still in the process of being derived, but we are working to
attain the desired results: a game that can, as accurately as technologically possible, show the process of
ego depletion.
F06
Constructing a Web Interface for the NOvA Experiment
Presenter(s)
Eric Hennenfent, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Jonathan Paley, Argonne National Laboratory
Louise Suter, Argonne National Laboratory
The NuMI Off-Axis νe Appearance (NOvA) experiment searches for subatomic particles called neutrinos
in order to answer questions about our universe. This experiment sought to simplify the process of
generating graphs from the data in the database by constructing an easy-to-use web interface. A computer
program written in the Python programming language was used to assemble and process data from the
database. This program then uses the ROOT framework, a data processing system developed by the
European Organization for Nuclear Research, to generate plots of this data. A second Python-based web
program takes input from a user's web browser and uses the first program to generate a plot based on the
user's request. At the time of writing, the interface allows users to easily specify the timeframe and
desired data set for a plot. More potential datasets will be added to enhance the utility of the interface, but
even in its current form, this investigation has already demonstrated that web technology can be used to
enormously simplify access to data for the NOvA experiment.
78
F07
Measurement of Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Accuracy Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Presenter(s)
Saurabh Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Kump, Illinois Institute of Technology
Miles Wernick, Illinois Institute of Technology
This investigation's purpose is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning algorithms when
applied to diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) from brain images. The work is focused on positron
emission tomography (PET) images and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain. Threedimensional
PET scans were used to train algorithms that determine whether AD is present in a patient's
brain. First, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the data's dimensionality, and a
Fisher linear discriminant (FLD) was trained to discriminate AD from normal. In the second algorithm,
FLD was replaced by a support vector machine (SVM) for discrimination. Finally, FLD replaced PCA for
dimensionality reduction, and then SVM was used to perform the discrimination. The performance of the
algorithms was evaluated and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, which plot
the probability of correct disease detection versus the probability of a false positive result. The ROC
curves were computed using k-fold cross validation in which multiple subsets of the training data are used
to test the algorithm's accuracy. Surprisingly, of the three algorithms, the first (which uses older
techniques) produced the best performance in preliminary evaluations. The next step involves applying
the algorithms to three-dimensional MRI scans and comparing performance results with the PET images.
F08
Development of Mechanical Turk Simulations for Auction Theory Research
Presenter(s)
Andrew Kuznetsov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Since the development of the internet industry, auctions have become the dominant method of allocation,
excelling at systematically and efficiently distributing virtual goods, which are often sold in large batches
with many bidders. This investigation seeks to compare the efficiency of human bidders to that of various
machine learning algorithms by simulating auctions through the crowdsourcing website Amazon
Mechanical Turk using the Python library boto. Workers, recruited within Mechanical Turk, are directed
to a Django server running a simulation. Workers are then compensated for participating and are paid a
bonus directly proportional to their performance in the simulation. The lack of documentation within our
initial Turkit setup and various security issues with the implementation of java applets required us to
switch to Python. Currently, our implementation suffers from several issues regarding the simulation
website; including the lack of a proper security certificate and bugs with user input. Once complete, it will
be possible to pursue human subject testing and to continue with data collection. This project represents a
stepping stone in the spread of Mechanical Turk as a resource for experimental economics and the
development of the field as a whole.
79
F09
Transition From Biological Life to the Development of Artificial Intelligence
Presenter(s)
Claire Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Emily Rader, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Technology
We are constantly surrounded by advancing technology, but will there come a point when our creation
becomes sentient? Through the ongoing research of the understanding of neural networks in the brain,
such as The Human Genome Project and the Connectome project, scientists can better comprehend the
development of biological intelligence, applicable to developing advanced machines. In addition, the
recent trends in computer technology such as Moore’s Law, an observation that computer hardware has
decreased in size and exponentially increased in information storage capacity, suggest that there is also
technological potential to engineer an artificially intelligent being. The convergence of both biological
and computer science fields could result in the creation of systems capable of exceeding human
intelligence. We are already making headway in creating artificial intelligence with robots such as
Jeopardy-winner Watson and the computer chess champion Deep Blue. We are not far from building a
robot that is self-aware. We can do this by learning how our brains are wired and understanding the
capacity for utilizing the developing computer hardware in our society. From our knowledge of
neurology, computer intelligence, and the mind, we can make several predictions about what the
ramifications may be if intelligent beings are created.
F10
Simulating Bandwidth Reuse Methods to Maximize Speed and Coverage for Cellular Customers
Presenter(s)
Mack Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Berry, Northwestern University
Vijay Subramanian, Northwestern University
The rapid advancement in cellular technology has caused an increase in demand for cellular data services.
We must reuse frequencies to compensate for this demand. Frequency reuse is the idea of reusing
bandwidth by non-adjacent transmitters. In this investigation, we used MATLAB to simulate various
reuse methods in a modern cellular network in which nodes were randomly deployed. We used this
simulation to find the rate users would receive when controlling the admission of users and taking into
account several parameters: switching thresholds, outage thresholds, and load (users per base station). Our
data show that full reuse, using one channel within a system, is the best option with respect to efficiency
in bandwidth allocation. Other researchers have come to the same conclusion but did not consider load;
however, even when considering load, we came to the same conclusion. Eventually we can implement
this reuse method in to the modern system and optimize the speed and coverage for future cellular
customers.
80
F11
Constructing High Quality Three-Dimensional Models With Economical Hardware
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Magerko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jonathan Reynolds, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Namrata Pandya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jason Rock, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox is an inexpensive platform for reconstructing indoor scenes. In comparison to
other systems, which commonly cost several thousands of dollars to employ, the Kinect's cost is within
the reach of consumers. We utilize two Kinect-based systems: one which generates models by combining
multiple views of an object (KinectFusion) and another which extracts best-fit planes from threedimensional
point clouds (RANSAC). This allows us to gain a general understanding of a Kinect-based
system's capacity for reconstructing accurate models. The models produced by each implementation are
evaluated through quantitative and qualitative methods, respectively. Ultimately, the KinectFusion
implementation reconstructs a model which possesses only a moderate difference between the estimated
model and the actual model. Visual analysis of the reconstruction suggests that this difference is largely
due to issues related to scaling. The RANSAC system, which ideally estimates planes that correspond
exactly to the objects in the scanned scene, composes a model that appropriately represents simple
objects, such as walls, but has difficulty representing more complex objects, such as three-dimensional
printed objects. These observations lead us to believe that using Kinect-based systems for simple
reconstructions will generally produce models of a respectable quality.
G01
Effect of Refinery Outages on Petroleum Administration for Defense District - West Coast Gasoline
Prices
Presenter(s)
Timothy Gietl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Josh Matalon, TransMarket Group
When oil refineries experience downtime, gasoline supply is disrupted. With the sudden drop in gasoline
supply, gasoline spot market prices have a well-known tendency to rise. To better understand how these
outages affect gasoline prices, we researched refining, distribution, gasoline, and commodities markets.
We then pursued the development of a model for predicting how much these outages will affect gasoline
prices in Los Angeles. Based on our preliminary research and similar models made by others, we put
together a group of five variables (crude backup in barrels per day, refinery utilization, gasoline
production, proximity to spot market, and gasoline stockpile) that we felt were the most significant and
easily measurable factors in determining how a refinery outage affected gasoline prices. Using statistical
analysis tools in Mathematica we were able to obtain a model that could predict the next day change in
gasoline differentials within an average of +/- 2.07 cents of the actual price, or a standard deviation of
approximately 0.018. There were still some outages that produced price changes very different from our
predictions that had no other explanation than the unpredictability of commodities markets. This model
could be useful for fuel hedging, commodities trading, as well as information for average consumers.
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G02
Development of Trading and Risk Management Strategies for Ibovespa Index Futures
Presenter(s)
Timothy Gietl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Glasberg, TransMarket Group
Max Rhee, TransMarket Group
Index futures contracts lock in a price of a theoretical stock portfolio, the index, for a specified delivery
date. The Brazilian Bovespa Index is comprised of Brazilian domiciled companies and is unique due to its
heavy concentration in a few companies such as Itaú, Vale, and Petrobras, which together make up about
22.585% of the total index value. Hedging strategies, such as spread trading, can be implemented to
mitigate overall market risk. A spread can be traded explicitly through the exchange or implicitly, by
buying the back month and selling the front month contract so as to trade the difference between the two.
We focused particularly on the variation from the Fair Futures Value which is determined primarily by
the spot market price, interbank deposit rates as cost of carry, and future dividend payouts. By analyzing
market trends during the rollover period of a contract, usually starting approximately five days prior to a
contract’s expiration, we have developed strategies for hedging risk during this period.
G03
A Comparison of Accuracy and Validity of Risk Adjustment Models Used in the Health Care
Industry
Presenter(s)
Yasmine Gordon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samir Itchhaporia, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Rebecca Maroon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
The recently enacted healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act, is calling for a new process that allows
health plans to be compensated based on the underlying health conditions of the member population they
serve; this is called risk adjustment. The purpose of this investigation is to determine which model for
assessing risk is the most effective based on a comparison of the predicted claim dollar amount to the
experienced claim amount as well as the primary factors impacting the effectiveness. The two models
being compared are the Health and Human Services federal model and the state of Massachusetts’ model.
Raw data containing historical member claims was organized by member identification, age, and gender;
then processed through each model. The resulting scores were converted to a predicted claim dollar
amount and compared to the allowed amount for accuracy. Preliminary results suggest that a model
tailored to the specific needs and conditions of an individual state proves to be more effective and
accurate than a model that covers all states. The results of this research identify margins of inaccuracy in
the current risk adjustment models and will provide a strong foundation for the development and
improvement of more refined and precise models for risk adjustment in the future.
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G04
How Rigged is the London Interbank Offered Rate?
Presenter(s)
Huajie Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
In the modern world financial futures, a form of derivative contracts that allow one to lock in a futures
price for purchase or sale of a good on a future date, play a larger and larger role in the economy. In the
case of currency futures, the futures price is a function of the spot rate until maturity, and interest rate
differential (domestic minus foreign risk free interest rates). In reality, the domestic risk free rate is
usually approximated by some interest rate benchmarks, usually London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) in
this context. Through reading LIBOR-related materials and analyzing data for some of the most
frequently traded currency futures, I discovered LIBOR to be ineffective (about 50% efficacy) in
predicting futures prices and anomalies in futures prices highly correlated with the extent LIBOR was
manipulated in at least one major currency. Overall, LIBOR still fared better than other alternative
proxies like Federal funds, certificate of deposit, and Treasury bill rates (less than 40% efficacy).
G05
How Efficient is the Foreign Exchange Market?
Presenter(s)
Huajie Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
In the context of volatile emerging market conditions currency carry trades become increasingly attractive
as investors chase for higher yields on bonds overseas. Fundamentally, a currency’s forward value is
directly related to its interest rate and thus, exchange rates are essentially based on interest rate
differentials. The possibility of widening interest rate differentials means that carry trades prove
increasingly viable. In the case of Brazil the bulk of the foreign exchange market lies in the forward
market where participants trade today for delivery of currencies in the future. In the case of the Brazilian
real against the United States dollar, the forward exchange rate of Brazilian real diverges significantly
from its fair value. Since currency risk is a significant risk of these trades, carry trades with emerging
market currencies (Brazilian real, South Korean won, Chinese yuan, and so forth) might not prove to be
viable. The gain from carry trades could not be realized without taking extraordinary currency risk.
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G06
Investigating Central Banking Development, Policies, and Actions Throughout the World
Presenter(s)
Derek Lubecke, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Central banks act as the primary authority in managing currency, money supply, and interest rates within
the state they are located. The central bank acts as a catalyst in maintaining an economic equilibrium
between factors such as employment and price stability. Through researching a specific economic crisis
the bank’s response can be observed, while the outcome of that event yields the success of that method.
From such analysis it can be concluded that central banking establishments generally utilize the same
strategies in similar circumstances. Their approaches are different with respect to their willingness to
instigate change to balance between various factors. A bank such as the European Central Bank takes a
very conservative approach, for decisions must be made among the large group of nations affected by
these decisions. A bank such as the Federal Reserve is not as limited through having to satisfy multiple
governments given that it needs to only work with one, allowing them to be more active in influencing the
economy. The Central Bank of China is directly controlled by the government so it conducts the most
radical changes to the economy through unusual methods such as manipulating restrictions on business to
increase production.
G07
International Pharmaceutical Markets and Patent Law
Presenter(s)
Daniel Pechi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The international pharmaceutical market has been dominated by large Western companies for the past
century. However, companies which produce generic pharmaceuticals like those in India appear to pose
an increasing threat to this long-established market dominance. This study examines the conflict through
court cases, patent law, media sources, academic literature, and economic figures related to shifting
market control. Through analysis of these sources it was determined that governments of countries with
poor pharmaceutical accessibility have encouraged the importation of cheap generics from companies like
the Indian Cipla, Inc. by reducing trade barriers and implementing patent law which encourages the
production of generics. Conversely, governments of countries with many specialty pharmaceutical
companies have largely discouraged the actions of Indian pharmaceutical companies through public
declarations and in the past, through economic sanctions. Despite pressure from the international
pharmaceutical industry and international governments, the production of generics has continued due to
interpretation of patent law by the Indian Patent Office and the needs of unstable international markets.
The production of generic prescription drugs in India did not have a significant impact on the
international pharmaceutical economy, but did significantly impact the accessibility of drugs which target
diseases like cancer and HIV.
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G08
A Visually Intuitive Approach to Market Profiles
Presenter(s)
Michael Zeng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
Sergiy Mesropyan, Aardvark Trading LLC
Dennis Wang, Aardvark Trading LLC
In the 1960s J. Peter Steidlmayer, while attempting to find market value in chaotic commodities,
developed the Market Profile technique to transform disorderly prices to orderly familiar normal
distribution-like graphs. A Market Profile is generated by looking at the volume at certain prices and
creating a histogram of the distribution of the prices. The Chicago Board of Trade introduced the Market
Profile to the public in 1985 and traders all over the world incorporated it into their trading arsenal.
During my investigation, I developed a program that accepts tick data and generates this type of
histogram programmatically. In addition, I added multiple visually intuitive features to enhance the
effectiveness of the Market Profile. My program features volume metrics, auto-generated statistics, colorcoded
information, and pattern-testing integration. After writing the library that created these histograms,
I designed the graphical user interface in C# that retrieves real-time data from our servers and
dynamically creates new histograms. Furthermore, settings pop-up to allow the user to adjust tick sizes,
time intervals, and commodities. My program, relying on its visually intuitive approach, may allow
traders and others to not only bring order to chaotic prices, but also to understand their underlying trends.
H01
Agent-Based Modeling and the Understanding of Causality in College Biology Students
Presenter(s)
Karin Han, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Lira, University of Illinois at Chicago
Mike Stieff, University of Illinois at Chicago
Agent-based modeling environments provide learners with opportunities to explore how local interactions
produce global phenomena. Importantly, agent-based models represent emergent phenomena through
visual depictions and quantitative descriptions. Little is known about how students integrate visual and
quantitative representations. To improve our understanding of learning with agent-based models and
agent-based modeling design principles, we explored how students' explanations for emergent phenomena
changed after experiencing a narrated animation or a quantitative simulation. Explanations were video
and audio recorded for transcription and analysis. Using a constant comparative method, we first analyzed
the transcript and identified all causal terms. Then we identified causal links between associated terms to
generate causal nets: visual schematics that represent students' statements with a causal factor, a
mechanism, and an effect. The results of a contrasting case analysis suggest that students with
impoverished understandings can benefit from explicit support in the form of narration. In contrast,
students with rich understandings can suffer if explicit support is removed as it was for the simulation.
Given that agent-based models include quantitative representations, learning environments that employ
them should provide students with scaffolds for making quantitative information explicit.
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H02
Black and Latino Student Motivation Engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics
Presenter(s)
Kayla Ingram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adrienne Coleman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This study explored the phenomenon of motivational factors in gifted and talented Black and Latino high
school students that are engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This
qualitative research was a case study based on focus group discussions with groups made up of one ethnic
group and one gender. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed by the investigator. Common
words were identified and quantified by each group individually and compared between groups. The data
collected provided insight that could contribute in creating a detailed model of motivational factors of
gifted and talented Black and Latino students. This model could help education professionals motivate
their Black and Latino students engaged in STEM higher education and establish career goals in STEM.
I01
Design of a Double Rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Prototype
Presenter(s)
Michael Adams, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Francisco Ruiz, Illinois Institute of Technology
Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles are unique aircraft that eliminate the need for runways and have the
ability to hover above ground. Despite these favorable characteristics, however, this technology is often
inaccessible to the average consumer due to the high difficulty of operation. This investigation sought to
redesign the drive gear of a double rotor prototype that would make this aircraft more user-friendly. After
brainstorming several options to achieve this goal, a three gear system was selected to implement into the
design. Major challenges of this project included finding gears with the same pitch that met our desired
gear ratio and bridging the 100 millimeter gap between the propeller shaft and the engine shaft. The
arrangement found most effective was an array of a ten tooth, forty tooth, and ninety-six tooth gear, two
of which were made of steel and the other of a light-weight aluminum alloy material. This new design
will allow future researchers to further the operation of the prototype and build a full size model.
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I02
Development of a Quantitative System for Evaluating At-Home Standing of the Mobility Disabled
Presenter(s)
Timothy Akintilo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vimal Bellamkonda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Arun Jayaraman, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Luca Lonini, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Timothy Reissman, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Studies have shown that sitting for extended periods of time causes numerous health problems, but
patients with mobility disabilities can opt to use a prosthesis to avoid these issues. Currently, appraisal of
physical therapy relies on outcome measures made at the home or in a clinic. However, current state-ofthe-
art metrics often rely on questionnaires to evaluate progress at the home, which are not always
accurate since they are based primarily on patient perceptions. To improve assessment of patient progress,
we developed a radio-based tag and reader system to quantitatively measure the frequency with which
patients stand up and reach for objects in a room. The system consisted of a wrist-mounted XBee reader
(Digi International, Minnetonka, Minnesota) that stored time and signal strength variables, and several
XBee tags placed around a room that reported their signal strengths to the reader. Our initial tests of the
system involved healthy subjects reaching for tagged objects in commonly used kitchen locations. An
evaluation of the data from these tests showed that there was a correlated increase in signal strength when
subjects were reaching, suggesting that it was possible to design an algorithm to return the times during
which the patients were standing. Analysis of the algorithm’s results showed a low rate of false positives
and classification errors, indicating that testing by people with mobility disabilities is a viable next step.
I03
A Physical and Chemical Investigation of the Heusler Alloy Fe2TiSn
Presenter(s)
Tahj Alli-Balogun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Meschel, Illinois Institute of Technology
Philip Nash, Illinois Institute of Technology
In this investigation we studied the properties of the alloy Fe2TiSn. This specific composition belongs to a
broader class named Heusler alloys. Heusler alloys are metal compounds, usually of the composition
X2YZ, where X and Y are transition metals and Z is in the groups III-V in the periodic table. Some of
these ternary compounds exhibit useful properties such as ferromagnetism and shape memory
phenomena. Among other properties, we measured the standard enthalpy of formation to be -34.0 ± 2.7
KJ/mol of atoms using a calorimeter. Using X-ray diffraction, we also determined that the crystal
structure was face-centered cubic and calculated the lattice parameter to be 6.0683 Å. The results show
that our compound is a Heusler alloy. We have not studied the practical application of the material, but
our research has contributed to a worldwide database.
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I04
Separating Carbon Dioxide Gas From Lawn Mower Exhaust Gases
Presenter(s)
Daniel Atten, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Marissa Borchering, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Carbon dioxide gas is a known greenhouse gas that has been accused of contributing to global warming.
A major source of the carbon dioxide gas present in the atmosphere comes from exhaust fumes from
automobiles, factories, and lawnmowers. We designed a filtration device that utilized a carbonate buffer
solution of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate that absorbed the carbon dioxide and separated it
from the rest of the exhaust gasses. In our lab testing, we have confirmed that the sodium carbonate buffer
system is able to absorb large quantities of the greenhouse gas. Our findings suggest that our filtration
system will be able to measurably reduce the amount of carbon dioxide gas entering our atmosphere,
creating the possibility of a car filter to reduce the effects of internal combustion engines on the
environment.
I05
Purifying Contaminated Water With Silver Nanoparticle-Infused Ceramic Filters
Presenter(s)
Eric Barrientos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Over a million deaths each year are caused by unsanitary drinking water. This investigation sought to
make a water filter that kills 99.9% of bacteria, filters forty liters of water a day, and costs less than $15.
The filter consisted of red clay mixed with sawdust and was molded onto various hemispherical objects.
After firing, it was coated with silver nanoparticles in solution. When dry, the filter was hot-glued onto a
three inch diameter pipe, approximately one meter in length. Kill rates were determined by running water
contaminated with Escherichia coli through the filters, plating samples of the filtrates, and conducting
colony counts. I have found that a hemispherical filter is superior to a flat disk and is able to kill up to
99.999% of bacteria at low pressure. At higher pressure, the best result so far has been a kill rate of 99.9%
with a flow rate of thirty liters per day. These results suggest that the goal of forty liters per day with
99.9% killing may be attainable with further optimization.
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I06
Integration of Sensors in a Wireless High Altitude Balloon Cut-Down System
Presenter(s)
Brendan Batliner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Milan Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lou Nigra, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
High altitude balloons (HAB) are becoming increasingly useful for astronomical research, being an
inexpensive and safe option for studying the Earth and the solar system in a near-space environment. At
high altitudes (70,000 feet and above), HABs can burst, creating strands of balloon that can tangle
themselves in the parachute, preventing it from opening and potentially destroying the payload on impact
with the ground. For this reason, a wireless cut-down control system was developed with Arduino
microcontrollers to determine if multiple sensor inputs from the balloon's payload can accurately detect
user-programmed conditions for cut-down. If so, the system then communicates wirelessly with the cutdown
module through Digi XBees to cut-down. We found that managing this critical aspect of HAB
flights in this way helps ensure a successful flight. We used a Kalman filter to minimize the effect of
noise on the measurements of HAB dynamics, allowing a precise cut-down. It also provides an accurate
general logging capability that can be used throughout the flight, and not just for cut-down. The system
helps make any HAB flight easy to program to let the user focus more on the research and less on the
balloon.
I07
Modifying Wind Turbine Blade Design to Reduce Noise While Retaining or Increasing Power
Generation
Presenter(s)
Evan Derse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Hawker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The work, continuing from the previous year, investigated methods to design wind turbines with blade
shapes to reduce sound generated by blade turbulence while preserving or increasing the original power
generated by the turbine. During the first year of the investigation, basic methodologies were established
that continued to be used in its second year. Autodesk Inventor computer aided-design was used to create
three-dimensional computer models of the turbines. The turbines were then analyzed for aerodynamic
efficiency using Autodesk Simulation computational fluid dynamics (CFD). While some preliminary
results from last year indicated the effectiveness of the modifications made to the wind turbine blades,
there is currently no further quantitative data that supports this. A CFD flow analysis of stationary turbine
blades has indicated a reduction in common turbulence patterns, but a more detailed CFD analysis is
needed to confirm these observations. CFD progress has been slowed significantly due to licensing
difficulties with Autodesk. Three-dimensional printed turbines are being created to test the effectiveness
of the modifications in a real-world scenario.
89
I08
A Multiplexed Readout Scheme for a Large Array of Photomultiplier Tubes
Presenter(s)
Kevin He, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Adit Suvarna, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Edward Kearns, Boston University
Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The Hyper-Kamiokande detector is a future neutrino physics and nucleon decay experiment that is
projected to take place by 2023. It consists of approximately 99,000 photomultiplier tubes, each of which
functions as a light sensor that will, upon detecting light, send a signal to a central computer. Because of
such a vast number of tubes, the cable layout must be optimized to reduce space, weight, and cost. Using
materials of both computer simulations and physical circuit boards, in this investigation we tested one
possible solution, a multiplexed array, which uses one cable to connect and transmit the signals from
multiple tubes with minimal loss. This testing takes place using a signal generator and an oscilloscope.
Preliminary results suggest that such a configuration is possible and likely practical. The current signal
readouts show promising data that match what would be expected in the detector in reality. The circuit
accomplishes its intended purpose by successfully transmitting a signal while connected to multiple
sources without significant deterioration; this is being confirmed. It can therefore be seen that a
multiplexed array would most likely be a pragmatic design scheme for the future Hyper-Kamiokande
detector.
I09
Modifying and Reinforcing Bimetallic Strips for Application in Expanding Structures
Presenter(s)
Vinesh Kannan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vandana Chinwalla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Carl Heine, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Bimetallic strips consist of two metals with differing thermal expansion coefficients. When heated, this
difference causes the strip to bend, an effect commonly applied in thermostats and circuit breakers to
open or close connections. This investigation sought to extend this functionality to larger devices or
spaces in temperature sensitive areas. A potential application could use bimetallic strips to unfurl a shade
in response to heat. However, conventional devices require only minimal curvature or force. A variety of
metals (brass, aluminum, steel, and tin) were combined in various dimensions (length 80-200 mm, width
5-10 mm, thickness 0.0125-0.5 mm) to assess the deflections and forces generated from 20oC to 60oC.
Heating was done with nichrome wire or water baths. Thus far the brass-steel combination was most
successful, but only deflected by 10 mm. Efforts to amplify the expansion effects using a coiled bimetal
strip are ongoing. Baseline measurements on a commercially-acquired coil show that a bimetal strip of
180 cm in length can generate a force up to 0.4 Newtons. The deflections and forces thus far generated
are insufficient for the proposed applications, but experimentation with a wider variety of metal
combinations and dimensions in the coiled form may show greater promise.
90
I10
Improving the Efficiency of Power Amplifiers in Radio Frequency Plasma Lamps
Presenter(s)
Alan Yang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hung Yu David Yang, University of Illinois at Chicago
The radio frequency plasma lamp is an energy efficient and promising future high power light source due
to its long operational lifetime, high brightness, and ideal color rendition. In order for this lighting system
to be commercially viable, it is essential that the power amplification system powering the lamp is cost
effective, compact, and above all, extremely efficient. In this investigation, we used simulation results as
a starting point and applied different schematics to experimentally tune for maximum efficiency using
distributed inductors and ceramic capacitors. We focused on the harmonic tuning of the power waveform,
reducing the power absorbed by the system itself in order to maximize the power delivered to the bulb. As
a result, the system’s efficiency increased from 60% to a current maximum of 71%. A complete lamp
system that outputs over ten thousand lumens is developed based on this highly efficient power amplifier.
J01
Gender-Driven Perceptions of Women in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Presenter(s)
Ana Curtis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leah Kind, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Physical descriptions of females in Victorian fiction often serve a dual purpose: providing a visual
depiction as well as a physical representation of internal character. This investigation categorizes longterm
descriptions of female characters in six nineteenth-century British novels as physical or nonphysical.
Utilizing these results, it determines the ratio between the categories, and determines whether or
not male and female authors describe female characters in significantly different ways. This is
accomplished by a thorough reading of the books, identification of descriptors, and entering the
descriptive words and phrases into Excel. The data suggest that male and female authors describe female
characters with similar numbers of physical and non-physical descriptors. In addition, the ratio of the
number of non-physical words to physical words is determined for each character and contrasted with her
end fate. Data currently suggest that women with more non-physical descriptors tend to have positive end
fates, whereas women with more physical descriptors meet unhappier ends. These data are being
confirmed. Additionally, it is likely that characters are described differently in dialogue as opposed to
sections of expository writing. Whether these differences trend toward physical or non-physical has yet to
be determined.
91
K01
Synthesis of Isobutanol From Lignocellulosic Biomass Inoculated With Fungus and Bacteria
Presenter(s)
Elise Douglas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gregory O'Bannon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Biofuels are widely regarded as paramount in maximizing efficiency, environmental safety, and use of
renewable resources, thus constituting a growing field of investigation in the scientific community. We
aimed to optimize the biomass concentration and bacterial inoculation duration using an original
procedure. Miscanthus grass was first treated with Trichoderma reesei to yield saccharides which were
then inoculated with Corynebacterium glutamicum to produce isobutanol. The product was analyzed
using gas chromatography and then compared to non-inoculated saccharides and a pure butyl gas
chromatography graph. Our preliminary results suggested that we had identified the isobutanol peak on
our graph. We then performed a simple distillation in order to find the concentration of isobutanol in our
product and confirm our initial results. Based on these results we were able to determine the efficiency
and practicality of our biofuel. However, we were unable to determine the optimum biomass
concentration and inoculation time because trends were not apparent with such a small sample size and
limited research time. Nonetheless, the study provides an innovative method to synthesize and analyze a
low-cost alternative energy source.
K02
Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Presenter(s)
Anna Gupta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Lisk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Despite existing water filters, over a billion people lack potable water. Our goal was to create a filter that
would produce a flow rate of forth liters per day while maintaining a kill rate of 99.9% and a cost of $15.
Our filter consisted of one egg white mixed with approximately 10 ml of 0.5 M silver nitrate solution. For
support, the mixture was combined with 40 ml of sand or grog, or alternatively percolated into three
stacked scouring pads inside a three inch diameter plastic pipe with stainless steel mesh glued to the
bottom. The filter was baked at 275˚F for 15-25 minutes. We made a standard dilution of Escherichia
coli, ran a portion through the filter, and determined the kill rates by comparing the colonies in the plated
filtrate to the plated initial dilution. Our optimal filter used scouring pads and produced a flow rate of
eighty-six liters per day and a kill rate of 93%. Although most filters met either the flow rate or kill rate
goal, only one has been close to meeting both. We are currently trying to achieve both targets by varying
the support material and are developing a storage method to allow for repeated use of the filter.
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K03
The Role of Climate Change in the Biodiversity of Ant Species
Presenter(s)
Eveline Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gracen Brilmyer, Field Museum
Corrie Moreau, Field Museum
While researchers have predicted climate change to become a threat to biodiversity, it is difficult to track
and analyze how humans are impacting native species. As such, the Field Museum’s Gregg Collection,
which contains over one million specimens of ants collected throughout the twentieth century, provides
the ideal indicator species and circumstances to understand the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
In order to use the collection’s data, I first indexed and created a database of its specimens. For each vial
of specimen, I recorded all information, such as habitat, collection method, and date collected, into an
easily accessible and well organized spreadsheet. Then, I selected four specific genera (Camponotus,
Formica, Lasius, and Leptothorax) to study. These genera are not only well represented in the collection,
but they are also widespread throughout the United States, making them the ideal genera to analyze. By
using ArcGIS mapping software and Excel to understand and model the raw data, preliminary results
suggest that ant species have indeed experienced a northward move, which is expected under warming
scenarios for North America. In addition, it appears that the elevation has increased for most genera.
Further results will account for changes in habitat, location, and forest cover. Overall, these results
support current trends and hypotheses regarding the impact of the changing climate on the biodiversity of
ants.
K04
Chlorella’s Effect on Ammonium and Nitrate Levels
Presenter(s)
Bailey Simmons-Brown, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Agricultural runoffs from cattle feedlots have excess ammonium and nitrates due to fertilizers and animal
waste. Algae typically thrive off these chemicals, so this project looks at using algae to try and rid the
water of excess ammonium and nitrates. A high concentration solution and a low concentration solution
were made for the Chlorella to grow in, and incubated for one week. An ammonium, nitrate, and light
absorbance test was conducted each day. The light spectra test indicates the population size of the algae in
the flask. An increase was noted in both nitrate and ammonium concentrations. Another test was
conducted using the growth media with algae, and an increase was noted in both solutions. This was
unexpected because the Chlorella was expected to metabolize the ammonium and nitrates. Others have
noted that some strains of Chlorella have a bacteria living symbiotically with the plant that causes
nitrogen fixation. This is a possible explanation for why there was an increase in the levels of ammonium
and nitrates. The increase of nitrates and ammonium could be useful or other purposes such as
fertilization of crops.
93
K05
Investigation of the Ecological and Economical Effects of Green Roofs
Presenter(s)
Aaron Victor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ziang Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Green roofs provide immense benefits by providing extra insulation and reducing the urban heating island
effect, air pollution, and flooding of storm water treatment plants. Our investigation studies whether or
not green roofs provide sufficient benefits in order to justify their substantial installation and maintenance
costs. We created a sedum-based green roof on top of pre-existing energy house and constructed a
rainwater collection system. Then, we heated the room and measured the steady-state temperature
difference in order to determine the insulation benefits. We also are using force plates and rain barrels to
measure storm water delay and retention. We are still in the process of collecting data on runoff delay and
retention. An energy balance analysis of the green roof found that 1500 watts of energy were lost at
equilibrium. We expected that, at the same temperature conditions, the energy house, without a green
roof, would lose more than 1500 watts, but our calculations concluded an energy loss of only 700 watts.
This calculation was based on R-value data of the materials used to construct the energy house, which
could be inaccurate. We are exploring alternate methods to quantify the energy benefits attributed to the
green roof.
L01
Thematic Development in Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas and its Applications to Modern Composition
Presenter(s)
Daniel Collins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The piano sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven have long been considered a cornerstone of not only the
piano repertoire, but of classical music itself. They are remarkable for the simultaneous achievement of
both aesthetic appeal and compositional ingenuity. This study sought to analyze the means by which a
representative group of these works accomplished their primary goal of thematic development and recast
these findings in a contemporary context through the composition of the researcher’s own sonata
movement. Three sonatas from Beethoven’s output, No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Pathetique; No. 16 in G
major, Op. 31 No. 1; and No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90, were analyzed using a variety of techniques,
including structure, voice, and Schenkerian analysis, intended to reveal overarching developmental
patterns. These analyses exposed the primary methods of development to be thematic breakdown and
motivic extrapolation; a tendency towards sustained dominant to tonic motion, especially at the end of the
development; and reinterpretation of notes not the dominant or leading tone as such to facilitate
modulation. Through the composition of a new sonata movement in the style of Beethoven, these
techniques were shown to still be viable to a modern composer, speaking to their versatility and potential.
94
M01
An Examination of the Causes of World War II and the Cold War
Presenter(s)
Max Kontorovich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
World War Two (WWII) and the Cold War's origins are essential in understanding the modern world. By
examining books, articles, documentaries, and primary sources I have tried to determine what caused
WWII and the Cold War, and if they were inevitable. I found that WWII was inescapable due to four key
factors: 1) the social unrest in Germany caused by the horrible post-World War I economy; 2) a growing
Soviet military industrial complex set on exporting Communist ideology to Europe; 3) Japan's
technological advantage over East Asia and its need for resources; and 4) the inaction of Anglo-American
forces in the 1930's. The Cold War was caused by Soviet obduracy and America's decision of a middle
road between appeasing the Soviets and being tough with them. Had America either wholeheartedly
defended its ideologies or accepted the progress of the Red Army during WWII, the Cold War as we
know it could have been avoided. The causes of these conflicts can never be known with certainty, but
those above are the most likely, and allow us to objectively understand the twentieth century, prompting
informed decision making in the twenty-first century.
M02
Vikings and Monasteries: An Analysis of the Conversion of Medieval Europe
Presenter(s)
Andrew Salij, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the Medieval era, Northern and Eastern Europe converted to Christianity and moved away from
paganism. What circumstances brought this shift and has Christianity completely supplanted pagan
traditions? This investigation utilized documents written by the churchmen of the Middle Ages, Viking
religious texts, and modern analyses of Christian conversion efforts in order to build a body of knowledge
of Christianity in multiple regions of Northern and Eastern Europe, most of which had Viking influences.
Ultimately, it appears that conversion efforts typically began with missionaries converting a small number
of a populace regardless of regal support. However, leaders often then converted in response to external
political pressure, a desire for legitimacy, or earnest belief. Once a ruler converted, pagan reactions
occurred, but they quickly subsided as the new region assimilated to Christianity. However, the converted
regions rarely left their entire pagan past behind, for syncretism pagan traditions combined with
Christianity. What had been Viking Europe converted to Christianity, but it maintained some of its initial
culture through syncretism.
95
M03
Confucius to Fake Gucci? A Historical Approach to Explaining the Development of China's Black
Market
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kirsty Montgomery, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The black market is defined as the "illicit trade in goods or commodities in violation of official
regulations." A free market for everything from drugs to organs to, perhaps more popular among
unsuspecting customers, stolen or counterfeit retail and technology, it is a growing form of underground
economy that has developed immensely in the past century, especially in China. China's counterfeiting
issue has impacted not just domestic economy, but also international economy. This study examined
China’s black market in counterfeit retail and technology and, through the lens of history, came to several
conclusions to help answer the question of how and why it has developed so rapidly. Scholar Peter K. Yu
claims that ancient Confucian ideals predisposed the Chinese to counterfeit goods in the present. This
study rejects the theory as a misinterpretation of text. Instead it proposes that the Great Divergence that
began in the late eighteenth century left China scrambling to modernize in the last few decades. It is also
proposed that China's slow development of intellectual property protection and strong centralized
government led to a weaker legal system compared to its Western counterparts.
N01
A Study of the Application of Death Penalty Law in Sub-Saharan Africa
Presenter(s)
Edward Jun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
Delphine Lourtau, Northwestern University
Shubra Ohri, Northwestern University
This study investigates certain key judicial decisions relating to the death penalty in Sub-Saharan Africa,
and analyzes their relationship to country-wide and regional trends in the application of the death penalty.
This study observed how court rulings either reflected or were inconsistent with those trends, through
thorough analysis of several landmark court cases in different regions of Sub-Saharan Africa,
documentation by human rights bodies like the United Nations, and by data analysis of executions, laws,
government statements, and other sources in Sub-Saharan African nations. These separate, yet equally
important pieces of evidence were put together to display a large scale picture of the current application
of the death penalty in Africa and trends moving into the future. Preliminary results suggest that while a
growing number of nations are refraining from using the death penalty or abolishing it altogether, some
countries still continue to use the death penalty at a high rate, often carrying out death sentences that are
inconsistent with international human rights laws and governing trends in the application of the death
penalty. This study looks to build a foundation upon which further investigations can study the death
penalty in Sub-Saharan Africa as trends in both legislation and application change in future years.
96
O01
Taking the Red Pill: Degenerations of Matrix Space
Presenter(s)
Lael Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nir Avni, Northwestern University
A representation is an object that replaces the elements of a group with matrices. The groups we are
looking at are the fundamental groups of surfaces and the matrices are inside one of five exceptional
matrix groups. The collections of all such representations, called representation varieties, are pinched in
some places. If the number of holes in the surface is big enough, these pinches are tame (they are
technically known as rational singularities). Using Python, we have created routines that produce and
degenerate the equations that describe the representation varieties. There are two kinds of degenerations
that can be applied. One is lossless; the other is lossy (it increases the number of holes needed for the
surface). By carefully applying a lossless degeneration, we have made the equations simple enough to
draw as graphs. Using lossy degenerations, we can separate the graph into discrete edges, which
demonstrates the rationality of the singularities. The work left to us is to optimize our use of lossy
degenerations; potentially reducing the standing upper bounds from approximately three times dimension
to one half the dimension. This research lays a foundation for similarly computational proofs.
O02
Examining Influential Factors for Team Pitching Environments in Major League Baseball
Presenter(s)
Luke Musgrave, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The complex game of baseball can be described using a vast variety of metrics and statistics. Analysis of
these statistics can help to more accurately describe and make predictions about the game. Using a final
set of data from 1998-2012, I examined the effect of different aspects of specific teams on a pitcher's
performance. Using regression models from this data, I found the expected effect each team would have
on a pitcher's earned run average based on that pitcher's fielding independent pitching value, and the
team's defensive efficiency, pitching park factor, league, winning percentage, and errors. These models
showed how significant each of these team factors is in influencing a pitcher's performance. For example,
defensive efficiency showed a strong negative trend in earned run average output while pitching park
factor showed a surprisingly weak trend in predicting earned run average. Understanding which variables
are the most influential on pitching performance can help scouts, team management, fantasy owners, and
fans of the game to make more accurate predictions about how a pitcher will perform over the course of
the season.
97
O03
Upset Definition and Prediction in Tennis
Presenter(s)
Suraj Sinha, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yea-Jane Chu, IBM Business Analytics
Jing Shyr, IBM Business Analytics
Statistics have always been essential when discussing projections, ratings, and/or ranking certain players
or teams in sports. These rankings are based on the International Tennis Federation points that are
accumulated by each player over a two year span. When predicting the victor of matches, people use
these rankings assigned to each player as a basis for their prediction. When a significantly lower seeded
player defeats one of higher seed, the match is called an upset. The aim of this investigation was to
provide an accurate and specific definition to the word significant. How much lower must a player be
ranked in order for the match to be called an upset? The second challenge of the investigation, once an
upset was defined, was to find out what factors might explain upsets and predict how likely these upsets
were. As a whole, the goal of the investigation was to model an entire tournament based upon data from
the US Open over the past ten years. Through this investigation, I have explored various methods of
statistical modeling in order to attempt to adequately describe a complete tournament by assigning
probability values for upsets to occur.
O04
Counting Rational Space Curves Meeting Lines and Points Using the Method of Degeneration
Presenter(s)
James Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Izzet Coskun, University of Illinois at Chicago
Classical algebraic geometers used the method of degeneration to count rational curves meeting lines and
points in space. Modern work has placed this method on the rigorous foundation of the moduli space of
stable maps, and thereby given a precise description of the multiplicities and degenerations involved.
Using dimension counting, we determine the numbers of points, lines, and secants that specify finite
numbers of rational space curves of any degree. Next, we apply the method of degeneration by repeatedly
specializing line and point constraints into a fixed plane and counting the limiting solutions with
appropriate multiplicities. The structure of the moduli space of stable maps allows us to describe the
result of this specialization. Combined with elementary geometric arguments, as well as the enumeration
of rational plane curves meeting points in general position, this procedure allows us to recursively count
the number of rational quadric, cubic, and quartic curves meeting certain combinations of points, lines,
and secants, in a more systematic way than was possible classically. We conclude that our method is very
effective for enumerating small degree rational curves, but it becomes difficult to carry out in practice as
the degree increases.
98
P01
Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis
Presenter(s)
Max Ackerman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah Goeppinger, University of Chicago
Adam Mikolajczyk, University of Chicago
David Rubin, University of Chicago
In the past, disease activity of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been measured using endoscopic techniques, but
more recently, undefined histologic measures have been employed. The adoption of this measurement
technique has been hindered by a lack of evidence guiding interpretation and reproducibility of results.
The aim of this study was to characterize intra-segment and inter-segment variation of histologic scores of
colonic mucosal inflammation in patients with UC. In total, 1802 biopsy segments from the rectum, right
side, or left side colon were graded using a novel, previously validated six-point histologic inflammatory
activity (HIA) scale. The data was analyzed for intra-segment variability, and the mean maximum
proportion for the rectum was 85.5%, the left side was 79.6%, and the right side was 82.7%. For the
ordinal inter-segment analysis, the mean maximum proportion across all of the segments was 70.2%.
Inter-segment variation in a continuous model demonstrated a coefficient of variation of 25.4% for HIA
scores in patients with left-sided colitis and 14.7% in patients with pancolitis, neither of which were
significantly greater than zero. Based upon these results, using the previously validated scoring system,
minimal variability was demonstrated between biopsies within each colonic segment and among different
segments in patients. These conclusions have meaningful effects upon the utilization of histology as a
clinical trial and treatment endpoint for UC.
99
P02
An Evaluation of Chicago Public Schools’ Health-Related Policies
Presenter(s)
Prachi Aggarwal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jenson Phung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shreya Santhanam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ashley Dyer, Northwestern University
Ruchi Gupta, Northwestern University
Victoria Rivkina, Northwestern University
The goal of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of the promotion and content of two
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) health-related policies: the Food Allergy Management Policy and the
Administration of Medication Policy. A questionnaire surveying the promotion, content, and impact of
these policies was distributed to CPS parents, with and without food allergic children, and school nurses.
Of the CPS parents surveyed, only 36.4% of parents with food allergic children and 25.2% of parents
without food allergic children were aware of the new policies. Of the nurses surveyed, only 63.6%
supported the new CPS health-related policies and only 47.1% reported their school(s) as having a written
plan or protocol for food allergy emergencies. These findings suggest that many CPS parents still do not
know about the health-related policies impacting their children, and school nurses are not fully on board
with them. Therefore, there is a need for increased policy promotion and communication between the
school district, clinical school staff, and CPS parents. In addition, it is recommended that the rest of the
CPS health-related policies be evaluated to provide a more complete understanding of health-related
policy promotion and impact in the district.
100
P03
Epidermal Growth Factor Ameliorates Transforming Growth Factor β-Induced Collagen
Deposition in Pancreatic Stellate Cells
Presenter(s)
Ryan Chiu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Windel Emman Mascariñas, Northwestern University
Daniel Principe, Northwestern University
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) currently stands as one of the deadliest cancers in the United
States, with an aggregate five year survival rate of only 4%. Recent therapeutic efforts for PDAC have
centered around two potent cellular growth factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming
growth factor beta (TGFβ), which converge downstream to promote cell survival and proliferation in
advanced carcinomas. However, a major barrier in the therapeutic targeting of the cancer is the expansion
of surrounding stroma. In order to address the tumor-associated fibrosis observed in most pancreatic
cancers, human pancreatic stellate (hPSC) cells were cultured in vitro and treated with recombinant EGF
and TGFβ. Interestingly, in hPSC cells, these two factors did not seem to exhibit the downstream
convergence observed in other cell types. In addition, EGF, generally considered a mitogen, unexpectedly
led to rapid induction of the anti-proliferative factor p21. Furthermore, EGF drastically attenuated TGFβ-
induced collagen deposition. These results challenge the canonical role of EGF in the tumor
microenvironment, and may offer one possible explanation for the reduced clinical efficacy of EGF
receptor-targeted therapies.
P04
Assessment of Non-Rapid Eye Movement Delta Sleep and its Correlation to Excessive Daytime
Sleepiness
Presenter(s)
Lohitha Guntupalli, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samir Patel, Springfield Clinic
This project investigates the correlation between the amounts of delta wave sleep achieved by a person
self-reporting to have excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), to the scored Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS)
and mean sleep latency on a mean sleep latency test (MSLT) in known idiopathic hypersomnia patients.
Retrospective data of human sleep records from Touchworks, the Springfield Clinic’s electronic database,
was assessed to find the correlation of the achieved delta sleep to the EDS. The data was collected
through polysomnograph studies. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was conducted to see if a
relationship existed between the amounts of delta sleep achieved to the ESS scored and mean sleep
latency. It was concluded that no significant correlation existed between delta wave Stage 3 sleep and
one’s sleepiness in the morning (ESS and MSLT). Stage 2 sleep was found to be the only stage in which
there was a significant, yet weak, correlation with both ESS and MSLT. If the sample size for ESS versus
Stage 2 was increased to 103 patients, and the sample size for MSLT versus Stage 2 was decreased to 70
patients, a significant correlation may have existed. Time spent in Stage 2 may influence how sleepy a
person is.
101
P05
Pain Trajectories Across Different Variables for Inpatients at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical Center
Presenter(s)
Taylor Herr, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Galanter, University of Illinois at Chicago
There is no objective way to measure pain. Instead, the numeric rating scale (NRS) allows a patient to rate
his or her pain on a scale from 0 to 10. The University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center has collected
this pain data in two data sets. The first data set contains pain scores from January 1 to March 31 of 2012
in inpatients who have taken at least one opioid medication, while the second set contains pain scores for
all inpatients from March 1 of 2012 to February 28 of 2013. Data was analyzed by looking at
relationships such as pain as a function of time. The graph of this relationship has a characteristic shape: it
looks like a vertically shifted exponential function that flattens out after approximately 12 hours.
Additionally, no statistical difference was found between the data of those that had taken opioids and all
inpatients with initial pain above five. Finally, patients’ pain trajectories differ based on the type of care.
The fact that pain scores tend to drop exponentially but flatten out at a constant above 0 implies that there
is still room to improve pain treatment, as optimally the graphs of pain should flatten out at as low a value
as possible.
P06
Effects of T1L Reovirus Infection on Antiviral Response of Human Lamina Propria Cell Types in
vitro
Presenter(s)
Fengling Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Romain Bouziat, University of Chicago
Reinhard Hinterleitner, University of Chicago
Bana Jabri, University of Chicago
Celiac disease (CD) is an inflammatory intestinal disorder with autoimmune components induced by
gluten ingestion in susceptible patients characterized by loss of oral tolerance (LOT) to gluten.
Preliminary studies show that T1L reovirus infection causes upregulation of type-1 IFN and interferon
inducible genes (ISGs) in the lamina propria (LP), causing LOT to gluten. Human LP lymphocytes were
isolated by flow cytometry. Human gamma delta T cells and alpha beta T cells from biopsies were sorted,
expanded, and infected in vitro with T1L reovirus. Gene expression was measured using reverse
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data from LP lymphocytes of mice orally infected in vivo with
T1L reovirus was used as a background for comparison and experiment design. MxA expression data
shows human gamma delta T cells respond to T1L infection while alpha beta T cells do not, indicating
functional differences between them. Preexisting data about Mx1, ISG15, and IRF7 expression shows
oral T1L infection of mice can induce ISGs to different extents in most lymphocytes. These different
levels of response among lymphocytes await further investigation in human cells. Overall this data
provides important insights into interactions between T1L reovirus and the immune system which will
broaden our understanding of how viral infections cause autoimmune disorders like celiac disease.
102
P07
The Correlation Between Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm Newborns
Presenter(s)
Sharon Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sophia Lam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University
Sarah van Nostrand, Loyola University
Preterm infants cannot coordinate sucking, swallowing, eating, and breathing until they approach forty
weeks gestation (term pregnancy). The development of independent oral feeding is a major criterion for
safe neonatal intensive care unit discharge to home. Our project investigated the gestational age (GA) at
independent oral feeding in preterm infants. Specifically, we studied the GA, or the age of the infant
(weeks since conception) at which the infant achieves independent oral feeding. We analyzed data from
3307 patient records compiled between 1978 and 2013. We evaluated the GA at independent oral feeding
for three different categories: maternal age; birth weight; and appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and
respiration score at birth (APGAR). To analyze the categories, we used an Analysis of Variance test. All
results were statistically significant (p values less than 0.05). The overall mean of the GA at independent
oral feeding was 36+3/7 weeks with a standard deviation of 15 days. Our results demonstrated that
maternal age, birth weight, and APGAR score significantly influenced the oral feeding maturation. Infants
born to younger mothers (teenage) with birth weight exceeding 1500 g (3 pounds and 5 ounces) who did
not require resuscitation at birth (high APGAR scores) achieved independent oral feeding significantly
earlier.
P08
Burn Injury Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases Inflammation and Risk of Sepsis
Presenter(s)
Omair Khan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mashkoor Choudhry, Loyola University
Zackary Earley, Loyola University
Xiaoling Li, Loyola University
Half a million cases of burn injury resulting in four thousand deaths are reported nationally every year.
Previous studies have shown that burn patients suffer a global immune response characterized by a
breakdown in epithelial barrier integrity in the gut, leading to inflammation and sepsis. However, the
diversity of the intestinal microbiota following thermal injury and its implications in inflammation and
infection are unknown. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a 20% body surface area burn or sham
burn and sacrificed on days one, three, and five. DNA was isolated and purified from the distal small
intestine feces and the large intestine feces. This DNA was subjected to quantitative polymerase chain
reaction to quantify specific bacterial groups found within the gut microbiome. Quantitative polymerase
chain reaction analysis of the DNA isolated from the small and large intestine feces showed that burn
increased total bacteria 20 fold, while also significantly altering specific bacterial groups. These results
suggest that burn injury promotes a dysregulation of the gut microbiota, which may have a significant role
in post burn inflammation and sepsis. Thus, these results may modify treatments for severe burn patients
to restore the gut microbiome, reducing the risk of implications following thermal injury.
103
P09
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reaching Distance of Impaired Arm Post
Stroke
Presenter(s)
Frances Seo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Fleur Veltink, Northwestern University
Jun Yao, Northwestern University
Abnormal joint coupling between shoulder abduction and elbow flexion (that is, flexion synergy) is
prevalent in most individuals with moderate to severe stroke, which reduces their reaching ability. The
objective of this study is to improve our understanding of the neuromechanisms involved in flexion
synergy. We hypothesize that increased brain activity in lesioned hemisphere causes decreased flexion
synergy and increased reaching distance, while the decreased brain activity in the non-lesioned
hemisphere results in the inverse. Nine individuals with moderate to severe stroke participated in the three
session study. In each session, they repeated reaching tasks with various shoulder abduction (SABD)
loads before and after a 15-minute brain modulation. During brain modulation, one of the three
transcranial direct current stimulations (tDCS), cathodal non-lesional, anodal lesional, or sham
stimulation, was applied. A two factor (time before and after stimulation, SABD load) repeated measures
ANOVA test reported significant effect of the stimulation on maximal reaching distance, and significant
interaction between time and SABD load (p=0.05) for cathodal non-lesional tDCS. For other stimulations,
we did not find any significance. Our results indicate that downregulation of cortical activity in the nonlesional
hemisphere may upregulate the brainstem activity, thus increasing the flexion synergy.
P10
Does Connective Tissue Growth Factor Cause Left Atrial Fibrosis in Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
Presenter(s)
Abhishek Sethi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Allen Samarel, Loyola University
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a protein secreted by cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. CTGF
stimulates collagen production which may lead to atrial fibrosis and arrhythmias. CTGF expression is
regulated by protein kinase C. Our laboratory is studying a transgenic mouse in which a constitutively
active form of protein kinase C-epsilon (ca-PKCε) is expressed exclusively in cardiomyocytes. These
animals have enlarged left ventricles and left atria (LA), producing a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Our
hypothesis is that PKCε causes over-production of CTGF, which in turn causes LA enlargement, fibrosis,
and arrhythmias. We used echocardiography to measure LA diameter and found that ca-PKCε mice had a
larger LA diameter than wildtype FVB/n mice. Furthermore, the difference in LA size increased with age.
We performed Western blots to analyze CTGF expression in LA tissue and found that caPKCε mice had a
much greater CTGF concentration than nontransgenic animals. We also analyzed hydroxyproline, a
biochemical marker of excess collagens. We found that hydroxyproline was also significantly increased in
ca-PKCε LA tissue. Finally we observed that atrial arrhythmias were much more common in caPKCε
versus FVB/n mice. Studies are underway to determine if treating mice with CTGF blocking antibodies
prevents atrial enlargement, fibrosis, and arrhythmias in this DCM model.
104
P11
Clinical Studies in Venous Leg Ulcers and Incisional Hernias
Presenter(s)
Vimig Socrates, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jing Liu, Northwestern University
New medical drugs or devices undergo extensive tests for effectiveness and safety assurance before they
are mass produced and disseminated to the public. The final stage of drug testing involves human clinical
trials, where volunteer patients are studied to see the practical consequences of new treatment. Through
this investigation, treatment mainly continued in a spray solution for leg ulcers. I preformed the preclinical
procedures before the doctor comes in for all patients with leg ulcers. This includes cutting off the
compression bandages, applying Vaseline, and taking vitals for the patients. In addition, we manage the
database for another clinical study for a polytetrafluoroethylene hernia mesh using Microsoft Access.
Currently, both studies show significant improvement in quality of life for patients and a lowered rate of
recurrence in both hernias and ulcers. While the study has yet to be concluded, all patients seem to
continue to benefit from these new procedures.
P12
The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated Alterations of Nuclear Hormone
Receptor Expression
Presenter(s)
Simona Stancov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kristina Martinez, University of Chicago
The development of treatments for the prevention and amelioration of obesity is a major focus of the
twenty-first century. Several groups postulate that the enteric microbiota plays a key role in the onset of
the disease, partly because rodents without gut microbes are protected from diet-induced obesity. Notably,
the lean and obese phenotypes are associated with certain expression levels of nuclear hormone receptors
(NHR), transcription factors that regulate whole body metabolism. Therefore, it is useful to determine
whether gut microbes serve as mediators of high fat (HF) diet-induced alterations in NHR expressions. To
begin this ongoing investigation, we fed specific pathogen free (SPF) mice with low fat (LF) and HF diets
for four weeks. We expected to observe downregulation of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), which
suppresses lipogenesis, in mice fed HF diets. Although these rodents gained the most weight and had
significantly higher lipogenic gene expressions than mice fed the LF diet, CAR was not downregulated.
Therefore, the observed upregulation might be attributed to increased activity of NHRs that promote
energy storage. Comparison of the microbiomes of the mice fed the LF and HF diets can help us
determine whether certain microbes are related to the NHR and target expressions that were measured.
105
P13
The Effects of the Novel Agonist 390 on the CXC Type 4 Chemokine Receptor
Presenter(s)
Shruti Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Selam Zenebe-Gete, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Miller, Northwestern University
The chemokine receptor, CXC receptor type 4 (CXCR4) aids in the movement, or chemotaxis, of stem
cells. Hence drugs that activate this receptor may be useful in brain repair following stroke or trauma.
Based on the use of modeling, drug 390 was previously determined as a small molecule agonist of the
CXCR4 receptor due its similarities to the natural ligand of CXCR4, stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1).
Varying concentrations of 390 were tested using a calcium imaging apparatus in order to find the optimal
concentration that will cause maximum activation of CXCR4. The activation results in increased
intracellular calcium production, which was recorded using fura-2 fluorescence, which binds to
intracellular calcium, and a calcium imaging machine. Cultured human melanoma cells were used as a
source of CXCR4 receptors. The results were analyzed into a dose response curve and indicate that 1 μM
is the most effective concentration. Thus, a 1 μM concentration of 390 will provide the optimal agonist
effect. The overall effects of the novel drug 390 appeared to be similar to those produced by SDF-1 on the
same cells.
