SIR Student Investigations Showcase
Abstracts of 2007 Student Investigations
The titles, authors, and full text of all 2007 abstracts are included below. Because it is a large collection, an index to the Table of Contents is also provided: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Table of Contents
5ASA Mitigates Stem Cell Activation In Colitis-Induced Cancer
Age-Dependent Activation of Neuroglia after Status Epilepticus
An Attempt to Suppress Endogenous KCNQ 1 Current in Xenopus Oocytes Using RNA Interference
Analysis Of Epicardial Invasion In The Late Gestational Heart
Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Human Placenta
Analyzing The Forces Within The Bridge
Are We What We Say We Are? The Assumptions We Make
Asylum in the United States: Case Studies to Analyze the Process and its Biases
Attack Of The Clones: An Exploration Of Embryogenesis In Arabidopsis Thaliana
Bees and Humans: Education of These Misunderstood Creatures
Bridging Batavia: The Business Factors Behind Downtown Bridge Construction
Can Event Free Survival Rates Of Children With Hodgkin's Disease Increase?
The Causes Of And Solutions To Unethical Writing By Professionals And Students
Centro-Parietal Abnormalities and Cognitive Dysfunction in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
Characterization Of The SIP1 Promoter Region
Clinical Study Of Ica Operon Presence In Staphylococcus epidermidis
Cold Sensitivity And Analgesia In Rat Models Of Chronic Pain
Comparison of DNA in Large Breed Bichons with and Without Canine Hip Dysplasia
Compilation of a Police Database for the Prevention of Police Misconduct
A Day In The Life... -An Investigation Of Medical And Surgical Specialties
Designing A Cryo-Cooler System
Detection and Tracking of a Nuclear Source with Camera Using an Advance Algorithm
Determining A Familial Relationship From DNA Extracted From Hair Follicles
Development Of A Handheld On-Chip PCR Device For Detection Of Microorganisms Relevant To Biodefense
Development of a Sentence Similarity Algorithm for Accessing Scientific Literature
Development of a α-Mannosidase 2A2 Based Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Dimuon New Physics Search At CDF Fermilab
The Discovery of Self Through the Study of Evolving Systems
The Dynamics Of Heron Populations In The Danada Forest Preserve
Economics and the Housing Market
The Effect of Antiplatelet Drugs on GPIIb/IIIa Receptor Density
The Effect of Dopamine Stimulation on Homer-1 Production in Mouse Neurons
The Effect Of Iron Particle Size On Signal Intensity In Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Insulin Production in RINm5F Cells
Effects Of Cigarette Smoke Cadmium On The Release Of Calcium From Bone In Humans
The Efficiency of Neutrinos Observations on the Near and Far Neutrino Detectors
Electrochemical Deposition of Lead Chalcogenides onto Aluminum Oxide Templates
Electron Beam Focusing For the International Linear Collider
Environmentally Conscious Renovation Of Heavy Industrial Workspace
Estimation Of Facet Load Using Laminar Strain Gauges
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Bill James's Win Shares
The Evolution of the Andean Sunken Plaza 3000 B.C.E.-100 B.C.E.
An Examination of Dominican History Through Art
Explorations In Organometallic Synthesis
Exploring New Experiments Designed To Measure Theta13
Exploring the Correlation Between Genetic Aberrations and Mythology
Faith and the Human Experience in the Works of John Paul II
Flourescent Imaging of Neuronal HSP 27
Fluid Recommendations for the First Ten Days of Life for an Infant Born Weighing Less Than 800 g
The Function Of VF0087 And VF0556 In Magnesium Dependant Motility Of Vibrio Fischeri
Genius Divided: A Historical Context for Quantum Mechanics
Genotyping Of Genetically Modified Mice
Getting Back the Years You Lost In Elementary School: A Method of Educational Reform
Global Contact, Changing Japan's Education
Global Translation Services: Entrepreneurship Skills in Selling, Pitching, and Presenting a Service
The Glory Of Reading: Exploring The Imagination Through Catholic Fiction
Goodbye vs. Gu-Dei-Baai: English Words and Cantonese Imitations
HCN Channel Interactors Progress Understanding of Synaptic Control
Holography Unbound: A Novel Interactive Holographic Projection System
Image Based Reconstruction And Transport Mechanisms In The Human Brain
The Importance Of Rho GTPase Signaling During Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Induced Cell-Cell Fusion
Improving The Accuracy Of Neural Decoding For Neuroprosthetic Applications
IMSA On Wheels: Amazing Magnetism Interactive Experience
IMSA on Wheels: Electricity and Magnetism DVD
Individual Differences In Responding To Pitch-Shifted Auditory Training
The Inhibition of HIV-1 Replication by the Inhibition of the LTR Promoter
International Linear Collider: A New Initiative For The World Of High Energy Physics
An Investigation Of Circumduction In The Gait Of Stroke Survivors Walking At Various Velocities
Lapses in Attention as a Measure of Impulsivity
A Legal, Social, And Technical Examination Of Electronic Medical And Health Records
A Literature Review On The Biological Basis Of Attention Deficit And Hyperactivity Disorder
Magnetic Nanostructures for Use in Biomedicine
Maladaptive Networks and Higher Phase Synchrony in the Epileptogenic Zone of the Cerebral Cortex
Mate Preferences of Varying Sexual Orientations: Synthesizing Evolutionary Theories
The Measurement of Beta-Cell Mass in Vivo
Mechanism of Inflammation in Biliary Atresia
Network Bandwidth And netLasso
Neutrino Interactions in the Rock Surrounding the Far Detector
Novel Glucosyltransferases in Oral Lactobacilli
A Novel Search For pp Quark Structure in Collisions at vs Of 1.96 TeV
Optimal Play Strategy For Pig Dice Game
Orchids in the Lab: The Effects of Homogenized Banana on the Growth of Two Species of Orchids
The Physics of Roller Coasters
Politeness Across Cultures: A Preliminary Sociolinguistic Analysis On French And American Films
Presenting Effectively and Powerfully
Preserving Irish Gaelic: Youth and Technology Maintaining a 2,500-Year-Old Language
Production And Behavior Of Granular Materials
Profiling The Latino Influence In America's 100 Largest Cities
Quantifying The Efficacy Of Virtual Reality Applications
A Quantitative Analysis Of The Ethanol Industry Through Stock Valuation
Real-Time Mapping Of the Brain Tumor Using Spectroscopy
Relations between The Terms of Interspersion Arrays
The Relationship Between Stellar Luminosity And Dark Matter Mass In Galaxy Clusters
Representation Of Indigent Clients In Society Today
Retrospective Chart Review of the Efficacy of Atkins Diet in Treating Intractable Epilepsy
The Role Of MFG-E8/Lactahedrin In Intestinal Epithelial Restitution
Searching For Cooling As A Result Of Field Emission
Seeding Of Chondrocytes on Copolymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
Sequential Touching As A Viable Analytical Tool
SH2 Domain Specificity Using Peptide Arrays
Specific Killing Of Tumor Cells By Targeting Centrobin
Statistics Of Teenage Romance Networks
The Story Of China And Venezuela: Similarities In Past Political Powers And Economy
A Study Concerning The Processes That Power Active Galactic Nuclei
Study of British-American Tobacco Company's Presence in Cambodia and Uzbekistan
Super! Heroes, Heroines, and Villains: Learning Science While Having Fun
Therapeutic Application of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Rodent Model of Pulmonary Hypertension
This Is America: The US Since The End Of The Second World War
The Use Of Facial Perception In Determining Emotions
User Experience in Watson: An Innovative Search Tool
A Very "Cool" Project: Cryogenic High-Strain Rate Experiments
What You See In Lucky Charms: A Study On The Properties Of Visual Grouping
Text of 2007 IMSAloquium Abstracts
19979
Exploring New Experiments Designed To Measure Theta13
Presenter(s)
Tiernan Evans, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
There are two types of experiments that can measure neutrino oscillation parameters: reactor experiments, such as Daya Bay, Chooz, Double Chooz, and ANGRA; and accelerator experiments such as Minos, T2K, and NOvA. Chooz has set the current limit on ? 13 , at sin 2 (2? 13 ) ) <.19 and other experiments are trying to match or improve that limit. Chooz only used one detector, however, and all of the newer experiments will use at least two. Using information presented in the proposals of the aforementioned experiments, I have determined that reactor experiments are more practical than accelerator experiments. In contrast to $200-$400 million dollar accelerator experiments, reactor experiments cost between $5 and $20 million dollars. This difference in cost is because the size of a detector needed for a reactor experiment is about one thousandth of the size of a detector needed for an accelerator experiment. In addition, I have done work to improve the Neutrino Oscillation website to make it more user friendly. I have also added information about the status of the experiment.
19993
Neutrino Interactions in the Rock Surrounding the Far Detector
Presenter(s)
Amy Allen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Maury Goodman, Argonne National Laboratory
This investigation focuses on neutrinos, a kind of fundamental particle that travels at nearly the speed of light. The MINOS project studies a beam of neutrinos aimed from an accelerator at Fermilab to a detector in Soudan, Minnesota. Neutrinos can interact to create particles called muons, which also go through the detector. Muons can be positively or negatively charged. Aaron McGowan, a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, is studying neutrino interactions in the rock surrounding the detector. To help him with his research, I am scanning a set of data about these “rock muons.” Scanning involves examining an image of each event and categorizing its features. Once they enter the magnetized detector, negatively charged muons follow a path bent towards the center. By looking at the paths of the muons in the detector, we are able to determine what charge they had. One interesting result of the analysis has been the number of positively charged muons we have found. Only about one in every ten muons has had a positive charge. About half of the muons were rock muons, and half had interaction vertices inside the detector.
