THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014
DREXEL UNIVERSITY’S 16TH ANNUAL RESEARCH DAY
11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
DASKALAKIS ATHLETIC CENTER
www.drexel.edu/researchday
Sponsored by the Office of Research
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
2-3
4
5
111
126
173
188
216
265
314
339
Schedule
Judges
Categories
Bio & Biomedical
Business Research
Translational & Clinical
Computation & Bio Modeling
Computation & Modeling (Non-Bio)
Creative Arts & Design
Humanities & Social Sciences
Education & Outreach
Physical Science & Engineering
1
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM
11:00 AM
to 2:30 PM
12:00 PM &
12:30 PM
1:00 PM &
1:30 PM
Doors Open for Hanging Posters and Other Exhibits
Poster Presentations and Other Exhibits
Presenters are required to be at their location from:
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM or
12:00 - 1:30 PM or
1:00 - 2:30 PM
Live Performances
Be Like Water: A Study on How Water’s Form and Existence
has Implications for the Development of Humanity David Hunt
The Affect of Personal Background on What Images are Presented
and Perceived in Non-Narrative Movement Pieces Erica Henn
JUDGES
Mohammad Abedin
Muge Acik
Jennifer Adams
Stacey Ake
Michael Akins
Larry Alexander
David Ambrose
Yuan An
Murugan Anandarajan
Alexey Aprelev
Theo Artz
Patrick Auth
Benjamin Barnett
Radian Belu
Francisco Borrero
Shyamalendu Bose
Jean Brody
Sharon Brubaker
Amanda Cai
Roy Carriker
Robert Chapman
Richard Chiou
Ryan Clancy
Jack Cliggett
Ferne Cohen
David Cohen
Amy Confair
John Cooke
Joseph Costic
Aisha Coulson-Walters
Luis Cruz
Dave Culver
Michael Daniel
Tara Davis
Peter DeCarlo
Sara DeLeon
Neil Desnoyers
Megan Detloff
Jonathan Deutsch
Guy Diamond
Michelle Dolinski
Jaime Dougherty
Anda Dubinskis
Daniel Duran
David Ebaugh
Garth Ehrlich
Felice Elefant
Justin Emami
Jacqueline Emrich
Lawrence Epstein
Yalcin Ertekin
Bernard Eskin
Bethany Fallon
Lisa Farley
Theresa Fay-Hiller
Jane Fedorczyk
Ellen Feld
Frank Ferrone
Dan Filler
Troy Finamore
Len Finegold
Joe Foley
Aroutis Foster
Vladimir Genis
James Giammarco
Ellen Giarelli
Amy Giddings
Miriam Giguere
Cem Girit
Deborah Gordon
John Gould
Anthony Green
Peter Grillo
Juliana Guglielmi
Patrick Gurian
Cynthia Hall
Julie Hawkins
Gail Hearn
Reese Heitner
Gerard Hoefling
Katherine Houseman
2
JUDGES
Joe Hughes
Irina Husanu
Rebecca Ingalls
Tania Issac Hyman
Greg Jewell
Frank Ji
Thomas Johnson
April Johnson
Suresh Joshi
Karen Kabnick
Girija Kaimal
Donna Kaiser
Anand Kaji
Melissa Karakus
Goran Karapetrov
Santosh Katiyar
Jen Katz-Buonincontro
Dana Kemery
Michelle Kensey
Marlin Killen
Youngmoo Kim
Daniel King
Claire King
Julie Kinzel
Lydia Komarnicky
Ioannis Koutroulis
Tim Kurzweg
Christopher Laincz
Hwan Yong Lee
Vera Lee
Beth Leonberg
Hualou Liang
Merrill Liechty
Eve Litt
Longjian Liu
Robert Loudon
Michael Lowe
Ann Madden
Asher Madjar
Diane Magrane
S. Nini Malayaman
Walt Mankowski
Daniel Marenda
Kathi Martin
Gaurav Mathur
Mary Mawritz
Steve May
Kristent McColligan
Joseph McGowan
Bob McGrath
John Medendorp
Elmaran Meilbalan
Alexey Melishchuk
Janell Mensinger
Clare Milner
Andrea Modica
Julie Mostov
Yvonne Mueller
Mary Mulcahey
Nina Multak
Glen Muschio
Jennifer Nasser
Romy Nocera
Catherine Nowak
Ana Nunez
Margo Orlin
Zulfiya Orynbayeva
Flavia Padovani
Robert Palisano
Haemin Dennis Park
Mitali Patnaik
Rakhmiel Peltz
Karen Pelzer
Ron Perline
Liz Poppert
Rick Rest
Rachel Reynolds
Adam Rickert
Noreen Robertson
Michelle Rogers
Krista Rompolski
Heather Rose
Warren Rosen
Raja Roy
Jacob Russell
Susan Rutkowsky
Ahmet Sacan
Christopher Sales
Sheila Sandapen
Nianli Sang
Aleksandra Sarcevic
Amirali Sayadipour
Simone Schlichting-Artur
Eric Schmutz
Megan Schneider
Bette Seamonds
Mamta Shah
Samir Shah
Adrian Shieh
Rob Sieczkiewicz
Scott Sigman
Sheri Silfies
Alan Soble
Paulina Sockolow
Susan Solecki
Il-Yeol Song
Suruchi Sood
Kara Spiller
Prashant Srivastava
Jennifer Stanford
Jeffrey Stanley
Kathryn Steen
Judith Storniolo
Deeptha Sukumar
Rajneesh Suri
Cyrille Taillandier
Masaru Teramoto
Jervis Thompson
Eva Thury
Yelena Toben
Monica Togna
Kazuhito Toyooka
Alexey Turfa
Catherine Ulozas
Brigita Urbanc
Elisabeth Van Bockstaele
Alison Ventura
Beeta Verma
Stella Volpe
Maria Volynsky
Roberta Waite
Donna Walsh
Barry Waterhouse
Bernie Weinberg
Mark Willie
Dennis Guang Yang
Jian-Min Yuan
Vincent Zarro
John CF Zhang
Mengqiang Zhao
Emily Zimmerman
3
BIO & BIOMEDICAL
BUSINESS RESEARCH
TRANSLATIONAL & CLINICAL
COMPUTATION & BIO MODELING
COMPUTATION & MODELING (NON-BIO)
CREATIVE ARTS & DESIGN
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
PHYSICAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
BIO & BIOMEDICAL
BB-001
Lorenzo Albala
Co-Author(s): Utku Kursat Ercan, Suresh Joshi
Advisor(s): Margaret Wheatley
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
The ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) SE61 is composed of a sonicated mixture of non-ionic surfactants
entrapping perfluorocarbon gas. Formulated with Span60 and water-soluble vitamin E, the microbubbles
are a promising UCA, but they require a sterilization method that is unachievable by current solutions. The
SE61 manufacturing process was improved in order to achieve safe and effective sterilization by introducing
dielectric-barrier discharge non-thermal plasma. Plasma-treating phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) generates
ions and reactive oxygen species within the liquid that disrupt microorganismal metabolism. This is currently the
only method to obtain a sterilant solution while avoiding direct heat, pressure, chemicals, and radiation, or the
expense of aseptic manufacturing methods. 3 minutes plasma treatment of PBS was chosen after preliminary
testing, and it effectively sterilized both native and (gram-negative and gram-positive) bacteria-inoculated
samples (p = 0.0022).
The treated and untreated samples showed no statistical significance in acoustic response (p>0.05 for doseresponse and for half-life). Moreover, treated UCA retained appropriate bubble diameter (mean ± SEM: 2.52 ±
0.31μm) with no significant difference compared to untreated (p>0.05).
Nile red was used to model the intercalation of drug into the hydrophobic portion of the microbubble shell;
this hydrophobic fluorescent solvatochromic probe intercalated successfully into SE61, and was unaffected
by plasma treatment. The indirect plasma technique enters the healthcare and device industry as a novel
sterilizing option and one that is crucial for SE61 production. Refining the SE61 manufacturing process can lead
to enhanced diagnostic US and a potential drug-delivery vehicle, and it paves the way for future experiments
and the FDA pipeline.
6
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Indirect Plasma Sterilization of Ultrasound Contrast
Agent
BB
Nursing Home Residence is an Independent Risk
Factor for Systemic Infection Following Common
Surgical Procedures
BB-002
Mario Caldararo
Co-Author(s): Juan L. Poggio, MD, David E. Stein, MD
Advisor(s): Juan L. Poggio, MD
Medical Student
College of Medicine
Department of Surgery
A higher frequency of adverse outcomes following surgical procedures is seen among nursing home residents
when compared to non-nursing home residents. Nursing home status itself may be an independent risk factor
for morbidity and mortality. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
database can be used to address the question of whether or not nursing home residency is a risk factor
foradverse surgical outcomes such as mortality, sepsis, septic shock, pneumonia, stroke, and requirement for
blood transfusion. The top 5 most common non-emergent inpatient procedures performed on patients admitted
from nursing homes from 2005 to 2011 were queried and compared to the same procedures performed on
patients who were admitted from non-nursing home residences. The procedures analyzed were as follows, from
most common: amputation at the thigh, amputation at the lower leg, thromboendarterectomy, partial colectomy
with primary anastomosis, and open treatment of proximal femoral fracture. Using a univariate analysis, all
five procedures showed statistically significant (p<0.05) higher frequencies in mortality and systemic infective
processes (sepsis and/or septic shock) in the nursing home groups. When other pre-operative variables were
controlled for using logistic regression, systemic infective processes remained statistically significant. Data such
as these that demarcate specific outcome risks in the nursing home population can help surgeons and hospital
staff take appropriate precautions and aide in follow-up decisions to protect this unique patient population, as
well as inform realistic expectations of outcomes.
7
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Role of alcohol detoxification in preventing DNA
damage
BB-003
Grant Grothusen
Advisor(s): Eishi Noguchi
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biology
Acetaldehyde, the primary metabolite of alcohol, is responsible for hangovers and is a potential carcinogen due
to its ability to induce cross-links in DNA. These cross-links disrupt the DNA replication process, causing DNA
damage and genomic instability, which is a hallmark of cancer. Humans normally possess genes specialized for
the detoxification of this harmful chemical into harmless acetic acid. However, a large percentage of the East
Asian population has a variant of the acetaldehyde dehydrogenase gene ALDH2. These individual are unable
to efficiently catalyze this detoxification reaction, resulting in an alcohol flush reaction, which is associated with
reddening of the face due to capillary dilation brought on by the accumulation of acetaldehyde in the body, as
well as increased risks of esophageal and intestinal cancers.
To investigate the effect of aldehydes in DNA damage response, we have identified and characterized
three acetaldehyde dehydrogenases and three formaldehyde dehydrogenases in a model organism
Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Cells with mutations in any of these genes displayed hypersensitivity to
acetaldehyde or formaldehyde. When compared to wild-type cells, these mutants displayed a significant
increase in DNA damage in response to aldehydes. These data indicate the requirement of alcohol
dehydrogenase-related genes for preventing DNA damage.
8
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The effects of road substrate on the movement of
the Northern Pine Snake, Pituophis melanoleucus
BB-004
Jacquelyn Garcia
Co-Author(s): Dane Ward, Raffaela Marano
Advisor(s): Dr. Walter Bien
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Environmental Science
Landscape and ecosystem connectivity is threatened by the anthropogenic modifications, such as roads. Road
density contributes to habitat fragmentation, mortality, loss of genetic corridors, and decreased reproductive
success. Roads pose a threat to herpetofauna by making them vulnerable to vehicle-related injuries and death.
Of 536 reported occurrences for northern pine snakes (Pituophis melanoleucus) in the New Jersey Biotics
Database, 23% were found dead on roads (NJDEP, 2009). These disturbances can exacerbate the declining
population trend of this state-threatened species. We compared the mean rate of movement of northern pine
snakes across three types of road substrates: sand, asphalt, and concrete. From our previous studies on
adult snake movements, we determined that snakes exhibit different activity levels throughout the year. Thus,
we took seasonal directionality and ambient temperature into account when considering snake movement
per month. We tested twelve snakes (n=12) in spring, summer, and fall of 2012 at Warren Grove Gunnery
Range (WGR) in Burlington County New Jersey. Snakes had the fastest rate of movement across sand
(x̄=0.11m/s) compared to paved substrates: asphalt (0.09m/s) and concrete (0.06m/s). These data suggest that
coarser substrates facilitate increased mobility of snakes. Understanding the relationship between seasonal
directionality and temperature with regards to movement ability on varied substrates will enable managers to
better mitigate the deleterious effects of roads.
9
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The Effect of Neuropathic Pain induced by a C5
Spinal Cord Contusion on the Distribution of
Primary Afferent Fibers 3, 7, 14, and 35 Days Post
Injury
BB-005
Ali Naqvi
Co-Author(s): Vinu Ninan, Daniel Molina, Megan Detloff, John Houle
Advisor(s): John Houle, Megan Detloff
Medical Student
College of Medicine
Spinal Cord Injury affects 1.2 million Americans of which over 70% experience debilitating chronic neuropathic
pain. There is no effective treatment largely because the mechanisms underlying this pain are unknown.
There are four classes of primary afferent fibers distinguished by the location of termination in the dorsal
horn; AB fibers that terminate in laminae III and IV, Ad fibers that terminate in laminae I and V, peptidergic
c-fibers that terminate in lamina I and lamina II and non-peptidergic c-fibers which terminate in lamina III. It
has been established that aberrant sprouting of c-fibers after SCI is associated with pain. However, the effect
of peptidergic c-fiber sprouting on AB, Ad and non-peptidergic fibers is unknown. In this study, we investigated
how the distribution of the primary afferent fibers is altered by the development of neuropathic pain. A C5
unilateral contusion was induced in female, Sprague Dawley rats. Hargreaves’ and von Frey tests assessed the
development of neuropathic pain. Three days before sacrifice, cholera toxin-B was administered to the median
and ulnar nerves to trace and identify AB fibers. At 3, 7, 14, and 35 days post SCI, rats were sacrificed; cervical
spinal cord was dissected, and primary afferents were visualized via immunocytochemistry. We are currently
analyzing the changes in distribution that occurred at each timepoint. These data suggest that the change in
distribution of primary afferent fibers correlates with the onset of neuropathic pain. Further investigation into
receptor morphology of the fibers will help us better elucidate the cause of neuropathic pain.
10
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Daily Exercise Starting Five Days After Rodent
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Prevents the Development
of Neuropathic Pain
BB-006
Kirsten Vannix
Co-Author(s): Daniel Quiros Molina, Megan Detloff, John Houle
Advisor(s): Megan Detloff
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Neuropathic pain after SCI presents as allodynia, a painful response to innocuous stimuli, or hyperalgesia,
a heightened pain response to noxious stimuli. We have data that exercise therapy prevents neuropathic
pain development after SCI; however, the timing of exercise administration is critical to modulating pain
development. Exercise beginning early after SCI prevents pain development, while exercise starting once pain
is established has no effect. Here, we tested whether exercise during the first 5 weeks after SCI is sufficient to
prevent future development of pain, or whether an exercise program must be maintained indefinitely. SpragueDawley rats received a unilateral C5 spinal cord contusion. Starting at 5 days post injury, rats were exercised
on automated running wheels for 20 minutes/day 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Allodynia was assessed using
von Frey testing where forepaw withdrawal thresholds were determined using calibrated monofilaments, and
operant testing to assess cognition of nociceptive tactile stimuli. Rats were placed in an aversive chamber and
allowed to escape by crossing a runway of nociceptive probes to reach a nonaversive chamber. In this situation
allodynic rats exhibit altered crossing times. Hargreaves’ testing assessed hyperalgesia by measuring the
latency of paw withdrawal to a noxious thermal stimulus. We are processing behavioral data and conducting
statistical analyses to show whether early exercise intervention prevents the future development of pain during
a 5-week “washout” period where no exercise is provided. This will inform us about the need for long-term
treatment strategies after SCI.
11
BB-007
Ronald Paranal
Co-Author(s): Jake E. Delmore, Ghayas C. Issa, Christopher J. Ott, Nadja Kopp, Charles Y. Lin, Jakob Love’n,
Peter B. Rahl, Constantine S. Mitsiades, Richard A. Young, David M. Weinstock
Advisor(s): James E. Bradner
Medical Student
College of Medicine
c-MYC is the most frequently amplified oncogene and is associated with a poor prognosis in a wide variety
of cancers. We have established that oncogenic c-MYC acts as a global amplifier of transcription, yet
pharmacologic interventions to target the c-MYC oncoprotein are non-existent. Therefore, we attempted to
interfere with c-MYC transcription via chromatin-dependent signal transduction by specifically inhibiting the
acetyl-lysine recognition domains (bromodomains) of putative coactivator proteins implicated in transcriptional
initiation and elongation. Using our previously described small-molecule bromodomain inhibitor, JQ1, we
demonstrate that BET bromodomain inhibition has anti-proliferative effects in c-MYC-dependent cancers
resulting in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest and senescence. Additionally, we show that BET inhibition targets
specific oncogenic signaling pathways by interfering with transcriptional activation. In Multiple Myeloma (MM),
the c-MYC gene locus contains a BRD-4 bound superenhancer that is hypersensitive to JQ1. In B-cell acute
lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), JQ1 also decreases c-MYC expression and, surprisingly, IL7R expression
that results in suppressed JAK2/STAT5 activation. Finally, our data suggest BET inhibition has therapeutic
implications as evidenced by anti-myeloma activity in multiple models of late stage disease and anti-leukemic
effects in CRLF2-rearranged B-ALL. Thus, these data establish the therapeutic rationale for BET inhibition in
hematological malignancies characterized by c-MYC dependent transcriptional amplification, such as in late
stage MM, and IL7R dependent disorders, such as in CRLF2-rearranged-B-ALL and in some cases of T-lineage
ALL.
12
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BET Bromodomain Inhibition is a Potential Therapy
for c-MYC and IL7R Dependent Hematological
Malignancies
BB
Selecting age-related functional characteristics in
the human gut microbiome
BB-008
Yemin Lan
Co-Author(s): Andres Kriete
Advisor(s): Gail Rosen
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Human gut microbial functions are often associated with various diseases and host physiologies. Aging, a less
explored factor, is also suspected to affect or be affected by microbiome alterations. In this study, we apply two
feature selection methods, term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-iDF) and minimum-redundancy
maximum-relevancy (mRMR), to identify functional signatures that differentiate human gut metagenomes by
age.
Initial investigations demonstrate that ordination of the functional principal components shows great overlap
between different age groups. However, when feature selection is applied, mRMR tightens the ordination cluster
for each age group, and TF-iDF offers better linear separation. After relevant features are selected, we use a
support vector machine (SVM) to predict host age of unknown metagenomes. The resulting AUCs (areas under
receiver operating characteristic curve) are 10 to 15% better than chance to differentiate individuals above/
below mid-ages (about 38 to 43 years old) using protein families (Pfams) as the functional features. Similar
result is also observed when using other functional categories and age-balanced dataset. We also identified
some age-related Pfams that improved age discrimination at age 65 with another feature selection method
called LEfSe, on an age-balanced dataset.
The selected functional characteristics identify a broad range of age-relevant metabolisms, such as reduced
vitamin B12 synthesis, reduced activity of reductases, increased DNA damage, occurrences of stress
responses and immune system compromise, and up-regulated glycosyltransferases in the aging population. In
conclusion, we show that feature selection can yield biologically meaningful results when used in conjunction
with classification algorithms, and makes age classification of new human gut metagenomes feasible.
13
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The Hedgehog inhibitor, Cyclopamine, decreases
γ-secretase-mediated cleavage of APP in vitro and
in vivo by altering cellular trafficking
BB-009
Anna Vorobyeva
Co-Author(s): Sean Miller, Randall Lee, Preeti Kandelwal, Ginnenne DiStefano, Andrew Gangemi, Daniel
Marenda, Aleister J. Saunders
Advisor(s): Aleister Saunders
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease leading to memory loss. Particularly
important is the synaptic loss observed in the hippocampus, the center of learning and memory. Numerous
lines of evidence suggest that Aβ, a neurotoxic peptide, initiates a cascade that ultimately results in synaptic
dysfunction and eventually neuronal death. Aβ is generated from amyloid precursor protein (APP) by the
proteolytic process of γ-secretase and alterations to this process, APP or secretase subcellular localization
can result in AD. Using in vitro and in vivo models we have identified cyclopamine and its target smoothened
(Smo) protein as novel regulators of γ-secretase-mediated cleavage of APP. In comparison to a known
γ-secretase inhibitor, L-685,458; our in vitro data suggests cyclopamine sequesters APP by altering its
subcellular localization away from γ-secretase thereby, decreasing amyloidogenic cleavage of APP and Aβ
generation. Analogous affects of cyclopamine were observed on APP processing using an in vivo Drosophila
γ-secretase activity reporter model. Additionally, we observed parallel effects on APP metabolism when
cyclopamine’s target, Smo, was knocked down in vitro however, further data determined these effects were
not due to canonical Sonic Hedgehog signaling. Taken together, our data strongly suggests cyclopamine and
non-canonical Smo signaling are novel regulators of APP metabolism and may rescue the effects of neurotoxic
peptide Aβ observed in other AD models.
14
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Taphonomy of the Standing Rock Edmontosaurus
bonebed, Corson County, SD: implications for
biomolecular preservation
BB-010
Paul Ullmann
Co-Author(s): Ron Nellermoe, Allen Shaw, Kenneth J. Lacovara
Advisor(s): Dr. Kenneth Lacovara
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Paleontology
Recent reports in molecular paleontology have presented clear evidence of biomolecules preserved in
geologically ancient fossils. Yet, little is known as to how this remarkable preservation is possible. With the
goal of identifying geochemical, environmental, and taphonomic circumstances correlating to biomolecular
retention, we performed the first detailed molecular taphonomic examination of a case study site, the Standing
Rock Hadrosaur Site, in Corson County, South Dakota. Over 4,700 bones of the hadrosaurid dinosaur
Edmontosaurus have been collected, and recent investigations identify positive signals for the biomolecule
collagen I. Every skeletal element can be accounted for, suggesting the assemblage is autochthonous and
arguing against depositional sorting biases. Rarity of preburial weathering and abrasion support this inference.
However, bones are found disarticulated in a slightly normally-graded sandy mudstone, indicating moderate
postmortem decay and disruption of carcasses. Supporting evidence for moderate energy during bonebed
deposition is noted in a slight bidirectional pattern of bone orientations and infrequent preburial breakage. Yet,
fluid flow was low in energy as most bones lie nearly horizontal. Additional faunal components, including fish,
turtles, invertebrates, and trees are indicative of a fluvial-coastal setting. Cumulatively, these findings support
the conclusion that a herd of primarily subadult and adult Edmontosaurus died in a fluvial channel side-marsh
setting in a quick event and, following brief decay and scavenging by theropods, their bones were mixed into a
single deposit by a flooding event. It hence appears that rapid burial can permit biomolecular preservation even
in highly oxidizing and biologically active environments such as marshes.
15
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A new option for APP: identification of novel APP
fragments
BB-011
Haizhi Wang
Advisor(s): Aleister Saunders
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Neuroscience
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a progressive neuro-degenerative disease. One of its hallmarks is the deposition
of extracellular plaques, composed of amyloid of amyloid β (Aβ). Aβ is a small peptide generated from
proteolytic processing of its precursor, amyloid precursor protein (APP). The process of APP proteolysis and the
generation of Aβ have been studied extensively. Canonical APP proteolysis occurs via α-/ β- and γ-secretases.
By inhibiting protein degradation systems, including cathepsin, calpain and proteasome, we have identified
hitherto undocumented APP fragments. This indicates that besides being processed by α-/ β- and γ-secretases,
APP can be metabolized by other unidentified mechanism, and the resulting products are degraded via protein
degradation systems.
16
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Developing a human-safe sweetener as an
insecticide
BB-012
Sean O’Donnell
Co-Author(s): Daniel Marenda, Kaitlin Baudier
Faculty
College of Arts and Sciences
BEES
Erythritol is a non-nutritive sweet-tasting alcohol approved for human consumption and widely marketed
as a non-caloric sweetener. We used studies on an insect model system (Drosophila fruit flies) to test
the effectiveness of erythritol as an insecticide. In a series of lab experiments we showed ingestion of
food containing erythritol reduced fly longevity relative to sugar controls and to several other non-nutritive
sweeteners. Erythritol reduced fly longevity in a concentration-dependent manner, and flies readily consumed
erythritol when given open choice access to sugar-containing foods. We conclude erythritol has potential for
use as a novel vertebrate-safe insecticide, possibly to be deployed in baits targeted for specific insect pests.
Potential targets include urban social insect pests and fruit flies.
17
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The Weakest Link: Body size and species
differences in heat tolerance among Neotopical
army ants
BB-013
Kaitlin Baudier
Co-Author(s): Abigail Mudd, Shayna Erickson, Sean ODonnell
Advisor(s): Sean ODonnell
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biodiversity Earth & Environmental Science
As small-bodied, ecologically dominant ectotherms, ants are important models for understanding animal
responses to temperature variation and climate change. We took advantage of extreme body size variation and
species habitat differences among army ants (Ecitoninae) to explore how physiology and ecology affect thermal
tolerance. The relationship between body size and thermal tolerance has been shown by previous studies to
vary substantially among ant taxa, though this relationship was previously unknown for army ants. We predicted
larger-bodied army ant workers within each species would survive higher temperatures, as body size increased
with desiccation resistance and high-heat running speeds in other ants. We also predicted the thermal buffering
effects of soil would reduce selective pressure for ability to cope with high heat stress in below-ground dwelling
ants. We measured surface and 10 cm depth soil temperatures, as well as maximum thermal tolerance in five
army ant species that vary in body size and above- vs. below-ground activity. We found a “weak link” effect,
where the smallest workers within each species were the least heat tolerant. This effect of size on thermal
tolerance was less pronounced in above-ground species. Even 10 cm of soil provided a significantly less
extreme foraging environment for the below-ground army ants. As expected, below-ground species were less
thermally tolerant. Neotropical army ants are ecological keystone species and host to hundreds of dependent
associates. Thermal limitations of army ants may impact climate change effects on entire communities in the
tropics.
18
An Epigenetic Role for Tip60 in Memory Formation
BB
BB-014
Songjun Xu
Advisor(s): Felice Elefant
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Tip60 is an essential histone acetyltransferase (HAT) enzyme that plays important roles in multiple chromatinmediated biological processes. Previous research from our lab shows that Tip60 regulates genes enriched in
neuronal function and functionally mediates neuronal processes including synaptic plasticity, axonal outgrowth
and circadian rhythm, axonal vesicle transport and apoptosis-mediated neurodegeneration. The goal of my
project is to elucidate the epigenetic mechanism(s) underlying the role of Tip60 in learning and memory
processes. To facilitate this goal, I am utilizing several model systems that include unique transgenic Tip60
Drosophila melanogaster fly lines generated in our laboratory as well as Human cell lines and primary Rat
hippocampus cell culture.
19
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Chromatin modification changes of TIP60 gene
targets involved in memory and learning under
neurodegenerative conditions
BB-015
Priyalakshmi Panikker
Advisor(s): Felice Elefant
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Biology
Neurodegenerative diseases are often associated with defects in gene expression profiles linked to learning
and memory, resulting in cognitive impairment. Epigenetic machinery is essential for proper cognitive function.
Histone acetylation is one such epigenetic chromatin modification that promotes transcriptional regulation in
neurons that influences memory and learning. Histone acetyltransferases (HATs) are a set of specific enzymes
that acetylate the histone proteins. Tip60 is one such HAT shown by our laboratory to play a critical role in
regulating neuronal genes linked to cognition. However, the mechanism by which these neuronal genes
become misregulated under neurodegenerative condtions remains unclear. We hypothesize that abberant
changes to Tip60 mediated histone acetylation patterns in the brain cause defects in gene expression patterns,
resulting in loss of cognitive ability. To test this hypothesis, we will investigate potential alterations in the histone
acetylation marks specifically associated with learning and memory of various TIP60 gene targets under
neurodegenerative conditions. Our findings should provide new understanding into novel Tip60 HAT based
mechanisms that entail neuronal epigenetic modifications that control gene expression profiles associated with
higher order brain function and cognitive disorders.