P14
The Future of Healthcare Reform: The Quantitative and Qualitative Implications of Value-Based
Care
Presenter(s)
Paul Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samir Itchhaporia, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Rebecca Maroon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
In response to an ever-changing healthcare climate and increasing costs, this investigation focused on the
research of innovative methods to improve all aspects of healthcare in the United States. Researchers
formed a comparison between the twenty-first century concept of value-based care and traditional fee for
service care. Value-based care focuses on a holistic approach that provides motivations for quality
outcomes by rearranging incentives. In addition to a qualitative research component examining secondary
sources, a data analysis was performed to investigate the cost and frequency associated with each type of
care. The analyses were run on a data set provided by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association using
Microsoft SQL and Excel software. Preliminary results suggest that while value-based care may provide
higher quality care and more preventive measures, the relative costs are higher than those of a fee for
service arrangement. While only basic statistical analyses have been run thus far, researchers hope to
substantiate their early findings with further insights into the cost of value-based care over time. This
research will identify whether net savings can be derived from more preventive measures, though initially
more expensive.
106
P15
Identifying the Melanosomal Component Responsible for Selective Sensitivity to Bleaching Phenols
Presenter(s)
Irina Wirjan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Eby, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Tyrosinase binds to tyrosine, its substrate, to catalyze the production of melanin, the pigment found in
melanocytes. Bleaching phenols are thought to cause death by conversion to toxic substances, as their
structures can be mistaken for tyrosine. Which enzyme causes this cytotoxicity when melanocytes are
exposed to phenols? We transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells with mouse DNA
encoding tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (Trp-1), tyrosinase-related protein 2 (Trp-2),
glycoprotein 100, and melanoma antigen recognized by T-cell proteins. HEK293 served as the negative
control because none of the proteins are naturally present, while B16F10 served as the positive control as
all the proteins are there naturally. We used fluorescent activated cell sorting and Western blots to detect
the presence of the proteins in the cells. We measured cell viability with methylthiazol tetrazolium assays
after exposure to 125 μM and 250 μM monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) and 4-tertiary butyl
phenol, the bleaching phenols. Our data shows that cells with tyrosinase had low viability to MBEH for
both concentrations. Tyrosinase may contribute to cytotoxicity when exposed to phenols.
P16
Effects of KBU2046 on Common Chemotherapeutics and Androgen Regulation in Breast and
Prostate Cancers
Presenter(s)
Luke Zhan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Raymond Bergan, Northwestern University
Xiaoke Huang, Northwestern University
Megan Schrementi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
KBU2046 is a novel anti-metastatic prostate and breast cancer drug that suppresses tumor invasion in
vitro, and metastatic formation in animals. This investigation determined how KBU2046 interacts with
common chemotherapeutics in both breast and prostate cancers and analyzed the drug's effect on
androgen regulation in prostate cancer. Using the MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line and the PC-3M
prostate cancer cell line, we performed a cell viability assay with KBU2046 in combination with
chemotherapeutics vinblastine, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin. It was found that KBU2046 does not
significantly alter the sensitivity of either cell line to chemotherapeutics. To test the effect of KBU2046
on androgen regulation in prostate cancer, we performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase
chain reaction with primers for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), whose expression is androgen-regulated.
The LNCaP prostate adenocarcinoma cell line was cultured with varying combinations of KBU2046,
R1881 (a synthetic androgen), and/or bicalutamide (an anti-androgen used to treat prostate cancer). It was
found that KBU2046 inhibits PSA expression and supplements the efficacy of bicalutamide. Both sets of
results are promising for the drug's clinical trials, as KBU2046 acts synergistically with common
chemotherapeutics in breast and prostate cancers and does not aggravate androgen expression in prostate
cancer.
107
Q01
Alteration of Brain Connections in Resting State Networks After Performing Simple Motor Actions
Presenter(s)
Kristin Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Xue Wang, Northwestern University
Connected brain regions oscillate at similar frequencies in the resting state network (the active network
during periods of no explicit activity also known as RSN) as shown by functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI) scans. Motor-related regions are expected to show increased connections after
performing simple motor tasks. In this study, sixteen participants received an fMRI scan before
performing the following actions: rest, squeezing a ball, chewing gum, or receiving a caffeine injection.
After 10 minutes of performing the task, the subjects received another fMRI scan. Analysis of the post
activity scans showed differences between brain activities in the RSN between each of the tasks
performed. The hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, post-central, and pre-central networks showed
the most significant differences in brain activity between tasks. These findings show that the performance
of different actions affect the connections between brain regions after the task is finished.
Q02
Automatic Switching Point From Perfusion to Permeability Using a Single Full-Dose Contrast
Injection
Presenter(s)
Greeshma Chilukuri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jayathi Varadheeswaran, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennie Yufen Chen, Northwestern University
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Xue Wang, Northwestern University
Obtaining both perfusion and permeability data is critical for diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging,
staging, and treatment planning for patients with brain tumors. However, only one can be acquired
typically. The purpose of this study is to create a method which will decrease the cost and time necessary
to collect both data sets. The parameter was created using perfusion data from seven patients inputted into
the Siemens Syngo software, which showed the data versus time. The parameter was then tested on seven
other patients to check reliability. The perfusion maps of the full time course were identical to the
truncated time when using the same arterial input function. The truncated perfusion dataset demonstrated
normal values in each subject. The results indicated that there were no issues with modeling permeability
data even though it was collected following the perfusion data. The parameter was accurate for fourteen
different patients, including stroke and tumor patients. A method has been created allowing both
perfusion and permeability data collection from a single dose of contrast agent through using a parameter
which ensures a complete data set. Using this, the method can be automated by triggering a switch when
the magnetic resonance signal reaches the end of the perfusion phase.
108
Q03
A Comparison of the Magnitude of Visual Simon Effect in High School Students With and Without
Music
Presenter(s)
Joseph Donermeyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dawson Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Simon effect refers to a phenomenon that occurs when a person responds to a stimulus with the same
side of the body relative to where the stimulus is perceived. This causes a decrease in reaction time
compared to responses on the other side of the body. We used a computer program to test the magnitude
of the Simon effect in high school students with and without music playing. Participants were shown
either the letter H to prompt a left-hand response or the letter S to prompt a right-hand response. The
program generates these letters in different screen locations so we could see how the response times
changed based on location. The experiment is ongoing and results will presented. Our research will help
scientists better understand the Simon effect and help us map neurological processes relating to stimuli
response.
Q04
Active Brain Regions During Sleep Using Electroencephalography Functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging
Presenter(s)
Grace Duan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sameeksha Malhotra, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Xue Wang, Northwestern University
With techniques allowing the simultaneous acquisition of electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, active brain regions during different stages of the human sleep
cycle were determined. This allows a greater understanding of sleep and its role in processing
information. The oscillations of the EEG data determined the duration of each sleep stage. The respective
MR images, visualized using Mango software, were analyzed separately to create brain networks with
regions of interest (ROI). Using MATLAB, we created correlation matrices displaying neuronal activity.
Results suggest that brain activity is localized in the ROI’s during the second stage of sleep. In rapid eye
movement (REM) sleep, brain activity associated with the selected ROI is also present in most other brain
regions. Hippocampal activity is most prevalent in all investigated stages, followed by thalamus, posterior
cingulate, and amygdala activity. Brain activity in stage one and REM is similar, although REM activity
is less concentrated to the ROI. Stage two is considered deeper sleep than stage one, showing diminished
brain activity. REM sleep, showing most neuronal connectivity, involves consolidating memories and
dreaming. EEG-fMRI data can lead to an improved understanding of brain activity during sleep, which
may help in diagnosing sleep disorders.
109
Q05
Age-Related Changes in Visual Learning Strategies
Presenter(s)
Anastasia Fafara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brianna Pusey, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kelly Brandstatt, Northwestern University
Anthony Ryals, Northwestern University
Joel Voss, Northwestern University
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of age on strategies that individuals use to improve
their memory. The primary goal was to test whether memory deteriorates with age, or if the memory
problems often associated with age are because of poor strategies. Two groups of subjects were tested
with an eye tracking program (adults ages 18-24 and adults over the age of 65). In the test, subjects were
presented with three images and asked to identify which image differed from the others. This was difficult
because all of the objects closely resembled one another. By using eye-tracking data to analyze fixation
patterns, we were able to compare the visual search strategies used by younger versus older adults. Older
subjects (n=14) performed worse than younger subjects (n=14). Furthermore, older subjects demonstrated
abnormal visual search strategies compared to younger subjects, indicating age-related changes in
strategy use. We conclude that aging is associated with changes in strategy use that are more fundamental
than changes in memory.
Q06
Infant Tractography of the Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule
Presenter(s)
Kayla Hannon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeffrey Neil, Washington University
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps understanding about what the brain looks like and how it
works. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are MRI scans that measure water molecule movements in the
brain. I used DTIs to learn about brain structure and fractional anistropy (FA), which is a measure of how
compressed water molecules move in the brain. High FA implies mature myelinated sheaths; however, in
a previous study, some infants had high FA in the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) but low
cognitive scores. I used Analyze.10 to track the fibers and created an image of the ALIC called a
tractography. If ALIC tractographies look mature, then they should have high FA. I found that most of the
ALIC tractographies with high FA were not mature. This means a lack of correlation between high FA
and mature ALICs in these infants which does not explain the low cognitive scores. Since DTIs are
relatively new and tractography is old, the value of the information of combining these techniques should
be further explored.
110
Q07
Following Speech Through the Brain: Three Successive Parallel Networks
Presenter(s)
Rhea Harsoor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shveta Thakkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
The purpose of this inquiry is to study the temporal dynamics of language analysis. Three epileptic
patients were given two language tasks, the Boston naming test and a noun-verb task, in order to map
activation. Subdural grids were surgically implanted in the left hemisphere, from which
electrocorticographic recordings were collected. These recordings have a higher temporal resolution than
other imaging modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging. The initial hypothesis, that the
pathway of speech processing is serial, parallel, and widely distributed, was supported by the collected
data. We observed three distinct networks of parallel activity whose onsets were sequential. The first
network was dedicated to phonetic processing, the second to semantic processing, and the third to
semantic processing and speech production. This study is a part of a larger endeavor to minimize the
morbidity of neurosurgical procedures in order to prevent resection of areas vital to language processing.
Q08
The Effects of Neurotrophic Drugs on the Degeneration of Cochlear Hair Cells in Guinea Pigs
Presenter(s)
Mohamed Kady, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Harishankar Logaraj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claus-Peter Richter, Northwestern University
Through the use of sensory hair cells, the cochlea converts mechanical pressure waves from the
environment into electrical signals that are interpreted by the brain as sound. These signals can be
measured using electrodes as an auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave. Exposure to intense,
prolonged noises can cause irreversible damage to the auditory system. Through the implementation of
certain neurotrophic drugs such as brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), this damage may be
prevented and hearing may be preserved. Guinea pigs were exposed to deafening frequencies of noise at
various decibel levels. Their recovery was then measured over four weeks through several hearing tests
and analysis of ABR graphs. Preliminary results suggest that BDNF has no statistically significant effect
on hearing. At the end, histology will be conducted to observe the physical effect of deafening and
recovery with neurotrophic drugs on the animals.
111
Q09
Effects of Vindeburnol on Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathology
Presenter(s)
Vandana Karan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Douglas Feinstein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a dementia characterized by the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain,
forming plaques that contribute to loss of brain function. The aggregation of Aβ is regulated in part by the
neurotransmitter noradrenaline (NA). Studies have found that vindeburnol increases production of
tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of NA, in the locus coeruleus. Two
cohorts of AD model (5xFAD) and wildtype mice were treated with vindeburnol at 20 or 12 mg/kg over
the course of four weeks. Afterwards, the brains were cut and stained with thioflavin S and analyzed with
AxioVision®. Analyses found insignificant differences in plaque number and size both globally and in
specific brain regions. Although we have found no significant difference between overall plaque number
or size between vehicle-treated and vindeburnol-treated sections, the total percentage of small plaques
(<50 μm) significantly decreased by 28% in the frontal cortex and subiculum of 20 mg/kg treated mice.
This suggests that vindeburnol may be slowing the formation of new plaques without enhancing plaque
degradation. The data does show a trend towards lower overall plaque number, however, suggesting that
more animals may need to be processed to reach adequate statistical power.
Q10
Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Presenter(s)
Taylor Knopf, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah Song, Rush University
Women can present with acute ischemic strokes during antepartum, delivery, and postpartum periods, but
there is no current consensus on how to treat these patients. This report describes the use of intravenous
thrombolysis, or tissue plasminogen receptor (tPA), in pregnant ischemic stroke patients. Data was
collected using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a database from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization
Project which tracks information from over eight million hospital stays each year. Pregnancy-related
stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, along with stroke-related conditions and
pregnancy-related conditions were extracted using codes from the International Classification of Diseases,
Ninth Revision. We also ascertained clinical outcomes of these pregnant women with stroke, including
mortality, discharge destination, and length of stay. Between 2005 and 2010, approximately 18,392
pregnancies were complicated by stroke. Of these pregnancies, hypertension and pre- eclampsia proved
the most common risk factors. Ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous tPA had a wide range of
length of stay, ranging from 4-28 days. They were also found to have increased mortality compared to
other pregnant women with stroke. More research is necessary to determine the safety of IV tPA in
pregnant ischemic stroke patients.
112
Q11
Identifying Chaperones and Co-Chaperones Affecting Mechanisms of FUS R521G Aggregation in
N2A Cells
Presenter(s)
Lakhena Leang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Xueyang Ren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sue Fox, Northwestern University
Richard Morimoto, Northwestern University
Anan Yu, Northwestern University
The FUS R521G mutation is a toxic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-related gene mutation causing
cytoplasmic aggregates. Usually, the dissolution of insoluble protein aggregates is mediated by a network
of protein chaperones, particularly those such as heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Overexpression of four
different HSP70 chaperones and six different DNAJB chaperones in Neuro2a cells co-transfected with
FUS R521G was observed using supernatant and imaging analysis. Preliminary data analysis suggests
that HSPH1, HSPH2, HSPA1A, HSPA8, and HSPH3 seem to reduce FUS R21G toxicity. However,
DNAJB chaperones seem to have little or no effect on FUS R521G aggregation. We are in the process of
observing Neuro2A cells co-transfected with FUS R521G and HSP70 chaperones under transient
expression to verify the preliminary data. Finding chaperones that aid in FUS R521G aggregate
degradation will help broaden our understanding of chaperone-aggregate machinery and find molecular
targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapy.
Q12
Inhibitable Plasma Cholinesterases as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Jessica Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Changiz Geula, Northwestern University
The purpose of this study was to test a biomarker that could lead to early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
(AD) in living patients. We measured cholinesterase (ChE) activity in plasma samples from patients with
AD and normal controls. The pathological hallmarks of AD, plaques and tangles, contain activities of the
ChEs acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Unlike normal ChEs, ChEs in
plaques and tangles are inhibited by indoleamines and protease inhibitors. Differences between the
inhibition of AChE and BuChE by the indoleamine serotonin (5HT) and the protease inhibitor bacitracin
were determined in AD plasma and compared with normal plasma. We tested thirty pairs of plasma for
levels of inhibitable AChE and BuChE activities. There was a trend towards increased inhibition in AD
plasma. There was a 32%-55% increase in inhibitable AChE activity in AD plasma when compared to
normal plasma using bacitracin, and a 14%-45% increase in inhibitable AChE in AD plasma using 5HT.
Similar trends were observed for BuChE. Further analysis is required to determine whether these trends
are statistically significant. These results suggest that inhibitable plasma AChE and BuChE may be
appropriate biomarkers for diagnosis of AD perhaps in its early stages to allow early treatment.
113
Q13
Activated c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Contributes to the Differential Vulnerability of Neurons in
Huntington’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Judy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rodolfo Gatto, University of Illinois at Chicago
Gerardo Morfini, University of Illinois at Chicago
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder characterized by mutations in the gene encoding
huntingtin protein (Htt). Mutant forms of htt (mHtt) cause progressive degeneration in specific neuronal
populations, especially within the cerebral cortex and the striatum. It has been previously shown that
mHtt, which is expressed ubiquitously throughout the brain, activates c-Jun N-Terminal kinases (JNK),
which in turn inhibit axonal transport and lead to dying-back degeneration of neurons. Based on these and
other observations, we hypothesized that the tissue distribution of active JNK pathway components might
contribute to the unique tissue pattern of neuronal degeneration observed in the early stage of HD. To
evaluate this hypothesis, we performed immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of JNK in
control and R6/2 mice, a well-characterized HD mouse model. We found that activated JNK in the presymptomatic
stage (post-natal day 30) is more prevalent in areas of the brain that endure greater damage
during HD pathogenesis, such as the striatum and the cerebral cortex. This led us to conclude that
activation of JNK might contribute to the early pattern of brain tissue degeneration in HD. In the future,
we would like to further evaluate JNK activation in specific cell types including projection neurons,
interneurons, and glial cells.
Q14
Using Microfluidic Chambers to Evaluate the Effect of MitoQ on Fused in Sarcoma-Mediated
Neurotoxicity
Presenter(s)
Emily Ling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The purpose of this investigation was to study MitoQ as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with mutations in the RNA-binding
protein, fused in sarcoma (FUS). Cortical neurons were isolated from day 18 rat embryos and transfected
with control, wild-type FUS, and P525L mutant FUS plasmids. Neurons were plated in microfluidic
chambers, which are specially designed devices that use microgrooves to organize axon growth. They
were then treated with 0.1 μM, 0.3 μM, or 0.5 μM MitoQ, or the control. The neurons were fixed and
stained after one week, and were imaged using a fluorescent microscope. Concentrations of 0.3 μM and
0.5 μM MitoQ treatments were toxic, so only the control and 0.1 μM MitoQ treatments were analyzed.
Mitochondrial fragmentation, dendrite length, and branch point number were observed and quantified.
The results showed that FUS transfections significantly worsened mitochondrial fragmentation as
expected (p < 0.0001). However, MitoQ treatment significantly worsened all three aspects of neuronal
health (p < 0.05). This unexpected result is likely due to toxic byproducts in the MitoQ, which may not
have been sufficiently purified during production. Despite these results, MitoQ may still be a promising
therapy for ALS, and further investigation is suggested.
114
Q15
Screening Potential Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Emily Ling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Hye Jean Yoon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mengmeng Chen, Northwestern University
Xiaoping Chen, Northwestern University
Kazuo Fushimi, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The purpose of this investigation was to test several chemical compounds as potential treatments for
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in the
RNA-binding proteins TAR DNA-binding protein and fused in sarcoma (FUS). This investigation used
transgenic Drosophila expressing wild-type FUS 9 proteins in the motor neurons. Flies were treated with
food containing 1% and 5% (by mass) of the compounds zinc, creatine monohydrate, and nicotinamide.
Wandering stage larvae were observed for two minute intervals, and the velocity (mm/s) and rate of
muscle contraction (Hz) were measured in order to classify level of degeneration. Nicotinamide of both
concentrations was found to be toxic to the Drosophila embryos, hindering their growth into the larvae
stage. Creatine significantly improved the larval motility over the control (p < 0.05). In addition, both
concentrations of creatine were significantly more effective than zinc (p < 0.01). Although this study must
be further investigated, creatine may be a promising treatment for ALS and other neurodegenerative
diseases.
Q16
Extracting the Hemodynamic Response With the Finite Impulse Response Filter
Presenter(s)
Matthew Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennie Yufen Chen, Northwestern University
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) detects brain activation using blood-oxygen-level
dependent (BOLD) signal changes. In stroke patients, hemodynamics are disrupted and it is often difficult
to detect brain activation. Deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the brain changes the strength of
the BOLD signal that can be utilized to plot the unique hemodynamic response function (HRF), or
changes over time of a patient. The process of directly mapping the HRF through MRI scanning takes an
extensive amount of time (30-45 minutes). In this investigation, the data from a traditional experiment
that takes 8 minutes was analyzed using statistical parametric mapping. The protocol of the more efficient
method utilizes a finite impulse response filter to generate the HRF. This new form of collection compiles
corresponding blood flow data into two second time bins, averages the contents of each, and draws a
single HRF for stimuli of a single experiment. Brain Voyager was used to directly measure the HRF.
After examining trials in two stroke patients, the HRF plotted by this method remains accurate, and does
not sacrifice precision for an improved acquisition time. With these conclusions in mind, patients,
doctors, and staff will be able to diagnose stroke patients more accurately.
115
Q17
Analysis Comparing Defective RNA Binding Proteins in Association With Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Haneesha Paruchuri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Warren McGee, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized as a fatal degenerative motor neuron disorder
resulting in the loss of motor neurons and muscle movements. About ten percent of cases are inherited,
mostly involving unidentified genes. The investigation analyzes the commonalities between the ALSassociated
RNA binding proteins in terms of pathological features, clinical features, and protein
properties. The specific ALS-associated RNA binding proteins analyzed are fused in sarcoma (FUS) and
TAR DNA-binding protein 43. This study will help understand the common pathogenic mechanisms
shared by different subtypes of ALS and provide information useful for future development of treatment.
Q18
Monitoring the Time and Extent of Neurodegeneration in the Motor Cortex of a Novel
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse Model
Presenter(s)
Vignesh Ravi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mukesh Gautam, Northwestern University
Pembe Hande Ozdinler, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressively debilitating disease in which the cortical and spinal
motor neurons show progressive degeneration. To study the cortical component of neurodegeneration in
the TDP-43 mouse model, the motor cortex was analyzed. Since TDP-43 mutations were detected in ALS
patients and reported to have loss of upper motor neurons, this study monitors the brains of the wild type
(WT) and the TDP-43 mutant mouse model (n=3 for each genotype) at two different time points, P90 and
P120. Silver staining was used to label neurons that underwent neurodegeneration and to monitor the
appearance of dying neurons. Sections that represent comparable areas of the brain and were isolated
from age-matched experimental samples and compared, based on the presence of silver precipitates.
Preliminary studies suggest an increase in neuronal vulnerability in the TDP-43 mice, as more neurons in
the motor cortex are labeled with silver staining. Overall, the time and rate of neurodegeneration will be
determined at two time points in both WT and TDP-43 mice. The potential implications of this project
extend far beyond the moral aspects of advancing disease research. Upon completion, we will have a
better idea of the timing and extent of neurodegeneration in the motor cortex, essential information that is
required prior to any therapeutic intervention.
116
Q19
Optimization of a Magnetic Resonance Probe for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Sreyesh Satpathy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Klein, Northwestern University
Kirsten Viola, Northwestern University
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, but there currently exists no conclusive
diagnostic for the disease. Evidence points to synaptotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) or Aβ1-42 oligomers (AβO)
as a primary cause of the synapse failure and progressive memory loss characteristic of AD. AβOs act as
initiators of disease mechanisms and may provide an optimal target for an AβO-specific antibody (NU4)
conjugated to 12 nm and 18 nm diameter Fe3O4 nanostructures (NU4MNS). AβO localization and growth
within the brain was determined by use of fluorescently tagged NU4 on eight month old mice with an
Alzheimer’s-like disease. NU4MNS was used to develop diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
assays for these mice. The NU4MNS, bonded to a polyethylene glycol arm, forms an MRI probe for
AβOs that can be delivered intranasally, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Based on in vitro experiments,
this NU4MNS is a non-invasive MRI contrast agent with the potential for early diagnosis of AD. The in
vivo MRI response for the 18 nm probe matched the results of localization of AβOs treated with
fluorescent NU4 in vitro. Iron stains indicated that the probe successfully distributed throughout the brain.
Future research should observe AβO growth during disease progression, and more tests should be run to
verify the efficacy of the probe.
Q20
The Relationship Between the Hippocampus and Long-Term Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
Presenter(s)
Sajishnu Savya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills,
and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Since the hippocampus is affected first in AD (as
with short term memory loss), I wanted to see if the degradation of the four subfields, CA2-4 + DG, in
severe AD correlated with long term memory loss. I used test scores from the Auditory Verbal Learning
Test (AVLT) to measure cognitive performance and average deformation values of the hippocampus. I
ran ANOVA using Fisher Z values between the AVLT test scores and the average deformation values
across AD patients, mild cognitive disease patients (MCI), and a control group. I was testing to see if
there was a significant difference in correlation between the groups. My results showed there was no
significant difference in correlation. This demonstrated that the degradation of the CA2-4 + DG subfields
were not directly correlated with the long term memory loss in AD patients, but is possibly one factor in
the process.
117
Q21
Audiotactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Presenter(s)
Vimig Socrates, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sliman Bensmaia, University of Chicago
Environmental vibrations excite receptors in both the hand and the ear. Signals from these receptors are
ultimately processed in the somatosensory and auditory cortices, respectively. Previous evidence suggests
that auditory and tactile signals are perceptually integrated. To further investigate these interactions,
subjects were asked to explore texture pairs and discriminate between them while listening to touch
produced feedback coming from a microphone attached to their finger. On a subset of trials, the frequency
composition of the sound was modified before it was replayed to the subjects. We found that certain
distortions in the auditory feedback (when the band pass was between 125 and 6000 Hz) caused
distortions in the perception of texture, while others did not. The study replicates and extends the finding
that touch and hearing interact in the perception of texture.
Q22
Method to Find the Language Region in the Brain Using Electrocorticography From Natural
Conversation
Presenter(s)
Rashmi Thimmapuram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Electrocortical stimulation mapping (ESM) is currently the gold standard in neuroscience research to find
the language region in epileptic patients. Unfortunately, it is difficult and tedious to perform. It is also
invasive and not patient-friendly. The patient is conscious during the procedure and he or she may feel
uncomfortable. Furthermore, the placement of electrodes and electrical stimulation can cause an unnatural
seizure. Analyzing brain activity during natural conversations to find the language region would be an
alternative method to ESM. In this project, the brain activity from natural conversation in high frequency
gamma bands (70-100 Hz) was compared with that of the language task to see if it can provide the same
results because language task was used in prior investigations to identify language regions. Though
natural conversation activated more areas in the frontal and parietal lobes than language task, it localized
only some of the areas in the language region. It was concluded that though natural conversation alone
cannot be used to identify language region in clinical applications at present, it would be an asset to
neurosurgeons if used alongside ESM to help refine the technique because it is non-invasive and patientfriendly.
118
Q23
The Role of Microglial Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Rashmi Thimmapuram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maira Bicca, Northwestern University
William Klein, Northwestern University
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in elderly. During the progression of
AD, the brain produces and accumulates amyloid beta oligomers (AβO), which are the main toxins of
AD. AβOs induce neuronal toxicity and death and trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory process in
AD. Recently, the Klein research group discovered that the expression of the transient receptor potential
ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a non-selective cation channel, involved in oxidative stress and inflammation in the
periphery, was increased in Alzheimer’s brains when compared with age matched control brains. The aim
of this study was to shed light on the importance in AD of TRPA1 in the microglia, which is actively
involved in the inflammatory process. We performed both qualitative (immunofluorescence) and
quantitative (Western blot) techniques to analyze TRPA1 expression in primary microglial cultures
derived from rat cortices treated with vehicle or AβOs. We found increased TRPA1 expression in AβOtreated
microglia when compared to microglia treated with vehicle. This demonstrated for the first time
that TRPA1 in the microglia could be important to the inflammatory process during Alzheimer’s disease
progression.
Q24
Functional Analysis of Dopaminergic Neurons Derived From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Presenter(s)
Wenhan Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Zhong Xie, Northwestern University
As the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD) affects more than
one million individuals over 60 years of age in the United States. Recent studies shown that dysfunction
of mitochondria and L-type calcium channels may lead to deterioration of midbrain dopaminergic (DA)
neurons in PD. In this study I investigated the functional properties of DA neurons derived from human
embryonic stem cells (hESC), focusing on mitochondrial reduction-oxidation (redox) and calcium
oscillation. After expressing redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (RoGFP) in the mitochondria of
DA neurons, ratiometric cell images were captured with an inverted epifluorescence microscope. Images
were used to determine baseline oxidation levels, as well as fully reduced and fully oxidized levels caused
by reducing agents and oxidizing agents, respectively. The observed cells had an average baseline
oxidation level of 1.664±0.130, with average oxidation of 38%. The cells also showed regular calcium
oscillation indicating normal calcium channel electrophysiological activity. My findings help establish
these basic functions and properties of hESC DA cells, which will be used for further PD research. As a
promising therapeutic strategy, hESC retaining normal DA functions could be transplanted into PD
patients to replenish the lost DA neurons and restore motor function.
119
Q25
Developing Therapeutic Approaches to TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 and Fused in Sarcoma
Proteinopathies
Presenter(s)
Hye Jean Yoon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mengmeng Chen, Northwestern University
Xiaoping Chen, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) proteinopathies are diseases
associated with mutations in these genes and aggregation of ß-amyloid misfoldings. Transgenic flies with
TDP-43 and FUS genes expressed in their motor neurons and ommatidia of their eyes were treated with
food containing creatine, zinc, and methylene blue. Results showed that zinc and creatine significantly
improved the pupae eclosions and survival rates of the Drosophila and slowed down the degeneration of
ommatidia conditions compared to the flies exempted from treatment (p<0.05; p<0.01). Results suggest
that creatine is more effective than zinc in protecting the Drosophila against neurodegeneration (p<0.01).
Drosophila flies treated with methylene blue were unable to form pupae and eclose as adult flies,
concluding that methylene blue is toxic. Although further investigation is needed, creatine and zinc are
suggested to be potential therapies for diseases with pathologic TDP-43 and FUS, such as amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia.
Q26
Quantifying the Effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Axon Continuity and Larval Motility
Presenter(s)
Timothy Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yang Li, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor
neurons. Significant effort has been put into building animal models to understand molecular
pathogenesis and to develop therapeutic approaches. While much work has been done on examining ALS
from a qualitative perspective with animal models, computational and biophysical techniques have also
been applied to quantify data. Here fluorescent microscopy, video imaging, and data processing were
used to assess the locomotive function in a Drosophila model for ALS. Using time-lapse video imaging of
Drosophila larvae, we developed a method for quantitative determination of locomotive function. This
investigation resulted in the creation of a more efficient algorithm for tracking multiple objects as well as
an image extraction algorithm that reduces the need to manually edit image files. These algorithms speed
up data analysis and eliminate human bias from results in biological assays. Our work will facilitate
studies of human neurodegenerative disorders using Drosophila models, including investigating
molecular pathogenesis of devastating diseases such as ALS.
120
R01
Performance Validation of the QIE10 Application Specific Integrated Circuits for the Phase I
Upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid Detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider
Presenter(s)
Vikram Anjur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alexander Moreno, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Hirschauer, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Elliot Hughes, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Titas Roy, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
As part of the 2014-2018 upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at CERN’s Large
Hadron Collider (LHC), the CMS collaboration is improving its hadron calorimeter (HCAL). Hadrons
produced in LHC collisions strike the HCAL producing light in plastic scintillators in proportion to their
energy. By measuring this light, the energy of the incident particles can be determined. A new version of
the QIE10 chip, which digitizes the analog current pulses of the photodetector and determines the arrival
time of the pulse, is a primary part of the upgrade. The performance of the QIE10 was characterized by
measuring the chip output to a known charge input. This was done using a test board and computer which
could input various charges and output data files. Specific tests were programmed to measure different
functionalities of the chips. The performance metrics include the response as a function of input charge,
the pedestal (response to zero input), the measurement of arrival time, and the variation of these metrics
over the sample of 325 prototype chips. Preliminary results indicate that the QIE10 chip meets
performance requirements for CMS.
R02
Cosmic Ray Background in the NOvA Neutrino Experiment
Presenter(s)
Mason Dearborn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lisa Goodenough, Argonne National Laboratory
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
The observation of neutrinos, being of neutral charge and nearly no mass, requires massive detectors
engineered by collaborations of scientists from around the world. A dominant background to neutrino
signal in the detectors is the presence of cosmic rays that are far more numerous than neutrinos. My work
will show whether or not this background is able to be made negligible through various methods of
estimation and what the most efficient method of doing this is. Through the manual scanning of event
displays generated from interactions in the detector, preliminary conclusions can be made. The cosmic ray
background does not appear to be negligible, as can be seen from our recent analysis of the failings of a
cosmic rejection filter. Our results so far have led us to conclude that the current cosmic ray estimation
methods need revision. We plan to develop cuts to remove cosmic ray background and maintain
efficiency for neutrinos as we expand the number of events tested. The estimation of this cosmic ray
background for its removal is imperative to the fulfillment of the main purposes of the experiment. My
work in cosmic ray background estimation will enable the study of neutrinos and their oscillations.
121
R03
Measuring the Energy of Antineutrinos
Presenter(s)
Daniel Gonzalez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Zelimir Djurcic, Argonne National Laboratory
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrinos and antineutrinos are the most abundant particles in the universe, besides photons. Scientists
suspect that neutrinos played a major role in the evolution of the universe. Recent measurement of the
mixing angle θ13 has established motivation to pursue measurement of the charge parity violation
parameter for future neutrino experiments. If measured to be non-zero, the charge parity violation
parameter will indicate a difference between matter and anti-matter and could explain why antimatter is
not present in the visible universe. Determination of θ13 depends on how well we estimate energy of
detected antineutrinos, and the energy depends on charge. The charge we measure is calibrated by
deployment of radioactive sources that emit radiation of a known energy. We have studied the
relationship between known source energy and collected charge to derive energy versus charge
dependence. We analyzed data with the ROOT program to understand charge versus energy of events,
with Double Chooz calibration data. Four calibration sources were used. Using program scripts, we were
able to produce graphs and use histogram fitting to find energy deposited in the detector by an
antineutrino. Analysis is ongoing to see how the measured antineutrinos spectrum agrees with our
prediction, which in turn affects the measurement of θ13.
R04
Ultrasonic Thermometry for the Analysis of Thermal Protection Materials
Presenter(s)
Ka wai Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Yuhas, Industrial Measurement Systems
In aerospace science, the non-intrusive measurement of spacecraft surface temperature and recession is
often useful in creating and evaluating thermal protection materials. Ultrasonic thermometry utilizes the
relationship between the temperature and the time of flight of ultrasonic waves to estimate of the surface
temperature. In this investigation, MATLAB is used to calculate transient temperature profiles using a
one-dimensional analytical thermal model which is then combined with velocity calibration curves to
create a forward model. This model calculates time of flight variations resulting from temperature
profiles. In order to investigate more complex thermal events, including both heating and cooling of the
surface, the model has been integrated with COMSOL, a commercial thermal transport program. The
current model also incorporates the effect of a receding surface. This forward model provides a good
resource for sensitivity studies useful for evaluating the ultrasonic method by determining the relative
influence of thermal transport properties, ultrasonic properties, and surface heat flux. The forward model
builds a foundation for the inverse model, which has the potential of estimating both unknown heat flux
and temperature from experimental ultrasonic data. Results will be presented showing model calculations,
sensitivity analysis, and progress on the inverse model.
122
R05
Measurement of the Ratio of σ(pp → Z + bb)/σ(pp → Z + jj) at √s = 1.96
Presenter(s)
Jameson O'Reilly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ashish Kumar, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The production rate of a Z boson in association with a bottom and an anti-bottom quark provides an
important test for the theory of quantum chromodynamics. The Z with b and b-bar process is also an
important irreducible background in the study of the Higgs boson in the Z plus H → bb channel. Using
the proton-antiproton collision data from Fermilab’s Tevatron collider at a center of mass energy of 1.96
TeV collected with the D0 detector during 2006 to 2011, the ratio of cross sections for Z+bb(bar)
production to Z + 2 jets production was measured. The identification of bottom quark jets is performed by
using a dedicated algorithm employing a multivariate analysis technique. Extraction of the b-jet fraction
in the resultant sample is done by performing fit of the data distribution with templates of the discriminant
which has different shapes for different flavored jets. Before further corrections, the ratio of cross section
was found to be around 0.02, which is in line with theoretical predictions. This result further confirms
calculations made using the Standard Model and the validity of that model to explain natural phenomena
at the quantum level.
R06
Analyzing the X-Ray Spectra of Nova V339 Delphi and Nova KT Eridani Using Model
Atmospheres
Presenter(s)
Sattvic Ray, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel van Rossum, University of Chicago
A nova is a stellar outburst that occurs on a white dwarf (WD) that is part of a binary system with a red
giant or main sequence companion star. After the white dwarf accretes enough material from its
companion star, its surface will undergo a thermonuclear runaway resulting in an outburst that causes
mass loss but leaves the WD mostly intact. I fit spectra from the novae KT Eridani and V339 Del using
atmosphere models to determine the best-fit values of the following physical parameters: chemical
composition, temperature (Teff), radius (R), and interstellar absorption (NH). For nine different sets of
chemical compositions, the best-fit Teff, NH, and R combinations were determined using the reduced chisquare
test. The fits for Nova Del are ambiguous for two reasons: the observed spectra are only visible up
to 40 Å, and the temperature is at the lower end of the range of temperatures used by the model
atmospheres. KT Eri has a wider wavelength range and is hotter; as a result, its parameters can be
accurately fitted. The parameters calculated in this study describe the physical characteristics of the novae
which are necessary for understanding the mechanisms through which novae occur and develop.
123
R07
Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Used in Thermoelectric Devices by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Presenter(s)
Dennis Rich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Venkat Chandrasekhar, Northwestern University
Tanuj Gupta, Northwestern University
Single-walled carbon nanotubes, which are cylindrical molecules made entirely of carbon, exhibit a wide
range of interesting quantum mechanical properties. One of these properties is a remarkably efficient
thermoelectric effect, which converts a temperature gradient over a material to electricity. The effect is
more prevalent when nanotubes are synthesized at low temperatures through chemical vapor deposition,
when methane is passed over a substrate, freeing the carbon radicals to form nanotubes on the substrate.
Through testing gas flow rates of methane from 450 to 1000 standard cubic centimeters per minute and
temperatures from 700 to 950oC and observing the results with a scanning electron microscope, gas flow
rate and temperature parameters were refined that consistently achieved synthesis at temperatures as low
as 725oC, while normal synthesis is performed around 900oC. At these lower temperatures length,
straightness, and density were all improved. All of these are important properties in crafting and testing
thermoelectric devices. This improvement is a step in the right direction. If the trend is continued, mass
production of nanotubes in thermoelectric devices could greatly increase the efficiency of many electric
devices, from solar panels to refrigerators.
R08
Fiber Optic Interferometers as Acoustic Sensors for Bubble Chamber Dark Matter Detectors
Presenter(s)
Bhairvi Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Dahl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
I investigated fiber optic interferometric sensors as an alternative to piezoelectric acoustic sensors in a
bubble chamber dark matter detector. The detection of dark matter will answer a long-standing mystery
about the nature of the universe. The acoustic sensors on bubble chamber dark matter detectors are used
to distinguish the dark matter signal from backgrounds due to natural radioactivity. The piezoelectric
acoustic sensors currently used are both fragile and themselves sources of radioactive backgrounds. Fiber
optic acoustic sensors, based on laser interferometry, are a promising alternative. I made several prototype
sensors, building the sense arm of the interferometer by winding an optical fiber around a cylindrical
mandril, which was then attached to the bubble chamber vessel. Acoustic vibrations in the chamber
transmit to the mandril and stretch the fiber, changing the interference pattern at the output of the
interferometer. I made sensors using both copper and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) mandrils. Data show
that the PEEK sensors are many times more sensitive than the copper and show a response at frequencies
up to 100 kHz. While still less sensitive than the piezoelectric sensors, this is an important first step to
building a new type of acoustic sensor for bubble chamber dark matter detectors.
124
R09
A Search for Strong Gravitational Lenses in the Dark Energy Survey Supernova Fields
Presenter(s)
Janani Sivakumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizabeth Buckley-Geer, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
H. Thomas Diehl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Gravitational lensing is an astronomical phenomenon where the gravity of a massive object warps the
light of a far-away object, forming shapes called arcs, Einstein rings, and Einstein crosses. Gravitational
lensing magnifies and brightens the distant objects and can be used to determine the mass of the lensing
galaxies. Images from the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) were systematically scanned by the human eye
(and brain) for rings, arcs, and crosses. The most promising of the candidates identified were selected for
further analysis. Fifteen previously unidentified strong lens candidates were identified from seventeen
tiles in the Dark Energy Survey supernova fields, and approximate redshifts, z (z = λ/λ0 - 1), were
obtained for eleven of the fifteen candidates from the SDSS3 galaxy catalog. The redshifts for the lenses
ranged from 0.094 to 0.546. Spectra obtained using the Apache Point Observatory 3.5 meter telescope
were used to match a few candidates to template spectra. Going forward, the redshift data will be used to
confirm or reject all of the lens candidates.
R10
Beam Test of the Muon g-2 Tracker
Presenter(s)
Emma Sloan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Casey, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The muon g-2 experiment will be studying a discrepancy between experiment and theory by measuring a
beam of muons with a system of detectors. Using simulation and data, the tracking system was
characterized for a test beam setup of 120 GeV protons from the Fermilab main beam line. A Monte-
Carlo simulation helped determine the number and placement of detector stations and the material and
thickness of a vacuum chamber necessary for high resolution. The simulated resolution, using the
parameters that were used for the beam test, was 0.000225. Then resolution was computed using the beam
test data. The resolution from the beam test was compared to the resolution from the simulation. This
study will describe how resolution varied in simulation, with the addition of variables, and in the beam
test.
125
R11
Constructing a Model of the Muon g-2 Magnet in Opera-3d
Presenter(s)
Lia Vallina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Kiburg, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Our project aimed to construct a three-dimensional model of the extremely uniform magnetic field of the
Muon g-2 superconducting storage ring using software called Opera-3d. Our project investigated the
effects of implementing a hole with an inflector magnet at the muon beam injection point. To simulate the
magnetic field in the model body, we specified the field and material properties, calculated the current
density of the solenoid conductors, and constructed a mesh, which is the set of points where calculations
are made. We analyzed the model to produce graphical data and measurements of the field. Using this
data, we studied how the presence of a hole and inflector in the magnet body influences the magnetic
field, which in turn affects the path of the muon beam. If the inflector magnet allows the entry of the
muon beam without affecting the performance of the storage ring, we will endorse the current system. If
the inflector has a detrimental effect on its performance, we will make suggestions to mitigate its
interference. Modeling this critical region will allow us to understand how to minimize distortions in the
magnetic field of the storage ring.
S01
The Correlation Between Exercise and Stress of Adolescents in Academically Rigorous
Environments
Presenter(s)
Marissa Brock, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alexandra Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Lundgren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jerald Thomas, Aurora University
Stress is the body’s response to events that disrupt emotional homeostasis. Students in academically
rigorous residential educational systems face constant bombardment with academic and social stressors.
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship of students’ stress levels with a
scientifically supported stress reliever, physical activity. According to previous similar studies, a
correlation exists between participation in exercise and perceived stress level. Students (n=215) that
attend schools within the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics,
Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST) were surveyed to gauge their stress levels and involvement in
physical activity. The researchers adapted the Perceived Stress Scale and administered it as the stress
portion of the survey. Students were then asked to select an option that most accurately described their
involvement in physical activity. Data was analyzed for a correlation between amount of regular physical
activity and stress level. The analysis of the data from this study should reinforce the importance of
physical activity in a student’s life and validate it as a significant method of stress reduction.
126
S02
The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and the Effect on Memory Functioning in Homeless
Youth
Presenter(s)
Al-Jalil Gault, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Scott Hunter, University of Chicago
Memory functioning is vital for informed executive functioning, and significant environmental and
emotional stressors during adolescence render these skills’ development vulnerable to adverse effects.
This study investigated how stressors of time and frequency spent homeless, and symptoms of anxiety
disorders, influence memory functioning in homeless youth. Participants were from urban-based
homeless youth shelter programs (N = 116, mean age = 19 years, 86% African American, 54% female).
The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was administered to collect information on
participants’ symptoms consistent with diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Visual and verbal memory assessments were conducted using the
Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, Second Edition (WRAML-II) and California Verbal
Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II). Correlations showed non-significant relationships between the
experience of homelessness and visual and verbal memory scores. T-tests showed individuals with and
without GAD and/or PTSD symptoms had non-significant differences in scores on both memory
assessments. Significant trends in t-tests showed individuals with depressive symptoms had higher scores
in both memory assessments than those without depressive symptoms. Resilience despite significant
environmental and emotional stress is likely due to arousal and greater attention to detail associated with
these experiences.
127
S03
A Cross-Cultural Study of the Relationship Between Empathy and Social Dominance
Presenter(s)
Leehwa Hong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vivian Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joan Chiao, Northwestern University
Vandana Chinwalla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Recent studies have investigated associations between cultural influences and affective and cognitive
empathy responses. In particular, native Koreans were found to exhibit significantly greater empathy
when viewing Koreans (ingroup members) in pain relative to viewing Caucasian Americans (outgroup
members) in pain, which can largely be attributed to a greater preference for social hierarchy. We
administered a survey consisting of photographs and a social dominance orientation test to second
generation or higher Caucasian Americans and zero or first generation Korean Americans. Based on a
two-sample t-test, both Koreans and Caucasians exhibited no difference in empathic responses, whether
looking at ingroup or outgroup members in pain. However, Korean Americans showed more cognitive
(logical) empathy compared to Caucasian Americans, who showed more affective (emotional) empathy.
Furthermore, Korean Americans exhibited statistically significant higher social dominance compared to
Caucasian Americans, but unlike previous studies, their social dominance did not correlate to empathic
responses. Therefore, first generation Korean Americans may still maintain views of traditional social
hierarchy but show egalitarian responses toward pain, similar to their Caucasian counterparts.
Understanding cultural differences to empathic responses and acceptance of authority can be a significant
factor in motivating today’s diverse global workforce.
S04
The Emotional Intelligence of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students
Presenter(s)
Nisha Kishore, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of this investigation was to gain understanding of our student bodyʼs current level of
emotional intelligence. An emotional intelligence survey composed by emotional intelligence coach
Robert Gramillano was emailed to all students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. This
self-assessment asked participants to rank their ability to manage their emotions, motivate themselves,
show empathy, have self-awareness, and utilize social skills. There were three ranges in which the scores
could fall: low, average, or high. The average score for each category (including the total score) was
calculated for each gender and year in school using a one-way analysis of variance. These averages were
compared to look for differences in gender and year in school. It was discovered that the mean score for
all categories fell into the average emotional intelligence range. The overall scores suggest that male
students are more emotionally intelligent than female students. There is a significant difference between
males and females in managing emotions. In all ages, males scored higher in managing emotions than
females. Finally, the means for all categories lie in the average range, suggesting that our student body
has an average level of emotional intelligence.
128
S05
Investigating the Origins of Suicide in Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth and Elderly
Presenter(s)
Patty Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yiqiao Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Chiang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Rooshey Hasnain, University of Illinois at Chicago
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth aged 15-24 years and AAPI women over 65 years old
have higher rates of suicide. AAPIs also underutilize mental health care services, or if they receive
services, the quality of care is limited. This study investigates the similarities and differences of these two
target groups in regard to mental health issues and suicide rates among these target groups. To answer our
research question, we identified and analyzed relevant literary sources, collected information from various
meetings related to AAPI populations and mental health, and identified themes in films that document
issues of mental health and suicide in these two subgroups of AAPIs. Our findings for both subgroups
indicate that depression plays a significant role. For example, Asian family dynamics and the conflict
between American values and traditional values of their home countries play a critical role as well. The
specifics, however, differed between the two groups. For youth, the principal stressors were academicrelated,
particularly pressures to succeed. Elders struggled mainly with feelings of loneliness and lack of
support networks, along with feelings of being burdensome to their family. Evidence clearly shows that
culturally competent mental health services and support systems that are accessible to these two
populations are needed, and whether or not such services and systems become more easily accessible may
influence future practices and policies in this under studied area.
S06
Relieving Stress by Increasing Stress Awareness
Presenter(s)
Hsing-Duan Louh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Malachi Loviska, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Grubbs, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Regardless of age, stress is commonly experienced by any living individual. Though stress is necessary
for survival, negative stress often weakens the body so that it is prone to chronic diseases. We created a
questionnaire based on the Schedule of Recent Experience to promote internalization of stressors. The
questionnaire was used to measure the efficiency of our method on the degree of stress among high
school students. We included a question at the beginning and at the end of the questionnaire asking about
each student's perceived level of stress to measure our questionnaire's influence. We expected the
majority of the students to select a higher number signifying a lower level of stress after completing the
questionnaire but found that the majority of the numbers lowered. We concluded that since the majority
of the sources of stress indicated by the students are not academically related, the questionnaire only
managed to help students review their stressors but did not help relieve stress. Overall, the experience
helped us to understand scientific collaboration both with each other and with other high schools. Even
though we did not lower the stress level, we learned to promote internal reflection of stress.
129
S07
The Effect of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Generosity
Presenter(s)
Saraswathi Nookala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Kirkpatrick, University of Chicago
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy, is a recreational drug linked to
prosocial behaviors which have been cited as reasons for its use. Though studies have been conducted on
the prosocial behaviors of MDMA, these behaviors have never been measured. In this study, the effect of
MDMA on generosity was measured. Healthy volunteers with MDMA experience were placed in either
an isolated environment (that is, an empty room), or a social environment (that is, with one researcher). In
this within subject, double-blind study, participants were given 1.0 mg/kg, of MDMA, 0.5 mg/kg of
MDMA, and a placebo over a course of three sessions. During the sessions, heart rate, blood pressure, and
prosocial behaviors were measured. The Welfare-Tradeoff Task, a behavioral task in which participants
choose whether to allocate money to themselves or others, was administered 90 minutes (peak effect of
drug) into each session. MDMA was found to increase measures of generosity in both the social and
isolated groups, but there was no significant difference in generosity between the groups. Heart rate,
blood pressure, and mood were found to have a dose-dependent increase. The effect of MDMA on
prosocial behavior can be studied to further understand the possible reasons for its use.
S08
Associations Between Impulsive Choice and Risk-Taking in Relation to Gambling
Presenter(s)
Aniruddha Shekara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jessica Weafer, University of Chicago
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Impulsivity is a multifaceted construct associated with problem behaviors such as drug abuse and
gambling. Previous studies have shown associations between these problem behaviors, and the aspects of
risk taking and impulsive choices. We focused on these facets in relation to impulsivity and problem
gambling. Healthy adults (n=435) were assessed for impulsive choice, risk taking, and gambling
propensity with behavioral and self-reported measures. We found associations between measures of
impulsivity and gambling behavior as well as associations between both facets. As we hypothesized,
behavioral and self-reported risk taking were significantly correlated (r = .177, p<.01). Probability
discounting was related differently from delay discounting to both behavioral and self-reported risk
taking. A greater preference for uncertain reward was positively related with behavioral risk taking (r =
.178, p<.01). Probability discounting was also related to self-reported likelihood of risk (r = .150, p<.01),
and negatively correlated with risk perception (r = -.185, p<.01). No associations were found between
delay discounting and risk-taking measures. However, in both aspects of impulsive choice and risk-taking
only self-reported risk was associated with gambling behavior (r = .105, p<.05). These findings indicate
an importance for future research on probability discounting in relation to other risky behaviors.
130
S09
The Effect of Time in Captivity on a Gray Wolf’s Capacity of Trust in Humans
Presenter(s)
Remmie Spinks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Randy Johnson, Phillips Park Zoo
The gray wolf, when hand-raised in captivity, experiences an attachment to the humans caring for it called
imprinting. This attachment happens early in development and even small variances in exposure time can
increase or decrease this attachment. My investigation tested the effect of the time that a gray wolf is in
captivity on the trust that the wolf has towards humans. The subjects of observation were one female wolf
of thirteen years, hand-raised from birth by the zoo keepers at her current habitat, and another female wolf
of eight years that was not hand-raised by the zoo keepers and was introduced to the zoo at two months
old. Using measurements of the wolves’ enclosure, the distance between the wolf and the human at all
times of interaction was recorded. My preliminary data suggests that there is a positive correlation
between the time in captivity and the amount of trust that a wolf has in humans. These results can help
raise awareness of the domesticating effects of captivity on wolves and discourage the unnecessary
capture and breeding of wild wolves.
S10
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Allelic Variation and Interpersonal Stressors on Adolescent Well-
Being
Presenter(s)
Poornima Sundaravelu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eva Telzer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Adolescents show a significant increase in risk-taking behavior and substance use. Interpersonal stressors
such as discrimination and family conflict have shown adverse effects on the well-being of adolescents,
especially Latinos, with outcomes such as mental health problems, substance use, and rule-breaking and
aggressive behavior. Recognizing the link between interpersonal stressors and negative outcomes, the
present investigation seeks to examine how the different catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
genotypes (Val/Val, Val/Met or Met/Met) buffer or enhance the effects of interpersonal stressors on
Latino adolescents. COMT is a regulator of dopamine in the brain and is linked to cognitive function and
risky behavior. Existing findings are inconsistent as to which allele is protective and which one is risky.
Sixty-nine Latino adolescents (52% female) completed a questionnaire and filled out a checklist every
night for two weeks. Results suggest that the Met allele is protective; Met carriers show superior
academic performance and are protected from the negative effects of discrimination and family conflict
than Val allele carriers, who show an increase in substance use and externalizing problems in the presence
of interpersonal stressors. The present findings suggest that the Met allele is protective against substance
use and externalizing behavior and is linked to enhanced cognitive performance.
131
S11
The Effects of Visual Speech Cues on the Speed of Spoken Language Perception in Adults
Presenter(s)
Rachel Thain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tina Grieco-Calub, Northwestern University
Kristi Ward, Northwestern University
Speech perception has both auditory and visual components. In the present study, we used the lookingwhile-
listening paradigm to explore these perceptual processes. On each trial, participants were verbally
prompted to look at one of two images presented on a screen. Participants’ eye gazes were video recorded
as they performed this task in four different listening conditions: quiet and in the presence of noise, with
auditory only or audiovisual speech cues. Data is currently being analyzed to generate both speed and
accuracy of spoken language processing in the four listening conditions. Because adults’ dependence on
visual components of speech tends to increase as the fidelity of the auditory signal decreases, we predict
that adults will utilize visual cues to a greater extent in the presence of noise. If this prediction is accurate,
we will see faster processing in the audiovisual conditions where noise is present. We are currently
working to confirm these results through further data extraction and analysis. Access to the visual
component of a speech signal is expected to increase adult processing efficiency when listening to speech
in complex auditory environments.
S12
Anxieties: Effects on Self-Concept and Common Methods of Relieving Anxiety
Presenter(s)
Ryan Yang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Students in gifted communities feel greater pressures in their academics and social lives that are not
prevalent in general populations. These pressures often appear in the form of anxieties that can cause
adverse effects to the psyche. Through a survey, IMSA students were asked about particular perceptions
in relation to physical traits, academics, and social interactions and students were asked to evaluate their
level of anxiety related to anxiety producers. In addition, students were asked whether or not they
believed that their self-perceptions had effects on their level of anxiety and whether the opposite was true.
The results show that there is a statistically significant negative correlation relating anxieties to their
respective perceptions. Most students also expressed that their anxieties have perceivable effects on their
self-perceptions which shows a likely relationship based on cause of effect from anxieties on selfperceptions.
Higher levels of anxiety that tend to lower self-perception levels show that worry causes
many students to believe that they are lacking in those areas.
132
T01
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Millennium Villages Project to Eradicate Global Poverty
Presenter(s)
Anna Borromeo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Juliet Sorensen, Northwestern University
The United Nations established the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to commence resolving
extreme, global poverty. Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist, believes he has the solution to eradicate
global poverty with his approach behind the Millennium Villages Project (MVP). Conversely, Sachs’s
purpose and methods have been questioned by many creating a debate. In order to evaluate this debate, I
analyzed articles, published journals, books, and online videos. The critics of Sachs consistently accuse
the MVP to be overambitious while utilizing an excessive amount of money. Their principal argument
against the MVP asserts that the project does not have proper evaluations with concise data to measure
progress and success. Sachs admits to some critiques and appropriately defends himself to others. Similar
to other philanthropists, his primary focus is to create sustainable development in the poorest countries
and villages to prove he can bring them up from poverty and achieve the MDGs simultaneously. The
MVP has had success in reducing malaria rates, deaths at child birth, and improving agriculture within
African villages. The analysis of this debate identifies the various opinions on eliminating global poverty
and explains the accuracy of Jeffrey Sachs’s approach while educating others on this worldwide crisis.
T02
The Invisible Social and Emotional Struggles of Women in Law Enforcement and the Military
Presenter(s)
Amy De La Torre, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Laura Lehmann, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Bondi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kristen Ziman, Aurora Police Department
Women in the law enforcement and military encounter many obstacles as a result of their chosen career
paths. In addition to obvious physical differences between them and their male counterparts, the women
in these male-dominated fields face social and emotional struggles as well. The purpose of this
investigation was to focus on and identify the obstacles which women face in law enforcement and the
military. This investigation utilized a research method known as the Q method. For this Q method we
obtained various opinionated statements pertaining to women in law enforcement and military from prior
interviews with female law enforcement officials. We used these statements to create a survey which
asked participants to categorize the statements based on their level of agreement with them. The surveys
were then administered to female participants who work in law enforcement or the military. We identified
five distinguishable perspectives amongst the women. Our investigation’s results describe the
characteristics of each individual perspective group. Our findings also demonstrate the differences
between them which help understand how women socially and emotionally engage their career in law
enforcement and the military.
133
T03
Measuring the Health of the News Industry
Presenter(s)
Molly Fane, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alonzo Marsh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Free news articles made available online by newspaper companies have changed the state of the media.
Following the economic recession of 2008, many newspaper corporations have suffered significant
financial losses due to a drop in advertising revenue. We collected data regarding the volume of news
publications as well as wired publications from LexisNexis. An analysis was conducted looking at the
health of newspaper corporations through the volume of publishing and percentage of articles published
from wired services such as Reuters and the Associated Press. Preliminary observations suggest
correlations between the volume of publications, marketing strategy changes, historically significant
events, and economic shifts. Statistical analysis to measure the extent of correlations is ongoing. It is
hoped that our results will substantiate that a paywall has been effective for generating revenue. Based on
our findings, we have been able to gauge the health of various newspaper corporations as they moved to
online publishing.