20745
Bridging Batavia: The Business Factors Behind Downtown Bridge Construction
Presenter(s)
Patricia Whittaker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ms. Britta McKenna, Batavia Main Street
Have you ever wondered what happens to the economy of a city under construction? What do business owners do when their customers cannot use the front entryway? Starting in February of 2007 the City of Batavia began bridge reconstruction, which at its best interrupts traffic flow on their busiest street, and at its worst blocks the only street that connects both halves of Batavia. Attempting to keep the downtown from falling into economic crisis, Batavia Main Street has prepared various advertising and communication strategies to assist the business community. Through this past year I have been analyzing several different businesses' current advertising campaigns and plans (or lack thereof) for bridge construction. In addition I have helped my advisor, Ms. Britta McKenna, in implementing various programs to keep the downtown viable during this time. From creating a downtown map and bridge information center, to negotiating with local newspapers for free ad space, my investigation has focused on supporting the downtown through this transition. However, the question still remains: will the businesses survive? It is time to identify the impact on business during downtown bridge reconstruction.
20749
Novel Glucosyltransferases in Oral Lactobacilli
Presenter(s)
Lynn Jiang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Lin Tao, University of Illinois at Chicago
It is well known that Streptococcus mutans is the primary causative agent of dental caries. With glucosyltransferases which synthesize glucan from sucrose, the bacteria are able to colonize tooth surfaces. During our study of oral lactobacilli, we found some strains adhered to glass surfaces. The aim of this study was to isolate Lactobacillus strains that synthesize glucan and analyze their genes. Two types of gtf genes in eight strains were detected by PCR. One type showed 68% homology to S. mutans gtfD (encoding Gtf-S), and the other showed 72% homology to L. reuteri gtf180 (encoding Gtf-I). DNA analysis suggested that one may synthesize soluble glucan, while the other synthesizes insoluble glucan. Due to their ability to adhere to glass surfaces, these strains may be used to develop a bacterial replacement therapy against the colonization of S. mutans .
20781
Centro-Parietal Abnormalities and Cognitive Dysfunction in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
Presenter(s)
Lorraine Cho, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Teresa Poprawski, Edwards Hines VA Hospital
Little previous research has been conducted using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) on adolescent populations. This study attempted to establish a correlation between centro-parietal abnormalities, cognitive function, and psychiatric illness in children and adolescents. The sample consisted of 88 psychiatric patients (63 male, 25 female) between the ages of 5 and 20 (mean: 12.32, SD = 3.51), of whom 75 were right-handed, 11 left-handed, and 2 ambidextrous. Awake, eyes-closed EEGs were analyzed for foreground activity, artifact-free epochs of background activity were compared to the normative database using NeuroGuide software, and low-resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis (LORETA) was used to locate deviant activity. Scores from a subset of IQ tests were correlated with the EEG findings. Further testing is required, but a comprehensive, diagnostic approach using qEEG and neuropsychological measures may provide valuable therapeutic data for adolescent psychiatric patients.
20804
Hydrogen Sensors Based On Ultra-Thin Palladium Nanobead Arrays on Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) Substrates
Presenter(s)
Zexi Fang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Zhili Xiao, Argonne National Laboratory
Palladium nanobead arrays that are capable of yielding sensitive hydrogen sensors were sought by making changes in either the nanopore diameter, pore to wall ratio in anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes, or film thickness of the coated palladium. Aluminum foils were converted into aluminum oxide through anodization, by placing the foils in an acidic solution under a positive electric field. Nanoscale pores were then formed in the self-assembled AAO membranes. The said parameters were adjusted by applying different electric fields. Palladium was evaporated onto the substrate at varying film thicknesses and tested for resistivity through an applied current. Commercial AAO, when utilized as the substrate, was found to be capable of detecting hydrogen gas at a variety of concentrations. This is significant because the surface to volume ratio of the wire is high due to the shape of the wire, which will allow a shorter diffusion rate of hydrogen gas.
Mechanism of Inflammation in Biliary Atresia
Presenter(s)
Sherry Yu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Lee Bass, Children's Memorial Research Center
Dr. Tom Giesler, Children's Memorial Research Center
Dr. Peter Whitington, Children's Memorial Research Center
Biliary atresia (BA) is a neonatal liver disorder, in which bile ducts develop progressive fibrosis, which leads to cirrhosis. In the mouse model of BA, inoculation of newborn mice with the rotavirus creates a disease process that appears grossly and histologically like BA. A hypothesis is that a similarity exists between the rotavirus antigen and the biliary epithelial protein, which accounts for the immune response. Immunofluorescence was used to determine and analyze regions in the bile duct where rotavirus antibody NCDV bound in the mice. As expected, the tissue sections treated with NCDV showed greater fluorescence around the bile duct's perimeter than the controls. We then looked at TGF-ß, a cytokine that may play a role in the development of BA, using a DAB stain. Significant increase in TGF- ß levels was observed between the second and third week of life in the mouse model. These findings may assist in the determination of the immunologic pathogenesis of the mouse model of BA.
20865
Analysis of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Human Placenta
Presenter(s)
Chaoran Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. an Li, University of Illinois at Chicago
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), flame retardant chemicals found in many common household objects such as upholstered furniture, carpet, and computers, have been shown to inhibit neurological, hormonal, and reproductive development in animals with potentially especially detrimental effects on infants. In this work, a method has been developed for the analysis of PBDEs in human placenta, the major pathway through which an infant is exposed prenatally to PBDEs. Different extraction techniques, time lengths, and solvents were compared, and 24-hour Soxhlet extraction with acetone:hexane:DCM (45:45:10, v/v), silica gel cleanup, and instrumental analysis on high resolution gas chromatography coupled with low resolution mass spectrometry was determined to be an effective procedure (recoveries were satisfactory). Results of the analysis of 9 PBDE congeners in 5 individual human placenta samples showed that PBDE levels in human placenta from the U.S. are 5 to 45 times higher than those in contemporaneous samples from Japan and Europe. The method developed in this study can be used in future long-term studies on the effects of PBDEs on human development.
20868
Lapses in Attention as a Measure of Impulsivity
Presenter(s)
Alexandra Plattos, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Harriett de Wit, University of Chicago
This study was designed to assess the hypothesis that lapses in attention are a measure of impulsivity. Impulsivity is defined as acting momentarily, without thought or regard to consequences. Problems with attention may result in impulsive behavior. From a simple reaction time test, the deviation from the mode (DM) was used to determine lapses in attention in 109 healthy subjects who participated in four different drug studies. These DM's were then compared to subjects' self reported levels of impulsivity using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale Version 11 (BIS-11). A high BIS-11 score shows a higher rate of impulsivity. For our study, there was no correlation between the mode and the DM, suggesting that these measure separate processes. A negative correlation of r=-.191 and p<.05 was found between the BIS-11 first order factor, motor impulsiveness, score, and the mode. This shows that those who reported themselves as being more impulsive have a higher number of shorter reaction times. A positive correlation of 5=.238 and p<.05 was found between the motor impulsiveness first order and the DM. This indicates that the higher the subjects reported themselves as impulsive, the more likely they were to have longer reaction times. Because longer reaction times suggest lapses in attention, this, correlated with the personality measure of impulsivity, supports our original hypothesis.
20869
The Discovery of Self Through the Study of Evolving Systems
Presenter(s)
Min Chen, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Soumya Gogula, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Chad Stevens, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mr. Michael Ososky, Applied Computer Technology
Humans are a direct result of the constant co-evolution of genes and memes--cultural genes. Technology is a product of memetic evolution and changes at an exponential rate. Soon it will be impossible to measure the rate of technological evolution. Artificial intelligence is a recently developed technology. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence technology overshadows that of genetic evolution. Through detailed discussions of nomenclatural books with our advisor, we have broadened our understanding of the evolution of human beings and acknowledged the advancement in the coalescence between humans and artificial intelligence. This year, we have explored the elements that comprise complex adaptive systems such as evolutionary algorithms, the ability to form schema, and emergence. One major evolutionary algorithm is the particle swarm model, which has practical applications to modeling different groups of human culture. The ability to form a schema allows an agent of a complex adaptive system to respond to its system. Rather than being controlled or pre-planned, complex adaptive systems are emergent and as a result are able to evolve and adapt. The study of evolving systems has allowed us to discover the nature of humans and appreciate the coming age of technology.
20870
Presenting Effectively and Powerfully
Presenter(s)
Abigail Chao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mr. Scott Metcalfe, Empire Consulting Inc.
As an IMSA student, we are constantly asked to pursue goals in math, science, and technology; however, this leaves out an important part of our society - business. A fundamental part of business is presenting one's ideas or products, but this is a topic often overlooked. In the Selling, Pitching, and Presenting class offered by TALENT, we examined the components of a successful and effective presentation, covering everything from a quick introduction to capture attention to a full product presentation. What makes a product appealing to a customer and how can we, as businesspeople, capitalize on this? What simple presentations techniques will not only make us appear confident and enthused, but also give us the power of persuasion? How can our presentation skills inspire an audience to "know, feel, say, and do"? These are a few of the questions that we explored in Selling, Pitching, and Presenting, and also questions to be examined in this presentation.