20
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Dynamics of a parasitoid defending symbiont in
natural pea aphid populations
BB-016
Barrett Wagner
Co-Author(s): Andrew Smith, Amanda Lee, Jacob Russell
Advisor(s): Jacob Russell
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Pea aphids are sap feeding herbivores that are now widespread throughout temperate regions. Prior to the
introduction of a parasitoid wasp these insects were considered an agricultural pest in the United States.
Resistance to the wasp has been detected in some pea aphid populations, which could result in aphids
regaining an agricultural pest status. High resistance against the parasitoid wasp was reported in alfalfa
populations. Laboratory studies confirmed that the bacterial symbiont Hamiltonella defensa, in association
with a bacteriophage, protects pea aphids from the fatal effects of the wasp and is likely responsible for the
observed resistance. If this symbiont provides defense in the field we would predict its frequencies to correlate
with selection pressures from the wasp parasitoid. To test this hypothesis, pea aphids were periodically
collected in alfalfa fields in southeastern Pennsylvania, and either preserved for symbiont screening using
diagnostic PCR, or reared in the laboratory to determine levels of parasitoid mortality. Survivors of mortality
assays were also preserved and screened for defensive bacterial symbionts. H. defensa frequency did not
positively correlate with parasitoid mortality, unlike trends observed in 2011 alfalfa populations. Additionally,
frequencies of H. defensa remained high among mortality assay survivors during periods of low parasitoid
mortality. These findings suggest that H. defensa dynamics in the field may be influenced by multiple factors,
not solely parasitoid defense. Considering the seasonal fluctuations of biotic and abiotic conditions within the
environment, this study demonstrates the importance of studying symbiont mediated costs and benefits under
natural conditions.
21
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The association between pea aphid defensive
symbionts and fungal mortality under natural
conditions
BB-017
Andrew Smith
Co-Author(s): Amanda Lee, Garrett Mayo, Andrea Messina
Advisor(s): Jacob Russell
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Aphids are sap feeding herbivores that are ubiquitous in all temperate regions and are susceptible to the fungal
pathogen, Pandora neoaphidis, which is favored by cool and humid conditions. Mortality from P. neoaphidis
in pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) populations in the United States varies seasonally and is highest in early
autumn. Pea aphids can possess one or more of four different facultative bacterial endosymbionts that confer
some level of resistance to P. neoaphidis in laboratory studies. These symbionts are maternally transmitted
and therefore sources of heritable genetic variation that can be acted upon by natural selection. If defense is
effective under natural conditions, we would expect the proportion of aphids possessing these symbionts to be
more prevalent during periods of high fungal mortality, and in cooler, northern locations where abiotic conditions
may favor fungal infection. To test this hypothesis we collected aphids in Pennsylvania and New York, in three
alfalfa and three clover fields per location, across nine dates from spring through fall in 2011. We measured
temperature, fungal mortality and screened aphids for defensive symbionts using diagnostic PCR. Symbiont
frequencies differed between states and by crop for some symbionts and several of the symbionts or symbiont
superinfections (multiple symbionts per aphid) varied seasonally and in association with changes in fungal
mortality. Certain superinfections were more or less enriched in different populations which may be regulated by
aphid host or symbiont genetics and act to constrain or bolster symbiont mediated defense in nature.
22
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Non-invasive Real-time Study of GPCR Induced
Cellular Response Using Dissipation Monitoring of
the QCM-D
BB-018
Jennifer Chen
Co-Author(s): Marcela Gracia, Lynn Penn, Jun Xi
Advisor(s): Jun Xi
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) is a large family of protein receptors that sense molecules outside the cell
and activate inside signal transduction pathways to produce a cellular response. GPCRs are involved in many
diseases, and are also the target of approximately 40% of all modern medicinal drugs. Finding new ways to
monitor and dissect cell signaling pathways such as the GPCR pathway can provide useful information for drug
discovery and cell biology. The GPCR pathway can be broken down to three major sub-pathways Gq, Gi, and
Gs pathways, each producing a different cellular response. In this study we were able to use the quartz crystal
microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) to obtain three different signature responses for the Gq, Gs,
and Gi pathways using pathway specific ligands to stimulate each pathway. We have also been able to dissect
the GPCR pathway using pathway specific inhibitors. In addition, we also tested other cell lines to show how
response can vary in different types of cells. Through these studies, the QCM-D can provide a real time labelfree sensor technology that can be used to investigate the cellular changes due to specific signaling pathway
stimulation.
23
BB-019
R. Vivian Allahyari
Advisor(s): A. Denise Garcia
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Understanding the process of neural repair is critical to developing therapeutic treatments and improving
functional recovery following injury to the central nervous system (CNS). The basis by which astrocytes, a
type of glia in the brain, function is critical to understanding how the brain functions as a whole. Neurons are
dependent on astrocytes and their many functions; however, much about the molecular regulators of astrocytes
remains unknown. Their many functions include regulating blood flow, releasing gliotransmitter, and responding
to brain injury & disease. A subset of astrocytes in the brain responds to Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling
from neurons, and is activated to express Shh target genes. If this signaling is disrupted, reactive astrocytes
(astrogliosis) are observed, which suggests that the astrocytes are involved in maintaining normal CNS
function. Here, we are using a forebrain injury model and subsequently investigating the role of Shh signaling
in regulating astrogliosis. Preliminary data show that preventing Shh signaling specifically in astrocytes leads
to reduced proliferation of reactive astrocytes and smaller lesion volumes following an acute injury. These
data suggest that Shh plays an important role in regulating normal pathological processes following injury
to the brain. Ongoing studies aim to further examine how Shh affects reactive astrogliosis and subsequent
neuropathology at long term time points following injury, and to further examine the different populations of
astrocytes in response to forebrain injury.
24
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The effects of Sonic Hedgehog signaling disruption
in astrocytes following brain injury
BB
Osteocalcin Promotes β-Cell Proliferation During
Development and Adulthood Through Gprc6a
BB-020
Nina Suda
Co-Author(s): Jianwen Wei, Timothy Hanna, Gerard Karsenty
Advisor(s): Patricia Ducy
Medical Student
College of Medicine
Expanding β-cell mass through β-cell proliferation is considered a potential therapeutic approach to treat β-cell
failure in diabetic patients. A necessary step toward achieving this goal is to identify signaling pathways that
regulate β-cell proliferation in vivo. Here we show that osteocalcin, a bone-derived hormone, regulates β-cell
replication in a cyclin D1-dependent manner by signaling through the Gprc6a receptor expressed in these cells.
Accordingly, mice lacking Gprc6a in the β-cell lineage only are glucose intolerant due to an impaired ability to
produce insulin. Remarkably, this regulation occurs during both the perinatal peak of β-cell proliferation and in
adulthood. Hence, the loss of osteocalcin/Gprc6a signaling has a profound effect on β-cell mass accrual during
late pancreas morphogenesis. This study extends the endocrine role of osteocalcin to the developmental period
and establishes osteocalcin/Gprc6a signaling as a major regulator of β-cell endowment that can become a
potential target for β-cell proliferative therapies.
25
BB-021
Aigul Zhunussova
Co-Author(s): Sultan Tuleuhanov, Ahmad Rai, Boris Polyak, Ari Brooks, Gary Friedman
Advisor(s): Zulfiya Orynbayeva
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Surgery
Metastatic cancers currently remain incurable diseases. There is an urgent need for novel medical approaches
for treatment of metastatic tumors, which develop resistance to chemo- and radiation therapy. Non-thermal
plasma discharges have been studied for a variety of biomedical applications, including their ability to
induce apoptosis as a method of cancer eradication. The cellular intrinsic apoptotic pathway is mediated by
mitochondria, therefore the mitochondria energetics is a plausible target for cancer therapy. This work aimed to
explore the intracellular effects of non-thermal plasma in metastatic prostate cancer cells.
The prostate cancer cells are characterized by very actively functioning mitochondria promoting these cells’
ability to avoid apoptosis. We showed that non-thermal plasma targets DU145 cells’ mitochondria directly
causing alterations in the membrane potential, coupling the respiration and oxidative phosphorylation.
Mitochondria vulnerability to reactive oxygen species generated by non-thermal plasma could be the
mechanism of mitochondria injury. The moderate reduction of mitochondria membrane potential induced by
plasma results in increased generation of superoxide radicals via modulation of both respiratory complexes I
and III and by that enriching the pool of cell oxidative species. Additionally, although the cytosolic calcium level
of prostate cancer cells does not change, the cell calcium signaling systems seem to be sensitized by plasma
exposure. Stimulation of plasma treated cells with exogenous ATP resulted in sustained cytosolic calcium
elevation compared to the oscillatory calcium waves observed in control cells. Prolonged cytosolic calcium
elevation results in mitochondria and other intracellular injuries.Our data indicate that mitochondria-mediated
alterations are one of the mechanisms by which non-thermal plasma induces apoptosis in aggressive prostate
cancer cells.
26
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Non-thermal Plasma Modulates Metastatic Prostate
Cancer Homeostasis by Targeting Mitochondria
Metabolism
BB-022
Edward Green
Advisor(s): Rosemary Trout, Rohan Tikekar
Undergraduate Student
Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies
Culinary Science
As agriculture becomes increasingly dependent on grain sources to provide the bulk of dietary intake through
processed food commodities, intake of minimally processed fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants
has decreased. All organisms experience cellular degradation when free-radicals produced by environmental
stresses interact with cell molecules. In many instances, these free-radicals are easily transported across cell
membranes into the cytoplasm of cells, where they can set off a chain reaction of free-radical propagation.
Once these free-radicals interact with portions of DNA, mutagenic damage can occur and trigger a carcinogenic
response or cell necrosis. This study will analyze the effects of drying and boiling of several exogenous
antioxidants infused into extruded pasta, and study their degradation over drying and cooking. The study will
use ORAC assay and Reverse-Phase HPLC to analyze the types and quantities of antioxidants found in the
various market extracts and powders of foods containing high levels of antioxidants, and use pure forms of
select antioxidants to study their degradation throughout each phase of preparation for extruded pasta. The
objective is to determine the viability of pasta as another delivery system for antioxidants into the body to
restore balanced antioxidant levels and decrease the damage done to cells via free-radical oxidation.
27
BB
Assessing Degradation of Antioxidants in Extruded
Pasta
BB
Novel Biomimetic Aggrecan for Treatment of
Urinary Incontinence
BB-023
Alicia Kriete
Co-Author(s): Marcus Henderson, Safi Siddiqui, Katsiaryna Prudnikova, Michele Marcolongo, Owen
Montgomery, Natasha Ginzburg, Darlene Morrissey, Peter O’Hare
Advisor(s): Michele Marcolongo
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Engineering
Stress urinary incontinence plaques 56% of postmenopausal women and is associated with decreased
hydration and increased stiffness of the urethral tissue. One of the current treatments involves injecting
synthetic bulking agents into the urethra to better fill the lumen. This treatment, however, typically only lasts six
months, due to migration of bulking agents out of the urethra. Here we propose to use our recently developed
biomimetic proteoglycan, aggrecan, as a novel treatment for urinary incontinence. Biomimetic aggrecan mimics
the structure and osmotic properties of natural molecules, is cytocompatible and can interact with collagen
fibrils. The injection of biomimetic aggrecan into porcine urethra tissue samples results in stiffness reduction
and increased volume of the urethra tissue; synthetic aggrecan molecules also integrated well within the tissue,
as indicated by fluorescence imaging results.
28
BB
Interstitial fluid flow increases hepatocellular
carcinoma cell invasion through CXCR4/CXCL12
chemokine signaling
BB-024
Arpit Shah
Co-Author(s): Adrian Shieh
Advisor(s): Adrian Shieh
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering
Worldwide hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cancer-related cause of death. Within the United
States, HCC maintains a rising incidence rate of 3% each year since 1992 with a 5 year survival rate of less
than 15%. The American Cancer Society has estimated 33,190 new cases off HCC and 23,000 HCC related
deaths in the year 2014 within the United States. Thus, developing a better understanding of the mechanisms
that drive HCC invasion has the potential of significantly transforming the current detection and treatment
methods for HCC.
Biomechanical forces play a major role within the cellular environment especially on cancer cells which are
hard to predict and control. These forces can affect tissue morphology, cellular invasion/migration, and even
play a role in metastasis formation. Examining biomechanical forces like interstitial fluid flow (IFF) will allow for
greater understanding of migration/invasion of cancer cells within the liver. Our hypothesis is that HCC cells
utilize autologous chemotaxis to invade via secretion of the chemokine CXCL12 and expression of its receptor
CXCR4. Autologous chemotaxis occurs when a biologically significant chemokine gradient is established by
IFF. This autologously-generated chemotactic gradient drives cell invasion downstream. Using a 3-D in vitro
invasion assay, our results demonstrate, for the first time, that interstitial fluid flow stimulates HCC cell invasion.
Our study also showed that blocking the chemokine receptor CXCR4 using the inhibitor AMD3100 blocks
flow-induced invasion of Huh7 and Hep3B cells. CXCL12 presence was detected via ELISA and the Huh7
chemotaxis assay showed directional migration. These results support the claim that CXCR4 and CXCL12 play
a role in liver cancer cell invasion and may allow us to better understand the mechanism of interstitial flowinduced HCC invasion.
29
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Targeting Malignancies with Apoptosis-Inducing
Ultrasound Contrast Agents
BB-025
Lauren Jablonowski
Co-Author(s): Averie Palovcak
Advisor(s): Margaret Wheatley
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
The aim of this work is to develop an injectable polymer-based platform to enable direct, non-invasive
delivery of bioactive molecules to solid malignant tumors in an effort to overcome the challenges associated
with conventional chemotherapy. The platform consists of micron-sized, biodegradable, targeted ultrasound
contrast agents (UCA) designed to shatter into nano-sized fragments (n-Sh) and extravasate when insonated
with clinical ultrasound. Additionally, the UCA are functionalized with tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis
inducing ligand (TRAIL) for targeted therapy. TRAIL is a protein that not only specifically binds to cell death
receptors on cancerous cells for targeting, but this binding also promotes apoptosis in the targeted cell.
UCA were formed by a double emulsion method, and TRAIL was chemically ligated to their surface. Non-linker
controls were made in an identical fashion with omission of the chemical cross-linkers. Scanning electron
microscopy suggests that TRAIL ligation does not significantly affect UCA morphology, producing smooth
and hollow spheres of average diameter 1-2μm. Acoustic evaluation shows reduced echogenicity after TRAIL
ligation, compared to controls; however, the ligated agents are still capable of ultrasound-triggered n-Sh
generation. The ability of TRAIL-ligated n-Sh to induce apoptosis in vitro was assessed against TRAIL-sensitive
MDA-MB-321 breast cancer cells and TRAIL-insensitive 3T3 fibroblasts. A live/dead assay clearly indicated that
for the MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells both TRAIL-ligated n-Sh and intact TRAIL microbubbles induced a
higher degree of apoptosis than observed with the positive control free TRAIL (p
Nano-sized fragments generated by insonating TRAIL-conjugated UCA showed the greatest extent of
apoptosis/cell death among test groups, providing appropriate proof-of-concept for further studies.
30
BB
Determining the Functional Role of PRPF4 and
PPIH in Regulating Splicing
BB-026
RaElle Jackson
Co-Author(s): Issac Zentner, Lina Maciunas, Cocklin, Simon, Eisenmesser, Elan Z, Davis, Tara L
Technician
College of Medicine
Biochemistry
In order for RNA splicing to occur, six small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complexes and hundreds of accessory
proteins interact to form the spliceosome. The spliceosomal machinery forms megaDalton complexes on premRNA in order to cleave out introns and ligate exonic mRNA to be used for translation. Although it is known
that hundreds of proteins interact with spliceosomal machinery, little is known about the function of these
proteins in regulating pre-mRNA splicing. We are particularly interested in characterizing the functional role of
the accessory proteins of the cyclophilin family since they are the second largest family of proteins associated
with the spliceosome, have been clinically validated as drug targets, and have enzymatic and structural data
available. In particular, we are focused on PPIH and the N-terminal 169 amino acids of the splicing factor
PRPF4.
Gel filtration revealed that PPIH and the N-terminus of PRPF4 interact with one another; surprisingly SPR
shows that these two proteins have a nanomolar affinity for each other, compared to the micromolar affinity
published in earlier literature using a small peptide (amino acids 106-136) from PRPF4. Crystallization of the
N-terminal construct of PRPF4 in complex with PPIH has not been successful. As a result, we turned to NMR to
attempt to characterize the PRPF4 and PPIH interaction; early results indicate that PRPF4 may be unstructured
alone and gains structure in the presence of PPIH. Lastly, we have been working to determine how these
proteins affect the ability of the spliceosome to assemble and splice pre-mRNA using an in vitro system.
Currently, PRPF4 appears to have a negative effect on splicing and we are testing whether the addition of PPIH
could rescue this effect. Determining the role of the individual components of the spliceosomal machinery in
splicing can help us determine what to target when things go wrong and cause disease.
31
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Cyclophilins: Regulation of Alternative Splicing by
Accessory Proteins of the Spliceosome
BB-027
Beth Adams
Co-Author(s): Davis, Tara L.
Technician
Other (Administration/Staff)
Biochemistry
Over 95% of the human genome is alternatively spliced by the spliceosome, a macromolecular machine
responsible for the removal of introns and ligation of exons from pre-mRNA. This machine is highly dynamic
and forms a variety of protein-protein and protein-RNA interactions during the splice cycle. A large percentage
of spliceosomal proteins could potentially perform regulatory roles in splicing; we know that mutations in some
of these proteins alter splice site choice, resulting in disease phenotypes. Therefore, there is great interest in
controlling splice choice by drugging the spliceosome. However, this effort is hampered by the fact that the
role of individual spliceosomal proteins, and how they function to determine splice site choice in healthy cells,
remains cryptic.
The cyclophilins are the second most abundantly represented family of proteins in the spliceosome, and are
present at all stages of the splice cycle. The cyclophilins are druggable proteins, but currently there are no
isoform-selective inhibitors of these enzymes. To study the regulation of splice site choice and facilitate rational
drug design, we are determining the function and regulatory targets of cyclophilins in early, mid, and late stage
splicing.
To this end, we created knockdown lines of PPIH and PPIL2 using shRNA. These proteins are associated
with early and mid-stage spliceosomal complexes, respectively. We intend on performing microarray analysis
using these cells to gain insight into what genes are regulated by the cyclophilins at specific points in the
splicing cycle. We assessed the efficiency of the shRNA by qRT-PCR and Western blot, but we found only
partial knockdown of each gene. Because the regulated splice events could be a small fraction of the overall
transcriptome, we need cell lines with highly efficient knockdown at the mRNA level. We are currently optimizing
infection and selection, hoping to attain complete knockdown in order to facilitate target identification.
32
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Nesting ecology of East Pacific green turtles at
Playa Cabuyal, Costa Rica
BB-028
Spencer Roberts
Co-Author(s): Ricardo Hernández, James R. Spotila, Frank V. Paladino, Pilar Santidrián Tomillo
Advisor(s): James R. Spotila
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science
East Pacific green turtles (Chelonia mydas) differ in size and reproductive output than other populations of
green turtles, but knowledge of this population’s nesting ecology remains limited. We conducted an exhaustive
analysis of the green turtle nesting ecology at Playa Cabuyal, North Pacific Costa Rica. Compared to other
populations, East Pacific turtles exhibited smaller clutch sizes (mean ± SD: 76.9 ± 18.2 eggs per clutch),
but the number of clutches (Estimated Clutch Frequency (ECF): 4.3 ± 2.3 clutches) fell within the upper limit
reported for the species. Clutch size and seasonal reproductive output (409 ± 135 eggs per female), but
not ECF, increased with female size. Most clutches were laid in the upper vegetated part of beach (zone 3,
75%), tended to be located underneath trees (79%) and exhibited higher hatching success (0.89 ± 0.17) than
those in this zone’s exposed areas (0.75 ± 0.33). The nesting process mean duration (3:14 h) was on average
45 min longer than previously reported. False crawl frequency was high (49% of nesting activities) and nesting
success was low (54% of nesting attempts). Poaching of eggs, tourism and predation by dogs were constant
threats to this population. Conservation actions were being successfully implemented with local patrols, but
official protection is needed for the future preservation of the nesting population.
33
BB
A Matter of Balance: Basic helix loop helix protein
Daughterless negatively regulates neurexinmediated assembly of pre-synaptic arborization in
post-mitotic neurons
BB-029
Mitchell D’Rozario
Co-Author(s): Cem Sahin, Faith Liebl
Advisor(s): Daniel Marenda
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Neurogenesis, the production of neuronal and glial lineages from undifferentiated precursor cells is a critical
step for embryonic neurodevelopment. Proneural proteins of class I/II Basic helix-loop-helix (BHLH) proteins are
a large family of evolutionarily conserved transcription factors that have well-established roles in neurogenesis
and neural differentiation. However, their role in post-mitotic neurons remains less clear. Here, we report that
the bHLH transcription factor Daughterless is expressed in post-mitotic, differentiated motor neurons where it
is required to restrict synaptic growth and axon arborization at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction (NMJ).
We have taken a bioinformatics approach to identify candidate genes whose transcription is regulated by Da in
differentiated motor neurons and have identified and validated a small number of specific candidates.
34
Role of ABCC10 in Docetaxel Resistance in NSCLC
BB
BB-030
Dicle Ozel
Co-Author(s): Janet Wangari-Talbot
Advisor(s): Janet Wangari-Talbot
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
ABCC10 is a multidrug resistance protein of the ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter family. It has been
documented that it shows resistance to anti-cancer agents in vitro including taxances, vinka alkaloids, and
nucleoside analogues. It has been observed that, in vivo, loss of ABCC10 in a mouse model increases tissue
sensitivity to the drug paclitaxel. Contributions of ABCC10 to multidrug resistance and tumorigenic signaling
in non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) were investigated in this study. shRNA knock down of ABCC10 in
A549 and H1299 NSCLC cells demonstrated that ABCC10 resists the anti-cancer agents: docetaxel, paclitaxel,
gemcitabine and vinorelbine. Also, the increased PARP demonstrated the heightened apoptosis caused by the
loss of ABCC10. In order to demonstrate that increased sensitivity and apoptosis were results of the inhibition
ABCC10 transport, MTT assays were set up. The results showed decreased viability. In vivo, we found that
xenograft tumors of ABCC10-shRNA cells showed more potent suppression of tumor growth by docetaxel
than controls. Additionally, we investigated possible effects caused by the loss of ABCC10 on the expression
and activation of mitogenic and apoptotic signaling cascades. We performed Reverse Phase Protein Array
Analysis to identify changes in protein expression and phosphorylation. Decreased activation of EGFR, AKT
and SRC was correlated with the loss of ABCC10. We confirmed the RPPA analysis by showing the decreased
phosphorylation of EGFR, SRC and AKT by western blots. PI3K-AKT signaling was identified as the major
signaling pathway inhibited due to the loss of ABCC10. This report identifies ABCC10 as a mediator of multidrug
resistance protein and oncogenic signaling in lung cancer. These new findings of ABCC10’s connection to
activation of signaling cascades that are necessary for tumor growth may lead to new discoveries in lung
cancer development.
35
BB
A Novel Approach Using Microcantilever to
Detect Cellulase Activities Including Enzymatic
Decrystallization and Hydrolytic Cleavage on
Cellulose
BB-031
Wenjian Du
Co-Author(s): Jun Xi
Advisor(s): Jun Xi
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
Cellulase is an interfacial enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolytic degradation of cellulose at the interface
between a liquid phase (enzyme) and a solid phase (cellulose substrate). Prior to the hydrolytic cleavage,
cellulase utilizes an activity known as enzymatic decrystallization to break up the solid aggregate of cellulose
molecules. The activity of enzymatic decrystallization has not been characterized and its mechanism has not
been elucidated because very few existing experimental approaches are able to examine interfacial enzymatic
activity on solid substrates. Here, we report the development of a novel strategy using microcantilever for
the real-time detection of cellulase activities including enzymatic decrystallization and hydrolytic cleavage on
cellulose. We also find that by monitoring surface morphology (surface roughness) of substrate, we can get
similar results which in turn support the findings of microcantileve assay. These methods can be used to study
mechanistic enzymology and heterogeneous enzymatic catalysis that involves a solid substrate. They will
help us gain a comprehensive understanding of cellulase actions on cellulose, which would be essential to the
success of the development of new cellulases with enhanced efficiency for biofuels production.
36
BB
Auto-tuning Daylight with LEDs: Sustainable
Lighting for Health and Well-being
BB-032
Greg Yeutter
Co-Author(s): Chloe Dye, Mark Cardish
Advisor(s): Eugenia Ellis, Donald McEachron, Mark Hempstead
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Two chemicals, serotonin and melatonin, regulate the human sleep and wake cycle, or circadian rhythm.
Serotonin, released in the presence of daylight, is responsible for waking the body up and regulating appetite,
sleep, and memory. Melatonin, released in the absence of bright light, is responsible for calming the body and
preparing it for rest. A normal circadian rhythm is associated with overall good health, while rhythm disruption
can negatively impact physiology and behavior. Improper rhythm regulation has been associated with a lack of
energy, depression, and the symptoms of a variety of disorders.
Exposure to specific intensities and wavelengths of light at various times of day has been linked with
improvements in circadian rhythm regulation. Indoor artificial lighting has historically been optimized for energy
efficiency, with little consideration for its effects on health. Low-cost, highly-customizable light-emitting diode
(LED) technology allows for the introduction of natural lighting patterns in the indoor environment.
The goal of this project is to study the effects of daylight-mimicking LED technology on the circadian rhythm
and associated symptoms. Several light fixtures are under development, as well as a control system that
implements the daylight-simulating algorithms. The combination of these devices enables the emittance of
bright, direct light during the day and dim, indirect light at night across a wide spectrum of color temperatures.
Based on existing data about the body’s reactions to light hue and intensity, a rough schedule of the mimicry
pattern is as follows: low, orange tinted light in the morning; bright, white light in the mid-day; dim, reddish light
at night.
The lighting systems will be tested in the dementia ward of a skilled nursing facility, a correctional facility,
a prototype living community, and the homes of individuals with seasonal affective disorder. Data is being
collected to further study and refine this method.
37
BB-033
Adam Canver
Advisor(s): Alisa Morss Clyne
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Disordered angiogenesis is a hallmark of many chronic pathologic states in which tissue stiffness increases,
including diabetes and cancer. Substrate stiffness enhances single cell migration and cell-matrix traction
forces; however the effect of substrate stiffness on collective cell migration remains unknown. We hypothesize
that stiff substrates increase migration distance and coordination via cell-cell and cell-matrix communication.
Polyacrylamide gels of varying stiffness (4-55kPa) were coated with type I collagen. Collective migration was
assessed using a modified cage assay in which endothelial cells were seeded on gels in a cloning ring and then
allowed to migrate outwards. At time points from 3-48 hours, samples were fixed, labeled for F-actin, β-catenin,
fibronectin, and nuclei, and imaged by confocal microscopy. Semi-automated image analysis (Matlab) was used
to quantify cell migration distance, nuclear orientation (cell orientation), β-catenin nuclear:non-nuclear ratio
(cell-cell junction integrity), and fibronectin fiber alignment. Endothelial cell migration distance was 81% higher
on 55kPa than 4kPa substrates. Nuclei were 45% more oriented on 14kPa than 4kPa substrates 300μm behind
the migratory front at 12 hours, but differences disappeared by 36 hours. The β-catenin nuclear:non-nuclear
ratio was 50% greater on 14kPa than 4kPa substrates at this peak dynamic zone 300μm from the migratory
front. Fibronectin and F-actin fibers were more oriented to the migration direction on 55kPa compared to 14kPa
substrates at 24 hours. These data suggest that stiffer substrates may provide collective migration cues via
extracellular matrix. In future experiments, we will add growth factor gradients to this system.
