Student Presenter: Frances Avila-Soto

Student Project Title: Altered TLR Response in HIV Infection

Student Project Abstract: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) causes chronic inflammation and immune activation in infected individuals, leading to numerous adverse health effects including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Inflammation is largely controlled by specific receptors in the innate immune system including Toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs control inflammatory responses by regulating transcription of inflammatory genes in response to recognition of various non-self molecular patterns, including viral RNAs. In the setting of chronic HIV infection, persistent TLR stimulation may result in differential responsiveness to TLR ligand exposure in HIV+ versus HIV- individuals. Previous studies have also shown that monocytes from HIV+ individuals express increased levels of TLRs. We hypothesized that TLR activation and signaling may differ between HIV+ and HIV- individuals. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from blood samples from antiretroviral therapy (ART)-treated HIV+ and HIV- donors (N=3 and 6 respectively), and these cells were stimulated in vitro with ligands specific to TLRs 7 (imiquimod), 8 (ssPolyU), or 9 (CPG ODN2395) for a period of 24 hours. The PBMCs were then stained with antibodies specific to three common cell surface activation markers expressed on monocytes (HLA-DR, CD86, CD69), and then analyzed via flow cytometry. Monocytes were identified based on size, granularity and expression of CD14 for analysis of their activation phenotype. Following imiquimod stimulation, we measured reduced expression of HLA-DR, CD69, and CD86 on monocytes from HIV+ individuals compared to HIV- individuals (p<0.05). Activation marker expression was also decreased on monocytes from HIV+ individuals in response to ssPolyU and CPG, but these differences did not reach significance. Additionally, we measured cytokine production induced by TLR stimulation in supernatants from these PBMC samples. Overnight exposure to imiquimod or ssPolyU resulted in significantly increased TNF-α (p<0.05), but reduced IL-6 and IL-1B production from cells from HIV+ individuals compared to cells from HIV- individuals. These findings suggest that TLR responsiveness is altered in HIV+ individuals. Further studies will explore the mechanistic details underlying TLR responsiveness in cells from HIV+ individuals, and the resulting consequences for immune cell function.

Student Presenter: Abdulkadir Bashir

Student Project Title: Simulation of n-Heptane Injection into a quiescent Environment of hot Air

Student Project Abstract: This research is focused on the 2D and 3D Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of an n-heptane spray. The motivation for the work comes from the fact that, in order to advance the scientific understanding of combustion at conditions specific to diesel engines, the Engine Combustion Network (ECN) has established well characterized experiments that need to be validated using physical models and simulations. The experiments are carried out in a combustion vessel. When the desired experimental conditions are established, the diesel fuel is injected into the stagnant pool of hot pressurized air. The spray mixes with air as it penetrates into the vessel. Eventually, the mixture auto ignites. This process is imaged and used to validate models and simulations. The simulations are carried out using the Fluent CFD package. The 2D mesh has 98x84 cells, while the 3D mesh has 50x100x1000 cells. The transport equations that are solved consist of the Unsteady Reynolds Navier Stokes (URANS) equations and other semi-empirical models. The spray is described in a Lagrangian framework, wherein the break up of the fuel droplets is described using the Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) and Rayleigh-Taylor (RT) hybrid model. The turbulence model used is k-$\epsilon$ in conjunction with wall functions. For the solution process, the pressure and velocity are linked according to the SIMPLE algorithm. The liquid penetration length, vapor penetration length and spray shape from the simulation are compared with experimental data, after tuning the KH - RT model to optimal settings. Reasonable agreement is observed between the simulations and experimental data.

Student Presenter: Kevin Berkowitz

Student Project Title: Tactile sensitivity of different oral tissues to punctate pressure

Student Project Abstract: The tongue has been shown to be a highly sensitive area to tactile stimuli; however little has been studied on the other tissues in the mouth, such as the gums and roof of the mouth (RM). The purpose of this study was to see which tissue has the greatest influence on sensitivity to punctate stimuli. It was hypothesized that the tongue would be the most sensitive tissue compared to the RM and gums because of its greater deformability even at very low forces. To test this hypothesis a punctate pressure sensitivity JND was determined for 30 individuals (aged 18-40, 17F/13M) via the forced-choice, up-down staircase method using Luneau Cochet-Bonnet Aesthesiometers to deliver a range of very-low forces (F=0.0044-0.010g). The tongue (0.00192±9.6e-5g) was found to be significantly more sensitive than both the RM (0.00252±0.000 21g) and the gums (0.00288±0.00023g) (p=0.019 and p<0.001, respectively). JNDs for the RM and gums, however, were not significantly different (p=0.235) This order of JNDs (tongue, RM, gums) was also the most common on an individual basis (n=12), and binomial probability indicated that this was a very significant effect (p=0.0015). These findings are in agreement with the hypothesis that the tongue would be the most sensitive tissue to punctate pressure. The tongue is a softer surface than the gums or the roof of the mouth. This means that the tongue could be more susceptible to changes in force applied compared to the other tissues. In addition, the tongue serves other purposes such as speech rather than for food consumption alone.

Student Presenter: Luke Bobay

Student Project Title: Toward examining climate effects on yellow perch recruitment: How do Lake Erie larval yellow perch diets vary within a year?

Student Project Abstract: Climate change has been altering local weather patterns, which may affect the success of aquatic and terrestrial organisms alike. In north-temperate aquatic ecosystems, concern exists that an earlier spring onset and more variable temperatures and precipitation events may interact with other factors, such as photoperiod, to reduce the availability of prey to fish larvae. For example, in Lake Erie, it has been hypothesized that changes in weather patterns may differentially affect the timing of the larval yellow perch (Perca flavescens) hatch in relation to their zooplankton prey. As a result, preferred prey sizes or taxa might not be available at this critical time during development, which could negatively affect foraging success, growth, and survival. As a first step toward understanding how weather influences larval yellow perch success, we processed the diets of young yellow perch captured during spring 2017 from several nearshore areas of western Lake Erie. While we expected average zooplankton prey size in the diet to increase with yellow perch size, we were uncertain as to how availability of prey of different sizes and taxa would affect which prey types are eaten. We also did not know if larval yellow perch require a specific size or type of prey in early life, when their ability to catch large, fast prey is limited. Preliminary analyses indicate that the biomass of yellow perch diets varied both through time and between sites (Date: χ24,428 = 114.3, p < 0.001, Site: χ23,428 = 22.7, p < 0.001), with no obvious effect of fish size (Length: χ21,428 = 0.04, p = 0.84). Interestingly, we found that some small prey items (e.g., small Cyclopoida) were primarily consumed by small yellow perch larvae (5 – 9 mm), whereas other small taxa (e.g., Bosmina) were primarily consumed by larger larvae (13 – 18 mm). Future analyses should reveal if these differences in consumption between larvae of different size are due to the timing of availability of each of these small prey items, or if specific taxonomic groups are preferred. Ultimately, these results will direct our inter-annual examination of larval yellow perch diets in relation to weather conditions.