20897
The Physics of Roller Coasters
Presenter(s)
Sean Daugherty, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Kimberly Parker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. David Workman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
In this inquiry, the different hills, curves, and loops of the average roller coaster were studied to the point where accurate inferences could be made towards the design and construction of a model roller coaster. From this analysis of roller coaster design, a model was designed and built. Starting off at its highest point, the cart follows the staple-shaped track with six wheels, four for the underside and two projected off the sides acting as our turn guide. The interaction between the cart and the track proved to be integral to some of the ideas being investigated in the inquiry. The track design shows that when the cart goes upside down but has enough kinetic energy, it can complete the loop without being held in place by the normal force pressing the cart against the track. As the cart turns, banked curves have been used to transfer energy more effectively. Some of the main problems encountered have been the construction details and friction between the cart and the track. Many innovative designs have been tried in order to overcome these difficulties. An understanding of the principles of mechanical physics, along with how they apply to engineering, has been gained in order to make a superb model roller coaster.
20899
Uses of Virtual Machines in the Present and Future
Presenter(s)
Geoffrey Hotchkiss, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mr. Dan Dycus, Thompson Elite
A virtual machine is, at the core, a computer running within another computer that is as capable as if it was running on a separate machine. Although the concept of virtual machines has been around since the beginning of computing, their implementation into computers has been rough. I have been using VMware Workstation 5.5, a virtual machine monitor, and virtual machines everyday to become more familiar with the performance and uses of them. After looking at the variety of uses companies had for virtual machines, the major effect was a massive drop is the number of computers needed to do the same task. This is good because not only is the hardware being utilized more efficiently, but there is also less that will need to be managed. Another effect is the ability to back up an entire virtual machine on the fly, without downtime. That function increases productivity of the users and the high availability of the server. Thus, virtual machines will be used more in projects requiring many computers or servers as a means to consolidate space and optimize performance on hardware.
20901
Effects of Visual versus Manual Guidance on Knee Range of Motion During Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT) Post-Stroke
Presenter(s)
Gaurav Singh, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. David Brown, Northwestern University
Stroke is a potentially lethal condition in which the brain is damaged due to the lack of oxygen. This damage can result in hemiparesis, the paralysis of one side of the body. Hemiparesis from stroke affects victims' walking capabilities; victims frequently “walk” with a rigid knee. Our research focused on achieving increased mobility and enhanced independence in hemiparetic patients using body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT). Within BWSTT were two randomized groups—training with visual guidance versus manual guidance. In the physical guidance group, subjects attempted to take longer strides while a physical therapist attempted to counter the large forces generated by the client's abnormal gait patterns as the patient walked on the treadmill. In the visual guidance group, subjects used a head-mounted visor and attempted to step over a virtual box (while on the treadmill). As subjects in both groups underwent BWSTT, an electrogoniometer was used to measure their knee flexion. Using data from the goniometer, subjects' maximum, minimum, and range of knee flexion were compared within a session and between sessions. Preliminary data indicates that the visual guidance group is improving more than the manual guidance group. This is of particular interest to rehab programs, as these programs may need to reevaluate their methods of treatment. More research will be done in the months following to arrive at a more tenable conclusion.
20905
Are We What We Say We Are? The Assumptions We Make
Presenter(s)
Julia Balto, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Taylor Barnes, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jim Victory, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
IMSA prides itself on being a diverse and culturally accepting community. All of its brochures proudly state that “IMSA strives for students to experience the Academy as a place that welcomes them as individuals and embraces their rich and unique cultural backgrounds.” We decided to take a look at how IMSA students' age, gender, and race affect how they perceive other races. Through statistical analysis we hoped to see what kinds of biases IMSA students still hold. Preliminary results suggest that IMSA students do hold some interesting biases towards certain races. For example, females overall tend to hold more preconceptions about other races than males; however, this differs within specific races. Also, there are several characteristics that people attribute to certain races, both positive and negative. While the majority of these characteristics are positive, this can present itself as a problem as students are still judging other students based on the color of their skin. The task now, is to determine what IMSA can do to strive towards its goal of fostering an environment that is relatively free of racial prejudices.
20907
Comparison of DNA in Large Breed Bichons with and Without Canine Hip Dysplasia
Presenter(s)
Perry Bradford, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Sena Dzakuma, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Large breed Bichons are often affected by canine hip dysplasia (CHD). CHD is a malformation of the hip joint involving several genes. In this investigation we will use RAPD PCR to determine if there is a difference in the pattern of DNA between Bichons with and without CHD. We first isolated and amplified DNA from human hair, and examined the DNA using gel electrophoresis. We are currently working on different methodologies to isolate and amplify DNA from dog hairs and saliva. Isolation of DNA has been challenging. The recent changes in methodology were to maximize the amounts of DNA. With the saliva process, we isolated DNA through swabbing the mouth of a dog and soaking it in PCR H buffer. After this process we removed the swab and ran PCR. Our findings may further our knowledge of how CHD can be detected when Bichons are bred and contribute to the development of new technology to correct the gene(s) that cause CHD.
20910
Presenter(s)
Elizabeth Ikejimba, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Joshua Lee, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jean Kadel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
A familiar revolution has swung into play in many Latin American countries. More leftist governments are rising into the public eye with aspirations for improving their countries' economic and social hardships. In this study we immersed ourselves in the history and current events of three Latin American countries: Mexico, Chile, and Bolivia, with the objective of forming opinions about whether their leaders would fulfill their promises. Mexico's new president, Felipe Calderón, who won by a mere 1% margin over his leftist opponent, promises to work for economic equality to quiet accusations of electoral fraud. Chile's female leftist president, Michelle Bachelet, will keep secure the already-stable country, enforcing democracy and social equality. But progress is ongoing for Bolivia. In an effort to ameliorate the country's poverty crisis, its current president, Evo Morales, has slowly begun nationalizing its raw materials. Additionally, relations with the United States have been strained due to anti-American movements. Consequently, these three countries have been turning to other foreign nations, like China, for economic and political growth. We believe that the progress of making national changes takes patience, deliberation, and time. The goals leftist leaders set for their countries are reachable, but achieving them takes more effort in attaining than vowing.
20914
Genius Divided: A Historical Context for Quantum Mechanics
Presenter(s)
Brianna Benson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Theresa Geiger, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. David Workman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Though the current standard of quantum mechanics is the Copenhagen interpretation, this was not always the case. Like all scientific theories, it was once controversial. Albert Einstein, among others, never agreed with it. For this project, we set out to discover how the Copenhagen interpretation became so widely accepted. We attacked this question by researching the different interpretations of quantum mechanics and the arguments which favored one over another. Our research has shown that the social, philosophical, and political climates of the 1920s physics community contributed to the direction that the quantum mechanical debates took at the 1927 Solvay conference. We would like to propose the idea that it was an individual scientist's philosophy of physics, not necessarily the raw experimental data, which led him to support or denounce a particular interpretation of quantum mechanics. For example, Einstein's disagreement with the Copenhagen interpretation stemmed from his belief in Spinoza's concept of a rational God - a God who had created a causal Universe. Based on this idea, we believe it is important to study controversial scientific theories in context, for there is no other way to reexamine the assumptions on which they are based.
20916
Retrospective Chart Review of the Efficacy of Atkins Diet in Treating Intractable Epilepsy
Presenter(s)
Sharon Zeng, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Kent Kelley, Children's Memorial Research Center
The ketogenic diet has traditionally been offered as an alternative treatment for intractable seizures, although the biological mechanism behind its anti-epileptic effects is still unknown. A recent study has suggested the Atkins diet, a less restrictive form of the ketogenic diet, may also be effective in treating childhood epilepsy. A retrospective chart review of approximately 2000 epilepsy patients at the Children's Memorial Hospital followed from 9/05-12/06 showed that the Atkin's diet has been used by fifteen patients. Of the fifteen, only eight charts were applicable to our chart review. Patients were subtyped by seizure types and epilepsy syndrome with seizure response characterized by a global impression of the family and physician. Likewise, side effects and global cognitive and behavioral response were characterized by family and physician reports. Subjectively, parents have reported no significant side effects. Of the eight patients reviewed, three gained moderately better seizure control since initiating the Atkin's diet while another three only improved mildly. There was apparently higher efficacy with Myoclonic-Astatic Epilepsy. Future directions include the continued expansion of the clinical cohort and treatment evaluation in mice. From the chart review, we can conclude that the Atkin's diet is safe and efficacious for generalized epilepsy.
20917
Seeding Of Chondrocytes on Copolymer Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications
Presenter(s)
Lisa Thompson, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Guillermo Ameer, Northwestern University
Mr. Anand Jagannath, Northwestern University
One form of tissue engineering makes use of biodegradable polymer scaffolds to grow various types of tissues. These scaffolds must have a highly porous structure to allow for a high cell density and transportation of nutrients to the cells. However, the porosity makes it difficult for the cells to attach to the scaffolds during seeding. We seeded two types of scaffolds using articular cartilage chondrocytes, [fibrous poly (glycolic acid) and poly (1, 8 octanediol citrate)], using two existing techniques (orbital shaking and spinner flask) to determine a more efficient method of seeding polymer scaffolds. The effectiveness of both seeding techniques was evaluated using biochemical assays to measure cell growth. A Pico Green DNA assay was preformed to evaluate cell growth. The constructs were also evaluated with glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen assays which measured the growth of the extracellular matrix. We then viewed the scaffold construct using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The findings of this study can be used to increase the success of future experiments.