38
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Endothelial cell collective migration is enhanced on
stiff substrates
BB
Evolution of brain investment in social wasps
(genus Polybia): the importance of brain size and
caste differences
BB-034
Paulina Khodak and Skye Miller
Co-Author(s): Dr. Susan Bulova, Dr. Sara DeLeon, Dr. Sean O’Donnell
Advisor(s): Sean O’Donnell
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
We studied the evolution of brain architecture by comparing species and caste (queen versus worker)
differences in brain region size in the paperwasp genus Polybia (Hymenoptera: Vespidae). Polybia is the largest
genus of Neotropical swarm-founding paperwasps and Polybia subgenera have a well-supported phylogeny.
Polybia species vary widely in body size, nest construction materials, and nesting associations. We asked
whether species brain differences were associated with these social and ecological variables. We chose nine
species from across the subgeneric phylogeny as subjects. We obtained both castes from six species. We
used histology and light microscopy to estimate brain region volumes. We will present data on how brain region
investment changes with brain size, and on how queen and worker brains differ in structure. We will compare
our findings on Polybia with prior comparative studies of brain evolution in paperwasps.
39
BB-035
Vladimir Limonnik
Co-Author(s): Kelly Donovan, Oleg Alekseev
Advisor(s): Jane Clifford
Technician
College of Medicine
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Herpes simplex keratitis is the leading cause of cornea-derived and infection-associated blindness in the
developed world. In the United States, the prevalence of herpes keratitis is estimated at 500,000, with the
yearly incidence of 20,000 new cases. Clinical management of HSV infections largely relies on the use of
nucleoside analog antiviral drugs. Currently, in the United States, HSV-1 keratitis is typically treated with topical
ganciclovir or trifluridine, as well as oral acyclovir. All of the current antiviral drugs exhibit varying degrees of
corneal toxicity, which can become severe in prolonged treatments. This complicates the clinical management
of difficult and refractory cases. In addition, emergence of drug-resistant HSV-1 strains is a concerning clinical
issue, especially in the immunocompromised populations. These issues underscore the need for development
of novel antiviral therapies.
Non-Equilibrium Plasma (NEP) is a highly ionized state of gas that can be applied to organic substances to
produce various reactive oxygen species. By applying high voltage, for nano-second time intervals, between
two insulated electrodes, it is possible to generate electrically safe, non-thermal plasma. Utilizing this approach,
it is possible to treat living tissue without the risk of thermal damage, thereby producing selective biologically
relevant effects. Our investigations have shown that NEP substantially suppresses HSV-1 infection in corneal
epithelial cells and in explanted human corneas without causing pronounced toxicity. Future efforts will focus on
investigating molecular mechanisms of the interaction of NEP with HSV-1 infection.
40
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Non-Equilibrium Plasma (NEP) Suppresses Herpes
Simplex Type 1 (HSV-1) Infection in In-Vitro and ExVivo Models of Herpes Keratitis
BB
A Guanine Quadruplex Negatively Regulates
Amyloid Precursor Protein Expression
BB-036
Ezekiel Crenshaw
Co-Author(s): Brian Leung, Neeraj Sebastian, Sara Ansaloni, Kalee Olson, Reinhard Schweitzer-Stenner, Phillip
Bevilacqua, Aleister Saunders
Advisor(s): Aleister Saunders
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology/PhD
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an age-related, progressive, neurodegenerative disease, which is the most
common form of dementia in the developed world. AD is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States
and the prevalence of this disease is increasing. Neuropathologically, AD is defined by the accumulation of
the β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide and hyperphosphorylated forms of tau. The accumulation of these species lead to
synaptic dysfunction, neuronal loss that eventually results in cognitive decline. Most AD cases occur after the
age of 65 years (late-onset), however there are a small number of cases that occur before the age of 60 years
(early-onset). AD can be caused by genetic changes that result in increased Aβ production. Aβ is produced
by the proteolytic cleavage of APP by the β- and γ-secretases. Genetic alteration can lead to increased Aβ
production and accumulation as seen in Individuals with Down’s syndrome (Trisomy 21) who have an additional
copy of APP and invariably develop AD.
This information strongly suggest that dysregulation of APP expression could play a role in the pathogenesis
of AD. Therefore it is imperative to identify mechanisms underlying the regulation of APP expression. Our lab
has recently identified the presence of a Guanine quadruplex (G-quadruplex) located in the 3’untranslated
region (UTR) of APP. A G-quadruplex is a sequence of guanine repeats that fold into secondary structures and
regulate gene expression. G-quadruplexes are conserved sequences that can be found in DNA, in the 5’ or
3’ UTR, and coding sequences of mRNAs. G-quadruplexes are emerging as important biological regulatory
sequences. Using Circular Dichroism, Luciferase Assay, and reporter constructs, our data indicates that the
G-quadruplex sequence negatively regulates APP expression in a post-transcriptional manner.
41
BB-037
Daniel Pascual
Co-Author(s): Gokul Swaminathan, Germaine Rival, Julio Martin-Garcia
Advisor(s): Sonia Navas-Martin
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
M.S. Forensic Science
Individuals coinfected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) exhibit elevated
levels of immune deregulation, deficiency, and activation. Due to different cellular targets, the mechanism by
which these viruses interact remains poorly understood. HCV replication produces additional viral proteins that
are secreted into the circulatory system. For example, HCV Core capsid protein (Core) is found in the serum
of HCV-infected individuals and activates the immune system. In the context of coinfected individuals, Core’s
presence in the circulatory system provides an opportunity for this HCV protein to interact with HIV cellular
targets. The impact of Core on HIV infectivity in macrophages, however, has not been previously addressed.
We aim to understand the impact of HCV core protein, a secreted viral protein present in serum from infected
patients, on HIV-1 infectivity. We found that stimulation of THP1-derived macrophages and primary human
monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) with Core following HIV infection significantly enhanced HIV
replication (p=0.04). Using neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) and pharmacological inhibitors, we demonstrated that
Core mediates enhancement of HIV replication in macrophages through a TLR2-, JNK-, and MEK1/2-mediated
pathway that results in upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNFα and IL-6. Conditioned media from
Core-treated macrophages significantly activated U1 cells, a pro-monocytic cell line latently infected with HIV.
Activation was reflected in increased production of the HIV capsid protein p24. Furthermore, this effect was
significantly reduced in the presence of TNFα and IL-6 nAbs. These studies identify a novel role for Core in
enhancing HIV replication in macrophages and reactivating latent reservoirs of HIV-infected cells.
42
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Hepatitis C Virus Core Protein Enhances HIV-1
Replication in Human Macrophages Through TLR2Dependent Upregulation of TNFα and IL6
BB
Integrated Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip System for
Medical Diagnostics
BB-038
Sharon van Bezooyen
Co-Author(s): Christopher Spurdle, Nicholas Lorenzo, John Hanes
Advisor(s): Dr. Michael Mauk, Dr. Chanchung Liu
Undergraduate Student
Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies
Engineering Technology
Microfluidic Lab-on-a-Chip (LOC) technology provides a basis for inexpensive rapid point-of-care (POC)
medical diagnostic test that are needed in resource limited areas in the world. The particular application we
are working with uses microfluidic technology to nest nucleic acids (DNA or RNA) of blood samples for virus;
we are developing a HIV viral load test to monitor the effectiveness of the antiviral drug therapy. LOC system
comprises of disposable (single use) credit card size microfluidic cartridge (“chip”) where where blood samples
are analyzed, and a portable instrument that provides the chip with the temperature regulated heating, fluid
actuation, and fluorescence detection capability allowing the system to be a low cost, quick HIV viral load
testing without expensive equipment in alternative to the current costly and time consuming test that must be
performed in laboratories. The focus of this work is on a plasma-filtration component that extracts plasma (the
cell-free portion of blood which contains viruses, pathogens, and other biomarkers of disease) from whole
blood, and on novel methods of fluid actuation and heating using an external light source such as a laser
diode. We have rapid prototyped acrylic polymer chips to test new concepts and designs for fluid pumping,
flow control, and heating, and which are compatible with currently-available microfluidic chips that process and
analyze plasma specimens.
43
BB
PGD Can Be Used to Reduced the Rate of Cancer
Diseases and Sickle Cell Anemia in the Society
BB-039
Noor Al Habib
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences - Pre PT
People can be affected by cancer due to heredity reasons. The awareness of this issue should be increased
among people who have cancer patients in their family tree to protect future children from having this disease.
Each family member who has any relative affected with cancer should be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 to
know if he/she carries the cancer genes or not. Gene carriers may or may not develop the genes of cancer
later in life. In fact, gene carriers may spread the genes to their future kids. They have to know earlier if they
are carriers or not to think about their children’s future. Going through Preimplamentation genetic diagnosis
associated with in vitro fertilization allow the physicians to remove cancer genes from the fertilized egg and
sperm before inserting them in the mother’s uterus. After doing this procedure, parents will make sure that their
embryo is healthy and free from cancer genes.
Sickle cell anemia is a heredity disease as well. Parents with the same recessive genes have a chance of 25%
to spread the disease to their children in each pregnancy. Parents can go through PGD with IVF to protect their
kids from having such diseases. PGD can be used for the planned pregnancy. While for unplanned pregnancy,
parents can go through prenatal diagnosis. PND is a procedure that is done after the pregnancy by testing the
Aminose fluid and determining if the fetus has the sickle cell anemia or not. Parents will have the option to keep
the fetus or to abort it based on the tests results.
With PGD and PND the rate of spreading Sickle cell and cancer for the future generations will be decreased.
The first step is to increase the awareness between people and to offer these procedures to maintain society’s
health.
44
BB
The Interaction of Ataxin-3 with the AAA ATPase
p97
BB-040
Maya Rao
Advisor(s): Patrick Loll
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics
Ataxin-3 (Atx3) is involved in various cellular pathways of protein quality control, including ER-associated
degradation (ERAD). Its interaction with other ERAD proteins aids in eliminating misfolded proteins, alleviating
cytotoxic stress and maintaining normal protein homeostasis. The precise function of Atx3 in these processes
is unclear. Furthermore, Atx3 also exists in a pathogenic form, wherein an expansion in its polyglutamine
(polyQ) region results in the inherited neurodegenerative disease, Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3. The polyQ
repeat, besides causing protein aggregation characteristic of neurodegenerative disorders, may also perturb the
interaction of Atx3 with its normal binding partners. We aim to investigate Atx3’s interaction with p97, a critical
AAA-ATPase involved in retrotranslocation of unfolded ER proteins to the proteasome. Using a highly efficient
ligation-independent cloning procedure, we have cloned, expressed and purified different fragments of p97 and
various forms of Atx3. These include Atx3 with mutations in its predicted p97-interacting motif and versions of
the protein differing in their polyQ lengths. Using surface plasmon resonance and pull-down assays, we have
defined and compared the binding of these forms of Atx3 with the p97 fragments. We will assay the intrinsic
ATPase activity of these fragments and the effect of their ATP-hydrolysis cycles on Atx3 binding. We also
plan on structural analyses of p97 fragments in complex with Atx3 using X-ray crystallography, to define the
interacting surfaces. Thus, we will provide a new perspective on Atx3’s role in modulating the flux of proteins
through the degradation pathway, both in normal and disease conditions.
45
BB
Impact of Farmland on Bird Assemblages that
Feed on Ficus thonningii in Moka, Bioko Island,
Equatorial Guinea
BB-041
Katie DiAngelus
Co-Author(s): Rosaura Loeri Bomohagasi, Dr. Drew T. Cronin, Dr. Gail W. Hearn
Advisor(s): Drew Cronin
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea is known for its rich biodiversity and is of high concern for conservationists
due to recent increases in development. An important aspect of a sustainable ecosystem are frugivorous birds
that are vital seed dispersers, especially in an area where previously forested land has been converted into
tropical farmland. This study focused on the importance of birds as seed predators of Ficus thonningii at two
separate locations, along the forest-farmland edge and in the main forest, in order to determine whether human
disturbance affects seed dispersal. Through observations, it appeared that birds preferred to feed on a tree with
open surroundings adjacent to the forest, but do not tend to travel across open space in order to feed.
46
BB
Relative abundance of duikers in relation to roads
at Moka, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
BB-042
Erica Tuttle
Co-Author(s): Drew T. Cronin, Gail W. Hearn
Advisor(s): Drew T. Cronin
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea is globally known as a biodiversity hotspot, with the undeveloped Gran CalderaSouthern Highlands Scientific Reserve encompassing the southern third of the island, and harboring high
densities of Bioko’s large-bodied mammals. However, plans for new roads that would allow for greater access
to undisturbed areas may have a negative impact on Bioko’s biodiversity. This study sought to investigate the
relative impact of roads on the abundance of two species of ungulates found on Bioko Island, the blue duiker
(Philantomba monticola melanorheus) and Ogilby’s duiker (Cephalophus ogilbyi ogilbi). Surveys for duikers
were conducted on a pre-existing trail network in the vicinity of Moka, an agricultural village in Bioko’s highlands
known to be a hunting site, and data were analyzed with an emphasis on distance from roads (1 lm). Data
collected from surveys conducted in three consecutive years (2011-2013) revealed very low duiker abundance
and indicated that duiker abundance has not changed significantly over time. The majority of sightings took
place at a distance greater than 1km from roads, which suggests human activity is pushing the species further
afield. It is our hope to reduce the impact of human activity on the island’s biodiversity by showing how access
from roads increases species vulnerability.
47
BB
Characterization of the TGF-beta Family Member
AMH in Lung Cancer as a Regulator of EMT and
Resistance to HSP90 Inhibition
BB-043
Tim Beck
Co-Author(s): Emmanuelle Nicolas, Yan Zhou, Ilya Serebriiskii
Advisor(s): Erica Golemis
Medical Student
College of Medicine
Molecular & Cell Biology & Genetics / Fox Chase Cancer Center
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential process during development, providing cells with
the pasticity to differentiate and migrate. For proper tissue and organ formation, reversed EMT, known as
MET, is necessary. Over the last decade, it has become evident that cancer cells can reactivate the EMT
program to metastasize. Considering that 90% of cancer mortality is due to metastatic occurrences, further
study of EMT/MET seems critical. We have observed that certain lung cancer cell lines, when treated with
ganetespib – a heat shock protein 90 inhibitor in clinical trials for lung cancer – activate MET by markedly
increasing E-Cadherin expression: E-Cadherin is the cardinal marker for the epithelial phenotype. We screened
a focused siRNA library targeting 153 cancer related genes, including several known to play a role in EMT, in
the presence or absence of ganetespib, to identify resistance associated genes. Two genes that we identified
as strong sensitizers when knocked-down were Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) and its receptor AMHR2. AMH
and AMHR2 are members of the TGF-beta superfamily, a group of ligands and receptors well known to play
critical roles in lung cancer and EMT. We further observed that knockdown of AMH induced EMT-like changes,
including dramatic down-regulation of E-Cadherin. Targeting E-Cadherin with siRNA, a previously described
method of inducing EMT, caused a similar phenotype. Furthermore, we observed that treating cells with
ganetespib induced upregulation of AMH and AMHR2. Our current efforts are focused on further characterizing
how AMH regulates EMT/MET and how this process is involved in resistance to HSP90 inhibitors.
48
BB
The Impact of Roads on Diurnal Primate Density at
Moka, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
BB-044
Faith Roser
Co-Author(s): Dr. Drew T. Cronin, Dr. Gail W. Hearn
Advisor(s): Dr. Drew T. Cronin
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
Populations of Bioko Island’s seven diurnal primates species have undergone drastic reductions in the face of
increased pressure from bushmeat hunting, and each is currently found on the IUCN Red List of Threatened
Species. Previous studies have suggested that roads provide hunters with better access to primate habitats,
increasing the effects of hunting on these populations. This study investigated the link between road proximity
and primate species density, as well as the link between road proximity and human hunting activity, as a means
of quantifying the impact of roads on these vulnerable and endangered primates. Higher observed primate
encounter rates at distances greater than one kilometer from the nearest road suggest that primate density
at Moka, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea decreases with increasing proximity to roads. Furthermore, higher
frequency of cartridges encountered at distances greater than one kilometer from the nearest road suggests
that gun hunting activity increases with decreasing proximity to roads. As more roads are constructed on Bioko,
seeking to quantify this impact will make it possible to better balance the demands of a developing nation with
the need to conserve its biodiversity.
49
BB
Assessing Pesticide Residue Levels on Imported
Produce and the Efficacy of Produce Washing on
Residue Reduction
BB-045
Ce Yuan
Co-Author(s): Brian Dugan, Jing Guo, Shuang He, Ce Yuan
Advisor(s): Dr. Juan Muniz
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Nutrition Sciences
Pesticides are among the most commonly used chemicals in the world. While pesticides have many uses in
industrial farming, they raise considerable health and environmental concerns. The health risks they pose to
humans are especially worrisome with possible cumulative, long-term dietary exposure. The United States
and the European Union are among the few regions in the world that have comprehensive regulations and
inspection of pesticide maximum residue levels (MRLs). Countries that export agriculture to the United
States have different regulation and enforcement of their respective MRLs. This research study evaluated the
effectiveness of different washing methods on pesticide residue reductions on four imported fruit and vegetable
samples commonly found in Asian grocery stores in Philadelphia: bok choy, lotus root, Asian pear and dried
goji berries. Four units of each sample were randomly collected from each store. A total of 32 samples
were collected then evenly distributed into four groups; control group (unwashed), USDA standard washing
group, 1% NaHCO3, and 1% NaCl solution washing groups. Luke Extraction, Florisil clean-up, and Gas
Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) were used to extract and analyze the samples. Final analysis
of pesticides residue levels is currently ongoing. Organophosphate and organochlorine pesticide levels from
the control group will be compared to FDA standard MRLs. Pesticide residue levels on samples exposed to the
different wash methods will be compared and evaluated using IBM SPSS statistics.
50
BB
Combining Viral Delivery of Brain-Derived
Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and Robot
Rehabilitation in Treatment Regimens for Adult
Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)
BB-046
John Lee
Co-Author(s): Veronica J. Tom, Simon F. Giszter
Advisor(s): Simon F. Giszter
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Biomedical Engineering - Neuroengineering
Spinal cord injury (SCI) disrupts the normal architecture of the central nervous system, leading to impaired
locomotor function. Complete thoracic transection at T8-T10 is a common model for studying SCI. Recently,
using trunk-based robotic rehabilitation and treadmill training, we showed that rats spinalized as neonates can
significantly recover locomotor function on robot, whereas rats transected as adults do not exhibit the same
level of recovery. We believe this is due to the absence of autonomous hindlimb stepping patterns in adult
transection, resulting in an inability to incorporate and benefit from robot support.
Previous work by Boyce and Mendell has demonstrated the use of adeno-associated virus-5 (AAV5) viral
delivery of BDNF to enable hindlimb stepping in this model. We propose a combined treatment approach, using
neurotrophin intervention with robot training to induce autonomous stepping and achieve greater locomotor
recovery. We prepared two groups of rats with microinjections caudal to transection site: one group receiving
AAV5-BDNF and another receiving a sham virus. Using three different measures of locomotor recovery – the
Antri, Orsal, and Barthes bipedal stepping scale, robot data measuring the interactive force between the rat and
the robot, and measurements of percent- weight supported stepping – we discovered that animals that received
BDNF and robot-assisted treadmill training showed significantly improved recovery in all three measures, as
compared to those that received sham virus. This work provides a foundation upon which to investigate further
biological and bionic combination therapies for treating SCI. This work is sponsored by the Craig H. Neilsen
Foundation.
51
BB
Bird species diversity and abundance at Moka and
Lago Biao, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea
BB-047
Raelyn Loftis
Co-Author(s): Antonia Salomon Mum, Drew Cronin, Gail Hearn
Advisor(s): Drew Cronin
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea is known for its diverse flora and fauna resulting from high habitat heterogeneity
across a broad elevational gradient (0 – 3,011 m). However, little is known about the present bird community
and its basic ecological characteristics due to limited ornithological research. This study sought to describe the
relative abundance of birds at Moka in the Bioko highlands, building upon similar studies conducted in both
2011 and 2012. Mist nets to capture birds were set up at various sites in an agricultural matrix around the Moka
Wildlife Center (Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program/Drexel University) and on the Lago Biao crater rim along
a primary forest-fallow field edge. All captured individuals were processed following Smith’s (1987) protocol
and banded for future identification using individualized aluminum bands. The Northern double-collared sunbird
(Cinnyris reichenowi) was captured most often, with data suggesting greater diversity at the Moka site, but
lower overall abundance. Furthermore, distinct bird communities were encountered in each of the two habitats,
as the common waxbill (Estrilda astrild) was the only species captured at both sites. This study furthers the
baseline knowledge on the avian abundance, diversity, and species composition at the Moka Wildlife Center,
which, in turn, contributes to overall avian conservation efforts on Bioko Island.
52
BB
Correlates of gut community composition across
an ant species (Cephalotes varians) elucidate
causes and consequences of symbiotic variability
BB-048
Yi Hu
Co-Author(s): Piotr Łukasik, Corrie Moreau, Jacob Russell
Advisor(s): Jacob Russell
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Insect guts are often colonized by multi-species microbial communities that play integral roles in nutrition,
digestion, and defense. Community composition can differ across host species with increasing dietary and
genetic divergence, yet gut microbiota can also vary between conspecific hosts and across an individual’s
lifespan. Through exploration of such intraspecific variation and its correlates, molecular profiling of microbial
communities can generate and test hypotheses on the causes and consequences of symbioses. In this study,
we used 454 pyrosequencing and TRFLP to achieve these goals in an herbivorous ant, Cephalotes varians,
exploring variation in bacterial communities across colonies, populations, and workers reared on different diets.
C. varians bacterial communities were dominated by 16 core species present in over two-thirds of the sampled
colonies. Core species comprised multiple genotypes or strains, and hailed from ant-specific clades containing
relatives from other Cephalotes species. Yet three were detected in environmental samples, suggesting
possibilities for environmental acquisition. In spite of their prevalence and long-standing relationships with
Cephalotes ants, the relative abundance and genotypic composition of core species varied across colonies.
Diet-induced plasticity is a likely cause, but only pollen-based diets had consistent effects, altering the
abundance of two types of bacteria. Additional factors such as host age, genetics, chance, or natural selection
must therefore shape natural variation. Future studies on these possibilities and on bacterial contributions to the
use of pollen, a widespread food source across Cephalotes, will be important steps in developing C. varians as
a model for studying widespread social insect-bacteria symbioses.
53
BB-049
Pamela Graney
Advisor(s): Dr. Kara Spiller
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
Macrophages are major contributors to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic inflammatory
disease characterized by progressive, irreversible damage of synovial-lined joints that affects 1-3% of the
population worldwide. Although originally believed to serve only as proinflammatory and destructive phagocytes,
it is now well established that these cells display remarkable plasticity and functional diversity in response to
environmental cues and stimuli. Macrophage activation can be broadly classified as M1 (pro-inflammatory)
or M2 (anti-inflammatory); however, the M2 classification has recently expanded to describe virtually all other
macrophages, including the M2a (wound healing) and M2c (regulatory) subtypes. Still, the contribution of these
subpopulations in RA is not fully understood. It is apparent that the presence of M1 macrophages within the
inflamed joint can establish a positive feedback loop via production of proinflammatory mediators that creates
an imbalance in macrophage populations and further contributes to disease pathogenesis. Consequently,
the ability to modulate the phenotypic behavior of macrophages to restore homeostatic balance would have
strong implications in mitigating RA. In this work, we investigate the use of an anti-inflammatory agent, alphamelanocyte stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH), to inhibit pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages and stimulate prohealing M2 responses. Undifferentiated (M0) and polarized (M1, M2a and M2c) macrophages were exposed
to alpha-MSH for 48 h. Post-exposure, real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to test for known M1,
M2a and M2c markers, and the secretion of TNF-alpha (pro-inflammatory) and IL-10 (anti-inflammatory) was
quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Surprisingly, we found that alpha-MSH inhibited
expression of genes associated with both M1 and M2 macrophages, indicating more general macrophage
inhibition as opposed to specifically targeting inflammatory activity.
54
BB
Targeting Macrophage Polarization for
Immunomodulatory Control in Rheumatoid Arthritis
BB
Histone Deacetylase 5 stabilizes HIF-1α through
Hsp70 deacetylation in cytosol
BB-050
Shuyang Chen
Co-Author(s): Chengqian Yin, Dongming Liang
Advisor(s): Nianli Sang
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Hypoxia is frequently associated with solid tumors and ischemic disorders, which are the top two leading
causes of mortality in the world. Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 is a major regulator of angiogenesis and cellular
adaptation to hypoxia. Accordingly HIF-1 function has been considered a therapeutic target for multiple
diseases. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity has been involved in regulating HIF function and HDAC
inhibitors (HDACIs) have been documented to repress HIF-1 function. However, histone deacetylases
encompass multiple members, each has different cellular functions. HDACIs in clinical application or under
development generally inhibit more than one HDAC. It is unclear which specific member of the HDAC family is
involved in the regulation of HIF-1 function. We present data here to show that histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5)
is required for HIF-1α protein stability. Knockdown of HDAC5 impaired hypoxic accumulation of HIF-1α and
HIF-1 function. Furthermore, overexpression of HDAC5 enhanced HIF-1α stability and nuclear accumulation.
Specifically, cytosol localized HDAC5 mutant shows stronger effects on stabilizing HIF-1α compared to wildtype HDAC5. What’s more, Heat shock 70 kD protein (Hsp70) was proved to be a cytosolic substrate of
HDAC5. Acetylated Hsp70 presented stronger association with HIF-1α and promoted HIF-1α degradation.
Taken together, our data suggest that a cytosolic deacetylation of Hsp70 catalyzed by HDAC5 is required to
stabilize HIF-1α. These findings also suggest that HDAC5 could be biological target for therapies based on
modulating HIF-1 function.
55
BB
The Effects of Land Use on Water Quality and
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Indices of Biological
Integrity, A Historical Study of the Delaware River
Basin
BB-051
Dung Luong
Co-Author(s): Stefanie A. Kroll, Alexander M. Waldman, Jerry V. Mead, Roland Wall
Advisor(s): Roland Wall, Stefanie A. Kroll, Ph.D
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages are commonly used as indicators of stream health. In many studies
stream ecosystem integrity has been related to land use within the watershed. Land use for human activities
introduces dissolved and particulate contaminants into the basin. Agricultural and urban land use tends to be
related to increases in nutrient concentrations in streams, degrading biological integrity.
The Delaware River Basin provides water for urban, agricultural and industrial use in the states of
Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. State and federal agencies have been conducting
biomonitoring using macroinvertebrates for decades to assess whether waterways attain their designated uses
(drinking water, recreation, supporting aquatic life). However, each state uses different techniques and protocols
and no single Index of Biological Integrity (IBI) has been established.
In order to study the effects of various types of land use on stream integrity we collected historical data from
various organizations including the Pennsylvania Department of Environment Protection from 1990 to 2013.
Our objectives are to perform a large scale assessment of biological integrity on the tributaries throughout the
entire base incorporating land use and different IBIs. Macroinvertebrate counts were aggregated to obtain 3
multimetric IBIs. We performed correspondence and canonical analyses and created and analyzed models
through ArcGIS and StreamHiker. We expect to see a negative impact related to agricultural and urban land
use on stream quality and low overall IBI scores in areas with high percentages of these land use categories.
Forested land use within the riparian zone and drainage basin are expected to be related to increases in stream
quality and IBI scores. Comparison of the different IBIs in relation to land use will provide insight to which index
best quantifies the ecological integrity of tributaries in the Delaware River Basin.