Student Presenter: Hao Chen

Student Project Title: Reinforcement Learning for Connected Autonomous Driving

Student Project Abstract: The autonomous vehicles will consume large amounts of streaming data from nearby vehicles, infrastructure, and cloud to make decisions. The goal of the project is to adaptively change the velocity of a connected autonomous vehicle to minimize the fuel consumption of the vehicle. The vehicle will make real time decisions based on real-time information from V2X and V2V connectivity keeping in mind the constraints imposed by the powertrain of the vehicle. We aim at solving this problem using reinforcement learning. The goal of the project is to design and run very large scale reinforcement learning algorithm for devising fuel efficient driving strategies. Three MS and three undergraduate students will write and executing the codes involved in reinforcement learning. The project will require running 40 servers in parallel to collect data using a highly sophisticated simulator we have developed for this purpose. This data will then be processed on the cloud to run the reinforcement learning algorithm.

Student Presenter: Lang Cheng

Student Project Title: Examination of Bitcoin and Ways to Make It A Better Currency

Student Project Abstract: Introduction:

Bitcoin is a relatively new digital currency first appeared in January 2009. Several problems restricted Bitcoin from becoming a good currency. Records show that Bitcoin is extremely volatile, as its value changed from $5000 to $3200 in September 2017 in just two weeks. Another problem about Bitcoin is the lack of government regulation. Bitcoin is not owned by any government entity, which makes it likely to become a platform for fraud and money laundering. The article is going to examine the characteristics of Bitcoin, and find possible ways to make Bitcoin a better digital currency.

Methods:

Several academic articles are reviewed for reference, including “Bitcoin: Questions, Answers, and Analysis of Legal Issues†� by E.V. Murphy, M.M. Murphy and M.V. Seitzinger from the Congressional Research Service. Further, a U.S. trading website for Bitcoin (Gemini.com) was reviewed to understand how the transaction of Bitcoin works.

Results:

Several problems are found within Bitcoin. Underground economy like drug dealers can take advantage of the lack of regulation of Bitcoin to operate illegal businesses. Bitcoin is also susceptible to malware attacks, as the right to use the currency is tied to associated private keys, which can be stolen by malwares. What’s more, Bitcoin has high level of speculation due to high volatility. In order to solve these problems, more market intermediaries should be introduced in the Bitcoin market, preferably from independent agencies. In addition, Bitcoin should use encryption technologies like threshold cryptography that splits private keys to different personal devices to counter malware attacks. To lower volatility, Bitcoin needs to become a legitimate currency that people can use for purchases. Doing so requires the currency to excel in safety and economies of scale.

Conclusions: Bitcoin’s current problems limit the currency from becoming a good medium of exchange. By having more regulations and means of encryption, as well as obtaining more legitimacy, Bitcoin can be a much better currency in the future.

Student Presenter: Mathew Clement

Student Project Title: Copper Iron Oxide as a Carbon Dioxide Reduction Catalyst

Student Project Abstract: The structure and composition of a catalyst plays a major role in determining the photocatalytic performance of the sample, and a study is conducted to understand how these properties may enable oxygen doping and affect it’s charge carrier dynamics. Cu-Fe mixed oxide catalysts have been investigated for photoelectrochemical CO2 reduction since it constitutes non-toxic, low-cost, Earth-abundant transition metal oxides. Here, CuFeO2, an earth-abundant metal oxide semiconductor showing promising efficiency as a solar photocathode, is studied in detail to understand how the charge carrier dynamics are influenced by the catalyst composition and structure, which in turn dictates the photocatalytic performance. Designing the ideal catalyst is challenging due to the lack of understanding of the relationship between charge carrier dynamics and properties such as composition and structure of the catalyst. Therefore, techniques including Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM), X-Ray Diffraction(XRD), and X-Ray photoelectron Spectroscopy(XPS) were introduced to investigate the morphological, compositional, and structural properties of the catalyst in question. It was observed that the annealing temperature of the prepared samples played a vital role in the formation of the CuFeO2 -delafossite phase and affected the carrier dynamics and hence the photocatalytic efficiency. The photocatalytic activity of the sample was obtained through Linear Sweep Voltammetry(LSV) to study how the photoactivity changes with respect to the structure and composition of the sample. Finally, to understand the effect of structure and composition on the electron dynamics and performance, femtosecond transient absorption spectra were measured in order to show the effect of post-annealing conditions on charge separation and recombination in the sample.

Student Presenter: Leighann Cotter

Student Project Title: Subperiosteal Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow-Derived Stem Cells: Effects on Local Cell Proliferation

Student Project Abstract: Objective: Mandibular symphysis (chin) deficiencies are partially caused by insufficient bone growth at the mental protuberance. A previous study based on radiographic analysis has shown that transplanting autologous bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) tended to thicken the labial symphyseal surface. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effect of autologous BMSC transplantation on local cell proliferation.

Methods: Five four-month-old domestic pigs (Sus scrofa) were used. BMSCs were isolated from their mandibular bone marrow. The BMSCs were then expanded in cell culture and stacked into three-layer cell sheets. Two 10mmx10mm subperiosteal pockets were surgically created on the left and right sides, which were separated by an intact 20mm-wide region of midline symphyseal tissue. One side was randomly assigned to receive an insertion of the autologous cells sheets while the contralateral side received a sham surgery only (control). The pigs were terminated six weeks later. Specimens from both sides were harvested and processed to histological sections, which were then immunohistochemically stained using a Ki-67 antibody to evaluate cell proliferation. One blinded investigator analyzed the stained histological images and compared cell proliferation between the two sides.

Results: The periostea on both sides were healed normally and histologically identical. Proliferating cells, shown as discrete positive nuclear staining of Ki-67, were mostly present at the interface of the periosteal osteogenic layer and symphyseal labial bone fronts. Qualitatively, the abundance of proliferating cells on the BMSC-transplantation side appeared to be greater than that of the control side.

Conclusion: Together with previously obtained radiographic findings, the present immunohistochemical data suggests that transplantation of autologous BMSCs to the subperiosteal region of the mandibular symphysis may stimulate local cell proliferation.