20918
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Bill James's Win Shares
Presenter(s)
Scott Powers, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Steve Condie, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dr. Michael Keyton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mr. Robert Sheinkopf, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
For years, the common goal of baseball statisticians has been to find a way to determine, without subjectivity, exactly how good every player is. In 2002, sabermetric pioneer Bill James developed such an algorithm – a complicated statistic known as Win Shares. In calculating Win Shares for just one player, one must incorporate hundreds of individual statistics. In evaluating the effectiveness of this metric, the first step is to gather masses of data from Major League Baseball's official website. Win Shares are then divided between offense and defense based upon runs scored and allowed. Pitching and fielding are subsets of defense, and individual players divide the shares based on their performances. After comparing Win Shares to such awards as Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, Cy Young's, and MVP's, it is apparent that the fielding aspect of the algorithm does not correlate well with what contemporary voters believed. Most notably, at shortstop only half of the past gold glovers would be considered “A” fielders. After presenting my findings to the Society for American Baseball Research, I hope that they will be accepted and we will be one step closer to evaluating players more accurately.
20921
The Effects of Artificial Sweeteners on Insulin Production in RINm5F Cells
Presenter(s)
Ankit Jain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yousif Kelaita, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Susan Styer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Diabetes is a life-changing disease which is growing more common among the world's population. To combat this disease, food manufacturers have introduced sugar substitutes to hopefully maintain sweetness but also reduce the insulin response in the body. Current literature, however, contradicts many of the claims made by these manufacturers. Our project hopes to determine if the sugar substitutes create a direct insulin response. Our first endeavor was to find a cell line which would produce insulin in a cell culture. We found RINm5F, which are insulin producing beta cells from the pancreas of a rat, and learned how to do cell counts with a hemocytometer. However, since these cells are adherent, meaning they stick to each other and the plate; we could not get accurate counts of how many cells were in our culture. During this process, we also learned how to create gels for our Western blot and how the blotting process works. We have used these tools and processes to lay the groundwork for the eventual introduction of the different sugar substitutes into our growth medium. Experiments are underway, giving us preliminary evidence as to the effects on insulin production caused by the varying sugar substitutes.
20923
Electrochemical Deposition of Lead Chalcogenides onto Aluminum Oxide Templates
Presenter(s)
Robert Till, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Hsien-Hau Wang, Argonne National Laboratory
There is a current need to better utilize our limited energy or to develop new technology and new materials toward solving our energy crisis. We intend to apply nanoscience and technology to prepare new materials for thermoelectric applications. The lead chalcogenides are semiconductors that can be used to produce electricity using thermal gradients. Theory predicted that when different lead chalcogenides are prepared as one-dimensional nanowires in a multi-layer A-B-A-B fashion, the heat-electricity conversion efficiency can be further improved. Fabrication of lead chalcogenide nanostructures consisted of lead, selenium, tellurium, or sulfur, presents a great challenge. Nanowires are linear, one dimensional nanostructures with unique electromagnetic, chemical, and physical properties and many great technological implications. We‘ve worked on the production of chalcogenic nanowires in an anodized aluminum oxide template via electrochemical deposition. We‘re working to develop a process that could deposit lead chalcogenides onto the AAOs consistently, especially PbTe, which nobody to date has been able to successfully deposit into an AAO template. Recent results have shown difficulty with deposition. By adjusting parameters during production of the AAO (e.g. voltage of anodization, time in solution, etc.) the size of the pores change. Using a two step anodization process and sputtering Au, this adjusts to find how to best produce nanowires.
20927
IMSA on Wheels: Electricity and Magnetism DVD
Presenter(s)
Noelle Kwan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Meng Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mr. William McGrail, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ms. Tracy Miller, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The IMSA on Wheels Electricity and Magnetism DVD is an inquiry that combines two projects from last year: Science Is Shocking! And Amazing Magnetism. These projects are elementary and middle school science shows created to ignite younger students' interest in science. In the DVD, there are twenty two demonstrations explaining the concepts of electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism. With the help of the advisors, the inquiry students, Noelle Kwan and Meng Zhang, learned the steps of producing a DVD, which includes the pre-production, production, and post-production stages. In the first stage, they wrote scripts for each scene with camera and stage directions. They also recruited actors and actresses, collected supplies, and scheduled filming times. During production, IMSA students and staff filmed at various locations throughout the school on I-Days. In the post-production stage, the inquiry students used multi-media software such as Final Cut Pro and DVD Studio Pro to edit the raw footage. Editing includes creating sequences from the scenes, equalizing sound, adding animation and captions by using Adobe Photoshop, and inserting sound effects, transitions, and special effects. This DVD will be the fourth produced by KI and ITL/TVPL, and will be distributed nationwide.
20930
Presenter(s)
Janelle Peifer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mary Wang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. David Abler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
When operating in the competitive online market, one needs to establish the correct place in the market for one's items. In a market such as eBay, where everything can be found, one needs to make sure that they have comprehensive research for any item that needs to be sold in order to preserve an online business. In this research, we are trying to determine customer satisfaction with an item in relation to the item's price. Instead of luxury items at extremely high prices, or bulk items at bargain prices, we are trying to find a middle path that allows the maximum customer satisfaction. So far our data suggests that our customers are more satisfied with higher priced items. The average satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 10 was about 9 for items above $25.00, while it was only around 8 for items under $25.00. With this data, we can infer that in today's global online market people are more satisfied with higher value items. If a business wishes to retain high customer satisfaction rates, it should tend to lean towards more luxury items instead of bargain priced bulk inventory.
20934
Global Contact, Changing Japan's Education
Presenter(s)
Charles Pan, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Christian Nokkentved, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
From the beginning of the twentieth century, perhaps no nation has undergone such a complete transformation of social, political, and economic structures as Japan. From the initial influx of western ideas following Japan's globalization, education felt this influence as much as any other institution. Examinations by experts such as Byron K. Marshall and controversy surrounding Japanese professors themselves, such as Saburo Ienaga's history textbook dispute in the 1990's, all reveal an education system strongly influenced by international events. World War I only strengthened the new western ideals, but World War II threw these sudden changes on their heads, as schooling took a sharp turn during the war. American post-war occupation changed the system yet again; the aftermath can still be felt in Japanese schools and universities today. Despite this lack of stability in recent history, the nation's education has been touted as one of the best in the world. While some of this can be attributed to internal reform, the brunt of what makes up Japan's current education comes not so much from native ideas, but from foreign influence in the country, starting even before the beginning of the twentieth century and continuing to present day.
20935
The Effect of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), A Green Tea Component, On HeLa Cell Proliferation and Viability
Presenter(s)
Sophia Pilipchuk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Donald Dosch, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dr. Judith Scheppler, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Current and past studies have attributed green tea's ability to act as a cancer-preventative to one of its main components, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). This study investigated the effect of EGCG on cell proliferation and viability of HeLa cells, a cervical cancer cell line. Cells were pretreated with EGCG, with concentrations ranging from 0 to 5µM. Cell concentration and viability counts were performed using trypan blue dye exclusion. The results indicate that the most effective concentration of EGCG used to diminish HeLa cell viability is 0.25µM, while the minimum and maximum concentrations do not have a statistically significant effect on either cell viability or the total cell number. HeLa cells were also tested for caspase-3 expression, an enzyme whose presence indicates that the cell is entering apoptosis, or programmed cell death. Results from the caspase-3 analysis suggest that HeLa cells undergo apoptosis following pretreatment with EGCG. These results support the hypothesis that EGCG is a possible source of natural, rather than synthetic, protection against carcinogenesis.
20936
Global Translation Services: Entrepreneurship Skills in Selling, Pitching, and Presenting a Service
Presenter(s)
Sophia Pilipchuk, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mr. Scott Metcalfe, Empire Consulting Inc.
Struggling to attract global customers to your product or service? Frustrated with your inability to effectively communicate with foreign markets? Then take advantage of my company's quality services! We engage in translation projects which vary from simple documentation to press releases, marketing materials, company reports, and media production. My company is here to serve your needs in the search for global customers: We offer first-rate translation services by a professional team of highly skilled interpreters. The creation of my “company” was conducted for the Total Applied Learning in Entrepreneurship (TALENT) 10-week session entitled “Selling, Pitching, and Presenting”. The main focus of this session was becoming acquainted with the entrepreneurship methods used in selling a product or service to attract potential customers. My investigation focused on researching current economic trends in the translation services industry and creating my own company, Global Translation Services, to practice the vital entrepreneurship skills needed to successfully sell a service.
20937
The Efficiency of Neutrinos Observations on the Near and Far Neutrino Detectors
Presenter(s)
Parker Schmitt, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Niki Saoulidou, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Neutrinos are very small, difficult to detect, particles. This experiment will show the necessity for these particles to be highly energized for us to make observations. I will define a variable known as efficiency as the ratio of measurable neutrino events to the total neutrino events. I did all of my measurements in the statistical package, ROOT—ROOT does a great job at plotting histograms. I also used data from a Monte-Carlo simulation to make sure that my histograms were defined correctly. The Monte-Carlo data suggested that there was a certain range of values for energy where efficiency peaked. These results made sense because with very little energy it is hard to measure anything in neutrino events however after a certain amount of energy the neutrino events become more difficult to describe because the detector is not big enough to contain the entire event. When I compared my actual data to the Monte-Carlo simulation I received similar results - there was an energy of peak efficiency, and with very little energy there was nearly no efficiency.