56
BB
The role of MeCP2 in pain and its regulation by
miRNAs
BB-052
Melissa Manners
Co-Author(s): Tian Yuzhen, Adam Ertel, Ruby Gao, Rehman Qureshi, Ahmet Sacan, Paolo Fortina, Zhaolan
Zhou, Seena Ajit
Advisor(s): Seena Ajit
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Pharmacology and Physiology
Decreased pain perception is commonly reported in children with Rett syndrome (RTT). Nearly all cases of
RTT are caused by mutations in the methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MECP2), suggesting that normal function
of MeCP2 is important in modulating pain. Protein expression can be regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) and
our profiling study of rodent dorsal root ganglion (DRG) from a neuropathic pain model showed a decrease in
expression of 15 miRNAs that are predicted to bind the MeCP2 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR). Interestingly, 13
of these miRNAs were reported to be upregulated in the cerebellum of MeCP2-deficient mice, suggesting an
inverse correlation between MeCP2 and miRNAs, albeit opposite in neuropathic pain and RTT. The expression
of these miRNAs in DRG neurons from MeCP2 deficient mice is currently being tested. We have validated
miRNA binding to the 3′UTR of mouse MeCP2 and efforts are under way to confirm whether miRNA alterations
can modulate endogenous MeCP2 expression in vitro. One of the common mutations observed in RTT is in
amino acid T158, located at the C-terminus of the methyl-CpG binding domain of MeCP2. It has been reported
that 70.6% of patients with mutation at T158 have decreased pain sensitivity. The phenotype of knock-in (KI)
mice that recapitulates the MeCP2 T158A mutation resembles that in MeCP2-null mice. A reduction in MeCP2
binding to methylated DNA and a decrease in MeCP2 protein stability were also observed in T158A KI mice.
Alterations in MeCP2 expression and its binding can thus play a critical role in global gene expression in a pain
state. In addition to characterizing MeCP2 expression, we are employing genome-wide techniques such as
chromatin immunoprecipitation to obtain insights into global alterations of epigenetic signatures in the context
of pain. Investigations using rodent models of pain and MeCP2 T158A mutant mice are being pursued to define
the role of MeCP2 in the development and maintenance of chronic pain.
57
Can Turmeric be used as an Antibacterial?
BB
BB-053
Shreya Rane
Co-Author(s): Preet Parekh, Vishva Patel, Sonia Parikh
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Turmeric powder started as being used as a spice for several foods. Originating from the tropical climates of
Asia, turmeric began being used as a type of herbal medicine. Turmeric has been known to aid inflammation,
pain, wounds, digestion and more. It mainly has been used as an antiseptic and antibacterial agent. Although
tests on the power of turmeric powder have not yet been conducted, the active ingredient, curcumin, is said to
play a great role in these remedies. In this experiment, there will be six dishes all containing a certain type of
household bacteria. Two dishes will contain two layers of paper towel dipped in turmeric paste, two dishes will
contain one layer of paper towel dipped in turmeric paste, and the last two dishes will act as a control group
with no paper towels. After a time period of a week, the amount of bacteria present between the 6 dishes will
be compared. Through this, the antibacterial properties of turmeric will be determined. Furthermore, turmeric
powder will be tested on food items such as bread. The powder will be spread over two slices of bread while
another two slices of bread will contain no powder. The amount of mold over a period of time will be recorded.
The limits of the antibacterial property in turmeric powder will be determined. In addition, the chemical contents
of turmeric will be determined along with its effect in healing the human body.
58
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Dissecting Nanosecond Pulsed Dielectric Barrier
Discharge Effects on Cell Detachment and Death
BB-054
Abraham Lin
Co-Author(s): Natalie Chernets, Danil Dobrynin, Gregory Fridman, Theresa Freeman, Alexander Fridman,
Vandana Miller
Advisor(s): Vandana Miller
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
Treatment of cells with a non-thermal nanosecond pulsed dielectric barrier discharges (nsPDBD) plasma has
shown efficacy in bacterial inactivation, anti-tumor activity and wound healing (Fridman, G., et al., 2008.).
However, the mechanism by which plasma interacts with cells to produce these phenomena is still largely
unknown. It is known that during nsPDBD plasma generation, three major effectors are produced: electric fields,
radiation, and charged and neutral species. The goal of this study was to determine the relative contribution of
each on cell detachment and death. Methodology: The C3H10T1/2 murine mesenchymal cell line was grown
to confluence in 6-well plates and treated as outlined. First, direct treatment of the cells with nsPDBD plasma
where all three effectors are present. Second, the addition of a quartz barrier between the cells and plasma
which allows only UV radiation. Third, a grounded copper mesh barrier placed between the cells and plasma
to permit only passage of long-lived neutral species. Finally, by submerging the electrode into the cell culture
media only the global electric field is generated. The cells were treated with nsPDBD plasma at 1mm distance
for 10 sec. at a voltage of 29.4kV, with a pulse frequency of either 30 or 75Hz. After treatment, cells were
stained with propidium iodide and the number of dead per total cells was determined. Cells were analyzed by
image cytometry and with flow cytometry software. Results: These studies show that direct nsPDBD plasma
caused significant cell detachment and death. Treatments isolating UV (quartz barrier) or long-lived neutral
species (copper barrier) significantly reduced cell death and detachment. Cell death and detachment after
global electric field (submerged electrode) treatment was no different than control. Conclusion: These results
strongly suggest that charged and neutral species are the primary cause of cell death and detachment in this
regime. NIH Grants 1 R01 EB 013011-01 (Freeman).
59
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Identification of a Novel Intracellular Calcium
Regulatory Mechanism in the Rat Vestibular
Apparatus
BB-055
David Guerrero
Advisor(s): Karen Hurley
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Office of Professional Studies in the Health Sciences
Calcium functions as an important signaling molecule in many cell types. Therefore, regulation of intracellular
calcium is crucial to normal cell function and health. Store-operated calcium channels are a major pathway for
calcium regulation and are present in a majority of metazoan cells.
The ear carries out both auditory and vestibular functions. The vestibular apparatus of amniotes consists of
five-bilateral organs: the three semicircular canals detect rotation around the X-, Y- and Z-axes, and the two
otolithic organs function as gravity sensors and linear accelerometers, the utricle and saccule. The sensory
cells of the vestibular system are known as hair cells, named for the prominent tuft of stereocilia on the apical
surface of the sensory cells. Hair cells utilize voltage gated calcium channels activated by the receptor potential
to modulate glutamate release. Since the regulation of intracellular calcium is vital for proper function of the
hair cells, we were interested in exploring whether other novel calcium regulatory pathways are present in the
vestibular hair cells, specifically a novel mechanism for controlling intracellular Ca2+ that utilizes store-operated
calcium channels in vestibular hair cells in general and ultimately the type I hair cell specifically. Reversetranscriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) coupled with gel electrophoresis revealed that STIM1 and
Orai1 expression was observed in utricle, saccule, and semicircular canal cristea of the rat vestibular apparatus
at postnatal days 2, 7, 15 in the Long Evans rats. Thus, STIM1 and Orai1 are present in the vestibular
apparatus sensory epithelium which may participate in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels in vestibular
hair cells.
60
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Modeling of Macrophage-Mediated Controlled
Release System for the Treatment of Diabetic
Wounds
BB-056
Sina Nassiri
Co-Author(s): Kara Spiller
Advisor(s): Kara Spiller
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
Foot ulcerations occur in about 15 percent of diabetic patients, and lead to over 82,000 lower limb amputations
each year in the United States. Normal wound healing involves three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and
remodeling. Diabetic wounds are known for being stalled in the inflammatory state. A treatment strategy that
facilitates the transition of macrophages, the main regulatory cells of inflammation, from pro-inflammatory to
pro-healing to pro-remodeling phenotypes, and at appropriate times, would restore the natural healing process.
Exposure of resting macrophages to interleukin-4 (IL4) and interleukin-10 (IL10) induces a pro-healing (M2A)
and pro-remodeling (M2C) phenotype. We have designed a novel hydrogel microsphere-based scaffold that
exploits macrophage biology in conjunction with molecular interactions between therapeutic drugs and the
hydrogel polymer, to cause sequential delivery of IL4 and IL10. Herein we describe the release profiles of IL4
and IL10 using mechanistic modeling in order to determine the effects of various control parameters on the
system.
61
BB
Effects of commonly ingested compounds on
body decomposition rates and fly colonization and
development
BB-057
Brittany Binder
Advisor(s): William Welsh
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies
Forensic Science
Time of death in cases of unwitnessed demise is difficult to pinpoint due to many variables affecting the rate
of decomposition, such as climate and individual physiology. Insect activity is a hallmark of decomposition.
First, flies will lay eggs and the resulting larval stages (maggots) will feed on the decomposing tissue. It has
been hypothesized that the contents and size of maggots found on a body can provide insight into time of
death and perimortem factors surrounding demise, such as certain compounds ingested prior to death. In this
study, we analyzed the effect of several over-the-counter drugs, Benadryl, Sudafed, Bayer, as well as widely
consumed Vladimir Vodka, and 5hr Extra Energy drinks with respect to their effect on insect development and/
or decomposition rates. These compounds were impregnated into chicken corpses at a set concentration by
injection. Chickens were placed in a grassy field for two months and insect colonization observed. Maggots
were collected at several time points over time and, extracted for analysis of compound uptake by UV-Visspectroscopy. We were unable to detect any of the drugs by this method, but detected different decomposition
rates of drug-treated chickens compared to controls. To verify proper drug uptake by the chicken tissue,
chickens were placed in a fume hood in a controlled laboratory environment and tissues analyzed at the same
time points by thin-layer-chromatography. We were able to detect uptake of caffeine in the chicken tissue,
supporting that, at least for chickens impregnated with caffeine, the observed altered decomposition rate may
be due to uptake of the drug by the maggots. Further studies will be required to verify the presence of other
compounds in chicken tissue, as well as uptake into maggots.
62
BB
HiPS derived astrocytes survive, proliferate and
express GLT1 In Vivo
BB-058
Elham Javed
Advisor(s): Angelo Lepore
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Microbiology and Immunology
Contusion type injuries to cervical regions of C3 &C4 of the spinal cord, specifically, affect the phrenic nerves.
The primary response to SCI is cell death and it is followed by inflammation and additional neuronal loss.
Previous studies have shown that secondary effects of SCI commensurate four days post injury. One of the
main side effects is the altered expression level of glutamate transporter (GLT1). Non-reactive astrocytes
usually express high levels of GLT1, however, during injury astrocytes become reactive. Reduced GLT1
expression prevents efficient uptake of extracellular glutamate, a neurotransmitter, which exacerbates
exicitoxicity causing neuronal degeneration. Loss of phrenic nerves, which innervate the diaphragm, leads
to severe respiratory compromise. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (HiPSc) have shown limitless
therapeutic potential, from cancer to heart disease. Here we determine their therapeutic potential in preventing
further neuronal degeneration and rescuing respiratory distress. Various studies have shown the efficacy
of transplanting neural stem cells, however, these cells hardly differentiate into astrocytes or into reactive
astrocytes. We report that HiPS derived astrocytes (HiPSAs) survive upto 5 weeks In Vivo. Additionally, they
localize near the phrenic nerves in the ventral horn and they efficiently mature into astrocytes. Since they were
unable to express high levels of GLT1, we modified the HiPSAs to constitutively overexpress GLT1. HiPSAGLT1 overexpressing cells were transplanted and characterized. They were seen to survive, localize and
express high levels of GLT1 than the control HiPSAs and endogenous astrocytes. Therefore we can conclude
that constitutively overexpressing GLT1-HiPSA can be vital therapy in SCI.
63
BB-059
Natasha Ginzburg
Co-Author(s): Darlene Morrissey, Peter O’Hare, Kristene Whitmore
Advisor(s): Kristene Whitmore
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Introduction and Objectives:
Patient access to online related health information has exploded via contact with websites, blogs, social media
and video outlets in a myriad of medical topics. Also, many technically focused surgical videos are available
for both physician and patient viewing. Pelvic organ prolapse is unique in its sensitive nature, graphic videos,
and current legal controversies. We analyzed the currently available videos on YouTube to determine their
character, popularity and relevance.
Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis of YouTube was conducted by using the search terms “pelvic organ prolapse
surgery”, “cystocele surgery” and “rectocele surgery”. The matching videos in each category were examined
and results sorted by relevance, length, and popularity then classified as educational (main focus on patient
education), technical/surgical (focus on technique, intended for practitioners), marketing/advertising (main focus
on promoting a product or practitioner), legal, or other (unrelated to female urology).
Results:
The search returned 3950 videos. After filtering by relevance and excluding all videos with less than 5 views,
removing duplicates, a total of 579 videos were examined, sorted by length and popularity. 230 videos that were
classified as “other” were excluded, leaving 349 videos. Patient educational videos accounted for 142 videos
(40.7%), while there were 121 surgical technique videos (34.7%). Legal issue videos accounted for 54 (15.5%),
while those directly marketing a product accounted for the remaining 32 (9.2%). Total video views were
5,247,501. Of the total views, 1,243,727 (23.7%) were educational videos, 3,481,140 (66%) surgical/technical
videos, 92,837 (1.8%) legal videos, and 429,797 (8.2%) direct marketing videos.
Conclusions:
Patient have significant access to surgical videos on YouTube as well as videos promoting legal action toward
pelvic mesh, however, these legal videos are not popularly visited.
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Patient Exposure to Pelvic Organ Prolapse Surgery
on YouTube
BB
In vitro analysis of primary human macrophages
cultured on biomaterials indicate differences in
inflammation
BB-060
Claire Witherel
Advisor(s): Kara L. Spiller
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Macrophages are one of the first inflammatory cells on site in response to injury or biomaterial implants and
have recently been defined as the master regulator of inflammation. These cells have various phenotypes
and plasticity in response to their environment; M1 macrophages are considered pro-inflammatory cells, while
M2a and M2c macrophages are considered regulatory or pro-healing cells. It has been recently generalized,
but poorly supported, that wounds with and without biomaterials expressing M2 phenotypes, correlate
with constructive remodeling. This study aimed to characterize macrophage behavior on two commercially
available biomaterials and a biomaterial crosslinked with three different chemical agents in vitro to determine
any correlations to clinical outcomes and impact of crosslinking agents, respectively. Primary human M0
macrophages were seeded onto Integra Bilayer Wound Matrix (IBWM) (n=4), AlloSource AlloMend (n=4), 1%
collagen sponges crosslinked with 5% formaldehyde (n=6), 25% glutaraldehyde (n=6), and 50mM EDC/NHS
(n=6) and allowed to attach for one hour. All samples were harvested 48 hours later for gene analysis, SEM,
and IHC. IBWM had a significant (p<0.01) increase in CD163 expression and decrease in MDC expression
over the controls, while expression of macrophages on AlloMend was not significantly different. Up-regulation of
CD163, a marker associated with M2c macrophages, has been associated with constructive tissue remodeling
in a partial thickness defect model in rats. Additionally, down-regulation of MDC, a marker associated with M2a
macrophages and pro-fibrotic expression, indicates the material may suppress fibrosis. IBWM has been used
successfully in the clinic on pathologies that range from limb preservation, chronic wounds, to burns for over a
decade with low rejection rates. These studies suggest seeding human macrophages in vitro may be a clinically
relevant method for evaluating inflammation and the host-biomaterial response.
65
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Elucidating the role of tetramers on insulin
aggregation using biophysical methods
BB-061
Matthew Mawhinney
Co-Author(s): Thomas Williams
Advisor(s): Brigita Urbanc
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Protein misfolding and aberrant fibrillization underlie many neurodegenerative conditions, such as Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s disease. Insulin, which is made of two covalently bonded peptide chains, exists in vivo mostly
in a native hexameric state but becomes amyloidogenic at neutral pH under agitation at high temperatures. To
investigate the mechanisms that drive insulin aggregation, we monitor its self-assembly into fibrils by kinetic
fluorescence spectroscopy, which uses Thioflavin T (ThT), a fluorescent dye that binds to the cross-β structure
of amyloid fibrils. At low insulin concentrations (2.5 -- 25 uM), we observe the kinetic rate of fibrillization
increasing with the concentration, whereas at higher concentrations (25 -- 100 uM), the opposite trend is
observed. We hypothesize that an interplay between the tetrameric state and aggregation into fibrils via prefibrillar oligomers dominates insulin aggregation in this concentration range. To test this hypothesis, we utilize
photo induced cross-linking of unmodified proteins (PICUP) and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate-Polyacrylamide
gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to determine the oligomeric population of pre-fribrillar stages of insulin selfassembly. Preliminary results show the presence of tetramer band for insulin concentrations at and above 25
uM. Our results thus elucidate key processes that contribute to insulin aggregation.
66
BB-062
Chengqian Yin
Co-Author(s): Dan He, Shuyang Chen, Dongming Liang, Nianli Sang
Advisor(s): Nianli Sang
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Hypoxia is a common feature in solid tumors due to the imbalance between the poor development of
vascularization and rapid growth of tumors. Tumor hypoxia is associated with poor clinical prognoses and
is correlated with tumor progression and metastasis. We report that exogenous pyruvate facilitates the
proliferation of tumor cells under hypoxic conditions. We show that under condition when oxygen cannot be
used efficiently, cell growth is inhibited, which is rescued by addition of exogenous pyruvate. While it is well
known that pyruvate can be utilized as both an oxidizing power and a substrate for synthetic metabolism, we
show that serving as an oxidizing power is the crucial function of pyruvate to sustain the cell proliferation of cells
which cannot use oxygen as the common oxidizing power. Finally, we show that well-oxygenated cells release
pyruvate, which may be the in vivo source of pyruvate exogenous to hypoxic tumor cells. Based on our data,
we propose a model that the well-oxygenated tumor or stromal cells release pyruvate; and hypoxic tumor cells
uptake the exogenous pyruvate to deflect the NADH accumulation and in turn release lactate. This model may
provide a new angle to understand the Warburg effect as well.
67
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Exogenous Pyruvate Serves as the Oxidizing Power
to Facilitate the Proliferation of Hypoxic Tumor
Cells
BB
Antioxidant Activity of some commonly used
Ayurvedic herbs
BB-063
Deegant Adhvaryu
Advisor(s): Kishore K. Bagga
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Forensic Science
The purpose of this research was to determine the total antioxidant, total phenol, flavonoid, and flavonol activity
of five different Ayurvedic herbs. The herbs chosen for this work were: guggul, triphala, ashwagandha, bacopa,
and amla. Methanoic extracts of the herbs were characterized using UV/Vis spectrophotometry along with the
use of appropriate standards. The data shows triphala to have the highest total antioxidant activity, followed by
amla. Triphala also contained the most total phenol activity, with bacopa in second. Flavonol activity was found
to be most in amla, with the other herbs showing undetectable levels based on the dilutions used in this study.
Ashwagandha contained the greatest amount of flavonoid content, followed by amla. The entirety of the data
indicates that triphala has the highest overall activity of the herbs tested, with guggul indicating the least activity
of the herbs tested.
68
BB
Effect of Household Chemicals on Presumptive
Blood Tests
BB-064
Amanda Carlyon
Advisor(s): William Welsh, Monika Jost
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Forensic Science
Blood is the most common form of evidence found at a crime scene, therefore identifying bloodstains at
crime scenes by presumptive testing is an important tool for investigators to obtain useful evidence for further
testing, such as DNA analysis. One of the challenges during crime scene investigation is that, frequently, a
crime scene has been cleaned with common household cleaning products in an attempt to remove evidence.
Past studies demonstrated that chemicals contained in some cleaners, can interfere with the chemistry of the
assays by either inhibiting the detection of blood, or in particular sodium hypochlorite (bleach), produce false
positives. We expanded on previous studies by analyzing the effects of several major categories of cleaners
(cationic, anionic, nonionic, and sodium hypochlorite) on the performance of the colorimetric based KastleMeyer and tetramethylbenzidine (TMB), and the luminescence based BlueStar® Forensic and luminol assays:
Pine Sol, bleach, Comet, Windex, Clorox, Lysol, Dawn, and organic. Testing was done by placing human
blood on ceramic tiles and wiping a paper towel soaked with the testing chemical across the surface. KastleMeyer and TMB testing was done after each wipe, BlueStar and luminol testing after completion of wiping.
Lysol diminished the sensitivity of BlueStar and luminol, while resulting in false positives for Kastle-Meyer and
TMB as expected, due to its peroxide content. We confirmed that bleach produced false positives with TMB,
BlueStar, and luminol, and Comet with the luminol assay. However, the difference in signal quality between
a bleach versus blood reaction with luminescence allows a trained eye to differentiate between the false and
true positive. The other chemicals did not affect the assays. In conclusion, Kastle-Meyer assay is more specific
than TMB, and BlueStar is more specific than luminol, and therefore suitable for analyzing crime scenes where
cleaning might have occurred.
69
BB
Transmission Dynamics of Symbionts in Pea
Aphids
BB-065
Danielle Rock
Co-Author(s): Jacob Russell
Advisor(s): Jacob Russell
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
MS in Environmental Science
Several bacterial lineages contain members that are known only as symbionts of insects. The pea aphid
Acyrthosiphon pisum harbors eight such bacterial symbionts, some of which have been shown to mediate
interactions between aphids and natural enemies like parasitoids, parasites, predators and pathogens.
These symbiotic relationships persist primarily through maternal transmission, with prior lab-based estimates
suggesting near perfect passage of mothers from parents to offspring. Yet studies in other systems have noted
imperfect maternal transfer of bacterial symbionts, with factors such as temperature and the presence of coinfecting microbes playing a role in this fidelity. Since the prevalence of symbionts in natural host populations
will depend on their transmission efficiencies and effects on the hosts’ fitness, it is important to understand
transmission in a more natural context. In this study, we performed field sampling, lab rearing and extensive
PCR screening to help identify transmission efficiency of pea aphid symbionts. Preliminary observations
indicate transmission failure from naturally occurring bacterial infections in the field and shortly after transfer
to the laboratory. Transmission rates may vary across symbiont species, across seasons, or based on the
presence of co-infecting symbiont species. The known seasonal dynamics of these symbionts and their overall
prevalence in aphid populations is, thus, likely impacted by variable rates of transmission failure. Given the
roles of these symbionts in aphid defense, and the frequent occurrence of inherited, defensive symbionts
across plants and invertebrates, our findings on natural symbiont transmission dynamics in pea aphids
could have broader implications of importance for many economically, medically, and agriculturally important
organisms.
70
BB
Malodor Management in High Exuding Chronic
Wounds
BB-066
Jason Sedlak
Co-Author(s): Sonam Chheda, Charles Green, Dr. Kara Spiller
Advisor(s): Dr. Kara Spiller
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
Chronic wounds, discontinuities in the skin that do not heal within the expected time frame, can emanate a very
unpleasant odor. This odor can be distressing for both patients and their caretakers, leading to a decreased
quality of life and poor treatment of the wound. While clinical and commercial solutions for this problem do exist,
these products lack efficacy for high exuding wounds. The design objective for this project is to design a method
for odor control that can be used with high-exuding wounds. This will be completed by developing a wound
dressing by incorporating Beta-Cyclodextrin (BCD), the active ingredient in Febreze®, into a poly(vinyl alcohol)
(PVA) hydrogel. The PVA polymer matrix will be designed to absorb exudate while the BCD will complex
with odorous molecules and prevent them from escaping the dressing. Characterization of the dressing’s
properties in in-vitro experiments that isolate particular components of an odorous, high-exuding wound will be
used to develop a mathematical model of odor elimination. This model will be used to optimize the dressing
composition.
Keywords- Hydrogels, Chronic wounds, Odor Management, Beta-Cyclodextrin, Poly(vinyl alcohol)
71
BB-067
Meredith Singer
Advisor(s): Masaru Teramoto
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a condition characterized by a noticeable onset of prolonged debilitating
fatigue not improved simply with rest. CFS appears to have several etiologies; however, the actual cause is
unknown. The most common causes proposed are from childhood viral illnesses, physical deconditioning, and
immune system dysfunction. Some of the symptoms include: chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, depressed
immune system, exercise intolerance, and orthostatic hypotension. A patient must have experienced these
symptoms for a minimum of six months before one can be diagnosed with CFS. In previous CFS studies,
exercise was assumed to be one of the main triggers of the symptoms. Studies using anaerobic and aerobic
exercises have indicated that exercise disrupted the autonomic function of homeostasis in the body. In a casecontrol study that compared moderate repeat-exercise levels of CFS patients found a significant decrease
in pH levels, resulting in an increased lactic acid buildup in the blood. Acidosis is known to cause severe
muscle fatigue and weakness. Therefore, acidosis may be a potential cause for the post-exertional malaise
found in CFS. Another study revealed that patients with CFS, compared with fibromyalgia (FM) patients and
a control group, showed a difference in gene expression before, during, and after intense exercise. Different
gene expressions such as sensory ion channels, adrenergic receptors, and immune cell functions increased
post-exercise. This study examined the biogenetic difference between CFS, FM, and a control group. From
measuring CFS down to its genetic etiology, the genetic traits expressed during and after exercise are CFS
specific, which implied that not everyone is at risk for developing CFS. If there are biogenetic markers that
can be identified in people with CFS that moderate to intense exercise can triggers, it will further improve the
development for diagnosis and treatment of CFS.
72
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Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Defined by Predisposed
Genetic Traits Excited Through Exercise Testing
BB
Cannabinoids modulate cytokine profiles within
HIV-1-infected individuals in the DREXELMED HIV/
AIDS Genetic Analysis Cohort
BB-068
Katherine Kercher
Co-Author(s): Nirzari Parikh, Will Dampier, Shendra Passic, Wen Zhong, Brian Frantz, Benjamas Aiamkitsumrit,
Vanessa Pirrone, Michael Nonnemacher, Jeffrey Jacobson, Brian Wigdahl
Advisor(s): Brian Wigdahl
Technician
College of Medicine
Microbiology and Immunology
This study was performed to evaluate the relationship between the use of cannabinoids and impact on cytokine
modulation and HIV-1 disease severity in HIV-1-infected patients enrolled in the DrexelMed HIV/AIDS Genetic
Analysis Cohort. Within the DrexelMed HIV/AIDS Genetic Analysis Cohort, patients are assessed approximately
every 6 months for HIV-1 clinical markers and history of illicit drug, alcohol, tobacco and medication use. The
Luminex human cytokine 30-plex panel was used for cytokine quantitation. Analysis was performed using a
newly developed biostatistical model. Substance abuse was found to be common within the cohort. Utilizing
the drug screen information from each visit, subjects in the cohort were categorized as preferential nonusers,
cannabinoid users, and multidrug users. Clinical parameters such as viral load, CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell
counts as well as CD4:CD8 ratio were not impacted by increased cannabinoid use. Among the 30 cytokines
investigated, IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-1A, and IL-5 were positively associated with cannabinoid use and levels of MCP1 negatively associated. In addition to the negative association between cannabinoid use and MCP-1, which
exhibited an association with neurocognitive impairment, cannabinoid use was also associated with an increase
in HIVD scores, with the highest level of cannabinoid use found to be neuroprotective in nature. In conclusion,
cannabinoids do not appear to increase HIV-1 disease severity based on these assessments and may have
neuroprotective properties.
73
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Potential microbial interaction inferred from
complementary and augmented metabolites
BB-069
Yemin Lan
Advisor(s): Gail Rosen
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Microbes live and interact in communities. Understanding the interaction between them would help clarify
their survival strategies and functional roles in the cohort. However, most microbial interactions are poorly
understood to date. Recently, it has been suggested that we can estimate the extent of microbial interaction by
comparing the metabolites they uptake exogenously. In this work, we demonstrate that we can infer microbial
interactions not only from exogenously acquired metabolites, but also from the “augmentation of metabolites”
- where the microbes all have the capability of generating certain metabolites, but the augmenter microbes
demonstrate more mechanisms of doing so than the other microbe alone.
For each microbe, we map its genome to the MetaCyc database to identify metabolic reactions it can catalyze.
Metabolites that can be consumed or produced in the reactions are compared across microbes for a) those
needed exogenously by a microbe and can be provided by the other(s), and b) those whose production is
augmented in other microbes with diverse reactions (i.e. robust production of a metabolite in the metabolite
network).
We focused on Candidatus Sulcia muelleri and Baumannia cicadellinicola that were known to be exchanging
metabolites. We identified some metabolites whose synthesis genes were missing in B. cicadellinicola yet
present in S. muelleri, such as leucine, isoleucine, lysine, arginine, threonine and valine. These metabolites
were also consumed in S. muelleri itself, indicating the interaction may be commensal. By comparing the
augmented metabolites, we found B. cicadellinicola augmented the production of methionine, coenzyme A and
some general metabolic compounds than in S. muelleri. These findings are consistent with the known metabolic
exchanges between them, demonstrating a) that some microbial interactions can be inferred from their
genomes and b) that microbes are likely to share chemicals that they have strong capacity of producing.