U01
Characterizing Charge-Coupled Device and Naked-Eye Telescope Observations at the Doane
Observatory
Presenter(s)
Austin Cao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dayna Lei, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Larry Ciupik, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
Lou Nigra, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
Daytime observation limits at the observatory are currently unclear. To characterize the minimum
magnitude of visibility, optimal conditions for viewing with the naked eye, integrating video cameras, and
using charge-coupled devices (CCDs) must first be identified. Naked eye observations were characterized
by viewing celestial objects through different eyepieces and filters to determine the lowest visible
magnitude. CCD observations were characterized by analyzing the noises of single and multiple CCD
exposures at various temperatures. Video camera observations were characterized by taking videos of the
Sun, stars, and planets, adjusting the exposure time, and analyzing the video. Preliminary results suggest a
naked eye daytime magnitude limit of 3.99 directly opposite the Sun. However, air turbulence can affect
this limit greatly and distort bright objects like the Sun. Furthermore, we have found a mathematical
relationship between the noise of a CCD photo, the temperature, and exposure time. The noise is directly
related to temperature and inversely related to exposure time. Thus, we conclude, the most effective way
of photographing dim objects with CCDs is taking long exposures at low temperatures without
atmospheric disturbances. Finally, we have found that the visibility of particular features on a bright
object like the Sun is affected by exposure length.
134
U02
Measuring Diffuse Interstellar Bands in Henry Draper Catalogue Stars
Presenter(s)
Kieran Groble, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Don York, University of Chicago
Diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are clouds of interstellar material. They can be observed from Earth
indirectly by analyzing their effects on the spectra of light that reach Earth from stars. Each DIB absorbs
light in a certain narrow range of wavelengths. The spectra of certain stars in the Henry Draper Catalogue
were analyzed to measure the strength (the magnitude of absorption) of known DIBs. The possibility of
contamination from inherently stellar absorption, from DIBs in the same region of the spectrum, and from
the Earth's atmosphere was accounted for, and measurements were designated as upper limits when
appropriate. Measurements were taken using the Fortran program ewprog, which examines the area of the
spectrum around a known DIB for a star likely to exhibit interstellar absorption and a star unlikely to
exhibit absorption. Absorption present in the star in which it is expected, but not the star in which it was
not expected, was measured. Measurements for nearly one hundred fifty stars have been taken; these
measurements will be compiled with others to identify both trends and exceptions in how DIBs manifest
themselves. These data will further the search to find what DIBs are made of.
U03
Numerical and Visual Modeling of Comet Dust Trails
Presenter(s)
Ujwal Kiran, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Megan Roller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Larry Ciupik, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
Lou Nigra, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
Using cosmic forces from the celestial bodies in our Solar System, cometary dust emission can be
accurately integrated and analyzed in comparison to real imagery and data. This allows the mapping of
cometary trails so we can accurately predict paths and possible collisions. We integrated numerical data
using a Dormand-Prince integrator, DOPRI5, and modelled comets using openSCAD. Within our
integrator, we currently include gravity from the Sun, eight planets, and other close celestial bodies, as
well as radiation parameters from the Sun. In most comets examined, we found the majority of dust
emission occurred before the comet’s perihelion. We found the rough density of cometary dust emission
and concentration in spherical coordinates relative to the Earth. In addition to modelling the orbits and
dust tails of comets, along with dust emission, density, and concentration, we visually modelled asteroids
based off radar imagery, and would have added other celestial bodies as focal points, with time. This
modelling will be helpful with approaching near-Earth celestial bodies, ensuring they aren’t a threat, and
noting the emission of cometary dust that interferes with our atmosphere and our satellites. This will
allow greater knowledge of cometary bodies, and hopefully other celestial effects, like radiation pressure.
135
U04
Designing a Radiation Shield for the NASA Exploration Design Challenge
Presenter(s)
Alec Mangan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Hawker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Space radiation is a major obstacle in the path of interplanetary travel. Designing a light and effective
radiation is very difficult to do. My SIR investigation is to participate in the NASA Exploration Design
Challenge which is a national competition to design a light and effective radiation shield. We researched
shielding materials and how radiation passes through matter. We used Space Environment Information
System (SPENVIS) to run GEANT4, a particle simulator, to model particles moving through the radiation
shield. Through our literature research we decided to build the shield out of tungsten, polyethylene, and
boron 10. We chose to use tungsten for its high density of 19.1g/cm3 which allows it to protect against
ionizing radiation very effectively. We chose polyethylene because of its abilities to slow neutrons which
when combined with boron 10`s high neutron cross section protects from most of the neutrons. Through
our testing with SPENVIS, we decided to use four layers of material: tungsten, boron 10, polyethylene,
and tungsten. We have submitted our shield designs and are waiting to see if we have won the challenge.
If we win the challenge, our shields will be built and flown on the Orion mission in September 2014.
136
2012-2013 Student Recognition
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2012- 2013 academic year.
Prachi Aggarwal: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisor: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist
Charlene Angeles: The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Advisor: Mary Kapella, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-presenter at 7th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, June 1-5, 2013
Brian Chen: Growth Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition From Liquid
Precursor
Advisors: Leonidas Ocola and Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the Joint NSRC Workshop on Nanoparticle Science at Argonne National
Laboratory, Nov, 5-6, 2012; Co-author of paper published in the Journal of Vacuum Science and
Technology B, November 8, 2012 (L. Ocola, A. Joshi-Imr, C. Kessel, B. Chen, J. Park*, D. Gosztola, and
R. Divan)
Kathleen Chinetti: Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge Coupled Devices
Advisor: Thomas Schwarz, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Kathleen Chinetti: Benefits of Student Research Opportunities
Advisor: Judy Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High School
Matthew Deng: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Best in Category Chemistry; Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Kevin Emancipator: A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis
C Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Kevin Emanipator: Associations between HIV Susceptibility and Mutations in the Vif-Associated
APOBEC3G Proteasomal Complex
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, April 2013, Vol. 2; Issue 4
(Kevin Emancipator, Jack Michuda, and Sudhir Penugonda)
Kent Gang: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Best in Category Chemistry; Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
137
Siva Gangavarapu: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold award,
Best in Category Chemistry; Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Anna Gupta: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist, U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Honorable Mention from the Illinois Water Environment
Association
Shreya Jain: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact Finalist, April 12, 2013 at Wheeling High School;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Behavioral
Science; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Samuel Kaufman: Determining the Value of a Baseball Player
Advisor: Chris Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Omkar Kelkar: An Analysis of Regulated and Disrupted E4BP4 Circadian Waveforms in Siberian
Hamsters
Advisor: Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Srisha Kotlo: Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Advisors: Marcus Henze and John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology, Naval
Science Award; IJAS State Finalist: gold award, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist; Intel ISEF fourth place, Cellular and Molecular
Biology
Anna Kryczka: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Behavioral
Science; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Dipen Kumar: The Effect of the Enteric Biome on Lysosomal Hydrolase Activity
Advisor: Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan
Jenny Lee: HPLC–MTT Assay: Anticancer Activity of Aaqueous Garlic Extract is From Allicin
Advisor: Bao-Shiang Lee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of article in Analytical Biochemistry 436 (2013) 187–189 (Jenny Lee, Shalini Gupta, Jin-
Sheng Huang, Lasanthi P. Jayathilaka, Bao-Shiang Lee)
138
Shelly Li: Thymoquinone Inhibits Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced SiHa Cell Invasion
Advisor(s): Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Shelly Li: Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Advisor: Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project
Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; IJAS State Finalist: gold award,
Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
Finalist; Intel ISEF fourth place, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Claire Liang: Modeling Spatial Population Dynamics of Stem Cell Lineage in Tissue Regeneration
Advisor: Youfang Cao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at 34th Annual International Conference of the IEEE EMBS, August 28 - September 1, 2012,
San Diego, California. (Youfang Cao, Claire Liang, Hammad Naveed, Yingzi Li, Meng Chen, and Qing
Nie)
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Emily Ling: Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Advisor: Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: silver
award
David Lisk: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Honorable Mention from the Illinois Water Environment
Association
Peter Liu**: Energy Loss at Propagating Jamming Fronts in Granular Gas Clusters
Advisors: Sidney Nagel and Justin Burton, University of Chicago
Co-author of paper in Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 28 October 2013 (Justin C. Burton, Peter Y. Lu, and Sidney
R. Nagel)
Anuj Marathe: Heat Shock Protein 70 Maintains Intestinal Homeostasis Through the Regulation of IL-
10 Producing Regulatory T Cells
Advisors: Yunwei Wang and Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Presentation at the 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Annual Meeting and
Exposition, October 14-18, 2012, in Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Anuj Marathe: Transient Therapy-related Surge in Serum Tumor Biomarkers: Characterizing Behavior
and Postulating its Biologic Role
Advisors: Suneel Mundle and Mohan Chelladurai, Rush University Medical Center
Co-author of paper in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, April 2013 (SD Mundle, AS Marathe,
M. Chelladurai)
139
Aalap Mehta: The Role of RBP2 in MCF-7 Cancer Cell Drug Resistance
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Jack Michuda: Associations between HIV Susceptibility and Mutations in the Vif-associated
APOBEC3G Proteasomal Complex
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, April 2013, Vol. 2; Issue 4
(Kevin Emancipator, Jack Michuda, and Sudhir Penugonda)
Philip Nebres: Effect of Varying Lipid Concentration on Phase Separation in Model Cell Membrane
Advisor: Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category
Biochemistry/Chemistry; IJAS State Competition: gold award; IJAS Region V Project Exposition Finalist,
Best in Category Biochemistry/Chemistry; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Ruchi Patel: Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Advisor: James Horn, Northern Illinois University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Jenson Phung: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisors: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Competition
Daniel Rosenthal: Metal-Assisted Etching of Silicon Molds for Electroforming
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the 2013 APS/CNM/EMC Users Meeting at the Argonne National Laboratory,
May 6-9, 2013. (D. Rosenthal, R. Divan, K. Ogando, L.E. Ocola, D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
Poster presentation and co-presenter at the 57th International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon
Beam Technology and Nanofabrication, May 28-31, Nashville, Tennessee. (R. Divan, D. Rosenthal, K.
Ogando, L.E. Ocola, D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
Shreya Santhanam: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago
Public Schools
Advisors: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist
Robert Schurz: Improvements to Readout Electronics for CMS Hadron Calorimeter
Advisors: Jacob Anderson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist, Chicago Region second
alternate; Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, October 2013,
Volume 3 Issue 1 (Robert Schurz and Jacob Anderson)
140
Carrie Sha: Development of Novel Sensor to Reduce Postural Kyphosis
Advisor: Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist; 14th Annual Percy Julian Science Symposium Finalist3, April 20,
2013, at Oak Park and River Forest High School, Illinois
Carrie Sha: Comparing Mathematical and Verbal Semantic Memory in Epileptic Patients Using Invasive
Neurophysiologic Brain Mapping
Advisor: Vernon L. Towle, University of Chicago
Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, April 2013, Vol. 2; Issue 4
(Carrie Sha and Vernon L. Towle)
Navika Shukla: Nectin-1 Specific Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Is Sufficient for Infection of the
Cornea and Viral Spread to the Trigeminal Ganglia
Advisor: Tibor Valyi-Nagy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of paper in Molecular Vision (2012) 18:2711-2716. (Navika Shukla, Vaibhav Tiwari, and
Tibor Valyi-Nagy)
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Simona Stancov: The Influence of Sugar Substitutes on Yeast Fermentation with Regards to Volume of
CO2 Produced
Advisor: Joe Traina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Nathan Suek: Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Advisors: Robert Haselkorn and Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Sai Talluru: The Experience of GATA6 Mutations oof All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Advisors: Graeme Bell, David Carmody, and Siri Atma Greeley, Univerity of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist
Arjun Tambe: An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance
in Arabidopsis
Advisors: Nicolas Cecchini and Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist;
Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular
Biology; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Stephanie Wang: A Novel Design Verifying Field Programmable Gate Arrays' Radiation-Tolerance
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Physics, U.S.
Army Special Award for Engineering; IJAS State Competition: gold award; Illinois Junior Academy of
Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold award, Best in Category
Engineering, Special Award from the American Nuclear Society
141
Summer Wu: Characterization and Manipulation of Nanorods via an Applied Magnetic Field
Advisors: Vinayak Dravid and Shih-Han Lo, Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Summer Wu: Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: Kirsten Viola and William Klein, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Hye-Jean Yoon: Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Advisor: Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: silver
award
Luke Zhan: Regulation of Type II NKT Cell Cytokine Production by SLAM-Associated Protein
Advisors: Chyung-Ru Wang and Xiufang Weng, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; Best in Category Cellular and
Molecular Biology, Society for In Vitro Biology Award; IJAS State Finalist: gold award; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Kevin Zhang: The CAKE Clocking and the Trapezoidal Clocking Schemes: Principles and Demo Tests
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-presenter at the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference and Workshop
on Room-temperature Semiconductor X-ray and Gamma Ray Detectors, 2013 Seoul Korea Oct 27-Nov
2, 2013 (J. Wu, S. Wang, K. Zhang)
* IMSA Alumnus, class of 2010
** IMSA Alumnus, class of 2012
142
Index
ID
Page
Number Name Time Room
P01 98 Max Ackerman 8:45 A-135
I01 85 Michael Adams 11:15 A-113
P02 99 Prachi Aggarwal 9:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
C01 46 Joshua-Paul Ajayi 1:45 A-113
I02 86 Timothy Akintilo 10:00 B-116
C02 47 Waleed Ali 1:45 A-121
I03 86 Tahj Alli-Balogun 9:10 A-131
R01 120 Vikram Anjur 1:45 A-147
B01 40 Ashok Arjunakani 1:45 A-138 Acad. Pit
C03 47 Ashok Arjunakani 2:10 A-138 Acad. Pit
I04 87 Daniel Atten 10:25 B-116
A01 37 Kaia Ball 9:10 A-147
I05 87 Eric Barrientos 9:35 B-108
I06 88 Brendan Batliner 2:10 A-119
I02 86 Vimal Bellamkonda 10:00 B-116
F01 75 Ethan Bian 12:55 E-115 Kids Inst.
I04 87 Marissa Borchering 10:25 B-116
T01 132 Anna Borromeo 11:15 A-151
S01 125 Marissa Brock 10:00 A-119
F02 75 Remy Bubulka 9:10 A-121
U01 133 Austin Cao 1:20 A-119
Q01 107 Kristin Carlson 2:10 B-133
F03 76 Advitheey Chelikani 1:45 A-151
F04 76 Advitheey Chelikani 1:20 A-151
F05 77 Diana Chen 11:15 A-138 Acad. Pit
E01 71 Kyle Chen 8:45 A-133
C04 48 Xindi Chen 9:35 A-115
Q02 107 Greeshma Chilukuri 1:20 B-133
P03 100 Ryan Chiu 2:10 A-147
C05 48 Mary Cody 10:50 A-133
L01 93 Daniel Collins 2:10 E-102 Aud.
O01 96 Lael Costa 11:15 A-135
J01 90 Ana Curtis 11:15 A-115
T02 132 Amy De La Torre 11:15 A-119
R02 120 Mason Dearborn 8:45 A-155
C06 49 John Deng 12:30 A-119
I07 88 Evan Derse 8:45 B-110
C07 49 Vishrut Dixit 1:20 A-147
Q03 108 Joseph Donermeyer 10:25 B-206 Lect. Hall
C08 50 Natalie Dong 10:50 B-206 Lect. Hall
K01 91 Elise Douglas 1:20 A-117
B02 41 Jennifer Du 10:25 A-149
Q04 108 Grace Duan 1:45 B-133
Q05 109 Anastasia Fafara 8:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
C09 50 Nisa Faheem 12:30 B-206 Lect. Hall
T03 133 Molly Fane 10:50 B-133
143
C10 51 Kristy Fang 12:30 A-121
C11 51 Yan Lin Feng 1:45 B-116
A02 37 Ryan Franks 10:00 A-121
C12 52 Natasha Freund 1:20 A-131
E02 71 Siva Gangavarapu alternate day/time
C13 52 Geronimo Garcia 8:45 A-149
S02 126 Al-Jalil Gault 9:35 A-138 Acad. Pit
G01 80 Timothy Gietl 10:50 B-110
G02 81 Timothy Gietl 11:15 B-110
C14 53 Cammille Go 1:20 A-115
C15 53 Annika Gomez 10:25 A-113
R03 121 Daniel Gonzalez 9:35 A-155
G03 81 Yasmine Gordon 10:50 A-138 Acad. Pit
U02 134 Kieran Groble 8:45 A-115
P04 100 Lohitha Guntupalli 2:10 A-113
K02 91 Anna Gupta 9:10 B-108
H01 84 Karin Han 12:30 B-110
Q06 109 Kayla Hannon 10:50 A-113
Q07 110 Rhea Harsoor 10:50 A-155
I08 89 Kevin He 11:15 A-149
F06 77 Eric Hennenfent 9:10 A-155
P05 101 Taylor Herr 12:30 A-113
S03 127 Leehwa Hong 11:15 B-108
P06 101 Fengling Hu 9:35 A-147
G04 82 Huajie Huang 9:35 B-110
G05 82 Huajie Huang 10:00 B-110
C16 54 Alyda Huerta 10:00 A-147
H02 85 Kayla Ingram 10:25 A-119
C17 54 Shreya Jain 1:20 A-138 Acad. Pit
E03 72 Arjit Jaiswal 12:55 A-151
C18 55 Elijah Jimenez 8:45 A-131
C19 56 Vivian Jin 10:25 A-133
S01 125 Alexandra Johnson 10:00 A-119
P07 102 Sharon Johnson 10:50 A-147
N01 95 Edward Jun 1:45 A-117
Q08 110 Mohamed Kady 8:45 A-147
I09 89 Vinesh Kannan 10:25 B-108
Q09 111 Vandana Karan 10:50 A-131
C20 56 Omkar Kelkar 10:25 A-135
P08 102 Omair Khan 1:45 A-149
C21 57 Nicholas Kiene 10:00 B-133
B03 41 Ashley Kim 10:00 A-113
D01 69 Sun Kim 1:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
U03 134 Ujwal Kiran 1:45 A-119
S04 127 Nisha Kishore 9:35 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q10 111 Taylor Knopf 11:15 A-131
M01 94 Max Kontorovich 9:10 A-133
C22 57 Srisha Kotlo alternative day/time
C23 58 Sanjay Kottapalli 1:45 A-135
144
E04 72 Jacob Kronenberg 12:30 A-133
E05 73 Anna Kryczka 8:45 B-116
F03 76 Saurabh Kumar 1:45 A-151
F07 78 Saurabh Kumar 2:10 A-151
C24 58 Kathryn Kuna 12:55 B-108
F08 78 Andrew Kuznetsov 1:20 E-115 Kids Inst.
P07 102 Sophia Lam 10:50 A-147
Q11 112 Lakhena Leang 10:50 A-149
F09 79 Claire Lee 2:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q12 112 Jessica Lee 10:00 A-131
R04 121 Ka wai Lee 9:35 A-133
F10 79 Mack Lee alternate day/time
T02 132 Laura Lehmann 11:15 A-119
U01 133 Dayna Lei 1:20 A-119
C25 59 Quinn Lewis 2:10 B-116
Q13 113 Judy Li 10:00 A-135
S05 128 Patty Li 9:10 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q14 113 Emily Ling 10:25 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q15 114 Emily Ling 10:50 E-115 Kids Inst.
K02 91 David Lisk 9:10 B-108
K03 92 Eveline Liu 8:45 A-119
C26 59 Gina Liu 8:45 A-151
C27 60 Gina Liu 9:10 A-151
S03 127 Vivian Liu 11:15 B-108
Q08 110 Harishankar Logaraj 8:45 A-147
S06 128 Hsing-Duan Louh 10:50 A-119
S06 128 Malachi Loviska 10:50 A-119
G06 83 Derek Lubecke 8:45 B-133
B04 42 Danielle Madsen 10:00 A-115
F11 80 Nicholas Magerko 10:25 A-115
D02 70 Rohit Mahankali 10:50 B-108
Q04 108 Sameeksha Malhotra 1:45 B-133
U04 135 Alec Mangan 9:10 B-110
T03 133 Alonzo Marsh 10:50 B-133
R01 120 Alexander Moreno 1:45 A-147
C28 60 Shruthi Mothkur 1:20 B-108
C29 61 Shruthi Mothkur 1:45 B-108
C30 61 Emily Mu 9:10 A-115
O02 96 Luke Musgrave 12:55 B-116
B01 40 Philip Nebres 1:45 A-138 Acad. Pit
C03 47 Philip Nebres 2:10 A-138 Acad. Pit
S07 129 Saraswathi Nookala 9:35 A-135
E06 73 Nida Normantaite 10:50 A-115
K01 91 Gregory O'Bannon 1:20 A-117
R05 122 Jameson O'Reilly 10:25 A-117
C31 62 Julian Pacheco 12:30 A-135
A03 38 Deborah Park 10:25 B-133
Q16 114 Matthew Park 12:55 B-133
C10 51 Nahee Park 12:30 A-121
145
C09 50 Somie Park 12:30 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q17 115 Haneesha Paruchuri 10:00 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q03 108 Dawson Patel 10:25 B-206 Lect. Hall
A03 38 Ruchi Patel 10:25 B-133
C19 56 Shuchi Patel 10:25 A-133
E03 72 Varun Patel 12:55 A-151
B05 42 Rajiv Patel-O'Connor 12:55 A-117
G07 83 Daniel Pechi 11:15 A-117
C32 62 Breanna Pederson 10:25 A-155
D03 70 Jonathan Peloquin 9:35 E-115 Kids Inst.
P02 99 Jenson Phung 9:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
C08 50 Atene Poskute 10:50 B-206 Lect. Hall
B06 43 Sean Potempa 11:15 A-121
A04 38 Archit Potharazu 11:15 B-206 Lect. Hall
C33 63 Michael Pradaxay 1:20 A-113
B07 43 Sagar Punhani 9:35 A-131
Q05 109 Brianna Pusey 8:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
F01 75 Benjamin Rabe 12:55 E-115 Kids Inst.
F09 79 Emily Rader 2:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
A05 39 Aishwarya Raj 2:10 B-108
Q18 115 Vignesh Ravi 9:10 A-138 Acad. Pit
R06 122 Sattvic Ray 2:10 A-131
C34 63 Maureen Reiser 12:55 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q11 112 Xueyang Ren 10:50 A-149
F11 80 Jonathan Reynolds 10:25 A-115
R07 123 Dennis Rich 9:10 A-113
U03 134 Megan Roller 1:45 A-119
E07 74 Daniel Rosenthal alternate day/time
M02 94 Andrew Salij 9:10 B-133
P02 99 Shreya Santhanam 9:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q19 116 Sreyesh Satpathy 1:20 B-110
D01 69 John Satter 1:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q20 116 Sajishnu Savya 1:45 A-133
C35 64 Nicole Schubert 1:45 B-206 Lect. Hall
P09 103 Frances Seo 10:00 A-117
P10 103 Abhishek Sethi 2:10 A-135
R08 123 Bhairvi Shah 10:50 A-117
I06 88 Milan Shah 2:10 A-119
S08 129 Aniruddha Shekara 8:45 A-138 Acad. Pit
C36 64 Christopher Shin 1:45 A-155
B08 44 Susie Shin 9:35 A-113
K04 92 Bailey Simmons-Brown 9:10 B-116
C37 65 Sachi Singh 1:20 A-133
O03 97 Suraj Sinha 9:35 A-121
R09 124 Janani Sivakumar 9:35 A-149
R10 124 Emma Sloan 1:45 A-115
P11 104 Vimig Socrates 10:00 A-151
Q21 117 Vimig Socrates 9:35 A-151
C08 50 Saigopal Somasundaram 10:50 B-206 Lect. Hall
146
B09 44 Tera Sparks 2:10 A-117
S09 130 Remmie Spinks 1:20 B-206 Lect. Hall
P12 104 Simona Stancov 11:15 B-116
C09 50 Lajvanthi Sudhakar 12:30 B-206 Lect. Hall
A06 39 Ranjani Sundar 1:20 A-155
S10 130 Poornima Sundaravelu 10:00 A-149
I08 89 Adit Suvarna 11:15 A-149
A07 40 Sai Talluru 2:10 A-155
O04 97 James Tao 12:30 A-155
C38 65 Shelly Teng 2:10 A-121
C39 66 Yash Thacker 12:30 E-115 Kids Inst.
S11 131 Rachel Thain 12:55 A-147
Q07 110 Shveta Thakkar 10:50 A-155
F05 77 Sneha Thakkar 11:15 A-138 Acad. Pit
Q22 117 Rashmi Thimmapuram 11:15 A-155
Q23 118 Rashmi Thimmapuram 1:45 B-110
B07 43 Kyle Thomas 9:35 A-131
C40 66 Lynette To 1:20 A-149
P13 105 Shruti Topudurti 10:50 A-135
B10 45 Rajiv Trehan 11:15 A-147
C13 52 Priya Trivedi 8:45 A-149
R11 125 Lia Vallina 9:35 A-117
Q02 107 Jayathi Varadheeswaran 1:20 B-133
B11 45 Vivek Vermani 9:10 A-119
K05 93 Aaron Victor 9:35 B-116
C41 67 Brian Vien 2:10 A-133
C42 67 Amanda Walsh 8:45 A-121
P14 105 Paul Wang 10:25 A-138 Acad. Pit
M03 95 Stephanie Wang 10:00 A-138 Acad. Pit
Q24 118 Wenhan Wang 10:25 A-121
K05 93 Ziang Wang 9:35 B-116
B12 46 Elizabeth Weiss 1:45 A-131
C43 68 William Widjaja 11:15 A-133
P15 106 Irina Wirjan 8:45 A-117
E08 74 Mateusz Wojtaszek 10:00 B-108
I03 86 Thomas Wu 9:10 A-131
S05 128 Yiqiao Wu 9:10 E-115 Kids Inst.
A04 38 Zachary Yager 11:15 B-206 Lect. Hall
I10 90 Alan Yang 12:55 A-131
S12 131 Ryan Yang 10:00 B-206 Lect. Hall
C44 68 Mayuri Yasuda 1:20 B-116
C45 69 Sung Yeo 1:20 A-121
Q15 114 Hye Jean Yoon 10:50 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q25 119 Hye Jean Yoon 11:15 E-115 Kids Inst.
P13 105 Selam Zenebe-Gete 10:50 A-135
G08 84 Michael Zeng 10:25 B-110
P16 106 Luke Zhan 11:15 B-133
Q26 119 Timothy Zhou 8:45 B-206 Lect. Hall
A07 40 Amy Zhu 2:10 A-155
April 17, 2014
www.imsa.edu
April 2014
Dear IMSA Friends:
The Student Inquiry and Research Program (SIR) at IMSA is evidence in action of the
Academy’s mission “to ignite and nurture creative, ethical, scientific minds that advance the
human condition.” By engaging in the rich opportunities provided by the SIR experience, IMSA
students pursue compelling questions of interest, conduct investigations, communicate findings,
and ultimately impact society and the global community.
Partnerships with distinguished professionals at colleges and universities, research institutions,
businesses, and museums allow our students to gain experience in real-world problem solving,
collaboration, and scholarship. The ability to work with professionals is a life-changing
experience for our students. Working with world-class scholars and advisors, students have
contributed to advances in a variety of fields from science, technology, engineering and
mathematics, to the performing arts and history. This work is shared through presentations,
publications, and collaborations with other students, scholars, artists, and inventors throughout
the world.
Evidence of our students’ excellence in all fields is found within this proceedings book of the
twenty-sixth year of SIR. In this abstract book you will learn of our students’ inquiries into their
unique passions, their pursuit of new interests, and their ability to both ask and answer deep
questions. Working with extraordinary advisors, they conduct high-level research fitting a worldclass
institution. In fact, a number of our students have already published and presented their
work at state, national, and international conferences.
We are tremendously indebted to our students’ advisors and their institutions. The strength of our
SIR program lies with these collaborative partnerships. We thank all the experts and leaders who
nurture IMSA students’ talents in innovative ways and guide them as they attain exceptional
levels of achievement.
These students exemplify a tradition of excellence. We have high expectations for our students,
and many far exceed these expectations for accomplishments and contributions to society. They
are well-prepared to confront and solve present and future challenges that impact our local and
global communities. Thank you for celebrating our students’ successes with us!
Sincerely,
Judith A. Scheppler, Ph.D. Catherine C. Veal
Coordinator of Student Inquiry and Research President
1
Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
Twenty-sixth Annual IMSAloquium
April 17, 2014
Table of Contents
Student Inquiry and Research …………………………………….…………………………………… 2
Student Accomplishments 2013-14.………..……………………………………………………... 3 - 10
Schedule of Activities ……………………………………………………………………....................11
Poster Session ….......…………………………..……………………………………………....... 12 - 24
Poster Session Maps ………………………………………………………………….... 22 - 24
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations ………………………………………….……….…25 - 36
Student Abstracts, Organized by Topic…………..…………………..…………….…………... 37 - 135
A Biochemistry 37 - 40
B Bioengineering 40 - 46
C Biology 46 - 69
D Business 69 - 70
E Chemistry 71 - 74
F Computer Science 75 - 80
G Economics 80 - 84
H Education 84 - 85
I Engineering 85 - 90
J English 90
K Environmental Science 91 - 93
L Fine Arts 93
M History 94 - 95
N Law 95
O Mathematics 96 - 97
P Medicine 98 - 106
Q Neurobiology 107 - 119
R Physics 120 - 125
S Psychology 125 - 131
T Social Science 132 - 133
U Space Science 133 - 135
SIR 2012-13 Summary ……………………………………………………………………………..136 - 141
Index of Student Presenters Referenced to Time, Room, and Abstract Number …………………. 142 - 146
Inside Back Cover - IMSA Map with Room Locations Highlighted
IMSAloquium cover designer is Lael Costa (IMSA Class of 2014). The image was drawn by hand on a computer;
Silk was used to embellish the design and create a symmetrical version. It was completed using Adobe PhotoShop CC.
IMSAloquium logo design by Stephanie Chang and Hon Lung Chu (IMSA Class of 2007).
2
Twenty-Six Years of Student Inquiry and Research
The Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program has been an integral part of student personalized
learning at IMSA since the 1989 academic year. Since its inception with seven students, SIR has grown
into a program that encompasses all disciplines, includes nearly three hundred participants each year, and
participation by each graduating class has grown to about 90%. Credit is now offered for participation in
SIR in the summer, and Summer SIR continues to grow.
Our students’ accomplishments have flourished. They do not have to wait until they graduate from
college to begin to make significant contributions to science, mathematics, the humanities, and the world
around them. IMSA’s young apprentice investigators open our eyes to what is possible, and the World is
paying attention. Accomplishments by students participating in Student Inquiry and Research are
numerous! Representative publications, presentations, and accomplishments are listed below.
Authorship or Co-authorship in Publications (partial listing)
Biophysical Journal
Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B
Nature
The Open Virology Journal
Young Scientist Journal
“Student Inquiry and Research: Developing Students' Authentic Inquiry Skills” authored by Judith
A. Scheppler, Susan Styer, Donald Dosch, Joseph Traina, and Christopher Kolar, is among only eighteen
inquiry-based programs nation-wide to have a chapter in the National Science Teachers Association book
Inquiry: The Key to Exemplary Science (2009, NSTA Press).
“Student Inquiry at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy,” authored by Judith A.
Scheppler, Donald Dosch, Susan Styer, and Steve Rogg, is among only fifteen high school models in the
nation to have chapters in the National Science Teachers Association book, Exemplary Science in Grades
9-12 (2005, NSTA Press).
Portraits of Great American Scientists (2001, Prometheus Books) contains biographies of fifteen
American men and women motivated to excel in diverse fields of science. This book was the
collaborative student effort of fifteen participants in IMSA's Student Inquiry and Research Program.
Presentations (brief listing)
American Physical Society
American Society of Microbiology
Associated Professional Sleep Societies
10th Annual Dabrowski Conference
IEEE Ninth Workshop on Spatial Stochastic Models for Wireless Networks
Junior Academy of Science at AAAS
Competitions (brief listing)
Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
26 finalists since 2008
3 fourth place (individual) category awards, 1 (team) third place category award
Intel Science Talent Search
47 semi-finalists and 13 finalists since 1989
Finalists have placed first (1993), fifth (1998), third (1999), and second and sixth (2005)
Siemens Westinghouse (established 1998-99)
56 regional semi-finalists; 7 regional finalists, resulting in 1 national semi-finalist
3
2013-2014 Student Recognition
Please join us at 12:30 in the Academic Pit to celebrate the accomplishments of our students.
Prachi Aggarwal: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisors: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Charlene Angeles: The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Advisor: Mary Kapella; University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-presenter at 7th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, June 1-5, 2013
Ashok Arjunakani: The Effect of Various Concentrations of Lipids on Phase Changes in the Cell
Membrane
Advisor: Adam Hammond; University of Chicago
Presentation at the 9th International Student Science Fair, July 11-15, 2013, in Cornwall, England
Ashok Arjunakani: The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Advisors: Madeeha Agil, Kim Elseth, and James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State Finalist1; Intel ISEF
Finalist2
Ryan Chiu: Uncovering the Role of PTEN in Mediating the Decrease of Pancreatic Inflammation
Signals by Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Advisor: Paul Grippo; Northwestern University
Presentation at the 9th International Student Science Fair, July 11-15, 2013, in Cornwall, England
Lael Costa: Understanding the Dimensions of String Theory: The Betti Numbers of Calabi-Yau
Manifolds
Advisor: Nir Avani, Northwestern University
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Lael Costa: Benefits of High School Student Research Opportunities
Student panelist at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central High
School
Matthew Deng: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented and published in the Singapore International Science Challenge Proceeding, 2013, July 1-5,
pages 80-94 (Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Matthew Deng, Max McGee, Ron Hurlbut, Michael Lee
Dao Kang, Sean Ng Peng Nam, Harman Johll, and Tok Eng Soon; Presentation at the American Junior
Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual
conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Jennifer Du: Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Advisor: Aldwin Anterola; Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist
4
Grace Duan: Identification of Active Brain Regions During Sleep
Advisors: Jennie Yufen Chen and Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State Finalist1; Intel ISEF
Finalist2
Cassandra Erwin: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge Finalist4
Ryan Franks: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge Finalist4
Kent Gang: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented and published in the Singapore International Science Challenge Proceeding, 2013, July 1-5,
pages 80-94 (Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Matthew Deng, Max McGee, Ron Hurlbut, Michael Lee
Dao Kang, Sean Ng Peng Nam, Harman Johll, and Tok Eng Soon; Presentation at the American Junior
Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual
conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Siva Gangavarapu: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presented and published in the Singapore International Science Challenge Proceeding, 2013, July 1-5,
pages 80-94 (Kent Gang, Siva Gangavarapu, Matthew Deng, Max McGee, Ron Hurlbut, Michael Lee
Dao Kang, Sean Ng Peng Nam, Harman Johll, and Tok Eng Soon; Presentation at the American Junior
Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual
conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Al-Jalil Gault: The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and its Effect on Memory Functioning in
Homeless Youth
Advisor: Scott J. Hunter; University of Chicago
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Anna Gupta: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presentation at the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize National Competition, June 14-16, 2013,
Portland, Oregon; Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American
Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago,
Illinois; Poster presentation and award at the Illinois Water Environment Association WATERCON
banquet, March 17, 2014, Springfield, Illinois; Presentation at the Illinois section of the American Water
Works Association conference March 19, 2014 Springfield, Illinois
Claire Hensley: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
5
Michael Hrcek: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
Shreya Jain: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Omkar Kelkar: An Analysis of Regulated and Disrupted E4BP4 Circadian Waveforms in Siberian
Hamsters
Advisor: Brian Prendergast; University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Omair Khan: Burns Alter the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases Inflammation and Sepsis
Advisors: Mashkoor Choudhry and Zasckary Earley; Loyola University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: Special award from the Society
for In Vitro Biology; IJAS State finalist1
Srisha Kotlo: Analysis of Critcal PKC-delta Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Advisor: Marcus Henze; University of Illinois at Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science
conference at the American Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-
16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois; Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist
Sanjay Kottapali: Evaluating Molecular Function
Advisors: Debabrata Chakravarti and J. Brandon Parker; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1
Anna Kryczka: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago. Illinois
Maria Kuznetsov: Effects of Gestational Hormones on Free Fatty Acid Receptor 2 Expression During
Pregnancy
Advisor: Brian Layden; Northwestern University
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013
Lakhena Leang: Creating an Isogenic Inducible Model for ALS-related FUS R521G Aggregation in
Neuro2A cells
Advisor: Richard Morimoto; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Mack Lee: Analysis of Rate Outage with Fractional Frequency Reuse and Interference Cancellation
Advisors: Randall Berry and Vijay Subramanian, Northwestern University
Co-presenter at the IEEE Ninth Workshop on Spatial Stochastic Models for Wireless Networks, May 13,
2013, Tsukuba Science City, Japan (Lan Xing, Mack Lee, Rajeev Agrawal, Randall Berry, Vijay
Subramanian)
6
Judy Li: Analysis of Glial Activation in R6/2-YFP Mice: A Novel Mouse Model for the Analysis of
Axonal Degeneration in Huntington’s Disease
Advisors: Rudolfo Gatto and Gerardo Morfini; University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013
David Lisk: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presentation at the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize National Competition, June 14-16, 2013,
Portland, Oregon; Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American
Association for the Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago,
Illinois; Poster presentation and award at the Illinois Water Environment Association WATERCON
banquet, March 17, 2014, Springfield, Illinois; Presentation at the Illinois section of the American Water
Works Association conference March 19, 2014, Springfield, Illinois
Vivian Liu: Structural Studies of Llama Antibodies in Complex with HIV-1 gp120
Advisor: Lei Chen; National Institutes of Health
Sigma Xi: Student Research Showcase, third place, high school division, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Sameeksha Malhotra: Identification of Active Brain Regions During Sleep
Advisors: Jennie Yufen Chen and Todd Parrish; Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1; Intel ISEF
finalist2
Alec Mangan: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
Alonzo Marsh: Team Titan Shielding Systems
Advisor: Eric Hawker; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
NASA Exploration Design Challenge finalist4
Sruthi Mothkur: Non-Linear Relationship Between T-Tubule Remodeling and Sr Calcium Release in
Failing Rat Ventricle
Advisor: J. Andrew Wasserstrom; Northwestern University
Co-author of abstract published in Biophysical Journal, 2014, Volume 106, Issue 2, and co-presenter at
the 58th annual meeting of the Biophysical Society Feb 15-19, 2014, San Francisco, CA (Jasleen Singh,
Nikhil Bassi, Shannon Tai3, Shruthi Mothkur, William Marszalec, Neha Singh, Gary L. Aistrup, J.
Andrew Wasserstrom)
Philip Nebres: The Effect of Varying Concentration Levels of Lipids on Phase Separation
Advisor: Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Presentation at the 9th International Student Science Fair, July 11-15, 2013, in Cornwall, England;
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Philip Nebres: The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Advisors: Madeeha Agil, Kim Elseth, and James Radosevich; University of Illinois at Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State Finalist1; Intel ISEF
Finalist2
7
Michelle Park: The pH of Drinks and Their Effect on Teeth
Advisor: Don Dosch; Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Jenson Phung: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisors; Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Cristal Quinones: The pH of Drinks and Their Effect on Teeth
Advisor: Don Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Aishwarya Raj: Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to KDM5A and the
Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya; University of Illinois at Chicago
Sigma Xi Student Research Showcase
Xueyang Ren: Creating an Isogenic Inducible Model for ALS-Related FUS R521G Aggregation in
Neuro2A cells
Advisor: Richard Morimoto; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Daniel Rosenthal: Metal-Assisted Etching of Silicon Molds for Electroforming
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola; Argonne National Laboratory
Co-author of paper in Journal of Vacuum Science and Technology B 31(6), 2013;
http://dx.doi.org/10.1116/1.4821651 (Ralu Divan, Dan Rosenthal, Karim Ogando, Leonidas E. Ocola,
Daniel Rosenmann and Nicolaie Moldovan)
Daniel Rosenthal: Fabrication of Semiconductor Nanostructures by Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola; Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School; Participated in YouTube video “A Look Inside Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials”
Published on Jan 29, 2014, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6Krh7tozGY
Shreya Santhanam: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago
Public Schools
Advisors; Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago. Illinois
Sreyesh Satpathy: Magnetic Resonance Probe Optimization for Early Detection of Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: William Klein and Kirsten Viola; Northwestern University
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Science Paper Exposition;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1
8
Janani Sivakumar: Identification of Gravitationally Lensed Quasars: A Morphological Approach
Advisor: Sivakumar Muthuswamy; Motorola Solutions
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Simona Stancov: The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated Alterations of Nuclear
Hormone Receptor Expression and Metabolism
Advisor: Kristina Martinez; University of Chicago
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013; 39th Annual
Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Ranjani Sundar: Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and Estrogenic Target
Genes in Ishikawa Cells
Advisors: Serdar Bulun and Ping Yin; Northwestern University
Co-author of paper to be published in Young Scientist Journal, Vol. 4, May 2014 (Ranjani Sundar, Ping
Yin, Serdar E. Bulun); 39th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Alternate;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: IJAS State finalist1, Intel ISEF
finalist2; Sigma Xi: Student Research Showcase
Poornima Sundaravelu: Allelic Variation in Catechol-o-Methyltransferase and Interpersonal Stressors
on Adolescent Well-Being
Advisor: Eva Telzer; University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2014: Engage Your Brain, February 28, 2014 at Hinsdale Central
High School
Sai Talluru: The Experience of GATA6 Mutations oof All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Advisors: Graeme Bell, David Carmody, and Siri Atma Greeley; University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Rashmi Thimmapuram: Novel Method to Find the Language Region Using Electrocorticography
During Natural Conversion
Advisor: Vernon Leo Towle; University of Chicago
39th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist: Special Award from the Navy
Lynette To: Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T cells in Response to Qa-1-
restricted Mtb-Specific Peptides
Advisors: Yao Bian and Chung-Ru Wang; Northwestern University
Presentation at Japan Super Science Fair (JSSF) Kyoto, Japan, November 6-13, 2013
Shruti R. Topudurti: The Effect of Small Molecule 390 on CXCR4 Receptors
Advisors: Richard J. Miller and Andrew Shum; Northwestern University
Co-author of paper to be published in Young Scientist Journal, Vol. 4, May 2014 (Selam B. Zenebe-Gete,
Shruti R. Topudurti, Andrew Shum, Richard J. Miller)
Lia Vallina: An OPERA-3d Model of Muon Injection in the Muon g-2 Storage Ring
Advisor: Brendan Kiburg; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation at the American Physical Society Conference, Savannah, Georgia, April 4-7, 2014
9
Stephanie Wang: A Novel Design Verifying Field Programmable Gate Arrays' Radiation-Tolerance
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
Stephanie Wang: The CAKE Clocking and the Trapezoidal Clocking Schemes: Principles and Demo
Tests
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu; Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-presenter at the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference and Workshop
on Room-Temperature Semiconductor X-ray and Gamma Ray Detectors, 2013 Seoul Korea Oct 27-Nov
2, 2013 (J. Wu, S. Wang, K. Zhang)
Selam B. Zenebe-Gete: The Effect of Small Molecule 390 on CXCR4 Receptors
Advisors: Richard J. Miller and Andrew Shum; Northwestern University
Co-author of paper to be published in Young Scientist Journal, Vol. 4, May 2014 (Selam B. Zenebe-Gete,
Shruti R. Topudurti, Andrew Shum, Richard J. Miller)
Luke Zhan: Regulation of Type II NKT Cell Cytokine Production by SLAM-Associated Protein
Advisors: Chyung-Ru Wang and Xiufang Weng; Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 12-16, 2014, in Chicago, Illinois
1) The Illinois Junior Academy of Sciences State Project Expositions is May 2 and 3, 2014 at Northern
Illinois University, DeKalb, Illinois.
2) The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) is May 11-16, 2014 in Los Angeles,
California.
3) Alumnus, class of 2012.
4) The winning team of the NASA Exploration Design Challenge will be announced in April; winners
will build and have their design launched and tested on Orion's first test flight, Exploration Flight Test-1.
10
11
ILLINOIS MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE ACADEMY
The World's Leading Teaching and Learning Laboratory for Imagination and Inquiry
IMSAloquium:
Student Investigation Showcase
April 17, 2014
Schedule of Sessions
7:45 AM - 8:35 AM Poster Session
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM IMSAloquium Session 1
9:10 AM - 9:25 AM IMSAloquium Session 2
9:35 AM - 9:50 AM IMSAloquium Session 3
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM IMSAloquium Session 4
10:25 AM - 10:40 AM IMSAloquium Session 5
10:50 AM - 11:05 AM IMSAloquium Session 6
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM IMSAloquium Session 7
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Student Recognition
12:30 PM - 12:45 PM IMSAloquium Session 8
12:55 PM - 1:10 PM IMSAloquium Session 9
1:20 PM - 1:35 PM IMSAloquium Session 10
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM IMSAloquium Session 11
2:10 PM - 2:25 PM IMSAloquium Session 12
12
IMSAloquium Poster List and Presentation by Topic
Biochemistry
ID Presenter Title Time Room
A01 Kaia Ball Functional Characterization of the HopZ Family of Type III
Effectors
9:10 A-147
A02 Ryan Franks The Effect of pH and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium
Concentration on Two-Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells
10:00 A-121
A03 Deborah Park
Ruchi Patel
Determining the Optimal Conditions for Inducing Apoptosis in
MCF-7 Cells With Aspirin Treatment
10:25 B-133
A04 Archit
Potharazu
Zachary Yager
Optimizing Light Absorption in Cyanobacteria 11:15 B-206 Lect.
Hall
A05 Aishwarya Raj Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to Lysine
(K)-Specific Demethylase 5A and the Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
2:10 B-108
A06 Ranjani Sundar Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and
Estrogenic Target Genes
1:20 A-155
A07 Sai Talluru
Amy Zhu
Elucidating Proteins Involved in Mitochondrial Division and
Tethering Using the Yeast Two-Hybrid System
2:10 A-155
Bioengineering
ID Presenter Title Time Room
B01 Ashok
Arjunakani
Philip Nebres
Investigating Methylation Patterns in Cancer Suppressor Genes
Through Gene Sequencing
1:45 A-138
Acad. Pit
B02 Jennifer Du Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus
cellulolyticus
10:25 A-149
B03 Ashley Kim Confirmation of Protein Immobilization on Carbon Nanofibers
Through Imaging Labeled With Glucose Oxidase-Coupled Gold
Nanoparticles
10:00 A-113
B04 Danielle
Madsen
Centrosome and Spectrosome Orientation in Drosophila APC2-
mut Stem Cell Asymmetric Division
10:00 A-115
B05 Rajiv Patel-
O'Connor
An Investigation of a Novel Peptide Amphiphile for Diagnosing
Atherosclerosis in vivo
12:55 A-117
B06 Sean Potempa Engineering Vascularized Bone 11:15 A-121
B07 Sagar Punhani
Kyle Thomas
Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Chronic Stroke
Subjects
9:35 A-131
B08 Susie Shin Construction of a Human Gene Regulatory Network 9:35 A-113
B09 Tera Sparks Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Functionalized Capture
Surfaces
2:10 A-117
B10 Rajiv Trehan Highlighting Cancerous Tissue During Brain Tumor Resection
Surgery
11:15 A-147
B11 Vivek Vermani Development of a Simulation Visual Prosthetic Device 9:10 A-119
B12 Elizabeth Weiss The Effects of the Overexpression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2 in
Glioblastoma Multiforme
1:45 A-131
13
Biology
ID Presenter Title Time Room
C01 Joshua-Paul
Ajayi
Effects of Kallikrien Gene Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer Risk
and Prostate Specific Antigen
1:45 A-113
C02 Waleed Ali Utilizing Nuclear Morphometry to Differentiate Between Salivary
Gland Cancers
1:45 A-121
C03 Ashok
Arjunakani
Philip Nebres
The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer
Cell Lines
2:10 A-138
Acad. Pit
C04 Xindi Chen Regulation of Interleukin 17 Receptor D by MicroRNA193a-3p in
Colon Cancers and Associated Diseases
9:35 A-115
C05 Mary Cody The Effect of Different Meat Types and Chemicals on Carrion
Insect Attraction
10:50 A-133
C06 John Deng Effects of Dietary Fat on Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in
Normal Mouse Colon
12:30 A-119
C07 Vishrut Dixit New Regulators of Lysosome Motility 1:20 A-147
C08 Natalie Dong
Atene Poskute
Saigopal
Somasundaram
Optimizing DNA Sequencing Using DNA Isolation, Polymerase
Chain Reaction, and Gel Electrophoresis
10:50 B-206
Lect. Hall
C09 Nisa Faheem
Somie Park
Lajvanthi
Sudhakar
The Effect of microRNA on the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell
Lung and Breast Adenocarcinoma
12:30 B-206
Lect. Hall
C10 Kristy Fang
Nahee Park
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within
Schizophrenia-Associated MIR137 Locus
12:30 A-121
C11 Yan Lin Feng Deoxycholic Acid Alters Expression of Cancer and Epigenetic
Genes in Mouse Intestinal Epithelium
1:45 B-116
C12 Natasha Freund Using Golden Helix to Analyze Data From Whole Genome
Sequences of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
1:20 A-131
C13 Geronimo
Garcia
Priya Trivedi
Examining Cell-Cell Communication in Filamentous
Cyanobacteria Using Electron Tomography
8:45 A-149
C14 Cammille Go Patterns Behind Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in
Glaucoma on Oscillatory Potential Waves
1:20 A-115
C15 Annika Gomez Engineering a Luminescent Reporter Protein to Track Influenza A
Virus Infection in vivo
10:25 A-113
C16 Alyda Huerta CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-Guided Upregulation of Utrophin as a
Therapy for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
10:00 A-147
C17 Shreya Jain Effect of High Nitric Oxide Microenvironment on Cancer Cell
Migration
1:20 A-138
Acad. Pit
C18 Elijah Jimenez Phenotypic Characterization of OX40L-Expressing Dendritic Cells
Expanding T-Regulatory T-Cells
8:45 A-131
C19 Vivian Jin
Shuchi Patel
Error Correction Approach of Next Generation Sequencing Data
for Analysis of HIV-1 Variability
10:25 A-133
C20 Omkar Kelkar The Effect of Photoperiod and Thyroid Hormone on Innate
Immune Response in Phodopus sungorus
10:25 A-135
14
C21 Nicholas Kiene Effects of Environmental Factors, Immune Evasion, and Reservoir
Population on the Prevalence of Lyme Disease
10:00 B-133
C22 Srisha Kotlo The Role of E2F1 in Regulating Bone Marrow Cell Oxidative
Metabolism and Ischemic Cardiac Repair
C23 Sanjay
Kottapalli
Evaluating Molecular Function of Proteins Through Integrase-
Mediated Cassette Exchange
1:45 A-135
C24 Kathryn Kuna Analysis of Retinoblastoma I and Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase
5A on Metabolic Pathways
12:55 B-108
C25 Quinn Lewis Effects of a Nuclear Receptor Agonist on Gene Expression of
Hepatocyte Organoids
2:10 B-116
C26 Gina Liu Identification of Fate Regulators in Human Embryonic Stem Cells 8:45 A-151
C27 Gina Liu Creating an Efficient Code Pipeline to Analyze Caenorhabditis
elegans Drug Sensitivity
9:10 A-151
C28 Shruthi
Mothkur
Correlation Between Intracellular Calcium Release and T-Tubule
Organization in Failing Rat Myocytes
1:20 B-108
C29 Shruthi
Mothkur
Characterization of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B Alterations in
Human Breast Cancer
1:45 B-108
C30 Emily Mu Functions of Transcriptional Corepressor Groucho on Neuronal
Differentiation
9:10 A-115
C31 Julian Pacheco Association Between Diabetes-Related Single Nucleotide
Polymorphisms and Various Cancer Types
12:30 A-135
C32 Breanna
Pederson
Homozygous Genotypes Long Adenine and Short Variant of
Serotonin Transporter Gene and Link to Autism
10:25 A-155
C33 Michael
Pradaxay
Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Roles in
the Onset of Alzheimer’s Disease
1:20 A-113
C34 Maureen Reiser The Relationship Between Enrichment Type and Daily Activity in
a Mountain Lion
12:55 B-206 Lect.
Hall
C35 Nicole Schubert Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Enrichment for Captive
Gray Wolves (Canis lupus)
1:45 B-206 Lect.
Hall
C36 Christopher
Shin
The Role of Viral Protein 1/2 in Herpes Simplex Virus 1
Replication
1:45 A-155
C37 Sachi Singh Effect of Apolipoprotein E4 Allele on Deterioration of Brains in
Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
1:20 A-133
C38 Shelly Teng The Effects of A4V Superoxide Dismutase 1 Mutant Protein
Incorporation on Calcium Ion Membrane Conductance
2:10 A-121
C39 Yash Thacker Designing an Algorithm to Analyze Images of Moving
Mitochondria
12:30 E-115 Kids
Inst.
C40 Lynette To Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T
Cells
1:20 A-149
C41 Brian Vien The Effects of the Microflora on Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration
in vitro
2:10 A-133
C42 Amanda Walsh Determining Gene Recruitment Sequences for Targeting ACT1
Gene to the Nuclear Periphery in Yeast
8:45 A-121
C43 William
Widjaja
The Role of ER71 in Blood Vessel Development 11:15 A-133
C44 Mayuri Yasuda The Absence of Gut Microbes Alters Hepatic Nuclear Receptor
Expression
1:20 B-116
15
C45 Sung Yeo The Effects of Adiponectin on Fibrosis 1:20 A-121
Business
ID Presenter Title Time Room
D01 Sun Kim
John Satter
Possible Short Term Investment Strategy 1:45 E-115 Kids
Inst.
D02 Rohit
Mahankali
An Ethnographic Study of Start-Up Businesses and Their
Approaches to Defining Target Markets
10:50 B-108
D03 Jonathan
Peloquin
Investigation of the Implementation of Global Positioning Systems
in Missiles and New Technologies
9:35 E-115 Kids
Inst.
Chemistry
ID Presenter Title Time Room
E01 Kyle Chen Characterization of Polymer Modification via Sequential
Infiltration Synthesis Process
8:45 A-133
E02 Siva
Gangavarapu
Atomic Layer Deposition of Hafnium Oxide on a Silicon Substrate
E03 Arjit Jaiswal
Varun Patel
Using Granular Silicon-Graphene Anodes to Boost the Capacity of
Lithium-Ion Batteries
12:55 A-151
E04 Jacob
Kronenberg
Engineering Self-Assembling Peptides to Tune the Coordination
Environment of Metalloporphyrins
12:30 A-133
E05 Anna Kryczka Computational Study of Propane Dehydrogenation Over Palladium
Alloy Catalysts
8:45 B-116
E06 Nida
Normantaite
Phase Transitions From Amorphous to Crystalline in Polyethylene
Terephthalate Polymer
10:50 A-115
E07 Daniel
Rosenthal
The Effects of Process Parameters on Metal-Assisted Chemical
Etching
E08 Mateusz
Wojtaszek
Detecting and Quantifying Trace Amounts of Silver Nanoparticles
and Ions in Solution
10:00 B-108
Computer Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
F01 Ethan Bian
Benjamin Rabe
Creating a Fast and Accurate Physics Engine Modeling Soft-Body
Collisions with OpenGL and Java
12:55 E-115 Kids
Inst.
F02 Remy Bubulka Constructing and Optimizing a System to Store and Protect
Corporate Records
9:10 A-121
F03 Advitheey
Chelikani
Saurabh Kumar
Using Markov Decision Processes to Determine Optimal Claim
Policy for Automobile Accidents
1:45 A-151
F04 Advitheey
Chelikani
Comparing the Rate Monotonic and Earliest Deadline First
Scheduling Algorithms
1:20 A-151
F05 Diana Chen
Sneha Thakkar
Showing Ego Depletion and Motivation in Video Games 11:15 A-138
Acad. Pit
F06 Eric Hennenfent Constructing a Web Interface for the NOvA Experiment 9:10 A-155
F07 Saurabh Kumar Measurement of Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Accuracy Using
Machine Learning Algorithms
2:10 A-151
16
F08 Andrew
Kuznetsov
Development of Mechanical Turk Simulations for Auction Theory
Research
1:20 E-115
Kids Inst.