20938
Promoting Bio-Ethanol in the United States by Incorporating Lessons from Brazil's National Alcohol Programme
Presenter(s)
Yangbo Du, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Joshua Linn, University of Illinois at Chicago
Recent consensus linking carbon emissions from fossil fuels with global warming, as well as security implications posed by dependence upon Middle Eastern petroleum, have led to resurgent interest in renewable energy sources, including bio-fuels. Current U.S. energy policy supports increasing the use of bio-ethanol as a gasoline substitute, which Brazil first produced on a large scale in response to the 1970s energy crises. Brazil's National Alcohol Programme stood out among its contemporaries regarding its success at displacing a third of Brazil's gasoline requirements, primarily due to favorable market conditions and government support. The United States has followed Brazil's lead since the early 1990s, when ethanol started gaining popularity as an emission-reducing additive in gasoline. Similar to the Brazilian experience, future progress towards displacing gasoline with fuel ethanol in the U.S. will depend largely upon political support and economic circumstances in the agricultural and energy sectors and markets. Accounting for differences in aggregate gasoline usage and feedstock availability compared to Brazil, the United States would have to speed up commercialization of cellulose ethanol technology in order to achieve a similar degree of success as Brazil, support co-production of biomass derivatives along with fuel ethanol production, and maintain profitability of innovation in the bio-ethanol sector, among other initiatives.
20939
HCN Channel Interactors Progress Understanding of Synaptic Control
Presenter(s)
Bharat Kilaru, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Dane Chetkovich, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Hyperpolarization-activated and cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels, the pacemaker channels, demonstrate concentrations increasing along dendrites such that the highest density of the ion channels are found at the distal tips of the apical dendrites. This localization provides an anti-excitatory response that controls synaptic signaling by preventing excess dendritic excitation. The unique localization suggests the possibility of other channels of similar localization throughout the hippocampus that may assist in the regulation of excitatory synaptic transmission. After completing database searches for hippocampal localizations of voltage-gated ion channels, a visual analysis of the hippocampus' CA1 region found in 38 papers indicated a similar dendritic distribution for three other channels, including Cav3.1, Kv1.3, and Kv1.6. Using the Multiple Em for Motif Elicitaion (MEME), the Motif Alignment and Search Tool (MAST), and other sequence analysis tools, the key channels will be studied for common motifs, repeated amino acid sequence patterns. The current findings hint towards the possibility of other channels involved in the regulation of synaptic transmission through interactions with HCN channels, progressing the understanding of the prevention of dendritic hyperexcitability, and knowledge of synaptic control.
20944
A Comparison of Brain Volume Changes in Two Different Stroke Patient Groups Undergoing Different Treatments
Presenter(s)
Yuyang Bai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Todd Parrish, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Stroke is a leading concern for all Americans because it is currently the third leading cause of death and the number one cause of adult disability in the United States. Despite these discouraging facts, my goal is to develop a neuroimaging method for investigating the effectiveness of stroke treatments. This is accomplished by determining how gray matter volume predicts response to therapy, while controlling for total brain volume, age, and type of stroke. First, I prepared each brain image in the correct space and orientation by using SPM 5 (Statistical Parametric Mapping 5). Utilizing VBM (Voxel-Based Morphometry) as a neuroimaging technique, I am then able to statistically compare gray matter differences in two different stroke treatment groups (six in Group A and ten in Group B). Preliminary data show that the gray matter is preserved in Group A, while the gray matter decreases in Group B in the following areas of the brain: bilateral thalamic nuclei, affected primary motor cortex, and the non-affected supplemental motor area. This methodology allows me to predict how a stroke patient responds to a particular treatment.
20945
Presenter(s)
Tianyin Luo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Gokila Pillai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Sandra Babcock, Northwestern University Bluhm Legal Clinic
This investigation's goal is to create a website about the death penalty worldwide. We created and used a standard information sheet when gathering data for each country retaining the death penalty. We utilized governmental sites, organizations, like Amnesty and Hands off Cain, and articles pertaining to the death penalty for raw data. Some information found includes: crimes that the death penalty is applicable to, significant law cases, conditions of lawyers and individuals on death row, public opinion, organizations working to gain abolition, arbitrariness of decisions made, clemency processes utilized, etc. Though not all our information is easily obtainable, our immediate focus is to learn about the current situation internationally. Through our research, we have noticed many cultural trends. Because, many Sub-Sahara African countries are still trying to reunite their nation after the terrible atrocities suffered, the death penalty is not an immediate concern. In countries, like China and Taiwan, the death penalty persists because the government, through media and religion, has such control over people's lives that to question it is unthinkable. Through our research, we have gained a better cultural and political understanding of the factors influencing people's perspective on capital punishment.
20946
The Response Of Oligodendrocytes To Normal Appearing White Matter From Multiple Sclerosis And Control Patients – A Study Of The Early Pathology Of Multiple Sclerosis
Presenter(s)
Sarah Shareef, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Sara Becker-Catania, Edwards Hines VA Hospital
Multiple sclerosis, the major cause of disability in young adults in America, is a neurodegenerative disease that affects the ability of oligodendrocytes to remyelinate axons. It is thought that the failure of remyelination leads to degeneration of neurons. Scientists believe that the onset of multiple sclerosis is autoimmune in origin; however, the exact cause is still undetermined. The destruction of neuronal axons increases due to the inability of glial cells to respond to the unmyelinated areas within the brain and spinal cords of patients. This project studied the early responses in gene expression of oligodendrocytes to axonal membrane extracted from multiple sclerosis and control patients. Using Real Time PCR, an early (2 hours) and late (12 hours) time point was examined to verify change in gene expression of five different genes, including three transcription factors important to oligodendrocyte health, a structural protein necessary for oligodendrocyte differentiation, and a novel gene with unknown function. Difference in gene expression over time and between the multiple sclerosis and control treated oligodendrocytes was observed. Understanding of the response of oligodendrocytes to the damaged and unmyelinated axons present in multiple sclerosis patients will lead to a better understanding of the early pathology of multiple sclerosis.
20947
HAART Response in Minority Patients in an Urban HIV Clinic In Comparison To Patients in Published, Randomized, Controlled Trials
Presenter(s)
Angela Kao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Annie Liu, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. David Pitrak, University of Chicago
Using a database of the Adult HIV Care Program at our institution, we identified all who initiated HAART in the past three years with no previous antiretroviral therapy. After grouping patients by starting regimens, with 14 started on ZDV/3TC (Combivir)+EFV and 17 on TDF/FTC (Truvada) +EFV, we compared our outcomes to those of patients enrolled in the published 934 study. The primary endpoints were undetectable viral loads and CD4+Tcell increase at 48 weeks of therapy. We also analyzed differences in the baseline characteristics of our clinic versus those of the 934 study with respect to age, race, sex, baseline viral load, and baseline CD4+ count. Our patients were similar in age, but much more likely to be female and/or African American. The baseline viral loads were similar; however, the starting CD4+ counts were lower. By 48 weeks of therapy, the proportion of patients with complete viral suppression was similar. Results were also similar for the intent to treat analysis (ITT) that considers patients who drop out as failures. The mean CD4+ increase was also comparable. Minority patients in an urban HIV clinic can attain the same benefits of HAART with respect to viral suppression and immune recovery, even though they begin treatment at more advanced stages of disease.
20948
Preserving Irish Gaelic: Youth and Technology Maintaining a 2,500-Year-Old Language
Presenter(s)
Rachel Banke, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mrs. Peg Cain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
The Irish language is the oldest of the Godelic Celtic languages. Early Irish literature is comprised of prolific sagas, poetry, and narratives important to our understanding of the Celtic peoples. Although the Irish are fiercely proud of their language, it has been allowed to die. Twenty-five percent of the population claim to speak Irish, although experts believe only three percent actually can. However, Gaelic is finding refuge in the Gaelscoileanna, all-Irish schools. These children watch cartoons dubbed in Irish such as “Sponge Bob SquarePants” and “Scooby-Doo” shown on TG4, an Irish television station. They have created words including a tIdirlíon (the Internet), blog, dlúthdhiosea (compact disks), r-phost (e-mail), and rapcheol (rap music). Gaelic forums such as Daltaí na Gaelige have cropped up on the Internet. Google now allows users to perform searches in Irish Gaelic. People around the world can listen to Irish radio programming online through Radio Teilifís Éireann. The Internet is allowing Irish Gaelic to gain more speakers worldwide. Through communication technologies and young speakers, Irish Gaelic may, at least temporarily, be preserved.
20950
The Evolution of the Andean Sunken Plaza 3000 B.C.E.-100 B.C.E.
Presenter(s)
Crystal Croyl, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Jonathan Haas, Field Museum of Natural History
The Peruvian Andes is home to one of the world's great civilizations. Arising on the Pacific coast in the third millennium B.C., and continuing to the great empire of the Inca, civilization thrived in the Andes for over 5000 years. One of the distinctive hallmarks of this 5000 year history is the persistent use of the sunken ceremonial plaza. While the first recorded occurrence of the sunken plaza occurred in the Norte Chico in the third millennium B.C., a similar element is seen as far away as Chiripa, Bolivia, 2900 years later. My research has been centered on the distribution and evolution of the sunken plaza, particularly the sunken circular plaza as associated with religious architecture. There seems to be a continuous relationship in the expansion of the sunken plazas from the Norte Chico to around 100 B.C.E. After 100 B.C.E. in my research, however, there is a lapse in the building of this purely Andean element. The reasons for the non-continuation of this feature is unknown, but may be discovered with more research. Nevertheless, the spread of the sunken plaza may indicate a significant religious or cultural export from the Norte Chico to the rest of the region.