74
BB-070
Lydia Botis
Advisor(s): Masaru Teramoto
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
Exercise has been shown to be beneficial to health both physically and mentally. It is stated that exercise
increases circulation which aids in lowering cholesterol, as well as preventing weight gain or maintaining weight
loss, as well as aiding in preventing type II diabetes, hypertension, and fatigue. Exercise improves mood
as well, by releasing various chemicals in the brain that are contributed to self-esteem and pleasure. These
benefits can help an individual not only in day to day experiences but also in the workplace, with the focus
being solely on sedentary work environments. More women than men reported to suffer from work related
pain and discomfort in the workplace, such as back pain. Of the 82.5% that experienced pain and discomfort
in the workplace, only 15.3% of them actually had a medical condition. Research has shown positive findings
that the intervention of anaerobic and aerobic exercise resulted in a decreased frequency of absenteeism. In
addition, employees who engage in the fitness programs can potentially have up to a 54% decrease in sick
days. Exercise programs instilled in the workplace also elevated the mood of the participating employees and
made them feel more efficient and productive. Productivity is defined as work output, or how much work was
accomplished during a period of time. However, not many companies are known for educating their employees
on the benefits of an exercise program, in relation to their job. For example, one study revealed that out of the
203 respondents to s survey, only 6 stated that their company had a formal exercise program. In conclusion,
companies need to realize that healthier employees who participate in regular anaerobic and aerobic exercise
are more productive, at a decreased risk of injury, decreased risk of severe health complications, and have a
stronger immune system (less sick days).
75
BB
Workplace Fitness Programs Benefit More Than the
Individual
BB-071
Nydia Sanchez
Co-Author(s): Chandni Rathod
Advisor(s): Masaru Teramoto
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
Autism is often diagnosed at a young age, and in this research study, we look into the prevalence of Autism
within children of a particular race: White, Hispanic, and Black. It is important to identify which ethnic group
is more prevalent because we can better target children with Autism and better diagnose and assist those
diagnosed. Data were gathered from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Subjects
were 8 years of age, diagnosed as Autistic, and of either Black, White, or Hispanic ethnicity. The p-value for
the analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was 0.018. Therefore, the prevalence of autism differs significantly
among the three ethnic groups of eight-year old children. Post-hoc tests with Bonferroni corrections show
that the autism prevalence is significantly higher among Hispanic children than among White children. In
field settings, the results of this project could be applied in Health Care systems that deal with children, more
specifically, diagnosing and working with Autistic children. Based on our results, we can better target the
Hispanic population, which showed significant value of higher prevalence in children with Autism. By focusing
on a specific ethnic group, we can administer more tests and education to parents and children with more
prevalence in order to better educate and assess them. For children at risk and children that show early signs,
early and intensive intervention can make all the difference. For future settings, we would recommend using
more states to gather information from, as well as more ethnic groups, for example, of Asian decent. We would
also differentiate White into European White and American White. For future research, we recommend studies
to see what specific factors cause Hispanic children to be more susceptible to autism compared with other
ethnic groups.
76
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Prevalence of Autism in White, Hispanic, and Black
Children
BB
Correlation between Breastfeeding and Infant
Mortality
BB-072
Phuong Ngan Pham
Co-Author(s): Duc Dao
Advisor(s): Masaru Teramoto
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
Breast milk is the most suited natural food for babies. The goal of Center of Disease Control and Prevention is
improving health of mothers and infants though preventative action and breastfeeding is their tragedy (CDC).
Since the benefit of the breast milk has been claimed and promote as a preventative tragedy, we hypothesized
that breast milk or breastfeeding reduces infant mortality. We collected the data of the breastfeeding rate (input
variable), among 51 State of the United States from CDC breastfeeding report card 2010, which reported
the rate of breastfeeding among the states according to five indicators used by Healthy people 2010. We
collect the data of infant mortality (outcome variable) 2007-2010 from CDC-Wonder. The correlation analysis
shows the negative relationship between five indicators of breastfeeding and infant mortality. In other words,
breastfeeding rate in 2010 and infant mortality 2007-2010 show an inverse relationship with large strength
of correlation coefficients. Correlation coefficient (r) between ever breastfed and infant mortality is -0.740.
Correlation coefficient between breastfeeding at 6 months and infant mortality is -0.745. Correlation coefficient
between breastfeeding at 12 months and infant mortality is -0.698. Correlation coefficient between exclusive
breastfeeding at 3 months and infant mortality is -0.693. Correlation coefficient between exclusive breastfeeding
at 6 months and infant mortality is -0.751. Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months shows the largest correlation
coefficient with the correlation equation: Infant Mortality = -0.198(Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months rate) +
9.058. The statistic test shows that the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months seems to account greatest to
the outcome variable. Further research can be performed to determine the benefit of breastfeeding on specific
cause of infant mortality, such as the correlation between breastfeeding and Infant Sudden Death Syndrome.
77
BB
Low-Grade Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma and
Hormonal Therapy
BB-073
Yanni Eboras
Advisor(s): Masaru Teramoto
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
In contrast to undifferentiated stromal sarcoma, low-grade ESS has been found to typically resemble
endometrial stromal cells in the proliferative phase and has been shown to affect women both of
premenopausal and postmenopausal age. Several studies have also found and confirmed the presence of
estrogen receptors and progesterone receptors in patients with low-grade ESS, which alludes to the association
of high response rates in patients receiving hormonal treatment for low-grade ESS. Recent studies have
also examined the detrimental effects of estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal patients with this
disease. Due to the disease’s low prevalence rate, however, only a few case reports and retrospective studies
on the prognosis and treatments of low-grade ESS have been published. Accordingly, the aim of this literature
review is to examine, evaluate, and summarize the studies that have been conducted with respect to hormone
therapy and its effect on the prognosis and outcome of patients with low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma.
This review will also summarize available studies with respect to the effects of estrogen replacement therapy
and patterns of recurrence after treatment.
78
BB
tDCS Investigations of the Neural Basis of
Improvisational Cognition: A Brain Stimulation
Study
BB-074
David Rosen
Co-Author(s): Brian Erickson
Advisor(s): Dr. Youngmoo Kim
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
Humans have the unique ability to spontaneously generate creative behavior, but the neural basis of this ability
is poorly understood. Musical improvisation represents a higher-order, ecologically valid instance of creative
expression. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological evidence suggests that the right dorsolateral prefrontal
cortex (rDLPFC) plays a crucial role in self-monitoring, cognitive flexibility and planning, which are implicated
in creative and insightful behavior. Using right-lateralized non-invasive transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
(tDCS) localized over F4 (rDLPFC) and the contralateral mastoid in anodal, cathodal and sham conditions, we
attempt to modulate and enhance expert jazz musicians’ choices and behaviors while they improvise. Subjects
improvise to an array of chord changes designed to limit the impact of technical proficiency while permitting
creative expression. Jazz experts judge various aspects of the improvisational performances, including
creativity, using consensual assessment. In addition to improvisation, participants complete the numeric Stroop
task for investigation of effects on cognitive inhibition, the Compound Remote Associates Task for differentiation
of effects on creative generation versus analytic ability, and the cued Verb Generation task, which correlates
with a range of standard creativity metrics.
79
BB
Symbiotic bacteria can be shared between army
ants and the distantly related species that inhabit
army ant colonies
BB-075
Justin Newton
Co-Author(s): Piotr Lukasik
Advisor(s): Jacob Russell
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Symbiotic bacteria are known to have a wide range of effects on the biology of their hosts, from nutrient
processing and supply to defense against natural enemies and manipulation of reproduction. These traits are
conferred by diverse bacterial taxa, which inhabit a range of hosts including humans and many ecologically
important animal pests. There is evidence that the transfer of bacteria between species can lead to the
acquisition of important ecological traits. However, communities of interacting organisms have rarely been
systematically explored for shared microbial associates.
Using a range of molecular techniques, we are investigating the overlap in microbial communities of army ants
and the diverse beetles that associate with army ant colonies. These “myrmecophiles” depend on ants for
survival and the frequent interactions with their hosts could facilitate the transfer of bacteria between species.
Our data indicate that several microbial species indeed overlap between army ants and multiple species of their
myrmecophile associates, suggesting some degree of interspecies transfer. If the transfer of symbiotic bacteria
between distantly related hosts is possible in nature, this could allow the acquisition of important defensive,
digestive, or nutritional traits conferred by the microbiome among closely interacting species.
80
BB
Symbiotic Bacteriophage of Pea Aphids Vary over
Geographic Space
BB-076
Cassandra Chatwin
Co-Author(s): Andrew H. Smith, Jacob A. Russell
Advisor(s): Jacob A. Russell
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum is host to a number of maternally inherited symbionts. Many of these
symbionts provide the pea aphid with some kind of defensive capability, for example against high temperatures,
fungal pathogens or parasitic infections. One natural parasite of A. pisum is a parasitoid wasp called Aphidius
ervi. Previous studies have shown that A. pisum individuals who are infected with Hamiltonella defensa, a
symbiotic bacterium, are better able to withstand parasitism by A. ervi. Subsequent studies revealed it was
not H. Defensa itself that conferred protection but rather a bacteriophage (APSE), which is associated with H.
defensa, that plays a significant role in providing defense. In this study we examined the genetic diversity of
APSE at several loci to see if differences in alleles varied over geographic regions. Because pea aphids are an
important agricultural pest, understanding the genetics that confer resistance to parasitism could help us design
methods for controlling pea aphids. Specimens were collected over a period of three years on two host crops in
New York and Pennsylvania. Because these bacteria and associated bacteriophage are heritable their diversity
over could imply that different strains have evolved in response to varying local pressures. Also examined was
prevalence of two other symbiotic bacteria, X-type and Regiella insecticola, which are also believed to have
defensive capabilities. We examined the prevalence of co-infections in association with different APSE strains
that would suggest they are related. X-type symbiont was discovered to be associated with certain strains of
APSE. Because certain strains of the APSE are believed to enhance defensive capabilities against A. ervi,
one possible explanation is the X-type symbiont further increases survival rates of pea aphids that have been
parasitized. Further studies will need to be performed to examine how these relationships affect A. pisum in
vivo.
81
BB
Towards a Breakthrough Assay for Melanoma: “An
epitaph for BRAF?”
BB-077
Louise Aguarin
Co-Author(s): Melody Ju, David Steinmetz, Mariana Cooke, MD, PhD, Xiangsheng Xu, MD, Jay F. Dorsey. MD,
PhD, Gary Kao, MD, PhD
Advisor(s): Dr. Gary Kao, MD, PhD, Dr. Jay F. Dorsey, MD, PhD
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Introduction: Melanoma is a cancer that is often fatal, yet for which individualized disease and treatment
monitoring often remain lacking. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) analysis has shown promise in guiding
prognosis and treatment for cancers of the breast, colon, and prostate, with little discomfort to patients.
We therefore investigated the feasibility of a novel CTC assay for melanoma, including sequencing for the
therapeutically important BRAF gene.
Materials and Methods: The assay relies on an adenoviral vector that drives green fluorescent protein (GFP)
expression in cells with elevated human telomerase promoter activity (characteristic of almost all cancers but
not normal cells, and which confers specificity). We exposed melanoma cells in culture and with control blood
to the vector. The resultant GFP-expressing melanoma cells were imaged via a computer-driven system that
automatically detects and enumerates cells based on size and fluorescence intensity, followed with confirmation
via staining for Melan-A. A capillary-based vacuum-assisted device was then employed to isolate individual
melanoma cells, from which genomic DNA was extracted, amplified, and analyzed via real-time polymerase
chain reaction (RT-PCR) for BRAF.
Results: Melanoma cells exhibited mean GFP intensities of 9.5 (95%CI 9.4-9.7), 11.1 (95%CI 11.0-11.2),
and 12.3 (95%CI 12.0-12.5) standard deviations above the mean, after respectively 24, 48, and 72 hours of
incubation. Sensitivities of 69%, 92%, and 87% were found at the respective times. Individual melanoma cells
were successfully isolated, with subsequent RT-PCR confirmation of wild-type and mutant BRAF DNA.
Conclusion: These studies support the potential usefulness of this novel CTC assay for melanoma.
Furthermore, the ability to isolate individual cells and perform genomic sequencing suggests the possibility of
sequencing melanoma CTC for BRAF status, further guiding “personalized” treatment.
82
BB
Microclimatology of hurricanes: The value of
weather stations in understanding local effects of
Hurricane Sandy
BB-078
Lia Domico
Co-Author(s): Steven Pearson
Advisor(s): James Spotila
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES)
Microclimate is the climate that affects biodiversity on a daily basis. It is also called the climate near the
ground. Weather stations are designed to measure the conditions of the atmosphere for a general area under
a set of conditions – long open area, no obstructions, standard height, etc. In measuring microclimate we set
up a weather station to measure atmospheric conditions as relevant to the organism of interest in a specific
location. In October 2012, Hurricane Sandy barreled through the Atlantic Ocean, to the coast of New Jersey to
become the lowest-pressure storm in recorded history north of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. In this study we
compared weather data for two microclimate stations, one at the Drexel Barnegat Bay Field Station and one
in a residential location in Haddonfield NJ, to public weather stations at Atlantic City airport, Barnegat Light,
and Philadelphia airport. We analyzed data for 48 h between October 29-30. Atmospheric pressure was the
lowest (946.6 mb) while the wind and gust speed were the highest at Atlantic City where the eye passed over.
Barnegat Bay and Haddonfield pressures were higher, 953.3 mb and 951.7 mb, respectively, and the wind
and gust speeds were lower compared to Atlantic City. Rainfall totals were 190 mm in Atlantic City, 136 mm at
Barnegat and 64 mm at Haddonfield. These patterns indicate that the storm was most intense in Atlantic City,
where it made landfall. Measurements of wind and gust speeds at the Barnegat Station were lower than at
Atlantic City and Barnegat Light because of the transect of the eye and because the Station site was protected
by buildings and vegetation. The Haddonfield site recorded the passage of the eye wall at the same time as a
nearby oak tree blew down. Data from microclimate stations provided insight into local weather events during
the storm that was useful in assessing the impact of the storm on a neighborhood scale. It explained the
number of trees that blew down in Haddonfield.
83
Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Case Report
BB
BB-079
Jillian Arthur
Co-Author(s): Mariam Mirza, Rosemary Harris M.D.
Advisor(s): Rosemary Harris
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Department of Family Medicine
Esthesioneuroblastoma, also called olfactory neuroblastoma, is an extremely rare malignant tumor of
neuroectodermal origin. Only 1000 such cases have been reported in the last 20 years. Nasal obstruction,
epistaxis, nasal discharge and/or pain are the most common presenting signs. A 42-year-old male welder and
a former smoker with no other PMH presented with 1 year of anosmia and ageusia. MRI of brain revealed a bilobed 6.8cm infiltrating mass involving the anterior cranial base, sinonasal region and left frontal lobe consistent
with esthesioneuroblastoma, proven by subsequent biopsy. The combined resection of the mass 6 weeks later
involved a bifrontal craniotomy along with endoscopic transnasal approach. He also underwent 3 months of
conformative chemoradiation and was tumor free at one year. Surgery and radiation therapy are the mainstay
of treatment but palliative chemotherapy can also be used in advanced cases. Aside from the preexisting
anosmia he did not develop any new neurological changes. One year after initial diagnosis our patient was
admitted with acute pancreatitis following an MVA. CT scan showed a 7 mm dilatation of the pancreatic duct
and endoscopic ultrasound revealed a 2.1 cm mass of ampulla of Vater positive for adenocarcinoma. He
underwent subsequent cholecystectomy with pancreaticoduodenectomy followed by chemoradiation. Patients
with olfactory neuroblastomas have a higher incidence of paraneoplastic syndromes due to ectopic hormone
production. It remains to be seen if there is a correlation between this patient’s olfactory neuroblastoma and his
ampullary adenocarcinoma.
84
BB
Assessing the Effects of Secondary Symbionts on
Thermotolerance in Acrythosiphon pisum
BB-080
Sameera Kanneganti
Co-Author(s): Jacob A. Russell, Andrew H. Smith
Advisor(s): Jacob A. Russell
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
Acrythosiphon pisum, commonly known as the pea aphid, is one of thousands of aphid species, many of
which feed on agricultural crops. Studies of pea aphids may help prevent millions of dollars in lost agricultural
production caused by pests every year; but there is much more to be gained through research on these
organisms. Some further benefits include a better understanding of symbiotic relationships with bacteria and
their effects on various factors such as thermotolerance and defense. A. pisum hosts the primary endosymbiont
B. aphidicola. In addition to this bacterium, it can also host a number of additional “secondary” symbionts.
While B. aphidicola is required for the survival of aphids, secondary symbionts are facultative in that A. pisum
is generally able to survive and reproduce in their absence. Under certain conditions however, these secondary
symbionts may have important impacts through their effects on body color, host plant specialization, and
resistance to biotic and abiotic stress. In fact, previous studies have shown that secondary symbionts may play
a larger role than the aphid genome in conferring resistance to parasitism. The effects of secondary symbionts
on thermotolerance may represent a major source of genetic variation for this trait in aphid populations as well.
To further study the roles of secondary symbionts in thermotolerance, this experiment will examine the fecundity
of several pea aphid lines, varying in type of symbiont infection, across different temperature conditions. While
some symbionts, such as S. symbiotica, are already known to impact thermotolerance, others, such as H.
defensa, are only suspected to improve fitness at high temperatures. For other symbionts, such as the recentlydiscovered Rickettsiella, effects on thermotolerance are as of yet unknown. Through the comparison of aphid
clonal pairs, we seek to determine the generality of H. defensa thermotolerance as well as the potential for
thermotolerance by Rickettsiela.
85
BB
Differential subcellular distribution of the Sigma1
protein in breast cancer subtypes: implications for
drug response
BB-081
Logan Tyler
Co-Author(s): Mercedes Lioni, Fernando Garcia, Xing Tan, Adriana Sanchez, Felix Kim
Advisor(s): Felix Kim
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Epidemiology
The sigma1 receptor (Sigma1) is a unique integral membrane protein expressed in the cytoplasm of cancer
cells. Emerging evidence, from our laboratory and others, suggests that Sigma1 is a molecular chaperone or
scaffold that may be directly involved in cancer cell protein homeostasis. Consistent with this notion we have
found that certain small molecule inhibitors of Sigma1 induce proteotoxic-stress-associated growth arrest and
apoptosis. Furthermore, there is some evidence that Sigma1 expression may be elevated in breast cancer
(BrCa) cell lines compared to non-transformed cells. However, Sigma1 protein expression has not been clearly
characterized in breast tumors. Here we performed immunohistochemical analysis of Sigma1 protein levels
and distribution patterns in tumor biopsies of four clinical subtypes of BrCa. We found the highest Sigma1
levels in the HER2/neu amplified subtype, followed by triple negative, slightly lower expression in the two
luminal subtypes, and lowest in healthy breast tissue. We observed salient differences in Sigma1 subcellular
distribution patterns. In healthy breast epithelial cells Sigma1 was homogenously distributed in the cytoplasm
in a fine granular pattern. In the luminal subtype Sigma1 appeared as a mix of fine granules and larger, course
granules. In the triple negative and HER2/neu-amplified subtypes Sigma1 distribution was heterogeneous, a
mix of course granules and aggregate-like clusters. Interestingly, in BrCa cell lines with molecular properties
corresponding to these clinical subtypes, we observed increased Sigma1 levels in the malignant cell lines
as well as distinct Sigma1 distribution. We asked if differential Sigma1 distribution would influence response
to Sigma1 selective compounds such as IPAG. Treatment with IPAG induced distinct ubiquitin proteasome
associated responses in these cell lines, suggesting that differences in Sigma1 localization in BrCa cells
influence response to Sigma1 selective compounds.
86
BB
HIV-1 LTR single nucleotide polymorphisms
associate with drugs use and neurocognitive
impairment in the DrexelMed HIV/AIDS Genetic
Analysis Cohort
BB-082
Jean Williams
Co-Author(s): William Dampier, Michael Nonnemacher, Vanessa Pirrone, Benjamas Aiamkitsumrit, Shendra
Passic, Brandon Blakey, Wen Zhong, Rui Feng, Jeffrey Jacobson, Brian Wigdahl
Technician
College of Medicine
Microbiology and Immunology
The current clinical studies have focused on the identification of LTR SNPs derived from peripheral blood
(PB) of patients enrolled in the DrexelMed HIV/AIDS Genetic Analysis Cohort in Philadelphia to identify HIV1-infected individuals more prone to developing advanced disease and/or neurologic dysfunction. Patient
demographics and clinical parameters including drug use, CD4/CD8 T-cell count, and viral load are performed
at every visit. Drug abuse is common within this cohort with cocaine use being favored. The cohort can be
categorized into non-users (PN), preferential cocaine (PC), and polysubstance users (PS). SNPs have been
identified that associated with CD4 T-cell count and viral load. SNPs were also identified that are unique to
each drug abuse category. Using an in silico sensitivity analysis, significant differences in transcription factor
footprints were detected at the Lef-1 site with a variation from an A-to-G at position 321 to be significantly
different between the PN and PC and PN and PS subcohorts. Additionally, an A-to-G alteration at position 286
within C/EBP site II was found to be significant in both the psychomotor and constructive neuropsychologically
impaired patients. In previous studies, we have shown this position to have an increased affinity for C/EBP beta,
increased HIV-1 basal LTR activity, a decreased prevalence in PB-derived LTRs from patients with increased
disease severity, but an increased prevalence in brain-derived LTRs. These results suggest that cocaine may
be applying selective pressure with respect to the genetic architecture of the LTR within these critical binding
sites.
87
BB-083
Gregory Antell
Co-Author(s): Michael Nonnemacher, Vanessa Pirrone, William Dampier, Uri Hershberg, Benjamas
Aiamkitsumrit, Gokul Swaminathan, Shendra Passic, Rui Feng, Jeffrey Jacobson, Brian Wigdahl
Advisor(s): Brian Wigdahl
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Microbiology and Immunology
The HIV-1 genome changes over time due to selective pressures throughout the course of disease. The HIV-1
long terminal repeat (LTR) serves as the viral promoter for HIV and is also the target of anti-HIV-1 microRNAs
(miRNA). As the virus changes over the course of disease, these potential targets may also change and
ultimately alter the level of viral gene expression. Cellular miRNAs bind to the 3’ untranslated region (UTR) of
messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules through complimentary base-pairing and result in translational silencing
or repression via degradation of mRNA of targets. In humans, expression of several miRNAs, including miR28, miR-29a, miR-138, and miR-149, have been associated with decreased susceptibility to HIV-1 infection as
well as latency. HIV-1 LTR sequences from subtype B-infected patients enrolled in the DREXELMED HIV/AIDS
Genetic Analysis Cohort were evaluated in this study for patients who have been observed for at least three
visits in order to identify longitudinal trends in miRNA targets. The miRNA target prediction algorithm miRanda
was used to computationally predict binding interactions between patient LTR sequences and human miRNAs.
All known human miRNA sequences were accessed from the miRNA database miRBase and used in binding
prediction analysis. Initial results demonstrate that most patients demonstrate a net decrease in the number
of miRNA-LTR interactions over time and that mutations resulting in the loss of miRNA-LTR binding are more
commonly observed than mutations resulting in the gain of a binding interaction. These results are suggestive
of a selective pressure on the virus that leads to the evolution of the HIV-1 LTR toward sequence patterns that
are more likely to avoid miRNA targeting. Importantly, the evolutionary pathways available for the LTR to evade
miRNA binding is potentially restricted and/or enhanced based on their proximity and/or association with known
transcription factor binding sites.
88
BB
HIV-1 LTR evolution within patients associates with
patterns in predicted targeting by anti-HIV-1 human
miRNAs suggestive of a novel mechanism of HIV-1
immune evasion
BB-084
Benjamin Schellhase
Co-Author(s): Faiz Subzposh
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Internal Medicine
Intestinal neuroendocrine tumors (also known as carcinoid tumor) are themselves a relatively rare neoplasm.
In the United States, the overall incidence is estimated at roughly 1 per 100,000. Metastasis, when it occurs,
is usually to the liver first, and very infrequently occurs outside the abdomen. Cardiac metastasis has been
described rarely in the medical literature, and when described is often symptomatic. We present a case of
asymptomatic cardiac metastasis identified on echocardiogram and confirmed with ECG-gated MRI in a patient
with known abdominal metastatic disease.
89
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Unusual Cardiac Metastasis of Carcinoid Tumor – A
Case Report
BB
Altered expression of tight junction protein RNA
and protein expression in a blood-brain barrier
model
BB-085
Monique Maubert
Co-Author(s): Marianne Strazza, Vanessa Pirrone, Wei Lin, Rui Feng, Brian Wigdahl, Michael Nonnemacher
Advisor(s): Michael Nonnemacher
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Microbiology and Immunology
Approximately one-third of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cases resulting in acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in the United States have been linked to injection drug use within this
population. Opioid use exacerbates disease progression, enhancing viral replication and peripheral viral
load, as well as increasing incidence and severity of neurocognitive impairment, as compared to non-users. A
compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) is directly involved in the pathology associated with the processes that
ultimately result in HIV-1-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). HIV-1 proteins, as well as certain drugs
of abuse, have been implicated in part in the observed BBB compromise. Previous studies have suggested
that exposure to both HIV-1 Tat protein, as well as mu-opioids, alters BBB permeability, resulting in increased
cellular transmigration, as well as overall barrier leakiness. In these studies, a human brain microvascular
endothelial cell line, hCMEC/D3, was utilized to establish an in vitro model of the BBB to investigate the effects
of Tat and/or morphine exposure on the tight junction proteins (TJPs) of the BBB. Changes in mRNA transcripts
of TJPs were observed throughout the course of morphine exposure. At the protein level, TJP localization was
analyzed following cell fractionation and western immunoblot analysis. Overall, these studies demonstrated that
exposure to Tat and/or morphine induced changes in TJP expression patterns at both the mRNA and protein
level.
90
BB
Determination of HIV-1 coreceptor usage genetic
signatures beyond the envelope
BB-086
Wen Zhong
Co-Author(s): Benjamas Aiamkitsumrit, Michael Nonnemacher, Vanessa Pirrone, Shendra Passic, Brandon
Blakey, Nirzari Parikh, Julio Martin-Garcia, Jeffrey Jacobson, Will Dampier, Brian Wigdahl
Technician
College of Medicine
Microbiology and Immunology
During the course of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, viral adaptation involves genetic
alterations across the genome with genetic signatures preferentially associated with viral phenotypes which
can be categorized based on the co-receptor usage that are CCR5-utilizing (R5), CXCR4-utilizing (X4), and
the dual tropic (X4R5) viruses. The envelope-V3 (Env-V3) sequence is known as a major co-receptor usage
determinant, which can be predicted by different in silico methodologies. Utilizing the position-specific scoring
matrix (PSSM) algorithm, Env-V3 sequences derived from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)
database and DREXELMED HIV/AIDS Genetic Analysis cohort (DM), can be classified into X4 and R5
genotypes, with specific co-linear long terminal repeat (LTR), Tat, and Vpr genotypic patterns. Differential amino
acid (DAA) signatures in both Tat and Vpr, as well as differential nucleotide (DN) signatures in the viral LTR
were identified between the X4 and R5 viruses. Utilizing a maximum likelihood strategy, differences in genetic
relatedness of Env-V3 were readily detected between X4 and R5 viral sequences, but similar differences were
not observed using complete Tat, Vpr and LTR sequences. However, when a similar analysis was performed
across domains of Vpr and Tat as well as the LTR, it clearly demonstrated the existence of differential protein
and promoter domains/regions between X4 and R5 sequences as previously demonstrated with the Env-V3
region. These differential signatures will be further evaluated to determine if selective pressures like drugs of
abuse affect the evolution of X4/R5 viruses and HIV-1-associated disease progression.
