Authors:Emily Bishop et al. Abstract: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is, according to the CDC, the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) with many infections developing in a person's late teens or early 20’s. HPV is a nonenveloped, relatively small, icosahedral DNA virus that infects squamous epithelial cells. This infection can happen in genital, anal, and oral cavities. 90% of these infections will self-clear in two years according to the CDC. Of the 10% of infections that do not clear in two years, they could develop into carcinomas later in life. The goal of this developmental research is to create a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that can detect HPV genomic material from a human oral self-sample. The methodology of the self-sample was determined through several trials using three anonymous volunteers. PubDate: Thu, 11 Jul 2024 19:27:44 PDT
Authors:Daniel Baker et al. Abstract: Recent literature reports examples of electrochemical biosensor systems that have been developed based upon on the encapsulation of enzymes and metal nanoparticles into a xerogel. These systems have been utilized for the detection of biologically important compounds, such as glucose. These reports on these systems have found acceptable detection limits and linear ranges. At the same time, Prussian blue modified electrodes have been shown to have better operating parameters than metal electrodes for the detection of hydrogen peroxide. In this work, a biosensor system is described that incorporates the encapsulation of glucose oxidize within a xerogel combined with electrochemical detection based on Prussian blue modified electrodes. Two systems which differ in the placement of the Prussian blue material are discussed. The first is an electrochemical system where the Prussian blue is on the electrode surface under the xerogel was found to have linear response to glucose concentrations between 1.0 X 10-5 M and 1.0 X 10-3 M. The second is where the Prussian blue is deposited within the xerogel was found to have a linear response between 1.0X10-5 M to 1.0X10-3 M. Both of these electrochemical systems show promise for the detection of glucose at biologically relevant concentrations. PubDate: Thu, 27 Jun 2024 17:42:32 PDT
Authors:Quang Hung Tran Abstract: This paper provides an improvement to an inequality involving the Fibonacci sequence contained in [1,2]. PubDate: Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:28:26 PST
Authors:Elianna Tracy Abstract: In crime scene investigations, evidence is collected in hopes of establishing probable cause to present in court. There are numerous strategies, but four well-known techniques are spiral, grid, parallel, and wheel (Lothridge, 2014). Many factors like room size, room shape, type of crime, time-sensitivity, available personnel, and more contribute to which search strategy is used. The question is which search strategy is the most effective; meaning it spends a minimal amount of time and collects the most evidence in a square room when compared to other strategies. The purpose of this project was to use mathematical modeling to outline and assess the effectiveness of grid, parallel, spiral, and wheel search strategies in a simple, square crime scene model. It was hypothesized that the parallel search method would be the most effective because it is a consistent repetition that is evenly spaced out. Formulas were created or derived to represent each of the search methods. They were then placed on a coordinate grid with four random points, known as critical points, and assessed for intersection. An intersection would indicate that the critical evidence was discovered by investigators. The hypothesis test results indicated there was sufficient evidence to reject the null hypothesis (χ²(3, N=120) = 45.5, p PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:09:05 PST
Authors:Iraine Taine Abstract: Crystallized polylactic acid (CPLA) is a prevalent bioplastic which, despite being biodegradable, is extremely resistant to decomposition in natural environments. As a result, CPLA waste contamination is rapidly becoming a prevalent issue. Lentinula edodes and Flammulina velutipes are two widespread white-rot fungi whose capabilities for bioplastic degradation have not been examined. This study aimed to determine a natural approach for reducing plastic waste by evaluating the ability of L. edodes and F. velutipes to degrade CPLA bioplastic. It was hypothesized that CPLA samples would decrease in mass when individually treated with L. edodes and F. velutipes due to their similarities to previously-examined fungi such as C. versicolor and P. chrysosporium1,2. To assess this hypothesis, 180 discs 6 mm in diameter were cut from Simple Truth™ CPLA knives and submerged in potato dextrose broth (PDB), L. edodes liquid culture, and F. velutipes liquid culture for 23 days. The initial and final masses were used to calculate the percent change in mass. The results showed that the group treated with L. edodes experienced the greatest decrease in mass at 0.2134%, followed by the control group at 0.3514%, and the F. velutipes group at 0.0537%. An ANOVA test showed that the p-value of 0.3234 was greater than the alpha value of 0.05. Hence, the results were not significant and the hypothesis was not supported. Therefore, bioplastic waste accumulation, particularly CPLA waste, remains a prevalent issue as the material is predominantly unaltered by fungal biodegradation. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:09:03 PST