20953
Development of a a-Mannosidase 2A2 Based Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma Multiforme
Presenter(s)
Andrew Gentile, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Monica Kao, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Roger Kroes, Falk Center for Molecular Therapeutics
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are highly invasive gliomas and are among the most common type of primary brain tumor. Previous studies have shown that the induced expression of certain genes synthesizes key oligosaccharide structures located on the outer cell membrane of glioblastomas. These structures are thought to be critical in glioma invasivity and in the proliferation of cancer cells. Our research this year specifically focused on the development of technologies and techniques necessary to evaluate the effects of a-mannosidase overexpression in the human glioma cell line U373MG. Through qRT-PCR analyses, we were able to find 30 stable cell lines of U373MG that express the a-mannosidase gene when transfected. As a precursor to working with a-mannosidase clones, the techniques of invasion and proliferation assays must be perfected using SIAT7E, a similar cell line transfectant. Tissue culture, a vital component of growing cells, must also be practiced on other cell lines before cultivating mannosidase clones and obtaining results. We are continuing to develop these lab procedures in order to pave the way for the cultivation and analysis of the a-mannosidase clones.
20959
Presenter(s)
Steven Cai, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Ken Nateson, Argonne National Laboratory
Dr. Zuotao Zeng, Argonne National Laboratory
Metal dusting is a carburizing corrosion in the energy and chemical industries. The corrosion occurs at temperatures from 400 to 800 o C, when carbon activity is >1. As a result, energy and repairs worth billions of dollars are wasted annually in the US hydrogen industry alone. We applied X-ray microprobe techniques developed at the Advanced Photon Source to study the local structure of the oxide scales in the corroded and non-corroded areas and to determine the distributions of chemical elements, oxidation states of ions, and crystallographic phases along the oxide scales. We found that the crystallographic phase of the scales in the corroded area was spinel (FeCr 2 O 4 ), while the major component of the scales at the non-corroded area was Cr 2 O 3 . We concluded that the corroded areas had spinel. The X-ray near edge absorption spectrum (XNEAS) results indicate that the oxidation state of iron is higher than +2 in spinel. Since the high valence iron in spinel could be reduced by high activity carbon in metal dusting environment, the oxide scale cannot protect alloy from metal dusting corrosion. However, an oxide scale of pure Cr 2 O 3 can effectively prevent the alloy from corrosion. This study points out a direction from which the metal dusting problem can be solved.
20960
The Effect of Antiplatelet Drugs on GPIIb/IIIa Receptor Density
Presenter(s)
Sonali Jayakar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Omer Iqbal, Loyola University Medical Center
Platelets play an important role in the formation of a primary haemostatic plug and an eventual clot. There are numerous glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptors present on the surface of each platelet, which undergo a change after agonist-induced platelet activation. The purpose of this study was to determine the GPIIb/IIIa receptor density both before and after agonist-induced platelet activation. Receptor density was also determined after antagonist-induced platelet inhibition. Blood was drawn from healthy volunteers and centrifuged to obtain platelet-rich plasma. The platelet-rich plasma was used in the AssayMax Human GPIIb/IIIa ELISA assay, which uses a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique that detects and measures GPIIb/IIIa receptor density. An increase in the receptor density after agonist-induced platelet activation and a decrease in the receptor density after antagonist-induced platelet inhibition were consistently observed. Use of this assay in patients with heart attack helps determine whether or not a patient is responding to antiplatelet agents. Furthermore, based on the receptor density, it is possible to regulate the dosage of antiplatelet drugs. Use of this assay may also facilitate the identification of new antiplatelet drugs.
20970
Analyzing Illinois Level Of Compliance With The Clean Water Act's Municipal Storm Water Management Program
Presenter(s)
Claire Herdman, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Yuxi Ji, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Cindy Skrukrud, Sierra Club
Ms. Audrey Well, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Illinois' water resources are a vital part of the day-to-day life of its citizens, who use water for everything from fishing to swimming to drinking. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established a storm water management program to address pollution problems from urbanized areas' storm water discharges. Working with the Sierra Club, we report on the aspects of the storm water program that have been implemented successfully and areas that still need improvement. We conducted research by reviewing annual reports from ten municipalities and interviewing representatives from the EPA, Illinois EPA, and compliant municipal governments. Our report describes problems with the program's implementation including lack of funding, understaffing, and unaccountability. Examples of good programs from DuPage County, the City of Urbana, and others are described, as well as how others can emulate them. This report provides a detailed list of ways for the state, communities, watershed groups, and individuals to help improve the quality of urban storm water runoff. These recommendations include ensuring that the Illinois EPA reviews every annual report at least once in five years, and encouraging municipalities to share responsibilities to foster a more supportive environment for the program. Come see our presentation to learn how you can improve our water quality!
20971
Electron Beam Focusing For the International Linear Collider
Presenter(s)
Forrest Iandola, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Michael Syphers, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
The International Linear Collider (ILC) will be a pair of linear accelerators (LINACs) that accelerate electron beams and increase their energy to 250 giga-electron volts (GeV) and facilitate the collision of the two beams. The design parameters include the number of focusing magnets and their focal length. The investigation discussed here involves the construction of a computer model of the ILC, and its use as a tool for mathematically determining optimal values of these parameters. Misaligned focusing magnets cause electrons to lose energy through synchrotron radiation, which can increase the beam size, which is detrimental to the operation of the collider. Surveyors can feasibly install magnets in the tunnel environment to an alignment tolerance of 0.25mm, so this investigation considers solutions to compensate for the misalignment. A practical solution for correcting the focusing magnet alignment error is to use additional correction magnets, although this method causes more synchrotron radiation. By using the computer model, the beam focusing system can be optimized; the results of the analysis will be presented.
20972
Orchids in the Lab: The Effects of Homogenized Banana on the Growth of Two Species of Orchids
Presenter(s)
Bryan Denig, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mrs. Vicki Burgholzer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Ms. Irene Norton, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Instead of depending on an unreliable mycorrhizal fungus for germination, commercial orchid growers usually culture seeds in vitro . To provide required nutrients, they employ an agar based growing media, and individual growers often have special recipes that they use to improve germination and growth. Kept as trade secrets, very little has been published on these additives, which usually take the form of fruit. Examples include tomato juice, coconut milk, banana pulp, and even pina colada mix. In this study, I used Dendrobium anosmum (superbum) 'Emery's Pooter' AM/AOS protocorms and Phalaenopsis gigantea seeds as a means to study the effects of the addition of homogenized banana on germination and growth. The seeds were used to determine if the addition of banana affected germination, and the protocorms were employed to see how orchids were affected after germination. By setting up control cultures containing typical Knudson C media and experimental ones with the addition of banana, data was collected regarding growth and germination of these two species. Analysis of data from this study may provide additional knowledge of the effects of complex organic additives on orchid growth. Preliminary data analysis suggests that the addition of banana has no significant effect.
20974
Searching the DNA Sequence of the Gene Encoding Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase 2 of a Human Subject Who Appears to Have Unregulated Fatty Acid Metabolism
Presenter(s)
Philip Kuo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Robert Haselkorn, University of Chicago
Acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase 2 (ACC2) plays a very important role in the fatty acid metabolism of the heart and skeletal muscle tissues. ACC2 sits on the surface of mitochondria, where it catalyzes the carboxylation of acetyl-CoA to produce malonyl-CoA. Malonyl-CoA inhibits the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria for oxidation. Experiments have shown mutant ACC2 knockout mice have reduced body fat and body weight compared to normal mice, due to lower amounts of malonyl-CoA. We learned of an individual who is always warm, the phenotype expected for a person whose ACC2 is defective. We obtained some of his DNA. Using PCR and gel electrophoresis, I was able to amplify sequences from his ACC2 gene to determine the order of nucleotides of those sequences. When compared to the ACC2 gene sequence from the Human Genome Project, quite a few differences were found. Their effects are still unknown currently. More ACC genes from control individuals will be tested to see if the differences correspond to true mutations or not.
20978
Mixed-Use Urban Design Project
Presenter(s)
Paul Dienhart, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Fatima Kanchwala, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mr. Steven Vasilion, Vasilion Architects
Through the year, we have been working with architect Steve Vasilion on devising how to redevelop a lot in downtown Batavia. This has helped us develop technical, intellectual, and even speaking skills involved in an architect's job. Specifically, we have been working on creating new building designs to fit the needs of the owner of the land, the City of Batavia, and the Batavia Historic Preservation Commission. We began by meeting with the owner and the city official to discuss what ideas would be desirable and feasible for our redevelopment. Based on the information gathered from the meeting, we started designing the buildings on the site. We first laid out the exterior walls, and then designed the interior using the exterior as a framework, learning about building codes and how to use CAD along the way. Eventually, after a bit of negotiation, we settled on a design that the City and the owner both approved. This final design and our methods will be presented at IMSAloquium, along with a three-dimensional model of the site and its surrounding area. In the end, we “junior architects” will end up with a design that suits everyone involved, having learned what steps are involved in an architectural project, and just what an architect's job is like.
20979
Economics and the Housing Market
Presenter(s)
Charles Whittaker, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Casey Mulligan, University of Chicago
Data shows that the number of inhabitants per house seems to be less now than it was twenty years ago and the median house size seems to have increased. One would reasonably assume that as the number of inhabitants per house decreased, the amount of required space would drop, and thus, the square footage of floor area would also decrease, but this doesn't seem to be the case. The goal of this investigation is to use economics to understand such an odd correlation in the housing market. Data obtained from the United States census is currently being analyzed to determine whether income changes in the Untied States, prices in the housing market and the fluctuation of the United States population correlate with these housing characteristics.