Student Presenter: Catalin Dragomirescu

Student Project Title: The Relationship between Resting Heart Rate Variability and Facets of Rumination: An Update

Student Project Abstract: Resting vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is an indicator of stress vulnerability and overall health. Perseverative cognition is the constant thinking about negative events and is considered a primary mechanism linking stress vulnerability with disease. Rumination, a type of preservative cognition, is thought to subsume three unique facets of rumination: depressive, brooding, and reflective. Our group previously demonstrated resting vmHRV to be associated with maladaptive (e.g., depressive) but not adaptive (e.g., reflective) facets of rumination. The current study presents an extension of this relationship using a larger sample of individuals (583 participants, 313 females, mean age = 19.40). A 5-minutes baseline period was used to assess the root mean square of successive differences as our index of vmHRV. Rumination was indexed via self-report. Results showed a significant negative association between resting vmHRV and total (r= -.141, p= .030), depressive (r= -.170, p< .001), and brooding (r= -.110, p= .023) rumination, but not for reflective rumination (r= -.051 p= .288). When examining these relationships while controlling for respective subscales, only depressive rumination showed a significant negative association (r partial= -.151, p= .002), whereas reflective (r partial= .075, p= .121) and brooding (r partial= .013, p= .783) rumination did not. This data replicates results from our previous report and suggests that in psychophysiological research, various facets of rumination should be carefully considered in the domain of perseverative cognition.

Student Presenter: Claudia Edell

Student Project Title: Effects of an inducible CD4 T cell-specific PRMT5 Knockout on inflammatory T cell responses and Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis disease

Student Project Abstract: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system driven by myelin reactive CD4+ T cells, specifically inflammatory T-helper 1 (Th1) and T-helper 17 (Th17) cells. Pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells recruit other inflammatory T cells to attack the myelin sheath of the nerve cell to disrupt nerve signals which leads to disability in patients. There are no current treatments to fully cure a patient who has MS. Protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMT) are a group of enzymes that catalyze arginine methylation. PRMT5, a major type II methyltransferase, is well known for its role in neoplasm development and our lab has recently identified a role that it plays in T cells. Previous studies from our lab showed that PRMT5 was upregulated when T cells are activated. PRMT5 inhibitors suppressed activity of inflammatory T cells and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. Our goal is to genetically validate our previous research using a PRMT5 knockout mouse model. Total PRMT5 knockout is embryonic lethal, therefore we have created a mouse model that allows for an inducible PRMT5 knockout. We hypothesize that PRMT5 drives EAE autoimmunity by promoting inflammatory T cell responses. Mice were immunized with Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) and complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to induce EAE and treated with tamoxifen to induce a knockout of PRMT5. Clinical disease in mice was monitored over 14-28 days and inflammatory Th1 and Th17 cell responses in spleen, lymph nodes, and the central nervous system (CNS) were evaluated by flow cytometry and ELISA. Our end goal is to validate the therapeutic potential of targeting PRMT5 in T-cell mediated autoimmune diseases.

Student Presenter: Jacob Farr

Student Project Title: Novel Genes in the EGFR/Ras Pathway

Student Project Abstract: Ras genes encode GTPases and function in multiple signaling pathways including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway which regulates cell signaling and proliferation. Mutations in Ras oncogenes are found in up to 30% of all human cancers including 90% of pancreatic cancers. Therefore, identifying genes that regulate Ras or its downstream pathway could reveal novel targets for cancer therapy. Previous work analyzing transcriptional changes in oncogenic Ras, RasV12, -expressing Drosophila cell cultures showed that about 300 genes were significantly upregulated and therefore potentially targets of the Ras pathway. These included CG31689, CG12009, and G protein gamma 30 A (Gγ30A), which showed phenotype changes characteristic of alteration in Ras signaling, following tissue specific knockdown using RNAi. These changes included loss (CG31689, CG12009) or gain (Gγ30A ) of wing veins, which is a sensitive readout of EGFR/Ras signaling. To provide more evidence that these genes function in the EGFR/Ras pathway, I performed RNAi knockdowns of the three genes in a genetic background in which EGFR signaling was upregulated using a constitutively-active mutant of EGFR called EGFRElp. EGFRElp flies have extra wing veins. If CG31689, CG12009, or Gγ30A interact genetically with EGFRElp, the wing vein phenotypes are expected to be enhanced or suppressed depending on whether the candidate gene is a putative positive or negative regulator in the pathway. In keeping with the idea that CG31689 and CG12009 are positive regulators, the loss of vein phenotype was suppressed. Experiments with Gγ30A are ongoing. The genetic evidence that these genes are novel components in the Ras pathway is an important result; however, the connection will also have to made at the molecular level and this is planned future work.

Student Presenter: Michelle Fiamingo

Student Project Title: Surface Properties of Alginate

Student Project Abstract: Determining the organic content at the sea surface microlayer is essential in understanding the physical underpinnings of the behaviors of sea spray aerosols (SSA). While saccharides are enriched and present in the sea surface microlayer (SSML), these molecules are not surface active. Moreover, saccharides can be transferred from the SSML into SSA through the process of wave breaking and can indirectly and directly impact the climate. Understanding how organic molecules interact with each other and trace metal cations at the surface is imperative to create a foundational understanding of surface chemistry and its impact on the atmosphere. Langmuir isotherms were utilized to probe disaccharide and alginate adsorption to palmitic acid monolayers. It was found that disaccharides expand the lipid monolayer through a possible intercalation between the fatty acid molecules. Furthermore, the SSA readily become more acidic as they travel through the marine boundary layer, allowing alginate particles to dissociate and create a more expanded monolayer at pH 2. IRRAS spectra will be created in order to understand the orientation of the lipid monolayer and its interaction with the saccharides in an aqueous solution, whereas BAM spectra will be utilized in order to understand the 3-dimensional organization of the lipid monolayer in respect to the saccharides in the solution. These spectroscopy experiments, in accordance with more surface tension experiments, will characterize the interactions between organic compounds at the SSML so that a foundational understanding of saccharide organization at the SSA surface can be utilized to understand their impact on cloud condensation and ice nucleation.

Student Presenter: Jack Fioretti

Student Project Title: Characterization of potential targets of the Rho5 GTPase involved in cell death under stress

Student Project Abstract: Previous findings in the lab indicate that the Rho5 GTPase plays a critical role in programmed cell death, or apoptosis, in budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Genome-wide studies in the lab have identified potential targets of Rho5 including Cwp1 and Cwp2 that might be involved in the apoptotic response pathway. I am interested in determining whether and how these proteins are indeed components of the cell death pathway under stress. Cwp1 and 2 are both cell wall proteins that contribute to the cell’s resistance to propionic acid and low pH environments. I have examined the interaction between Rho5 and these cell wall proteins via a fluorescence-based assay, referred to as BiFC (bimolecular fluorescence complementation) assay. I plan to use programs such as ImageJ to quantify the difference in fluorescence intensities between different yeast strains involving the proteins of interest. The results of this analysis should provide insight into how Rho5 might interact with these proteins and contribute to apoptotic cell death. These findings may help us to understand how small GTPases might regulate apoptosis in animal or plant cells in response to stress or during fungal pathogenic infection.

Student Presenter: Stacy George

Student Project Title: The Fit between Rentals and Renters

Student Project Abstract: INTRODUCTION

Since the creation of zoning codes, communities have been regulating how the surface of the earth is used, yet little research has been done on how that use is succeeding in achieving desirable conditions.