F09 Claire Lee
Emily Rader
Transition From Biological Life to the Development of Artificial
Intelligence
2:10 B-206
Lect. Hall
F10 Mack Lee Simulating Bandwidth Reuse Methods to Maximize Speed and
Coverage for Cellular Customers
F11 Nicholas
Magerko
Jonathan
Reynolds
Constructing High Quality Three-Dimensional Models With
Economical Hardware
10:25 A-115
Economics
ID Presenter Title Time Room
G01 Timothy Gietl Effect of Refinery Outages on Petroleum Administration for
Defense District - West Coast Gasoline Prices
10:50 B-110
G02 Timothy Gietl Development of Trading and Risk Management Strategies for
Ibovespa Index Futures
11:15 B-110
G03 Yasmine
Gordon
A Comparison of Accuracy and Validity of Risk Adjustment
Models Used in the Health Care Industry
10:50 A-138
Acad. Pit
G04 Huajie Huang How Rigged is the London Interbank Offered Rate? 9:35 B-110
G05 Huajie Huang How Efficient is the Foreign Exchange Market? 10:00 B-110
G06 Derek Lubecke Investigating Central Banking Development, Policies, and Actions
Throughout the World
8:45 B-133
G07 Daniel Pechi International Pharmaceutical Markets and Patent Law 11:15 A-117
G08 Michael Zeng A Visually Intuitive Approach to Market Profiles 10:25 B-110
Education
ID Presenter Title Time Room
H01 Karin Han Agent-Based Modeling and the Understanding of Causality in
College Biology Students
12:30 B-110
H02 Kayla Ingram Black and Latino Student Motivation Engaged in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
10:25 A-119
Engineering
ID Presenter Title Time Room
I01 Michael Adams Design of a Double Rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Prototype 11:15 A-113
I02 Timothy
Akintilo
Vimal
Bellamkonda
Development of a Quantitative System for Evaluating At-Home
Standing of the Mobility Disabled
10:00 B-116
I03 Tahj Alli-
Balogun
Thomas Wu
A Physical and Chemical Investigation of the Heusler Alloy
Fe2TiSn
9:10 A-131
I04 Daniel Atten
Marissa
Borchering
Separating Carbon Dioxide Gas From Lawn Mower Exhaust
Gases
10:25 B-116
17
I05 Eric Barrientos Purifying Contaminated Water With Silver Nanoparticle-Infused
Ceramic Filters
9:35 B-108
I06 Brendan
Batliner
Milan Shah
Integration of Sensors in a Wireless High Altitude Balloon Cut-
Down System
2:10 A-119
I07 Evan Derse Modifying Wind Turbine Blade Design to Reduce Noise While
Retaining or Increasing Power Generation
8:45 B-110
I08 Kevin He
Adit Suvarna
A Multiplexed Readout Scheme for a Large Array of
Photomultiplier Tubes
11:15 A-149
I09 Vinesh Kannan Modifying and Reinforcing Bimetallic Strips for Application in
Expanding Structures
10:25 B-108
I10 Alan Yang Improving the Efficiency of Power Amplifiers in Radio
Frequency Plasma Lamps
12:55 A-131
English
ID Presenter Title Time Room
J01 Ana Curtis Gender-Driven Perceptions of Women in Nineteenth Century
British Literature
11:15 A-115
Environmental Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
K01 Elise Douglas
Gregory
O'Bannon
Synthesis of Isobutanol From Lignocellulosic Biomass Inoculated
With Fungus and Bacteria
1:20 A-117
K02 Anna Gupta
David Lisk
Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter 9:10 B-108
K03 Eveline Liu The Role of Climate Change in the Biodiversity of Ant Species 8:45 A-119
K04 Bailey
Simmons-
Brown
Chlorella’s Effect on Ammonium and Nitrate Levels 9:10 B-116
K05 Aaron Victor
Ziang Wang
Investigation of the Ecological and Economical Effects of Green
Roofs
9:35 B-116
Fine Arts
ID Presenter Title Time Room
L01 Daniel Collins Thematic Development in Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas and its
Applications to Modern Composition
2:10 E-102 Aud.
History
ID Presenter Title Time Room
M01 Max
Kontorovich
An Examination of the Causes of World War II and the Cold War 9:10 A-133
M02 Andrew Salij Vikings and Monasteries: An Analysis of the Conversion of
Medieval Europe
9:10 B-133
M03 Stephanie Wang Confucius to Fake Gucci? A Historical Approach to Explaining
the Development of China's Black Market
10:00 A-138 Acad.
Pit
18
Law
ID Presenter Title Time Room
N01 Edward Jun A Study of the Application of Death Penalty Law in Sub-Saharan
Africa
1:45 A-117
Mathematics
ID Presenter Title Time Room
O01 Lael Costa Taking the Red Pill: Degenerations of Matrix Space 11:15 A-135
O02 Luke Musgrave Examining Influential Factors for Team Pitching Environments in
Major League Baseball
12:55 B-116
O03 Suraj Sinha Upset Definition and Prediction in Tennis 9:35 A-121
O04 James Tao Counting Rational Space Curves Meeting Lines and Points Using
the Method of Degeneration
12:30 A-155
Medicine
ID Presenter Title Time Room
P01 Max Ackerman Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic
Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis
8:45 A-135
P02 Prachi
Aggarwal
Jenson Phung
Shreya
Santhanam
An Evaluation of Chicago Public Schools’ Health-Related
Policies
9:10 B-206 Lect.
Hall
P03 Ryan Chiu Epidermal Growth Factor Ameliorates Transforming Growth
Factor β-Induced Collagen Deposition in Pancreatic Stellate Cells
2:10 A-147
P04 Lohitha
Guntupalli
Assessment of Non-Rapid Eye Movement Delta Sleep and its
Correlation to Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
2:10 A-113
P05 Taylor Herr Pain Trajectories Across Different Variables for Inpatients at the
University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center
12:30 A-113
P06 Fengling Hu
Effects of T1L Reovirus Infection on Antiviral Response of
Human Lamina Propria Cell Types in vitro
9:35 A-147
P07 Sharon Johnson
Sophia Lam
The Correlation Between Gestational Age and Independent Oral
Feeding in Preterm Newborns
10:50 A-147
P08 Omair Khan Burn Injury Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases
Inflammation and Risk of Sepsis
1:45 A-149
P09 Frances Seo Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reaching
Distance of Impaired Arm Post Stroke
10:00 A-117
P10 Abhishek Sethi Does Connective Tissue Growth Factor Cause Left Atrial Fibrosis
in Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
2:10 A-135
P11 Vimig Socrates Clinical Studies in Venous Leg Ulcers and Incisional Hernias 10:00 A-151
P12 Simona Stancov The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated
Alterations of Nuclear Hormone Receptor Expression
11:15 B-116
P13 Shruti
Topudurti
Selam Zenebe-
Gete
The Effects of the Novel Agonist 390 on the CXC Type 4
Chemokine Receptor
10:50 A-135
P14 Paul Wang The Future of Healthcare Reform: The Quantitative and
Qualitative Implications of Value-Based Care
10:25 A-138 Acad.
Pit
19
P15 Irina Wirjan Identifying the Melanosomal Component Responsible for
Selective Sensitivity to Bleaching Phenols
8:45 A-117
P16 Luke Zhan Effects of KBU2046 on Common Chemotherapeutics and
Androgen Regulation in Breast and Prostate Cancers
11:15 B-133
Neurobiology
ID Presenter Title Time Room
Q01 Kristin Carlson Alteration of Brain Connections in Resting State Networks After
Performing Simple Motor Actions
2:10 B-133
Q02 Greeshma
Chilukuri
Jayathi
Varadheeswaran
Automatic Switching Point From Perfusion to Permeability Using
a Single Full-Dose Contrast Injection
1:20 B-133
Q03 Joseph
Donermeyer
Dawson Patel
A Comparison of the Magnitude of Visual Simon Effect in High
School Students With and Without Music
10:25 B-206 Lect.
Hall
Q04 Grace Duan
Sameeksha
Malhotra
Active Brain Regions During Sleep Using
Electroencephalography Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
1:45 B-133
Q05 Anastasia
Fafara
Brianna Pusey
Age-Related Changes in Visual Learning Strategies 8:45 E-115 Kids
Inst.
Q06 Kayla Hannon Infant Tractography of the Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule 10:50 A-113
Q07 Rhea Harsoor
Shveta Thakkar
Following Speech Through the Brain: Three Successive Parallel
Networks
10:50 A-155
Q08 Mohamed Kady
Harishankar
Logaraj
The Effects of Neurotrophic Drugs on the Degeneration of
Cochlear Hair Cells in Guinea Pigs
8:45 A-147
Q09 Vandana Karan Effects of Vindeburnol on Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathology 10:50 A-131
Q10 Taylor Knopf Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: A Nationwide Inpatient
Sample
11:15 A-131
Q11 Lakhena Leang
Xueyang Ren
Identifying Chaperones and Co-Chaperones Affecting Mechanisms
of FUS R521G Aggregation in N2A Cells
10:50 A-149
Q12 Jessica Lee Inhibitable Plasma Cholinesterases as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s
Disease
10:00 A-131
Q13 Judy Li Activated c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Contributes to the Differential
Vulnerability of Neurons in Huntington’s Disease
10:00 A-135
Q14 Emily Ling Using Microfluidic Chambers to Evaluate the Effect of MitoQ on
Fused in Sarcoma-Mediated Neurotoxicity
10:25 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q15 Emily Ling
Hye Jean Yoon
Screening Potential Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis 10:50 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q16 Matthew Park Extracting the Hemodynamic Response With the Finite Impulse
Response Filter
12:55 B-133
Q17 Haneesha
Paruchuri
Analysis Comparing Defective RNA Binding Proteins in
Association With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
10:00 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q18 Vignesh Ravi Monitoring the Time and Extent of Neurodegeneration in the
Motor Cortex of a Novel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse
Model
9:10 A-138
Acad. Pit
20
Q19 Sreyesh
Satpathy
Optimization of a Magnetic Resonance Probe for Early Detection
of Alzheimer’s Disease
1:20 B-110
Q20 Sajishnu Savya The Relationship Between the Hippocampus and Long-Term
Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
1:45 A-133
Q21 Vimig Socrates Audiotactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans 9:35 A-151
Q22 Rashmi
Thimmapuram
Method to Find the Language Region in the Brain Using
Electrocorticography From Natural Conversation
11:15 A-155
Q23 Rashmi
Thimmapuram
The Role of Microglial Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in
Alzheimer’s Disease
1:45 B-110
Q24 Wenhan Wang Functional Analysis of Dopaminergic Neurons Derived From
Human Embryonic Stem Cells
10:25 A-121
Q25 Hye Jean Yoon Developing Therapeutic Approaches to TAR DNA Binding Protein
43 and Fused in Sarcoma Proteinopathies
11:15 E-115
Kids Inst.
Q26 Timothy Zhou Quantifying the Effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Axon
Continuity and Larval Motility
8:45 B-206
Lect. Hall
Physics
ID Presenter Title Time Room
R01 Vikram Anjur
Alexander
Moreno
Performance Validation of the QIE10 Application Specific
Integrated Circuits for the Phase I Upgrade of the Compact Muon
Solenoid Detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider
1:45 A-147
R02 Mason
Dearborn
Cosmic Ray Background in the NOvA Neutrino Experiment 8:45 A-155
R03 Daniel
Gonzalez
Measuring the Energy of Antineutrinos 9:35 A-155
R04 Ka wai Lee Ultrasonic Thermometry for the Analysis of Thermal Protection
Materials
9:35 A-133
R05 Jameson
O'Reilly
Measurement of the Ratio of σ(pp → Z + bb)/σ(pp → Z + jj) at √s
= 1.96
10:25 A-117
R06 Sattvic Ray Analyzing the X-Ray Spectra of Nova V339 Delphi and Nova KT
Eridani Using Model Atmospheres
2:10 A-131
R07 Dennis Rich Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Used in Thermoelectric Devices by
Chemical Vapor Deposition
9:10 A-113
R08 Bhairvi Shah Fiber Optic Interferometers as Acoustic Sensors for Bubble
Chamber Dark Matter Detectors
10:50 A-117
R09 Janani
Sivakumar
A Search for Strong Gravitational Lenses in the Dark Energy
Survey Supernova Fields
9:35 A-149
R10 Emma Sloan Beam Test of the Muon g-2 Tracker 1:45 A-115
R11 Lia Vallina Constructing a Model of the Muon g-2 Magnet in Opera-3d 9:35 A-117
Psychology
ID Presenter Title Time Room
S01 Marissa Brock
Alexandra
Johnson
The Correlation Between Exercise and Stress of Adolescents in
Academically Rigorous Environments
10:00 A-119
S02 Al-Jalil Gault The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and the Effect on
Memory Functioning in Homeless Youth
9:35 A-138
Acad. Pit
21
S03 Leehwa Hong
Vivian Liu
A Cross-Cultural Study of the Relationship Between Empathy and
Social Dominance
11:15 B-108
S04 Nisha Kishore The Emotional Intelligence of Illinois Mathematics and Science
Academy Students
9:35 B-206
Lect. Hall
S05 Patty Li
Yiqiao Wu
Investigating the Origins of Suicide in Asian American and Pacific
Islander Youth and Elderly
9:10 E-115
Kids Inst.
S06 Hsing-Duan
Louh
Malachi
Loviska
Relieving Stress by Increasing Stress Awareness 10:50 A-119
S07 Saraswathi
Nookala
The Effect of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Generosity 9:35 A-135
S08 Aniruddha
Shekara
Associations Between Impulsive Choice and Risk-Taking in
Relation to Gambling
8:45 A-138
Acad. Pit
S09 Remmie Spinks The Effect of Time in Captivity on a Gray Wolf’s Capacity of
Trust in Humans
1:20 B-206
Lect. Hall
S10 Poornima
Sundaravelu
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Allelic Variation and Interpersonal
Stressors on Adolescent Well-Being
10:00 A-149
S11 Rachel Thain The Effects of Visual Speech Cues on the Speed of Spoken
Language Perception in Adults
12:55 A-147
S12 Ryan Yang Anxieties: Effects on Self-Concept and Common Methods of
Relieving Anxiety
10:00 B-206
Lect. Hall
Social Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
T01 Anna Borromeo An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Millennium Villages
Project to Eradicate Global Poverty
11:15 A-151
T02 Amy De La
Torre
Laura Lehmann
The Invisible Social and Emotional Struggles of Women in Law
Enforcement and the Military
11:15 A-119
T03 Molly Fane
Alonzo Marsh
Measuring the Health of the News Industry 10:50 B-133
Space Science
ID Presenter Title Time Room
U01 Austin Cao
Dayna Lei
Characterizing Charge-Coupled Device and Naked-Eye Telescope
Observations at the Doane Observatory
1:20 A-119
U02 Kieran Groble Measuring Diffuse Interstellar Bands in Henry Draper Catalogue
Stars
8:45 A-115
U03 Ujwal Kiran
Megan Roller
Numerical and Visual Modeling of Comet Dust Trails 1:45 A-119
U04 Alec Mangan Designing a Radiation Shield for the NASA Exploration Design
Challenge
9:10 B-110
Poster Map
Cafeteria
A01 A07 B06 B12 C06 C12
A02 B01 B07 C01 C07 C13
A03 B02 B08 C02 C08 C14
A04 B03 B09 C03 C09 C15
A05 B04 B10 C04 C10 C16
A06 B05 B11 C05 C11 C17
C18 C19 C20 C21 C22 C23 C24 C25 C26 C27 C28 C29 C30 C31
C32 C33 C34 C35 C36 C37 C38 C39 C40 C41 C42 C43 C44 C45
D01 D02 D03 E01 E02 E03 E04 E05 E06 E07 E08 F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 F06 F07
F08 F09 F10 F11 G01 G02 G03 G04 G05 G06 G07 G08 H01 H02 I01 I02 I03 I04
I09 I10 J01 K01 K02 K03 K04 K05 L01 M01 M02 M03 N01 O01 O02 O03
Old Cafeteria/Commons
I05
I06
I07
I08
O04 P01
P02
P03
Diagram Not to Scale
* Biochemistry: A01-A07 * Economics: G01-G08 * History: M01-M03
* Bioengineering: B01-B12 * Education: H01-H02 * Law: N01
* Biology: C01-C45 * Engineering: I01-I10 * Mathematics: O01-O04
* Business: D01-D03 * English: J01 * Medicine: P01-P03
* Chemistry: E01-E108 * Environmental Science: K01-K05 continued
* Computer Science: F01-F11 * Fine Arts: L01
Old Cafeteria/Commons
Diagram not to Scale
* Medicine Continued: P04-P16
* Neurobiology: Q01-Q13
continued
Poster Map
C135
C133
C142
C145 Stairs
A102
Horwitz
Conference
Room
C132
Offices
C143
C144
Research Conference Room
U03 U04
A U02
U01
Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 Q19 Q20 Q21
Q22 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q26 R01 R02 R03 R04 R05
R06 R07 R08 R09 R10 R11 S01 S02 S03 S04 S05 S06 S07 S08 S09 S10 S11 S12
Hall between Administrative Offices and Student Life
C122A
C121A Offices
C125
C126
C127
A108
T01 T02 T03
A107
CAC Office
D
Diagram not to Scale
* Neurobiology continued: Q14-Q26
* Physics: R01-R11
* Psychology: S01-S12
* Social Science: T01-T03
* Space Science: U01-U04
25
Time and Room Schedule for Presentations
8:45 - 9:00
Room ID
A-115 U02 Measuring Diffuse Interstellar Bands in Henry Draper Catalogue Stars
Kieran Groble; Advisor(s): Don York
A-117 P15 Identifying the Melanosomal Component Responsible for Selective Sensitivity to
Bleaching Phenols
Irina Wirjan; Advisor(s): Jonathan Eby, I. Caroline Le Poole
A-119 K03 The Role of Climate Change in the Biodiversity of Ant Species
Eveline Liu; Advisor(s): Gracen Brilmyer, Corrie Moreau
A-121 C42 Determining Gene Recruitment Sequences for Targeting ACT1 Gene to the Nuclear
Periphery in Yeast
Amanda Walsh; Advisor(s): Donna Brickner, Jason Brickner
A-131 C18 Phenotypic Characterization of OX40L-Expressing Dendritic Cells Expanding TRegulatory
T-Cells
Elijah Jimenez; Advisor(s): Palash Bhattacharya, Bellur Prabhakar
A-133 E01 Characterization of Polymer Modification via Sequential Infiltration Synthesis
Process
Kyle Chen; Advisor(s): Leonidas Ocola
A-135 P01 Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic Inflammation in Ulcerative
Colitis
Max Ackerman; Advisor(s): Sarah Goeppinger, Adam Mikolajczyk, David Rubin
A-138
Acad.
Pit
S08 Associations Between Impulsive Choice and Risk-Taking in Relation to Gambling
Aniruddha Shekara; Advisor(s): Jessica Weafer, Harriet de Wit
A-147 Q08 The Effects of Neurotrophic Drugs on the Degeneration of Cochlear Hair Cells in
Guinea Pigs
Mohamed Kady, Harishankar Logaraj; Advisor(s): Claus-Peter Richter
A-149 C13 Examining Cell-Cell Communication in Filamentous Cyanobacteria Using Electron
Tomography
Geronimo Garcia, Priya Trivedi; Advisor(s): Robert Haselkorn, Amin Nasser
A-151 C26 Identification of Fate Regulators in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Gina Liu; Advisor(s): Fei Wang
A-155 R02 Cosmic Ray Background in the NOvA Neutrino Experiment
Mason Dearborn; Advisor(s): Lisa Goodenough, Maury Goodman
B-110 I07 Modifying Wind Turbine Blade Design to Reduce Noise While Retaining or
Increasing Power Generation
Evan Derse; Advisor(s): Eric Hawker
B-116 E05 Computational Study of Propane Dehydrogenation Over Palladium Alloy Catalysts
Anna Kryczka; Advisor(s): Randall Meyer
B-133 G06 Investigating Central Banking Development, Policies, and Actions Throughout the
World
Derek Lubecke; Advisor(s): Eric Smith
B-206
Lect.
Hall
Q26 Quantifying the Effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Axon Continuity and
Larval Motility
Timothy Zhou; Advisor(s): Yang Li, Jane Wu
26
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q05 Age-Related Changes in Visual Learning Strategies
Anastasia Fafara, Brianna Pusey; Advisor(s): Kelly Brandstatt, Anthony Ryals, Joel Voss
9:10 - 9:25
Room ID
A-113 R07 Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Used in Thermoelectric Devices by Chemical Vapor
Deposition
Dennis Rich; Advisor(s): Venkat Chandrasekhar, Tanuj Gupta
A-115 C30 Functions of Transcriptional Corepressor Groucho on Neuronal Differentiation
Emily Mu; Advisor(s): Wei Du, Tianyi Zhang
A-119 B11 Development of a Simulation Visual Prosthetic Device
Vivek Vermani; Advisor(s): Gayatri Kaskhedikar, Philip Troyk
A-121 F02 Constructing and Optimizing a System to Store and Protect Corporate Records
Remy Bubulka; Advisor(s): Brian Gravelle
A-131 I03 A Physical and Chemical Investigation of the Heusler Alloy Fe2TiSn
Tahj Alli-Balogun, Thomas Wu; Advisor(s): Susan Meschel, Philip Nash
A-133 M01 An Examination of the Causes of World War II and the Cold War
Max Kontorovich; Advisor(s): Lee Eysturlid
A-138
Acad.
Pit
Q18 Monitoring the Time and Extent of Neurodegeneration in the Motor Cortex of a
Novel Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse Model
Vignesh Ravi; Advisor(s): Mukesh Gautam, Pembe Hande Ozdinler
A-147 A01 Functional Characterization of the HopZ Family of Type III Effectors
Kaia Ball; Advisor(s): Andrew Manning
A-151 C27 Creating an Efficient Code Pipeline to Analyze Caenorhabditis elegans Drug
Sensitivity
Gina Liu; Advisor(s): Erik Andersen
A-155 F06 Constructing a Web Interface for the NOvA Experiment
Eric Hennenfent; Advisor(s): Maury Goodman, Jonathan Paley, Louise Suter
B-108 K02 Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Anna Gupta, David Lisk; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson
B-110 U04 Designing a Radiation Shield for the NASA Exploration Design Challenge
Alec Mangan; Advisor(s): Eric Hawker
B-116 K04 Chlorella’s Effect on Ammonium and Nitrate Levels
Bailey Simmons-Brown; Advisor(s): Peter Clancy
B-133 M02 Vikings and Monasteries: An Analysis of the Conversion of Medieval Europe
Andrew Salij; Advisor(s): Eric Smith
B-206
Lect.
Hall
P02 An Evaluation of Chicago Public Schools’ Health-Related Policies
Prachi Aggarwal, Jenson Phung, Shreya Santhanam; Advisor(s): Ashley Dyer, Ruchi
Gupta, Victoria Rivkina
E-115
Kids
Inst.
S05 Investigating the Origins of Suicide in Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth
and Elderly
Patty Li, Yiqiao Wu; Advisor(s): Mark Chiang, Rooshey Hasnain
27
9:35 - 9:50
Room ID
A-113 B08 Construction of a Human Gene Regulatory Network
Susie Shin; Advisor(s): Insuk Lee
A-115 C04 Regulation of Interleukin 17 Receptor D by MicroRNA193a-3p in Colon Cancers
and Associated Diseases
Xindi Chen; Advisor(s): Katherine Meckel, Joel Pekow
A-117 R11 Constructing a Model of the Muon g-2 Magnet in Opera-3d
Lia Vallina; Advisor(s): Brendan Kiburg
A-121 O03 Upset Definition and Prediction in Tennis
Suraj Sinha; Advisor(s): Yea-Jane Chu, Jing Shyr
A-131 B07 Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Chronic Stroke Subjects
Sagar Punhani, Kyle Thomas; Advisor(s): Derek Miller, William Rymer
A-133 R04 Ultrasonic Thermometry for the Analysis of Thermal Protection Materials
Ka wai Lee; Advisor(s): Donald Yuhas
A-135 S07 The Effect of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Generosity
Saraswathi Nookala; Advisor(s): Matthew Kirkpatrick, Harriet de Wit
A-138
Acad.
Pit
S02 The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and the Effect on Memory Functioning
in Homeless Youth
Al-Jalil Gault; Advisor(s): Scott Hunter
A-147 P06 Effects of T1L Reovirus Infection on Antiviral Response of Human Lamina Propria
Cell Types in vitro
Fengling Hu; Advisor(s): Romain Bouziat, Reinhard Hinterleitner, Bana Jabri
A-149 R09 A Search for Strong Gravitational Lenses in the Dark Energy Survey Supernova
Fields
Janani Sivakumar; Advisor(s): Elizabeth Buckley-Geer, H. Thomas Diehl
A-151 Q21 Audiotactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Vimig Socrates; Advisor(s): Sliman Bensmaia
A-155 R03 Measuring the Energy of Antineutrinos
Daniel Gonzalez; Advisor(s): Zelimir Djurcic
B-108 I05 Purifying Contaminated Water With Silver Nanoparticle-Infused Ceramic Filters
Eric Barrientos; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson
B-110 G04 How Rigged is the London Interbank Offered Rate?
Huajie Huang; Advisor(s): Doug Adams
B-116 K05 Investigation of the Ecological and Economical Effects of Green Roofs
Aaron Victor, Ziang Wang; Advisor(s): Peter Clancy
B-206
Lect.
Hall
S04 The Emotional Intelligence of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students
Nisha Kishore; Advisor(s): David Evenson, Christopher Kolar
E-115
Kids
Inst.
D03 Investigation of the Implementation of Global Positioning Systems in Missiles and
New Technologies
Jonathan Peloquin; Advisor(s): Timothy Vaughan
28
10:00 - 10:15
Room ID
A-113 B03 Confirmation of Protein Immobilization on Carbon Nanofibers Through Imaging
Labeled With Glucose Oxidase-Coupled Gold Nanoparticles
Ashley Kim; Advisor(s): In Seop Chang
A-115 B04 Centrosome and Spectrosome Orientation in Drosophila APC2-mut Stem Cell
Asymmetric Division
Danielle Madsen; Advisor(s): Chi Bang, Jun Cheng
A-117 P09 Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reaching Distance of
Impaired Arm Post Stroke
Frances Seo; Advisor(s): Fleur Veltink, Jun Yao
A-119 S01 The Correlation Between Exercise and Stress of Adolescents in Academically
Rigorous Environments
Marissa Brock, Alexandra Johnson; Advisor(s): David Lundgren, Jerald Thomas
A-121 A02 The Effect of pH and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Concentration on Two-
Chambered Microbial Fuel Cells
Ryan Franks; Advisor(s): Jeong Choe-Hwang
A-131 Q12 Inhibitable Plasma Cholinesterases as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Jessica Lee; Advisor(s): Changiz Geula
A-135 Q13 Activated c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Contributes to the Differential Vulnerability of
Neurons in Huntington’s Disease
Judy Li; Advisor(s): Rodolfo Gatto, Gerardo Morfini
A-138
Acad.
Pit
M03 Confucius to Fake Gucci? A Historical Approach to Explaining the Development of
China's Black Market
Stephanie Wang; Advisor(s): Kirsty Montgomery
A-147 C16 CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-Guided Upregulation of Utrophin as a Therapy for Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy
Alyda Huerta; Advisor(s): Renzhi Han, Andrew Mariano, Audrey Torcaso
A-149 S10 Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Allelic Variation and Interpersonal Stressors on
Adolescent Well-Being
Poornima Sundaravelu; Advisor(s): Eva Telzer
A-151 P11 Clinical Studies in Venous Leg Ulcers and Incisional Hernias
Vimig Socrates; Advisor(s): Jing Liu
B-108 E08 Detecting and Quantifying Trace Amounts of Silver Nanoparticles and Ions in
Solution
Mateusz Wojtaszek; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson
B-110 G05 How Efficient is the Foreign Exchange Market?
Huajie Huang; Advisor(s): Doug Adams
B-116 I02 Development of a Quantitative System for Evaluating At-Home Standing of the
Mobility Disabled
Timothy Akintilo, Vimal Bellamkonda; Advisor(s): Arun Jayaraman, Luca Lonini,
Timothy Reissman
B-133 C21 Effects of Environmental Factors, Immune Evasion, and Reservoir Population on
the Prevalence of Lyme Disease
Nicholas Kiene; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch, Megan Schrementi
B-206
Lect.
Hall
S12 Anxieties: Effects on Self-Concept and Common Methods of Relieving Anxiety
Ryan Yang; Advisor(s): David Evenson
29
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q17 Analysis Comparing Defective RNA Binding Proteins in Association With
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Haneesha Paruchuri; Advisor(s): Warren McGee, Jane Wu
10:25 - 10:40
Room ID
A-113 C15 Engineering a Luminescent Reporter Protein to Track Influenza A Virus Infection
in vivo
Annika Gomez; Advisor(s): Balaji Manicassamy
A-115 F11 Constructing High Quality Three-Dimensional Models With Economical Hardware
Nicholas Magerko, Jonathan Reynolds; Advisor(s): Namrata Pandya, Jason Rock
A-117 R05 Measurement of the Ratio of σ(pp → Z + bb)/σ(pp → Z + jj) at √s = 1.96
Jameson O'Reilly; Advisor(s): Ashish Kumar
A-119 H02 Black and Latino Student Motivation Engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering,
and Mathematics
Kayla Ingram; Advisor(s): Adrienne Coleman
A-121 Q24 Functional Analysis of Dopaminergic Neurons Derived From Human Embryonic
Stem Cells
Wenhan Wang; Advisor(s): Zhong Xie
A-133 C19 Error Correction Approach of Next Generation Sequencing Data for Analysis of
HIV-1 Variability
Vivian Jin, Shuchi Patel; Advisor(s): Eunyoung Kim, Sudhir Penugonda, Ramon
Redondo Lorenzo
A-135 C20 The Effect of Photoperiod and Thyroid Hormone on Innate Immune Response in
Phodopus sungorus
Omkar Kelkar; Advisor(s): Kenneth Onishi, Brian Prendergast, Tyler Stevenson
A-138
Acad.
Pit
P14 The Future of Healthcare Reform: The Quantitative and Qualitative Implications of
Value-Based Care
Paul Wang; Advisor(s): Samir Itchhaporia, Rebecca Maroon
A-149 B02 Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Jennifer Du; Advisor(s): Aldwin Anterola
A-155 C32 Homozygous Genotypes Long Adenine and Short Variant of Serotonin Transporter
Gene and Link to Autism
Breanna Pederson; Advisor(s): Edwin Cook, Kelley Moore
B-108 I09 Modifying and Reinforcing Bimetallic Strips for Application in Expanding
Structures
Vinesh Kannan; Advisor(s): Mark Carlson, Vandana Chinwalla, Carl Heine
B-110 G08 A Visually Intuitive Approach to Market Profiles
Michael Zeng; Advisor(s): Doug Adams, Sergiy Mesropyan, Dennis Wang
B-116 I04 Separating Carbon Dioxide Gas From Lawn Mower Exhaust Gases
Daniel Atten, Marissa Borchering; Advisor(s): Peter Clancy, Robyn Fischer
B-133 A03 Determining the Optimal Conditions for Inducing Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells With
Aspirin Treatment
Deborah Park, Ruchi Patel; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch
B-206
Lect.
Hall
Q03 A Comparison of the Magnitude of Visual Simon Effect in High School Students
With and Without Music
Joseph Donermeyer, Dawson Patel; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer
30
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q14 Using Microfluidic Chambers to Evaluate the Effect of MitoQ on Fused in Sarcoma-
Mediated Neurotoxicity
Emily Ling; Advisor(s): Jane Wu
10:50 - 11:05
Room ID
A-113 Q06 Infant Tractography of the Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule
Kayla Hannon; Advisor(s): Jeffrey Neil
A-115 E06 Phase Transitions From Amorphous to Crystalline in Polyethylene Terephthalate
Polymer
Nida Normantaite; Advisor(s): Steven Sibener
A-117 R08 Fiber Optic Interferometers as Acoustic Sensors for Bubble Chamber Dark Matter
Detectors
Bhairvi Shah; Advisor(s): Eric Dahl
A-119 S06 Relieving Stress by Increasing Stress Awareness
Hsing-Duan Louh, Malachi Loviska; Advisor(s): Kathryn Grubbs
A-131 Q09 Effects of Vindeburnol on Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathology
Vandana Karan; Advisor(s): Douglas Feinstein
A-133 C05 The Effect of Different Meat Types and Chemicals on Carrion Insect Attraction
Mary Cody; Advisor(s): Susan Styer
A-135 P13 The Effects of the Novel Agonist 390 on the CXC Type 4 Chemokine Receptor
Shruti Topudurti, Selam Zenebe-Gete; Advisor(s): Richard Miller
A-138
Acad.
Pit
G03 A Comparison of Accuracy and Validity of Risk Adjustment Models Used in the
Health Care Industry
Yasmine Gordon; Advisor(s): Samir Itchhaporia, Rebecca Maroon
A-147 P07 The Correlation Between Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm
Newborns
Sharon Johnson, Sophia Lam; Advisor(s): Jonathan Muraskas, Sarah van Nostrand
A-149 Q11 Identifying Chaperones and Co-Chaperones Affecting Mechanisms of FUS R521G
Aggregation in N2A Cells
Lakhena Leang, Xueyang Ren; Advisor(s): Sue Fox, Richard Morimoto, Anan Yu
A-155 Q07 Following Speech Through the Brain: Three Successive Parallel Networks
Rhea Harsoor, Shveta Thakkar; Advisor(s): Vernon Leo Towle
B-108 D02 An Ethnographic Study of Start-Up Businesses and Their Approaches to Defining
Target Markets
Rohit Mahankali; Advisor(s): Carl Heine
B-110 G01 Effect of Refinery Outages on Petroleum Administration for Defense District - West
Coast Gasoline Prices
Timothy Gietl; Advisor(s): Josh Matalon
B-133 T03 Measuring the Health of the News Industry
Molly Fane, Alonzo Marsh; Advisor(s): Eric Smith
B-206
Lect.
Hall
C08 Optimizing DNA Sequencing Using DNA Isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and
Gel Electrophoresis
Natalie Dong, Atene Poskute, Saigopal Somasundaram; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch,
Robyn Fischer
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q15 Screening Potential Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Emily Ling, Hye Jean Yoon; Advisor(s): Mengmeng Chen, Xiaoping Chen, Kazuo
Fushimi, Jane Wu
31
11:15 - 11:30
Room ID
A-113 I01 Design of a Double Rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Prototype
Michael Adams; Advisor(s): Francisco Ruiz
A-115 J01 Gender-Driven Perceptions of Women in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Ana Curtis; Advisor(s): Leah Kind
A-117 G07 International Pharmaceutical Markets and Patent Law
Daniel Pechi; Advisor(s): Christian Nokkentved
A-119 T02 The Invisible Social and Emotional Struggles of Women in Law Enforcement and
the Military
Amy De La Torre, Laura Lehmann; Advisor(s): James Bondi, Kristen Ziman
A-121 B06 Engineering Vascularized Bone
Sean Potempa; Advisor(s): Eric Brey, Brianna Roux
A-131 Q10 Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Taylor Knopf; Advisor(s): Sarah Song
A-133 C43 The Role of ER71 in Blood Vessel Development
William Widjaja; Advisor(s): Changwon Park
A-135 O01 Taking the Red Pill: Degenerations of Matrix Space
Lael Costa; Advisor(s): Nir Avni
A-138
Acad.
Pit
F05 Showing Ego Depletion and Motivation in Video Games
Diana Chen, Sneha Thakkar; Advisor(s): Ian Horswill
A-147 B10 Highlighting Cancerous Tissue During Brain Tumor Resection Surgery
Rajiv Trehan; Advisor(s): Lagnojita Sinha, Ken Tichauer
A-149 I08 A Multiplexed Readout Scheme for a Large Array of Photomultiplier Tubes
Kevin He, Adit Suvarna; Advisor(s): Edward Kearns, Jinyuan Wu
A-151 T01 An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Millennium Villages Project to Eradicate
Global Poverty
Anna Borromeo; Advisor(s): Juliet Sorensen
A-155 Q22 Method to Find the Language Region in the Brain Using Electrocorticography From
Natural Conversation
Rashmi Thimmapuram; Advisor(s): Vernon Leo Towle
B-108 S03 A Cross-Cultural Study of the Relationship Between Empathy and Social
Dominance
Leehwa Hong, Vivian Liu; Advisor(s): Joan Chiao, Vandana Chinwalla
B-110 G02 Development of Trading and Risk Management Strategies for Ibovespa Index
Futures
Timothy Gietl; Advisor(s): Mark Glasberg, Max Rhee
B-116 P12 The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated Alterations of
Nuclear Hormone Receptor Expression
Simona Stancov; Advisor(s): Eugene Chang, Kristina Martinez
B-133 P16 Effects of KBU2046 on Common Chemotherapeutics and Androgen Regulation in
Breast and Prostate Cancers
Luke Zhan; Advisor(s): Raymond Bergan, Xiaoke Huang, Megan Schrementi
B-206
Lect.
Hall
A04 Optimizing Light Absorption in Cyanobacteria
Archit Potharazu, Zachary Yager; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer
32
E-115
Kids
Inst.
Q25 Developing Therapeutic Approaches to TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 and Fused in
Sarcoma Proteinopathies
Hye Jean Yoon; Advisor(s): Mengmeng Chen, Xiaoping Chen, Jane Wu
12:30 - 12:45
Room ID
A-113 P05 Pain Trajectories Across Different Variables for Inpatients at the University of
Illinois at Chicago Medical Center
Taylor Herr; Advisor(s): William Galanter
A-119 C06 Effects of Dietary Fat on Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in Normal Mouse
Colon
John Deng; Advisor(s): Anas Almoghrabi, Marc Bissonnette, Urszula Dougherty
A-121 C10 Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia-Associated
MIR137 Locus
Kristy Fang, Nahee Park; Advisor(s): Jubao Duan
A-133 E04 Engineering Self-Assembling Peptides to Tune the Coordination Environment of
Metalloporphyrins
Jacob Kronenberg; Advisor(s): H. Christopher Fry
A-135 C31 Association Between Diabetes-Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and
Various Cancer Types
Julian Pacheco; Advisor(s): Brandon Pierce, Chenan Zhang
A-155 O04 Counting Rational Space Curves Meeting Lines and Points Using the Method of
Degeneration
James Tao; Advisor(s): Izzet Coskun
B-110 H01 Agent-Based Modeling and the Understanding of Causality in College Biology
Students
Karin Han; Advisor(s): Matthew Lira, Mike Stieff
B-206
Lect.
Hall
C09 The Effect of microRNA on the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung and Breast
Adenocarcinoma
Nisa Faheem, Somie Park, Lajvanthi Sudhakar; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer
E-115
Kids
Inst.
C39 Designing an Algorithm to Analyze Images of Moving Mitochondria
Yash Thacker; Advisor(s): Yang Li, Jane Wu
12:55 - 1:10
Room ID
A-117 B05 An Investigation of a Novel Peptide Amphiphile for Diagnosing Atherosclerosis in
vivo
Rajiv Patel-O'Connor; Advisor(s): Eun Ji Chung, Matthew Tirrell
A-131 I10 Improving the Efficiency of Power Amplifiers in Radio Frequency Plasma Lamps
Alan Yang; Advisor(s): Hung Yu David Yang
A-147 S11 The Effects of Visual Speech Cues on the Speed of Spoken Language Perception in
Adults
Rachel Thain; Advisor(s): Tina Grieco-Calub, Kristi Ward
33
A-151 E03 Using Granular Silicon-Graphene Anodes to Boost the Capacity of Lithium-Ion
Batteries
Arjit Jaiswal, Varun Patel; Advisor(s): R. Stephen Berry, George Tolley
B-108 C24 Analysis of Retinoblastoma I and Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase 5A on Metabolic
Pathways
Kathryn Kuna; Advisor(s): Elizaveta Benevolenskaya
B-116 O02 Examining Influential Factors for Team Pitching Environments in Major League
Baseball
Luke Musgrave; Advisor(s): Christopher Kolar
B-133 Q16 Extracting the Hemodynamic Response With the Finite Impulse Response Filter
Matthew Park; Advisor(s): Jennie Yufen Chen, Todd Parrish
B-206
Lect.
Hall
C34 The Relationship Between Enrichment Type and Daily Activity in a Mountain Lion
Maureen Reiser; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer, Randy Johnson
E-115
Kids
Inst.
F01 Creating a Fast and Accurate Physics Engine Modeling Soft-Body Collisions with
OpenGL and Java
Ethan Bian, Benjamin Rabe; Advisor(s): Phadmakar Patankar
1:20 - 1:35
Room ID
A-113 C33 Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Roles in the Onset of
Alzheimer’s Disease
Michael Pradaxay; Advisor(s): Ken-Ichiro Fukuchi
A-115 C14 Patterns Behind Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glaucoma on Oscillatory
Potential Waves
Cammille Go; Advisor(s): Xiaorong Liu
A-117 K01 Synthesis of Isobutanol From Lignocellulosic Biomass Inoculated With Fungus and
Bacteria
Elise Douglas, Gregory O'Bannon; Advisor(s): Donald Dosch, Branson Lawrence
A-119 U01 Characterizing Charge-Coupled Device and Naked-Eye Telescope Observations at
the Doane Observatory
Austin Cao, Dayna Lei; Advisor(s): Larry Ciupik, Mark Hammergren, Lou Nigra, Ken
Walczak
A-121 C45 The Effects of Adiponectin on Fibrosis
Sung Yeo; Advisor(s): Roberta Goncalves Marangoni
A-131 C12 Using Golden Helix to Analyze Data From Whole Genome Sequences of Polycystic
Ovarian Syndrome
Natasha Freund; Advisor(s): Margrit Urbanek
A-133 C37 Effect of Apolipoprotein E4 Allele on Deterioration of Brains in Patients With
Alzheimer’s Disease
Sachi Singh; Advisor(s): Lei Wang
A-138
Acad.
Pit
C17 Effect of High Nitric Oxide Microenvironment on Cancer Cell Migration
Shreya Jain; Advisor(s): James Radosevich
A-147 C07 New Regulators of Lysosome Motility
Vishrut Dixit; Advisor(s): Vladimir Gelfand, Michael Winding
A-149 C40 Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T Cells
Lynette To; Advisor(s): Yao Bian, Chyung-Ru Wang
34
A-151 F04 Comparing the Rate Monotonic and Earliest Deadline First Scheduling Algorithms
Advitheey Chelikani; Advisor(s): Shangping Ren
A-155 A06 Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and Estrogenic
Target Genes
Ranjani Sundar; Advisor(s): Serdar Bulun, Ping Yin
B-108 C28 Correlation Between Intracellular Calcium Release and T-Tubule Organization in
Failing Rat Myocytes
Shruthi Mothkur; Advisor(s): J. Andrew Wasserstrom
B-110 Q19 Optimization of a Magnetic Resonance Probe for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s
Disease
Sreyesh Satpathy; Advisor(s): William Klein, Kirsten Viola
B-116 C44 The Absence of Gut Microbes Alters Hepatic Nuclear Receptor Expression
Mayuri Yasuda; Advisor(s): Eugene Chang, Kristina Martinez
B-133 Q02 Automatic Switching Point From Perfusion to Permeability Using a Single Full-Dose
Contrast Injection
Greeshma Chilukuri, Jayathi Varadheeswaran; Advisor(s): Jennie Yufen Chen, Todd
Parrish, Xue Wang
B-206
Lect.
Hall
S09 The Effect of Time in Captivity on a Gray Wolf’s Capacity of Trust in Humans
Remmie Spinks; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer, Randy Johnson
E-115
Kids
Inst.
F08 Development of Mechanical Turk Simulations for Auction Theory Research
Andrew Kuznetsov; Advisor(s): Phadmakar Patankar
1:45 - 2:00
Room ID
A-113 C01 Effects of Kallikrien Gene Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer Risk and Prostate
Specific Antigen
Joshua-Paul Ajayi; Advisor(s): Rick Kittles
A-115 R10 Beam Test of the Muon g-2 Tracker
Emma Sloan; Advisor(s): Brendan Casey
A-117 N01 A Study of the Application of Death Penalty Law in Sub-Saharan Africa
Edward Jun; Advisor(s): Sandra Babcock, Delphine Lourtau, Shubra Ohri
A-119 U03 Numerical and Visual Modeling of Comet Dust Trails
Ujwal Kiran, Megan Roller; Advisor(s): Larry Ciupik, Mark Hammergren, Lou Nigra,
Ken Walczak
A-121 C02 Utilizing Nuclear Morphometry to Differentiate Between Salivary Gland Cancers
Waleed Ali; Advisor(s): Ryan Deaton, Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, Virgilia Macias
A-131 B12 The Effects of the Overexpression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2 in Glioblastoma
Multiforme
Elizabeth Weiss; Advisor(s): Roger Kroes, Joseph Moskal, Mary Schmidt
A-133 Q20 The Relationship Between the Hippocampus and Long-Term Memory Loss in
Alzheimer's Disease
Sajishnu Savya; Advisor(s): Lei Wang
A-135 C23 Evaluating Molecular Function of Proteins Through Integrase-Mediated Cassette
Exchange
Sanjay Kottapalli; Advisor(s): Debabrata Chakravarti, J. Brandon Parker
35
A-138
Acad. Pit
B01 Investigating Methylation Patterns in Cancer Suppressor Genes Through Gene
Sequencing
Ashok Arjunakani, Philip Nebres; Advisor(s): Berna Demircan, Kim Elseth, James
Radosevich
A-147 R01 Performance Validation of the QIE10 Application Specific Integrated Circuits for the
Phase I Upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid Detector at CERN's Large Hadron
Collider
Vikram Anjur, Alexander Moreno; Advisor(s): James Hirschauer, Elliot Hughes, Titas
Roy
A-149 P08 Burn Injury Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases Inflammation and Risk of
Sepsis
Omair Khan; Advisor(s): Mashkoor Choudhry, Zackary Earley, Xiaoling Li
A-151 F03 Using Markov Decision Processes to Determine Optimal Claim Policy for Automobile
Accidents
Advitheey Chelikani, Saurabh Kumar; Advisor(s): Piotr Gmytrasiewicz
A-155 C36 The Role of Viral Protein 1/2 in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication
Christopher Shin; Advisor(s): Nick Huffmaster, Greg Smith
B-108 C29 Characterization of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B Alterations in Human Breast
Cancer
Shruthi Mothkur; Advisor(s): Elizaveta Benevolenskaya
B-110 Q23 The Role of Microglial Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in Alzheimer’s
Disease
Rashmi Thimmapuram; Advisor(s): Maira Bicca, William Klein
B-116 C11 Deoxycholic Acid Alters Expression of Cancer and Epigenetic Genes in Mouse
Intestinal Epithelium
Yan Lin Feng; Advisor(s): Eugene Chang, Kyle Dolan
B-133 Q04 Active Brain Regions During Sleep Using Electroencephalography Functional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Grace Duan, Sameeksha Malhotra; Advisor(s): Todd Parrish, Xue Wang
B-206
Lect. Hall
C35 Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Enrichment for Captive Gray Wolves (Canis
lupus)
Nicole Schubert; Advisor(s): Robyn Fischer, Randy Johnson
E-115
Kids Inst.
D01 Possible Short Term Investment Strategy
Sun Kim, John Satter; Advisor(s): Richard Kolsky, Kevin Lynch
36
2:10 - 2:25
Room ID
A-113 P04 Assessment of Non-Rapid Eye Movement Delta Sleep and its Correlation to
Excessive Daytime Sleepiness
Lohitha Guntupalli; Advisor(s): Samir Patel
A-117 B09 Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Functionalized Capture Surfaces
Tera Sparks; Advisor(s): Seungpyo Hong, Hao-Jui Hsu
A-119 I06 Integration of Sensors in a Wireless High Altitude Balloon Cut-Down System
Brendan Batliner, Milan Shah; Advisor(s): Lou Nigra, Ken Walczak
A-121 C38 The Effects of A4V Superoxide Dismutase 1 Mutant Protein Incorporation on
Calcium Ion Membrane Conductance
Shelly Teng; Advisor(s): Michael Allen, Ana Correa, Jacob Riehm
A-131 R06 Analyzing the X-Ray Spectra of Nova V339 Delphi and Nova KT Eridani Using
Model Atmospheres
Sattvic Ray; Advisor(s): Daniel van Rossum
A-133 C41 The Effects of the Microflora on Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration in vitro
Brian Vien; Advisor(s): Ali Djalilian
A-135 P10 Does Connective Tissue Growth Factor Cause Left Atrial Fibrosis in Dilated
Cardiomyopathy?
Abhishek Sethi; Advisor(s): Allen Samarel
A-138
Acad.
Pit
C03 The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Ashok Arjunakani, Philip Nebres; Advisor(s): Kim Elseth, James Radosevich
A-147 P03 Epidermal Growth Factor Ameliorates Transforming Growth Factor β-Induced
Collagen Deposition in Pancreatic Stellate Cells
Ryan Chiu; Advisor(s): Paul Grippo, Windel Emman Mascariñas, Daniel Principe
A-151 F07 Measurement of Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Accuracy Using Machine Learning
Algorithms
Saurabh Kumar; Advisor(s): Paul Kump, Miles Wernick
A-155 A07 Elucidating Proteins Involved in Mitochondrial Division and Tethering Using the
Yeast Two-Hybrid System
Sai Talluru, Amy Zhu; Advisor(s): Laura Lackner, Holly Ping
B-108 A05 Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to Lysine (K)-Specific
Demethylase 5A and the Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
Aishwarya Raj; Advisor(s): Elizaveta Benevolenskaya
B-116 C25 Effects of a Nuclear Receptor Agonist on Gene Expression of Hepatocyte Organoids
Quinn Lewis; Advisor(s): Candace Cham, Eugene Chang, Kristina Martinez
B-133 Q01 Alteration of Brain Connections in Resting State Networks After Performing Simple
Motor Actions
Kristin Carlson; Advisor(s): Todd Parrish, Xue Wang
B-206
Lect.
Hall
F09 Transition From Biological Life to the Development of Artificial Intelligence
Claire Lee, Emily Rader; Advisor(s): Mike Ososky
E-102
Aud.
L01 Thematic Development in Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas and its Applications to
Modern Composition
Daniel Collins; Advisor(s): Peter Dong
37
A01
Functional Characterization of the HopZ Family of Type III Effectors
Presenter(s)
Kaia Ball, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
Andrew Manning, University of Chicago
Tomato production is a major industry worldwide, with the average American eating over twenty pounds
annually. Tomato crops can be afflicted by a wide variety of pathogens that reduce the output of the crop.
The bacteria Pseudomonas syringae is a model laboratory pathogen for understanding bacterial-plant
interactions in numerous species, including tomatoes. It utilizes a type III secretion system (T3SS) to
infect host cells. Understanding the role of T3SS effectors in P. syringae infection allows researchers to
dissect mechanisms of pathogenesis. During infection, P. syringae produces many effector proteins,
including members of the HopZ protein family. Previous studies have shown that HopZ3 aids in virulence
by transferring an acetyl group to several defense proteins, interrupting defense signalling. I studied
whether close relatives of HopZ3 (HopZ1a, HopZ1b, HopZ1c, HopZ2) also transfer acetyl groups onto
proteins. The genes of these proteins were cloned, optimal expression conditions were found, and the
samples were tested to determine whether the proteins had acetyltransferase activity. Activity of at least
HopZ1a suggests that these proteins are similar to HopZ3 in function. Further studies will look into how
to block this activity and lower the virulence of P. syringae.
A02
The Effect of pH and Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium Concentration on Two-Chambered
Microbial Fuel Cells
Presenter(s)
Ryan Franks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeong Choe-Hwang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Microbial fuel cells (MFC) are a viable method of utilizing waste to generate energy. The conditions
under which marine MFCs operate are changing. For instance, carbon dioxide emissions and increased
nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) can change the ocean environment and may further affect
the MFC performance. To investigate the influences of these factors, voltage generation was measured in
a methylene blue-mediated, two-chamber microbial fuel cell. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was subjected to
an environment with varied pH levels and NPK concentrations. MFC performance was found to be
optimal at pH 6.4 and a nitrogen concentration of 0.00313 grams/liter. Measurements suggest that ocean
acidification and fertilizer run-off may increase voltage production in MFCs but will reduce voltage at
more excessive levels. Based on this, MFC voltage generation may be optimized when submerged in
waters with higher NPK concentrations which could have some applications in wastewater treatment
facilities that accumulate NPK in their sludge dewatering streams.
38
A03
Determining the Optimal Conditions for Inducing Apoptosis in MCF-7 Cells With Aspirin
Treatment
Presenter(s)
Deborah Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ruchi Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Case studies of tumor samples taken from colorectal cancer patients with the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-
bisphosphonate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha polypeptide (PIK3CA) gene mutation on low dosage
regimens of aspirin have indicated longer patient survival. Studies conducted with cancer cell lines with
PIK3CA mutations showed an increase in apoptosis when treated with aspirin. The specific connection
between PIK3CA mutations and aspirin has yet to be determined as these findings are still new and
developing. Our investigation delved into the reasons and range of the effectiveness of aspirin on
apoptosis in the MCF-7 cell line. Using well cultures of MCF-7 cells with highly varied concentrations of
aspirin, we determined the optimal growth time and aspirin concentrations to use for apoptosis detection.
Our results found the optimal growth time to be 48 hours and the optimal concentrations to be 5-10 mM
of aspirin. The Fluorometric TUNEL System stained the cells to identify apoptotic cells. We predict that
the cells treated with increasing amounts of aspirin will show increased level of apoptosis. This result is
significant when considering different treatment options for cancer patients involving use of aspirin.
A04
Optimizing Light Absorption in Cyanobacteria
Presenter(s)
Archit Potharazu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Zachary Yager, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of our experiment is to optimize environmental conditions for maximum light absorption by
the core membrane linker protein (LCM) in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, a strain of cyanobacteria. LCM
is a major constituent of the terminal energy acceptor in the phycobilisome (PCB), a complex that sits on
the chloroplast thylakoid membrane and is responsible for most of the light absorption for photosystem II.
We also worked with the PcyA and Ho1 genes, which encode proteins that are co- expressed so that LCM
can absorb light. We are cloning the three genes into an expression vector and will transform the vector
into Escherichia coli for protein production and testing. Preliminary results from other studies show that
LCM absorption is extremely red- shifted (~667 nanometers) at a neutral pH and room temperature
(26oC) with strong light. We aim to test absorption while varying pH, temperature, light intensity, and the
presence of specific metal ions. Maximizing light absorption in cyanobacteria can lead to improved
biofuel production.
39
A05
Analysis of Metabolic Pathways and the Relationship to Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase 5A and
the Retinoblastoma 1 Gene
Presenter(s)
Aishwarya Raj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
The retinoblastoma 1(Rb1) and (K)-specific demethylase 5A (KDM5A) genes have critical roles in cell
cycle regulation and metabolism that consequently affects cancer metabolism. Rb1, when inactivated,
causes defects in cell differentiation. Interestingly, the inactivation (double knock down) of Kdm5a in
addition to Rb1, rescues the defects resulting from loss of Rb1. To test Kdm5a’s effects further, gene
expression in cells induced to differentiate were analyzed for the following gene ontologies: muscle
system, cell cycle, and metabolic-related ontologies glutathione, mitochondrion, and alanine, aspartate,
glutamate (AAG). The effects on gene expression due to the loss of Rb1, Kdm5a, or both were analyzed
relative to wild type due to their direct impact on cell regulation and metabolic pathways. Using
Microsoft Excel, GI tools software, and experimental work, Kdm5a and Rb1 were confirmed to have both
a cooperative and inverse relationship in regulation of gene expression through various cellular processes.
Thus, results of the investigation illustrate that the inactivation of both Kdm5a and Rb1 significantly
restores gene expression for metabolic and muscle system ontologies but not for cell cycle ontology. The
application of this research would allow for Kdm5a focused drug targets.
A06
Phthalates and Phthalate Alternatives: Effects on Proliferative and Estrogenic Target Genes
Presenter(s)
Ranjani Sundar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Serdar Bulun, Northwestern University
Ping Yin, Northwestern University
Phthalates are used as plasticizers in many of the products found in medical, household, and industrial
applications. Little research has been completed on the negative effects of these phthalates as potential
endocrine disrupting chemicals. As these chemicals are ingested, the mechanism by which they affect the
reproductive system is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to observe how two phthalates,
Di-n-butyl phthalate and diisononyl phthalate, and two phthalate alternatives, dioctyl terephthalate and
butylated hydroxytoluene, tested in conjunction with and without estradiol, affect uterine cells in
comparison to control and 17β-estradiol treatment. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was
used to observe changes in expression of mRNA with chemical treatment. Results show, based on change
in proliferative and estrogenic target genes, each of the chemical treatments (in conjunction with and
without estradiol) increased proliferation in Ishikawa cells. All compounds led to upregulation of the
majority of the estrogen mediated genes tested. These results opened possible classifications for
mechanisms of these compounds and led to evidence that these phthalates and phthalate alternatives can
be classified as potential endocrine disruptors based on increase of proliferative and estrogen mediated
gene expression, supporting the hypothesis that these chemicals can have negative effects on the female
reproductive system.
40
A07
Elucidating Proteins Involved in Mitochondrial Division and Tethering Using the Yeast Two-
Hybrid System
Presenter(s)
Sai Talluru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Amy Zhu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Laura Lackner, Northwestern University
Holly Ping, Northwestern University
Mitochondria are dynamic organelles that are primarily responsible for energy production in cells. The
shape and distribution of mitochondria affect its function and cellular function. The four main activities
that determine mitochondrial shape and distribution are division, fusion, motility, and tethering. Tethering
describes the anchoring of mitochondria to cellular structures. The purpose of this investigation is to
elucidate the proteins involved in the molecular systems that mediate mitochondrial division and
tethering. Using the yeast two-hybrid system, we are able to test for novel protein-protein interactions
with genome library screening, plasmid isolation, restriction digests, spot tests, and yeast transformations.
Preliminary results suggest a novel interaction between the two tether components Caf4 and Mdm36. We
also used the mitochondrial division protein Dnm1 and the tether protein Num1 in yeast two-hybrid
screens against a library of six thousand yeast proteins. Our screening suggests a potential interaction
between Mth1 and Num1. Early results suggest potential interactions between Dnm1 and the following
candidate proteins: Fir1, Slx5, Ade2, Cyc8, Sym1, Nis1, and Gat4. More research is necessary to validate
and functionally assess these interactions. Elucidating molecular structures that regulate mitochondrial
division and tethering may further our understanding of neurological diseases, which have been
associated with defects in mitochondrial shape and distribution.
B01
Investigating Methylation Patterns in Cancer Suppressor Genes Through Gene Sequencing
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Philip Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Berna Demircan, University of Illinois at Chicago
Kim Elseth, University of Illinois at Chicago
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
One flourishing area of cancer research is the observation of DNA methylation patterns. DNA
methylation is used in the body to turn genes on and off. Cancers usually have aberrantly methylated
genes and scientists have avidly researched these methylation patterns. This investigation involves
identifying and comparing the methylation of several genes in lung cancer cells. First cancer cells were
cultured and then the genomic DNA was extracted. Methylation specific polymerase chain reaction was
used to amplify the cancer DNA and to select the specific gene that was under observation. Gel
electrophoresis was run so that the unmethylated and methylated portions of genes could be identified.