91
BB
A Dynamic Study of the Angiotensin II Type I
Receptor Pathway
BB-087
Andre Goran
Advisor(s): Jian-Min Yuan
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
The angiotensin II type I receptor (ATR1) and its associated extracellular signalregulated kinase (ERK) activation pathway have effects in multiple organ systems
and diverse tissues \cite{1} \cite{belmonte}. By modulating blood pressure, volume, and tonicity, angiotensin II
is intimately involved in the cardiovascular and urinary systems. It acts through a G-protein coupled receptor
(GPCR) to initiate a cascade of reactions, which influence transcription in the nucleus as well as other cellular
functions. In this study we construct an updated and verified pathway schematic, model the network of
interactions by a set of differential equations, and use computational methods to investigate the dynamical
behaviors of the system. Our investigation includes probing time-dependent sensitivities of the pathway, testing
robustness, and ranking species as potential drug targets based on dynamical response to manipulation.
92
BB
Assessing the Effect of Physiological Changes on
Pain Detection and Perception using Non-invasive
Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy
BB-088
Daryl Omire-Mayor
Co-Author(s): Ahmad Pourshoghi, Kanghee Lee, Angeline Aguinaldo
Advisor(s): Kambiz Pourrezaei
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an optical brain imaging modality technique that uses near
infrared light to track changes in cerebral hemodynamic responses within the cortex. It can be used for
noninvasive, continuous monitoring of tissue oxygenation and regional blood flow – taking advantage of the
spatial change in the hemodynamics in the pre-frontal cortex region (the forehead). Recent research studies
suggest the use of fNIRS for monitoring cortical activation in response to a given external stimuli. The region
that it focuses primarily on is the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex region. The fNIRS system can penetrate
tissue up to a few centimeters within the 700 to 900nm optical light window. At approximately 700nm, deoxyhemoglobin is absorbed at a maximum and at approximately 900nm, oxy-hemoglobin is absorbed at a
maximum. Given this ratio, through modified Beer-Lambert law calculations we obtain a ratio that gives the
changes in oxy and deoxy-hemoglobin relating to a subjects’ baseline in the prefrontal cortex region.
In this research three subject groups will be observed in this investigation: normal subjects followed by athletes
and smokers. Each subject group will be put through the experimental design of 14 hand immersions through
the cold pressor test while wearing two fNIRS probes (each having one light source and three detectors). EKG
recordings will also be taken of each subject. Subjects will start with their hand in warm water for 2 minutes,
followed by an immersion in cold water for 30 seconds. They will repeat this process 14 times and end with
an additional 2 minute hand immersion in room temperature water. The fNIRS system will be monitoring each
subject’s hemodynamic response throughout each testing session and the BIOPAC system will monitor heart
rate.
It is expected that normal healthy individuals will have the most pronounced hemodynamic response to pain,
followed by athletes and lastly smokers.
93
BB
Endothelial Cells on Stiff Substrates Stiffen While
Cells on Soft Substrates Soften in Response to
TNF-α
BB-089
Rebecca Urbano
Co-Author(s): Isabel Buckner
Advisor(s): Alisa Morss Clyne
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
More than a third of American adults currently suffer from hypertension. The cost is enormous; hypertension
was a primary or contributing factor in 348,000 deaths in 2009 and costs $47.5 billion annually to treat.
Hypertension is characterized by high blood pressure, stiff blood vessels, inflammation, and decreased
availability of nitric oxide—a molecule necessary for blood vessel relaxation. Blood vessel stiffening alters
the mechanical environment of the endothelial cells lining the vascular lumen. Concurrently, inflammation
changes the biochemical environment, including increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production.
While the biomechanical and biochemical changes in hypertension are well characterized, their synergistic
effects are unclear. We hypothesized that endothelial monolayer stiffness following TNF-α treatment would
change depending on the substrate stiffness, which could impact nitric oxide production. To study the effect of
substrate stiffness on endothelial cell response to TNF-α, cells were seeded on collagen-coated polyacrylamide
gels of varying stiffness (6-55 kPa). Cell monolayers were then treated with 10 ng/mL TNF-α, and cell stiffness
was measured by atomic force microscopy. By 6 hours TNF-α-treated cells on soft substrates decreased their
stiffness by 35% and maintained this stiffness up to 24 hours. In contrast, cells on stiff substrates increased
their stiffness by 28% at 6 hours and then softened by 24 hours. We hypothesize that TNF-α treated cells
on stiffer substrates initially stiffen due to increased contractility and cell-cell junction disassembly. We are
currently using traction force microscopy and immunofluorescence labeling of cell-cell junctions to elucidate the
contributions of cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions in substrate-dependent endothelial cell response to TNF-α.
Improved understanding of the interplay between biomechanical and biochemical mechanisms may contribute
to novel hypertension treatment.
94
BB
A Multi-Year Analysis of Orconectid Crayfish
Invasion Dynamics in West Virginia Utilizing
Laboratory and Field Methodologies.
BB-090
Vincent O’Leary
Advisor(s): Zachary Loughman
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
BEES
Invasive animals pose a serious threat to biodiversity and economic growth. Throughout the world, invasive
species are one of the largest threats to freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem health. In West Virginia, two
species of invasive crayfish, Orconectes rusticus and Orconectes virilis, have become increasingly common,
displacing native species and degrading aquatic habitats. O. rusticus was observed competing for a common
shelter to determine behaviors necessary for establishing residency. Aggression is suspected to give O. rusticus
an advantage over smaller native species. Under observation, it was not observed to be more aggressive than
other crayfish when competing for shelter. This suggests that crayfish aggression may be species specific and
not a primary method to establish residency. Invasion dynamics are influenced by other factors than behaviors.
To study ranging behaviors, radio transmitters were attached to O. virilis and daily movements recorded. It
was found to easily move up and down stream dozens of meters overnight. Previously, crayfish were thought
to rarely moves great distances and only spread large distances via bait bucket introductions by fishermen.
Together, these data can be used to predict vulnerable locations and work to prevent an invasion before it
happens.
95
BB-091
Alia Whitehead
Co-Author(s): Jessica Babcock, MD, Marshall Schwartz, MD
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
Other (Administration/Staff)
Surgery
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) can be a devastating complication in the already tenuous lives of premature
infants. It affects approximately 7% to 10% of this population and is fatal in 10 to 50% of cases. Unfortunately,
treatment options are limited. Our lab has previously investigated the roles of two other factors, hepatocyte
growth factor (HGF) and glucagonlike peptide-2 (GLP-2), in rat models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD),
massive small bowel resection, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. A common component of IBD, ischemiareperfusion injury, and NEC is inflammation. Our success with GLP-2 and HGF in this arena make it reasonable
to assume that they could be helpful in the prevention of NEC. Sprague Dawley rat pups were delivered via
Caesarean section on day 22 of gestation and split into four groups: control (dam fed, no NEC conditions), daily
saline injections with NEC conditions, daily GLP-2 injections with NEC conditions, and daily HGF injections
with NEC conditions. After 72 hours of life, rat pups were euthanized and the intestines removed. Intestinal
samples were then examined for DNA content. The DNA concentration in the control group was 4.07 ng/µL (SD
2.02). The concentration in the saline injected group was 2.63 ng/µL (SD 1.29). The HGF and GLP-2 groups
had 2.1 ng/µL (SD 1.08) and 2.77 ng/µL (SD 1.27), respectively. There was no significant difference in DNA
concentration between the saline group and HGF and GLP groups (p-values 0.40 and 0.83, respectively). DNA
concentration is a surrogate marker for cellular reproduction and repair. In this preliminary study, HGF and GLP2 failed to increase the concentration of DNA in neonatal rat bowel. This may mean that they are not protective
against NEC.
96
BB
Effects of Hepatocyte Growth Factor and
Glucagonlike Peptide-2 On A Neonatal Rat Model of
Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Effect of Vocalization on Broad Jump Distance
BB
BB-092
Christine Stevenson
Advisor(s): Sinclair Smith
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
Purpose: This study examined the effects of shouting (vocalization) on maximal broad jump distance. We
hypothesized that the broad jump distance would be greater during the vocalized condition compared to
exhaling without vocalization.
Methods: Seven women and 3 men (age 21.6±5.0 years) performed a maximal-effort broad jump exercise
while exhaling (E) and while exhaling with vocalization (EV). Three trials of each condition were performed in
random order. The participants were instructed to inhale deeply and then exhale while jumping with and without
vocalization. The distance from the jump point to the back heel was measured and recorded. A two-way
repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences across conditions E and EV and the 3 trials with
a 0.05 significance level (mean ± SD).
Results: There were significant differences between EV (176.3 ± 33.1 cm) and E (166.1 ± 34.5 cm, p<0.01).
Jump distance also improved from trial 1 (165.1±30.6 cm) to trial 3 (175.8±35.1 cm, p<0.01).
Conclusions: Vocalization increased the average broad jump distance by 6.0% compared to the exhalation
alone. We hypothesize that vocalization may increase sympathetic drive, enhancing overall motor unit
activation during muscle contraction. Further study on the effect of vocalization effect on sympathetic nervous
system activation and muscle contraction is suggested.
97
BB
Fibroblast growth factor-2 increases endothelial
cell vitronectin uptake
BB-093
Justin Mathew
Advisor(s): Alisa Morss-Clyne
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
MEM
Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) increases angiogenesis, the growth of new blood vessels from existing
vessels. FGF-2 activates pro-angiogenic functions including the plasminogen activator system (PAS). In the
PAS, urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) cleaves plasminogen to plasmin, which promotes extracellular
matrix breakdown and angiogenesis. FGF-2 increases uPA and thereby promote angiogenesis. We
hypothesized that FGF-2 further enhances angiogenesis by increasing uptake of the glycoprotein vitronectin.
Native vitronectin (nVTN) is converted to its multimeric form (mVTN), which then binds to and stabilizes
plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), the primary uPA inhibitor. If FGF-2 increases vitronectin uptake, less
PAI-1 would be available to inhibit uPA, and therefore both PAS activity and angiogenesis would be increased.
To investigate FGF-2 induced vitronectin uptake, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were cultured
in supplemented medium for 2 days and then treated with 50 ng/ml FGF-2 for 24 hours. Cell-associated nVTN
and mVTN were measured by Western blot. FGF-2 increased endothelial cell nVTN uptake by 39% and mVTN
uptake by 42%. We further hypothesized that FGF-2 induced vitronectin uptake would enhance PAS activity.
nVTN and mVTN were added to HUVEC in serum-free medium with FGF-2, and PAS activity was assessed
using a Chromozym assay. nVTN increased PAS activity by 45%, but FGF-2 did not have an additional effect.
In contrast, mVTN did not change PAS activity when added alone; however when mVTN was added with FGF2, PAS activity increased by 58%. We believe that FGF-2 increases vitronectin uptake by activating αvβ3 and
αvβ5 integrins, which bind both vitronectin forms. We are currently investigating integrin activation in FGF-2
induced vitronectin uptake, and whether vitronectin remains on the cell surface or is endocytosed. These
studies will enhance our understanding of varied pathways though which FGF-2 induces angiogenesis.
98
BB-094
Lawrenshey Charles
Co-Author(s): Puja Patel, Diva D. De Leon
Advisor(s): Diva D. De Leon
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) is a genetic disease characterized by dysregulated insulin secretion resulting in
severe hypoglycemia. Children with the most severe form of HI, KATPHI are unresponsive to medical therapy
and require a pancreatectomy to ameliorate the hypoglycemia. Thus, there is a significantly unmet medical
need for safer and more effective treatments for KATPHI. We propose a novel therapeutic approach for KATPHI
with XMetD, a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody to the insulin receptor (INSR). XMetD is an allosteric
antagonist that inhibits insulin-dependent activation of the INSR. We hypothesize that XMetD will induce cellular
resistance to insulin through antagonism of the INSR, alleviating hypoglycemia caused by hyperinsulinism.
We examined various metabolic parameters in wild type and SUR-1 -/- mice to assess the effects of XMetD
on glucose homeostasis and energy balance. These parameters included postprandial and fasting glucose
and insulin concentrations, hepatic glucose output, energy expenditure, and body composition. XMetD raised
fasting blood glucose levels and initially raised insulin levels compared to the control group. Furthermore,
XMetD increased liver glucose production. Though XMetD only reduced weight gain in wild type mice, %
body fat decreased slightly in both treated groups. Lastly, oxygen consumption slightly increased in relation
to the increase total activity in the treatment groups compared to controls. These findings suggest that XMetD
normalizes various metabolic parameters via the induction of cellular resistance to insulin through antagonism
of the INSR, thereby raising XMetD as a potential therapeutic agent for KATP-hyperinsulinism.
99
BB
Effects of an Allosteric Insulin Receptor Antagonist
Antibody on Glucose and Energy Metabolism in
SUR-1-/- Mice
Multimodal Polymer-shelled Contrast Agents
BB
BB-095
Nutte (Tarn) Teraphongphom
Co-Author(s): Peter Chhour, Pratap Naha, David Cormode
Advisor(s): Dr. Margaret Wheatley
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
Ultrasound contrast agents (UCA) are microbubbles with a gas core stabilized by a shell, that act as
echoenhancers to improve sensitivity and specificity in ultrasonic diagnosis. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) UCA,
previously developed in our laboratory, have been shown to have a high acoustic enhancement both in vitro and
in vivo. Combining Ultrasound (US) with other imaging modalities such as fluorescence, magnetic resonance
(MRI) or computerized tomography (CT), can improve the accuracy of many US applications and provide more
comprehensive imaging information. In this study, we modified our current UCA by encapsulating aqueous and
organic quantum dots (QD), magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP), or gold nanoparticles (Au-NP) to create
unique multimodality platforms.
100
BB
The mRNAs encoding the Wnt signaling proteins
beta-catenin and APC are axonal FMRP targets
BB-096
Molly Mitchell
Co-Author(s): Kechna Cadet, Kate Shepard, Michael Akins
Advisor(s): Michael Akins
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
In the brain, learning results from modifications to synapses, specialized contacts between axons and dendrites.
Upon neuronal stimulation, synapses transfer information by synaptic vesicle release of neurotransmitters
from the presynaptic terminal of the axon to the postsynaptic receptors on the dendrite. Learning occurs via
synaptic remodeling, which entails alterations to presynaptic and/or postsynaptic structure. One mechanism by
which synaptic remodeling occurs is synthesis of new proteins to be incorporated into existing synapses. While
proteins can be synthesized in the soma and transported to synapses, mRNA is also translated near synaptic
terminals in a subset of synapses. This local translation allows synaptic terminals to become specialized due
to specific, local activity. A key regulator of protein synthesis is FMRP (Fragile X mental retardation protein), an
RNA-binding protein that is mutated in the human autism-related disease Fragile X syndrome. Loss of FMRP
leads to cognitive deficits in human patients and altered synaptic remodeling in rodent models. While FMRP
regulation of local translation has been well investigated in dendrites, its presynaptic function is only beginning
to be revealed. A potential presynaptic role for FMRP is indicated by its localization to Fragile X granules
(FXGs), ribonucleoprotein particles that are exclusively expressed in the axons of a subset of neurons. Our lab
has data indicating that FXGs co-localize with ribosomes and the mRNAs encoding β-catenin and APC, critical
components of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. β-catenin is critical for proper synaptic structure and
function, and β-catenin protein expression is dysregulated in the absence of FMRP. This suggests that FXGs
may modulate presynaptic plasticity through the coordinate regulation of β-catenin and APC.
101
BB
Intestinal Rescue with Delayed Infusion of GLP-2α
Following Intestinal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury
BB-097
Stephanie Sea
Co-Author(s): Marshall Z. Schwartz
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
Other (Administration/Staff)
Surgery
Purpose: Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is a devastating complication in infants and children, which can
lead to malabsorption and intestinal failure. Our laboratory has previously shown that continuous infusion of
glucagon-like peptide-2(GLP-2α) starting at the time of an IR injury and lasting up to 72 hours can accelerate
intestinal mucosal recovery and substrate absorption in rats. The purpose of the current study was to determine
if GLP-2α infusion would also be effective 12-24 hours following intestinal IR injury.
Methods: Young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent laparotomy and then were divided into seven
groups as follows: 1) Νo mesenteric occlusion and immediate saline infusion (control); 2) 30-minute SMA
occlusion, immediate saline infusion x 72 hours; 3) 30-minute SMA occlusion, 12 hour delay in saline infusion x
72 hours; 4) 30-minute SMA occlusion, 24 hour delay in saline infusion x 72 hours; 5) 30-minute SMA occlusion
immediate GLP-2 infusion x 72 hours; 6) 30-minute SMA occlusion, 12 hour delay in GLP-2 infusion x 72 hours;
and 7) 30-minute SMA occlusion, 24 hour delay in GLP-2 infusion x 72 hours. Infusion of GLP-2 or saline was
via an osmotic mini-pump connected to the jugular vein. Animals were sacrificed after 72hours of treatment and
small intestine segments were evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for inflammatory mediators (TNF-a,
IL-6).
Results: Administration of GLP-2α immediately following ischemia-reperfusion injury significantly decreased
TNF-α (p
Conclusions: Twenty-four hour delayed treatment of GLP-2 can still reduce IR injury to the small intestine. Thus,
delayed GLP-2 infusion may be of benefit in intestinal recovery in patients with delayed diagnosis of an IR
injury.
102
BB
Are food manufacturers killing us with the use of
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate)?
BB-098
Preet Parekh
Co-Author(s): Shreya Rane, Sonia Parikh, Vishva Patel
Undergraduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Unless you have a degree in food science, the hundreds of ingredients printed on every food label can be
next to impossible to decipher. Many people ask the same question, are food manufacturers killing us? There
is one ingredient with 25 different names that has recently gained a lot of media attention. It’s in hundreds of
processed foods from frozen dinners, fast food, chips, and even our soup and salads. Monosodium Glutamate
(MSG) has been in the limelight after many reports of adverse reactions such as burning sensations of the
mouth, migraines, upset stomach as well as a general numbness of the body immediately after consuming
foods containing MSG. It is a flavorless crystalline substance that enhances the flavor of the foods it’s mixed
with. It is used by food manufactures because it makes their food taste better to the point where it becomes
addictive. MSG has been linked to several problems from obesity, migraines and diabetes to even blindness.
I will conduct research on which foods contain MSG and the affects the substance has on consumers as well
as identify the different names which food manufactures use to hide the ingredient from its consumers. A study
group of 100 people will be asked if they know what MSG is and to write down their everyday diets. After this, I
will select a small group of people who seem to consume the most amount of MSG food products and ask them
to try one common food containing the substance then report any symptoms they feel. This will allow me to
analyze how different body types react to MSG. I will then have a control group that will consume the same food
but MSG free and have them report any symptoms they experience after eating the food. There will also be a
small group that will consume a bit of both foods and report any differences in taste they notice by removing
MSG from the food. This will bring light to whether or not MSG actually enhances flavor and the affects it the
affects it has on the body after being consumed.
103
BB
Treatment of Ear Hole Punches in Mice with Nonthermal Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma
Increases Tissue Oxygenation during Healing
BB-099
Natalie Chernets
Co-Author(s): Qianshi Zhang, Deepa Kurpad Shakar, Elizabeth Silagi, Gennady Friedman, Alexander Fridman,
Theresa A Freeman
Advisor(s): Gennady Friedman
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
ECE
Previous studies have shown that non-thermal plasma (NT-plasma) can assist wound healing, promote
differentiation of mesenchyme cells and encourage tissue development (1-5). While the exact mechanism of
NT-plasma interaction with cells and tissue is unclear, it has been shown that intracellular reactive oxygen and
nitrogen species are elevated in response to NT-plasma (5). To investigate the NT-plasma effect on tissue after
wounding a 2-mm clinical biopsy punch was used to create a hole through the ear of C57BL/6 mice (n=5). An
NT-plasma treatment of 5s at 1W was performed daily for 5 days on the left ear after punching, while the right
ear hole was used as an untreated control. Healing of the ear hole was allowed to proceed for 32 days and
closure of the ear hole was measured by image analysis of photographs taken every other day. Additionally, at
Day 0 before and after punch, then at Days 4, 11, 16 and 25, the ear punch sites were analyzed for changes in
blood flow and oxygen concentration by photoacoustic imaging, ultrasound and Doppler using the Vevo Lazr
system. Tissue oxygenation levels adjacent to the ear punch site were increased after NT-plasma treatment
immediately after punch and at Day 4 post ear punch (200-300% above control). By Day 25 the oxygenation
levels of both NT-plasma treated and control returned to pre-punch oxygenation levels. At Day 32, NT-plasma
treated ears in 2 mice were closed above control levels. Results from this study indicate that NT-plasma can
enhance tissue regeneration after an excisional ear punch wound.
1. Arjunan, K.P., et al., J R Soc Interface,2012. 9(66): p.147-57
2. Steinbeck, M.J., et al., PLoS One,2013. 8(12): p.e82143
3. Chernets, N., et al, submitted to Tissue Eng Journal,2014
4. Fridman, G., et al., Plasma Chem Plasma Process,2006. 26(4): p.425-442
5. Kalghatgi S., et al., Annals of Biomol Eng, 2010.38(3): p.748-757
* Work supported by by NIH Grants 1R01EB013011 - 01 (Freeman) and 5R03DE020840-03 (Freeman)
104
BB-100
Atika Malik
Co-Author(s): Kristyn K. Voegele, Kenneth J. Lacovara
Advisor(s): Kenneth Lacovara
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
We describe a recently discovered Thoracosaurus neocesariensis specimen from a shallow marine,
Maastrichtian-Danian Cretaceous site in Mantua Township, New Jersey. This articulated specimen was
discovered in the Main Fossiliferous Layer of the Hornerstown Formation in association with other vertebrate
and invertebrate fossils. It represents the most complete individual of the species yet described, including a
partial femur, the most complete vertebral column and atlas yet discovered, and the first axis known for the
species. Description of these elements and comparisons with related taxa reveal novel phylogenetic insights
about Thoracosaurus. The atlas preserves the intercentrum and portions of the atlantal neural halves and
represents the most complete atlas found for the superfamily Gavialoidea. The odontoid process and the
centrum of the axis are preserved along with the hypapophysis. The partial femur is sigmoidally curved as
typically seen in Crocodyliforms. Novel insights include: 1. the atlas intercentrum is wedge-shaped in lateral
view with insignificant parapophyseal processes and 2. the axial hypapophysis is located toward the anterior
end of the centrum. This new specimen has provided a more complete view of thoracosaurian gavialoid
osteology due to the preservation of these novel elements.
105
BB
Osteological description of a new specimen of
Thoracosaurus neocesariensis, a marine gavial
crocodile, from the Hornerstown Formation of New
Jersey
BB
Effects of Plasma Water for Germination and
growth of Corn
BB-101
Eric Dluhy
Co-Author(s): Andrew Kim, Harpreet Singh
Advisor(s): Vandana Miller
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Drexel Plasma Institute
Corn is a major cash crop in the United States and can be used in different ways. The process of germination
requires water, absence of light, and time. The rate of germination is dependent on the type of water used to
treat corn seeds. Two types of water were used for germination to see its effects on the speed of germination of
the corn seeds. These included plasma treated water and autoclaved spring water which served as the control.
Plasma treated water contains different levels of peroxide, nitrates, nitrites and PH compared to the control
water. Silver queen, ambrosia, and golden cross seeds were grown with the two types of water. The seeds were
first bleached to remove contaminations that could inhibit germination. The seeds were then soaked in the two
different waters and sealed in petri dishes for five days. Golden cross seeds had inhibited germination when
using plasma water. Ambrosia seeds had no differentiation between the lengths of its root and steam when
using plasma water. Silver queen seeds had increased germination rate with plasma water. The size of the
roots and stems were different for each seed depending on the type of water.
106
Non-Albicans Candidal Vulvovaginitis
BB
BB-102
Anna Powell
Co-Author(s): Paul Nyirjesy, MD
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
OBGYN
Introduction: Vulvovaginal candidiasis is associated with significant morbidity. While Candida albicans is
most frequently encountered, increasing infections of non-albicans Candida (NAC) species may also cause
symptomatic yeast infections. Eradication of NAC infections may be more difficult due to antimicrobial
resistance to commonly used agents.
Objectives: The aims of this study included characterization of NAC vaginal yeast infections into symptomatic
or non-symptomatic episodes, which were further analyzed for time to mycologic cure, time to clinical cure, and
number of treatments.
Methods: A cohort from the Drexel Vaginitis Center between April 1, 2008 and January 31, 2011 was reviewed.
Time to mycologic cure was defined as time to first negative culture. Clinical cure was defined as >50%
improvement in patient symptoms.
Results: 51% of infections were symptomatic compared to 48.1% of infections. Candida glabrata was found to
be the most common organism (48.1%.) The average length of time to mycologic cure and clinical cure were
124 days and 77 days, respectively. An average of 1.79 treatments was required to achieve clinical cure. Boric
acid (51.8 %) and fluconazole (30.4 %) were the most common treatments prescribed.
Conclusions: Clinical cure was achieved faster than mycologic cure. Aproximately half of all NAC infections
were symptomatic and attributed to vulvovaginal candidiasis. Boric acid and fluconazole are acceptable
treatments.
107
BB
The role of interstitial fluid flow in epithelial-tomesenchymal transition
BB-103
Alima Tchafa
Advisor(s): Adrian Shieh
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Science
The tumor microenvironment has been shown to include a variety of biophysical forces whose effects are
known to influence cancer progression. Interstitial fluid flow is one such force that is present in normal breast
tissue and elevated in tumors. We previously demonstrated that interstitial fluid flow induces invasion of normal,
ductal carcinoma in situ-like, and invasive ductal carcinoma-like cells via activation of phosphoinositide-3kinase (PI3K). This phenomenon was observed both in single cells and in 3D acini structures. In normal cells,
flow-induced PI3K activation was modulated by EGFR, a growth factor whose signaling is tightly controlled
in normal tissue. In cancer cells, flow-induced PI3K activation was modulated by CXCR4, HER2 expression
and possibly integrins, all receptor proteins whose expressions are elevated in cancer. Using a new approach
to isolate flow responsive cells, we observed that epithelial cells that invaded in response to interstitial fluid
flow expressed higher levels of vimentin and lower levels of E-cadherin, both characteristics of cells that have
undergone epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition; a transition observed in cancer progression where cells loose
their epithelial characteristics and adopt migratory properties. Furthermore, our flow responsive cells displayed
a lower sensitivity to drug treatment. Our current findings suggest for the first time the role interstitial fluid flow
plays on cellular transformation and drug resistance. In addition to our previous findings, these results suggest
interstitial flow is a contributor to breast cancer progression and can also alter how patients respond to therapy.
108
BB
Assessment of Streams in the Delaware River
Watershed using Fish-Based Indices of Biological
Integrity
BB-104
Kevin Biallas
Advisor(s): Stefanie Kroll
Undergraduate Student
Academy of Natural Sciences
BEES
Indices of biological integrity (IBI) can be used to relate the biotic community to anthropogenic stressors. Fish
communities are often used as indicators of water quality and stream ecosystem integrity. Fish-based indices
have been developed by Daniels et. al. (2002), McCormick et. al. (2001), and the New Jersey Department of
Environmental Protection for use in Mid-Atlantic streams. These indices were modified and used to evaluate
historical data collected from fish surveys in targeted areas of the Delaware River Watershed. These IBI scores
can be used to characterize the present and past conditions of these streams relative to an anthropogenic
disturbance gradient and to determine whether stream ecosystem integrity is changing over time.
109
A review of embolizing bleeding vessels
BB
BB-105
Sam Hanif
Co-Author(s): Wenlin Fan, Kouresch Jan
Advisor(s): Robert Koenigsberg
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Radiology
Fluoroscopic and ultrasound guided embolization has been an important procedure to minimize the dangerous
consequences of active internal hemorrhage. The physician must take many factors into account in order to
determine which material to use and when. This educational presentation is a review of a simple algorithm to
decide which embolization agents to use, and under which circumstances to use them.
110
BUSINESS RESEARCH
With respect to the regulations of derivatives, what
are the trends in the US, Europe, and Asia?
BR-001
Zehao Cai
BR
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
finance
The purpose of this research is to study the regulation of derivatives and raise constructive suggestion for
the derivative market. This paper will show the background of the current financial derivative market, study
of the trend of derivatives regulations in the US, Europe, and Asia and my idea about this trend. We would
also discuss the question “Is the trend toward more or less deregulation” And “Should there be more or less
regulation” In this paper。 Present suggestions to help make a better derivative market.