In other words, the concept of how land is used has been well thought out, but how that use is landed deserves more attention.

Specifically, the use of housing compatible to its residents matters.

Advocating for the appropriate fit between residents and their lodging can make the difference between areas plagued by lengthy commutes, unaffordable units, empty city centers, and scare amenities, to those with a high quality of life and well-being for inhabitants.

Once Ohio renter populations occupy units that fit, the economy and environment will be sustainably operating aiding the retention and attraction of residents.

METHODS

With IPUMS microdata in partnership with AllTransit scores, areas of 100,000 people (PUMAs) within Ohio are analyzed for compatibility. The focal measures are:

Â¥ Space- assessed through overcrowding (more than 2 people per bedroom) and under occupancy (less than 1 person per bedroom)

Â¥ Affordability- measured by the factor of cost burden (spending more than 30% of income on housing)

Â¥ Transit- based on a score from AllTransit metrics (a system-wide snapshot of the collective impact transit agencies have on jobs, economy, transit quality, equity, and health)

Maps display region’s transit scores and the percent of renter populations experiencing overcrowding, under occupancy, and cost burden A chart was created to compare 7 PUMAs ranging from urban to rural against the state. Profiles of renters from the 5 most common renter occupations create a personal representation of renter realities.

RESULTS

Themes

Â¥ Ohio transit does not score well besides cities experiencing a current incline in population

Â¥ Cities are creating the most units within recent years, almost exclusively with 3 bedrooms or less

Â¥ Under occupancy and overcrowding scar each PUMA

Â¥ Affordability is the largest hindrance for compatibility

Â¥ The most common renters are single income earners

Â¥ Children greatly impact renters

CONCLUSION

Housing can no longer be isolated from the factor of opportunity. The economy, job hubs, transit access, and size of units and families should be weighted alongside each other.

Student Presenter: Shannon Gray

Student Project Title: Discordance Between Mitochondrial and Nuclear Contact Zones Within White-Tailed Antelope Squirrels (Ammospermophilus leucurus)

Student Project Abstract: One of the most common phylogeographic patterns found in many co-distributed species along the Baja California peninsula is the genetic divergence between northern and southern populations. This separation has been hypothesized to have been caused by a mid-peninsula seaway that formed and later dried, allowing contact again between formerly isolated populations. Phylogeographic studies on the white-tailed antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) based on mtDNA show that that they were also split into a northern and southern clade during the late Miocene/early Pliocene and that secondary contact is occurring around this hypothesized former seaway. Ground squirrels typically have male-biased dispersal patterns and therefore phylogeographic patterns based on the maternally-inherited mitochondrial DNA may not accurately represent where secondary contact is occurring. We investigated whether (1) the mitochondrial pattern of divergence and secondary contact between the northern and southern squirrel clades are consistent with results from genome-wide nuclear data and (2) whether genetic admixture is occurring. Twenty-four samples were collected from the northern, southern, and mitochondrial contact zone areas and pooled using ddRADseq protocol. Our nuclear DNA analyses show similar genetic divergence between a northern and southern population, but also shows no admixture between them. Furthermore, seven individuals near the contact zone with a nuclear background belonging to the southern population possess the mitochondrial genome of the northern population, but this doesn't happen in the opposite direction. This unidirectional introgression and lack of current admixture suggests that there may have been ancestral hybridization between the two populations that are now reproductively isolated. Finally, there is a 100-mile discordance between the nuclear contact zone and the mitochondrial contact zone, which suggests that either the northern mitochondrial DNA genome is introgressing southward or the nuclear DNA genome of the southern population is introgressing northward. If the former is the case, then our findings do not support the mid-peninsula seaway hypothesis. Further investigation of Ammospermophilus leucurus on the Baja California peninsula can pin-point the location of the nuclear contact zone.

Student Presenter: Elliott Harrod

Student Project Title: Forming Limit Diagrams of Annealed 304 Stainless Steel at Multiple Strain Rates with Digital Image Correlation

Student Project Abstract:

Student Presenter: Jingong Huang

Student Project Title: Fast Back-projection Algorithm for Synthetic Aperture Radar Imaging System with a Lightweight Unmanned Aircraft System

Student Project Abstract:

Student Presenter: Sandra Lackmann

Student Project Title: Advocacy or Abuse? The role of US Immigration Law in the Lives of Asylum-Seeking Central American Women

Student Project Abstract:

Student Presenter: Elizabeth Lima

Student Project Title: The Effect of CAR and PXR Genetic Variation (SNPs) on Efavirenz (EFV) Pharmacokinetics (PK) in Ghanaian HIV+ and HIV/TB+ Children.

Student Project Abstract: BACKGROUND: Efavirenz (EFV) is the preferred therapy in HIV-infected children with and without tuberculosis (TB) coinfection. CYP2B6 516 G>T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) is well known to predictor of EFV oral clearance (CLo), but EFV PK variability remains within 516G>T genotype groups. Concomitant rifampin may also affect EFV PK. We examined whether SNPs in NR1I2 and NR1I3, which encode CAR and PXR, and concomitant rifampin use, affected EFV PK in Ghanaian children.

METHODS: 105 children aged 3-14 with HIV ± TB received EFV-based therapy using WHO weight-based dosing. After 4 weeks of therapy, blood samples were collected at 0, 2, 8, 12, and 24 hrs after oral EFV dosing and EFV plasma concentrations were measured by LC/MS/MS assays. PK parameters were calculated by noncompartmental analysis. Genotyping for NRII2: rs6785049, rs2472677, rs3732356, NR1I3: rs2307424, rs2502815, rs3003596, CYP2B6: rs28399499, rs3745274 and CYP2A6 rs28399433 was with TaqMan® genotyping assays. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess SNP association with EFV PK.

RESULTS: Of the 105 HIV-infected children, 43 (41%) had TB coinfection and were on rifampin-containing anti-TB therapy. The median (IQR) age was 7.0 (5.0 – 10.0) and 60 (57.1%) were male. The table shows variables with p < 0.20 in univariate analysis, and the results of the multivariate analysis. Only SNPs in CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 were significant determinants of EFV CLo. The final model had an R2 of 45.65%.

CONCLUSION: CYP2B6 and CYP2A6 SNPs contributed substantially to variable EFV CLo in Ghanaian children, while NR1I2 and NR1I3 SNPs and rifampin use did not. The studied NR1I2 and NR1I3 SNPs will have no clinical utility in informing EFV dosing decisions in HIV-infected children irrespective of rifampin coadministration.

Student Presenter: Duncan MacKenzie

Student Project Title: The Effect of Surface Area on In Vitro Degradation of 3D Printed Poly(Propylene Fumarate) (PPF) Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Student Project Abstract: Introduction

There is no clinically available “bone substitute†�. The standard-of-care treatment for large segmental bone defects is autologous bone grafting. We are exploring 3D printed, porous, poly(propylene fumarate) implants as an alternative therapy. These tissue engineered scaffolds could serve to guide the infusion of new bone tissue before degrading in a time-certain manner. The goal of this in vitro degradation study was to benchmark the effect of varying surface area on pH and the rate of mass loss and mechanical property loss.