Potentially this research could find a universal trait in common between several cancer types. This in turn
would enable scientists to manufacture drugs that combat mutations found in tumor- suppressor genes.
41
B02
Molecular Cloning of Cellulolytic Enzymes From Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Presenter(s)
Jennifer Du, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Aldwin Anterola, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
Bioethanol is currently made by digesting and fermenting starch, but cellulose in plants can also be
digested to create alcohol. Because this process usually involves treating the cellulose with heat and acid
beforehand, engineering cellulolytic proteins that are able to function in highly acidic and hot conditions
can greatly advance the future of bioethanol in viable alternative energy sources. We cloned the fusion tag
vector PCHalo with DNA inserts from Acidothermus cellulolyticus, a thermoacidophilic bacterium that
can digest cellulose. Then we sought to express the protein from this vector in competent E. coli cells. We
were able to clone the plasmid containing the insert successfully, but we were not able to express the
proteins in a soluble form. The protein’s failure to be expressed could have been caused by a variety of
reasons, such as the amino acid composition of the expression vector, or the failure of the bacterial cells
used for expression. Successful expression of thermoacidophilic cellulase may greatly improve the
efficiency and cost of bioethanol production in the future.
B03
Confirmation of Protein Immobilization on Carbon Nanofibers Through Imaging Labeled With
Glucose Oxidase-Coupled Gold Nanoparticles
Presenter(s)
Ashley Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
In Seop Chang, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology
Enzymatic biofuel cells are devices that are able to generate electricity by catalyzing the reductionoxidation
reactions occurring at the cathode of its functioning system. Protein immobilization on carbon
nanofibers plays the most important part of the electricity production in certain enzymatic biofuel cells.
Gold nanoparticle labeling is utilized to display that the protein was immobilized onto the carbon
nanofibers, as the gold nanoparticles, which attach to the protein, are evident through transmission
electron microscope imaging. The gold nanoparticles in this investigation were coupled with glucose
oxidase (GOx), an enzyme that instigates a reduction-oxidation reaction, which is the protein being
immobilized. There are two different ways of labeling; carbodiimide chemistry and streptavidin-biotin
attraction. The streptavidin-biotin attraction method was more difficult in that the attachment of GOx to
biotin is hard to confirm completely because it resulted in varied sizes of the gold nanoparticles. With
carbodiimide chemistry, the gold nanoparticles were more uniform in size and spread throughout the
carbon nanofiber, making it easier to support the attachment. The attachment is vital as the gold
nanoparticles represent the immobilization of glucose oxidase on the carbon nanofiber. After testing both
methods, carbodiimide chemistry resulted in being more effective.
42
B04
Centrosome and Spectrosome Orientation in Drosophila APC2-mut Stem Cell Asymmetric Division
Presenter(s)
Danielle Madsen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Chi Bang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Jun Cheng, University of Illinois at Chicago
Germline stem cells (GSCs) divide asymmetrically to maintain tissue homeostasis through balance of
self-renewal and differentiation. The adenomatous polyposis coli 2 (APC2) is a tumor suppressor protein
that is hypothesized to localize to the apical cortex, serve as a binding protein for the apical aster
microtubules during mitosis, and regulate the spindle orientation. Spectrosome is a cytoskeletal organelle
that is hypothesized to regulate the spindle orientation in male GSCs. Immunofluorescence staining and
confocal imaging of Drosophila testes via APC2 mutation revealed the roles of the APC2 on centrosome
and spectrosome orientations in GSCs. A significant increase in misoriented centrosomes (P<0.001) was
observed, although the spectrosome positioning was not significantly different. In wild-type GSCs, the
spectrosome location shifted from basal to apical when the centrosomes were misoriented. In contrast, the
spectrosome location change was diminished in APC2-mut. Furthermore, APC2 mutation had a
statistically significant increase (P<.001) in GSC number. Our data suggests that the spectrosomes repositioned
to the apical cortex when the centrosomes are misoriented, and the APC2 is important to the
spectrosome localization in GSCs with misoriented centrosomes.
B05
An Investigation of a Novel Peptide Amphiphile for Diagnosing Atherosclerosis in vivo
Presenter(s)
Rajiv Patel-O'Connor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eun Ji Chung, University of Chicago
Matthew Tirrell, University of Chicago
Atherosclerosis is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease, a disease which has prevailed as the
leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States for the past eighty years. It has recently
been elucidated that one of the defining characteristics of the onset of atherosclerosis is the
overexpression of CCR2 receptors on sub-endothelial cells. We developed a monocyte-targeting peptide
amphiphile micelle with gadolinium (MPAM-Gd), using a peptide head already known to bind to the
CCR2 receptor, and tested its functionality as a contrast agent for nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
MPAM-Gd was synthesized via conjugation of a peptide head to a hydrophobic tail. The peptide head
was purified through high performance liquid chromatography and mass spectroscopy. Overall micelle
size and structure was determined via dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and
potency as a contrast agent was determined by measuring relaxivity values r1 and r2. Preliminary results
have revealed that overall micellar structure is spherical. This spherical structure could potentially allow
MPAM-Gd to function not only as a diagnosing agent but also as a therapeutic agent.
43
B06
Engineering Vascularized Bone
Presenter(s)
Sean Potempa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Brey, Illinois Institute of Technology
Brianna Roux, Illinois Institute of Technology
One major problem with engineering tissues is the need for blood vessels. Mesenchymal stem cells
(MSC) are used in conjunction with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to create blood
vessel networks. This study had two goals: 1) to optimize the ratio of MSCs to HUVECs for creating the
best network as measured by vessel area, length, and diameter, and 2) to optimize culture conditions to
differentiate MSCs into bone, while still maintaining a complex vessel network. Co-culture spheroids
ranging from 0 to 100% MSCs were cultured for up to three weeks. Cultures with 50% MSCs produced
the longest vessels and highest vessel area, while 70% MSCs produced the largest diameter vessels. The
optimal ratio (50% MSCs) was used to find the growth media combination that created a large, complex
vascularized bone network. Three types were tested: osteogenic media (induces bone growth), endothelial
media (induces blood vessel growth), and a combination of the two. Control groups were measured after
10, 20, and 30 days; the experimental groups had the media type switched after 10 or 20 days and were
grown for 30 days. The results suggested there was no statistical difference in the outgrowth area between
groups.
B07
Ocular Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials in Chronic Stroke Subjects
Presenter(s)
Sagar Punhani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kyle Thomas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Derek Miller, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
William Rymer, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Previous studies have demonstrated that there are asymmetries in descending vestibular drive to cervical
motoneuron pools post-stroke. However, it remains unknown if ascending vestibular drive to ocular
motoneuron pools is also disrupted. We investigated the hypothesis that ascending vestibular drive is
asymmetrically distributed to the clinically-affected (CA) and clinically-spared (CS) ocular motoneuron
pools post-stroke, due in part to a stroke mediated disruption of cortical pathways which modulate
vestibular reflex excitability. We measured ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (oVEMPs), a
biphasic surface potential recorded from the ocular musculature, in the eye muscles of eleven chronic
stroke subjects using high intensity acoustic stimulation. The mean normalized population CA oVEMP
amplitude (mean ± sd: 3.2 ± 2.3) was significantly larger than the mean normalized population CS
oVEMP amplitude (2.0 ± 0.6) [Wilcoxin test, p=0.0322]. In conclusion, these data support our hypothesis
that following stroke, there is an asymmetric distribution of vestibular drive to the CA and CS ocular
motoneuron pools. This finding coupled with future research in the field may have implications in stroke
rehabilitation.
44
B08
Construction of a Human Gene Regulatory Network
Presenter(s)
Susie Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Insuk Lee, Yonsei University
The complete understanding of the human genome will open doors to treatments for many diseases.
While genes and their phenotypes have previously been identified separately, they are recently combined
in a network for a more comprehensive and accurate representation of an organism. Other than the
physical and functional regulatory network, a transcriptional regulatory network will specifically serve as
a critical data set in the future because it involves direction. Computational work was done to select (from
scholarly articles) gene regulation between transcription factors and their target genes, and then a closer
review was conducted to confirm their accuracy. The project will continue until about three thousand
interactions are collected. The completed data set will be used in various ways such as a reference set for
other networks.
B09
Capture of Circulating Tumor Cells Using Functionalized Capture Surfaces
Presenter(s)
Tera Sparks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Seungpyo Hong, University of Illinois at Chicago
Hao-Jui Hsu, University of Illinois at Chicago
The capturing of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is important because the cells can be analyzed to provide
information that is capable of predicting disease relapse, overall survival, as well as the response to
therapy for patients who currently or could potentially have metastatic cancer. To accomplish this, we
made cell capture surfaces by conjugating the anti-epithelial cell adhesion molecule (aEpCAM) to either
epoxy-functionalized glass or dendrimer-immobilized surfaces. We targeted EpCAM because it is usually
expressed on CTCs and not on regular hematological cells, which results in CTC-specific capturing. To
test these surfaces, we used a flow chamber to run cancer cells in suspension over the surfaces and used
the results to determine each type of surface's capturing efficiency. Our results show that aEpCAMfunctionalized
surfaces are able to capture CTCs. In addition, using dendrimer-functionalized surfaces
further enhanced the capturing efficiency, which could be attributed to the multivalent binding effects
introduced by dendrimers.
45
B10
Highlighting Cancerous Tissue During Brain Tumor Resection Surgery
Presenter(s)
Rajiv Trehan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lagnojita Sinha, Illinois Institute of Technology
Ken Tichauer, Illinois Institute of Technology
Since the 1950's scientists have been working to use fluorescence imaging to help visualize tumors in
brain cancer surgery, allowing surgeons to have point accuracy with real time scanning. In this study,
fluorescence image analysis software was developed to optimize tumor-to-healthy tissue contrast in
surgical data from human and rat brains. Various mathematical analysis tools were employed to
accentuate abnormal drug delivery characteristics of brain tumors. Preliminary results are suggesting that
tumor tissue does not always follow the same pattern in retention of the fluorescence solution. This
changes the amount of luminescence exhibited by the healthy and tumor tissue. Mathematical models are
currently being developed to explain the various uptake kinetics of fluorescence that are observed in
different brain tissues. This advanced image analysis tool is expected to provide at least two orders of
magnitude improvement in the contrast between tumor and healthy tissue, providing surgeons with a
more sensitive means of determining which tissues to remove and which to avoid.
B11
Development of a Simulation Visual Prosthetic Device
Presenter(s)
Vivek Vermani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gayatri Kaskhedikar, Illinois Institute of Technology
Philip Troyk, Illinois Institute of Technology
A pressing issue in our society is blindness, and a revolutionary breakthrough in this field comes in the
form of visual prostheses. The purpose of this investigation is to provide a method for the family
members of prospective volunteers who will receive the visual prostheses to understand the type of vision
that can be given, as well as for use in general education about visual prostheses. The guiding question for
this investigation is: How can we design a simulation of the visual prosthetic device? The coding for this
investigation was done in the language Visual C++ on Microsoft Visual Studio. A Raspberry Pi, a
portable single board Linux computer, was used to process the images obtained from a camera and video
eyewear goggles were used to display the images to the user. Tests still need to be done to determine the
effectiveness of the simulated vision.
46
B12
The Effects of the Overexpression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2 in Glioblastoma Multiforme
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Weiss, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roger Kroes, Northwestern University
Joseph Moskal, Northwestern University
Mary Schmidt, Northwestern University
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is one of the most common types of highly invasive primary brain
tumors for which there is no effective treatment. As cell surface oligosaccharide structures are critical to
tumor invasivity, modulation of the expression of the genes involved in the production of these cell
surface sugar structures may have potential as a therapeutic for GBM. Several genes that synthesize
oligosaccharide structures have been identified, including the MAN1A1 and MGAT2 mRNA, which are
down-regulated in glioma stem cells. This year focused on the creation of GBM cell lines with different
levels of expression of MAN1A1 and MGAT2. In this study, these two human glycogenes were cloned
into expression vectors and used to create individual stable transfectants in the human U373MG glioma
cell line. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated high levels of mRNA expression of each
of these genes in forty-eight newly created cell lines as compared to the parental U373 cells. Western blot
analysis was performed to ensure that the proteins were subsequently expressed in the respective clones.
Proper function of each of the clones was evaluated by the use of lectins specifically recognizing
oligosaccharide structures produces by each of these glycogenes. Adhesion and signal transduction assays
were performed to determine the resultant changes in tumor invasivity in these overexpressing cell lines.
C01
Effects of Kallikrien Gene Polymorphisms on Prostate Cancer Risk and Prostate Specific Antigen
Presenter(s)
Joshua-Paul Ajayi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rick Kittles, University of Illinois at Chicago
Prostate cancer (Pca) is the most common malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer related
deaths in the United States. Unfortunately, African Americans (AA) suffer from this burden more than
any other race/ethnic group, as approximately one in six AAs will be diagnosed with Pca during their life
time. Along with high Pca rates, AAs also have the highest prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels in the
United States. This study analyzed a set of twelve single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within five
kallikrien (KLK) genes to investigate their association with elevated PSA levels and increased risk of Pca.
A SNP is a genetic variation when a single nucleotide is changed. Data on 621 AA men recruited at
Howard University Hospital in Washington, DC were used for analyses, and classified into three different
groups: healthy controls (no cancer), controls with PSA ≤4 ng/ml, and Pca cases. The results of the
analyses showed one SNP, rs266870, was associated with increased Pca risk and six SNPs were
associated with PSA levels; the two most significant SNPs were rs2569526 (P = 0.013) and rs12461743
(P = 0.013). This study demonstrated that KLK gene polymorphisms affect both Pca risk and PSA levels
in AA men.
47
C02
Utilizing Nuclear Morphometry to Differentiate Between Salivary Gland Cancers
Presenter(s)
Waleed Ali, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ryan Deaton, University of Illinois at Chicago
Andre Kajdacsy-Balla, University of Illinois at Chicago
Virgilia Macias, University of Illinois at Chicago
Salivary gland cancers have proven to be difficult to properly diagnose, a troubling fact because certain
ones require widely different treatments. In nuclear morphometry, the analyzing of the characteristics of
the nuclei of the cell, lies the possibility to accurately differentiate salivary gland cancers such as adenoid
cystic carcinoma (ACC) from polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA). After extracting
characteristics of eight samples of each of these two types of cancer, I created a model using MATLABTM
which I hypothesize could discriminate between nuclei of ACC and PLGA. Preliminary results so far
support this hypothesis. Statistical regression analysis has selected certain traits such as nuclear shape and
chromatin density as the baseline to discern between the two aforementioned cancers. We are currently
examining a validation set of ACC and PLGA for confirmation. With nuclear morphometry and other
diagnostic tools, doctors will be better able to more quickly and safely treat sufferers of salivary gland
cancers.
C03
The Effect of Nitric Oxide on Cellular Adhesion in Various Cancer Cell Lines
Presenter(s)
Ashok Arjunakani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Philip Nebres, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kim Elseth, University of Illinois at Chicago
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cellular adhesion, the binding of a cell to a surface or another cell, plays a major role in the progression
of cancer. Studies show that nitric oxide (NO), which is found in elevated levels in cancer cells, greatly
affects the cellular adhesion. However, the data is conflicting as to whether NO promotes or inhibits
cellular adhesion. In this investigation the cell adhesion of several cell lines were analyzed to clarify the
relationship between NO and cell adhesion. Each cell line used was divided into two groups: 1) parental
cell line, unmodified cultured cancer cells; and 2) high nitric oxide (HNO) cells that were adapted to
survive in high levels of NO. Five sets of cell solutions from both groups were placed on a mixer for one
to five hours. Cells were then counted as either single, double (two cells bound together), or clumps (three
or more cells bound together). For the HNO cell lines, the percentage of single cells increased while the
double and clumped cells decreased as time went on. The parental cell lines showed the opposite trend
with single cells decreasing and double cells and clumps increasing. Consequently, NO causes a decrease
in cell adhesion in cancer cells.
48
C04
Regulation of Interleukin 17 Receptor D by MicroRNA193a-3p in Colon Cancers and Associated
Diseases
Presenter(s)
Xindi Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Katherine Meckel, University of Chicago
Joel Pekow, University of Chicago
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are autoimmune diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's
disease, causing chronic intestinal tract inflammation. A patient with extensive IBD-associated colitis for
over ten years has a higher probability of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous studies identified
changes in microribonucleic acid (miRNA) and related protein target concentrations in IBD-associated
colon cancers. Regulation of interleukin 17 receptor D (IL17RD) by miRNA193a-3p, a tumor suppressor
that is dysregulated in colon cancer, indicates the role of IL17RD in the transition from IBD to IBDassociated
colon cancer. IL17RD concentrations in human umbilical vein endothelial cells were measured
using Western blotting and real time polymerase chain reaction after transfection of miRNA193a-3p.
Using immunohistochemistry, IL17RD concentrations from different types of colon tissue (normal
control, various UC, sporadic, and IL17RD- associated CRC) were compared; concentrations were higher
in tumors than in UC or control tissues. Due to the downregulation of IL17RD after a miRNA193a-3p
transfection, it is a likely protein target of miRNA193a-3p. These findings demonstrate a novel
mechanism likely involved in IBD-associated cancer. Further studies could solidify the role of
miRNA193a-3p and IL17RD as biomarkers for the transition from IBD to IBD-associated colon cancers.
C05
The Effect of Different Meat Types and Chemicals on Carrion Insect Attraction
Presenter(s)
Mary Cody, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In forensics research, different types of meats have been used to represent corpses. However, the research
emphasis has been on the effects the environment plays on the insects' attraction, rather than the attraction
from the type meat and its decay chemicals. In outdoor trials, I measured the time it took for carrion
insects to be attracted to three different types of meat: chicken, liver, and beef. Additional variables
included adding blood and putrescine, a chemical found on corpses, to the samples, as well as raising the
temperature of the sample to 37oC and increasing the surface area. Indoor trials were conducted using
chicken samples and testing the same variables tested outdoors, using the rate of meat eating the by
dermestid beetles. I combined the outdoor trials in a two-way ANOVA test which showed that the meat
type and chemicals made a significant difference, but there was no interaction between them. I ran a oneway
ANOVA comparing beef with an increased surface area to a regular sample. These results were
again significantly different, showing that factors such as meat type and the state of the meat do affect the
attraction of carrion insects.
49
C06
Effects of Dietary Fat on Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 in Normal Mouse Colon
Presenter(s)
John Deng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Anas Almoghrabi, University of Chicago
Marc Bissonnette, University of Chicago
Urszula Dougherty, University of Chicago
Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Western diet has
been suggested to play an important role in colon cancer development. Since tumor suppressor Secreted
frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1), which suppresses Wnt signaling, is downregulated in colon cancer, we
hypothesized that diet might influence its expression. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry and
Western blotting to investigate diet effects on colonic Sfrp1 expression in normal mouse colon.
Immunostaining suggested that high fat diet reduces Sfrp1 expression compared to low fat diet. These
results were confirmed by Western blotting with lower Sfrp1 in Western diet compared to low fat diet.
Mice fed a combination of Western diet plus fish oil fat showed the highest colonic Sfrp1 expression.
Since Western diet increases colonic tumor development compared to low fat diet and fish oil diet inhibits
tumor development, our preliminary results suggest that diets may modulate tumor development by
altering Sfrp1. Additional samples will be run to confirm these results. This research offers new insights
into how diet might influence colon cancer development via complex molecular mechanisms involving
tumor suppressor genes. Through consumption of healthier diets, individuals might decrease their risk of
colon cancer.
C07
New Regulators of Lysosome Motility
Presenter(s)
Vishrut Dixit, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vladimir Gelfand, Northwestern University
Michael Winding, Northwestern University
The cellular cytoskeleton comprises a network of microtubules that, together with microtubule motors, is
essential for intracellular transport of various protein complexes and organelles. We used time-lapse
microscopy in combination with a genome-wide RNAi screen to search for factors regulating lysosome
motility along microtubules. To classify hits, we modified a temporal color code analysis plugin to
visualize lysosome movement in a single frame. Initial screening results showed that the knockdown of
proteins encoded by genes CG1193, CG14435, and CG14351 results in decreased lysosome motility. To
further verify these hits, each gene was tested individually with quantitative data analysis. We are
currently working on analyzing data for both lysosome and peroxisome motility to confirm preliminary
results; this quantitative data analysis will be completed in the next few weeks. The results of this study
increase our knowledge about factors affecting organelle transport, which may have future implications in
understanding transport in neurons with possible links to neurodegenerative diseases. Disruptions in
axonal transport, including abnormal accumulations of protein and organelles, have been shown to link to
major human neurodegenerative diseases.
50
C08
Optimizing DNA Sequencing Using DNA Isolation, Polymerase Chain Reaction, and Gel
Electrophoresis
Presenter(s)
Natalie Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Atene Poskute, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Saigopal Somasundaram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
At the molecular level, DNA can be broken down to a sequence of four different nitrogenous bases. The
process of determining this sequence is known as DNA sequencing and can provide important
information in biological research. DNA from MO59K fibroblast cells, donated human cheek cells, CEM
white blood cells, and U937 white blood cells was isolated. Primers were selected and designed, adjusting
the sequence included in each primer in order to adjust the annealing temperature for each pair.
Optimization of polymerase chain reaction as well as isolation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is
ongoing. Changes in the source of mtDNA as well as changing annealing temperatures are also ongoing.
C09
The Effect of microRNA on the Proliferation of Non-Small Cell Lung and Breast Adenocarcinoma
Presenter(s)
Nisa Faheem, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Somie Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lajvanthi Sudhakar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Microribonucleic acid (miRNA), twenty to twenty-five nucleotide long strands of genetic expression
regulators, may have some function in the proliferation of a variety of carcinomas. The microRNA strand
Hsa-miR-122-5p is designed to inhibit the expression of tumor suppressor genes, thus potentially
inducing proliferation of MCF-7 breast adenocarcinoma and H522 non-small cell lung cancer cells. We
tested the effect of miRNA on H522 and MCF-7 cells by transfecting miRNA into the cell lines with
DharmaFECT reagent. Quantitative cell counts were taken of non-transfected cells and cells transfected
with Hsa-miR-122-5p miRNA, positive control miRNA, and negative control miRNAto determine the
proliferation of transfected cells. We determined a significant (P < 0.05) proliferation in the MCF-7 cells
which contained the transfected miRNA against the negative control. However the data were not
conclusively supported by the positive and negative controls as they were not significantly different from
each other. We are in the process of plating the cells on slides to determine transfection efficiency. Our
results will reveal more about the function of miRNA and its relationship in cancer development,
providing insight into different therapeutic methods.
51
C10
Physical Interactions of Regulatory Sequences Within Schizophrenia-Associated MIR137 Locus
Presenter(s)
Kristy Fang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Nahee Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jubao Duan, NorthShore University HealthSystem
Although the non-coding MIR137 locus has been identified as a new schizophrenia susceptibility locus, it
is unknown what gene the disease risk variants affect. The objective of this study is to determine the
physical chromatin interactions between putative regulatory sequences flanking the common disease risk
variant (rs1198588) and the promoter/enhancer sequences adjacent to MIR137 and other genes such as
dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DYPD). A chromosome conformation capture (3C) assay using SHSY5Y
(a neuroblastoma cell line) was carried out. Cells were fixed, chromatins were cut and re-ligated to
test interacting segments, segments were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and bands were
visualized using gel electrophoresis. Amplified DNA was then sequenced to confirm these interactions.
Previous results suggested that sequences flanking the rare disease risk variant adjacent to MIR137 did
not interact with DPYD promoters. However, the sequence flanking the common risk variant rs1198588
yielded a robust and specific PCR amplification with DPYD as well as the MIR 137 adjacent promoter
and enhancer sequences. Thus, the regulatory sequence flanking the rs1198588 regulated the expression
of DPYD, but did not regulate the expression of the pseudogene LOC 729987 promoter. By pinpointing
the regulatory sequence interactions, the molecular mechanisms of MIR137 locus with schizophrenia can
be better understood.
C11
Deoxycholic Acid Alters Expression of Cancer and Epigenetic Genes in Mouse Intestinal
Epithelium
Presenter(s)
Yan Lin Feng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kyle Dolan, University of Chicago
Studies have shown that bacterial metabolites in the gut may alter intestinal gene expression, leading to
colorectal cancer. We suspect epigenetics plays a role in cancer development since cancer cells display
aberrant epigenetic patterns. We assessed the effects of deoxycholic acid (DCA), a bacterial metabolite
linked with colorectal cancer, on certain cancer and epigenetic-related genes in the small intestine. In a
culture model of intestinal epithelium derived from mouse stem cells, DCA exposure decreased the
abundance of transcripts for DNA methyltranferases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a) and methylcytosine oxidases
(Tet2, Tet3). DCA exposure also increased the expression of growth arrest and DNA damage 45
(Gadd45), a cellular stress response gene. These results suggest that DCA causes abnormal methylation
patterns by suppressing DNMT and TET expression at the transcriptional level. Additionally, the increase
in GADD indicates that significant DCA-induced DNA damage occurred. This finding proposes a
possible link between DNA damage and reduced DNMT and TET expression. Further studies on DCA's
effects on gene expression may provide more insight into the mechanisms underlying how this bacterial
metabolite promotes colorectal cancer.
52
C12
Using Golden Helix to Analyze Data From Whole Genome Sequences of Polycystic Ovarian
Syndrome
Presenter(s)
Natasha Freund, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Margrit Urbanek, Northwestern University
High throughput Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is used to compare genetic information of affected
subjects to that of control subjects to assess the likelihood that genomic variants are linked to causes of
complex diseases, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). NGS develops large amounts of data
that must be filtered by quality using bioinformatics technology, such as Golden Helix. This study used
previously sequenced genomes of fifty-four women with PCOS and eighteen controls. These genetic files
were formatted and uploaded to Golden Helix SNP and Variation Suite. After reading NGS articles and
software manuals, I applied various filters to determine how this technology analyzes variant linkage to
complex diseases. By viewing the filtered outputs in Golden Helix's genome browse, I found that alleles
with a call rate higher than 85%, and genotype quality and read depth greater than 20 were sufficiently
filtered for genotype marker annotations, including those for clinically important genotypes, known
alternative nucleotides, and allelic variants found in previous studies. Golden Helix's call rate, genotype
quality, read depth, and cross-annotation filters are most effective in providing the highest quality data for
comparing to the reference sequence. These findings will help develop a standard for these new programs
in future genetic association studies.
C13
Examining Cell-Cell Communication in Filamentous Cyanobacteria Using Electron Tomography
Presenter(s)
Geronimo Garcia, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Priya Trivedi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
Amin Nasser, University of Chicago
Cyanobacteria are green-blue gram-negative prokaryotes that carry out photosynthesis, fixing carbon
dioxide and generating oxygen. In response to nitrogen deprivation, about 10% of vegetative cells of
filamentous cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 differentiate into nitrogen-fixing heterocysts,
providing an anaerobic environment required for nitrogen fixation. Cell communication is important
between these specialized cells as amino acids are transported from heterocysts to vegetative cells while
sugar is transported from vegetative cells to heterocysts. Our goal was to examine the structure and
composition of heterocysts and vegetative cells in order to determine function, composition, and location
of possible channels between these cells. Cells grown in medium with and without a nitrogen source were
high pressure frozen, sectioned, and visualized by electron microscopy. Three-dimensional tomograms
were generated and used to model the cells. We found that channels exist between cells. We determined
the dimensions of the channels and found that between a heterocyst and vegetative cell the channels are
14 nanometers in diameter and 21 nanometers long (+2 SD) while the average measurements of channels
between vegetative cells are 12 nanometers in diameter and length (+2 SD). We also noticed that these
channels might serve as molecular markers, dictating where the heterocyst's neck develops.
53
C14
Patterns Behind Degeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells in Glaucoma on Oscillatory Potential
Waves
Presenter(s)
Cammille Go, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Xiaorong Liu, Northwestern University
Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. It is a group of neuropathic diseases that
result in the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), leading to blindness. In closed-angle
glaucoma, the patient possesses high intraocular pressure (IOP), as the aqueous humor cannot drain
through the blocked trabecular meshwork. We established a model mimicking this condition by using
laser illumination and microbead injection to cause elevated IOP for eight weeks. Full-field
electroretinography (ERG) was used to stimulate in vivo mouse eyes and to measure the electrical
responses, allowing us to monitor the degeneration of retinal function over time. ERG records a-waves, bwaves,
and oscillatory potentials (OPs). A-waves and b-waves are created as a response to stimulation by
photoreceptor cells and bipolar cells respectively. OPs, created in the inner retina, reflect functional
changes in RGCs. By measuring the decrease in the amplitude of OPs, we chronicled the effects of
glaucoma on RGCs. In our ocular hypertension model, we noted that there was a decrease in OPs,
demonstrating the degeneration of RGCs. Furthermore, the extent of degeneration can be estimated
because the OPs gradually decrease with time. In conclusion, our mouse model enables us to extrapolate
patterns about the human disease and test potential cures.
C15
Engineering a Luminescent Reporter Protein to Track Influenza A Virus Infection in vivo
Presenter(s)
Annika Gomez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Balaji Manicassamy, University of Chicago
This study aims to develop a novel reporter system that would allow us to follow influenza A virus (IAV)
infection in vivo in a mouse model of influenza infection using firefly luciferase (FFluc) as a reporter.
IAV promoter and terminator sequences were added to the reporter gene to ensure that it can only be
translated into FFluc protein in the case of IAV infection. The gene was cloned into plasmids containing a
mouse polymerase promoter. These DNA constructs where transfected into mouse fibroblast cells. Cells
were cotransfected with Renilla luciferase, which served as a normalizing control. The transfected cells
were infected with IAV, or a mini genome assay was performed, to determine if the construct functioned
correctly. Luciferase assays were performed on the cell lysates to determine the amount of luciferase in
each group. Results from the mini genome assay showed a high amount of FFluc production compared to
the control (2,061,510 relative light units (RLU) compared to 1,786 RLU). Results from the
transfection/infection experiments also showed a high amount of FFluc production in infected cells
compared with uninfected cells (216,623 RLU compared to 39,857 RLU). These results indicate that the
DNA construct containing FFluc reporter is functional and can be used to track IAV infection in vivo.
54
C16
CRISPR/Cas9 RNA-Guided Upregulation of Utrophin as a Therapy for Duchenne Muscular
Dystrophy
Presenter(s)
Alyda Huerta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Renzhi Han, Loyola University
Andrew Mariano, Loyola University
Audrey Torcaso, Loyola University
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an X-linked recessive trait that affects one out of every thirty-six
hundred male infants. It is caused by mutations in the DMD gene that encodes for dystrophin. Dystrophin
links the muscle cytosketeleton to the extracellular matrix and prevents stress to the plasma membrane
and damage to myofibers. Upregulating utrophin could compensate for the lack of dystrophin in the
muscle cells of patients with DMD because utrophin's homology with dystrophin allows it to interact with
the same proteins in the cytoskeleton network. As a possible therapy for DMD, we used the engineered
transcription factor dCas9-VP64 and utrophin-targeting guide ribonucleic acid (gRNA) to upregulate
utrophin. We transfected cultured cells with the pLKO-dCas9-VP64 construct only or with an equal ratio
of the three pLKO-dCas9-VP64-hUtr constructs. RNA extracts were obtained 48 hours after transfection
and then reverse transcribed into complementary DNA. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gel
electrophoresis indicated that there was an increase in the utrophin mRNA with the three pLKO-dCas9-
VP64-hUtr constructs compared to dCas9- VP64 only. Additional reverse transcriptase PCR and Western
blot analysis is currently in progress to test each single gRNA individually along with the dCas9-VP64
construct for upregulation of utrophin.
C17
Effect of High Nitric Oxide Microenvironment on Cancer Cell Migration
Presenter(s)
Shreya Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Radosevich, University of Illinois at Chicago
Cancer cells are unique because they resist cell death, form new blood vessels, and metastasize or spread
cancer in the body. Nitric oxide (NO) is a chemical that can help a microenvironment thrive or diminish.
In large quantities, NO inhibits expression of cell adhesion molecules, causing metastasis. The aim of the
present study was to find a correlation between the cell migration rates of high nitric oxide cells (HNO)
and parent cells in cancerous cell lines. Five cell lines were investigated and a scratch assay protocol was
executed to study cell migration by creating an artificial gap on a cell monolayer and capturing images at
regular intervals to measure the distance of the gap over time. The study found that the parent breast
tissue cell lines migrated faster than the HNO cells. On the other hand, the parent lung tumor cell line had
a slower metastatic rate compared to the HNO cells. There was minimal difference between the migration
rates of HNO cells and parent cells in each cell line. Further research will need to be conducted to
discover how NO reacts to certain environments so researchers and doctors can cure cancer or alleviate
pain for patients.
55
C18
Phenotypic Characterization of OX40L-Expressing Dendritic Cells Expanding T-Regulatory TCells
Presenter(s)
Elijah Jimenez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Palash Bhattacharya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Bellur Prabhakar, University of Illinois at Chicago
Earlier work has shown that bone marrow cells isolated from mouse femurs can be cultured ex vivo in the
presence of the cytokine granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor to differentiate into bone
marrow dendritic cells (BMDC). These cells can be classified into two distinct populations based on the
expression of the co-stimulatory molecule OX40L. Only OX40L-expressing BMDCs have the capacity of
selectively proliferating regulatory T-cells in co-cultures. Thus, these cells could be relevant for
regulating immunological tolerance. To better understand the phenotype of OX40L positive BMDCs and
to correlate this with its tolerogenic function, we conducted a whole genome microarray to determine
relative gene expression between OX40L positive and OX40L negative BMDCs. Our data revealed that
OX40L positive BMDCs expressed higher levels of CD80 and CD86, co-stimulatory molecules related to
antigen presentation. They also expressed higher levels of the cytokines CCL5 and CCL22, which are
chemoattractants for T-cell subtypes. Finally OX40L positive BMDCs differentially expressed the
transcription factors NFAT5 and c-REL. We further confirmed some of these findings through
quantitative and semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We also cultured BMDCs in the presence of
various inhibitors to determine which cell-signaling pathway affected OX40L expression. Flow
cytometry-based data revealed that the NF-kB and PI3K pathways are involved in OX40L expression in
BMDCs.
56
C19
Error Correction Approach of Next Generation Sequencing Data for Analysis of HIV-1 Variability
Presenter(s)
Vivian Jin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shuchi Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eunyoung Kim, Northwestern University
Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Ramon Redondo Lorenzo, Northwestern University
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) constitutes one of the major medical challenges due to
infectious diseases that the world is facing, affecting more than thirty million people. Due to its high
mutation rate, enormous population sizes, and rapid turnover, HIV-1 generates a swarm of mutants,
known as a quasispecies, whose variability constitutes a major mechanism in the HIV-1 virus adaptability
and evasion to drugs. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies can be used to analyze the highly
variable HIV-1 in order to understand host-virus interactions and viral evolution. However, these
sequencing machines can introduce errors that become difficult to distinguish between low-frequency
variants and viral mutations. In the present project we have developed an analysis pipeline for 454
sequencing data that is an NGS platform. We used control sequences of known composition tagged with
two identifiers to quantify sequencing errors. This data was analyzed to identify the frequencies at which
errors occurred, the relationship between the errors and sequence frequency, and the existence of specific
error-prone regions. The error correction approach will distinguish between naturally occurring mutations
and sequencing errors. This study will provide insight for an accurate analysis of the HIV-1 viral
variability and evolution that is critical to successful treatment development.
C20
The Effect of Photoperiod and Thyroid Hormone on Innate Immune Response in Phodopus
sungorus
Presenter(s)
Omkar Kelkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kenneth Onishi, University of Chicago
Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Tyler Stevenson, University of Chicago
Short day lengths (SD) enhance multiple aspects of immune function and recent research indicated that
thyroid hormone (T3) is sufficient to mimic the effects of SDs on some aspects of immune function
(white blood cell counts and T cell mediated inflammatory responses). This study examined whether
photoperiod and T3 likewise affect innate immune responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which
simulates a bacterial infection. In the study, long day (LD) and SD hamsters, along with LD hamsters pretreated
with 1 g of T3, were injected with LPS or saline (as a control). SD hamsters exhibited reductions
in sickness behaviors and hypothalamic cytokine (NFKb and IL-beta) production, as compared to LD
hamsters. T3 treatment, however, was without effect on any of these responses to LPS. The data suggest
that photoperiod significantly affects behavioral and molecular sickness responses, but that thyroid
hormones are not sufficient to mimic the effects of SD photoperiods on these aspects of immune function.
Effects of thyroid hormones on immune function appear to be trait-specific.
57
C21
Effects of Environmental Factors, Immune Evasion, and Reservoir Population on the Prevalence of
Lyme Disease
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Kiene, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Megan Schrementi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi, and transported to humans by the deer tick,
Ixodes scapularis, is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States. Yearly case estimates
previous to 2013 approached twenty to thirty thousand cases, but the Centers for Disease Control now
estimates around three hundred thousand cases per year. This study explored factors contributing to
elevated prevalence of B. burgdorferi infection. A literature review examined factors like vector and
reservoir population, climate, acorn density, and antigenic variation. The factors contributing highly to the
occurrence of Lyme disease were determined to be acorn density feeding the reservoir population and B.
burgdorferi variation of outer surface proteins, leading to avoidance of host immune response. Further, B.
burgdorferi is able to effectively evade immune response, which may contribute to increased severity and
reinfection of human hosts. Correlation studies of case numbers in local areas indicate that environmental
variables do not affect Lyme disease infectivity.
C22
The Role of E2F1 in Regulating Bone Marrow Cell Oxidative Metabolism and Ischemic Cardiac
Repair
Presenter(s)
Srisha Kotlo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gangjian Qin, Northwestern University
Tianjiao Sun, Northwestern University
Shiyue Xu, Northwestern University
Myocardial ischemia is a condition leading to hypoxia and an environment in which the heart tissue is
damaged. Endothelial progenitor cells have therapeutic potential for ischemic cardiac repair. Recent
studies suggest that E2F1 suppression enhances oxidative phosphorylation in progenitor cells and is
associated with cell differentiation. Our goal was to see how E2F1 regulates bone marrow (BM)
progenitor cell differentiation, thereby impacting ischemic cardiac repair. We cultured BM lineage
negative progenitor cells under hypoxic and normoxic conditions. BM lineage negative cells were isolated
through magnetic cell sorting and analyzed for PDK expression level, cell metabolic profile, and cell
function. E2F1 deficiency leads to a reduction of expression of PDK2 and PDK4, which results in a
decrease of PDH-E1a phosphorylation. Compared to wild-type BM cells, E2F1 deficient cells showed
about a two-fold increase in expression of endothelial markers. Genetic deletion of E2F1 in BM
progenitor cells enhances oxidative metabolism and differentiation towards endothelial lineage in vitro
and in the ischemic tissue environment. This suggests that inhibition of E2F1 in BM progenitor cells
enhances differentiation of BM cells which are recruited to the ischemic heart, and may improve the
recovery from cardiac ischemic injury.
58
C23
Evaluating Molecular Function of Proteins Through Integrase-Mediated Cassette Exchange
Presenter(s)
Sanjay Kottapalli, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Debabrata Chakravarti, Northwestern University
J. Brandon Parker, Northwestern University
One method for investigating protein function involves lowering expression of the endogenous protein by
RNA interference (knockdown) in order to examine the resulting cellular phenotype. However, problems
arise when attempting to rescue the phenotype by reintroducing mutants of the protein at its original
expression level, due to position effects. Here, we introduce a method for site-specific integrase-mediated
cassette exchange (IMCE), which utilizes the enzyme ΦC31 integrase to swap the genetic material
between attP sites on an acceptor cassette with the DNA between attB sites on a donor vector. Our
acceptor cassette was constructed with the phosphoglycerate kinase promoter and the mCherry red
fluorescent protein gene, flanked by attP sites. The donor cassette was constructed with the enhanced
green fluorescent protein (EGFP) gene, flanked by attB sites. A cotransfection of the acceptor and donor
cassettes +/- integrase into cells showed several instances of EGFP expression, indicating moderate
success of IMCE between transient plasmids. These preliminary results show promise for planned
knockdown/rescue experiments involving cotransfections of integrase and donor cassettes incorporating
rescue transgenes in cells containing the acceptor cassette integrated at a stable locus. This method will
have broader uses in molecular analyses by ensuring uniform expression of wild type and mutant proteins.
C24
Analysis of Retinoblastoma I and Lysine (K)-Specific Demethylase 5A on Metabolic Pathways
Presenter(s)
Kathryn Kuna, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Retinoblastoma 1 (Rb1) and lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5A (Kdm5a) are regulators of several cell
processes, such as the cell cycle, muscle differentiation, and metabolism. Rb1 -/- cells are defective in
differentiation, and the double knockout of Rb1 and Kdm5a genes rescues differentiation. They were
analyzed in relation to the metabolic pathways mitochondrion, the citrate cycle, and the electron transport
chain. Analysis of previous research was used to create diagrams describing how pathways were affected
by gene expression and how specific genes were affected in Rb1-deficient cells. Esrrg is a regulator of
cell metabolism that rescued by the double knockout of Kdm5a and Rb1. The expression levels of Esrrg
in C2C12 myoblasts with different levels of differentiation were analyzed using quantitative polymerase
chain reaction. The data from the diagrams suggested that gene expression of the citrate cycle decreases
in Rb1-inactive cells compared to wild type cells, and the double knockout of Rb1 and Kdm5a rescues the
expression of the mitochondrion genes. The data indicates that as differentiation progresses, Esrrg
expression levels rise. Cancer cells often have abnormal differentiation due to Rb1- inactivation, so the
antagonistic relationship between Kdm5a and Rb1could be used to create a drug that targets Kdm5a, an
easier target, while affecting Rb1.
59
C25
Effects of a Nuclear Receptor Agonist on Gene Expression of Hepatocyte Organoids
Presenter(s)
Quinn Lewis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Candace Cham, University of Chicago
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kristina Martinez, University of Chicago
The constitutive androstane nuclear receptor (CAR) upregulates the expression of xenobiotic
enzymes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism in response to the known CAR agonist, 1,4-
bis[2-(3,5-dichloropyridyloxy)] benzene or TCPOBOP (TCP). It is expected that microbial
metabolites may also activate CAR in hepatic organoids (hepanoids). Thus the aim of the project
was to first determine the effective dose of TCP that induces CAR target gene expression. We
treated hepanoids with various concentrations of TCP and analyzed gene expression by
quantitative polymerase chain reaction of the low density lipoprotein receptor gene, Insig-1, and
Cyp2b10 genes; all of which are genes known to be affected by TCP in hepatocyte cells. We
observed an increase in gene expression of Cyp2b10 at the 100 nM dose, but not Insig-1. Further
investigation will assess the effect of microbial metabolites, such as short chain fatty acids and
hydrogen sulfide, on CAR-regulated gene expression. Resultant findings may implicate an
important role of intestinal bacteria in regulating lipid metabolism in the liver.
C26
Identification of Fate Regulators in Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Presenter(s)
Gina Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Fei Wang, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are well-known for pluripotence, the ability to differentiate into
any mature cell type. This property makes them ideal for studying the molecular mechanisms involved in
early development, a process not easily observable in vitro. Genes of interest showed significantly altered
expression during chemically stimulated differentiation. hESCs were transfected with lentiviral vectors
which introduced short hairpin RNA (shRNA) constructs, silencing a specific gene; expression of
established genetic markers was then measured to further verify the function of this silenced gene in
either suppressing or promoting a particular path of differentiation. Genes PAX6, SOX17, and T were
tested as markers of ectoderm (nerve), endoderm (inner organs), and mesoderm (skeletal muscle)
differentiation, respectively. The study found multiple previously uncharacterized genes which exhibited
major expression pattern change during either neural or endoderm differentiation. Further analysis of
individual genes found two genes potentially contributing to the mechanisms maintaining pluripotency.
These potential regulatory genes will be further characterized in future studies, contributing to knowledge
of early development and stem cell biology which can enable regenerative therapies and birth defect
avoidance.
60
C27
Creating an Efficient Code Pipeline to Analyze Caenorhabditis elegans Drug Sensitivity
Presenter(s)
Gina Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Erik Andersen, Northwestern University
Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm found worldwide, is commonly used as a genetic model organism.
In traits such as drug sensitivity, phenotypic differences between geographically distant strains can be
traced back to genetic factors through genomic mapping. Due to the high volume of data gathered, a code
pipeline which would automate analysis became necessary. Using the R environment and language, I
wrote a script which would automatically apply a series of analytical commands to given lists of control
and test assays. This script is able to account for manually entered data, eliminating wells deemed
contaminated by the researcher. After incorporation of the R Markdown markup language and knitr
package, the R script output automatically generates a formatted HTML report with plots created using
the ggplot2 package. I am currently testing the applicability of my script to different experimental trials
and improving the readability of my report outputs. I have also begun preliminary work to connect both
drug dose response and genomic divergence to the existing code. This work will greatly increase the
efficiency of future drug sensitivity trial analysis and graphical output.
C28
Correlation Between Intracellular Calcium Release and T-Tubule Organization in Failing Rat
Myocytes
Presenter(s)
Shruthi Mothkur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
J. Andrew Wasserstrom, Northwestern University
Heart failure afflicts about 5.7 million people in the United States a year and is a causative agent in one in
nine deaths. Intracellular calcium cycling regulates cardiac systolic and diastolic function in a process
called cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Contractions are caused during the cardiac action potential
as calcium enters the cell through depolarization-activated calcium channels placed along invaginations
along the sarcolemma called t-tubules. During heart failure, this process is disturbed and the contractile
phase is effectively prolonged and t-tubule organization is disturbed. The goal of this study was to
investigate the relationship between t-tubule remodeling and calcium release in heart failure. Intact hearts
from spontaneously hypertensive rats were analyzed to obtain a measurement of organizational index of ttubules
and the heterogeneity index, or standard deviation of calcium transients in individual heart cells.
Results indicate that t-tubule remodeling causes a non-linear increase in the variability of calcium release
along the cell length as the efficiency of calcium-induced calcium release decreases due to distance from
type 1 calcium channels located on the t-tubule increases.
61
C29
Characterization of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B Alterations in Human Breast Cancer
Presenter(s)
Shruthi Mothkur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 232,670 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed
in 2014. Understanding the role of epigenomics during mammary tumorigenesis may elucidate the
process of tumor development. Evidence suggests that deregulation of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B is
linked to tumorigenesis. Through the use of publicly available cancer profiling databases, we analyzed
gene expression level, DNA copy number alterations, and somatic mutations of the three genes in
different tissue samples of human breast cancer. We found significant overexpression of EZH2, KDM5A,
and KDM5B compared to normal breast tissue samples. We correlated gene expression level of these
genes with tumor grade, stage, expression of hormone receptors, and patient survival in these breast
cancer datasets. Consistent with published data, EZH2 expression level was increased in high grade
cancers. Additionally, we analyzed gene expression changes in response to drug treatments. We generated
a map of somatic mutations in the genes and a cross species analysis was run. The results show that the
mutation sites are conservative across species, suggesting the functional significance of the mutations.
This finding indicates that reduction of EZH2, KDM5A, and KDM5B levels in tumor cells may lead to
inhibition of cancer progression.
C30
Functions of Transcriptional Corepressor Groucho on Neuronal Differentiation
Presenter(s)
Emily Mu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Wei Du, University of Chicago
Tianyi Zhang, University of Chicago
In humans, neural tubes differentiate into neurons and glial cells before birth. Accurate and regulated
differentiation is necessary for healthy brain development. Within Drosophila melanogaster and humans
exist a number of transcription cofactors with homologous functions in neuronal differentiation including
corepressor Groucho (GRO). In this study technologies including RNA interference, tissue dissection,
immunostaining, and fluorescent microscopy imaging were used to clarify protein mechanisms in both
early and late-stage neuronal differentiation in the D. melanogaster model organism. Our Drosophila
model established two novel functions for GRO in neuronal development: loss of function GRO
upregulates rhomboid and activated epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and increases
rough expression. This study developed a new model for the binary function of GRO: under normal
conditions, GRO promotes atonal by suppressing EGFR activity, however, removing EGFR allows for
GRO to instead suppress atonal, inducing an extra level of regulation in early neuronal differentiation.
The development of a neural differentiation model can facilitate the creation of new therapies to aid
developmental regulation.
62
C31
Association Between Diabetes-Related Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Various Cancer Types
Presenter(s)
Julian Pacheco, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brandon Pierce, University of Chicago
Chenan Zhang, University of Chicago
The goal of this project was to determine if diabetes-related genetic variants [single nucleotide
polymorphisms (SNP)] are associated with cancer risk. Prior studies have shown that diabetics are at
increased risk for cancer. Data from the Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS) for various cancer
types (ovarian, prostate, breast, colorectal, and lung) was used to estimate associations with cancer for
SNPs known to influence fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and type 2 diabetes risk. Diabetes-related SNPs
were identified using prior literature. A program was then run to identify and extract association estimates
for these SNPs in the cancer GWAS results files. Scatterplots were created to show which SNPs showed
an association with cancer risk, and association trends were plotted as a line. The slope of the line
corresponded to one of three results: positive, negative, or no association. Seventeen graphs showed some
association between the diabetes-related SNPs and different subsets of cancer. Some showed diabetes risk
alleles were associated with decreased chance of a certain subtype of cancer. By showing that there are
associations between diabetes-related and various subtypes of cancers, it became evident that preventative
research should be conducted. In conclusion, our results suggest that for certain cancer subtypes, cancer
risk is influenced by diabetes-related SNPs.
C32
Homozygous Genotypes Long Adenine and Short Variant of Serotonin Transporter Gene and Link
to Autism
Presenter(s)
Breanna Pederson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Edwin Cook, University of Illinois at Chicago
Kelley Moore, University of Illinois at Chicago
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a mental condition that exhibits deficits in social
communication/interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Although most cases of ASD have
unknown causes, many genetic variants are associated with ASD. This project, the Simons Simplex
Collection, examined the phenotypic expression of the homozygous long adenine (LALA) 5-HTTLPR
genotype of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) compared to the homozygous short genotype (SS) in
1,906 autistic subjects. This study attempted to replicate the University of Illinois at Chicago Autism
Center of Excellence results which found a relationship between these genotypes and phenotypes.
Polymerase chain reaction and Msp I digests were performed to determine the genotype of each subject,
including the length of the gene and which nucleotide was present at the cut point. To measure phenotypic
expression the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised factor compulsion, rituals, and sameness (CRS) was
used. The low and high CRS groups were compared to the SS genotype and the LALA genotype groups.
The Pearson chi-square value was 0.95 (p-value of .33) showing that there was no statistical significance
in the relationship of these genotypes and CRS levels. Therefore, the LALA genotype does not coincide
with a higher CRS level than the SS genotype in people with Western European heritage in this sample.
63
C33
Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Amyloid Precursor Protein Gene Roles in the Onset of Alzheimer’s
Disease
Presenter(s)
Michael Pradaxay, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ken-Ichiro Fukuchi, University of Illinois at Peoria
The amyloid hypothesis regarding Alzheimer's disease states that the neurodegeneration may be caused
by beta amyloid (Aβ) buildup in the human brain leading to dementia. Aβ is produced from its precursor,
amyloid precursor protein (APP). Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) has a large role in immune systems and is a
part of the IL-1/toll receptor family. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length
polymorphism were used in order to amplify APP and TLR4 and identify mutated copies of TLR4
respectively. Several mice have been genotyped for APP and TLR4 gene throughout the investigation. A
further understanding on TLR4’s role in Alzheimer’s disease was attained throughout testing. Mice were
tested to see if they possessed different numbers of copies of the TLR4 gene (0, 1, 2, 6 or 7). Larger
quantities of TLR4 were tested in amyloid detection and clearance. The APP genotyping done in the
experiment allows for a more accurate idea of disease causation. Results of this investigation include the
genotyping of mice DNA samples which may assist in mapping the differences in the number of TLR4
gene copies. These results, with other investigations, may lead to a better understanding of Alzheimer’s
disease origins and possible therapeutic treatments.
C34
The Relationship Between Enrichment Type and Daily Activity in a Mountain Lion
Presenter(s)
Maureen Reiser, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Randy Johnson, Phillips Park Zoo
It is crucial to prevent stereotypical or repeated negative behaviors of captive animals in zoos. The most
efficient method to halting these behaviors is the practice of enrichment activities which can stimulate
animals to be more active. I observed and recorded the successfulness of enrichment activities by
comparing the amount of time spent by two mountain lions during and after the activity. I ran a two-way
ANOVA to compare the mean times of activity for each mountain lion. There was not a statistical
difference between the mean times, however the analysis showed that Tonka (the male) on average,
spends more time on enrichment and is active longer compared to Macha (the female). Macha and Tonka
both like the same activities and spend about the same amount of time on activities. There is no
correlation between times spent after the enrichment activity. Tonka is stimulated by the enrichment
activities to be more active than Macha. The preliminary results indicate that successful enrichment
activities motivate animals to be active and prevent stereotypical behaviors.
64
C35
Factors Influencing the Effectiveness of Enrichment for Captive Gray Wolves (Canis lupus)
Presenter(s)
Nicole Schubert, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Randy Johnson, Phillips Park Zoo
Enrichment activities are created to trigger the natural instincts of captive animals to prevent them from
exhibiting negative characteristics. In this study, two eight-year-old wolves were observed for a half hour
after being introduced to the day’s activity. Details regarding the activity were recorded, including the
type of activity it was (food or scent-based), the zookeepers involved in the activity, and the amount of
time each wolf spent on the activity. A one-way ANOVA with repeated measures test was used to
determine if there was a significant difference between the activity types. It was found that there was no
significant difference in the amount of time the wolves spent doing either activity (p = 0.64296). There
was also no significant difference between the amount of time the wolves spent on the activities with
more than one zookeeper present (p = 0.86632). It was found, however, that the male wolf in the study
spent significantly more time on the activities (p = 0.006889). These results do not suggest that any of the
factors examined affect the amount of time the wolves are involved in the activity, but they do suggest
that it would vary between individuals, as expected. It was noted that the female wolf often got distracted
by the zookeepers and another wolf in a connected exhibit after being given enrichment. It is possible that
this distraction was the reason the female did not participate.
C36
The Role of Viral Protein 1/2 in Herpes Simplex Virus 1 Replication
Presenter(s)
Christopher Shin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nick Huffmaster, Northwestern University
Greg Smith, Northwestern University
The focus of this study is to investigate how ubiquitination, a protein modification on the amino acid
lysine known to alter protein function, regulates herpes virus neuroinvasion. The neuroinvasive herpes
viruses, such as herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), can cause lifelong infections in humans. The viral
protein 1/2 (VP1/2) plays an important role in neuroinvasion. Therefore, we mutated two potential sites of
ubiquitination in VP1/2 and determined the contribution of these sites to HSV-1 replication. Experiments
were completed by infecting cultured epithelial cells. Mutating site 636 had no impact on viral
replication. However, mutating site 1976 caused a defect in viral propagation and spread. The data
indicates that site 1976 is critical for VP1/2 function. This novel information regarding the regulation of
VP1/2 in HSV-1 can potentially provide more insight into the mechanisms behind herpes virus infections
of the nervous system.
65
C37
Effect of Apolipoprotein E4 Allele on Deterioration of Brains in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Sachi Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has three allele variations: ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4. The ApoE gene is
involved in plasma lipoprotein metabolism and lipid transportation in tissues. The presence of ApoE4 in
the central nervous system increases the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD); however, the
mechanisms behind the allele ApoE4’s connection to AD are unclear. This investigation tests the effect of
ApoE4 on the deterioration of the brain in AD patients by comparing the volume of the hippocampus of
AD patients one year prior to onset of AD (pMCI patients) carrying ApoE4+ to the volume of the
hippocampus of pMCI patients who do not carry the ApoE4 allele. The data was compared quantitatively
by running correlation tests on FreeSurfer data analysis software. This investigation hopes to show that
the presence of the ApoE4 allele in patients effects deterioration of the hippocampus one year prior to
onset of AD. If this is the case then other parts of the brain will be examined for the effect of the ApoE4
allele to see what about the allele causes increased deterioration of the brain. These insights to the ApoE4
allele can help better understand and treat and diagnose patients suffering from AD.
C38
The Effects of A4V Superoxide Dismutase 1 Mutant Protein Incorporation on Calcium Ion
Membrane Conductance
Presenter(s)
Shelly Teng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Michael Allen, University of Chicago
Ana Correa, University of Chicago
Jacob Riehm, University of Chicago
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of
control in the motor neuron system. One possible cause of the familial form of ALS results from
mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene, that lead to defective proteins. The point
mutation caused by a substitution of alanine to valine leads to the A4VSOD1 mutant, which is the most
deleterious. Our study specifically targets the incorporation of this protein into lipid bilayers and its
ability to create ion conducting pores. In our investigation, we used a computer-based system that controls
the voltage across lipid membranes in order to measure protein-induced conductance perturbations. These
effects were measured by the quantitative differences in the amount of current across the lipid bilayer, due
to changes in transmembrane ion flow. Data was obtained for control experiments and other experiments
that also included the A4VSOD1 mutation protein. We then analyzed this data to determine the effects of
this protein and its ability to create pores that can conduct calcium. Thus far, our results suggest that
A4VSOD1 allows higher calcium conductance and more current jump events in the membrane. From
these results, we infer that the A4V mutation causes greater toxicity by promoting lipid bilayer instability
through its own incorporation into the membrane and that it may contribute to cell death by creating
calcium conductive pores.