Authors:Isra Siddique Abstract: With continuous developments in research indicating the potential health risks of chemical sunscreen filters, the novel approach of incorporating natural oils with UV light blocking properties has been explored. Natural oils extracted from fruit and vegetables have been proven to possess photoprotective properties, but their effectiveness in combination with synthetic sunscreen filters has not been as thoroughly investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the addition of carrot and raspberry seed oil to an SPF 30 sunscreen would decrease the UV intensity of UVB light passing through the sunscreen and oil mixture. It was hypothesized that if both carrot seed oil and raspberry seed oil were added to a sunscreen, then the UV intensities would be lower for the sunscreen mixtures with carrot and raspberry seed oil compared to the mixture without each oil, because these oils contain high concentrations of anti-aging polyphenols. Three different sunscreen mixtures were made: one with no oils added, one with raspberry seed oil, and one with carrot seed oil. Using a UVB light and UV sensor, the UV intensity (mW/m2) of the UVB light as it passed through each mixture was measured. The results of a one-way ANOVA test with an alpha value of 0.05 suggest there were significant differences between the control group and each of the two experimental groups, (ANOVA[F(2, 135) = 222.95, p < 0.001]). Thus, it was concluded that there was sufficient evidence to suggest that there was a difference in UV intensity between the mixture without oils and the two individual mixtures with the oils. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:09:00 PST
Authors:Neya Murugesan Abstract: F. oxysporum is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt. This disease is known to penetrate the roots of plants and wilt the vascular system. The most common method for control is through the use of synthetic fungicides, which are known to cause adverse effects on the environment and human health. Thus, it is necessary that more methods of biocontrol be explored. Current literature shows that various salts and essential oils are effective for the biocontrol of F. oxysporum. However, the two types of substances have not yet been tested together, causing a gap in current research. Due to the antifungal properties of both substances, it can be hypothesized that a combined treatment of the two would result in a synergistic effect on the F. oxysporum. 50 samples were poured into Petri dishes with the treatment mixed into the agar and inoculated with agar discs containing F. oxysporum. Percent inhibition was calculated after incubation at 25±1℃ using the following equation: I = (dc-dt)/dc x 100. The results showed that the combination of sodium bicarbonate and neem oil had 73.3% as the highest inhibition rate. The positive control (acetone) had the second-highest inhibition rate of 51.1%. A one-way ANOVA test (F(4,45)=95.977, p=1.1102e-16) showed that there was a statistically significant difference between at least two groups. The post-hoc Tukey test revealed significant differences between many groups, making the results unclear due to errors in the experiment. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:08:57 PST
Authors:Jisoo Lee Abstract: Nanoparticles (NPs), or particles with dimensions that go below 100 nanometers, can be released into the environment in various ways, such as through cosmetic products like sunscreen. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a commonly used nanoparticle in sunscreen, and it has the potential to be harmful to various aquatic organisms including algae. The purpose of this study was to examine how the crystalline phase of TiO2 NPs (brookite or rutile) influenced their toxicity to the microalgae species Chlorella. It was hypothesized that brookite phase TiO2 NPs would inhibit the growth of Chlorella more than rutile phase TiO2 NPs due to the similarity of brookite to anatase phase TiO2, which is known to be more toxic than rutile. To test this hypothesis, Chlorella were exposed to various concentrations of the two types of nanoparticles, and their fluorescence was measured over four days. An independent samples t-test was conducted to analyze the significance of the data. At an alpha level of 0.05, results showed that brookite Chlorella (M=0.02, SD=0.00926) had significantly lower growth than rutile Chlorella (M=0.05, SD=0.0469) over the course of 70 hours, t(40)=-3.11301, p=.003414. These findings suggest that the hypothesis is supported. Therefore, rutile TiO2 is less toxic to Chlorella than brookite TiO2 and should continue to be used as the preferred form of TiO2 in sunscreens. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:08:54 PST