Methods

Two different scaffold strut diameters (i.e., 200 and 400 ï �m) and pore cell diameters (700 and 1400ï€ ï�m) using Schoen’s Gyroid pore geometry at one porosity (88.9%) were studied. The 200/700 “fine†� pore geometry scaffolds have higher surface area than the 700/1400 “course†� scaffolds. Scaffolds were 3D printed, cleaned and placed in glass culture tubes in 37oC pH 12 sodium hydroxide (0.1 M NaOH). At seven time points (day 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) pH was measured, the solution was replaced, and five samples per group were removed and dried. Dried scaffolds were sized, weighed, and tested mechanically.

Results

After initial swelling, scaffold length and diameter shrunk ~6-11% by day 8, and pH was observed to change rapidly after the first 2 days (falling from 12 to 9) before stabilizing in both groups. The coarse scaffolds lost ~40% of their mass by day 12, while the fine scaffolds lost ~60% by day 12. The 80% mass loss target was not observed as the specimens could not be handled after day 12 when all scaffolds had lost 90-95% of their mechanical properties.

Conclusions

These benchmark results provide a baseline for adjusting scaffold surface area to insure “time-certain†� in vivo degradation rates. This type of benchmarking is crucial before we begin cell-based resorption studies which will then justify a small animal model of resorption and biocompatibility. If successful, this will justify the results of a large animal model as the basis for the first human bone substitute strategy.

Student Presenter: Iwan Martin

Student Project Title: Imaging Spin Behavior in WSe2/Graphene Heterostructures

Student Project Abstract: Spintronics is the study of creating computing devices based on the use of the spin property of matter and its corresponding magnetic moment in addition to the charge properties exploited by traditional electronics. Of particular interest in this field is the interaction between Tungsten Diselenide (WSe2) and Graphene. WSe2 is a 2D semiconductor with multiple exciting properties. In particular due to seperation of the band structure by spin, charge carriers in WSe2 can be optically excited to produce spin polarization within the material. WSe2 has also demonstrated long spin lifetimes (on the order of nanoseconds). Graphene is a 2D material with long spin diffusion lengths, allowing for spin transport to happen through the material. At this time studies have not been done to determine the time scale of movement for spins from WSe2 to Graphene. This is significant because potential exists for a WSe2/Graphene heterostructure to be used to optically create spin information with the WSe2 layer then transmit that information through the Graphene layer.

This study uses a combination of optical measurements that are both spatially and time resolved to examine the spin movement. It was determined that the motion of spins between WSe2 and graphene occurs on picosecond time scales, in addition evidence was found for the involvement of a charge movement mechanism in the transfer of spin information.

Student Presenter: John Meacham

Student Project Title: An Analysis of Funding in the Mexican Film Industry

Student Project Abstract: Film has shaped and defined modern Mexican culture since the heyday of the golden age. Throughout the last 50 years state financial support has fluctuated drastically with each passing administration. Only now has a system of funding been allowed to begin to mature. This paper traces the funding landscape of Mexican cinema and examines its effects on the industry. The research was conducted at the Ohio State university during the summer of 2018. Source materials include: previously conducted research in the field from American and Mexican sources, academic papers surround relevant economic theory, and statistical databases made available by the Mexican government. The data I’ve collected demonstrates a consistent growth of the GDP of the industry, and a growth as a percentage of the national GDP. Film output has increased drastically since the country’s dry spell of the mid-nineties. Film as an industry has never been so successful; however, the current funding and incentive systems have been criticized as primarily funding and supporting commercially viable films, preventing quality films from making it to the big screen. My research has indicated that while the deciding juries do limit public funding of quality films, increased interest in the industry has stimulated an influx of art films and film festivals. During my research, it became very clear that in Mexico, nationally produced films perform significantly worse in theatres than Hollywood films. Why would this be the cause? When it comes to economies of scale, Hollywood has a huge advantage. This paper hypothesizes that filmmaking talent – a very important input of film – is limited in domestic growth. Once a filmmaker has achieved a certain stature, there is strong monetary incentive to work in Hollywood. The recent federal funds and incentives have had a large positive impact on the industry; however, focus needs to shift into nurturing and retaining quality filmmakers who can produce impactful films if Mexico wishes to tap into the next layer of its growth potential.

Student Presenter: Nicholas Nastasi

Student Project Title: Microscopic comparison of fungal growth in residential carpets with different carpet fiber materials, at varying relative humidity levels, and presence of household dust

Student Project Abstract: People spend 90% of their time indoors, where they are exposed to the indoor air and indoor microbiome. Resuspension of bioaerosols from carpet is a major source of human exposure that can have detrimental health effects, including increased allergy and asthma symptoms. Microbial communities can grow in carpet materials at elevated relative humidity (RH), but to date morphology of fungal growth in these conditions is not known. We conducted a microscopic analysis on carpet fibers, observing three key factors that could affect fungal growth: 1) presence/absence of dust 2) RH and 3) carpet material. RH tests were conducted using 240cm x 160cm sections of carpet collected from high-traffic areas cut directly from three Ohio residential homes and embedded with household dust collected from each home’s vacuum cleaner bags. Materials testing used new carpet purchased specifically to contain no antimicrobial component. Using a nebulizer, these samples were inoculated with 3 mL of a 106 spores/mL solution of Aspergillus versicolor and Alternaria alternata on carpet that contained no dust as well as sterilized household dust from one of the residential homes. All Carpets were cut in 5cm x 5cm squares and incubated in glass jars for 2 weeks at 25� C. A Nikon AR1 inverted confocal with Uvitex 2B, a nonselective fluorescent dye for fungi that binds to chitin, was used to distinguish bacteria from fungi in the environmental samples. An Apreo LoVac scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to obtain more detailed observations of fungal components on individual carpet fibers and fungal attachment morphology. Fungal spore chains, septated and branching hyphal structures, and phialides were all observed indicating reproduction of fungal species on carpet fibers. The presence of household dust and RH conditions contributed to changes in fungi within the carpet. This work provides visual representations of fungal growth in carpet that can impact human exposure.

Student Presenter: Mark Oleson

Student Project Title: Democratic Deconsolidation in Poland, Time to Worry?