66
C39
Designing an Algorithm to Analyze Images of Moving Mitochondria
Presenter(s)
Yash Thacker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yang Li, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Neuron morphology is a useful tool for understanding a neuron’s function in terms of processing the
synaptic information of the neurons in patients with neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s disease. I researched coding an algorithm using MATLAB software based on research
findings and equations designed by previous researchers. The algorithm is being written to de-noise
images of moving of mitochondria, therefore there is still some time before the data can be collected.
While constructing the algorithm we are using particle enhancement techniques and Haar-like features to
make the algorithm analyzing capabilities more accurate. Statistical data such as p-values can be used to
determine effectiveness of the algorithm in terms of accuracy, in addition to using other tests to compare
any significant deviation the algorithm will have in comparison to present algorithms. Based on the
statistical tests, we will be able to test the new algorithm for mitochondrial imaging analysis.
C40
Developing an Efficient Immunization Method to Elicit CD8+ T Cells
Presenter(s)
Lynette To, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yao Bian, Northwestern University
Chyung-Ru Wang, Northwestern University
Most vertebrate animals express the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region that codes for MHC
molecules responsible for antigen processing and presentation to circulating lymphocytes in order to
produce an immune response. Critical to disease survival and pathogen eradication, these immune
responses are driven by CD8+ T cells and cytokines such as IFN-gamma to amplify the response. It has
been shown that HLA-E, the human homologue for MHC-Ib molecule Qa-1, may be involved in
controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infections. This study investigates two immunization
methods, CpG as an adjuvant and Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA), to generate a Qa-1-restricted Mtbspecific
CD8+ T cell response in naive B6 and class-II knockout (CII-KO) mice. After sacrificing
immunized mice, cells from the spleen and lymph nodes were used as effector cells in an ELISPOT to
detect an interferon- gamma immune response. Results show moderate Mtb specificity in CpGimmunized
B6 mice, but no Mtb specificity in immunized CII-KO mice, suggesting the importance of
CD4+ T cells in priming CD8+ stimulation. Further investigations can determine the Mtb specificity of
CFA immunization in B6 mice, possibly leading to the determination of select Mtb peptides' potential to
be used in vaccine strategies for humans.
67
C41
The Effects of the Microflora on Corneal Epithelial Cell Migration in vitro
Presenter(s)
Brian Vien, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ali Djalilian, University of Illinois at Chicago
Damage to the cornea will cause impairment of vision, but it will normally heal with time. This
investigation tested whether or not bacteria may improve recovery rates of the corneal epithelia and
decrease the amount of time necessary for patients to recover. We tested the secretions of Staphylococcus
epidermis, a prominent corneal bacterium, and other microfloral bacteria in addition to their respective
heat-killed variants on the human corneal epithelial cell line HCLE to examine resulting differences in
migration rates via a method called scratch assay. The results indicate that only the secreted products of
Staphylococcus epidermis increase the rate of migration, an indicator of wound healing. The cells treated
with heat-killed bacterial residues and with the secreted products of other bacteria all displayed inhibition
of migration rate. Based on the results, we conclude that Staphylococcus epidermis may provide the cells
with some benefits in corneal epithelial cell migration while heat-killed bacterial residues tested inhibits
cell migration.
C42
Determining Gene Recruitment Sequences for Targeting ACT1 Gene to the Nuclear Periphery in
Yeast
Presenter(s)
Amanda Walsh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donna Brickner, Northwestern University
Jason Brickner, Northwestern University
The genome in eukaryotic nuclei is spatially organized and has been proposed to function as a regulator
of gene expression. In brewer’s yeast, many genes are targeted to the nuclear periphery, which promotes
their full expression. Gene recruitment sequences (GRS) located within the promoters of genes control
their targeting. This inquiry sought to identify the GRS(s) responsible for targeting the gene encoding the
essential cytoskeletal protein actin (ACT1) to the nuclear periphery. Fragments of the ACT1 promoter
were inserted into a test location in the yeast genome. This strain possesses green fluorescent protein
marking the test location and red fluorescent protein marking the nuclear envelope. Images of these cells
were captured on a confocal microscope and scored as to whether or not the green dot (the gene)
overlapped with the red envelope. The results show that an eight base pair GRS is sufficient to confer
localization of the test location to the nuclear periphery. This activity is not affected by the orientation of
the fragment. We will test if peripheral localization is lost when a mutated GRS is inserted. Future studies
will identify the protein that interacts with this GRS to mediate targeting to the nuclear periphery.
68
C43
The Role of ER71 in Blood Vessel Development
Presenter(s)
William Widjaja, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Changwon Park, University of Illinois at Chicago
Vascular endothelial cells play a key role in pathophysiological angiogenesis. The purpose of this
research was to understand the biology of endothelial cells by performing a series of experiments. To this
end, we focused on the ER71 protein which is a member of the ETS transcription factor family. First, we
examined whether ER71 could regulate endothelial genes with special focus on FLK1, which is an
indispensable gene for endothelial cell development. ER71 cDNA was amplified by polymerase chain
reaction (PCR) and cloned into mammalian expressed plasmids. Then, the plasmid was transfected into
mammalian cells together with plasmids in which luciferase activity was under control of the promoter of
the FLK1 gene. After confirming the proper expression of transfected ER71 with quantitative real-time
PCR, luciferase activity was measured. We found that ER71 significantly upregulated the activity of the
FLK1 promoter, suggesting that ER71 can act as an upstream regulator of FLK1. We were able to
reproduce the results that the principal investigator’s lab group found and successfully learned some
experiments important for biological science research.
C44
The Absence of Gut Microbes Alters Hepatic Nuclear Receptor Expression
Presenter(s)
Mayuri Yasuda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kristina Martinez, University of Chicago
Alterations in the gut microbiota may have direct impact on metabolic pathways in the gut and liver. We
expect that gut microbes significantly alter the function of hepatic nuclear receptors (NR), constitutive
androstane receptor (CAR), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα), which are
major regulators of lipid metabolism. To test this hypothesis, specific pathogen free (SPF) and germ free
(GF) mice were fed standard chow diets and high saturated milk fat (MF) diets for twelve weeks. Body
weight and food intake were measured weekly. Fat pad weight and liver weight were measured at the end
of the study. Liver tissue was collected for measurement of CAR and PPARα target genes via quantitative
polymerase chain reaction. MF feeding increased the body weight of SPF mice, but not GF mice.
Additionally, the MF-mediated increase of mesenteric fat pad weight was higher in SPF versus GF mice.
In the liver, CAR and its target gene cyp2b10 and the PPARα target cyp4a10 were highly expressed in GF
compared to SPF mice on chow diet. Interestingly, the MF diet induced CAR and cyp4a10 expression
compared to the chow diet in SPF, but not in GF mice. Collectively, these findings suggest a relationship
between the gut microbiota and hepatic NR expression.
69
C45
The Effects of Adiponectin on Fibrosis
Presenter(s)
Sung Yeo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Roberta Goncalves Marangoni, Northwestern University
Systemic sclerosis, a fibrotic disease that has no cure, causes the accumulation of collagen in the
extracellular matrix. Adiponectin, a protein secreted in fat tissues, has potent anti-fibrotic effects in vitro,
and is a current target of research for fibrosis therapy. We hypothesized that adipose adiponectin
attenuates fibrosis in vivo, and we tested the hypothesis by analyzing the effect of adiponectin on the
thickness of the dermis of the mice samples. We first confirmed that our given transgenic mice samples
have increased levels of adiponectin using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Using a bleomycin
mouse model, a well-known model for the induction of skin fibrosis, we ran the Western blots to detect
the amount of collagen in our samples. In addition, we used eosin and hematoxylin and trichrome staining
to visually examine the effect of adiponectin on the thickness of the dermis under a bright field
microscope. We quantified these thicknesses in each of our samples to test whether the effect of
adiponectin on fibrosis was significant or not. All of our results confirmed that adiponectin attenuates
fibrosis in vivo. Our findings are significant in further research of adiponectin as a novel target for fibrosis
therapy.
D01
Possible Short Term Investment Strategy
Presenter(s)
Sun Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
John Satter, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Kolsky, Northwestern University/Morgan Stanley
Kevin Lynch, Northwestern University/Morgan Stanley
The Super Bowl is one of the most watched events on television on Earth. One of the most anticipated
aspects of this event are the famous, comedic, and unique commercials utilized by a multitude of
international corporations. This investigation seeks to find a correlation between stock price performance
and Super Bowl advertising. If a strong correlation exists, it could then be used to create a strategy for
investing in Super Bowl advertising companies during a certain time period after the Super Bowl in order
to generate above market returns. The correlation was researched on a short term and a long term basis
where the stock prices of companies that advertised were tracked along with their respective indices on
specific dates before and after the Super Bowl. The data was inconsistent at times, which made the
regressions inaccurate. After several more samples were taken, an applicable correlation between the
companies that advertised in the Super Bowl and their short and long term success in stock price could
not be found. Therefore, we do not believe one can develop a successful investment strategy based upon
whether or not a company is willing to advertise during the Super Bowl.
70
D02
An Ethnographic Study of Start-Up Businesses and Their Approaches to Defining Target Markets
Presenter(s)
Rohit Mahankali, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Carl Heine, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Start-ups today must take the needs of the customer into consideration if they are going to succeed. But
how do they do this? This investigation addresses this question to discover how exactly start-ups in 1871,
a digital start-up incubator in Chicago, acquire customers and communicate with them. In order to collect
data for this project, interviews with professional entrepreneurs were conducted at 1871 using a specific
questionnaire regarding their approaches to marketing and defining target markets. The objectives of this
investigation were to: 1) Investigate the relation between net quarterly revenue obtained by a business and
its customer research funding while simultaneously keeping track of the company in consideration; that
is, technology companies, retailers, e-business, and so forth; 2) Understand the mechanisms in a
company’s selection of target market; and 3) Find out which target markets can yield the most monetary
success for various types of start-up companies. Findings indicate that the type of start-up company
strongly influences investment in customer research. For example, digital applications, in comparison to
traveling companies, invest a lot less into customer research. Other types of companies, such as energyrelated
companies tend to invest even more money into customer research. Analyzing these patterns is
instrumental to understanding start-up companies.
D03
Investigation of the Implementation of Global Positioning Systems in Missiles and New
Technologies
Presenter(s)
Jonathan Peloquin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Timothy Vaughan, Richardson RFPD
Global positioning system (GPS) technology is a quickly growing field. This investigation examines both
how GPS technology is currently put into use by looking at how it is tested and implemented, as well as
the future of the product in several fields. To answer the question of how GPS technology is currently put
to use, we looked at the guidance chip used in the AGM-154 missile, testing the signal using a Noise and
Gain Analyzer to determine if there’s a more efficient method of testing or a way it could be used in nonmilitary
applications. To determine the future of GPS technology, the investigation focused on readings
by companies that use the technology to see what they are developing. Our results revealed that using a
Hewlett-Packard Internet Bus cable instead of a floppy disk would make the testing process of GPS chips
more efficient, but that there is no other practical use for the missile’s chip as it would be cost-prohibitive
in any other field. Our preliminary results indicate that global navigation satellite systems, the field that
GPS belongs to, is key to the development of drone technology and other autonomous machines that
require accurate location.
71
E01
Characterization of Polymer Modification via Sequential Infiltration Synthesis Process
Presenter(s)
Kyle Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
The creation of etch resistant coatings with a polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) film has benefits in
assisting the production of electronic devices, notably hard drives. Using the sequential infiltration
synthesis (SiS) process, water and trimethylamine gases alternate injection into a vacuumed chamber onto
a PMMA film, and we can form aluminum oxide within the coating. As higher levels of aluminum oxide
generate higher etch resistance, we can find an optimal point of etch resistance by testing for the highest
amount of aluminum oxide. We examined variables such as temperature, and the delay between the
pulses of the gases in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) system. Our results show that the optimal point
for delays between gases in the ALD system is around 0.5 seconds since there is the greatest amount of
aluminum oxide present. Additionally, the greatest modification in the carbon double oxygen bond takes
place at this delay. We also deduced that for PMMA films, a higher temperature also allows for greater
aluminum oxide deposits. Our research will lead into a better understanding of SiS processing, which can
lead to next generation hard drives.
E02
Atomic Layer Deposition of Hafnium Oxide on a Silicon Substrate
Presenter(s)
Siva Gangavarapu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Satheesh Selvaraj, University of Illinois at Chicago
Christos Takoudis, University of Illinois at Chicago
Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has recently emerged as a cornerstone tool in chemical engineering,
especially involving nanomaterials. Using an apparatus that allows modification of temperature and
pressure settings with alternating cycles of precursor and inert gas purging, ALD deposits thin films in a
layer-by-layer fashion onto a substrate in a highly controlled manner. This study concerned the deposition
of hafnium oxide on silicon substrate. The thin film deposition on the substrate surface after the
deposition was analyzed through ellipsometry. Preliminary results suggest that certain hydroxylcontaining
compounds, such as ethanol and methanol, positively influence deposition of this particular
oxide using its organometallic precursor. Specifically, alcohols widen the window of opportunity, which
consists of a certain range of temperature, during which the deposition can occur with maximum
precision. These results can be applied to deposit thin hafnium oxide coatings for bio-implants, energy,
and semiconductor applications.
72
E03
Using Granular Silicon-Graphene Anodes to Boost the Capacity of Lithium-Ion Batteries
Presenter(s)
Arjit Jaiswal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Varun Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
R. Stephen Berry, University of Chicago
George Tolley, University of Chicago
As oil becomes scarce, researchers are looking towards the next generation of vehicle power - batteries.
Although lithium-ion batteries have been in production for a few years, they are currently not as cost
effective or power efficient as is desirable for general consumption. Our research primarily consisted of
analysis of reports on lithium batteries from Argonne National Laboratory as well as universities. We
were able to collaborate with scientists leading the national research on batteries and observe the full
production of test batteries. We discovered that silicon anodes can provide the battery with 750 watt hours
per liter as opposed to 400 to 620 watt hours per liter from traditional graphite anodes. However, silicon is
harder to implement in batteries because of swelling and cracking in the battery when ions are transferred
to and from the anode. We concluded that silicon grains embedded in graphene sheets would allow the
silicon to expand without breaking, while using grains would also reduce the cost. The graphene is able to
expand and contract with the transfer of ions, maintaining conductivity. Our findings show that the
battery for electric cars can be improved greatly by utilizing granular silicon-graphene anodes, aiding an
increase in popularity for electric vehicles.
E04
Engineering Self-Assembling Peptides to Tune the Coordination Environment of Metalloporphyrins
Presenter(s)
Jacob Kronenberg, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
H. Christopher Fry, Argonne National Laboratory
Metalloporphyrin-binding proteins such as hemoglobin, cytochrome c, and light harvesting proteins play
key roles in biology. Materials with similar tunable properties could have applications in areas as diverse
as chemotherapy, chemical catalysis, and sustainable energy. A series of heme-binding peptides which
self-assemble into long aspect-ratio fibers were designed and synthesized. Techniques such as infrared
and circular dichroism spectroscopies were used to analyze the -sheet peptide secondary structure,
whereas scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the supramolecular fiber structure.
Electron paramagnetic resonance and ultraviolet/visible spectroscopies were used to examine the
coordination environments of the bound porphyrins in the fibers. Preliminary findings suggest that the
peptides c16-AHL3K3CO2H and c16-MHL3K3CO2H yield a high spin heme, and the peptide c16-
H2L3K3CO2H yield a low spin system. Additionally, results suggest that all peptides can bind carbon
monoxide whereas initial results suggest that only c16-H2L3K3CO2H can reversibly bind oxygen. As a
result, we have successfully demonstrated the ability to modulate the coordination environment of a heme
molecule within a self-assembled peptide amphiphile construct. Future experiments will determine how
these peptide assemblies interact with cells, where it is believed that they may be able to mechanistically
trigger cell death in cancer cells similar to that found for cytochrome c.
73
E05
Computational Study of Propane Dehydrogenation Over Palladium Alloy Catalysts
Presenter(s)
Anna Kryczka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Meyer, University of Illinois at Chicago
Propene, a product of propane dehydrogenation, is a commonly used molecule in industry as a polymer
building block. This project examined the energetics of propane dehydrogenation and hydrogenolysis
over the PdZn(111) row structure and Pd(111) surfaces using quantum-based computer simulation.
Although our experimental collaborators have demonstrated some success with PdZn alloy catalysts, we
do not know how the surface geometry influences the result. Using computer simulations, we evaluated
the potential energy surface for the dehydrogenation of propane to propene as well as further
dehydrogenation and C-C cleavage. Propane dehydrogenation was found to have a lower energy barrier
over Pd(111) than over PdZn(111) row structure. However, once formed, propene desorption was favored
over further dehydrogenation on the PdZn(111) row surface whereas further dehydrogenation was favored
over desorption on Pd(111). Understanding the factors that govern propane dehydrogenation can aid in
improvement of the industrial catalyst and thereby decrease production costs and increase yield.
E06
Phase Transitions From Amorphous to Crystalline in Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer
Presenter(s)
Nida Normantaite, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Steven Sibener, University of Chicago
With increased temperatures, a phase transitioning polymer will form lamellar structures, such as
spherulites, that originate from a specific nuclei. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a thermoplastic
polymer that can be prepared in an amorphous state at room temperature. In order to determine the
crystallinity of a PET sample, an atomic force microscope (AFM) was used to probe the surface of a 2.0
millimolar solution of the polymer before and after annealing at high temperatures. Preliminary imaging
results suggest a distinct pattern of crystalline structures in the annealed PET that are significantly more
organized than the structure of the PET in the amorphous phase. Phase transitions from amorphous to
crystalline in semi-crystalline polymers are currently being considered for application in nanocomposite
reinforcements.
74
E07
The Effects of Process Parameters on Metal-Assisted Chemical Etching
Presenter(s)
Daniel Rosenthal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Silicon nanostructures have a wide range of uses, revolutionizing solar cells and sensors for biological
systems. One method of fabricating such structures is metal-assisted chemical etching. The rate at which
this etching occurs is very sensitive to a variety of parameters. This study observed the effects of different
temperatures, solution concentrations, pattern geometry, and metal catalysts on the etching rate. Higher
temperatures were observed to correlate with faster etching rates, but also with higher delamination of the
metal catalyst from the silicon structures. Lower temperatures correlated to slower etching rates and less
delamination. Ideal etching parameters would result in high etching rates and low delamination rates.
Varying concentrations of the etching solution resulted in different etching rates. Smaller areas of metal
result in higher etching rates. Silver etched faster than gold, but had considerably more delamination.
E08
Detecting and Quantifying Trace Amounts of Silver Nanoparticles and Ions in Solution
Presenter(s)
Mateusz Wojtaszek, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This investigation explored methods for quantifying silver ions and nanoparticles in solution. Because
silver is a potent antimicrobial that affects humans and the environment, the quantification of free silver is
important. The methods explored included light absorbance, light scattering, and quenching of
fluorescence. Based on the results, absorbance, scattering, and fluorescence quenching of unaltered
quinine with silver have been ruled out as potential assays for silver concentration. These can measure
concentrations in the millimolar range, but the desired sensitivity is at least in the micromolar range.
Currently, attachment of iodine to quinine is being attempted. Iodine is a potent quencher and published
research shows that silver displaces iodine from other fluorophores more readily than other ions likely to
be found in ground water. The desired compound for this purpose is quinine iodosulfate. Crystals of a
compound with the desired characteristics have been made; the fluorescence is depressed until silver is
added. Unfortunately, the sensitivity is still unsatisfactory. However, this method is likely to be more
selective for silver than others. Once a simple method for silver quantification is devised, it can be used to
ensure silver based products, including water filters, are safe for the population and the environment.
75
F01
Creating a Fast and Accurate Physics Engine Modeling Soft-Body Collisions with OpenGL and
Java
Presenter(s)
Ethan Bian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Benjamin Rabe, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The ability to realistically simulate physics with computers allows experiments to run accurately,
efficiently, and at low cost. Modeling soft-body objects is one such realm of computer-simulated physics
that has only recently become feasible, as computing power continues to rapidly increase. This
investigation has aimed to produce a fast and accurate real-time physics engine with the primary intent of
modeling soft-body collisions using OpenGL and Java. However, modeling a variety of types of physics
was also a major goal of the investigation. The engine is composed of modules for simulating mechanics,
electricity and magnetism, and planetary (large-scale gravitation) effects. The investigation explores a
variety of algorithms such as the Runge-Kutta approximation algorithm and the bounding-box collisiondetection
algorithm. The physics engine produced is an aggregation of such algorithms selected for
accuracy and speed. Calculations performed with the chosen algorithms show reasonable adherence to
both theoretical and experimental values.
F02
Constructing and Optimizing a System to Store and Protect Corporate Records
Presenter(s)
Remy Bubulka, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brian Gravelle, Business Solutions, Inc.
With the increased widespread use of cloud and mobile computing, many businesses are moving toward
an online-only record keeping system. In this investigation the goal was to create a system catered to a
specific company before working to make it broad enough to suit the needs of many businesses. The
website runs on a server using SQL, which handled the innermost and vital functions such as preserving
data. We constructed the user interface using a combination of HTML, JavaScript, and CSS in order to
make the system easy to use and aesthetically pleasing. The manipulation of the data was handled by
ASP.Net and Visual Basic, which also acted as the connection between the user interface and the server.
As a result it is now a quick, efficient, and user friendly way for users to browse any amount of data and
all previous records for which they have clearance. It allows users to freely find all information pertaining
to their activities and is customizable in order to be usable by businesses in any industry and of any size.
In addition to this the system implements an encryption algorithm and restrictive parameters in order to
preserve the integrity of the data.
76
F03
Using Markov Decision Processes to Determine Optimal Claim Policy for Automobile Accidents
Presenter(s)
Advitheey Chelikani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Saurabh Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Piotr Gmytrasiewicz, University of Illinois at Chicago
Markov decision processes provide a framework for determining the solution to a sequential decision
problem. Utilizing the well-known technique of value iteration, we programed a general solver to output
the optimal decision given a time horizon. The general solver was applied to a maze environment in
which an agent travels through states with a set of possible moves that each result in a specific benefit or
loss. The solver calculated the optimal route for the agent given a starting state and a time horizon. The
general solver was then adapted to address whether or not a policy holder in Illinois should, or should not,
make a claim after having an accident with particular damage amounts. With regards to results, what is
important is not to have a chart of optimal behaviors for every possible type of consumer but rather to
have a method of calculating such a chart or portion of a chart whenever necessary, and this is what we
have achieved. Using the program, insured clients can enter in relevant data following a crash and be
advised on a financially optimal decision to make.
F04
Comparing the Rate Monotonic and Earliest Deadline First Scheduling Algorithms
Presenter(s)
Advitheey Chelikani, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Shangping Ren, Illinois Institute of Technology
Rate-monotonic (RM) and earliest deadline first (EDF) are two of the most popular scheduling algorithms
used for scheduling tasks on processors for applications with deadline constraints. Through researching
these two algorithms, I hope to develop a clearer picture as to the differences between the two algorithms
and the situations where each should be used. Utilizing the Java programming language, I programmed
several different algorithms for task set generation. Using open source tools, my own code, and other
available code, I examined the distributions of task sets generated by different task set generators. It is
evident that an inherent bias is present in these task set generators. Results show that a more concentrated
task set favors the RM algorithm. Further investigation shows that tasks sets with harmonic relations will
increase the schedulable utilization of RM. With these results we hope to improve the utilization of
computer systems by selecting appropriate scheduling algorithms. By understanding the advantages and
disadvantages of RM and EDF, we can make appropriate and application-dependent choices so that the
real-time application deadlines can be satisfied and system resources are better utilized.
77
F05
Showing Ego Depletion and Motivation in Video Games
Presenter(s)
Diana Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sneha Thakkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ian Horswill, Northwestern University
We are investigating the simulation of the psychological phenomenon known as ego depletion in order to
realize the best way a programmer can demonstrate more complex psychological concepts in lifesimulation
games such as the Sims. More specifically, we will be showing the process of ego depletion, as
recognized by Roy Baumeister. Our coding for this project could be adapted to show other psychological
phenomena as well as be used as a possible educational tool. First, we had to learn the basics for C#
coding and using Unity. Then, using a pre-made two-dimensional tile-based Sims-like program to create
the level design for the space that the characters would be navigating in, we created a scenario upon
which we used formulas that we derived to have the character use a more rational decision-making system
until it is depleted to switch to the more spontaneous decision-making system. We are using
procrastination in our scenarios to demonstrate ego depletion. As of now, the necessary algorithms and
coding for the higher level programming are still in the process of being derived, but we are working to
attain the desired results: a game that can, as accurately as technologically possible, show the process of
ego depletion.
F06
Constructing a Web Interface for the NOvA Experiment
Presenter(s)
Eric Hennenfent, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Jonathan Paley, Argonne National Laboratory
Louise Suter, Argonne National Laboratory
The NuMI Off-Axis νe Appearance (NOvA) experiment searches for subatomic particles called neutrinos
in order to answer questions about our universe. This experiment sought to simplify the process of
generating graphs from the data in the database by constructing an easy-to-use web interface. A computer
program written in the Python programming language was used to assemble and process data from the
database. This program then uses the ROOT framework, a data processing system developed by the
European Organization for Nuclear Research, to generate plots of this data. A second Python-based web
program takes input from a user's web browser and uses the first program to generate a plot based on the
user's request. At the time of writing, the interface allows users to easily specify the timeframe and
desired data set for a plot. More potential datasets will be added to enhance the utility of the interface, but
even in its current form, this investigation has already demonstrated that web technology can be used to
enormously simplify access to data for the NOvA experiment.
78
F07
Measurement of Alzheimer's Disease Diagnostic Accuracy Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Presenter(s)
Saurabh Kumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Kump, Illinois Institute of Technology
Miles Wernick, Illinois Institute of Technology
This investigation's purpose is to assess the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning algorithms when
applied to diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) from brain images. The work is focused on positron
emission tomography (PET) images and magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the brain. Threedimensional
PET scans were used to train algorithms that determine whether AD is present in a patient's
brain. First, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the data's dimensionality, and a
Fisher linear discriminant (FLD) was trained to discriminate AD from normal. In the second algorithm,
FLD was replaced by a support vector machine (SVM) for discrimination. Finally, FLD replaced PCA for
dimensionality reduction, and then SVM was used to perform the discrimination. The performance of the
algorithms was evaluated and compared using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, which plot
the probability of correct disease detection versus the probability of a false positive result. The ROC
curves were computed using k-fold cross validation in which multiple subsets of the training data are used
to test the algorithm's accuracy. Surprisingly, of the three algorithms, the first (which uses older
techniques) produced the best performance in preliminary evaluations. The next step involves applying
the algorithms to three-dimensional MRI scans and comparing performance results with the PET images.
F08
Development of Mechanical Turk Simulations for Auction Theory Research
Presenter(s)
Andrew Kuznetsov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Phadmakar Patankar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Since the development of the internet industry, auctions have become the dominant method of allocation,
excelling at systematically and efficiently distributing virtual goods, which are often sold in large batches
with many bidders. This investigation seeks to compare the efficiency of human bidders to that of various
machine learning algorithms by simulating auctions through the crowdsourcing website Amazon
Mechanical Turk using the Python library boto. Workers, recruited within Mechanical Turk, are directed
to a Django server running a simulation. Workers are then compensated for participating and are paid a
bonus directly proportional to their performance in the simulation. The lack of documentation within our
initial Turkit setup and various security issues with the implementation of java applets required us to
switch to Python. Currently, our implementation suffers from several issues regarding the simulation
website; including the lack of a proper security certificate and bugs with user input. Once complete, it will
be possible to pursue human subject testing and to continue with data collection. This project represents a
stepping stone in the spread of Mechanical Turk as a resource for experimental economics and the
development of the field as a whole.
79
F09
Transition From Biological Life to the Development of Artificial Intelligence
Presenter(s)
Claire Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Emily Rader, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mike Ososky, Applied Computer Technology
We are constantly surrounded by advancing technology, but will there come a point when our creation
becomes sentient? Through the ongoing research of the understanding of neural networks in the brain,
such as The Human Genome Project and the Connectome project, scientists can better comprehend the
development of biological intelligence, applicable to developing advanced machines. In addition, the
recent trends in computer technology such as Moore’s Law, an observation that computer hardware has
decreased in size and exponentially increased in information storage capacity, suggest that there is also
technological potential to engineer an artificially intelligent being. The convergence of both biological
and computer science fields could result in the creation of systems capable of exceeding human
intelligence. We are already making headway in creating artificial intelligence with robots such as
Jeopardy-winner Watson and the computer chess champion Deep Blue. We are not far from building a
robot that is self-aware. We can do this by learning how our brains are wired and understanding the
capacity for utilizing the developing computer hardware in our society. From our knowledge of
neurology, computer intelligence, and the mind, we can make several predictions about what the
ramifications may be if intelligent beings are created.
F10
Simulating Bandwidth Reuse Methods to Maximize Speed and Coverage for Cellular Customers
Presenter(s)
Mack Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Randall Berry, Northwestern University
Vijay Subramanian, Northwestern University
The rapid advancement in cellular technology has caused an increase in demand for cellular data services.
We must reuse frequencies to compensate for this demand. Frequency reuse is the idea of reusing
bandwidth by non-adjacent transmitters. In this investigation, we used MATLAB to simulate various
reuse methods in a modern cellular network in which nodes were randomly deployed. We used this
simulation to find the rate users would receive when controlling the admission of users and taking into
account several parameters: switching thresholds, outage thresholds, and load (users per base station). Our
data show that full reuse, using one channel within a system, is the best option with respect to efficiency
in bandwidth allocation. Other researchers have come to the same conclusion but did not consider load;
however, even when considering load, we came to the same conclusion. Eventually we can implement
this reuse method in to the modern system and optimize the speed and coverage for future cellular
customers.
80
F11
Constructing High Quality Three-Dimensional Models With Economical Hardware
Presenter(s)
Nicholas Magerko, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jonathan Reynolds, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Namrata Pandya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jason Rock, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Microsoft's Kinect for Xbox is an inexpensive platform for reconstructing indoor scenes. In comparison to
other systems, which commonly cost several thousands of dollars to employ, the Kinect's cost is within
the reach of consumers. We utilize two Kinect-based systems: one which generates models by combining
multiple views of an object (KinectFusion) and another which extracts best-fit planes from threedimensional
point clouds (RANSAC). This allows us to gain a general understanding of a Kinect-based
system's capacity for reconstructing accurate models. The models produced by each implementation are
evaluated through quantitative and qualitative methods, respectively. Ultimately, the KinectFusion
implementation reconstructs a model which possesses only a moderate difference between the estimated
model and the actual model. Visual analysis of the reconstruction suggests that this difference is largely
due to issues related to scaling. The RANSAC system, which ideally estimates planes that correspond
exactly to the objects in the scanned scene, composes a model that appropriately represents simple
objects, such as walls, but has difficulty representing more complex objects, such as three-dimensional
printed objects. These observations lead us to believe that using Kinect-based systems for simple
reconstructions will generally produce models of a respectable quality.
G01
Effect of Refinery Outages on Petroleum Administration for Defense District - West Coast Gasoline
Prices
Presenter(s)
Timothy Gietl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Josh Matalon, TransMarket Group
When oil refineries experience downtime, gasoline supply is disrupted. With the sudden drop in gasoline
supply, gasoline spot market prices have a well-known tendency to rise. To better understand how these
outages affect gasoline prices, we researched refining, distribution, gasoline, and commodities markets.
We then pursued the development of a model for predicting how much these outages will affect gasoline
prices in Los Angeles. Based on our preliminary research and similar models made by others, we put
together a group of five variables (crude backup in barrels per day, refinery utilization, gasoline
production, proximity to spot market, and gasoline stockpile) that we felt were the most significant and
easily measurable factors in determining how a refinery outage affected gasoline prices. Using statistical
analysis tools in Mathematica we were able to obtain a model that could predict the next day change in
gasoline differentials within an average of +/- 2.07 cents of the actual price, or a standard deviation of
approximately 0.018. There were still some outages that produced price changes very different from our
predictions that had no other explanation than the unpredictability of commodities markets. This model
could be useful for fuel hedging, commodities trading, as well as information for average consumers.
81
G02
Development of Trading and Risk Management Strategies for Ibovespa Index Futures
Presenter(s)
Timothy Gietl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Glasberg, TransMarket Group
Max Rhee, TransMarket Group
Index futures contracts lock in a price of a theoretical stock portfolio, the index, for a specified delivery
date. The Brazilian Bovespa Index is comprised of Brazilian domiciled companies and is unique due to its
heavy concentration in a few companies such as Itaú, Vale, and Petrobras, which together make up about
22.585% of the total index value. Hedging strategies, such as spread trading, can be implemented to
mitigate overall market risk. A spread can be traded explicitly through the exchange or implicitly, by
buying the back month and selling the front month contract so as to trade the difference between the two.
We focused particularly on the variation from the Fair Futures Value which is determined primarily by
the spot market price, interbank deposit rates as cost of carry, and future dividend payouts. By analyzing
market trends during the rollover period of a contract, usually starting approximately five days prior to a
contract’s expiration, we have developed strategies for hedging risk during this period.
G03
A Comparison of Accuracy and Validity of Risk Adjustment Models Used in the Health Care
Industry
Presenter(s)
Yasmine Gordon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samir Itchhaporia, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Rebecca Maroon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
The recently enacted healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act, is calling for a new process that allows
health plans to be compensated based on the underlying health conditions of the member population they
serve; this is called risk adjustment. The purpose of this investigation is to determine which model for
assessing risk is the most effective based on a comparison of the predicted claim dollar amount to the
experienced claim amount as well as the primary factors impacting the effectiveness. The two models
being compared are the Health and Human Services federal model and the state of Massachusetts’ model.
Raw data containing historical member claims was organized by member identification, age, and gender;
then processed through each model. The resulting scores were converted to a predicted claim dollar
amount and compared to the allowed amount for accuracy. Preliminary results suggest that a model
tailored to the specific needs and conditions of an individual state proves to be more effective and
accurate than a model that covers all states. The results of this research identify margins of inaccuracy in
the current risk adjustment models and will provide a strong foundation for the development and
improvement of more refined and precise models for risk adjustment in the future.
82
G04
How Rigged is the London Interbank Offered Rate?
Presenter(s)
Huajie Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
In the modern world financial futures, a form of derivative contracts that allow one to lock in a futures
price for purchase or sale of a good on a future date, play a larger and larger role in the economy. In the
case of currency futures, the futures price is a function of the spot rate until maturity, and interest rate
differential (domestic minus foreign risk free interest rates). In reality, the domestic risk free rate is
usually approximated by some interest rate benchmarks, usually London Interbank Offer Rate (LIBOR) in
this context. Through reading LIBOR-related materials and analyzing data for some of the most
frequently traded currency futures, I discovered LIBOR to be ineffective (about 50% efficacy) in
predicting futures prices and anomalies in futures prices highly correlated with the extent LIBOR was
manipulated in at least one major currency. Overall, LIBOR still fared better than other alternative
proxies like Federal funds, certificate of deposit, and Treasury bill rates (less than 40% efficacy).
G05
How Efficient is the Foreign Exchange Market?
Presenter(s)
Huajie Huang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
In the context of volatile emerging market conditions currency carry trades become increasingly attractive
as investors chase for higher yields on bonds overseas. Fundamentally, a currency’s forward value is
directly related to its interest rate and thus, exchange rates are essentially based on interest rate
differentials. The possibility of widening interest rate differentials means that carry trades prove
increasingly viable. In the case of Brazil the bulk of the foreign exchange market lies in the forward
market where participants trade today for delivery of currencies in the future. In the case of the Brazilian
real against the United States dollar, the forward exchange rate of Brazilian real diverges significantly
from its fair value. Since currency risk is a significant risk of these trades, carry trades with emerging
market currencies (Brazilian real, South Korean won, Chinese yuan, and so forth) might not prove to be
viable. The gain from carry trades could not be realized without taking extraordinary currency risk.
83
G06
Investigating Central Banking Development, Policies, and Actions Throughout the World
Presenter(s)
Derek Lubecke, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Central banks act as the primary authority in managing currency, money supply, and interest rates within
the state they are located. The central bank acts as a catalyst in maintaining an economic equilibrium
between factors such as employment and price stability. Through researching a specific economic crisis
the bank’s response can be observed, while the outcome of that event yields the success of that method.
From such analysis it can be concluded that central banking establishments generally utilize the same
strategies in similar circumstances. Their approaches are different with respect to their willingness to
instigate change to balance between various factors. A bank such as the European Central Bank takes a
very conservative approach, for decisions must be made among the large group of nations affected by
these decisions. A bank such as the Federal Reserve is not as limited through having to satisfy multiple
governments given that it needs to only work with one, allowing them to be more active in influencing the
economy. The Central Bank of China is directly controlled by the government so it conducts the most
radical changes to the economy through unusual methods such as manipulating restrictions on business to
increase production.
G07
International Pharmaceutical Markets and Patent Law
Presenter(s)
Daniel Pechi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The international pharmaceutical market has been dominated by large Western companies for the past
century. However, companies which produce generic pharmaceuticals like those in India appear to pose
an increasing threat to this long-established market dominance. This study examines the conflict through
court cases, patent law, media sources, academic literature, and economic figures related to shifting
market control. Through analysis of these sources it was determined that governments of countries with
poor pharmaceutical accessibility have encouraged the importation of cheap generics from companies like
the Indian Cipla, Inc. by reducing trade barriers and implementing patent law which encourages the
production of generics. Conversely, governments of countries with many specialty pharmaceutical
companies have largely discouraged the actions of Indian pharmaceutical companies through public
declarations and in the past, through economic sanctions. Despite pressure from the international
pharmaceutical industry and international governments, the production of generics has continued due to
interpretation of patent law by the Indian Patent Office and the needs of unstable international markets.
The production of generic prescription drugs in India did not have a significant impact on the
international pharmaceutical economy, but did significantly impact the accessibility of drugs which target
diseases like cancer and HIV.
84
G08
A Visually Intuitive Approach to Market Profiles
Presenter(s)
Michael Zeng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Doug Adams, TransMarket Group
Sergiy Mesropyan, Aardvark Trading LLC
Dennis Wang, Aardvark Trading LLC
In the 1960s J. Peter Steidlmayer, while attempting to find market value in chaotic commodities,
developed the Market Profile technique to transform disorderly prices to orderly familiar normal
distribution-like graphs. A Market Profile is generated by looking at the volume at certain prices and
creating a histogram of the distribution of the prices. The Chicago Board of Trade introduced the Market
Profile to the public in 1985 and traders all over the world incorporated it into their trading arsenal.
During my investigation, I developed a program that accepts tick data and generates this type of
histogram programmatically. In addition, I added multiple visually intuitive features to enhance the
effectiveness of the Market Profile. My program features volume metrics, auto-generated statistics, colorcoded
information, and pattern-testing integration. After writing the library that created these histograms,
I designed the graphical user interface in C# that retrieves real-time data from our servers and
dynamically creates new histograms. Furthermore, settings pop-up to allow the user to adjust tick sizes,
time intervals, and commodities. My program, relying on its visually intuitive approach, may allow
traders and others to not only bring order to chaotic prices, but also to understand their underlying trends.
H01
Agent-Based Modeling and the Understanding of Causality in College Biology Students
Presenter(s)
Karin Han, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Lira, University of Illinois at Chicago
Mike Stieff, University of Illinois at Chicago
Agent-based modeling environments provide learners with opportunities to explore how local interactions
produce global phenomena. Importantly, agent-based models represent emergent phenomena through
visual depictions and quantitative descriptions. Little is known about how students integrate visual and
quantitative representations. To improve our understanding of learning with agent-based models and
agent-based modeling design principles, we explored how students' explanations for emergent phenomena
changed after experiencing a narrated animation or a quantitative simulation. Explanations were video
and audio recorded for transcription and analysis. Using a constant comparative method, we first analyzed
the transcript and identified all causal terms. Then we identified causal links between associated terms to
generate causal nets: visual schematics that represent students' statements with a causal factor, a
mechanism, and an effect. The results of a contrasting case analysis suggest that students with
impoverished understandings can benefit from explicit support in the form of narration. In contrast,
students with rich understandings can suffer if explicit support is removed as it was for the simulation.
Given that agent-based models include quantitative representations, learning environments that employ
them should provide students with scaffolds for making quantitative information explicit.
85
H02
Black and Latino Student Motivation Engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics
Presenter(s)
Kayla Ingram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Adrienne Coleman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
This study explored the phenomenon of motivational factors in gifted and talented Black and Latino high
school students that are engaged in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This
qualitative research was a case study based on focus group discussions with groups made up of one ethnic
group and one gender. The focus groups were recorded and transcribed by the investigator. Common
words were identified and quantified by each group individually and compared between groups. The data
collected provided insight that could contribute in creating a detailed model of motivational factors of
gifted and talented Black and Latino students. This model could help education professionals motivate
their Black and Latino students engaged in STEM higher education and establish career goals in STEM.
I01
Design of a Double Rotor Vertical Takeoff and Landing Prototype
Presenter(s)
Michael Adams, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Francisco Ruiz, Illinois Institute of Technology
Vertical takeoff and landing vehicles are unique aircraft that eliminate the need for runways and have the
ability to hover above ground. Despite these favorable characteristics, however, this technology is often
inaccessible to the average consumer due to the high difficulty of operation. This investigation sought to
redesign the drive gear of a double rotor prototype that would make this aircraft more user-friendly. After
brainstorming several options to achieve this goal, a three gear system was selected to implement into the
design. Major challenges of this project included finding gears with the same pitch that met our desired
gear ratio and bridging the 100 millimeter gap between the propeller shaft and the engine shaft. The
arrangement found most effective was an array of a ten tooth, forty tooth, and ninety-six tooth gear, two
of which were made of steel and the other of a light-weight aluminum alloy material. This new design
will allow future researchers to further the operation of the prototype and build a full size model.
86
I02
Development of a Quantitative System for Evaluating At-Home Standing of the Mobility Disabled
Presenter(s)
Timothy Akintilo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vimal Bellamkonda, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Arun Jayaraman, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Luca Lonini, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Timothy Reissman, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
Studies have shown that sitting for extended periods of time causes numerous health problems, but
patients with mobility disabilities can opt to use a prosthesis to avoid these issues. Currently, appraisal of
physical therapy relies on outcome measures made at the home or in a clinic. However, current state-ofthe-
art metrics often rely on questionnaires to evaluate progress at the home, which are not always
accurate since they are based primarily on patient perceptions. To improve assessment of patient progress,
we developed a radio-based tag and reader system to quantitatively measure the frequency with which
patients stand up and reach for objects in a room. The system consisted of a wrist-mounted XBee reader
(Digi International, Minnetonka, Minnesota) that stored time and signal strength variables, and several
XBee tags placed around a room that reported their signal strengths to the reader. Our initial tests of the
system involved healthy subjects reaching for tagged objects in commonly used kitchen locations. An
evaluation of the data from these tests showed that there was a correlated increase in signal strength when
subjects were reaching, suggesting that it was possible to design an algorithm to return the times during
which the patients were standing. Analysis of the algorithm’s results showed a low rate of false positives
and classification errors, indicating that testing by people with mobility disabilities is a viable next step.
I03
A Physical and Chemical Investigation of the Heusler Alloy Fe2TiSn
Presenter(s)
Tahj Alli-Balogun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Thomas Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Susan Meschel, Illinois Institute of Technology
Philip Nash, Illinois Institute of Technology
In this investigation we studied the properties of the alloy Fe2TiSn. This specific composition belongs to a
broader class named Heusler alloys. Heusler alloys are metal compounds, usually of the composition
X2YZ, where X and Y are transition metals and Z is in the groups III-V in the periodic table. Some of
these ternary compounds exhibit useful properties such as ferromagnetism and shape memory
phenomena. Among other properties, we measured the standard enthalpy of formation to be -34.0 ± 2.7
KJ/mol of atoms using a calorimeter. Using X-ray diffraction, we also determined that the crystal
structure was face-centered cubic and calculated the lattice parameter to be 6.0683 Å. The results show
that our compound is a Heusler alloy. We have not studied the practical application of the material, but
our research has contributed to a worldwide database.
87
I04
Separating Carbon Dioxide Gas From Lawn Mower Exhaust Gases
Presenter(s)
Daniel Atten, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Marissa Borchering, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Carbon dioxide gas is a known greenhouse gas that has been accused of contributing to global warming.
A major source of the carbon dioxide gas present in the atmosphere comes from exhaust fumes from
automobiles, factories, and lawnmowers. We designed a filtration device that utilized a carbonate buffer
solution of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate that absorbed the carbon dioxide and separated it
from the rest of the exhaust gasses. In our lab testing, we have confirmed that the sodium carbonate buffer
system is able to absorb large quantities of the greenhouse gas. Our findings suggest that our filtration
system will be able to measurably reduce the amount of carbon dioxide gas entering our atmosphere,
creating the possibility of a car filter to reduce the effects of internal combustion engines on the
environment.
I05
Purifying Contaminated Water With Silver Nanoparticle-Infused Ceramic Filters
Presenter(s)
Eric Barrientos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Over a million deaths each year are caused by unsanitary drinking water. This investigation sought to
make a water filter that kills 99.9% of bacteria, filters forty liters of water a day, and costs less than $15.
The filter consisted of red clay mixed with sawdust and was molded onto various hemispherical objects.
After firing, it was coated with silver nanoparticles in solution. When dry, the filter was hot-glued onto a
three inch diameter pipe, approximately one meter in length. Kill rates were determined by running water
contaminated with Escherichia coli through the filters, plating samples of the filtrates, and conducting
colony counts. I have found that a hemispherical filter is superior to a flat disk and is able to kill up to
99.999% of bacteria at low pressure. At higher pressure, the best result so far has been a kill rate of 99.9%
with a flow rate of thirty liters per day. These results suggest that the goal of forty liters per day with
99.9% killing may be attainable with further optimization.
88
I06
Integration of Sensors in a Wireless High Altitude Balloon Cut-Down System
Presenter(s)
Brendan Batliner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Milan Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lou Nigra, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
High altitude balloons (HAB) are becoming increasingly useful for astronomical research, being an
inexpensive and safe option for studying the Earth and the solar system in a near-space environment. At
high altitudes (70,000 feet and above), HABs can burst, creating strands of balloon that can tangle
themselves in the parachute, preventing it from opening and potentially destroying the payload on impact
with the ground. For this reason, a wireless cut-down control system was developed with Arduino
microcontrollers to determine if multiple sensor inputs from the balloon's payload can accurately detect
user-programmed conditions for cut-down. If so, the system then communicates wirelessly with the cutdown
module through Digi XBees to cut-down. We found that managing this critical aspect of HAB
flights in this way helps ensure a successful flight. We used a Kalman filter to minimize the effect of
noise on the measurements of HAB dynamics, allowing a precise cut-down. It also provides an accurate
general logging capability that can be used throughout the flight, and not just for cut-down. The system
helps make any HAB flight easy to program to let the user focus more on the research and less on the
balloon.
I07
Modifying Wind Turbine Blade Design to Reduce Noise While Retaining or Increasing Power
Generation
Presenter(s)
Evan Derse, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Hawker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The work, continuing from the previous year, investigated methods to design wind turbines with blade
shapes to reduce sound generated by blade turbulence while preserving or increasing the original power
generated by the turbine. During the first year of the investigation, basic methodologies were established
that continued to be used in its second year. Autodesk Inventor computer aided-design was used to create
three-dimensional computer models of the turbines. The turbines were then analyzed for aerodynamic
efficiency using Autodesk Simulation computational fluid dynamics (CFD). While some preliminary
results from last year indicated the effectiveness of the modifications made to the wind turbine blades,
there is currently no further quantitative data that supports this. A CFD flow analysis of stationary turbine
blades has indicated a reduction in common turbulence patterns, but a more detailed CFD analysis is
needed to confirm these observations. CFD progress has been slowed significantly due to licensing
difficulties with Autodesk. Three-dimensional printed turbines are being created to test the effectiveness
of the modifications in a real-world scenario.
89
I08
A Multiplexed Readout Scheme for a Large Array of Photomultiplier Tubes
Presenter(s)
Kevin He, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Adit Suvarna, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Edward Kearns, Boston University
Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The Hyper-Kamiokande detector is a future neutrino physics and nucleon decay experiment that is
projected to take place by 2023. It consists of approximately 99,000 photomultiplier tubes, each of which
functions as a light sensor that will, upon detecting light, send a signal to a central computer. Because of
such a vast number of tubes, the cable layout must be optimized to reduce space, weight, and cost. Using
materials of both computer simulations and physical circuit boards, in this investigation we tested one
possible solution, a multiplexed array, which uses one cable to connect and transmit the signals from
multiple tubes with minimal loss. This testing takes place using a signal generator and an oscilloscope.
Preliminary results suggest that such a configuration is possible and likely practical. The current signal
readouts show promising data that match what would be expected in the detector in reality. The circuit
accomplishes its intended purpose by successfully transmitting a signal while connected to multiple
sources without significant deterioration; this is being confirmed. It can therefore be seen that a
multiplexed array would most likely be a pragmatic design scheme for the future Hyper-Kamiokande
detector.
I09
Modifying and Reinforcing Bimetallic Strips for Application in Expanding Structures
Presenter(s)
Vinesh Kannan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vandana Chinwalla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Carl Heine, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Bimetallic strips consist of two metals with differing thermal expansion coefficients. When heated, this
difference causes the strip to bend, an effect commonly applied in thermostats and circuit breakers to
open or close connections. This investigation sought to extend this functionality to larger devices or
spaces in temperature sensitive areas. A potential application could use bimetallic strips to unfurl a shade
in response to heat. However, conventional devices require only minimal curvature or force. A variety of
metals (brass, aluminum, steel, and tin) were combined in various dimensions (length 80-200 mm, width
5-10 mm, thickness 0.0125-0.5 mm) to assess the deflections and forces generated from 20oC to 60oC.
Heating was done with nichrome wire or water baths. Thus far the brass-steel combination was most
successful, but only deflected by 10 mm. Efforts to amplify the expansion effects using a coiled bimetal
strip are ongoing. Baseline measurements on a commercially-acquired coil show that a bimetal strip of
180 cm in length can generate a force up to 0.4 Newtons. The deflections and forces thus far generated
are insufficient for the proposed applications, but experimentation with a wider variety of metal
combinations and dimensions in the coiled form may show greater promise.
90
I10
Improving the Efficiency of Power Amplifiers in Radio Frequency Plasma Lamps
Presenter(s)
Alan Yang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Hung Yu David Yang, University of Illinois at Chicago
The radio frequency plasma lamp is an energy efficient and promising future high power light source due
to its long operational lifetime, high brightness, and ideal color rendition. In order for this lighting system
to be commercially viable, it is essential that the power amplification system powering the lamp is cost
effective, compact, and above all, extremely efficient. In this investigation, we used simulation results as
a starting point and applied different schematics to experimentally tune for maximum efficiency using
distributed inductors and ceramic capacitors. We focused on the harmonic tuning of the power waveform,
reducing the power absorbed by the system itself in order to maximize the power delivered to the bulb. As
a result, the system’s efficiency increased from 60% to a current maximum of 71%. A complete lamp
system that outputs over ten thousand lumens is developed based on this highly efficient power amplifier.
J01
Gender-Driven Perceptions of Women in Nineteenth Century British Literature
Presenter(s)
Ana Curtis, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Leah Kind, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Physical descriptions of females in Victorian fiction often serve a dual purpose: providing a visual
depiction as well as a physical representation of internal character. This investigation categorizes longterm
descriptions of female characters in six nineteenth-century British novels as physical or nonphysical.
Utilizing these results, it determines the ratio between the categories, and determines whether or
not male and female authors describe female characters in significantly different ways. This is
accomplished by a thorough reading of the books, identification of descriptors, and entering the
descriptive words and phrases into Excel. The data suggest that male and female authors describe female
characters with similar numbers of physical and non-physical descriptors. In addition, the ratio of the
number of non-physical words to physical words is determined for each character and contrasted with her
end fate. Data currently suggest that women with more non-physical descriptors tend to have positive end
fates, whereas women with more physical descriptors meet unhappier ends. These data are being
confirmed. Additionally, it is likely that characters are described differently in dialogue as opposed to
sections of expository writing. Whether these differences trend toward physical or non-physical has yet to
be determined.
91
K01
Synthesis of Isobutanol From Lignocellulosic Biomass Inoculated With Fungus and Bacteria
Presenter(s)
Elise Douglas, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gregory O'Bannon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Branson Lawrence, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Biofuels are widely regarded as paramount in maximizing efficiency, environmental safety, and use of
renewable resources, thus constituting a growing field of investigation in the scientific community. We
aimed to optimize the biomass concentration and bacterial inoculation duration using an original
procedure. Miscanthus grass was first treated with Trichoderma reesei to yield saccharides which were
then inoculated with Corynebacterium glutamicum to produce isobutanol. The product was analyzed
using gas chromatography and then compared to non-inoculated saccharides and a pure butyl gas
chromatography graph. Our preliminary results suggested that we had identified the isobutanol peak on
our graph. We then performed a simple distillation in order to find the concentration of isobutanol in our
product and confirm our initial results. Based on these results we were able to determine the efficiency
and practicality of our biofuel. However, we were unable to determine the optimum biomass
concentration and inoculation time because trends were not apparent with such a small sample size and
limited research time. Nonetheless, the study provides an innovative method to synthesize and analyze a
low-cost alternative energy source.
K02
Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Presenter(s)
Anna Gupta, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
David Lisk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Despite existing water filters, over a billion people lack potable water. Our goal was to create a filter that
would produce a flow rate of forth liters per day while maintaining a kill rate of 99.9% and a cost of $15.
Our filter consisted of one egg white mixed with approximately 10 ml of 0.5 M silver nitrate solution. For
support, the mixture was combined with 40 ml of sand or grog, or alternatively percolated into three
stacked scouring pads inside a three inch diameter plastic pipe with stainless steel mesh glued to the
bottom. The filter was baked at 275˚F for 15-25 minutes. We made a standard dilution of Escherichia
coli, ran a portion through the filter, and determined the kill rates by comparing the colonies in the plated
filtrate to the plated initial dilution. Our optimal filter used scouring pads and produced a flow rate of
eighty-six liters per day and a kill rate of 93%. Although most filters met either the flow rate or kill rate
goal, only one has been close to meeting both. We are currently trying to achieve both targets by varying
the support material and are developing a storage method to allow for repeated use of the filter.
92
K03
The Role of Climate Change in the Biodiversity of Ant Species
Presenter(s)
Eveline Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Gracen Brilmyer, Field Museum
Corrie Moreau, Field Museum
While researchers have predicted climate change to become a threat to biodiversity, it is difficult to track
and analyze how humans are impacting native species. As such, the Field Museum’s Gregg Collection,
which contains over one million specimens of ants collected throughout the twentieth century, provides
the ideal indicator species and circumstances to understand the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
In order to use the collection’s data, I first indexed and created a database of its specimens. For each vial
of specimen, I recorded all information, such as habitat, collection method, and date collected, into an
easily accessible and well organized spreadsheet. Then, I selected four specific genera (Camponotus,
Formica, Lasius, and Leptothorax) to study. These genera are not only well represented in the collection,
but they are also widespread throughout the United States, making them the ideal genera to analyze. By
using ArcGIS mapping software and Excel to understand and model the raw data, preliminary results
suggest that ant species have indeed experienced a northward move, which is expected under warming
scenarios for North America. In addition, it appears that the elevation has increased for most genera.
Further results will account for changes in habitat, location, and forest cover. Overall, these results
support current trends and hypotheses regarding the impact of the changing climate on the biodiversity of
ants.
K04
Chlorella’s Effect on Ammonium and Nitrate Levels
Presenter(s)
Bailey Simmons-Brown, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Agricultural runoffs from cattle feedlots have excess ammonium and nitrates due to fertilizers and animal
waste. Algae typically thrive off these chemicals, so this project looks at using algae to try and rid the
water of excess ammonium and nitrates. A high concentration solution and a low concentration solution
were made for the Chlorella to grow in, and incubated for one week. An ammonium, nitrate, and light
absorbance test was conducted each day. The light spectra test indicates the population size of the algae in
the flask. An increase was noted in both nitrate and ammonium concentrations. Another test was
conducted using the growth media with algae, and an increase was noted in both solutions. This was
unexpected because the Chlorella was expected to metabolize the ammonium and nitrates. Others have
noted that some strains of Chlorella have a bacteria living symbiotically with the plant that causes
nitrogen fixation. This is a possible explanation for why there was an increase in the levels of ammonium
and nitrates. The increase of nitrates and ammonium could be useful or other purposes such as
fertilization of crops.
93
K05
Investigation of the Ecological and Economical Effects of Green Roofs
Presenter(s)
Aaron Victor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ziang Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Green roofs provide immense benefits by providing extra insulation and reducing the urban heating island
effect, air pollution, and flooding of storm water treatment plants. Our investigation studies whether or
not green roofs provide sufficient benefits in order to justify their substantial installation and maintenance
costs. We created a sedum-based green roof on top of pre-existing energy house and constructed a
rainwater collection system. Then, we heated the room and measured the steady-state temperature
difference in order to determine the insulation benefits. We also are using force plates and rain barrels to
measure storm water delay and retention. We are still in the process of collecting data on runoff delay and
retention. An energy balance analysis of the green roof found that 1500 watts of energy were lost at
equilibrium. We expected that, at the same temperature conditions, the energy house, without a green
roof, would lose more than 1500 watts, but our calculations concluded an energy loss of only 700 watts.
This calculation was based on R-value data of the materials used to construct the energy house, which
could be inaccurate. We are exploring alternate methods to quantify the energy benefits attributed to the
green roof.