Authors:Beverly Holton Abstract: Non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS), non-caloric sweetening devices, have been widely commercialized to reduce sugar consumption. This intent has associated NNS with health benefits, though reports have correlated the consumption of these substitutes with noncommunicable diseases. The interaction between NNS and distinct physiological processes has been examined, though research into the broader implications of these interactions, toward longevity, for instance, is lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the impact of three recently FDA-approved NNS - acesulfame-Potassium (ace-K), stevia, and monk fruit - on the survival of Drosophila melanogaster, a model species for longevity research, to discern the possible impacts on human longevity, and further, the rationality of their use. It was hypothesized that if D. melanogaster were fed these three NNS, those fed with ace-K would have the lowest survivorship rates, as ace-K is associated with microbial dysbiosis, which is further linked to reduced longevity. Fifteen male and female age-synchronized flies were allocated to vials containing a sweetener incorporated into a base diet, with sucrose as the control. Survivorship was recorded every three to four days for 32 days. Survival from each diet was significantly lower than the control, and this difference was most pronounced with ace-K, χ2 (9, N=240)=244.2, p﹤.00001. Survivorship between the diets halfway through the trial period (day 15) was also significantly different, χ2 (3, N=240)=78.3, p﹤.00001. Ace-K, therefore, had a detrimental effect on the longevity of D. melanogaster, which suggests a potential paralleled effect of this sweetener in humans. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:08:51 PST
Authors:Emna Guedhami Abstract: Despite technology being developed to address the food shortages due to increasing population, current methods of cultivating crops are not sufficient. Scientists are addressing this issue by researching biostimulants that stimulate plant growth without harming the environment and researching the use of hydroponics, a way of growing crops without soil. The purpose of this study was to combine the use of essential oils and growing methods (hydroponics and soil) and measure its impact on the height of E. sativa. It was hypothesized that if E. sativa was grown hydroponically with added Rosmarinus officinalis (REO) and Trachyspermum ammi (TEO) over time, it would demonstrate greater growth because manipulating these aspects would directly impact the plants’ development and nutrient uptake. A 0.7% spray mixture of REO and of TEO was added to different sets of plants every five days in both the soil and hydroponic environments, and the height of the plants were measured each time. The results of the one-way ANOVAs (comparing the two environments) and z- and t-tests (comparing REO, TEO, and no treatment in the environments) suggest that there were no significant differences between the treatment of the oil used and the environment in which the plants were grown. Thus, it was concluded that there is not sufficient evidence to suggest there is a difference between the height of the E. sativa exposed to essential oils and those not exposed to essential oils in soil or hydroponics. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:08:48 PST
Authors:Anagha Gowda Abstract: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), a prominent neurodegenerative disease (NDD), is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States; however, little is known about prevention. As a result, polyphenols (plant-based compounds) and other natural substances have been studied for their therapeutic potential in improving cognition and memory in AD cases. While the impacts of each polyphenol (phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans) contain fundamental similarities, each varies slightly in its impacts on the brain.The purpose of this study was to examine the impacts of polyphenol subgroups on associative memory in AD, tested by building an olfactory association, through the use of Drosophila melanogaster. It was hypothesized that if Drosophila groups were each fed a different polyphenol, the flavonoid group would display the least associative memory loss when tested for a learned memory because flavonoids reduce acetylcholine deficiency, aggregations and neurotoxicity in the brain. To test this, Drosophila were administered a phenolic acid, flavonoid, stilbene, lignan, or control solution for one week before experimentation. They were conditioned on olfactory appetitive assays (linking the odor 1-octanol to a sucrose reward) and then tested for memory acquisition using a Y-maze across four intervals.16 The results of this research rejected the null hypothesis, X²(4, N=150)>9.488, p PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:08:45 PST