Student Project Abstract: Abstract: Today’s established, consolidated democracies seem to be in no danger of weakening, what is popularly termed democratic deconsolidation. However, such weakening is occurring. If the fall of the immovable Soviet Union in the late 80’s is any warning to researchers and analysist today, the question of weakening democracies must be given the attention it warrants. Poland provides a telling account of changing support for very different political and societal ideologies, namely from communism to democracy. Recently, the formation of the PiS coalition government of right-wing political parties promises to weaken or remove many of the democratic values and institutions which replaced the former communist state. Similar populist and authoritarian parties are gaining support across most established democracies, threatening party plurality, free speech, respect for elections, civil rights, and political accountability. This study uses data from three waves of the Polish Panel Survey, POLPAN, which gives a twenty-year history of Polish societal transformation. Questions measuring democratic values and antidemocratic government sentiment are constructed into variables, then tested in regression and logistical regression models. Looking for change in democratic values, dissatisfaction with government, and political participation among society generally, this study found worrying negative change. There is in Poland, a statistically significant increase in antidemocratic values, and the emergence of a demographic split between educated, city-dwelling elites who support democratic ideals, and the majoritarian, populist, less-educated, poorer, rural-dwelling population who increasingly reject democratic values. This study, though limited to a single nation, demonstrates the failing of democracy’s necessary base of “the average man†� who increasingly are dissatisfied with democratic values and effectiveness. Therefore, there is a need to more seriously assess the active subversion of democracies around the world, by a populist, rightwing, and authoritarian wave of support.

Student Presenter: Shivani Patel

Student Project Title: Development of Computational Model to Visualize Gene Activity

Student Project Abstract: Cell signaling pathways provide valuable information about the development and physiology of organisms. The development of the vulva, which is the egg laying structure in nematode worms, depends on several canonical developmental pathways, which include EGF, Notch, and Wnt. We are especially interested in understanding the species-specific responses in C. elegans and C. briggsae. A mathematical model that reflects the cellular interaction among the signaling pathways over a period of time has already been developed. This model takes multiple parameters into account, which are rate constants that give information about how fast or slow interactions are occurring. Currently, the model gives information about the gene activity of all 17 of the genes involved in the signaling pathways. Such a model allows one to notice differences in C. elegans and C. briggsae when perturbations are made at the experimental level. Examples of perturbations that could be made are targeting a specific pathway with drugs or genetic mutations. I have created a custom program in MATLAB to make a visual that represents the gene activity for each parameter set. This visual depicts the signaling pathways in question through nodes and edges, so that an observer can easily note the connections and changes over time between the various genes involved. In addition to helping distinguish which species the parameter set belongs to, a visual analysis provides in depth information about the change in genetic pathways throughout the time period the model is being tested for, rather than only at steady state. Furthermore, insight can be provided about the connectivity of the pathways between C. elegans and C. briggsae. Based on the visuals for the different cells in the pathways, I am using a temporal correlation matrix to determine the strength of the relationship between each gene for each parameter set. Ultimately, by knowing such information, it can be possible to predict what perturbations should be made at the experimental level to produce a desired output or behavior. This has potential long term applications to help us design more specific drugs or treatments for diseases that result from mutations in these pathways.

Student Presenter: Phinu Philip

Student Project Title: The Surface Availability and Dispersal of Bioglass 45S5 in 3D-printed Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Student Project Abstract: Part of a series of studies aimed at producing a viable bone substitute, we have 3D-printed, patient specific, poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) scaffolds and seeding them with human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) prior to implantation. We have also developed a strategy to link catechol-peptide ligand bioconjugates to help facilitate hMSC attachment, proliferation, differentiation (to osteoblast), and production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) coating on the scaffold. It is this coating that we hope will allow our tissue engineered scaffold to be recognized as a bone graft and thereafter replaced by strong bone. We add Bioglass (BG) to our PPF scaffolds both to stimulate the body’s own bone progenitor cells as well as to attach the aforementioned catechol-ligand bioconjugates. Bioglass could improve pH buffering as the PPF scaffold degrades, hMSC or osteoblast cell attachment to the PPF scaffold, and bone ECM production and mineralization, an perhaps most importantly, provide the substrate for our catechol/ligand bioconjugates. The goals of the project were successful resin production and 3D printing of PPF with BG (Mo-Sci Corp., Rolla, MO) concentration up to 10% of the resin mix on the outer surface of PPF scaffolds. We printed PPF with BG slabs with heights of X cm, X cm, and X cm using a standard PPF-resin chemistry of 1:1 PPF DEF, 3% BAPO, 0.7% HMB, and 0.4% I-784. We also added 0% BG to our controls (N=X) then increasing to 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% BG concentrations (N=X for each of these groups). Of the intended specimens, 9 slabs of 10 X 10 X 2mm, 10 X 10 X 5 mm, and 10 X 10 X 10mm were successfully printed. We printed thin PPF slabs in order to image the amount of Bioglass available on the large interlayer surfaces, thus best-modeling Bioglass availability on large, irregularly shaped scaffolds. We are currently measuring BG surface concentration with quantified and qualitative Alizarin Red S staining as well as qualitatively with Scanning Electron Microscopy. That data is partially collected and currently under analysis.

Student Presenter: Emily Preston

Student Project Title: Have You a Favorite Hymn?

Student Project Abstract: The focus of the project was a copy of the Presbyterian hymnal, published in 1895 and revised in 1911. This particular hymnal was owned by Stanley Armstrong Hunter, a Presbyterian minister, who asked people he met to sign on their favorite hymn. There are over four thousand signatures that span over the course of twenty-five years, from people of different denominations, religions, and races. Several of the signatures are those of famous or notable people, including Herbert Hoover, Eleanor Roosevelt, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Muriel Lester. Because of this, it became apparent that a study of this hymnal was also a study of the ecumenical movement and pacifism in the early twentieth century, as well as Hunter himself. The objective of the project was to catalog the signatures into an organized file for further research.

Student Presenter: Ali Razvi

Student Project Title: The Surface Availability and Dispersal of Bioglass 45S5 in 3D-printed Poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) Bone Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Student Project Abstract: Part of a series of studies aimed at producing a viable bone substitute, we have 3D-printed, patient specific, poly(propylene fumarate) (PPF) scaffolds and seeding them with human Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hMSCs) prior to implantation. We have also developed a strategy to link catechol-peptide ligand bioconjugates to help facilitate hMSC attachment, proliferation, differentiation (to osteoblast), and production of an extracellular matrix (ECM) coating on the scaffold. It is this coating that we hope will allow our tissue engineered scaffold to be recognized as a bone graft and thereafter replaced by strong bone. We add Bioglass (BG) to our PPF scaffolds both to stimulate the body’s own bone progenitor cells as well as to attach the aforementioned catechol-ligand bioconjugates. Bioglass could improve pH buffering as the PPF scaffold degrades, hMSC or osteoblast cell attachment to the PPF scaffold, and bone ECM production and mineralization, an perhaps most importantly, provide the substrate for our catechol/ligand bioconjugates. The goals of the project were successful resin production and 3D printing of PPF with BG (Mo-Sci Corp., Rolla, MO) concentration up to 10% of the resin mix on the outer surface of PPF scaffolds. We printed PPF with BG slabs with heights of X cm, X cm, and X cm using a standard PPF-resin chemistry of 1:1 PPF DEF, 3% BAPO, 0.7% HMB, and 0.4% I-784. We also added 0% BG to our controls (N=X) then increasing to 0.5%, 1%, 2.5%, 5% and 10% BG concentrations (N=X for each of these groups). Of the intended specimens, 9 slabs of 10 X 10 X 2mm, 10 X 10 X 5 mm, and 10 X 10 X 10mm were successfully printed. We printed thin PPF slabs in order to image the amount of Bioglass available on the large interlayer surfaces, thus best-modeling Bioglass availability on large, irregularly shaped scaffolds. We are currently measuring BG surface concentration with quantified and qualitative Alizarin Red S staining as well as qualitatively with Scanning Electron Microscopy. That data is partially collected and currently under analysis.