112
Application of Red Flags in Financial Statements
BR-002
Moyassar Eltigani
This research is inspired from the research project Red Flags in Financial Statements of Bear Stearns and
Lehman Brothers by University of Miami students Chris Morgan & Alicia Barroso with the help of Mentor Dr.
W. Brian Barrett. In this current research project, we plan to test if any other investment banks since the crisis
experienced some of the same signals in their financial statements experienced by Bear Sterns or Lehman
Brothers. If so, what were the effects. Furthermore, we will look at current companies to see if any have the
same red flags to predict which banks risk liquidity problems.
113
BR
Undergraduate Student
LeBow College of Business
The impact of non-cognitive process in perceiving
corporate donation on a consumer’s willingness to
pay
BR-003
BR
Jeonggyu Lee
Advisor(s): Rajneesh Suri
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Marketing
This study critically examines an impact of a corporate donation activity on a consumer’s willingness to pay.
A developmental model presents non-cognitive psychological states, and feeling of sympathy mediates the
relationship between a brand’s reputation in corporate social activities and a consumer’ willingness to pay.
There are only few studies focusing on topics from the non-cognitive perception of consumers in pro-social
behavior and corporate social responsibility. This study also concentrates on the role of congruency between
a brand and a charity in delivering the message of donation activities as a moderator within the mediation
relationship. I propose that (1) when the brand reputation in corporate social activities is highly salient,
consumers are more likely to feel about sympathy toward donation and their persuasion knowledge is less
triggered by inferential thinking process, (2) when the brand reputation is less salient, consumers are more
automatically engaged in sympathetic emotional state.
114
Disconfirmed Expectations of Accessibility
for Disabled Consumers: An Examination of
How Service Failures in One Channel Impact a
Multichannel System
BR
BR-004
Alex Cohen
Advisor(s): Dr. Rolph Anderson, Ph.D.
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Doctoral Program in Marketing
This research examines how the effects of disconfirmed expectations caused by inaccessibility to a seller
in one marketing channel can lead to the avoidance of other transactional channels of that seller. In today’s
multichannel environment (e.g., online through seller websites and social media, and offline through physical
stores using QR codes in advertising and displays), sellers cannot afford to have any of their multiple channels
inaccessible to any potential market. For instance, when a website is not accessible to disabled consumers
(e.g., the vision impaired), what is the impact on the use of that seller’s other transactional channels by these
consumers? Specifically, does the disconfirmation of expectations of vision impaired consumers result in
complete or partial avoidance of other transactional channels offered by the company? This research takes a
unique perspective by examining the pre-purchase expectations of disabled consumers and their disconfirmed
expectations through service failures resulting from inaccessibility. Social disability theory in combination with
disconfirmed expectations theory using a critical incident approach combined with a retrospective experience
sampling approach reveals that an egregious service failure such as the inaccessibility or closure of a
transactional channel will result in avoidance of other channels of the seller regardless of the quality of those
other channels or recovery efforts by the seller. By elucidating a problem affecting an expanding market of more
than thirty million U.S. consumers, this research suggests a potential competitive opportunity and challenge for
multi-channel sellers to better serve these oftentimes underserved consumers. Government legislation, court
decisions, technological recommendations, and a multitude of disability services, and consumer satisfaction
literature are also discussed to show that service channel accessibility is a growing issue that may significantly
impact channel management.
115
Understanding Effective Leadership in Crisis
Situations within Intercollegiate Athletics
BR-005
Patrick Gallagher
BR
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
The organizational culture of NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletic programs has become of particular interest
due to the increased level of attention paid to top student-athletes as well as the additional resources put
toward the development of athletic departments. To be more specific, the leadership behaviors and practices of
an athletic director during and immediately following a crisis management situation involving his or her studentathletes, varsity sports, coaches, and administrators, has recently become a focus area for higher education
and sport management case studies.
The purpose of this research is to identify leadership behaviors and practices of Division I, non-FBS,
Intercollegiate Athletic Director’s in a crisis situation. In defining these behaviors, the purpose included the
following: (1) to outline the contemporary theories of leadership, (2) to define the role of leadership in crisis
situations, (3) to examine the organizational culture model for NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics, (4) to
identify purposeful and effective action steps, and (5) provide relevant and renewed literature on leadership in
college athletics.
For Division I intercollegiate athletic departments, athletic administrators are often faced with challenges that
test the strength of their leadership along with their ability to maintain their reputation. In order to discover
successful behaviors and practices of athletic directors during or in the aftermath of a crisis, the researcher will
conduct personal interviews using ten survey questions with six Division I, non-FBS member institutions within
the state of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The qualitative data garnered from the research design in this study
will provide a comprehensive understanding for future researchers to examine successful intercollegiate crisis
management leadership practices.
116
Application of Project Management in Higher
Education
BR-006
Sarah Zulueta
BR
Co-Author(s): Winifred Browne, Chanelle Austin, Barbara Haas, Everett Kenyatta
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Project Management
Project Management is prevalent in many industries but is seemingly overlooked in higher education. At times
project management is considered more of an art than an actual science therefore not enough time or money
is spent on implementing formal structures in organizations, as a result projects often fail and lack direction
in any industry. Formal project management concepts are more prevalent in well-established industries such
as construction and healthcare but seem to be lacking in higher education. We will examine why project
management is not as prevalent in higher education, how higher education institutions can benefit from having
formal project management methodology or a central PMO and what leadership traits would be needed for
management to successfully implement a sustainable and effective PMO at a higher education institution.
A case study consisting of a series of interviews with top leaders at Drexel University on the state of project
management will illustrate the challenges that face higher education institutions who strive to implement project
management methodology under budget and resource constraints. In addition, required leadership styles
and further research in the area will be examined to further prove the importance of implementing project
management in higher education institutions that will contribute to effective, efficient and timely delivery of
product and services to their customers – the faculty, staff and students.
117
You Drive Me Nuts by Making Me Feel Good About
Myself: Role of A Momentary Incremental Change in
Self-Esteem in People’s Behavior
BR-007
BR
Hoori Rafieian Koopaei
Advisor(s): Dr. Hyokjin Kwak
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Marketing
People make choices on a daily basis. What affects an individual’s choice is sometimes totally unrelated to the
context of the choice. In four different experimental and field studies, I examine the role of a transitory change
in individuals’ self-esteem in the subsequent decisions made by them. I aim to show that a momentary change
in self-esteem can affect an individual’s self-control and leads to a different choice of alternatives compared to
when the level of self-esteem remains stable. Since impulsive buying behavior is a direct result of lacking selfcontrol over sudden impulses, I also aim to show that a momentary increase in self-esteem can make people
be more impulsive, make more in-store decisions and end up making more unplanned purchases.
118
CSR as an adaptive selling tool: Evidence from the
automobile dealership industry
BR-008
Jorge Fresneda
BR
Advisor(s): Daniel Korschun
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Marketing
Companies now routinely report on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities to customers in an
attempt to deepen customer company relationships and drive sales. Yet very little is known about when and
how frontline employees might complement and reinforce these efforts by referring to the company’s CSR
programs during sales encounters. We examine frontline employees’ use of CSR as an adaptive selling tool in
a study of 140 sales employees at a multi-billion dollar automotive chain. We find that frontline employees use
CSR as an adaptive selling tool based on their understanding of both the company and customers. First, they
use CSR to the extent that the company’s CSR fits with their understanding of the company identity, and this
effect strengthens the more that an employee identifies with the organization. Second, they use CSR as an
adaptive selling tool to the extent that they believe customers support the CSR program; this effect strengthens
the more the employee believes that CSR is important (i.e., a self-defining characteristic). Moreover, the data
show that the use of CSR as an adaptive selling tool is consequential; it is positively related to employee sales
performance.
119
Harnessing Word of Mouth for Greater Audiences:
Five Philadelphia Organizations Preparedness to
Adopt Arts Ambassador Models
BR-009
BR
Mary Kate OKeefe
Advisor(s): Dr. Jean Brody
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Arts Administration
Current evidence demonstrates that word of mouth has a significant impact on arts attendance numbers, the
richness of engagement, and the lasting relationships that audience members form with arts organizations.
This study investigates five Philadelphia arts organizations’ preparedness to fuel word of mouth through the
adoption of an arts ambassador program model and assesses their respective audience members’ willingness
to participate in the model as ambassadors.
The author developed five case studies using a mixed methods approach, which included in-depth interviews
with the organizations’ marketing directors and the distribution of surveys to audience members and
participants.
The study finds that arts administrators comprehend the essential nature of word of mouth to their
organizations’ success and that they want to learn how to harness the power of word of mouth to their benefit.
The obstacles standing between arts marketers and the establishment of arts ambassador programs at their
institutions are a lack of financial resources, time, and staff support. The largest obstacle for audience members
and participants is a lack of time available to serve in the ambassador role. A majority of audience members are
interested in serving as ambassadors, and most do not require specific incentives or payment; the satisfaction
of serving the organization is enough of a reward.
The results of the five case studies demonstrate that there is an overarching willingness and interest in the
ambassador model on the part of both arts administrators and audience members. An analysis of each
organization’s current available resources, however, suggests that while the arts ambassador program model
intrigues most arts organizations, not all of them are prepared to successfully initiate and maintain a program.
120
Is Winning the Heisman Important in the NFL Draft?
BR-010
Lawrence Lindawan
Advisor(s): Masaru Teramoto
BR
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
The Heisman Trophy is the most distinguished awards for collegiate football players. Since its start in 1935
when Jay Berwanger from the University of Chicago became the first winner, it has been awarded each year
to the most outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits excellence and integrity on
the field. The Heisman winners were not only the best in football at their individual positions; but they were the
biggest influence in games in the entire National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) that year. Often the
player who has received the Heisman is introduced into the media spotlight instantly and is quickly made into
a household name. In addition the winner is one of the highly emphasized prospects in the National Football
League (NFL) draft. Being labeled as the top college player of the year leads to them having a “high draft stock”
where they are one of the first selections (often the top 10 in the first round). Meanwhile, the Heisman winners
drafted high entering the NFL do not always become the players they were expected to be resulting in mistakes
in draft picks or so called “flops”. There is a lack of evidence supporting when a player wins the Heisman it
will guarantee success in the professional level. The purpose of this study is to examine whether or not teams
should take into account if a player has won the Heisman or not when drafting players. The findings of this
study can be utilized by general managers and scouts of the NFL teams. Small budget teams can adopt a more
efficient monetary strategy drafting players by being frugal and picking the right players. Further data collection
is ongoing to determine the factors that influence a Heisman winner or success of other players in the NFL.
121
Commonality Advisers Business Plan
BR-011
Katherine Fay
Co-Author(s): Fontaine Gutierrez, Krista Boyd, Amanda Rosenthal
Advisor(s): Beth Phillips
BR
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Design and Merchandising
Commonality Advisers is a family-friendly, fun-centric service company that partners with existing travel
companies at a specific price range to create a lasting relationship with LGBTQ families by wedding dynamic
media and a modern understanding of the LGBTQ family’s needs. Our customers, employees, and community
are viewed as family, and as such we applaud their continued growth as creators, innovators, and pillars of our
global community. We aim to become a nationally recognized for-profit service as our country makes its historic
strides towards equality. Our goal is for moderate growth, annual profitability, and making memories for a family
and their future generations. We also want to help promote LGBTQ acceptance so people in the community as
well as our clients feel at ease.
We are a specialty consulting service that facilitates the relationship between traditional, established travel
companies and the LGBTQ community by utilizing media and language specific to present-day LGBTQ family’s
needs and sensitivities. We pride ourselves on our awareness of the community’s travel concerns and needs,
and our ability to assist agencies in meeting these needs while financially capitalizing on this burgeoning
market. As a business-to-business service, Commonality Advisers will be solving two problems:
1. Showing travel companies the profitability of this market and how to tap into it
2. Reassuring the LGBTQ community that they will have all their travel/vacation needs met in a safe and
welcoming atmosphere
122
Why Do Consumers Overestimate Their Needs?
Effects of Goal-Derived Categories on Perceived
Performance
BR-012
BR
Anubhav Aggarwal
Advisor(s): Dr. Hyokjin Kwak
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Marketing
This research studies the effect of expertise and goal-derived categories on the perceived performance of an
attribute level of a product. The two studies ask the participants to assign performance ratings to earplugs
based on their noise isolating level. Study 1 shows that experts are more likely to perceive the same level of
performance from any attribute level above the required level but novices continue to perceive a performance
gain. Study 2 shows that in absence of knowledge about the correct required attribute level, experts are more
likely to anchor their judgments on the basis of prior knowledge about required attribute level for another goal.
These finding highlight the role of goal-derived categories in consumer’s perception of product performance.
123
Thinking differently: Unconscious thought
increases evaluations of weak tie extensions
BR-014
Yuli Zhang
BR
Advisor(s): Hyokjin Kwak
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Marketing
The extant literature in brand extensions seems to have ignored the importance of weak associations in
connecting the existing brand and its extension. Drawing upon weak tie theory, this study defines strong
tie and weak tie extensions, which differ in terms of the relationships between strong associations and
weak associations of the existing brand and its extension. Furthermore, this study examines the role of
unconscious and conscious thought in evaluations of strong tie and weak tie extensions. The findings reveal
that unconscious thought results in more positive evaluations toward weak tie extensions than does conscious
thought. However, in terms of evaluations of strong tie extensions, there is no significant difference between
unconscious and conscious thought.
124
How to prepare a Program Roadmap
BR-015
Kevin Byrne
Co-Author(s): Robert Keys, Cynthia Schaffer, Andrew N. Solic
Advisor(s): Victor Sohmen
BR
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Project Management
The rationale for conducting this research study is to develop an outline for a comprehensive program map.
The Project Management Institute in The Standard for Program Management (3rd ed.) elaborates when the
institute states, “The program roadmap should be both a chronological representation in a graphical form of
a program’s intended direction as well as a set of documented success criteria for each of the chronological
events. It should also establish the relationship between program activities and expected benefits. It depicts key
dependencies between major milestones, communicates the linkage between the business strategy, planned
prioritized work, reveals and explains gaps, and provides a high-level view of key milestones and decision
points” (PMI, 2013a, p. 29). Program maps are essential in program governance and for implementing and
aligning business strategy within projects across the program. Therefore, program maps are vital for continued
program success. This study will assume the perspective of a program manager supervising a program. What
opportunities and problems are presented in this research study? This research study presents a unique
opportunity to acquire an enhanced understanding of programs and program management while subsequently
acquiring new revelations on the importance of program maps. The challenges presented in this research
study are centralized within the scope and limitations. Given the variety of perspectives and interpretations,
postulating a comprehensive program map becomes a unique challenge. Context within industry and business
further complicates this ambitious goal. What is the environment in which this study is conducted? The
environment in which this research study is conducted includes a diverse variety of academic interpretations,
case studies, and professional interviews that can be utilized to provide support and evidence in achieving the
objective.
Keywords: Program map, project management, knowledge
125
TRANSLATIONAL & CLINICAL
The Philadelphia Fetal Infant Mortality Review
(FIMR)/ HIV Prevention Methodology Project
TR-001
Nicole Chisolm
Co-Author(s): Debra D’Alessandro, Kathleen Brady, Tina Penrose
One of the greatest achievements in the United States HIV epidemic has been advancement in the prevention
of mother-to-child HIV transmission. Collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies has allowed
for development and implementation of perinatal HIV exposure guidelines, resulting in significant impacts
on perinatal transmission. Since 1991, the US has accomplished a more than 80 percent decline in new
transmissions of perinatally- acquired HIV cases and more than 93 percent reduction in perinatal AIDS cases.
Despite vast improvements in HIV-related maternal and child health, mother-to-child HIV infections have yet to
be eliminated. There is also a need to acknowledge major disparities that exist among those from communities
of color and low- socioeconomic backgrounds.
The Philadelphia FIMR-HIV Project is a product of collaboration between the Philadelphia Department of
Public Health AIDS Activities Coordinating Office and the Health Federation of Philadelphia. The goal of the
Philadelphia FIMR-HIV Project is to improve perinatal prevention systems by using the FIMR case review
and community action process. This evaluation utilizes Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)/ HIV Prevention
Methodology to improve maternal and child health care systems and to reduce perinatal HIV exposure in the
Philadelphia service area.
A review of high-risk cases of perinatal HIV exposure revealed a need for increased linkage to social support
programs in Philadelphia. Among risk factors identified in case summary reports, there was a specific need for
services addressing substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence. There is also a significant need
for service/care providers of HIV-positive patients to incorporation discussions regarding pregnancy intention
and family planning in the patient-provider dialogue. Findings from this review emphasize the need for better
engagement in family planning services among HIV- positive women of childbearing years.
127
TR
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics
The Effect of a Clinical Decision Support System
on the Adoption of a Protocol for Nurse-Directed
Catheter Removal
TR-002
Amy Glasofer
Co-Author(s): Roberta Waite, Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, Laura Wood
Advisor(s): Roberta Waite
TR
Graduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
DrNP
As a result of an increasingly complex healthcare environment, clinicians fall short of their potential to provide
quality care. Healthcare systems must provide point-of-care guidance to improve the application of evidence
and decrease variability in care. One strategy to accomplish this is the utilization of clinical decision support
systems (CDSSs). Our hospital implemented a CDSS to promote the evidence-based practice of nurse-directed
urinary catheter removal.
The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a CDSS on nurse-directed urinary catheter removal,
and the associated outcomes of catheter associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and urinary catheter
utilization rates, and to explore the experiences of nurses interacting with the CDSS and the protocol for nursedirected catheter removal.
103 patient records for patients meeting protocol criteria before implementation of the CDSS (Phase 1) and 100
patient records after (Phase 2) were retrospectively reviewed for evidence of nurse-directed catheter removal.
The CAUTI and urinary catheter utilization rates for these time periods were analyzed. 30 nurses completed an
open-ended questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to analyze responses.
Nurse directed catheter removal increased from 42% in Phase 1 to 76% in Phase 2 (p
This study highlights the importance of interactions between people, process, and technology in achieving highquality outcomes. Though the CDSS did impact nursing behavior, there was no significant impact on patient
outcomes. Further attention needs to be given workflow and social dynamics to maximize the impact of CDSSs.
128
fNIR for Improved Control & Sensory Feedback in
Neuroprosthetics: Tactile & Haptic Feedback of
Object Slip Improves Performance in a Grasp &
Hold Task
TR-003
Mashaal Syed
TR
Co-Author(s): Meltem Izzetoglu, Amy A. Blank, Julie M. Walker, Marcia K. OMalley, Patricia A. Shewokis
Advisor(s): Patricia A. Shewokis
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
The aim of this work is to integrate the brain ‘into-the-loop’ during performance of real and virtual tasks for
individuals using upper extremity prosthetics without the use of intensive, invasive surgical procedures and by
employing tactile and haptic feedback during grasping activities. Specifically, we will assess brain activation
through optical imaging, functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIR), during task performance with varying
types of sensory feedback. The current protocol is a virtual reality replication of a grasp and lift task performed
with an exoskeleton along with non-invasive neuroimaging measures (Brown et al., 2013). In this specific
experiment, 21 participants engaged in a computerized task, where they were to grasp a virtual object and keep
it from slipping via the SensAble Desktop Phantom. This device provided haptic feedback to simulate contact
with the object, while the tactor placed on their arm supplied tactile feedback to notify the participant that the
object was slipping from grasp. Whether visual feedback of the object was provided or not, optimal performance
was expected to be achieved when the participant was given both haptic and tactile feedback simultaneously.
Participants engaged with the virtual environment while wearing a 16-channel fNIR sensor across their
forehead; fNIR is an optical brain imaging technique that allows for noninvasive monitoring of a person’s level of
brain activation through hemodynamic changes in the prefrontal cortex, an area of the brain highly associated
with learning, decision making and initiating movement. The focus of this work is on two specific hemodynamic
biomarkers – oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and de-oxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) during task performance.
Discussion will focus on the fNIR data processing components and the HbO and Hb findings with different
forms and combinations of sensory feedback. This work was supported by the National Science Foundation
grants: IIS-1064871 & IIS-1065497.
129
Correlates of completing a randomized controlled
trial for improving health and well-being through
lifestyle-change
TR-004
James Kelly
Advisor(s): Dr. Janell Mensinger
TR
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Health Sciences
Introduction: Dropout presents a significant challenge to gathering long-term research data. Incomplete
data threatens experimental validity. The present study aimed to identify demographics and baseline values
of psychological and physiological measurements associated with completing a 6-month lifestyle change
intervention and 24-month follow-up interviews.
Method: Eighty women enrolled in a RCT comparing the health benefits of two interventions. Participants were
between 30 and 45 years of age (M=39.6, SD=4.11), 96% identified as Caucasian, 65% attended some college,
BMIs ranged from 30 to 45 (M=38; SD = 3.88).
Results: Chi-squares and bivariate correlation coefficients were used, as appropriate, to find statistical
predictors of completing the intervention and long-term follow-up. The strongest predictor of completing the
24-month follow-up was finishing the intervention (OR=4.31, CI.95 1.69, 10.99). Minority status (OR=.48, CI.95
.38, .61), and quality of life, including a subscale of feeling safe in one’s neighborhood, (r=.24, p=.03) were
associated with 24-month follow-up. Higher depression (r=-.25, p=.03) and being employed at the sponsoring
hospital were associated with NOT completing the intervention (OR=.21, CI.95 .07, .66). Several changes in
scores from baseline to 6-month measurements were associated with completing the intervention, including
improvements in: weight bias internalization (r=.27, p= .03), waist (r=.31, p=.009) and hip (r=.30, p=.012)
circumferences, diastolic blood pressure (r=-.28, p=.02), dietary risk (r=.28, p=.02), and disordered eating
(r=.25, p=.03).
Discussion: In light of the evidence that the strongest predictor of completing long-term follow-up interviews
was attending the intervention, we must closely examine factors that keep participants engaged in research
protocols.
130
Interneuron-specific firing rate activity predicts
neocortical seizure onset in the human mesial
temporal lobe
TR-005
Amrit Misra
Co-Author(s): Xianda Long, Michael Sperling, Ashwini Sharran
Advisor(s): Karen Moxon
TR
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Neuroengineering
Researchers have long searched for reliable patterns that can predict seizure events in the hopes of providing
a degree of warning to epilepsy patients and found little success. However, all of these efforts have focused
on population recordings (EEG). In contrast single neuron recordings may provide novel information. To
address this, platinum-iridium micro-wires were implanted into the mesial temporal lobe of patients undergoing
diagnostic evaluation at Thomas Jefferson University. Data from 17 generalizing seizures across 9 patients
were analyzed. 129 single neurons were discriminated during preictal periods (two hours terminating in seizure
onset) or interictal periods (more than 12 hours from nearest seizure). Population peri-event time histograms
were created by aligning each seizure to its onset time as determined clinically, binning the data into 10s bins
and averaging the firing rate in each bin for all neurons across all seizures. In a similar manner, normalized
unit-field coherence spectrograms were created. For generalizing seizures, pyramidal cell activity increased
within seconds of seizure onset with no measurable change in unit-field coherence. Interneurons, on average,
showed a significant decrease in firing rate starting approximately 2 minutes prior to seizure onset. Moreover,
similar to our data from animal studies, there was an average decrease in unit-field coherence from 1-8 Hz in
the 10 minutes prior to seizure. On a per-neuron level this pattern of activity was present in 50% of interneurons
across 75% of generalizing seizures. Thus specific interneuron behaviors may reflect preparatory changes in
inhibition that precede clinical manifestation of seizure by minutes.
131
The Effect of Pregnancy on Interstitial Cystitis/
Bladder Pain Syndrome
TR-006
Peter O’Hare
Co-Author(s): Darlene Morrissey, Dominique El-Khawand, Kristene Whitmore
Objective: To describe the symptoms and course of Interstitial Cystitis/ Bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS)
throughout pregnancy and with subsequent pregnancies.
Methods: In February 2011, a survey of pregnant or postpartum women in the US, diagnosed with IC/BPS was
conducted. Respondents indicated if they received an IC/BPS diagnosis and described the severity of their
disease prior to pregnancy.
Results: 591 subjects responded to the survey; 564 confirmed IC/BPS diagnosis by a physician. Mean age
was 39 (±11.4). Among 384 women who reported a pregnancy after their IC/BPS was diagnosed, their pregestational symptoms were rated mild (30%), moderate (52%) and severe (18%). Compared to pre-pregnancy
levels, pain was rated better in the first trimester, second trimester and third trimester in 39.3%, 51.8% and
44.2, and worse in 25.1%, 28.8% and 39%, respectively (n=303). Similarly, urinary frequency was rated better
in 27%, 35.8% and 27.6%, and worse in 39.5%, 42.8% and 56.3%, while urinary urgency was rated as better
in 39.3%, 51.8% and 44.2% and worse in 25.1%, 28.8% and 39%, in the first, second and third trimesters
respectively.
Patients’ reported symptom change from baseline for pain, frequency and urgency positively correlated across
all trimesters (p=<0.001, rho 0.38-0.93).
Similarly, a positive correlation was found between the same symptoms across the first and second
pregnancies (p=<0.001, rho 0.5-0.6).
Breastfeeding maintained the subjective symptom change found during the gestation as evident by a positive
correlation (p= <0.05, rho 0.16-0.36); symptoms were rated as better in 52%, unchanged in 38% and worse in
10% compared to pre-gestation baseline.
Conclusion: Pregnancy may improve pain in more than half of patients with IC/BPS in the second trimester. The
effect of pregnancy on IC/BPS symptoms appears to remain stable throughout the gestation, breastfeeding and
a subsequent pregnancy.
132
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Ob/Gyn Division of Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Pilot study: Hair Cortisol Measurements in the
Evaluation of Cushing’s Syndrome
TR-007
Aaron Hodes
Co-Author(s): Mihail Zilbermint, MD, Maya Lodish, MD, Ninet Sinaii, PhD, Elena Belyavskaya, MD,
Charalampos Lyssikatos, MD, Kendra Rosenberg, BS, Jerrold Meyer, PhD, Constatine Stratakis, MD, D(Med)
Sci
Advisor(s): Mihail Zilbermint, MD, Maya Lodish, MD, Constatine Stratakis, MD, D(Med)Sci
TR
Medical Student
College of Medicine
Context: Hair cortisol has been recently studied to determine evidence of hypercortisolemia in humans. This
test may be useful in estimating cortisol levels, including patients with Cushing’s syndrome (CS).
Objective: To determine correlations with biochemical evidence of CS, and to compare hair cortisol
measurements in patients with CS to normative data.
Methods: Hair samples from five female patients with CS (mean age: 18.2 ±17.3 years) were collected.
Three hair samples from each patient were processed and analyzed for cortisol. Diurnal serum cortisol
measurements, plasma ACTH levels, 24-hr-urinary free cortisol (UFC), corrected by body surface area (UFC/
BSA) and 17-hydroxysteroids (17OHS), corrected for creatinine (17OHS/Cr), were pre-operatively assessed.
Average hair cortisol data were log-transformed for normality and compared to normal data of healthy adults as
measured in the same laboratory.
Results: Average hair cortisol in the study was 74.0±96.9 pg/mg (median: 23.5 pg/mg; range: 18.0–243.7 pg/
mg) and was positively correlated with UFC/BSA (r=0.89, p=0.04), 17OHS/Cr (r=0.97, p=0.008), and morning
serum cortisol (r=0.90, p=0.04). Mean cortisol in CS patients was not statistically significantly different from the
mean level of 36.0 ±110 pg/mg in previously reported normal patients (p=0.47).
Discussion: We found that hair cortisol levels positively correlated with some biochemical evidence of CS;
however, there was no difference in hair cortisol levels between our cohort and published normative data. We
speculate small sample size and lack of normative data in children limited our results. More research is needed
to evaluate the use of hair cortisol in patients with CS.
133
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes after Uterine
Rupture in Obese Women
TR-008
Dhivya Kannabiran
Co-Author(s): Roufan Yao
Advisor(s): Lauren Plante
Objective: Uterine rupture is an obstetric complication that carries significant maternal and fetal morbidity
and mortality. There are currently no publications regarding the risk for adverse outcomes in cases of uterine
rupture associated with obesity. Our study examines whether obese women suffered from greater maternal and
neonatal morbidity and mortality after uterine rupture.