L01
Thematic Development in Beethoven’s Piano Sonatas and its Applications to Modern Composition
Presenter(s)
Daniel Collins, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Peter Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The piano sonatas of Ludwig van Beethoven have long been considered a cornerstone of not only the
piano repertoire, but of classical music itself. They are remarkable for the simultaneous achievement of
both aesthetic appeal and compositional ingenuity. This study sought to analyze the means by which a
representative group of these works accomplished their primary goal of thematic development and recast
these findings in a contemporary context through the composition of the researcher’s own sonata
movement. Three sonatas from Beethoven’s output, No. 8 in C minor, Op. 13 Pathetique; No. 16 in G
major, Op. 31 No. 1; and No. 27 in E minor, Op. 90, were analyzed using a variety of techniques,
including structure, voice, and Schenkerian analysis, intended to reveal overarching developmental
patterns. These analyses exposed the primary methods of development to be thematic breakdown and
motivic extrapolation; a tendency towards sustained dominant to tonic motion, especially at the end of the
development; and reinterpretation of notes not the dominant or leading tone as such to facilitate
modulation. Through the composition of a new sonata movement in the style of Beethoven, these
techniques were shown to still be viable to a modern composer, speaking to their versatility and potential.
94
M01
An Examination of the Causes of World War II and the Cold War
Presenter(s)
Max Kontorovich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lee Eysturlid, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
World War Two (WWII) and the Cold War's origins are essential in understanding the modern world. By
examining books, articles, documentaries, and primary sources I have tried to determine what caused
WWII and the Cold War, and if they were inevitable. I found that WWII was inescapable due to four key
factors: 1) the social unrest in Germany caused by the horrible post-World War I economy; 2) a growing
Soviet military industrial complex set on exporting Communist ideology to Europe; 3) Japan's
technological advantage over East Asia and its need for resources; and 4) the inaction of Anglo-American
forces in the 1930's. The Cold War was caused by Soviet obduracy and America's decision of a middle
road between appeasing the Soviets and being tough with them. Had America either wholeheartedly
defended its ideologies or accepted the progress of the Red Army during WWII, the Cold War as we
know it could have been avoided. The causes of these conflicts can never be known with certainty, but
those above are the most likely, and allow us to objectively understand the twentieth century, prompting
informed decision making in the twenty-first century.
M02
Vikings and Monasteries: An Analysis of the Conversion of Medieval Europe
Presenter(s)
Andrew Salij, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In the Medieval era, Northern and Eastern Europe converted to Christianity and moved away from
paganism. What circumstances brought this shift and has Christianity completely supplanted pagan
traditions? This investigation utilized documents written by the churchmen of the Middle Ages, Viking
religious texts, and modern analyses of Christian conversion efforts in order to build a body of knowledge
of Christianity in multiple regions of Northern and Eastern Europe, most of which had Viking influences.
Ultimately, it appears that conversion efforts typically began with missionaries converting a small number
of a populace regardless of regal support. However, leaders often then converted in response to external
political pressure, a desire for legitimacy, or earnest belief. Once a ruler converted, pagan reactions
occurred, but they quickly subsided as the new region assimilated to Christianity. However, the converted
regions rarely left their entire pagan past behind, for syncretism pagan traditions combined with
Christianity. What had been Viking Europe converted to Christianity, but it maintained some of its initial
culture through syncretism.
95
M03
Confucius to Fake Gucci? A Historical Approach to Explaining the Development of China's Black
Market
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kirsty Montgomery, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The black market is defined as the "illicit trade in goods or commodities in violation of official
regulations." A free market for everything from drugs to organs to, perhaps more popular among
unsuspecting customers, stolen or counterfeit retail and technology, it is a growing form of underground
economy that has developed immensely in the past century, especially in China. China's counterfeiting
issue has impacted not just domestic economy, but also international economy. This study examined
China’s black market in counterfeit retail and technology and, through the lens of history, came to several
conclusions to help answer the question of how and why it has developed so rapidly. Scholar Peter K. Yu
claims that ancient Confucian ideals predisposed the Chinese to counterfeit goods in the present. This
study rejects the theory as a misinterpretation of text. Instead it proposes that the Great Divergence that
began in the late eighteenth century left China scrambling to modernize in the last few decades. It is also
proposed that China's slow development of intellectual property protection and strong centralized
government led to a weaker legal system compared to its Western counterparts.
N01
A Study of the Application of Death Penalty Law in Sub-Saharan Africa
Presenter(s)
Edward Jun, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University
Delphine Lourtau, Northwestern University
Shubra Ohri, Northwestern University
This study investigates certain key judicial decisions relating to the death penalty in Sub-Saharan Africa,
and analyzes their relationship to country-wide and regional trends in the application of the death penalty.
This study observed how court rulings either reflected or were inconsistent with those trends, through
thorough analysis of several landmark court cases in different regions of Sub-Saharan Africa,
documentation by human rights bodies like the United Nations, and by data analysis of executions, laws,
government statements, and other sources in Sub-Saharan African nations. These separate, yet equally
important pieces of evidence were put together to display a large scale picture of the current application
of the death penalty in Africa and trends moving into the future. Preliminary results suggest that while a
growing number of nations are refraining from using the death penalty or abolishing it altogether, some
countries still continue to use the death penalty at a high rate, often carrying out death sentences that are
inconsistent with international human rights laws and governing trends in the application of the death
penalty. This study looks to build a foundation upon which further investigations can study the death
penalty in Sub-Saharan Africa as trends in both legislation and application change in future years.
96
O01
Taking the Red Pill: Degenerations of Matrix Space
Presenter(s)
Lael Costa, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Nir Avni, Northwestern University
A representation is an object that replaces the elements of a group with matrices. The groups we are
looking at are the fundamental groups of surfaces and the matrices are inside one of five exceptional
matrix groups. The collections of all such representations, called representation varieties, are pinched in
some places. If the number of holes in the surface is big enough, these pinches are tame (they are
technically known as rational singularities). Using Python, we have created routines that produce and
degenerate the equations that describe the representation varieties. There are two kinds of degenerations
that can be applied. One is lossless; the other is lossy (it increases the number of holes needed for the
surface). By carefully applying a lossless degeneration, we have made the equations simple enough to
draw as graphs. Using lossy degenerations, we can separate the graph into discrete edges, which
demonstrates the rationality of the singularities. The work left to us is to optimize our use of lossy
degenerations; potentially reducing the standing upper bounds from approximately three times dimension
to one half the dimension. This research lays a foundation for similarly computational proofs.
O02
Examining Influential Factors for Team Pitching Environments in Major League Baseball
Presenter(s)
Luke Musgrave, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The complex game of baseball can be described using a vast variety of metrics and statistics. Analysis of
these statistics can help to more accurately describe and make predictions about the game. Using a final
set of data from 1998-2012, I examined the effect of different aspects of specific teams on a pitcher's
performance. Using regression models from this data, I found the expected effect each team would have
on a pitcher's earned run average based on that pitcher's fielding independent pitching value, and the
team's defensive efficiency, pitching park factor, league, winning percentage, and errors. These models
showed how significant each of these team factors is in influencing a pitcher's performance. For example,
defensive efficiency showed a strong negative trend in earned run average output while pitching park
factor showed a surprisingly weak trend in predicting earned run average. Understanding which variables
are the most influential on pitching performance can help scouts, team management, fantasy owners, and
fans of the game to make more accurate predictions about how a pitcher will perform over the course of
the season.
97
O03
Upset Definition and Prediction in Tennis
Presenter(s)
Suraj Sinha, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yea-Jane Chu, IBM Business Analytics
Jing Shyr, IBM Business Analytics
Statistics have always been essential when discussing projections, ratings, and/or ranking certain players
or teams in sports. These rankings are based on the International Tennis Federation points that are
accumulated by each player over a two year span. When predicting the victor of matches, people use
these rankings assigned to each player as a basis for their prediction. When a significantly lower seeded
player defeats one of higher seed, the match is called an upset. The aim of this investigation was to
provide an accurate and specific definition to the word significant. How much lower must a player be
ranked in order for the match to be called an upset? The second challenge of the investigation, once an
upset was defined, was to find out what factors might explain upsets and predict how likely these upsets
were. As a whole, the goal of the investigation was to model an entire tournament based upon data from
the US Open over the past ten years. Through this investigation, I have explored various methods of
statistical modeling in order to attempt to adequately describe a complete tournament by assigning
probability values for upsets to occur.
O04
Counting Rational Space Curves Meeting Lines and Points Using the Method of Degeneration
Presenter(s)
James Tao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Izzet Coskun, University of Illinois at Chicago
Classical algebraic geometers used the method of degeneration to count rational curves meeting lines and
points in space. Modern work has placed this method on the rigorous foundation of the moduli space of
stable maps, and thereby given a precise description of the multiplicities and degenerations involved.
Using dimension counting, we determine the numbers of points, lines, and secants that specify finite
numbers of rational space curves of any degree. Next, we apply the method of degeneration by repeatedly
specializing line and point constraints into a fixed plane and counting the limiting solutions with
appropriate multiplicities. The structure of the moduli space of stable maps allows us to describe the
result of this specialization. Combined with elementary geometric arguments, as well as the enumeration
of rational plane curves meeting points in general position, this procedure allows us to recursively count
the number of rational quadric, cubic, and quartic curves meeting certain combinations of points, lines,
and secants, in a more systematic way than was possible classically. We conclude that our method is very
effective for enumerating small degree rational curves, but it becomes difficult to carry out in practice as
the degree increases.
98
P01
Assessment of the Degree of Variation of Histologic Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis
Presenter(s)
Max Ackerman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah Goeppinger, University of Chicago
Adam Mikolajczyk, University of Chicago
David Rubin, University of Chicago
In the past, disease activity of ulcerative colitis (UC) has been measured using endoscopic techniques, but
more recently, undefined histologic measures have been employed. The adoption of this measurement
technique has been hindered by a lack of evidence guiding interpretation and reproducibility of results.
The aim of this study was to characterize intra-segment and inter-segment variation of histologic scores of
colonic mucosal inflammation in patients with UC. In total, 1802 biopsy segments from the rectum, right
side, or left side colon were graded using a novel, previously validated six-point histologic inflammatory
activity (HIA) scale. The data was analyzed for intra-segment variability, and the mean maximum
proportion for the rectum was 85.5%, the left side was 79.6%, and the right side was 82.7%. For the
ordinal inter-segment analysis, the mean maximum proportion across all of the segments was 70.2%.
Inter-segment variation in a continuous model demonstrated a coefficient of variation of 25.4% for HIA
scores in patients with left-sided colitis and 14.7% in patients with pancolitis, neither of which were
significantly greater than zero. Based upon these results, using the previously validated scoring system,
minimal variability was demonstrated between biopsies within each colonic segment and among different
segments in patients. These conclusions have meaningful effects upon the utilization of histology as a
clinical trial and treatment endpoint for UC.
99
P02
An Evaluation of Chicago Public Schools’ Health-Related Policies
Presenter(s)
Prachi Aggarwal, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jenson Phung, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shreya Santhanam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ashley Dyer, Northwestern University
Ruchi Gupta, Northwestern University
Victoria Rivkina, Northwestern University
The goal of this investigation was to determine the effectiveness of the promotion and content of two
Chicago Public Schools (CPS) health-related policies: the Food Allergy Management Policy and the
Administration of Medication Policy. A questionnaire surveying the promotion, content, and impact of
these policies was distributed to CPS parents, with and without food allergic children, and school nurses.
Of the CPS parents surveyed, only 36.4% of parents with food allergic children and 25.2% of parents
without food allergic children were aware of the new policies. Of the nurses surveyed, only 63.6%
supported the new CPS health-related policies and only 47.1% reported their school(s) as having a written
plan or protocol for food allergy emergencies. These findings suggest that many CPS parents still do not
know about the health-related policies impacting their children, and school nurses are not fully on board
with them. Therefore, there is a need for increased policy promotion and communication between the
school district, clinical school staff, and CPS parents. In addition, it is recommended that the rest of the
CPS health-related policies be evaluated to provide a more complete understanding of health-related
policy promotion and impact in the district.
100
P03
Epidermal Growth Factor Ameliorates Transforming Growth Factor β-Induced Collagen
Deposition in Pancreatic Stellate Cells
Presenter(s)
Ryan Chiu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Paul Grippo, Northwestern University
Windel Emman Mascariñas, Northwestern University
Daniel Principe, Northwestern University
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) currently stands as one of the deadliest cancers in the United
States, with an aggregate five year survival rate of only 4%. Recent therapeutic efforts for PDAC have
centered around two potent cellular growth factors, epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming
growth factor beta (TGFβ), which converge downstream to promote cell survival and proliferation in
advanced carcinomas. However, a major barrier in the therapeutic targeting of the cancer is the expansion
of surrounding stroma. In order to address the tumor-associated fibrosis observed in most pancreatic
cancers, human pancreatic stellate (hPSC) cells were cultured in vitro and treated with recombinant EGF
and TGFβ. Interestingly, in hPSC cells, these two factors did not seem to exhibit the downstream
convergence observed in other cell types. In addition, EGF, generally considered a mitogen, unexpectedly
led to rapid induction of the anti-proliferative factor p21. Furthermore, EGF drastically attenuated TGFβ-
induced collagen deposition. These results challenge the canonical role of EGF in the tumor
microenvironment, and may offer one possible explanation for the reduced clinical efficacy of EGF
receptor-targeted therapies.
P04
Assessment of Non-Rapid Eye Movement Delta Sleep and its Correlation to Excessive Daytime
Sleepiness
Presenter(s)
Lohitha Guntupalli, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samir Patel, Springfield Clinic
This project investigates the correlation between the amounts of delta wave sleep achieved by a person
self-reporting to have excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), to the scored Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS)
and mean sleep latency on a mean sleep latency test (MSLT) in known idiopathic hypersomnia patients.
Retrospective data of human sleep records from Touchworks, the Springfield Clinic’s electronic database,
was assessed to find the correlation of the achieved delta sleep to the EDS. The data was collected
through polysomnograph studies. A Pearson’s correlation coefficient test was conducted to see if a
relationship existed between the amounts of delta sleep achieved to the ESS scored and mean sleep
latency. It was concluded that no significant correlation existed between delta wave Stage 3 sleep and
one’s sleepiness in the morning (ESS and MSLT). Stage 2 sleep was found to be the only stage in which
there was a significant, yet weak, correlation with both ESS and MSLT. If the sample size for ESS versus
Stage 2 was increased to 103 patients, and the sample size for MSLT versus Stage 2 was decreased to 70
patients, a significant correlation may have existed. Time spent in Stage 2 may influence how sleepy a
person is.
101
P05
Pain Trajectories Across Different Variables for Inpatients at the University of Illinois at Chicago
Medical Center
Presenter(s)
Taylor Herr, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Galanter, University of Illinois at Chicago
There is no objective way to measure pain. Instead, the numeric rating scale (NRS) allows a patient to rate
his or her pain on a scale from 0 to 10. The University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center has collected
this pain data in two data sets. The first data set contains pain scores from January 1 to March 31 of 2012
in inpatients who have taken at least one opioid medication, while the second set contains pain scores for
all inpatients from March 1 of 2012 to February 28 of 2013. Data was analyzed by looking at
relationships such as pain as a function of time. The graph of this relationship has a characteristic shape: it
looks like a vertically shifted exponential function that flattens out after approximately 12 hours.
Additionally, no statistical difference was found between the data of those that had taken opioids and all
inpatients with initial pain above five. Finally, patients’ pain trajectories differ based on the type of care.
The fact that pain scores tend to drop exponentially but flatten out at a constant above 0 implies that there
is still room to improve pain treatment, as optimally the graphs of pain should flatten out at as low a value
as possible.
P06
Effects of T1L Reovirus Infection on Antiviral Response of Human Lamina Propria Cell Types in
vitro
Presenter(s)
Fengling Hu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Romain Bouziat, University of Chicago
Reinhard Hinterleitner, University of Chicago
Bana Jabri, University of Chicago
Celiac disease (CD) is an inflammatory intestinal disorder with autoimmune components induced by
gluten ingestion in susceptible patients characterized by loss of oral tolerance (LOT) to gluten.
Preliminary studies show that T1L reovirus infection causes upregulation of type-1 IFN and interferon
inducible genes (ISGs) in the lamina propria (LP), causing LOT to gluten. Human LP lymphocytes were
isolated by flow cytometry. Human gamma delta T cells and alpha beta T cells from biopsies were sorted,
expanded, and infected in vitro with T1L reovirus. Gene expression was measured using reverse
transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Data from LP lymphocytes of mice orally infected in vivo with
T1L reovirus was used as a background for comparison and experiment design. MxA expression data
shows human gamma delta T cells respond to T1L infection while alpha beta T cells do not, indicating
functional differences between them. Preexisting data about Mx1, ISG15, and IRF7 expression shows
oral T1L infection of mice can induce ISGs to different extents in most lymphocytes. These different
levels of response among lymphocytes await further investigation in human cells. Overall this data
provides important insights into interactions between T1L reovirus and the immune system which will
broaden our understanding of how viral infections cause autoimmune disorders like celiac disease.
102
P07
The Correlation Between Gestational Age and Independent Oral Feeding in Preterm Newborns
Presenter(s)
Sharon Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sophia Lam, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Muraskas, Loyola University
Sarah van Nostrand, Loyola University
Preterm infants cannot coordinate sucking, swallowing, eating, and breathing until they approach forty
weeks gestation (term pregnancy). The development of independent oral feeding is a major criterion for
safe neonatal intensive care unit discharge to home. Our project investigated the gestational age (GA) at
independent oral feeding in preterm infants. Specifically, we studied the GA, or the age of the infant
(weeks since conception) at which the infant achieves independent oral feeding. We analyzed data from
3307 patient records compiled between 1978 and 2013. We evaluated the GA at independent oral feeding
for three different categories: maternal age; birth weight; and appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and
respiration score at birth (APGAR). To analyze the categories, we used an Analysis of Variance test. All
results were statistically significant (p values less than 0.05). The overall mean of the GA at independent
oral feeding was 36+3/7 weeks with a standard deviation of 15 days. Our results demonstrated that
maternal age, birth weight, and APGAR score significantly influenced the oral feeding maturation. Infants
born to younger mothers (teenage) with birth weight exceeding 1500 g (3 pounds and 5 ounces) who did
not require resuscitation at birth (high APGAR scores) achieved independent oral feeding significantly
earlier.
P08
Burn Injury Alters the Intestinal Microbiota and Increases Inflammation and Risk of Sepsis
Presenter(s)
Omair Khan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mashkoor Choudhry, Loyola University
Zackary Earley, Loyola University
Xiaoling Li, Loyola University
Half a million cases of burn injury resulting in four thousand deaths are reported nationally every year.
Previous studies have shown that burn patients suffer a global immune response characterized by a
breakdown in epithelial barrier integrity in the gut, leading to inflammation and sepsis. However, the
diversity of the intestinal microbiota following thermal injury and its implications in inflammation and
infection are unknown. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a 20% body surface area burn or sham
burn and sacrificed on days one, three, and five. DNA was isolated and purified from the distal small
intestine feces and the large intestine feces. This DNA was subjected to quantitative polymerase chain
reaction to quantify specific bacterial groups found within the gut microbiome. Quantitative polymerase
chain reaction analysis of the DNA isolated from the small and large intestine feces showed that burn
increased total bacteria 20 fold, while also significantly altering specific bacterial groups. These results
suggest that burn injury promotes a dysregulation of the gut microbiota, which may have a significant role
in post burn inflammation and sepsis. Thus, these results may modify treatments for severe burn patients
to restore the gut microbiome, reducing the risk of implications following thermal injury.
103
P09
Effects of Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Reaching Distance of Impaired Arm Post
Stroke
Presenter(s)
Frances Seo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Fleur Veltink, Northwestern University
Jun Yao, Northwestern University
Abnormal joint coupling between shoulder abduction and elbow flexion (that is, flexion synergy) is
prevalent in most individuals with moderate to severe stroke, which reduces their reaching ability. The
objective of this study is to improve our understanding of the neuromechanisms involved in flexion
synergy. We hypothesize that increased brain activity in lesioned hemisphere causes decreased flexion
synergy and increased reaching distance, while the decreased brain activity in the non-lesioned
hemisphere results in the inverse. Nine individuals with moderate to severe stroke participated in the three
session study. In each session, they repeated reaching tasks with various shoulder abduction (SABD)
loads before and after a 15-minute brain modulation. During brain modulation, one of the three
transcranial direct current stimulations (tDCS), cathodal non-lesional, anodal lesional, or sham
stimulation, was applied. A two factor (time before and after stimulation, SABD load) repeated measures
ANOVA test reported significant effect of the stimulation on maximal reaching distance, and significant
interaction between time and SABD load (p=0.05) for cathodal non-lesional tDCS. For other stimulations,
we did not find any significance. Our results indicate that downregulation of cortical activity in the nonlesional
hemisphere may upregulate the brainstem activity, thus increasing the flexion synergy.
P10
Does Connective Tissue Growth Factor Cause Left Atrial Fibrosis in Dilated Cardiomyopathy?
Presenter(s)
Abhishek Sethi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Allen Samarel, Loyola University
Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is a protein secreted by cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts. CTGF
stimulates collagen production which may lead to atrial fibrosis and arrhythmias. CTGF expression is
regulated by protein kinase C. Our laboratory is studying a transgenic mouse in which a constitutively
active form of protein kinase C-epsilon (ca-PKCε) is expressed exclusively in cardiomyocytes. These
animals have enlarged left ventricles and left atria (LA), producing a dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Our
hypothesis is that PKCε causes over-production of CTGF, which in turn causes LA enlargement, fibrosis,
and arrhythmias. We used echocardiography to measure LA diameter and found that ca-PKCε mice had a
larger LA diameter than wildtype FVB/n mice. Furthermore, the difference in LA size increased with age.
We performed Western blots to analyze CTGF expression in LA tissue and found that caPKCε mice had a
much greater CTGF concentration than nontransgenic animals. We also analyzed hydroxyproline, a
biochemical marker of excess collagens. We found that hydroxyproline was also significantly increased in
ca-PKCε LA tissue. Finally we observed that atrial arrhythmias were much more common in caPKCε
versus FVB/n mice. Studies are underway to determine if treating mice with CTGF blocking antibodies
prevents atrial enlargement, fibrosis, and arrhythmias in this DCM model.
104
P11
Clinical Studies in Venous Leg Ulcers and Incisional Hernias
Presenter(s)
Vimig Socrates, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jing Liu, Northwestern University
New medical drugs or devices undergo extensive tests for effectiveness and safety assurance before they
are mass produced and disseminated to the public. The final stage of drug testing involves human clinical
trials, where volunteer patients are studied to see the practical consequences of new treatment. Through
this investigation, treatment mainly continued in a spray solution for leg ulcers. I preformed the preclinical
procedures before the doctor comes in for all patients with leg ulcers. This includes cutting off the
compression bandages, applying Vaseline, and taking vitals for the patients. In addition, we manage the
database for another clinical study for a polytetrafluoroethylene hernia mesh using Microsoft Access.
Currently, both studies show significant improvement in quality of life for patients and a lowered rate of
recurrence in both hernias and ulcers. While the study has yet to be concluded, all patients seem to
continue to benefit from these new procedures.
P12
The Role of Gut Microbes in Regulating Dietary Fat-Mediated Alterations of Nuclear Hormone
Receptor Expression
Presenter(s)
Simona Stancov, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Kristina Martinez, University of Chicago
The development of treatments for the prevention and amelioration of obesity is a major focus of the
twenty-first century. Several groups postulate that the enteric microbiota plays a key role in the onset of
the disease, partly because rodents without gut microbes are protected from diet-induced obesity. Notably,
the lean and obese phenotypes are associated with certain expression levels of nuclear hormone receptors
(NHR), transcription factors that regulate whole body metabolism. Therefore, it is useful to determine
whether gut microbes serve as mediators of high fat (HF) diet-induced alterations in NHR expressions. To
begin this ongoing investigation, we fed specific pathogen free (SPF) mice with low fat (LF) and HF diets
for four weeks. We expected to observe downregulation of constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), which
suppresses lipogenesis, in mice fed HF diets. Although these rodents gained the most weight and had
significantly higher lipogenic gene expressions than mice fed the LF diet, CAR was not downregulated.
Therefore, the observed upregulation might be attributed to increased activity of NHRs that promote
energy storage. Comparison of the microbiomes of the mice fed the LF and HF diets can help us
determine whether certain microbes are related to the NHR and target expressions that were measured.
105
P13
The Effects of the Novel Agonist 390 on the CXC Type 4 Chemokine Receptor
Presenter(s)
Shruti Topudurti, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Selam Zenebe-Gete, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Richard Miller, Northwestern University
The chemokine receptor, CXC receptor type 4 (CXCR4) aids in the movement, or chemotaxis, of stem
cells. Hence drugs that activate this receptor may be useful in brain repair following stroke or trauma.
Based on the use of modeling, drug 390 was previously determined as a small molecule agonist of the
CXCR4 receptor due its similarities to the natural ligand of CXCR4, stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF-1).
Varying concentrations of 390 were tested using a calcium imaging apparatus in order to find the optimal
concentration that will cause maximum activation of CXCR4. The activation results in increased
intracellular calcium production, which was recorded using fura-2 fluorescence, which binds to
intracellular calcium, and a calcium imaging machine. Cultured human melanoma cells were used as a
source of CXCR4 receptors. The results were analyzed into a dose response curve and indicate that 1 μM
is the most effective concentration. Thus, a 1 μM concentration of 390 will provide the optimal agonist
effect. The overall effects of the novel drug 390 appeared to be similar to those produced by SDF-1 on the
same cells.
P14
The Future of Healthcare Reform: The Quantitative and Qualitative Implications of Value-Based
Care
Presenter(s)
Paul Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Samir Itchhaporia, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
Rebecca Maroon, Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
In response to an ever-changing healthcare climate and increasing costs, this investigation focused on the
research of innovative methods to improve all aspects of healthcare in the United States. Researchers
formed a comparison between the twenty-first century concept of value-based care and traditional fee for
service care. Value-based care focuses on a holistic approach that provides motivations for quality
outcomes by rearranging incentives. In addition to a qualitative research component examining secondary
sources, a data analysis was performed to investigate the cost and frequency associated with each type of
care. The analyses were run on a data set provided by the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association using
Microsoft SQL and Excel software. Preliminary results suggest that while value-based care may provide
higher quality care and more preventive measures, the relative costs are higher than those of a fee for
service arrangement. While only basic statistical analyses have been run thus far, researchers hope to
substantiate their early findings with further insights into the cost of value-based care over time. This
research will identify whether net savings can be derived from more preventive measures, though initially
more expensive.
106
P15
Identifying the Melanosomal Component Responsible for Selective Sensitivity to Bleaching Phenols
Presenter(s)
Irina Wirjan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jonathan Eby, Loyola University
I. Caroline Le Poole, Loyola University
Tyrosinase binds to tyrosine, its substrate, to catalyze the production of melanin, the pigment found in
melanocytes. Bleaching phenols are thought to cause death by conversion to toxic substances, as their
structures can be mistaken for tyrosine. Which enzyme causes this cytotoxicity when melanocytes are
exposed to phenols? We transfected human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells with mouse DNA
encoding tyrosinase, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (Trp-1), tyrosinase-related protein 2 (Trp-2),
glycoprotein 100, and melanoma antigen recognized by T-cell proteins. HEK293 served as the negative
control because none of the proteins are naturally present, while B16F10 served as the positive control as
all the proteins are there naturally. We used fluorescent activated cell sorting and Western blots to detect
the presence of the proteins in the cells. We measured cell viability with methylthiazol tetrazolium assays
after exposure to 125 μM and 250 μM monobenzyl ether of hydroquinone (MBEH) and 4-tertiary butyl
phenol, the bleaching phenols. Our data shows that cells with tyrosinase had low viability to MBEH for
both concentrations. Tyrosinase may contribute to cytotoxicity when exposed to phenols.
P16
Effects of KBU2046 on Common Chemotherapeutics and Androgen Regulation in Breast and
Prostate Cancers
Presenter(s)
Luke Zhan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Raymond Bergan, Northwestern University
Xiaoke Huang, Northwestern University
Megan Schrementi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
KBU2046 is a novel anti-metastatic prostate and breast cancer drug that suppresses tumor invasion in
vitro, and metastatic formation in animals. This investigation determined how KBU2046 interacts with
common chemotherapeutics in both breast and prostate cancers and analyzed the drug's effect on
androgen regulation in prostate cancer. Using the MCF-7 breast carcinoma cell line and the PC-3M
prostate cancer cell line, we performed a cell viability assay with KBU2046 in combination with
chemotherapeutics vinblastine, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin. It was found that KBU2046 does not
significantly alter the sensitivity of either cell line to chemotherapeutics. To test the effect of KBU2046
on androgen regulation in prostate cancer, we performed quantitative reverse transcription polymerase
chain reaction with primers for prostate-specific antigen (PSA), whose expression is androgen-regulated.
The LNCaP prostate adenocarcinoma cell line was cultured with varying combinations of KBU2046,
R1881 (a synthetic androgen), and/or bicalutamide (an anti-androgen used to treat prostate cancer). It was
found that KBU2046 inhibits PSA expression and supplements the efficacy of bicalutamide. Both sets of
results are promising for the drug's clinical trials, as KBU2046 acts synergistically with common
chemotherapeutics in breast and prostate cancers and does not aggravate androgen expression in prostate
cancer.
107
Q01
Alteration of Brain Connections in Resting State Networks After Performing Simple Motor Actions
Presenter(s)
Kristin Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Xue Wang, Northwestern University
Connected brain regions oscillate at similar frequencies in the resting state network (the active network
during periods of no explicit activity also known as RSN) as shown by functional magnetic resonance
imaging (fMRI) scans. Motor-related regions are expected to show increased connections after
performing simple motor tasks. In this study, sixteen participants received an fMRI scan before
performing the following actions: rest, squeezing a ball, chewing gum, or receiving a caffeine injection.
After 10 minutes of performing the task, the subjects received another fMRI scan. Analysis of the post
activity scans showed differences between brain activities in the RSN between each of the tasks
performed. The hippocampus, posterior cingulate cortex, post-central, and pre-central networks showed
the most significant differences in brain activity between tasks. These findings show that the performance
of different actions affect the connections between brain regions after the task is finished.
Q02
Automatic Switching Point From Perfusion to Permeability Using a Single Full-Dose Contrast
Injection
Presenter(s)
Greeshma Chilukuri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jayathi Varadheeswaran, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennie Yufen Chen, Northwestern University
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Xue Wang, Northwestern University
Obtaining both perfusion and permeability data is critical for diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging,
staging, and treatment planning for patients with brain tumors. However, only one can be acquired
typically. The purpose of this study is to create a method which will decrease the cost and time necessary
to collect both data sets. The parameter was created using perfusion data from seven patients inputted into
the Siemens Syngo software, which showed the data versus time. The parameter was then tested on seven
other patients to check reliability. The perfusion maps of the full time course were identical to the
truncated time when using the same arterial input function. The truncated perfusion dataset demonstrated
normal values in each subject. The results indicated that there were no issues with modeling permeability
data even though it was collected following the perfusion data. The parameter was accurate for fourteen
different patients, including stroke and tumor patients. A method has been created allowing both
perfusion and permeability data collection from a single dose of contrast agent through using a parameter
which ensures a complete data set. Using this, the method can be automated by triggering a switch when
the magnetic resonance signal reaches the end of the perfusion phase.
108
Q03
A Comparison of the Magnitude of Visual Simon Effect in High School Students With and Without
Music
Presenter(s)
Joseph Donermeyer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dawson Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Simon effect refers to a phenomenon that occurs when a person responds to a stimulus with the same
side of the body relative to where the stimulus is perceived. This causes a decrease in reaction time
compared to responses on the other side of the body. We used a computer program to test the magnitude
of the Simon effect in high school students with and without music playing. Participants were shown
either the letter H to prompt a left-hand response or the letter S to prompt a right-hand response. The
program generates these letters in different screen locations so we could see how the response times
changed based on location. The experiment is ongoing and results will presented. Our research will help
scientists better understand the Simon effect and help us map neurological processes relating to stimuli
response.
Q04
Active Brain Regions During Sleep Using Electroencephalography Functional Magnetic Resonance
Imaging
Presenter(s)
Grace Duan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sameeksha Malhotra, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Xue Wang, Northwestern University
With techniques allowing the simultaneous acquisition of electroencephalogram (EEG) and functional
magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, active brain regions during different stages of the human sleep
cycle were determined. This allows a greater understanding of sleep and its role in processing
information. The oscillations of the EEG data determined the duration of each sleep stage. The respective
MR images, visualized using Mango software, were analyzed separately to create brain networks with
regions of interest (ROI). Using MATLAB, we created correlation matrices displaying neuronal activity.
Results suggest that brain activity is localized in the ROI’s during the second stage of sleep. In rapid eye
movement (REM) sleep, brain activity associated with the selected ROI is also present in most other brain
regions. Hippocampal activity is most prevalent in all investigated stages, followed by thalamus, posterior
cingulate, and amygdala activity. Brain activity in stage one and REM is similar, although REM activity
is less concentrated to the ROI. Stage two is considered deeper sleep than stage one, showing diminished
brain activity. REM sleep, showing most neuronal connectivity, involves consolidating memories and
dreaming. EEG-fMRI data can lead to an improved understanding of brain activity during sleep, which
may help in diagnosing sleep disorders.
109
Q05
Age-Related Changes in Visual Learning Strategies
Presenter(s)
Anastasia Fafara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Brianna Pusey, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kelly Brandstatt, Northwestern University
Anthony Ryals, Northwestern University
Joel Voss, Northwestern University
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of age on strategies that individuals use to improve
their memory. The primary goal was to test whether memory deteriorates with age, or if the memory
problems often associated with age are because of poor strategies. Two groups of subjects were tested
with an eye tracking program (adults ages 18-24 and adults over the age of 65). In the test, subjects were
presented with three images and asked to identify which image differed from the others. This was difficult
because all of the objects closely resembled one another. By using eye-tracking data to analyze fixation
patterns, we were able to compare the visual search strategies used by younger versus older adults. Older
subjects (n=14) performed worse than younger subjects (n=14). Furthermore, older subjects demonstrated
abnormal visual search strategies compared to younger subjects, indicating age-related changes in
strategy use. We conclude that aging is associated with changes in strategy use that are more fundamental
than changes in memory.
Q06
Infant Tractography of the Anterior Limb of the Internal Capsule
Presenter(s)
Kayla Hannon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jeffrey Neil, Washington University
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) helps understanding about what the brain looks like and how it
works. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) are MRI scans that measure water molecule movements in the
brain. I used DTIs to learn about brain structure and fractional anistropy (FA), which is a measure of how
compressed water molecules move in the brain. High FA implies mature myelinated sheaths; however, in
a previous study, some infants had high FA in the anterior limb of the internal capsule (ALIC) but low
cognitive scores. I used Analyze.10 to track the fibers and created an image of the ALIC called a
tractography. If ALIC tractographies look mature, then they should have high FA. I found that most of the
ALIC tractographies with high FA were not mature. This means a lack of correlation between high FA
and mature ALICs in these infants which does not explain the low cognitive scores. Since DTIs are
relatively new and tractography is old, the value of the information of combining these techniques should
be further explored.
110
Q07
Following Speech Through the Brain: Three Successive Parallel Networks
Presenter(s)
Rhea Harsoor, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Shveta Thakkar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
The purpose of this inquiry is to study the temporal dynamics of language analysis. Three epileptic
patients were given two language tasks, the Boston naming test and a noun-verb task, in order to map
activation. Subdural grids were surgically implanted in the left hemisphere, from which
electrocorticographic recordings were collected. These recordings have a higher temporal resolution than
other imaging modalities, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging. The initial hypothesis, that the
pathway of speech processing is serial, parallel, and widely distributed, was supported by the collected
data. We observed three distinct networks of parallel activity whose onsets were sequential. The first
network was dedicated to phonetic processing, the second to semantic processing, and the third to
semantic processing and speech production. This study is a part of a larger endeavor to minimize the
morbidity of neurosurgical procedures in order to prevent resection of areas vital to language processing.
Q08
The Effects of Neurotrophic Drugs on the Degeneration of Cochlear Hair Cells in Guinea Pigs
Presenter(s)
Mohamed Kady, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Harishankar Logaraj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Claus-Peter Richter, Northwestern University
Through the use of sensory hair cells, the cochlea converts mechanical pressure waves from the
environment into electrical signals that are interpreted by the brain as sound. These signals can be
measured using electrodes as an auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave. Exposure to intense,
prolonged noises can cause irreversible damage to the auditory system. Through the implementation of
certain neurotrophic drugs such as brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF), this damage may be
prevented and hearing may be preserved. Guinea pigs were exposed to deafening frequencies of noise at
various decibel levels. Their recovery was then measured over four weeks through several hearing tests
and analysis of ABR graphs. Preliminary results suggest that BDNF has no statistically significant effect
on hearing. At the end, histology will be conducted to observe the physical effect of deafening and
recovery with neurotrophic drugs on the animals.
111
Q09
Effects of Vindeburnol on Alzheimer's Disease-Type Pathology
Presenter(s)
Vandana Karan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Douglas Feinstein, University of Illinois at Chicago
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a dementia characterized by the aggregation of amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain,
forming plaques that contribute to loss of brain function. The aggregation of Aβ is regulated in part by the
neurotransmitter noradrenaline (NA). Studies have found that vindeburnol increases production of
tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in the biosynthesis of NA, in the locus coeruleus. Two
cohorts of AD model (5xFAD) and wildtype mice were treated with vindeburnol at 20 or 12 mg/kg over
the course of four weeks. Afterwards, the brains were cut and stained with thioflavin S and analyzed with
AxioVision®. Analyses found insignificant differences in plaque number and size both globally and in
specific brain regions. Although we have found no significant difference between overall plaque number
or size between vehicle-treated and vindeburnol-treated sections, the total percentage of small plaques
(<50 μm) significantly decreased by 28% in the frontal cortex and subiculum of 20 mg/kg treated mice.
This suggests that vindeburnol may be slowing the formation of new plaques without enhancing plaque
degradation. The data does show a trend towards lower overall plaque number, however, suggesting that
more animals may need to be processed to reach adequate statistical power.
Q10
Acute Ischemic Stroke in Pregnancy: A Nationwide Inpatient Sample
Presenter(s)
Taylor Knopf, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sarah Song, Rush University
Women can present with acute ischemic strokes during antepartum, delivery, and postpartum periods, but
there is no current consensus on how to treat these patients. This report describes the use of intravenous
thrombolysis, or tissue plasminogen receptor (tPA), in pregnant ischemic stroke patients. Data was
collected using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, a database from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization
Project which tracks information from over eight million hospital stays each year. Pregnancy-related
stroke, including both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, along with stroke-related conditions and
pregnancy-related conditions were extracted using codes from the International Classification of Diseases,
Ninth Revision. We also ascertained clinical outcomes of these pregnant women with stroke, including
mortality, discharge destination, and length of stay. Between 2005 and 2010, approximately 18,392
pregnancies were complicated by stroke. Of these pregnancies, hypertension and pre- eclampsia proved
the most common risk factors. Ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous tPA had a wide range of
length of stay, ranging from 4-28 days. They were also found to have increased mortality compared to
other pregnant women with stroke. More research is necessary to determine the safety of IV tPA in
pregnant ischemic stroke patients.
112
Q11
Identifying Chaperones and Co-Chaperones Affecting Mechanisms of FUS R521G Aggregation in
N2A Cells
Presenter(s)
Lakhena Leang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Xueyang Ren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sue Fox, Northwestern University
Richard Morimoto, Northwestern University
Anan Yu, Northwestern University
The FUS R521G mutation is a toxic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-related gene mutation causing
cytoplasmic aggregates. Usually, the dissolution of insoluble protein aggregates is mediated by a network
of protein chaperones, particularly those such as heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Overexpression of four
different HSP70 chaperones and six different DNAJB chaperones in Neuro2a cells co-transfected with
FUS R521G was observed using supernatant and imaging analysis. Preliminary data analysis suggests
that HSPH1, HSPH2, HSPA1A, HSPA8, and HSPH3 seem to reduce FUS R21G toxicity. However,
DNAJB chaperones seem to have little or no effect on FUS R521G aggregation. We are in the process of
observing Neuro2A cells co-transfected with FUS R521G and HSP70 chaperones under transient
expression to verify the preliminary data. Finding chaperones that aid in FUS R521G aggregate
degradation will help broaden our understanding of chaperone-aggregate machinery and find molecular
targets for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis therapy.
Q12
Inhibitable Plasma Cholinesterases as Biomarkers of Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Jessica Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Changiz Geula, Northwestern University
The purpose of this study was to test a biomarker that could lead to early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
(AD) in living patients. We measured cholinesterase (ChE) activity in plasma samples from patients with
AD and normal controls. The pathological hallmarks of AD, plaques and tangles, contain activities of the
ChEs acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE). Unlike normal ChEs, ChEs in
plaques and tangles are inhibited by indoleamines and protease inhibitors. Differences between the
inhibition of AChE and BuChE by the indoleamine serotonin (5HT) and the protease inhibitor bacitracin
were determined in AD plasma and compared with normal plasma. We tested thirty pairs of plasma for
levels of inhibitable AChE and BuChE activities. There was a trend towards increased inhibition in AD
plasma. There was a 32%-55% increase in inhibitable AChE activity in AD plasma when compared to
normal plasma using bacitracin, and a 14%-45% increase in inhibitable AChE in AD plasma using 5HT.
Similar trends were observed for BuChE. Further analysis is required to determine whether these trends
are statistically significant. These results suggest that inhibitable plasma AChE and BuChE may be
appropriate biomarkers for diagnosis of AD perhaps in its early stages to allow early treatment.
113
Q13
Activated c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Contributes to the Differential Vulnerability of Neurons in
Huntington’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Judy Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Rodolfo Gatto, University of Illinois at Chicago
Gerardo Morfini, University of Illinois at Chicago
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder characterized by mutations in the gene encoding
huntingtin protein (Htt). Mutant forms of htt (mHtt) cause progressive degeneration in specific neuronal
populations, especially within the cerebral cortex and the striatum. It has been previously shown that
mHtt, which is expressed ubiquitously throughout the brain, activates c-Jun N-Terminal kinases (JNK),
which in turn inhibit axonal transport and lead to dying-back degeneration of neurons. Based on these and
other observations, we hypothesized that the tissue distribution of active JNK pathway components might
contribute to the unique tissue pattern of neuronal degeneration observed in the early stage of HD. To
evaluate this hypothesis, we performed immunohistochemical and Western blot analysis of JNK in
control and R6/2 mice, a well-characterized HD mouse model. We found that activated JNK in the presymptomatic
stage (post-natal day 30) is more prevalent in areas of the brain that endure greater damage
during HD pathogenesis, such as the striatum and the cerebral cortex. This led us to conclude that
activation of JNK might contribute to the early pattern of brain tissue degeneration in HD. In the future,
we would like to further evaluate JNK activation in specific cell types including projection neurons,
interneurons, and glial cells.
Q14
Using Microfluidic Chambers to Evaluate the Effect of MitoQ on Fused in Sarcoma-Mediated
Neurotoxicity
Presenter(s)
Emily Ling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The purpose of this investigation was to study MitoQ as a potential treatment for amyotrophic lateral
sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with mutations in the RNA-binding
protein, fused in sarcoma (FUS). Cortical neurons were isolated from day 18 rat embryos and transfected
with control, wild-type FUS, and P525L mutant FUS plasmids. Neurons were plated in microfluidic
chambers, which are specially designed devices that use microgrooves to organize axon growth. They
were then treated with 0.1 μM, 0.3 μM, or 0.5 μM MitoQ, or the control. The neurons were fixed and
stained after one week, and were imaged using a fluorescent microscope. Concentrations of 0.3 μM and
0.5 μM MitoQ treatments were toxic, so only the control and 0.1 μM MitoQ treatments were analyzed.
Mitochondrial fragmentation, dendrite length, and branch point number were observed and quantified.
The results showed that FUS transfections significantly worsened mitochondrial fragmentation as
expected (p < 0.0001). However, MitoQ treatment significantly worsened all three aspects of neuronal
health (p < 0.05). This unexpected result is likely due to toxic byproducts in the MitoQ, which may not
have been sufficiently purified during production. Despite these results, MitoQ may still be a promising
therapy for ALS, and further investigation is suggested.
114
Q15
Screening Potential Treatments for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Emily Ling, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Hye Jean Yoon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mengmeng Chen, Northwestern University
Xiaoping Chen, Northwestern University
Kazuo Fushimi, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
The purpose of this investigation was to test several chemical compounds as potential treatments for
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neurodegenerative diseases caused by mutations in the
RNA-binding proteins TAR DNA-binding protein and fused in sarcoma (FUS). This investigation used
transgenic Drosophila expressing wild-type FUS 9 proteins in the motor neurons. Flies were treated with
food containing 1% and 5% (by mass) of the compounds zinc, creatine monohydrate, and nicotinamide.
Wandering stage larvae were observed for two minute intervals, and the velocity (mm/s) and rate of
muscle contraction (Hz) were measured in order to classify level of degeneration. Nicotinamide of both
concentrations was found to be toxic to the Drosophila embryos, hindering their growth into the larvae
stage. Creatine significantly improved the larval motility over the control (p < 0.05). In addition, both
concentrations of creatine were significantly more effective than zinc (p < 0.01). Although this study must
be further investigated, creatine may be a promising treatment for ALS and other neurodegenerative
diseases.
Q16
Extracting the Hemodynamic Response With the Finite Impulse Response Filter
Presenter(s)
Matthew Park, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jennie Yufen Chen, Northwestern University
Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) detects brain activation using blood-oxygen-level
dependent (BOLD) signal changes. In stroke patients, hemodynamics are disrupted and it is often difficult
to detect brain activation. Deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration in the brain changes the strength of
the BOLD signal that can be utilized to plot the unique hemodynamic response function (HRF), or
changes over time of a patient. The process of directly mapping the HRF through MRI scanning takes an
extensive amount of time (30-45 minutes). In this investigation, the data from a traditional experiment
that takes 8 minutes was analyzed using statistical parametric mapping. The protocol of the more efficient
method utilizes a finite impulse response filter to generate the HRF. This new form of collection compiles
corresponding blood flow data into two second time bins, averages the contents of each, and draws a
single HRF for stimuli of a single experiment. Brain Voyager was used to directly measure the HRF.
After examining trials in two stroke patients, the HRF plotted by this method remains accurate, and does
not sacrifice precision for an improved acquisition time. With these conclusions in mind, patients,
doctors, and staff will be able to diagnose stroke patients more accurately.
115
Q17
Analysis Comparing Defective RNA Binding Proteins in Association With Amyotrophic Lateral
Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Haneesha Paruchuri, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Warren McGee, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized as a fatal degenerative motor neuron disorder
resulting in the loss of motor neurons and muscle movements. About ten percent of cases are inherited,
mostly involving unidentified genes. The investigation analyzes the commonalities between the ALSassociated
RNA binding proteins in terms of pathological features, clinical features, and protein
properties. The specific ALS-associated RNA binding proteins analyzed are fused in sarcoma (FUS) and
TAR DNA-binding protein 43. This study will help understand the common pathogenic mechanisms
shared by different subtypes of ALS and provide information useful for future development of treatment.
Q18
Monitoring the Time and Extent of Neurodegeneration in the Motor Cortex of a Novel
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Mouse Model
Presenter(s)
Vignesh Ravi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mukesh Gautam, Northwestern University
Pembe Hande Ozdinler, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressively debilitating disease in which the cortical and spinal
motor neurons show progressive degeneration. To study the cortical component of neurodegeneration in
the TDP-43 mouse model, the motor cortex was analyzed. Since TDP-43 mutations were detected in ALS
patients and reported to have loss of upper motor neurons, this study monitors the brains of the wild type
(WT) and the TDP-43 mutant mouse model (n=3 for each genotype) at two different time points, P90 and
P120. Silver staining was used to label neurons that underwent neurodegeneration and to monitor the
appearance of dying neurons. Sections that represent comparable areas of the brain and were isolated
from age-matched experimental samples and compared, based on the presence of silver precipitates.
Preliminary studies suggest an increase in neuronal vulnerability in the TDP-43 mice, as more neurons in
the motor cortex are labeled with silver staining. Overall, the time and rate of neurodegeneration will be
determined at two time points in both WT and TDP-43 mice. The potential implications of this project
extend far beyond the moral aspects of advancing disease research. Upon completion, we will have a
better idea of the timing and extent of neurodegeneration in the motor cortex, essential information that is
required prior to any therapeutic intervention.
116
Q19
Optimization of a Magnetic Resonance Probe for Early Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Sreyesh Satpathy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
William Klein, Northwestern University
Kirsten Viola, Northwestern University
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia, but there currently exists no conclusive
diagnostic for the disease. Evidence points to synaptotoxic amyloid beta (Aβ) or Aβ1-42 oligomers (AβO)
as a primary cause of the synapse failure and progressive memory loss characteristic of AD. AβOs act as
initiators of disease mechanisms and may provide an optimal target for an AβO-specific antibody (NU4)
conjugated to 12 nm and 18 nm diameter Fe3O4 nanostructures (NU4MNS). AβO localization and growth
within the brain was determined by use of fluorescently tagged NU4 on eight month old mice with an
Alzheimer’s-like disease. NU4MNS was used to develop diagnostic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
assays for these mice. The NU4MNS, bonded to a polyethylene glycol arm, forms an MRI probe for
AβOs that can be delivered intranasally, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Based on in vitro experiments,
this NU4MNS is a non-invasive MRI contrast agent with the potential for early diagnosis of AD. The in
vivo MRI response for the 18 nm probe matched the results of localization of AβOs treated with
fluorescent NU4 in vitro. Iron stains indicated that the probe successfully distributed throughout the brain.
Future research should observe AβO growth during disease progression, and more tests should be run to
verify the efficacy of the probe.
Q20
The Relationship Between the Hippocampus and Long-Term Memory Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
Presenter(s)
Sajishnu Savya, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lei Wang, Northwestern University
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills,
and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Since the hippocampus is affected first in AD (as
with short term memory loss), I wanted to see if the degradation of the four subfields, CA2-4 + DG, in
severe AD correlated with long term memory loss. I used test scores from the Auditory Verbal Learning
Test (AVLT) to measure cognitive performance and average deformation values of the hippocampus. I
ran ANOVA using Fisher Z values between the AVLT test scores and the average deformation values
across AD patients, mild cognitive disease patients (MCI), and a control group. I was testing to see if
there was a significant difference in correlation between the groups. My results showed there was no
significant difference in correlation. This demonstrated that the degradation of the CA2-4 + DG subfields
were not directly correlated with the long term memory loss in AD patients, but is possibly one factor in
the process.
117
Q21
Audiotactile Interactions in Texture Perception in Humans
Presenter(s)
Vimig Socrates, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Sliman Bensmaia, University of Chicago
Environmental vibrations excite receptors in both the hand and the ear. Signals from these receptors are
ultimately processed in the somatosensory and auditory cortices, respectively. Previous evidence suggests
that auditory and tactile signals are perceptually integrated. To further investigate these interactions,
subjects were asked to explore texture pairs and discriminate between them while listening to touch
produced feedback coming from a microphone attached to their finger. On a subset of trials, the frequency
composition of the sound was modified before it was replayed to the subjects. We found that certain
distortions in the auditory feedback (when the band pass was between 125 and 6000 Hz) caused
distortions in the perception of texture, while others did not. The study replicates and extends the finding
that touch and hearing interact in the perception of texture.
Q22
Method to Find the Language Region in the Brain Using Electrocorticography From Natural
Conversation
Presenter(s)
Rashmi Thimmapuram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Vernon Leo Towle, University of Chicago
Electrocortical stimulation mapping (ESM) is currently the gold standard in neuroscience research to find
the language region in epileptic patients. Unfortunately, it is difficult and tedious to perform. It is also
invasive and not patient-friendly. The patient is conscious during the procedure and he or she may feel
uncomfortable. Furthermore, the placement of electrodes and electrical stimulation can cause an unnatural
seizure. Analyzing brain activity during natural conversations to find the language region would be an
alternative method to ESM. In this project, the brain activity from natural conversation in high frequency
gamma bands (70-100 Hz) was compared with that of the language task to see if it can provide the same
results because language task was used in prior investigations to identify language regions. Though
natural conversation activated more areas in the frontal and parietal lobes than language task, it localized
only some of the areas in the language region. It was concluded that though natural conversation alone
cannot be used to identify language region in clinical applications at present, it would be an asset to
neurosurgeons if used alongside ESM to help refine the technique because it is non-invasive and patientfriendly.
118
Q23
The Role of Microglial Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin 1 in Alzheimer’s Disease
Presenter(s)
Rashmi Thimmapuram, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Maira Bicca, Northwestern University
William Klein, Northwestern University
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in elderly. During the progression of
AD, the brain produces and accumulates amyloid beta oligomers (AβO), which are the main toxins of
AD. AβOs induce neuronal toxicity and death and trigger oxidative stress and inflammatory process in
AD. Recently, the Klein research group discovered that the expression of the transient receptor potential
ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), a non-selective cation channel, involved in oxidative stress and inflammation in the
periphery, was increased in Alzheimer’s brains when compared with age matched control brains. The aim
of this study was to shed light on the importance in AD of TRPA1 in the microglia, which is actively
involved in the inflammatory process. We performed both qualitative (immunofluorescence) and
quantitative (Western blot) techniques to analyze TRPA1 expression in primary microglial cultures
derived from rat cortices treated with vehicle or AβOs. We found increased TRPA1 expression in AβOtreated
microglia when compared to microglia treated with vehicle. This demonstrated for the first time
that TRPA1 in the microglia could be important to the inflammatory process during Alzheimer’s disease
progression.
Q24
Functional Analysis of Dopaminergic Neurons Derived From Human Embryonic Stem Cells
Presenter(s)
Wenhan Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Zhong Xie, Northwestern University
As the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, Parkinson's disease (PD) affects more than
one million individuals over 60 years of age in the United States. Recent studies shown that dysfunction
of mitochondria and L-type calcium channels may lead to deterioration of midbrain dopaminergic (DA)
neurons in PD. In this study I investigated the functional properties of DA neurons derived from human
embryonic stem cells (hESC), focusing on mitochondrial reduction-oxidation (redox) and calcium
oscillation. After expressing redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein (RoGFP) in the mitochondria of
DA neurons, ratiometric cell images were captured with an inverted epifluorescence microscope. Images
were used to determine baseline oxidation levels, as well as fully reduced and fully oxidized levels caused
by reducing agents and oxidizing agents, respectively. The observed cells had an average baseline
oxidation level of 1.664±0.130, with average oxidation of 38%. The cells also showed regular calcium
oscillation indicating normal calcium channel electrophysiological activity. My findings help establish
these basic functions and properties of hESC DA cells, which will be used for further PD research. As a
promising therapeutic strategy, hESC retaining normal DA functions could be transplanted into PD
patients to replenish the lost DA neurons and restore motor function.
119
Q25
Developing Therapeutic Approaches to TAR DNA Binding Protein 43 and Fused in Sarcoma
Proteinopathies
Presenter(s)
Hye Jean Yoon, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mengmeng Chen, Northwestern University
Xiaoping Chen, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused in sarcoma (FUS) proteinopathies are diseases
associated with mutations in these genes and aggregation of ß-amyloid misfoldings. Transgenic flies with
TDP-43 and FUS genes expressed in their motor neurons and ommatidia of their eyes were treated with
food containing creatine, zinc, and methylene blue. Results showed that zinc and creatine significantly
improved the pupae eclosions and survival rates of the Drosophila and slowed down the degeneration of
ommatidia conditions compared to the flies exempted from treatment (p<0.05; p<0.01). Results suggest
that creatine is more effective than zinc in protecting the Drosophila against neurodegeneration (p<0.01).
Drosophila flies treated with methylene blue were unable to form pupae and eclose as adult flies,
concluding that methylene blue is toxic. Although further investigation is needed, creatine and zinc are
suggested to be potential therapies for diseases with pathologic TDP-43 and FUS, such as amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia.
Q26
Quantifying the Effects of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis on Axon Continuity and Larval Motility
Presenter(s)
Timothy Zhou, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Yang Li, Northwestern University
Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease that primarily affects motor
neurons. Significant effort has been put into building animal models to understand molecular
pathogenesis and to develop therapeutic approaches. While much work has been done on examining ALS
from a qualitative perspective with animal models, computational and biophysical techniques have also
been applied to quantify data. Here fluorescent microscopy, video imaging, and data processing were
used to assess the locomotive function in a Drosophila model for ALS. Using time-lapse video imaging of
Drosophila larvae, we developed a method for quantitative determination of locomotive function. This
investigation resulted in the creation of a more efficient algorithm for tracking multiple objects as well as
an image extraction algorithm that reduces the need to manually edit image files. These algorithms speed
up data analysis and eliminate human bias from results in biological assays. Our work will facilitate
studies of human neurodegenerative disorders using Drosophila models, including investigating
molecular pathogenesis of devastating diseases such as ALS.
120
R01
Performance Validation of the QIE10 Application Specific Integrated Circuits for the Phase I
Upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid Detector at CERN's Large Hadron Collider
Presenter(s)
Vikram Anjur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alexander Moreno, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Hirschauer, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Elliot Hughes, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Titas Roy, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
As part of the 2014-2018 upgrade of the Compact Muon Solenoid (CMS) detector at CERN’s Large
Hadron Collider (LHC), the CMS collaboration is improving its hadron calorimeter (HCAL). Hadrons
produced in LHC collisions strike the HCAL producing light in plastic scintillators in proportion to their
energy. By measuring this light, the energy of the incident particles can be determined. A new version of
the QIE10 chip, which digitizes the analog current pulses of the photodetector and determines the arrival
time of the pulse, is a primary part of the upgrade. The performance of the QIE10 was characterized by
measuring the chip output to a known charge input. This was done using a test board and computer which
could input various charges and output data files. Specific tests were programmed to measure different
functionalities of the chips. The performance metrics include the response as a function of input charge,
the pedestal (response to zero input), the measurement of arrival time, and the variation of these metrics
over the sample of 325 prototype chips. Preliminary results indicate that the QIE10 chip meets
performance requirements for CMS.