Student Presenter: Nicole Reinhold-Larsson

Student Project Title: The role of tonsillar innate immune cells during HIV/SIV pathogenesis

Student Project Abstract: In recent years, the incidence of HIV has decreased, however it continues to spread globally. In fact, AIDS is the fifth leading cause of death in low-income countries. Even with anti-retroviral therapy (ART), opportunistic infections and HIV-associated malignancies remain a prominent issue. HIV infects CD4+ T cells via the CD4 surface receptor and the chemokine receptor CCR5 or CXCR4. Interestingly, we and others have shown the protective role of Natural killer cells (NK) and gut mucosal Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) in HIV and SIV infection. Vaginal and rectal routes are the most common mode of HIV transmission; however, HIV can spread orally to children via the breast milk of HIV positive untreated mothers. Oral-genital HIV transmission can also occur, although rarely. Tonsils are considered oral-pharyngeal mucosal associated lymphoid tissues and play an important role in oral mucosal immunity. Recent studies highlighted the important role of tonsillar NK cell subsets in preventing EBV infection in tonsillar B cells. Interestingly, Cavrois et. al., 2017 have shown that CD127+CD4+ tonsillar T cells are susceptible to HIV entry but are not permissive for HIV replication. HIV replication restriction in CD127+ CD4+ T cells is not dependent on intrinsic properties. We hypothesize that tonsillar NK cells/ILCs may mediate restriction of HIV replication within CD127+ CD4+ tonsillar T cells. In order to test this hypothesis, we explore the role of tonsillar NK and T cells and their role during HIV infection. Due to limited access to the tonsils from HIV infected humans, we use tonsils collected from naïve, acute and chronically SIV infected rhesus macaques. By using multicolor flow cytometry, we found unique NK cell/ILC subsets for the first time in rhesus macaque tonsils. Currently, we are exploring the interactions between NK cells/ILCs and T cell subsets during SIV infection. Understanding the role of NK/ILCs and their interactions with T cells during HIV/SIV pathogenesis will help to improve treatments and preventive strategies for HIV and HIV associated opportunistic infections and malignancies.

Student Presenter: Abu Rogers

Student Project Title: Plasmodium falciparum hexokinase activity is regulated by S-glutathionylation

Student Project Abstract: Plasmodium falciparum, the most pathogenic malarial parasite, depends entirely upon glycolysis for ATP production during its disease causing stages. Plasmodium falciparum hexokinase (PfHK), the first enzyme in the glycolytic pathway, catalyzes the phosphorylation of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate and is regarded as the rate-limiting step in the pathway. Unregulated glycolysis is likely detrimental to the parasite however, and mechanisms by which the parasite regulates flux through the pathway remain unclear. Proteomic studies have shown that PfHK undergoes S-glutathionylation (S-glut), a post-translational modification that adds glutathione to cysteine residues, and in vitro S-glutathionylation of PfHK reduce the enzyme’s catalytic activity. To better understand the role of S-glut modification on native PfHK and its role in parasite development, we are characterizing the level of S-glut throughout the parasite’s life-cycle and its effect on PfHK activity. We have developed a polyclonal antibody to PfHK, allowing for immunopurification, kinetic assays, and proteomic analysis of the native protein. For this work we are characterizing the extent of glutathionylation throughout different stages of the parasite’s life-cycle and its effect on the biochemical properties of the enzyme. Determining the impact of S-glutathionylation on PfHK and its effect on glycolytic flux could elucidate new therapeutic avenues, which would support our continued efforts to develop PfHK inhibitors as antimalarial therapeutics.

Student Presenter: Karina Sobieraj

Student Project Title: A Guiding Figure in Research

Student Project Abstract: Mentoring is a beneficial way to gain additional knowledge and understanding that is not always present in traditional classrooms. Understanding the various ways that a mentor could aid in a student’s learning experience outside of the classroom could benefit the way that programs are structured in the future. Through the review of literature in relation to this topic, it was found that many mentoring programs are beginning to be put into place to provide students with direct mentoring. A greater understanding of how a student benefits from receiving such mentorship could help structure these new emerging programs.

This purpose of this research is to identify the outcomes of receiving mentorship through a research experience.

Eight interviews were analyzed from a set of 24 available from the SPRITE, Student Perspective on Research Identity and Transformation of Epistemology, project. The interviews were analyzed and coded with the use of a codebook that was created in relation to mentoring related topics. A broad set of codes were applied followed by a more specific set of codes. The coded elements of the interviews were extracted and analyzed. Memos were created for each participant to showcase their unique stories and to demonstrate connections between the participants. A concept map was also made for each participant to segregate the three types of mentoring experiences that were seen throughout the analysis of the interviews. Conclusions were drawn based on the created documents. A visualization in the form of a 3D image was made to capture the overall transition of a student’s individual research experiences to their overall experience.

At the conclusion of this research project the three main types of mentoring that were seen included individual mentoring, peer mentoring, and faculty/PI mentoring. The analyzed interviews showed a presence of at least one of these mentoring types. It was determined that a profound presence of one of these mentorship sectors benefitted a student’s educational and research experience, yet guarded them from the other mentoring opportunities. A presence of each type of mentorship type showcased a well-rounded research experience that positively impacted the participant personally and educationally.