20980
Age-Dependent Activation of Neuroglia after Status Epilepticus
Presenter(s)
Stephanie Chang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Sookyong Koh, Children's Memorial Research Center
Brain inflammation is gaining increased recognition for its role in neuron excitability and degeneration. A 2005 study showed that induction of status epilepticus (SE) in rats at postnatal day 15 (P15) results in rapid but transient upregulation of specific inflammatory genes, whereas SE at P30 causes high and significantly sustained upregulation. As the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, microglia mediate the inflammatory reaction to seizure-induced insult. Presently, the maturation of neuroglia in the developing brain is not sufficiently characterized. My investigation examines 1) the baseline expression of microglia and astrocytes in the developing hippocampus, and 2) the age-dependent reaction to SE in terms of neuronal cell death and morphological changes in the neuroglia. Kainic acid (KA) was used to produce SE in P10, P15, P20, P25, and P29 rats, which were perfused 24-48 hours after seizure onset. Localization of activated microglia, astrocytes, and neuron death was achieved through immunohistochemical processing of hippocampal sections. Viewed under a light microscope, microglia and astrocytes of older rats appeared larger and had denser ramifications from the cell body than those of younger rats, yet cell morphology did not differ appreciably between littermate controls which received saline injection instead of KA. These results reveal that neuroglia undergo functional, rather than structural, changes as the brain approaches maturity.
20981
Goodbye vs. Gu-Dei-Baai: English Words and Cantonese Imitations
Presenter(s)
Wei Luo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Alan Yu, University of Chicago
Languages have different phonological systems, a fact easily demonstrated when one language imitates words from another. Listeners, bound by the constraints and preferences of their native language, can only perceive incoming acoustic signals a certain way. This study examined the limitations of Cantonese sounds in imitating English words. Using an English phrase-learning book for Cantonese speakers, I assembled a corpus of English words transcribed into Chinese characters. These characters, representing Cantonese syllables, are transcribed phonemically using the Jyutping Romanization system. Depending on their individual linguistic abilities, Cantonese speakers can use these characters as a guide to help them pronounce English words. I focused on the adaptation of English consonant sequences in different prosodic positions (e.g., sk - in sk ill, ma sk ing, a sk ) into Cantonese. I then examined the realization of the English clusters with respect to their Cantonese counterparts. My analyses reveal many patterns that shed light on the mechanisms behind linguistic imitation. For example, in a cluster sequence containing a consonant followed by a "t," a voiceless stop (e.g., t in s t ay ), the "t" becomes voiced in Cantonese (i,.e., "d"). In this case, Cantonese is restricted by its phonological system and can only imitate words like "stay" as "si-dai."
20982
Super! Heroes, Heroines, and Villains: Learning Science While Having Fun
Presenter(s)
Sulochana Mutha, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ms. Sarah Pfeifer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
As a part of the Kids Institute's mission to develop and deliver educational experiences that kindle student interest in science, mathematics, and technology, research was conducted to develop a program to expand student enrichment in biology, chemistry, and physics. The process required producing curriculum that would captivate the students because it would compel them to focus on the science aspect of the lesson as well as having fun. The theme “Science of Superheroes, Superheroines, and Supervillains,” was chosen because of its popularity among the targeted age group (3-4 graders) and because it allowed for the integration of concepts from the three branches of science with super figures such as Batman, Superman, Spiderman and others. For example, the background on Mutant X-men can be incorporated into activities about DNA. The curriculum was presented in December as Kids Institute half-day funshops. The verbal feedback from students was very positive and suggests that the activities engaged the students' interest in at least one of the three areas of science. Based on the students' comments from the December program, a new funshop focusing on space and astronauts is being developed to further increase student interest in wide variety of science related topics.
20983
Exploring the Correlation Between Genetic Aberrations and Mythology
Presenter(s)
Temi-tope Okubadejo, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Sowmya Anjur, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Dr. Dennis Czerny, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Before the advent of scientific technology, anybody who suffered from genetic mutations was referred to as abnormal, inhuman or a monster and condemned by society. However, now it is known that many characteristics of vampires and werewolves are merely symptoms of diseases. Variegate porphyria, which is only one of the seven types of porphyrias, is a disease characterized by the inability to covert protoporphyrinogen to portoporphyrin, which results in an accumulation of porphyrins, predominantly coproporphyrin and protoporphyrin. The most common symptom is skin disease, which only appears when exposed to sun light. It was believed that the enzyme could be absorbed by the stomach after drinking normal blood. Due to the fact that those who suffered from variegate porphyrias were unable to walk in the daylight and drank blood to overcome their deficiency, it has been insinuated that the disease porphyrias is the origin of vampirism. In regard to werewolves, lycanthropy is the only known disease that is the closest of origin. Lycanthropy is the transformation from human form to animal form. Clinical lycanthropy is a psychiatric syndrome where patients believe they can transform and behave like animals. Eventually they may develop abnormal hair growth and other animal characteristics.
20991
The Relationship Between Stellar Luminosity And Dark Matter Mass In Galaxy Clusters
Presenter(s)
Nathaniel Steinsultz, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. James Annis, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
We are studying the mass-luminosity relationship in galaxy clusters using a catalog of clusters from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. We use the number of galaxies in the cluster (ngals) as an indicator of mass. First we examined the luminosity of the cluster and the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG) against ngals finding that both luminosities scale as power laws; the cluster luminosity linearly and the BCG luminosity to the square root. Next, we looked at the scaling relationship for the four brightest galaxies in the cluster and found power laws similar to the ones found for the BCG. The ratio of the first to second brightest cluster galaxy can be used to determine whether or not the BCG comes from a normal distribution, our data shows that this isn't the case. We measured the BCG light fraction and the distribution of distances to the second brightest cluster galaxy as functions of ngals. Finally, we aim to use these relations to divide up the cluster sample and look to see if these are related to the scatter in the mass-luminosity relationship. These relationships will give us insight into the nature and history of our Universe.
20992
Environmentally Conscious Renovation Of Heavy Industrial Workspace
Presenter(s)
Joshua Cote, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mr. Ed Crumpley, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Dr. Vic Kuchler, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Mr. Gary Van Zandbergen, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
In a time when the industrial evolution of humanity is beginning to be recognized as a detrimental ecological and environmental impact to our world, environmentally conscious design is emerging as a leading factor in today's architectural and engineering market places. Creating structures—both standard and environmentally friendly—is much more damaging to the environment than converting existing building space. This case study explores the possibility and feasibility of renovating a heavy industrial workshop into environmentally responsible, profitable, and healthy office space. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™ for Commercial Interiors provided a rigorous benchmark of green design for this study. To obtain LEED accreditation points, a mezzanine was designed inside the available space. The mezzanine contains two open areas allowing natural light to reach the most occupants possible. This fundamental design strives to create a connection between the office space and outdoor environment. The industrial lower level workshop, located in Wilson Hall at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, is able to sustain both a ground-floor and mezzanine of earth conscious office space, while providing ample opportunities for the achievement of LEED accreditation.
20995
Presenter(s)
Claudia Kim, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Ms. Sarah Pfeifer, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Science Explorers Jr. is a summer program for third and fourth graders. The main goal of Science Explorers Jr. is to spark and develop a continuing interest in science in elementary school students and the focus of my inquiry was to teach science in a fun and interesting way. An effort was made to include more lessons that incorporated active participation of the students. A broad range of topics was chosen in biology, chemistry, and physics to appeal to a greater number of students. The five topics for this year are Energy and Environment, Ocean Science, Kitchen Chemistry, “Gross” Anatomy, and Engineering. Through field trips during the fall semester and Intersession week, parts of the curriculum were tested on third graders from area schools. The curriculum was then revised to better fit the needs and educational capabilities of the age group. The curriculum for Science Explorers Jr. will be used for two weeks at IMSA and one week at an off-site location in Springfield, Illinois. Feedback about the curriculum will be collected by surveying the campers and used to further improve the program.
20997
The Function Of VF0087 And VF0556 In Magnesium Dependant Motility Of Vibrio Fischeri
Presenter(s)
Michael Bryniarski, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Karen Visick, Loyola University Medical Center
The formation of flagella in Vibrio fischeri is dependent on the presence of magnesium(Mg2+). When diguanylate cyclases encoded by mifA and mifB are disrupted, V. fischeri regains most of its motility in the absence of Mg 2+. To further understand the mechanism of Mg 2+ -dependent motility, I evaluated two genes predicted to interact with the cyclic di-GMP formed by MifA and MifB. The gene VF0087 codes for a putative phosphodiesterase, which when interrupted should cause a buildup of c-di-GMP and decrease motility in Mg 2+ positive and negative media. VF0556 codes for a putative c-di-GMP binding protein. This protein may inhibit flagellar biogenesis in the absence of Mg 2+ ; if so, when it is interrupted, there would be increased motility. To confirm these functions, mutants with these genes interrupted were created through recombination. The strain with the VF0087 mutation showed decreased motility on both Mg 2+ positive and negative media, supporting the hypothesis. The VF0556 mutant showed no difference from wild type indicating that flagella formation is independent of it. A third mutant missing both VF0087 and mifB showed a phenotype almost identical to wild type V. fischeri , further supporting the function of it as a PDE. These results are preliminary as the mutations are being confirmed with a Southern blot test.