R02
Cosmic Ray Background in the NOvA Neutrino Experiment
Presenter(s)
Mason Dearborn, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Lisa Goodenough, Argonne National Laboratory
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
The observation of neutrinos, being of neutral charge and nearly no mass, requires massive detectors
engineered by collaborations of scientists from around the world. A dominant background to neutrino
signal in the detectors is the presence of cosmic rays that are far more numerous than neutrinos. My work
will show whether or not this background is able to be made negligible through various methods of
estimation and what the most efficient method of doing this is. Through the manual scanning of event
displays generated from interactions in the detector, preliminary conclusions can be made. The cosmic ray
background does not appear to be negligible, as can be seen from our recent analysis of the failings of a
cosmic rejection filter. Our results so far have led us to conclude that the current cosmic ray estimation
methods need revision. We plan to develop cuts to remove cosmic ray background and maintain
efficiency for neutrinos as we expand the number of events tested. The estimation of this cosmic ray
background for its removal is imperative to the fulfillment of the main purposes of the experiment. My
work in cosmic ray background estimation will enable the study of neutrinos and their oscillations.
121
R03
Measuring the Energy of Antineutrinos
Presenter(s)
Daniel Gonzalez, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Zelimir Djurcic, Argonne National Laboratory
Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
Neutrinos and antineutrinos are the most abundant particles in the universe, besides photons. Scientists
suspect that neutrinos played a major role in the evolution of the universe. Recent measurement of the
mixing angle θ13 has established motivation to pursue measurement of the charge parity violation
parameter for future neutrino experiments. If measured to be non-zero, the charge parity violation
parameter will indicate a difference between matter and anti-matter and could explain why antimatter is
not present in the visible universe. Determination of θ13 depends on how well we estimate energy of
detected antineutrinos, and the energy depends on charge. The charge we measure is calibrated by
deployment of radioactive sources that emit radiation of a known energy. We have studied the
relationship between known source energy and collected charge to derive energy versus charge
dependence. We analyzed data with the ROOT program to understand charge versus energy of events,
with Double Chooz calibration data. Four calibration sources were used. Using program scripts, we were
able to produce graphs and use histogram fitting to find energy deposited in the detector by an
antineutrino. Analysis is ongoing to see how the measured antineutrinos spectrum agrees with our
prediction, which in turn affects the measurement of θ13.
R04
Ultrasonic Thermometry for the Analysis of Thermal Protection Materials
Presenter(s)
Ka wai Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Donald Yuhas, Industrial Measurement Systems
In aerospace science, the non-intrusive measurement of spacecraft surface temperature and recession is
often useful in creating and evaluating thermal protection materials. Ultrasonic thermometry utilizes the
relationship between the temperature and the time of flight of ultrasonic waves to estimate of the surface
temperature. In this investigation, MATLAB is used to calculate transient temperature profiles using a
one-dimensional analytical thermal model which is then combined with velocity calibration curves to
create a forward model. This model calculates time of flight variations resulting from temperature
profiles. In order to investigate more complex thermal events, including both heating and cooling of the
surface, the model has been integrated with COMSOL, a commercial thermal transport program. The
current model also incorporates the effect of a receding surface. This forward model provides a good
resource for sensitivity studies useful for evaluating the ultrasonic method by determining the relative
influence of thermal transport properties, ultrasonic properties, and surface heat flux. The forward model
builds a foundation for the inverse model, which has the potential of estimating both unknown heat flux
and temperature from experimental ultrasonic data. Results will be presented showing model calculations,
sensitivity analysis, and progress on the inverse model.
122
R05
Measurement of the Ratio of σ(pp → Z + bb)/σ(pp → Z + jj) at √s = 1.96
Presenter(s)
Jameson O'Reilly, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ashish Kumar, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The production rate of a Z boson in association with a bottom and an anti-bottom quark provides an
important test for the theory of quantum chromodynamics. The Z with b and b-bar process is also an
important irreducible background in the study of the Higgs boson in the Z plus H → bb channel. Using
the proton-antiproton collision data from Fermilab’s Tevatron collider at a center of mass energy of 1.96
TeV collected with the D0 detector during 2006 to 2011, the ratio of cross sections for Z+bb(bar)
production to Z + 2 jets production was measured. The identification of bottom quark jets is performed by
using a dedicated algorithm employing a multivariate analysis technique. Extraction of the b-jet fraction
in the resultant sample is done by performing fit of the data distribution with templates of the discriminant
which has different shapes for different flavored jets. Before further corrections, the ratio of cross section
was found to be around 0.02, which is in line with theoretical predictions. This result further confirms
calculations made using the Standard Model and the validity of that model to explain natural phenomena
at the quantum level.
R06
Analyzing the X-Ray Spectra of Nova V339 Delphi and Nova KT Eridani Using Model
Atmospheres
Presenter(s)
Sattvic Ray, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Daniel van Rossum, University of Chicago
A nova is a stellar outburst that occurs on a white dwarf (WD) that is part of a binary system with a red
giant or main sequence companion star. After the white dwarf accretes enough material from its
companion star, its surface will undergo a thermonuclear runaway resulting in an outburst that causes
mass loss but leaves the WD mostly intact. I fit spectra from the novae KT Eridani and V339 Del using
atmosphere models to determine the best-fit values of the following physical parameters: chemical
composition, temperature (Teff), radius (R), and interstellar absorption (NH). For nine different sets of
chemical compositions, the best-fit Teff, NH, and R combinations were determined using the reduced chisquare
test. The fits for Nova Del are ambiguous for two reasons: the observed spectra are only visible up
to 40 Å, and the temperature is at the lower end of the range of temperatures used by the model
atmospheres. KT Eri has a wider wavelength range and is hotter; as a result, its parameters can be
accurately fitted. The parameters calculated in this study describe the physical characteristics of the novae
which are necessary for understanding the mechanisms through which novae occur and develop.
123
R07
Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes Used in Thermoelectric Devices by Chemical Vapor Deposition
Presenter(s)
Dennis Rich, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Venkat Chandrasekhar, Northwestern University
Tanuj Gupta, Northwestern University
Single-walled carbon nanotubes, which are cylindrical molecules made entirely of carbon, exhibit a wide
range of interesting quantum mechanical properties. One of these properties is a remarkably efficient
thermoelectric effect, which converts a temperature gradient over a material to electricity. The effect is
more prevalent when nanotubes are synthesized at low temperatures through chemical vapor deposition,
when methane is passed over a substrate, freeing the carbon radicals to form nanotubes on the substrate.
Through testing gas flow rates of methane from 450 to 1000 standard cubic centimeters per minute and
temperatures from 700 to 950oC and observing the results with a scanning electron microscope, gas flow
rate and temperature parameters were refined that consistently achieved synthesis at temperatures as low
as 725oC, while normal synthesis is performed around 900oC. At these lower temperatures length,
straightness, and density were all improved. All of these are important properties in crafting and testing
thermoelectric devices. This improvement is a step in the right direction. If the trend is continued, mass
production of nanotubes in thermoelectric devices could greatly increase the efficiency of many electric
devices, from solar panels to refrigerators.
R08
Fiber Optic Interferometers as Acoustic Sensors for Bubble Chamber Dark Matter Detectors
Presenter(s)
Bhairvi Shah, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Dahl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
I investigated fiber optic interferometric sensors as an alternative to piezoelectric acoustic sensors in a
bubble chamber dark matter detector. The detection of dark matter will answer a long-standing mystery
about the nature of the universe. The acoustic sensors on bubble chamber dark matter detectors are used
to distinguish the dark matter signal from backgrounds due to natural radioactivity. The piezoelectric
acoustic sensors currently used are both fragile and themselves sources of radioactive backgrounds. Fiber
optic acoustic sensors, based on laser interferometry, are a promising alternative. I made several prototype
sensors, building the sense arm of the interferometer by winding an optical fiber around a cylindrical
mandril, which was then attached to the bubble chamber vessel. Acoustic vibrations in the chamber
transmit to the mandril and stretch the fiber, changing the interference pattern at the output of the
interferometer. I made sensors using both copper and polyether ether ketone (PEEK) mandrils. Data show
that the PEEK sensors are many times more sensitive than the copper and show a response at frequencies
up to 100 kHz. While still less sensitive than the piezoelectric sensors, this is an important first step to
building a new type of acoustic sensor for bubble chamber dark matter detectors.
124
R09
A Search for Strong Gravitational Lenses in the Dark Energy Survey Supernova Fields
Presenter(s)
Janani Sivakumar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Elizabeth Buckley-Geer, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
H. Thomas Diehl, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Gravitational lensing is an astronomical phenomenon where the gravity of a massive object warps the
light of a far-away object, forming shapes called arcs, Einstein rings, and Einstein crosses. Gravitational
lensing magnifies and brightens the distant objects and can be used to determine the mass of the lensing
galaxies. Images from the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) were systematically scanned by the human eye
(and brain) for rings, arcs, and crosses. The most promising of the candidates identified were selected for
further analysis. Fifteen previously unidentified strong lens candidates were identified from seventeen
tiles in the Dark Energy Survey supernova fields, and approximate redshifts, z (z = λ/λ0 - 1), were
obtained for eleven of the fifteen candidates from the SDSS3 galaxy catalog. The redshifts for the lenses
ranged from 0.094 to 0.546. Spectra obtained using the Apache Point Observatory 3.5 meter telescope
were used to match a few candidates to template spectra. Going forward, the redshift data will be used to
confirm or reject all of the lens candidates.
R10
Beam Test of the Muon g-2 Tracker
Presenter(s)
Emma Sloan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Casey, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The muon g-2 experiment will be studying a discrepancy between experiment and theory by measuring a
beam of muons with a system of detectors. Using simulation and data, the tracking system was
characterized for a test beam setup of 120 GeV protons from the Fermilab main beam line. A Monte-
Carlo simulation helped determine the number and placement of detector stations and the material and
thickness of a vacuum chamber necessary for high resolution. The simulated resolution, using the
parameters that were used for the beam test, was 0.000225. Then resolution was computed using the beam
test data. The resolution from the beam test was compared to the resolution from the simulation. This
study will describe how resolution varied in simulation, with the addition of variables, and in the beam
test.
125
R11
Constructing a Model of the Muon g-2 Magnet in Opera-3d
Presenter(s)
Lia Vallina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Brendan Kiburg, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Our project aimed to construct a three-dimensional model of the extremely uniform magnetic field of the
Muon g-2 superconducting storage ring using software called Opera-3d. Our project investigated the
effects of implementing a hole with an inflector magnet at the muon beam injection point. To simulate the
magnetic field in the model body, we specified the field and material properties, calculated the current
density of the solenoid conductors, and constructed a mesh, which is the set of points where calculations
are made. We analyzed the model to produce graphical data and measurements of the field. Using this
data, we studied how the presence of a hole and inflector in the magnet body influences the magnetic
field, which in turn affects the path of the muon beam. If the inflector magnet allows the entry of the
muon beam without affecting the performance of the storage ring, we will endorse the current system. If
the inflector has a detrimental effect on its performance, we will make suggestions to mitigate its
interference. Modeling this critical region will allow us to understand how to minimize distortions in the
magnetic field of the storage ring.
S01
The Correlation Between Exercise and Stress of Adolescents in Academically Rigorous
Environments
Presenter(s)
Marissa Brock, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alexandra Johnson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Lundgren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Jerald Thomas, Aurora University
Stress is the body’s response to events that disrupt emotional homeostasis. Students in academically
rigorous residential educational systems face constant bombardment with academic and social stressors.
The purpose of this investigation was to examine the relationship of students’ stress levels with a
scientifically supported stress reliever, physical activity. According to previous similar studies, a
correlation exists between participation in exercise and perceived stress level. Students (n=215) that
attend schools within the National Consortium for Specialized Secondary Schools of Mathematics,
Science, and Technology (NCSSSMST) were surveyed to gauge their stress levels and involvement in
physical activity. The researchers adapted the Perceived Stress Scale and administered it as the stress
portion of the survey. Students were then asked to select an option that most accurately described their
involvement in physical activity. Data was analyzed for a correlation between amount of regular physical
activity and stress level. The analysis of the data from this study should reinforce the importance of
physical activity in a student’s life and validate it as a significant method of stress reduction.
126
S02
The Experience of Homelessness and Stress and the Effect on Memory Functioning in Homeless
Youth
Presenter(s)
Al-Jalil Gault, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Scott Hunter, University of Chicago
Memory functioning is vital for informed executive functioning, and significant environmental and
emotional stressors during adolescence render these skills’ development vulnerable to adverse effects.
This study investigated how stressors of time and frequency spent homeless, and symptoms of anxiety
disorders, influence memory functioning in homeless youth. Participants were from urban-based
homeless youth shelter programs (N = 116, mean age = 19 years, 86% African American, 54% female).
The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was administered to collect information on
participants’ symptoms consistent with diagnoses of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Visual and verbal memory assessments were conducted using the
Wide Range Assessment of Memory and Learning, Second Edition (WRAML-II) and California Verbal
Learning Test, Second Edition (CVLT-II). Correlations showed non-significant relationships between the
experience of homelessness and visual and verbal memory scores. T-tests showed individuals with and
without GAD and/or PTSD symptoms had non-significant differences in scores on both memory
assessments. Significant trends in t-tests showed individuals with depressive symptoms had higher scores
in both memory assessments than those without depressive symptoms. Resilience despite significant
environmental and emotional stress is likely due to arousal and greater attention to detail associated with
these experiences.
127
S03
A Cross-Cultural Study of the Relationship Between Empathy and Social Dominance
Presenter(s)
Leehwa Hong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Vivian Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Joan Chiao, Northwestern University
Vandana Chinwalla, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Recent studies have investigated associations between cultural influences and affective and cognitive
empathy responses. In particular, native Koreans were found to exhibit significantly greater empathy
when viewing Koreans (ingroup members) in pain relative to viewing Caucasian Americans (outgroup
members) in pain, which can largely be attributed to a greater preference for social hierarchy. We
administered a survey consisting of photographs and a social dominance orientation test to second
generation or higher Caucasian Americans and zero or first generation Korean Americans. Based on a
two-sample t-test, both Koreans and Caucasians exhibited no difference in empathic responses, whether
looking at ingroup or outgroup members in pain. However, Korean Americans showed more cognitive
(logical) empathy compared to Caucasian Americans, who showed more affective (emotional) empathy.
Furthermore, Korean Americans exhibited statistically significant higher social dominance compared to
Caucasian Americans, but unlike previous studies, their social dominance did not correlate to empathic
responses. Therefore, first generation Korean Americans may still maintain views of traditional social
hierarchy but show egalitarian responses toward pain, similar to their Caucasian counterparts.
Understanding cultural differences to empathic responses and acceptance of authority can be a significant
factor in motivating today’s diverse global workforce.
S04
The Emotional Intelligence of Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy Students
Presenter(s)
Nisha Kishore, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Christopher Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The purpose of this investigation was to gain understanding of our student bodyʼs current level of
emotional intelligence. An emotional intelligence survey composed by emotional intelligence coach
Robert Gramillano was emailed to all students at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy. This
self-assessment asked participants to rank their ability to manage their emotions, motivate themselves,
show empathy, have self-awareness, and utilize social skills. There were three ranges in which the scores
could fall: low, average, or high. The average score for each category (including the total score) was
calculated for each gender and year in school using a one-way analysis of variance. These averages were
compared to look for differences in gender and year in school. It was discovered that the mean score for
all categories fell into the average emotional intelligence range. The overall scores suggest that male
students are more emotionally intelligent than female students. There is a significant difference between
males and females in managing emotions. In all ages, males scored higher in managing emotions than
females. Finally, the means for all categories lie in the average range, suggesting that our student body
has an average level of emotional intelligence.
128
S05
Investigating the Origins of Suicide in Asian American and Pacific Islander Youth and Elderly
Presenter(s)
Patty Li, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yiqiao Wu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mark Chiang, University of Illinois at Chicago
Rooshey Hasnain, University of Illinois at Chicago
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) youth aged 15-24 years and AAPI women over 65 years old
have higher rates of suicide. AAPIs also underutilize mental health care services, or if they receive
services, the quality of care is limited. This study investigates the similarities and differences of these two
target groups in regard to mental health issues and suicide rates among these target groups. To answer our
research question, we identified and analyzed relevant literary sources, collected information from various
meetings related to AAPI populations and mental health, and identified themes in films that document
issues of mental health and suicide in these two subgroups of AAPIs. Our findings for both subgroups
indicate that depression plays a significant role. For example, Asian family dynamics and the conflict
between American values and traditional values of their home countries play a critical role as well. The
specifics, however, differed between the two groups. For youth, the principal stressors were academicrelated,
particularly pressures to succeed. Elders struggled mainly with feelings of loneliness and lack of
support networks, along with feelings of being burdensome to their family. Evidence clearly shows that
culturally competent mental health services and support systems that are accessible to these two
populations are needed, and whether or not such services and systems become more easily accessible may
influence future practices and policies in this under studied area.
S06
Relieving Stress by Increasing Stress Awareness
Presenter(s)
Hsing-Duan Louh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Malachi Loviska, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Kathryn Grubbs, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Regardless of age, stress is commonly experienced by any living individual. Though stress is necessary
for survival, negative stress often weakens the body so that it is prone to chronic diseases. We created a
questionnaire based on the Schedule of Recent Experience to promote internalization of stressors. The
questionnaire was used to measure the efficiency of our method on the degree of stress among high
school students. We included a question at the beginning and at the end of the questionnaire asking about
each student's perceived level of stress to measure our questionnaire's influence. We expected the
majority of the students to select a higher number signifying a lower level of stress after completing the
questionnaire but found that the majority of the numbers lowered. We concluded that since the majority
of the sources of stress indicated by the students are not academically related, the questionnaire only
managed to help students review their stressors but did not help relieve stress. Overall, the experience
helped us to understand scientific collaboration both with each other and with other high schools. Even
though we did not lower the stress level, we learned to promote internal reflection of stress.
129
S07
The Effect of Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on Generosity
Presenter(s)
Saraswathi Nookala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Matthew Kirkpatrick, University of Chicago
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), also known as ecstasy, is a recreational drug linked to
prosocial behaviors which have been cited as reasons for its use. Though studies have been conducted on
the prosocial behaviors of MDMA, these behaviors have never been measured. In this study, the effect of
MDMA on generosity was measured. Healthy volunteers with MDMA experience were placed in either
an isolated environment (that is, an empty room), or a social environment (that is, with one researcher). In
this within subject, double-blind study, participants were given 1.0 mg/kg, of MDMA, 0.5 mg/kg of
MDMA, and a placebo over a course of three sessions. During the sessions, heart rate, blood pressure, and
prosocial behaviors were measured. The Welfare-Tradeoff Task, a behavioral task in which participants
choose whether to allocate money to themselves or others, was administered 90 minutes (peak effect of
drug) into each session. MDMA was found to increase measures of generosity in both the social and
isolated groups, but there was no significant difference in generosity between the groups. Heart rate,
blood pressure, and mood were found to have a dose-dependent increase. The effect of MDMA on
prosocial behavior can be studied to further understand the possible reasons for its use.
S08
Associations Between Impulsive Choice and Risk-Taking in Relation to Gambling
Presenter(s)
Aniruddha Shekara, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Jessica Weafer, University of Chicago
Harriet de Wit, University of Chicago
Impulsivity is a multifaceted construct associated with problem behaviors such as drug abuse and
gambling. Previous studies have shown associations between these problem behaviors, and the aspects of
risk taking and impulsive choices. We focused on these facets in relation to impulsivity and problem
gambling. Healthy adults (n=435) were assessed for impulsive choice, risk taking, and gambling
propensity with behavioral and self-reported measures. We found associations between measures of
impulsivity and gambling behavior as well as associations between both facets. As we hypothesized,
behavioral and self-reported risk taking were significantly correlated (r = .177, p<.01). Probability
discounting was related differently from delay discounting to both behavioral and self-reported risk
taking. A greater preference for uncertain reward was positively related with behavioral risk taking (r =
.178, p<.01). Probability discounting was also related to self-reported likelihood of risk (r = .150, p<.01),
and negatively correlated with risk perception (r = -.185, p<.01). No associations were found between
delay discounting and risk-taking measures. However, in both aspects of impulsive choice and risk-taking
only self-reported risk was associated with gambling behavior (r = .105, p<.05). These findings indicate
an importance for future research on probability discounting in relation to other risky behaviors.
130
S09
The Effect of Time in Captivity on a Gray Wolf’s Capacity of Trust in Humans
Presenter(s)
Remmie Spinks, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Robyn Fischer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Randy Johnson, Phillips Park Zoo
The gray wolf, when hand-raised in captivity, experiences an attachment to the humans caring for it called
imprinting. This attachment happens early in development and even small variances in exposure time can
increase or decrease this attachment. My investigation tested the effect of the time that a gray wolf is in
captivity on the trust that the wolf has towards humans. The subjects of observation were one female wolf
of thirteen years, hand-raised from birth by the zoo keepers at her current habitat, and another female wolf
of eight years that was not hand-raised by the zoo keepers and was introduced to the zoo at two months
old. Using measurements of the wolves’ enclosure, the distance between the wolf and the human at all
times of interaction was recorded. My preliminary data suggests that there is a positive correlation
between the time in captivity and the amount of trust that a wolf has in humans. These results can help
raise awareness of the domesticating effects of captivity on wolves and discourage the unnecessary
capture and breeding of wild wolves.
S10
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Allelic Variation and Interpersonal Stressors on Adolescent Well-
Being
Presenter(s)
Poornima Sundaravelu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eva Telzer, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Adolescents show a significant increase in risk-taking behavior and substance use. Interpersonal stressors
such as discrimination and family conflict have shown adverse effects on the well-being of adolescents,
especially Latinos, with outcomes such as mental health problems, substance use, and rule-breaking and
aggressive behavior. Recognizing the link between interpersonal stressors and negative outcomes, the
present investigation seeks to examine how the different catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
genotypes (Val/Val, Val/Met or Met/Met) buffer or enhance the effects of interpersonal stressors on
Latino adolescents. COMT is a regulator of dopamine in the brain and is linked to cognitive function and
risky behavior. Existing findings are inconsistent as to which allele is protective and which one is risky.
Sixty-nine Latino adolescents (52% female) completed a questionnaire and filled out a checklist every
night for two weeks. Results suggest that the Met allele is protective; Met carriers show superior
academic performance and are protected from the negative effects of discrimination and family conflict
than Val allele carriers, who show an increase in substance use and externalizing problems in the presence
of interpersonal stressors. The present findings suggest that the Met allele is protective against substance
use and externalizing behavior and is linked to enhanced cognitive performance.
131
S11
The Effects of Visual Speech Cues on the Speed of Spoken Language Perception in Adults
Presenter(s)
Rachel Thain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Tina Grieco-Calub, Northwestern University
Kristi Ward, Northwestern University
Speech perception has both auditory and visual components. In the present study, we used the lookingwhile-
listening paradigm to explore these perceptual processes. On each trial, participants were verbally
prompted to look at one of two images presented on a screen. Participants’ eye gazes were video recorded
as they performed this task in four different listening conditions: quiet and in the presence of noise, with
auditory only or audiovisual speech cues. Data is currently being analyzed to generate both speed and
accuracy of spoken language processing in the four listening conditions. Because adults’ dependence on
visual components of speech tends to increase as the fidelity of the auditory signal decreases, we predict
that adults will utilize visual cues to a greater extent in the presence of noise. If this prediction is accurate,
we will see faster processing in the audiovisual conditions where noise is present. We are currently
working to confirm these results through further data extraction and analysis. Access to the visual
component of a speech signal is expected to increase adult processing efficiency when listening to speech
in complex auditory environments.
S12
Anxieties: Effects on Self-Concept and Common Methods of Relieving Anxiety
Presenter(s)
Ryan Yang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
David Evenson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Students in gifted communities feel greater pressures in their academics and social lives that are not
prevalent in general populations. These pressures often appear in the form of anxieties that can cause
adverse effects to the psyche. Through a survey, IMSA students were asked about particular perceptions
in relation to physical traits, academics, and social interactions and students were asked to evaluate their
level of anxiety related to anxiety producers. In addition, students were asked whether or not they
believed that their self-perceptions had effects on their level of anxiety and whether the opposite was true.
The results show that there is a statistically significant negative correlation relating anxieties to their
respective perceptions. Most students also expressed that their anxieties have perceivable effects on their
self-perceptions which shows a likely relationship based on cause of effect from anxieties on selfperceptions.
Higher levels of anxiety that tend to lower self-perception levels show that worry causes
many students to believe that they are lacking in those areas.
132
T01
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Millennium Villages Project to Eradicate Global Poverty
Presenter(s)
Anna Borromeo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Juliet Sorensen, Northwestern University
The United Nations established the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) to commence resolving
extreme, global poverty. Jeffrey Sachs, a renowned economist, believes he has the solution to eradicate
global poverty with his approach behind the Millennium Villages Project (MVP). Conversely, Sachs’s
purpose and methods have been questioned by many creating a debate. In order to evaluate this debate, I
analyzed articles, published journals, books, and online videos. The critics of Sachs consistently accuse
the MVP to be overambitious while utilizing an excessive amount of money. Their principal argument
against the MVP asserts that the project does not have proper evaluations with concise data to measure
progress and success. Sachs admits to some critiques and appropriately defends himself to others. Similar
to other philanthropists, his primary focus is to create sustainable development in the poorest countries
and villages to prove he can bring them up from poverty and achieve the MDGs simultaneously. The
MVP has had success in reducing malaria rates, deaths at child birth, and improving agriculture within
African villages. The analysis of this debate identifies the various opinions on eliminating global poverty
and explains the accuracy of Jeffrey Sachs’s approach while educating others on this worldwide crisis.
T02
The Invisible Social and Emotional Struggles of Women in Law Enforcement and the Military
Presenter(s)
Amy De La Torre, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Laura Lehmann, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
James Bondi, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kristen Ziman, Aurora Police Department
Women in the law enforcement and military encounter many obstacles as a result of their chosen career
paths. In addition to obvious physical differences between them and their male counterparts, the women
in these male-dominated fields face social and emotional struggles as well. The purpose of this
investigation was to focus on and identify the obstacles which women face in law enforcement and the
military. This investigation utilized a research method known as the Q method. For this Q method we
obtained various opinionated statements pertaining to women in law enforcement and military from prior
interviews with female law enforcement officials. We used these statements to create a survey which
asked participants to categorize the statements based on their level of agreement with them. The surveys
were then administered to female participants who work in law enforcement or the military. We identified
five distinguishable perspectives amongst the women. Our investigation’s results describe the
characteristics of each individual perspective group. Our findings also demonstrate the differences
between them which help understand how women socially and emotionally engage their career in law
enforcement and the military.
133
T03
Measuring the Health of the News Industry
Presenter(s)
Molly Fane, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Alonzo Marsh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Smith, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Free news articles made available online by newspaper companies have changed the state of the media.
Following the economic recession of 2008, many newspaper corporations have suffered significant
financial losses due to a drop in advertising revenue. We collected data regarding the volume of news
publications as well as wired publications from LexisNexis. An analysis was conducted looking at the
health of newspaper corporations through the volume of publishing and percentage of articles published
from wired services such as Reuters and the Associated Press. Preliminary observations suggest
correlations between the volume of publications, marketing strategy changes, historically significant
events, and economic shifts. Statistical analysis to measure the extent of correlations is ongoing. It is
hoped that our results will substantiate that a paywall has been effective for generating revenue. Based on
our findings, we have been able to gauge the health of various newspaper corporations as they moved to
online publishing.
U01
Characterizing Charge-Coupled Device and Naked-Eye Telescope Observations at the Doane
Observatory
Presenter(s)
Austin Cao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dayna Lei, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Larry Ciupik, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
Lou Nigra, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
Daytime observation limits at the observatory are currently unclear. To characterize the minimum
magnitude of visibility, optimal conditions for viewing with the naked eye, integrating video cameras, and
using charge-coupled devices (CCDs) must first be identified. Naked eye observations were characterized
by viewing celestial objects through different eyepieces and filters to determine the lowest visible
magnitude. CCD observations were characterized by analyzing the noises of single and multiple CCD
exposures at various temperatures. Video camera observations were characterized by taking videos of the
Sun, stars, and planets, adjusting the exposure time, and analyzing the video. Preliminary results suggest a
naked eye daytime magnitude limit of 3.99 directly opposite the Sun. However, air turbulence can affect
this limit greatly and distort bright objects like the Sun. Furthermore, we have found a mathematical
relationship between the noise of a CCD photo, the temperature, and exposure time. The noise is directly
related to temperature and inversely related to exposure time. Thus, we conclude, the most effective way
of photographing dim objects with CCDs is taking long exposures at low temperatures without
atmospheric disturbances. Finally, we have found that the visibility of particular features on a bright
object like the Sun is affected by exposure length.
134
U02
Measuring Diffuse Interstellar Bands in Henry Draper Catalogue Stars
Presenter(s)
Kieran Groble, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Don York, University of Chicago
Diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs) are clouds of interstellar material. They can be observed from Earth
indirectly by analyzing their effects on the spectra of light that reach Earth from stars. Each DIB absorbs
light in a certain narrow range of wavelengths. The spectra of certain stars in the Henry Draper Catalogue
were analyzed to measure the strength (the magnitude of absorption) of known DIBs. The possibility of
contamination from inherently stellar absorption, from DIBs in the same region of the spectrum, and from
the Earth's atmosphere was accounted for, and measurements were designated as upper limits when
appropriate. Measurements were taken using the Fortran program ewprog, which examines the area of the
spectrum around a known DIB for a star likely to exhibit interstellar absorption and a star unlikely to
exhibit absorption. Absorption present in the star in which it is expected, but not the star in which it was
not expected, was measured. Measurements for nearly one hundred fifty stars have been taken; these
measurements will be compiled with others to identify both trends and exceptions in how DIBs manifest
themselves. These data will further the search to find what DIBs are made of.
U03
Numerical and Visual Modeling of Comet Dust Trails
Presenter(s)
Ujwal Kiran, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Megan Roller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Larry Ciupik, Adler Planetarium
Mark Hammergren, Adler Planetarium
Lou Nigra, Adler Planetarium
Ken Walczak, Adler Planetarium
Using cosmic forces from the celestial bodies in our Solar System, cometary dust emission can be
accurately integrated and analyzed in comparison to real imagery and data. This allows the mapping of
cometary trails so we can accurately predict paths and possible collisions. We integrated numerical data
using a Dormand-Prince integrator, DOPRI5, and modelled comets using openSCAD. Within our
integrator, we currently include gravity from the Sun, eight planets, and other close celestial bodies, as
well as radiation parameters from the Sun. In most comets examined, we found the majority of dust
emission occurred before the comet’s perihelion. We found the rough density of cometary dust emission
and concentration in spherical coordinates relative to the Earth. In addition to modelling the orbits and
dust tails of comets, along with dust emission, density, and concentration, we visually modelled asteroids
based off radar imagery, and would have added other celestial bodies as focal points, with time. This
modelling will be helpful with approaching near-Earth celestial bodies, ensuring they aren’t a threat, and
noting the emission of cometary dust that interferes with our atmosphere and our satellites. This will
allow greater knowledge of cometary bodies, and hopefully other celestial effects, like radiation pressure.
135
U04
Designing a Radiation Shield for the NASA Exploration Design Challenge
Presenter(s)
Alec Mangan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Eric Hawker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Space radiation is a major obstacle in the path of interplanetary travel. Designing a light and effective
radiation is very difficult to do. My SIR investigation is to participate in the NASA Exploration Design
Challenge which is a national competition to design a light and effective radiation shield. We researched
shielding materials and how radiation passes through matter. We used Space Environment Information
System (SPENVIS) to run GEANT4, a particle simulator, to model particles moving through the radiation
shield. Through our literature research we decided to build the shield out of tungsten, polyethylene, and
boron 10. We chose to use tungsten for its high density of 19.1g/cm3 which allows it to protect against
ionizing radiation very effectively. We chose polyethylene because of its abilities to slow neutrons which
when combined with boron 10`s high neutron cross section protects from most of the neutrons. Through
our testing with SPENVIS, we decided to use four layers of material: tungsten, boron 10, polyethylene,
and tungsten. We have submitted our shield designs and are waiting to see if we have won the challenge.
If we win the challenge, our shields will be built and flown on the Orion mission in September 2014.
136
2012-2013 Student Recognition
The below accomplishments are a summary from the 2012- 2013 academic year.
Prachi Aggarwal: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisor: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist
Charlene Angeles: The Impact of Narcolepsy on Self-Image and Quality of Life in Young Adults
Advisor: Mary Kapella, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-presenter at 7th Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, June 1-5, 2013
Brian Chen: Growth Characterization of Electron Beam-Induced Silver Deposition From Liquid
Precursor
Advisors: Leonidas Ocola and Ralu Divan, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the Joint NSRC Workshop on Nanoparticle Science at Argonne National
Laboratory, Nov, 5-6, 2012; Co-author of paper published in the Journal of Vacuum Science and
Technology B, November 8, 2012 (L. Ocola, A. Joshi-Imr, C. Kessel, B. Chen, J. Park*, D. Gosztola, and
R. Divan)
Kathleen Chinetti: Searching for Dark Matter Using Charge Coupled Devices
Advisor: Thomas Schwarz, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Kathleen Chinetti: Benefits of Student Research Opportunities
Advisor: Judy Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Presentation at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High School
Matthew Deng: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Best in Category Chemistry; Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Kevin Emancipator: A Population-Based Approach to Define Risks Associated with Variable Hepatitis
C Treatment Response in Individuals Coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Kevin Emanipator: Associations between HIV Susceptibility and Mutations in the Vif-Associated
APOBEC3G Proteasomal Complex
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, April 2013, Vol. 2; Issue 4
(Kevin Emancipator, Jack Michuda, and Sudhir Penugonda)
Kent Gang: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Best in Category Chemistry; Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
137
Siva Gangavarapu: Density Functional Theory Investigation of Silicene and Metal Adatoms
Advisors: Ron Hurlbut and Glenn "Max" McGee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold award,
Best in Category Chemistry; Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. Science Fair Award
Anna Gupta: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist, U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Honorable Mention from the Illinois Water Environment
Association
Shreya Jain: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Midwest Research Competition: Positive Impact Finalist, April 12, 2013 at Wheeling High School;
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Behavioral
Science; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Samuel Kaufman: Determining the Value of a Baseball Player
Advisor: Chris Kolar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Omkar Kelkar: An Analysis of Regulated and Disrupted E4BP4 Circadian Waveforms in Siberian
Hamsters
Advisor: Brian Prendergast, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Srisha Kotlo: Analysis of Critical PKCδ Sites on Sarcomeric Protein Phosphorylation and Function
Advisors: Marcus Henze and John Solaro, University of Illinois at Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy
of Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology, Naval
Science Award; IJAS State Finalist: gold award, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist; Intel ISEF fourth place, Cellular and Molecular
Biology
Anna Kryczka: Achieving Hippocampus Activation Through fMRI Tests
Advisor: Todd Parrish, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Behavioral
Science; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Dipen Kumar: The Effect of the Enteric Biome on Lysosomal Hydrolase Activity
Advisor: Glyn Dawson, University of Chicago
Presentation at Rits Super Science Fair, November 10-14, 2012, Kyoto, Japan
Jenny Lee: HPLC–MTT Assay: Anticancer Activity of Aaqueous Garlic Extract is From Allicin
Advisor: Bao-Shiang Lee, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of article in Analytical Biochemistry 436 (2013) 187–189 (Jenny Lee, Shalini Gupta, Jin-
Sheng Huang, Lasanthi P. Jayathilaka, Bao-Shiang Lee)
138
Shelly Li: Thymoquinone Inhibits Cigarette Smoke Extract-Induced SiHa Cell Invasion
Advisor(s): Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Shelly Li: Effects of NF-κB Activation on E6 Oncoprotein Expression in Head and Neck Cancer Cells
Advisor: Kenneth Alexander, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist; Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project
Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; IJAS State Finalist: gold award,
Best in Category Cellular and Molecular Biology; Intel International Science and Engineering Fair
Finalist; Intel ISEF fourth place, Cellular and Molecular Biology
Claire Liang: Modeling Spatial Population Dynamics of Stem Cell Lineage in Tissue Regeneration
Advisor: Youfang Cao, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at 34th Annual International Conference of the IEEE EMBS, August 28 - September 1, 2012,
San Diego, California. (Youfang Cao, Claire Liang, Hammad Naveed, Yingzi Li, Meng Chen, and Qing
Nie)
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Emily Ling: Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Advisor: Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: silver
award
David Lisk: Building an Efficient Egg-Based Antibacterial Water Filter
Advisor: Mark Carlson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; U.S. Army Special Award for
Environmental Sciences, Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Certificate; IJAS State Finalist: gold
award, Stockholm Junior Water Prize, Honorable Mention from the Illinois Water Environment
Association
Peter Liu**: Energy Loss at Propagating Jamming Fronts in Granular Gas Clusters
Advisors: Sidney Nagel and Justin Burton, University of Chicago
Co-author of paper in Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 28 October 2013 (Justin C. Burton, Peter Y. Lu, and Sidney
R. Nagel)
Anuj Marathe: Heat Shock Protein 70 Maintains Intestinal Homeostasis Through the Regulation of IL-
10 Producing Regulatory T Cells
Advisors: Yunwei Wang and Eugene Chang, University of Chicago
Presentation at the 2012 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists Annual Meeting and
Exposition, October 14-18, 2012, in Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Anuj Marathe: Transient Therapy-related Surge in Serum Tumor Biomarkers: Characterizing Behavior
and Postulating its Biologic Role
Advisors: Suneel Mundle and Mohan Chelladurai, Rush University Medical Center
Co-author of paper in Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, April 2013 (SD Mundle, AS Marathe,
M. Chelladurai)
139
Aalap Mehta: The Role of RBP2 in MCF-7 Cancer Cell Drug Resistance
Advisor: Elizaveta Benevolenskaya, University of Illinois at Chicago
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Jack Michuda: Associations between HIV Susceptibility and Mutations in the Vif-associated
APOBEC3G Proteasomal Complex
Advisor: Sudhir Penugonda, Northwestern University
Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, April 2013, Vol. 2; Issue 4
(Kevin Emancipator, Jack Michuda, and Sudhir Penugonda)
Philip Nebres: Effect of Varying Lipid Concentration on Phase Separation in Model Cell Membrane
Advisor: Adam Hammond, University of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category
Biochemistry/Chemistry; IJAS State Competition: gold award; IJAS Region V Project Exposition Finalist,
Best in Category Biochemistry/Chemistry; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Ruchi Patel: Engineering pH Dependent Anti-Caffeine Camelid VHH and Linked VHH:VHH Through
Mutagenesis
Advisor: James Horn, Northern Illinois University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Jenson Phung: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago Public
Schools
Advisors: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Competition
Daniel Rosenthal: Metal-Assisted Etching of Silicon Molds for Electroforming
Advisors: Ralu Divan and Leonidas Ocola, Argonne National Laboratory
Poster presentation at the 2013 APS/CNM/EMC Users Meeting at the Argonne National Laboratory,
May 6-9, 2013. (D. Rosenthal, R. Divan, K. Ogando, L.E. Ocola, D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
Poster presentation and co-presenter at the 57th International Conference on Electron, Ion, and Photon
Beam Technology and Nanofabrication, May 28-31, Nashville, Tennessee. (R. Divan, D. Rosenthal, K.
Ogando, L.E. Ocola, D. Rosenmann, N. Moldovan)
Shreya Santhanam: Examining Asthma Prevalence and Improving Medication Access in Chicago
Public Schools
Advisors: Ashley Dyer, Ruchi Gupta, Chris Warren, and Emily Zadikoff, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist
Robert Schurz: Improvements to Readout Electronics for CMS Hadron Calorimeter
Advisors: Jacob Anderson, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist, Chicago Region second
alternate; Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, October 2013,
Volume 3 Issue 1 (Robert Schurz and Jacob Anderson)
140
Carrie Sha: Development of Novel Sensor to Reduce Postural Kyphosis
Advisor: Peter Clancy, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Intel Science Talent Search Semifinalist; 14th Annual Percy Julian Science Symposium Finalist3, April 20,
2013, at Oak Park and River Forest High School, Illinois
Carrie Sha: Comparing Mathematical and Verbal Semantic Memory in Epileptic Patients Using Invasive
Neurophysiologic Brain Mapping
Advisor: Vernon L. Towle, University of Chicago
Co-Author of paper published in the Journal Experimental Secondary Science, April 2013, Vol. 2; Issue 4
(Carrie Sha and Vernon L. Towle)
Navika Shukla: Nectin-1 Specific Entry of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Is Sufficient for Infection of the
Cornea and Viral Spread to the Trigeminal Ganglia
Advisor: Tibor Valyi-Nagy, University of Illinois at Chicago
Co-author of paper in Molecular Vision (2012) 18:2711-2716. (Navika Shukla, Vaibhav Tiwari, and
Tibor Valyi-Nagy)
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Simona Stancov: The Influence of Sugar Substitutes on Yeast Fermentation with Regards to Volume of
CO2 Produced
Advisor: Joe Traina, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Poster presented at STEM Summit 2013: An Integrated Approach, March 8, 2013 at Stevenson High
School
Nathan Suek: Identifying an Unknown Cyanobacterium by DNA Sequence Analysis
Advisors: Robert Haselkorn and Piotr Gornicki, University of Chicago
Siemens Competition Regional Semi-Finalist
Sai Talluru: The Experience of GATA6 Mutations oof All Subjects in the Monogenic Diabetes Registry
Advisors: Graeme Bell, David Carmody, and Siri Atma Greeley, Univerity of Chicago
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist
Arjun Tambe: An Analysis of the Components of Azelaic Acid-Induced Systemic Acquired Resistance
in Arabidopsis
Advisors: Nicolas Cecchini and Jean Greenberg, University of Chicago
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist;
Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Cellular and Molecular
Biology; IJAS State Finalist: gold award
Stephanie Wang: A Novel Design Verifying Field Programmable Gate Arrays' Radiation-Tolerance
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region V Paper Exposition Finalist, Best in Category Physics, U.S.
Army Special Award for Engineering; IJAS State Competition: gold award; Illinois Junior Academy of
Science Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: gold award, Best in Category
Engineering, Special Award from the American Nuclear Society
141
Summer Wu: Characterization and Manipulation of Nanorods via an Applied Magnetic Field
Advisors: Vinayak Dravid and Shih-Han Lo, Northwestern University
Presentation at the American Junior Academy of Science conference at the American Association for the
Advancement of Science annual conference, February 13-17, 2013, in Boston, Massachusetts
Summer Wu: Developing an Aβ Oligomer-Targeted MRI Probe for Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Advisors: Kirsten Viola and William Klein, Northwestern University
38th Annual Chicago Region Junior Science and Humanities Symposium Finalist
Hye-Jean Yoon: Developing Therapeutic Approaches to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Advisor: Jane Wu, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; IJAS State Finalist: silver
award
Luke Zhan: Regulation of Type II NKT Cell Cytokine Production by SLAM-Associated Protein
Advisors: Chyung-Ru Wang and Xiufang Weng, Northwestern University
Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Region V Project Exposition Finalist; Best in Category Cellular and
Molecular Biology, Society for In Vitro Biology Award; IJAS State Finalist: gold award; Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair Finalist
Kevin Zhang: The CAKE Clocking and the Trapezoidal Clocking Schemes: Principles and Demo Tests
Advisor: Jinyuan Wu, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Co-presenter at the IEEE Nuclear Science Symposium and Medical Imaging Conference and Workshop
on Room-temperature Semiconductor X-ray and Gamma Ray Detectors, 2013 Seoul Korea Oct 27-Nov
2, 2013 (J. Wu, S. Wang, K. Zhang)
* IMSA Alumnus, class of 2010
** IMSA Alumnus, class of 2012
142
Index
ID
Page
Number Name Time Room
P01 98 Max Ackerman 8:45 A-135
I01 85 Michael Adams 11:15 A-113
P02 99 Prachi Aggarwal 9:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
C01 46 Joshua-Paul Ajayi 1:45 A-113
I02 86 Timothy Akintilo 10:00 B-116
C02 47 Waleed Ali 1:45 A-121
I03 86 Tahj Alli-Balogun 9:10 A-131
R01 120 Vikram Anjur 1:45 A-147
B01 40 Ashok Arjunakani 1:45 A-138 Acad. Pit
C03 47 Ashok Arjunakani 2:10 A-138 Acad. Pit
I04 87 Daniel Atten 10:25 B-116
A01 37 Kaia Ball 9:10 A-147
I05 87 Eric Barrientos 9:35 B-108
I06 88 Brendan Batliner 2:10 A-119
I02 86 Vimal Bellamkonda 10:00 B-116
F01 75 Ethan Bian 12:55 E-115 Kids Inst.
I04 87 Marissa Borchering 10:25 B-116
T01 132 Anna Borromeo 11:15 A-151
S01 125 Marissa Brock 10:00 A-119
F02 75 Remy Bubulka 9:10 A-121
U01 133 Austin Cao 1:20 A-119
Q01 107 Kristin Carlson 2:10 B-133
F03 76 Advitheey Chelikani 1:45 A-151
F04 76 Advitheey Chelikani 1:20 A-151
F05 77 Diana Chen 11:15 A-138 Acad. Pit
E01 71 Kyle Chen 8:45 A-133
C04 48 Xindi Chen 9:35 A-115
Q02 107 Greeshma Chilukuri 1:20 B-133
P03 100 Ryan Chiu 2:10 A-147
C05 48 Mary Cody 10:50 A-133
L01 93 Daniel Collins 2:10 E-102 Aud.
O01 96 Lael Costa 11:15 A-135
J01 90 Ana Curtis 11:15 A-115
T02 132 Amy De La Torre 11:15 A-119
R02 120 Mason Dearborn 8:45 A-155
C06 49 John Deng 12:30 A-119
I07 88 Evan Derse 8:45 B-110
C07 49 Vishrut Dixit 1:20 A-147
Q03 108 Joseph Donermeyer 10:25 B-206 Lect. Hall
C08 50 Natalie Dong 10:50 B-206 Lect. Hall
K01 91 Elise Douglas 1:20 A-117
B02 41 Jennifer Du 10:25 A-149
Q04 108 Grace Duan 1:45 B-133
Q05 109 Anastasia Fafara 8:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
C09 50 Nisa Faheem 12:30 B-206 Lect. Hall
T03 133 Molly Fane 10:50 B-133
143
C10 51 Kristy Fang 12:30 A-121
C11 51 Yan Lin Feng 1:45 B-116
A02 37 Ryan Franks 10:00 A-121
C12 52 Natasha Freund 1:20 A-131
E02 71 Siva Gangavarapu alternate day/time
C13 52 Geronimo Garcia 8:45 A-149
S02 126 Al-Jalil Gault 9:35 A-138 Acad. Pit
G01 80 Timothy Gietl 10:50 B-110
G02 81 Timothy Gietl 11:15 B-110
C14 53 Cammille Go 1:20 A-115
C15 53 Annika Gomez 10:25 A-113
R03 121 Daniel Gonzalez 9:35 A-155
G03 81 Yasmine Gordon 10:50 A-138 Acad. Pit
U02 134 Kieran Groble 8:45 A-115
P04 100 Lohitha Guntupalli 2:10 A-113
K02 91 Anna Gupta 9:10 B-108
H01 84 Karin Han 12:30 B-110
Q06 109 Kayla Hannon 10:50 A-113
Q07 110 Rhea Harsoor 10:50 A-155
I08 89 Kevin He 11:15 A-149
F06 77 Eric Hennenfent 9:10 A-155
P05 101 Taylor Herr 12:30 A-113
S03 127 Leehwa Hong 11:15 B-108
P06 101 Fengling Hu 9:35 A-147
G04 82 Huajie Huang 9:35 B-110
G05 82 Huajie Huang 10:00 B-110
C16 54 Alyda Huerta 10:00 A-147
H02 85 Kayla Ingram 10:25 A-119
C17 54 Shreya Jain 1:20 A-138 Acad. Pit
E03 72 Arjit Jaiswal 12:55 A-151
C18 55 Elijah Jimenez 8:45 A-131
C19 56 Vivian Jin 10:25 A-133
S01 125 Alexandra Johnson 10:00 A-119
P07 102 Sharon Johnson 10:50 A-147
N01 95 Edward Jun 1:45 A-117
Q08 110 Mohamed Kady 8:45 A-147
I09 89 Vinesh Kannan 10:25 B-108
Q09 111 Vandana Karan 10:50 A-131
C20 56 Omkar Kelkar 10:25 A-135
P08 102 Omair Khan 1:45 A-149
C21 57 Nicholas Kiene 10:00 B-133
B03 41 Ashley Kim 10:00 A-113
D01 69 Sun Kim 1:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
U03 134 Ujwal Kiran 1:45 A-119
S04 127 Nisha Kishore 9:35 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q10 111 Taylor Knopf 11:15 A-131
M01 94 Max Kontorovich 9:10 A-133
C22 57 Srisha Kotlo alternative day/time
C23 58 Sanjay Kottapalli 1:45 A-135
144
E04 72 Jacob Kronenberg 12:30 A-133
E05 73 Anna Kryczka 8:45 B-116
F03 76 Saurabh Kumar 1:45 A-151
F07 78 Saurabh Kumar 2:10 A-151
C24 58 Kathryn Kuna 12:55 B-108
F08 78 Andrew Kuznetsov 1:20 E-115 Kids Inst.
P07 102 Sophia Lam 10:50 A-147
Q11 112 Lakhena Leang 10:50 A-149
F09 79 Claire Lee 2:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q12 112 Jessica Lee 10:00 A-131
R04 121 Ka wai Lee 9:35 A-133
F10 79 Mack Lee alternate day/time
T02 132 Laura Lehmann 11:15 A-119
U01 133 Dayna Lei 1:20 A-119
C25 59 Quinn Lewis 2:10 B-116
Q13 113 Judy Li 10:00 A-135
S05 128 Patty Li 9:10 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q14 113 Emily Ling 10:25 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q15 114 Emily Ling 10:50 E-115 Kids Inst.
K02 91 David Lisk 9:10 B-108
K03 92 Eveline Liu 8:45 A-119
C26 59 Gina Liu 8:45 A-151
C27 60 Gina Liu 9:10 A-151
S03 127 Vivian Liu 11:15 B-108
Q08 110 Harishankar Logaraj 8:45 A-147
S06 128 Hsing-Duan Louh 10:50 A-119
S06 128 Malachi Loviska 10:50 A-119
G06 83 Derek Lubecke 8:45 B-133
B04 42 Danielle Madsen 10:00 A-115
F11 80 Nicholas Magerko 10:25 A-115
D02 70 Rohit Mahankali 10:50 B-108
Q04 108 Sameeksha Malhotra 1:45 B-133
U04 135 Alec Mangan 9:10 B-110
T03 133 Alonzo Marsh 10:50 B-133
R01 120 Alexander Moreno 1:45 A-147
C28 60 Shruthi Mothkur 1:20 B-108
C29 61 Shruthi Mothkur 1:45 B-108
C30 61 Emily Mu 9:10 A-115
O02 96 Luke Musgrave 12:55 B-116
B01 40 Philip Nebres 1:45 A-138 Acad. Pit
C03 47 Philip Nebres 2:10 A-138 Acad. Pit
S07 129 Saraswathi Nookala 9:35 A-135
E06 73 Nida Normantaite 10:50 A-115
K01 91 Gregory O'Bannon 1:20 A-117
R05 122 Jameson O'Reilly 10:25 A-117
C31 62 Julian Pacheco 12:30 A-135
A03 38 Deborah Park 10:25 B-133
Q16 114 Matthew Park 12:55 B-133
C10 51 Nahee Park 12:30 A-121
145
C09 50 Somie Park 12:30 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q17 115 Haneesha Paruchuri 10:00 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q03 108 Dawson Patel 10:25 B-206 Lect. Hall
A03 38 Ruchi Patel 10:25 B-133
C19 56 Shuchi Patel 10:25 A-133
E03 72 Varun Patel 12:55 A-151
B05 42 Rajiv Patel-O'Connor 12:55 A-117
G07 83 Daniel Pechi 11:15 A-117
C32 62 Breanna Pederson 10:25 A-155
D03 70 Jonathan Peloquin 9:35 E-115 Kids Inst.
P02 99 Jenson Phung 9:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
C08 50 Atene Poskute 10:50 B-206 Lect. Hall
B06 43 Sean Potempa 11:15 A-121
A04 38 Archit Potharazu 11:15 B-206 Lect. Hall
C33 63 Michael Pradaxay 1:20 A-113
B07 43 Sagar Punhani 9:35 A-131
Q05 109 Brianna Pusey 8:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
F01 75 Benjamin Rabe 12:55 E-115 Kids Inst.
F09 79 Emily Rader 2:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
A05 39 Aishwarya Raj 2:10 B-108
Q18 115 Vignesh Ravi 9:10 A-138 Acad. Pit
R06 122 Sattvic Ray 2:10 A-131
C34 63 Maureen Reiser 12:55 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q11 112 Xueyang Ren 10:50 A-149
F11 80 Jonathan Reynolds 10:25 A-115
R07 123 Dennis Rich 9:10 A-113
U03 134 Megan Roller 1:45 A-119
E07 74 Daniel Rosenthal alternate day/time
M02 94 Andrew Salij 9:10 B-133
P02 99 Shreya Santhanam 9:10 B-206 Lect. Hall
Q19 116 Sreyesh Satpathy 1:20 B-110
D01 69 John Satter 1:45 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q20 116 Sajishnu Savya 1:45 A-133
C35 64 Nicole Schubert 1:45 B-206 Lect. Hall
P09 103 Frances Seo 10:00 A-117
P10 103 Abhishek Sethi 2:10 A-135
R08 123 Bhairvi Shah 10:50 A-117
I06 88 Milan Shah 2:10 A-119
S08 129 Aniruddha Shekara 8:45 A-138 Acad. Pit
C36 64 Christopher Shin 1:45 A-155
B08 44 Susie Shin 9:35 A-113
K04 92 Bailey Simmons-Brown 9:10 B-116
C37 65 Sachi Singh 1:20 A-133
O03 97 Suraj Sinha 9:35 A-121
R09 124 Janani Sivakumar 9:35 A-149
R10 124 Emma Sloan 1:45 A-115
P11 104 Vimig Socrates 10:00 A-151
Q21 117 Vimig Socrates 9:35 A-151
C08 50 Saigopal Somasundaram 10:50 B-206 Lect. Hall
146
B09 44 Tera Sparks 2:10 A-117
S09 130 Remmie Spinks 1:20 B-206 Lect. Hall
P12 104 Simona Stancov 11:15 B-116
C09 50 Lajvanthi Sudhakar 12:30 B-206 Lect. Hall
A06 39 Ranjani Sundar 1:20 A-155
S10 130 Poornima Sundaravelu 10:00 A-149
I08 89 Adit Suvarna 11:15 A-149
A07 40 Sai Talluru 2:10 A-155
O04 97 James Tao 12:30 A-155
C38 65 Shelly Teng 2:10 A-121
C39 66 Yash Thacker 12:30 E-115 Kids Inst.
S11 131 Rachel Thain 12:55 A-147
Q07 110 Shveta Thakkar 10:50 A-155
F05 77 Sneha Thakkar 11:15 A-138 Acad. Pit
Q22 117 Rashmi Thimmapuram 11:15 A-155
Q23 118 Rashmi Thimmapuram 1:45 B-110
B07 43 Kyle Thomas 9:35 A-131
C40 66 Lynette To 1:20 A-149
P13 105 Shruti Topudurti 10:50 A-135
B10 45 Rajiv Trehan 11:15 A-147
C13 52 Priya Trivedi 8:45 A-149
R11 125 Lia Vallina 9:35 A-117
Q02 107 Jayathi Varadheeswaran 1:20 B-133
B11 45 Vivek Vermani 9:10 A-119
K05 93 Aaron Victor 9:35 B-116
C41 67 Brian Vien 2:10 A-133
C42 67 Amanda Walsh 8:45 A-121
P14 105 Paul Wang 10:25 A-138 Acad. Pit
M03 95 Stephanie Wang 10:00 A-138 Acad. Pit
Q24 118 Wenhan Wang 10:25 A-121
K05 93 Ziang Wang 9:35 B-116
B12 46 Elizabeth Weiss 1:45 A-131
C43 68 William Widjaja 11:15 A-133
P15 106 Irina Wirjan 8:45 A-117
E08 74 Mateusz Wojtaszek 10:00 B-108
I03 86 Thomas Wu 9:10 A-131
S05 128 Yiqiao Wu 9:10 E-115 Kids Inst.
A04 38 Zachary Yager 11:15 B-206 Lect. Hall
I10 90 Alan Yang 12:55 A-131
S12 131 Ryan Yang 10:00 B-206 Lect. Hall
C44 68 Mayuri Yasuda 1:20 B-116
C45 69 Sung Yeo 1:20 A-121
Q15 114 Hye Jean Yoon 10:50 E-115 Kids Inst.
Q25 119 Hye Jean Yoon 11:15 E-115 Kids Inst.
P13 105 Selam Zenebe-Gete 10:50 A-135
G08 84 Michael Zeng 10:25 B-110
P16 106 Luke Zhan 11:15 B-133
Q26 119 Timothy Zhou 8:45 B-206 Lect. Hall
A07 40 Amy Zhu 2:10 A-155