Student Presenter: Emma Thaci

Student Project Title: Married with Children: Assessing the Relationships between Marital Status, Presence of Children, and Mental Health in Poland, 2008-2013

Student Project Abstract: Cross-national research has historically suggested that marriage has the potential to lead to improved wellbeing for individuals. Having children can also boost wellbeing, though the impact is different based on marital status. With historically strong divisions between men and women in health, it is important to investigate how these relationships differ based on gender as well. Despite the breadth of past research on these subjects, there is relatively little research on the relationship between marital status, parenthood, gender, and mental health outcomes in Eastern Europe, including post-communist Poland. This research investigates the relationships between these variables from 2008 to 2013. I used the Polish Panel Survey, POLPAN, a longitudinal panel survey of the adult population conducted every five years since 1988. My main dependent variables were social isolation and emotional health from the Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), along with a likert scale item on psychological mood. I employed multivariate linear and logistic regression of these wellbeing items on marital status, children in the household, and gender to compare associations and relationships between these variables. I found that a higher proportion of people who were unmarried with children reported feelings of social isolation, and that a larger proportion of those who were married with children reported a negative emotional state. Regarding mood, both those married and not married had an average response of “rather good†� psychological mood. I also found that unmarried women were less likely to report poor emotional state as well as social isolation, whereas married women were only shown to have decreased reporting for social isolation. Having children itself did not show a significant association with emotional health nor social connectedness; however, men that were married with children showed decreased levels of social isolation and poor emotional health, and the same was also true for men that were unmarried and had children. For women, no significant relationship could be determined. In general, these results are similar to that of previous research conducted in Western Europe. The historical divisions in gender roles and labor within the family explain why the results were different for men and women.

Student Presenter: William Timmermeyer

Student Project Title: Paul and Politics: The Historical Influence of Romans 13:1-7

Student Project Abstract: What was believed to be the proper relationship between a government and its citizens has shifted frequently throughout history. Pressing concerns have often arose in both premodern and modern times as citizens have faced oppression, persecution, and negligence from their government, and many have developed theories of how to best respond to such challenges. For Christians, Romans 13:1-7 has played an integral role in determining how one should act with respect to civil government. Does Paul’s letter to the Romans actually constitute a political theory or ethic, though? This paper argues that Romans 13:1-7 was not intended to comprise a political ethic and that the many thinkers who invoked this passage often imposed their own culturally-influenced agenda upon it in their interpretive work. Several formative Christian thinkers such as Origen, Augustine of Hippo, Martin Luther, and others who engaged in interpreting Romans 13:1-7 as a political ethic are explored in this paper. Despite only focusing on seven lines of text, the implications of this paper are far from limited. The historical development of the interpretation of Romans 13:1-7 was crucial for Christians in the East and the West, and it can serve as a basis for understanding many major historical events such as the Protestant Reformation and even the American Revolution. Additionally, the lasting impact of premodern political interaction with this text can be seen in more recent times, especially in the mid 1900’s during the rise of Fascism. Overall, this paper serves as a discussion of the relationship between premodern Christian interpretive work and political philosophy as well as an exploration of cultural and historic influence upon such interpretations.

Student Presenter: Jarod Wade

Student Project Title: Ohio Industries Of Growth Analysis

Student Project Abstract: Intro: Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) desired to know market information on projected ten-year industries of growth in Ohio's regions, in order to better compare current job-goals of OOD vocational Rehabilitation participants.

Methods: Public data was collected from the Ohio Bureau of Labor Services and The Department of Jobs and Family Services. Ten-year industry growth projections were procured for 6 of Ohio's major regions which were manipulated in R and visualized in Tableau, before being compared to OOD participant data on current job goals.

Results: It was found that there was a fundamental issue with OOD job goal catagories that made for direct comparisons almost impossible. OOD categories being at a more specific Occupation Code than the industry codes for projected growth meant many job goals at OOD were overlapping larger industries' codes. The projected industry growth by regions file was forwarded to higher OOD decision makers to further influence informed decision making by participants.

Conclusions: My conclusions were to lower the job goal codes at OOD to capture more jobs in more broad industries for easier job placement and partnerships within industries of growth.

Student Presenter: Zachary Wilson

Student Project Title: Validating flow cytometry methods to distinguish T-cell phenotypes in EAE

Student Project Abstract: Background. Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a neurological disease caused by neuron demyelination and linked to suppressed beneficial Th2 and Treg responses and increased inflammatory Th1 and Th17 responses, is one of the leading causes of neurological disability. MS can manifest as a RRMS (relapsing-remitting) or a PPMS (primary progressive, chronic) disease. Previous work has revealed that PRMT5, a class II arginine methyltransferase that symmetrically dimethylates histones, is induced as inflammatory T cells proliferate and during development of disease in the animal model of MS Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the impact of PRMT5 activity suppression on the phenotype of T cells after suppression of PRMT5 activity. To answer this question, I first set out to validate a flow cytometry panel to valuate Th cell phenotype and activation in key organs.

Methods. To determine the effect of PRMT5 activity on the T cell phenotype and activation status, we developed a flow cytometry panel that allows to dissect Th1 Th2, Th17, Treg cells. Another panel was developed to distinguish naïve, recently activated cells, central memory and effector memory T cells. This panel was validated in mice were immunized with PLP or MOG in CFA to induce the Relapsing-remitting or Primary-progressive models of EAE or in sham-immunized mice. Infiltrating central nervous system (CNS) cells, as well as spleen and lymph node cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results. Th1 and Th17 cells could be observed in the CNS and Spleen of EAE mice at higher levels that in sham mice. Few Th2 cells were detectable and Treg cells were present in both sham and EAE mice. Higher numbers of activated, effector memory and central memory cells were observable in the CNS of EAE mice as compared to sham mice.

Conclusion. The flow cytometry panel allows to detect and distinguish Th cell phenotype and activation status. We plan to use this panel in subsequent experiments to evaluate the effects of a novel PRMT5 inhibitor and different stages of EAE disease on Th cell balance and activation. Ultimately, correcting T-cell imbalances could improve future MS treatment and drug options.

Student Presenter: Dennis Yang

Student Project Title: Study of Fluorinated Quinone Methide in the Resurrection of Aged Acetylcholinesterase

Student Project Abstract: The recent usages of the organophosphorus (OP) nerve agent sarin in chemical warfare, as well as the longstanding concerns regarding the toxicity of OP-based pesticides, has brought OP compounds into the limelight. The toxicity of OPs is founded in their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme involved in the hydrolysis of a key neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Inhibited AChE is subsequently dealkylated in a process referred to as aging. Standard decades-old treatments involving atropine and oximes are only capable of treating inhibited AChE to a limited extent; moreover, no known drugs are capable of reviving or treating aged AChE. These facts present the urgent need to develop a therapeutic agent or combination thereof that is capable of re-alkylating aged AChE and more effectively reactivating inhibited AChE. In recent years, our research team has established several compounds that have demonstrated unprecedented efficacy in resurrecting aged AChE—that is, converting aged AChE to its native state. Our work has further indicated a pH effect on performance. In this present study, one of our leading compounds—a quinone methide precursor with a pyridine framework—was fluorinated in the prospects of optimizing performance; fluorine was chosen for its well-documented capabilities of favorably affecting pKa, intrinsic potency, and permeability of pharmaceutical agents. The compounds were synthesized, characterized via NMR and MS to ensure identity and purity, then screened with human and electric eel AChE to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness. Additionally, the regioselectivity of mannich reactions involving fluorinated pyridinols involved in the aforementioned synthesis were investigated with a solvent screen. The results of both screenings will be discussed in depth at the convention.

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