20998
The Crucible: Examining Brazil As A New Model For Economic Sustainability In The Face Of Climate Change
Presenter(s)
Jorge Jeria, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Claiborne Skinner, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
During no other time in history has man become so arrogant and enthralled with his own success. In the crossfire of this crisis, lie the developing nations, who strive for modernity using methods that are fueling climate change. If these countries struggle to achieve economic prosperity in the twenty first century, to what extent can these countries modernize in the face of global climate change? Looking at policies in Brazil, a country whose economic and social dilemmas have always plagued its development, the nation has today expanded to become the leader in ethanol production and is rapidly rising as a global economic force in the world. Almost 80% of Brazilian cars run on a mixture of ethanol and gasoline and the Amazonian rainforest, once deemed an impediment to national expansion now fuels Brazilian economic growth, and can now be retained beneficially with the advent of a carbon credit system. Through examination of polices which were implemented before dilemmas such as planetary oil dependency and a demand for more resources, Brazil has been able to modernize while preparing itself for the inevitable advent of global climate change.
21000
Manifestations Of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) In Children And Adolescents With High Functioning Autism (HFA) Or Asperger's Syndrome (AS)
Presenter(s)
Jessica Dong, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Scott J. Hunter, University of Chicago
Children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have been found to exhibit higher anxiety levels than typically seen in the general population. Theoretically, abnormal development of frontal and subcortical networks in individuals' brains with Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or High Functioning Autism (HFA) leaves them more susceptible to anxiety. This study aimed to investigate how children who have been diagnosed with HFA or AS may respond differently to stressful situations. Parents of seven children with HFA or AS completed a self-designed questionnaire examining their children's intensity and quality of anxiety symptoms, and a standardized questionnaire, the Behavior Assessment Scale for Children, 2nd Edition (BASC-2) Parent Rating Scale. We quantified their responses and ran correlation analyses on Microsoft Excel between measures of the self-designed questionnaire and the standardized BASC-2 to ensure consistency between the two. We then ran correlation analyses between the subscales to test for relationships between the children's pattern of autistic and anxiety symptoms. The anxiety questionnaire effectively mirrored the BASC-2 anxiety scales. Physical anxiety symptoms did not appear to be good predictors of the intensity and frequency of a child's traumatic experiences, while negative thoughts and anxious behaviors did, as predicted. Results highlight how children with HFA or AS may be more vulnerable to traumatic events than non-affected peers.
21001
The Role Of MFG-E8/Lactahedrin In Intestinal Epithelial Restitution
Presenter(s)
Ranjani Logaraj, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Xiaodi Tan, Children's Memorial Research Center
Dr. Peter Whitington, Children's Memorial Research Center
Milk fat globule-EGF factor 8 (MFG-E8)/lactahedrin is a protein that is involved in many events at the cell surface in animals. Its presence or function in the intestinal epithelium has not been previously investigated. In this study, we demonstrated that lactahedrin is present in macrophages in the gut of mice by using immunofluorescent staining. Next, tests both in vivo and in vitro were conducted to determine the role of MFG-E8 in intestinal epithelial restitution. MFG-E8 was found to stimulate cell migration in both cases. Cell migration is especially important for repairing damaged tissues when the intestinal epithelium is injured, as can occur during severe systemic inflammation or sepsis. With a sepsis model named cecal ligation and puncture, we demonstrated that intestinal MFG-E8 expression is down-regulated during sepsis by using western blotting. This decrease in lactahedrin exacerbates the problem by impeding the healing process. CLP mice that were treated with recombinant MFG-E8, however, showed enhanced cell migration. This suggests that similar protocols could be developed in the future to stimulate intestinal healing in individuals with sepsis.
21002
The Causes Of And Solutions To Unethical Writing By Professionals And Students
Presenter(s)
Eric Hultgren, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Mrs. Peg Cain, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Mr. Mike Robinson, Associated Press
Unethical writing is evident in schools and professional workplaces around the world. Unethical writing includes libel, plagiarism, and manufactured stories. The relationship between professional journalism and student writers is shockingly similar. Some causes of plagiarism, such as being rushed, trying to improve the quality of a story, or even competing with fellow writers, are comparable with professionals and amateurs. Stress and external competition force people to make decisions that go against the ethics of their job. Though originally writers may receive praise and acclaim for their articles, their reputation will be permanently tarnished if it is found that their articles are fictitious or plagiarized. Since there is a correlation between professional writers and student writers, a solution to one would likely be a solution to the other. Human nature makes for it to be impossible to stop unethical writing, but it can be restricted. Being able to instill proper values and enthusiasm to write into students, as well as educating them about finding source materials will help to ensure that a student's writing is kept ethical. Also, the relationship between students and teachers must be emphasized, as that is a key part of keeping writing ethical. Students must understand the importance and applications of their writing.
21004
Angiogenic Inhibitors And Inhibitors Of Histone Deacetylases - A New Way To Block Tumor Growth And Angiogenesis?
Presenter(s)
Karan Patel, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Olga Volpert, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Malignant tumors need new blood vessels to grow above 1mm-2mm in diameter. The sprouting of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, angiogenesis, requires expression of pro-angiogenic genes. Histones regulate this expression. Angiogenic inhibitors cut off blood supply to tumors and stop their growth. We intended to show that pigment-epithelial-derived-factor (PEDF), an angiogenic inhibitor, unleashes the activity of histone deacetylases (HDACs) to block pro-angiogenic genes. We also wanted to determine if valproic acid (VA), a HDACs inhibitor, could make PEDF a more effective inhibitor of angiogenesis. To determine the effectiveness of a PEDF+VA combination, both inhibitors were tested on endothelial cells in vitro , and in mice in vivo . Mice were implanted with biogel plugs containing angiogenic growth factors. We analyzed the amount of acetylated histones bound to the promoters of pro-angiogenic proteins, the association of histones with the transcription factor NF?B, and the number of new blood vessels penetrating the biogel plugs in untreated mice, and in mice treated with PEDF or with a PEDF+VA combination. Valproic acid is an effective HDAC inhibitor that has some anti-angiogenic properties. However, when combined with PEDF it may decrease PEDF-dependent activity of endogenous HDACs and cause a decrease in PEDF's ability to inhibit angiogenesis.
Cold Sensitivity And Analgesia In Rat Models Of Chronic Pain
Presenter(s)
Meng Kang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. A. Vania Apkarian, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
In quantifying the impact of pain on organisms' behavior, our study exploits rats' natural preference for darkness by connecting one dark and one white cage, cooling the dark side to 4°C and heating the white side to 35°C, to construct a cold chamber. Spared nerve injury (SNI) rats model chronic pain, while sham rats underwent the same surgical procedures as SNI rats without critical injury to the peripheral nerves. We hypothesize that SNI rats do not prefer the cold side, as it induces extreme pain on the injured paw, cold allodynia, whereas sham rats do. SNI rats show more sensitivity on their injured (left) paw, thus morphine is used to induce analgesia and produce a larger difference in their pain threshold. SNI (n=10) and sham rats (n=10) are given saline, 5 mg/kg, or 10 mg/kg morphine an hour prior to the experiment. With morphine, we predict that the SNI rats will spend more time in the cold side. Rats are kept in the cold chamber for 30 minutes and data is analyzed using Matlab. The cold chamber may be useful in assessing the impact of different types of pain on behavior in changing environments. These experiments are currently underway.
21006
Creation Of A Mutated Dcyp33 Gene And Its Effects On Expression Levels Of HOX Genes In The Drosophila Fruit Fly
Presenter(s)
Jing Zhang, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Manuel Diaz, Loyola University Medical Center
Mutations in the myeloid lymphoid leukemia (MLL) gene as a result of chromosomal translocations, can lead to acute leukemias. The MLL protein contains three regions of sequence similarity to trithorax, a transcription regulator of class I homeodomain genes in the Drosophila fruit fly. In one of these regions, the PHD finger region binds another protein: Cyp33, a regulator of MLL function. Similar to the effect of human Cyp33 on the expression of the human HOX genes, overexpression of Dcyp33 on Drosophila cells results in down-regulation of HOX gene expression. This study is intended to examine the effects of a mutated Dcyp33 gene on the expression levels of HOX genes in Drosophila cells. By transfecting the mutant gene in Drosophila embryos, a mutant strain of flies may be created with abnormal development due to the misexpression of the HOX genes. I have created two point mutations within a specific region of the Dcyp33 gene. The next step is to amplify the gene. After cloning and transfecting the new gene into Drosophila cells, it is anticipated that these cells would show increased transcription of the HOX genes. Creating an effective mutation in the Dcyp33 gene would prevent the repression of HOX genes.
21007
An Investigation Of Circumduction In The Gait Of Stroke Survivors Walking At Various Velocities
Presenter(s)
Neelam Balasubramanian, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Frances Hardin, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
Advisor(s)
Dr. Yasin Dhaher, Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago
In today's society, stroke is becoming a prominent medical concern. This is detrimental to the nation's economy because stroke survivors drain the health care resources, as they do not have incomes. Stroke survivors usually suffer partial paralysis, which results in an asymmetrical gait. The asymmetrical gait includes abnormal lateral swing of the affected leg known as circumduction. The purpose of our investigation was to determine a safe walking speed based on the relationship between circumduction based on ankle swing from the sacrum and the velocity of the stroke survivor's gait in hopes that the knowledge could aid stroke survivors to lead safer lives in society. Data was collected from stroke survivors walking at slow and fast speeds in a gait lab. The gait lab is used at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago for running investigations using data collected on a platform equipp