Authors:Shrihan G. Babu Abstract: Endotracheal tube intubation is the third most frequent procedure, performed approximately 13-20 million times yearly in the United States (Mosier et al., 2020). Despite the regularity of the procedure, intubation-related complications such as tracheal injuries, laryngeal injuries, and ventilator-associated pneumonia are ubiquitous due to improper cuff pressure management methods (Ganti et al., 2018). Current techniques, such as the pilot balloon and minimal leak technique, have proven ineffective and inconsistent in managing pressure. As a result, over 71.6% of intubation patients have abnormally high cuff pressures (Ramírez, 2014). Therefore, the purpose of this research was to design an endotracheal tube with automated cuff pressure modulation synced with the respiratory cycle. Increasing and decreasing cuff pressures as patients inspire and expire should theoretically relieve pressure placed on the trachea during intubation and reduce many of the complications associated with endotracheal tubes. The device was designed using two pressure sensors to evaluate the instantaneous pressure and cuff pressure, two DC motors to inflate and deflate the cuff, and an Arduino microcontroller to control the units. To test the device for its functionality, intubation was simulated by blowing into the tube. The results found that the endotracheal tube successfully automatically modulated the cuff pressure to pressures of 25 cmH₂O and 14-15 cmH₂O with the respiratory cycle. Therefore, the presented proof-of-concept design to modulate the cuff pressure of endotracheal tubes is a viable solution to reduce intubation-related injuries. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jan 2024 05:08:42 PST
Authors:Cameron R. Carroll et al. Abstract: Streptococcus pyogenes, also known as group A Streptococcus (GAS), is a human pathogen associated with a variety of diseases such as strep throat, scarlet fever, toxic shock syndrome, and necrotizing fasciitis. One of the virulence factors released by GAS during an invasive infection is a cytotoxic peptide, streptolysin S (SLS), which inhibits the immune response to necrotizing fasciitis. The streptolysin S associated gene A product, SagA, is modified to produce SLS. Thesag operon includes sagA and the genes required for enzyme-mediated post-translational modifications of SagA and the export of SLS. The sagA gene is contained within the pleiotropic effect locus (pel), which produces a small RNA (sRNA) that regulates the expression of other virulence factors. Potential mRNA interactions with the Pel sRNA have been mapped to the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of sagA. Our studies aim to identify and characterize RNA structural motifs in Pel/sagA that regulate the expression of sagA and other virulence factors. Several RNA constructs of Pel/sagA were designed to include regions predicted to contain secondary structure. The corresponding sequences were isolated by PCR from genomic DNA to create templates for in vitro transcription. After purification, the RNA constructs were analyzed by gel electrophoresis to verify size, and by RNase T1 digestion to assay for secondary structure. Three-dimensional models were generated using the FARFAR algorithm in Rosetta in order to identify regions of Pel/sagA that may be involved in regulatory interactions. Differential scanning fluorimetry provided evidence that the 5' and 3' UTRs of Pel/sagA contain stable structural regions. It is expected that the identification of structural motifs necessary for the regulation of gene expression will aid in the design of therapeutic strategies to inhibit the production of streptolysin S and other virulence factors. PubDate: Wed, 10 Jan 2024 11:40:38 PST
Authors:Margaret Marte et al. Abstract: Thin-film heterostructures are necessary building blocks for superconducting and phononic quantum computing devices. Many new generations of quantum hardware demand extensive materials research to optimize performances at cryogenic temperatures (below 10 K). Here, we demonstrate compact cryogenic measurement systems capable of reaching sub-10K temperatures in less than three hours with the ability to measure AC/DC resistance and dielectric properties of thin-film materials. Our platform utilizes Gifford-McMahon (GM) cryocoolers as effective tools for providing high throughput cooling-warming cycles. We successfully used the GM-based measurement systems to measure 1) the superconducting transition temperature for Nb thin films (Tc ~7.8 K), and 2) the temperature dependence of the dielectric constant in SiO2 thin films down to 10 K. The fast electrical characterization feedback will be critical in developing robust materials and components for cryogenic computing devices. PubDate: Thu, 14 Dec 2023 05:12:25 PST
Authors:Prashant Sansgiry et al. Abstract: We consider generalized Fibonacci sequences with recurrence relation xn+p+1 = xn+p + xn, which have growth rates of the form limn→∞ xn 1/n that behave similarly to the golden ratio, (1 + √5)/2. Following Makover and McGowan’s analysis of the random Fibonacci se- quence, we find bounds for the value of E( xn )1/n for random sequences given by xn+p+1 = ±xn+p + xn. Finally, we further generalize these ran- dom sequences using two parameters, p and q, and we experimentally observe how limn→∞ xn 1/n contains surprising information about the divisors of q + 1 PubDate: Mon, 28 Aug 2023 13:13:46 PDT
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