Study Design: This is a retrospective cohort study using Texas state data from 2006 to 2011. All cases of
uterine rupture were collected within this cohort. Maternal prepregnancy BMI (kg/m2) was categorized as
normal (18.5 to 24.9), overweight (25.0 to 29.9), and obese (≥30). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to
test for statistical difference between the BMI groups for the following outcomes: 5 and 10 minute APGAR ≤6,
NICU admission, assisted ventilation >6 minutes, seizures, neonatal death, ICU admission, blood transfusion
and unplanned hysterectomy.
Results: Of the 2,422,520 singleton, non-anomalous birth in Texas from 2006 to 2011 there were 369 cases of
uterine rupture. 235(51.8%) of the cases were normal weight, 109(24.0%) were overweight, 110(24.2%) were
obese. The risk of uterine rupture is 0.02% for each comparison group. Neonatal morbidities and mortality were
not significantly different between the comparison groups. Between normal weight and obese groups, the rate
of NICU admissions were 34.5% vs. 34.8%, p=0.95, assisted ventilation 11.5% vs. 13.6%, p=0.71, seizure 2.1%
vs. 3.6%, p=0.55, and neonatal mortality 2.1% vs. 2.7%, p=0.85. Maternal morbidities were also not significantly
different between normal weight and obese groups, the rate of ICU admissions were 17.0% vs. 10.9%, p=0.14,
blood transfusion 18.7% vs. 17.3%, p=0.54, and unplanned hysterectomy 10.2% vs. 6.4%, p=0.35.
Conclusion: Obesity is not associated with increased maternal or neonatal morbidities and mortality in the event
of uterine rupture.
134
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Investigations of Spider Silk for Use in Innovative
Textile Production
TR-009
Chelsea Knittel
Co-Author(s): Genevieve Dion, Randolph Lewis
Advisor(s): Genevieve Dion
Spider silk is stronger than steel, ultra-light, biodegradable, biocompatible, and more. However, due to the
cannibalistic nature of spiders, attempts to cultivate it have been unsuccessful. Though only produced in
small quantities, recent advancements in transgenic spider silk production are unlocking potential for use in
innovative textiles. Through research at the Shima Seiki Haute Tech Lab at Drexel University, we demonstrate
that it is possible to knit textiles with transgenic spider silk yarn, using state of the art computerized knitting
machines, which require minimal materials and reduce waste. Using CAD software, we are programming
various knit structures to evaluate their potential for fabrication with transgenic spider silk yarn. The structures
are knitted with optimized knitting conditions, thus tapping into the industrial potential of transgenic spider silk.
135
TR
Undergraduate Student
Pennoni Honors College
Custom Design Major
A Case of Apical Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy and
Narrow Complex Tachycardia
TR-010
Eduard Koman
Co-Author(s): Obiora Anusionwu, Eugene Khait
Apical Hypertrophy Cardiomyopathy (AHC) is a rare disease resulting from predominant thickening of the
apical portion of the left ventricle (LV) of the heart. While it is believed to have a good overall long-term
prognosis; patients can manifest both a variety of symptoms and clinical presentations. A 47-year-old African
American male with a history of an “abnormal heart beat” diagnosed 10 years prior, presents to the emergency
department with a chief complaint of palpitations. While watching television, he suddenly experienced an acute
onset of palpitation and slight dizziness. On initial presentation he was found to have an irregular heart rate
ranging between 70-130 beats per minute. The remainder of his physical exam and laboratory results were
unremarkable. An electrocardiogram (ECG) was performed and revealed a narrow complex tachycardia and
a R-P’ interval that progressively prolongs. This decremental conduction or retrograde Wenckebach resulted
in a complete block after one of the QRS complexes followed by resumption of sinus rhythm. Giant symmetric
T-wave inversions in leads V3-V6, and LVH were found as well. Cardiac angiography revealed normal
coronary arteries. A left ventriculogram was done and demonstrated a “spade like” configuration of the LV with
no evidence of apical aneurysm. This case illustrates the classical clinical findings of AHC and the different
types of arrhythmias that have never been documented in the patient’s history. They should be considered as
potential etiologies for patients with AHC who present with palpitations.
136
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Internal Medicine
Time Based Improvement in Hospital Outcomes
of STEMI patients after Primary Percutaneous
Coronary Intervention
TR-011
Obiora Anusionwu
Co-Author(s): Eduard Koman, Ronak Patel, Gary Ledley, Peter Kurnik
The prevalence of coronary artery disease has been increasing. Many of these patients present to the hospital
with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). STEMI patients, if not treated immediately with reperfusion
therapy, are associated with high mortality. The current ACC/AHA guideline recommends a door-to-balloon time
of 90 minutes. We sought to evaluate the demographic variables and improvement in STEMI outcomes over the
years after primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI). This was a retrospective chart review of an Institutional
Review Board (IRB) approved research protocol. We abstracted data from STEMI patients who went to the
cardiac catheterization laboratory for PPCI from 12/21/2009 to 6/23/13. We abstracted the details of their
hospital stay up till discharge. Primary outcome was hospital stay and secondary outcome was death.There
were 136 patients with STEMI who went for PPCI. There were 39 females, 95 males and poor documentation
was found in 2 patients. Documentation for race included 52 African Americans, 62 Caucasians, 5 Hispanics
and 1 Asian. Patient documented demographics included diabetics 38 (28%), hypertension 85 (63%),
hyperlipidemia 66 (49%), current smokers 77 (57%), TIA/stroke 26 (19%) and prior myocardial infarction 35
(26%). The patients were divided into two groups. Group A were admitted from June 23, 2013 till April 5, 2012
while group B were admitted from December 31, 2009 to March 29, 2012. Group A had a length of hospital stay
of 5.6 days with no deaths while Group B had a length of hospital stay of 6.4 days with 11 deaths. Our research
suggests that the length of stay and mortality of patients presenting with STEMI and undergoing PPCI has been
decreasing. This could be attributed to the numerous quality improvement projects in our facility to help patient
outcomes and quality of life post discharge from the hospital.
137
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Cardiology
Efficacy of intrapartum PCR-based testing for
maternal group B streptococcus status
TR-012
Alfredo de la Guardia
Co-Author(s): Susanne Matias-Gomes, Jamil Elfarra, Paul Bobby
Advisor(s): Dr. Scott Richard
Current strategy for prevention of neonatal group B streptococcus (GBS) infection is based upon antenatal
rectal-vaginal culture at 35-37 weeks’ gestation. However, the recently revised CDC guidelines report a role for
PCR testing for intrapartum maternal GBS status in women whose status is unknown. This study was designed
to compare the efficacy of antenatal cultures with intrapartum polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay.
Pregnant women >17 years of age presenting to Stamford Hospital in labor, with rupture of membranes,
or for scheduled induction of labor at >37 weeks in 2010-2012 were eligible to participate. Patients without
documented results of antenatal GBS cultures were excluded from participation. Repeated rectal-vaginal
sampling for GBS culture and PCR was performed in all participants at the time of admission. GBS culture
was performed using selective media. PCR assay for GBS was performed using the Cepheid ID platform.
Sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive value of antenatal culture and intrapartum
PCR for prediction of intrapartum GBS culture were compared.
142 patients completed the study. 3 patients’ samples were not resulted due to lab error and were excluded. 26
(19%) of intrapartum GBS cultures were positive. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of antenatal culture were
80%, 95%, 77% and 96%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of intrapartum PCR were 92%,
93%, 73% and 98%, respectively.
Intrapartum PCR-based screening for maternal GBS colonization demonstrates similar sensitivity, specificity
and predictive value as compared to antenatal culture using selective media at 35-37 weeks’ gestation.
138
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
OBGYN
The Body Mass Index (BMI) is not an EBP Tool
TR-013
Katerina Raiser
Co-Author(s): Tara Cooke, Olivia Dalrymple, Erin McNamara, Addison McInnes, Christina Gyarmati
Advisor(s): Jane Greene Ryan
Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) scale as a marker of obesity, we misclassify 50% of patients with excess
body fat as being normal or just overweight thereby missing the opportunity reduce health risk in these
individuals. While BMI is a good correlation of percent body fat it fails to discriminate between body fat and
lean mass percentage. Recent estimates from a national health survey suggest that approximately 34% of
adult Americans are overweight (defined as a BMI between 25– 30 kg/m2) and an additional 34% are obese
(BMI .30 kg/m2). By contrast, the CDC estimates lower obesity rates ranging between 20% to 30 % nationwide
[http://www. cdc.gov/obesity]. The discrepancies between these estimates which are fundamental to US
policy addressing the obesity epidemic are central to designing health interventions yet they may be flawed
because they are based on the BMI. As health care providers we are obligated to use evidence-based practice
guidelines. As literature suggests that the BMI scale is outdated, inaccurate, and lacks evidence it is our
obligation as future health care leaders to promote ongoing accurate obesity research.
139
TR
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Nursing
Health Information Exchange in Pregnancy and
Delivery: A Cost Analysis
TR-014
Radhika Datar
Advisor(s): Aasta Mehta
Background: Research in health information exchange has shown that shared electronic medical records
among hospitals in a region reduce costs by reducing hospital admissions and redundant testing (labs and
imaging studies). Obstetrics has not been studied in the literature to date, and offers a unique area in which to
study cost effects of access to prior records. Pregnant patients receive months of prenatal care in outpatient
settings, and then present for delivery in inpatient hospital settings.
Objectives: Estimate costs associated with the deliveries of patients who have received prenatal care at a clinic
not associated with Hahnemann University Hospital (HUH). Assess for factors that may predict delivery at a
hospital not associated with the prenatal care clinic.
Methods: Retrospective medical record review of women who delivered at HUH between 1/1/2010 and
12/31/2012 who received prenatal care at a clinic not associated with HUH. Women with no prenatal care were
excluded. Baseline characteristics were recorded, as well as the intended delivery hospital, the availability of
prenatal records, and the need to draw redundant prenatal labs in the absence of prenatal records.
Results: There is substantial cost borne by the healthcare system by inability to easily share records. Part of
this cost can be measured by the expense of repeating prenatal labs when unable to obtain them in a timely
manner. A less easily measured cost is the time spent trying to obtain records. Other observed effects included
late treatment of positive GBS cultures and inability to perform tubal ligation due to absence of state-mandated
paperwork.
Discussion: The costs of delivery care for patients without immediately accessible prenatal records are
substantial, though some are difficult to measure. This analysis provides an economic incentive to promote
health information exchange, especially in regions where there is significant hospital overlap.
140
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
OBGYN
Do Serum Anti-Mullerian Hormone Levels Correlate
with Embryo Quality?
TR-015
Nigel Pereira
Co-Author(s): Sharon H. Anderson, Michael J. Glassner
Advisor(s): Sharon H. Anderson
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
TR
Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum antimullerian hormone (AMH) levels and embryo
quality.
Design: Retrospective chart review.
Material and Methods: Patients undergoing in vitro fertilization between January 2012 and December 2012
were included. Age, body mass index (BMI), peak estradiol levels (pg/ml), serum AMH levels (ng/ml), number of
follicles (# follicles) on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) administration, and number of oocytes
retrieved were recorded. Embryo quality was determined by estimating the mean cell count and fragmentation
rate (%) in day 3 embryos. Means and standard deviations were measured for continuous variables.
Correlations between serum AMH levels and other parameters were determined using Spearman’s correlation
coefficient, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: Complete data was available for 210 patients. The mean age of patients was 34.9 (±3.4) years, the
mean serum AMH level was 3.17 (±4.0) ng/ml, the mean # follicles on the day of HCG was 19.5 (±8.1), and the
mean number of oocytes retrieved was 17.7 (±7.4). For day 3 embryos, the mean cell number was 6.6 (±0.9)
and the mean fragmentation rate was 6.2 (±3.3)%. There was a statistically significant (P=0.002) correlation
between # follicles on the day of HCG and serum AMH levels. We observed no correlations between serum
AMH levels, mean cell count, or fragmentation rates in day 3 embryos.
Conclusions: Our data reveals a strong correlation between serum AMH levels and # follicles on the day of
HCG, but no such correlation between AMH levels and embryo quality.
141
Analysis of Design Features of Mobile Applications
for Maternal and Child Health
TR-016
Rakhi Chadha
Co-Author(s): Qing Ping
Advisor(s): Michelle Rogers
Only half the women in developing regions receive the recommended healthcare during pregnancy. Mobile
applications offer promising tools in healthcare assistance. By tracking user’s data, mobile applications serve as
extended memory and a computing tool; by broadcasting knowledge and educating users, mobile applications
serve as a bridge between experts and naïve patients, to possibly facilitate communication and collaboration
between the two. One opportunity is to develop mobile applications for pregnant women, given the context that
new mothers have to keep track of information and to learn new knowledge along a long interval of time. What
pregnancy mobile applications are popular and what are the design features from both perspectives of content
and form. There is little research to investigate the above questions, which is the main objective of the present
poster.
The project utilizes 2 criteria to select representative mobile applications from Google Play and the Apple Store.
We then analyzed the applications into 3 levels of information units, and conducted a heuristic evaluation on the
resulting top 20 applications. Commonality and distinction of the information units among mobile applications
have been identified and visualized. Heuristic scores have been calculated, and the numbers of violation of
principles have been analyzed.
We posit that information units might influence the popularity of applications. Applications with more knowledge
units statistically are less popular, which could be potentially due to information overload; applications having
less distinctive and more shared information units tend to be more popular.
Heuristic evaluation partially reflects the design quality of the applications. While more popular applications
show no less design problems, generally all applications are good at communicating with users through the
interface, but poorer at interactions when it comes to variable inputs, and navigation instructions among pages.
142
TR
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Masters in Biomedical Engineering
Polypharmacy and Nutrition Risk in Older Adults
TR-018
Ce Yuan
Co-Author(s): Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili, Ce Yuan
Advisor(s): Dr. Rose Ann DiMaria-Ghalili
Older adults are at risk for malnutrition due to physiological, psychological, social and dietary factors. Older
adults often have co-morbid diseases for which multiple medications are prescribed. Polypharmacy is also
considered a risk factor for malnutrition. Common side effects of medications include anorexia, nausea,
vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, stomatitis, dry mouth and dysphagia can negatively impact nutritional
intake leading to unintentional weight loss and malnutrition. This exploratory study is a secondary analysis
of medications prescribed to older adults 6 weeks after cardiac surgery. We created a composite severity
score of 13 nutrition-related medication side effects by reviewing the frequency to which each side effect was
reported during clinical trials testing for each drug on the FDA website. For each subject we then summed the
severity score of each side effect for each medication. The relationship between the composite severity score
and nutritional indicators (mini-nutritional assessment [MNA], serum albumin, prealbumin, interleukin-6 and
weight) was then analyzed. A total of 55 different medications were prescribed to the 14 study participants.
The most frequently prescribed category of medications were beta–blockers, statins, aspirin, and loopdiuretics. Medications with the most severe nutrition-related side effects based on composite scoring included:
Amiodarone HCL, Docusate, Simvastatin, and Sitagliptin. MNA scores were associated with greater number
of prescribed medications and vomiting. Interleukin-6 was associated with the following nutrition-related
medication side effects: anorexia, diarrhea; and pharyngitis. Polypharmacy is an important risk factor for
malnutrition in older adults. Furthermore, certain side effects are associated with higher levels of inflammatory
cytokines, which could contribute to catabolism in older adults.
143
TR
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Nutrition Sciences
Measles, Rubella, and Varicella Immunity in U.S.
Women of Reproductive Age, 2001-2004 and 20092010
TR-019
Michelle Klawans
Co-Author(s): Brian K. Lee
Advisor(s): Dr. Brian K. Lee
TR
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Epidemiology/Biostatistics
Prior to conceiving, women are encouraged to visit their doctors to be tested for immunity to measles, rubella,
and varicella as these diseases can cause birth defects, spontaneous abortion, or stillbirth if contracted
during pregnancy. However, over half of all pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, leaving women
unaware of their immunity status and potentially putting their pregnancies at risk. In order to determine the
seroprevalence of these four diseases amongst women of reproductive age in the U.S. we analyzed data from
the 2001-2002, 2003-2004, and 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a
nationally representative study designed to assess the health and nutritional status of adults and children living
in the U.S. Levels of rubella IgG, varicella zoster IgG, mumps IgG, and measles IgG antibodies were measured
in all participants aged 6 to 49 years. Amongst women aged 15 to 49, varicella seroprevalence was 97.5% in
2001-2002, 98.7% in 2003-2004, and 98% in 2009-2010. Rubella seroprevalence was 90.3% in 2001-2002,
91.6% in 2003-2004, and 96.6% in 2009-2010. Measles seroprevalence was 96% in 2001-2002, 94.3% in
2003-2004, and 91.5% in 2009-2010. Obesity, being born outside of the U.S., and never having been married
were significantly associated with increased odds of varicella seronegativity. Being overweight was significantly
associated with decreased odds of lack of immunity to rubella. Mexican Americans has increased odds of
measles seronegativity, while Non-Hispanic Blacks and women born outside the U.S. had decreased odds of
measles seronegativity. These findings indicate that amongst U.S. women of reproductive age, varicella and
rubella seroprevalence is high, but measles seroprevalence in waning, and Mexican American women should
be targeted for immunization.
144
Simultaneous Medullary, Classical Papillary, and
Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma in
a Single Thyroid
TR-020
Monica Sood
Co-Author(s): Alan Chang
Background: Thyroid carcinomas are the most common cancers seen in endocrinology. Concurrent
differentiated thyroid carcinomas and medullary thyroid carcinomas represent a rare but phenotypically distinct
population of tumors.
Case: 48 year old male presented to the clinic for an evaluation of a multinodular goiter. An ultrasound of
the thyroid was performed which demonstrated many subcentimeter nodules in the left lobe and a dominant
calcified 1.7x1.x1.5cm nodule on the right lobe. He underwent a fine needle biopsy and the cytology was
suspicious for follicular neoplasm. He denied history of radiation to neck nor did he have any family history
of thyroid malignancies. His thyroid function tests were normal. He underwent a total thyroidectomy and
histopathological analysis demonstrated five different foci of thyroid carcinoma: one in the right lobe and four
in the left. There were three subtypes of thyroid carcinoma: classical papillary, follicular variant of papillary,
and medullary carcinoma. He underwent radioactive iodine ablation therapy and had a whole body scan which
showed no evidence of metastases. The calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen levels were within normal
limits. Genetic testing did show BRAF mutation, which is a poor prognostic indicator for papillary carcinoma.
Testing for RET mutation would be addressed after his treatment.
Conclusion: Given the high incidence of papillary carcinoma, it is possible that the occurrence of the two tumors
may be a coincidence. It is also possible that there is a common stem cell giving rise to parafollicular C cells
and follicular epithelial cells. Embryologically, the ultimobranchial body has cells reactive to thyroglobulin and
calcitonin, and thus, this may be the common stem cell. In the management of the rare entity of concurrent
medullary-papillary carcinoma, the patient is treated for carcinomas with each respective guideline. It is
important that one subtype does not overshadow the other subtypes.
145
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Internal Medicine
Use of Silver-Impregnated Dressings to reduce
Neurosurgical Infections
TR-021
Prithvi Narayan
Co-Author(s): Melandee Brown, MD, Jane Gould, MD
Neurosurgical infections are serious complications and can result in temporary or permanent neurological
deficits, cognitive dysfunction and death. In addition they extend hospital stays and increase the cost of health
care delivery significantly. The anti-microbial properties of sliver have been exploited for centuries and have
frequently been used to dress burns in recent times. The aim of our study is to evaluate the efficacy of silverimpregnated dressings in reducing neurosurgical infection rates.
A retrospective review of records of patients with consecutive procedures performed in the neurosurgical
service at St Christopher’s Hospital for Children from February, 2011 to July, 2013 was performed. Use of silver
dressings was instituted in February, 2012. There were 200 patients in the standard dressing group and 200
in the silver dressing group. The prepping protocol, surgical technique and peri-operative care were the same
for both groups. The standard dressing protocol included application of antibiotic ointment and non-adherent
occlusive dressing. The dressings were removed in 72 hours for this group. The silver dressing protocol
included silver-impregnated occlusive dressing which was left in place for 7 days. Follow-up for both groups
were at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after surgery.
The overall infection rate for all the patients was 3% (12/400). The infection rate in the standard dressing group
was 5% (10/200). With the use of silver dressings, the infection rate decreased to 1% (2/200). In addition,
the cerebro-spinal fluid shunt infection rate dropped from 6.4% (5/78) in the standard dressing group to 1.9%
(2/102) in the silver-dressing group.
Not with-standing the limitations of this study, the results suggest that use of silver dressings reduce the risk of
infection in neurosurgical patients. This study supports further investigation to elucidate the causal relationship
between silver dressing and reduced infection rates.
146
TR
Faculty
College of Medicine
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/Neurosurgery
Feedback-controlled System to Titrate Oxygen
Delivery
TR-022
Parth Panchal
Co-Author(s): Andrea Verghese, Kaushal Patel, David Weinstock
Advisor(s): Dr. Kurtulus Izzetoglu, Dr. Richard Hamilton
Supplemental oxygen therapy is a common treatment for hypoxic hypoxemia, which is most notably caused by
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Today, over four million Americans use supplemental oxygen,
and the majority of these patients are in an outpatient setting where a physician cannot consistently adjust
doses of oxygen administration to suit a patient’s changing needs. Thus, there is a need to develop a feedbackcontrolled system to titrate oxygen delivery based on patient needs. This system must monitor, maintain, and
determine oxygen-dosage levels with a real-time adjustment.
Although inappropriate amounts of supplemental oxygen is detrimental to the patient’s overall health and
function, oxygen dosing is currently based solely on clinician judgment in conjunction with blood-oxygen
saturation as measured by a pulse oximeter. However, pulse oximeters can only measure oxygen saturation
in peripheral body parts, which are often subject to poor perfusion in COPD. Consequently, pulse oximeters
often give unreliable measurements of blood oxygen saturation when used for patients with COPD. A functional
near-infrared (fNIR) sensor placed on the forehead can measure cerebral oxygenation, which offers a far more
reliable measure of oxygen saturation. Using oxygen saturation data from an fNIR sensor, this project aims to
develop and test a closed loop system that will control and titrate supplemental oxygen delivery to patients with
COPD. The completion of this project will bring the medical community closer to improved, and personalized
treatments for patients suffering from COPD.
147
TR
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
A postmenopausal woman with a gravid abdomen:
a case of a pelvic mass
TR-023
Nima Patel
Advisor(s): Carl Della Badia
Pelvic masses most commonly arise from the uterus or ovaries although they can originate from any of the
reproductive organs (e.g., uterus, cervix, ovaries, and fallopian tubes) or from the surrounding structures. We
present the case of a 53-year-old postmenopausal female who presented with increasing abdominal girth
accompanied by abdominal and pelvic pain, early satiety, and constipation. Abdominal examination showed
a markedly distended abdomen with a firm mass palpable from the pubic symphysis to the xyphoid process.
Tumor markers were elevated. The patient underwent a laparotomy. A large tense, smooth surfaced cystic
mass measuring 40 cm was noted to be arising from the right adnexal region. Patient underwent a salpingooophorectomy. Pathology showed a mucinous cystadenoma. This case illustrates the importance of regular
gynecologic examinations for the early management of ovarian masses. An in-depth literature review of the
etiology and management of ovarian masses will be discussed.
148
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Obtetrics & Gynecology/Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
Use of Etomidate for Rapid Sequence Intubation
(RSI) in Pediatric Trauma Patients: A National
Survey
TR-024
Jeffrey Cies
Co-Author(s): Matthew L.Moront, Renata Ostrowicki, MD, Shonola S. Da-Silva, MD, MBA, FCCM, Jason
Parker, DO, Kelsey Gannon
TR
Staff
College of Medicine
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/Pharmacy
Etomidate is an imidazole-derived, ultra-short acting nonbarbiturate hypnotic and has been commonly used
as an induction agent in trauma and non-trauma patients. However, etomidate has been shown to inhibit
11-beta-hydroxylase which catalyzes the conversion of deoxycortisol to cortisol in the adrenal gland leading
to decreased concentrations of cortisol for up to 48 hours after its administration. The use of etomidate has
been associated with an increased mortality in many trauma and non-trauma setting including in children. The
purpose of this study is to use a questionnaire to determine the following among pediatric trauma programs; a)
how common the use of etomidate is for RSI b) determine how pediatric trauma centers are using etomidate c)
determine why pediatric trauma programs are using etomidate for RSI.
A 25 question survey will be created using Survey Monkey, an online survey tool. A link to the survey was
emailed to each of the Pediatric and Adult trauma programs that care for pediatric patients.
A total of 36 responses have been received. The majority of the centers that responded are urban, academic,
teaching Level 1 pediatric trauma centers that provide care for > 200 pediatric trauma patients annually. The
trauma program directors were the most likely to respond to the survey (16/36). 30/34 respondents state they
use etomidate in their RSI protocol but it is not used in all pediatric trauma patients. 24/34 respondants believe
that etomidate is associated with adrenal suppression and 22/33 believe it exacerbates adrenal suppression in
pediatric trauma patients yet 24 of 33 respondents do not believe it is clinically relevant.
Despite an association with adrenal suppression and affects on morbidity and mortality, the use of etomidate in
pediatric trauma patients is common among urban, academic, teaching Level 1 pediatric trauma centers.
149
Predictors of Solid Organ Injury Following Blunt
Abdominal Trauma: A Single Institution Process
Improvement Initiative
TR-025
Alia Whitehead
Co-Author(s): Lezhou Wu, MS, Matthew Moront, MD, Rajeev Prasad, MD
Advisor(s): Rajeev Prasad, MD, Matthew Moront, MD
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
Other (Administration/Staff)
Surgery
Computed tomography (CT) scan remains the gold standard for identifying solid organ injuries (SOI) following
blunt abdominal trauma but subjects the child to ionizing radiation, requires transportation out of the emergency
department, may require sedation, and has a significant cost. We performed a 5-year retrospective review
of a prospectively collected trauma database at a Level One Pediatric Trauma Center to determine the best
screening tools for identifying SOI prior to obtaining a CT scan. Forty-three patients with SOI (paired with 47
age-matched controls) were included. Univariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated the following factors
to be predictive of SOI: complaint of abdominal pain (p=0.021); tenderness on abdominal exam (p=0.001); and
abnormal lipase (p=0.013), AST (p=0.037), or ALT (p=0.001). Vital signs, hemoglobin, amylase, and alkaline
phosphatase did not predict SOI. On multivariate analysis abdominal tenderness, abnormal lipase, and
abnormal ALT remained significant (p-values 0.006, 0.049, and 0.002, respectively). In this single institution
process improvement initiative, not all laboratory studies routinely obtained in injured patients predicted SOI.
Physical exam remains an important part of the trauma evaluation. Utilizing this data, we can devise a more
cost effective method to screen for SOI and limit CT scan use in injured children.
150
What’s Lurking in Your Kitchen? Microbial Hazards
found in Consumer Homes in Philadelphia
TR-026
Patricia Borrusso
Co-Author(s): Shauna C. Henley
Advisor(s): Jennifer Quinlan
It is generally accepted that consumers mishandle food prepared at home; however the frequency of unsafe
food handling behaviors is not clear. The purpose of this study is to understand the role of the consumer
in preventing foodborne illness, by identifying conditions that correspond to the presence of microbial
contamination at home. Homes (N=100) were visited by two trained researchers who collected environmental
samples and systematically observed conditions. Many food safety risks were observed, including pest
infestation (68%), perishable food at room temperature (28%), refrigerators above 5°C (42%), and raw meat
packaged incorrectly (97%). Microbial analysis found 52% of homes had at least one pathogen present, and
19% of homes had more than one pathogen present. Enteric bacteria indicating possible fecal contamination
were found in 44% of homes, and at high levels in sponges. Staphylococcus aureus was present in 39%
of homes, most often on refrigerator door handles and kitchen counter tops. Escherichia coli and Listeria
were both found in 15% of homes, most often from kitchen sinks and refrigerator drawers, respectively.
Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 3 households (3%). Chi-Square tests identified several behaviors
associated with the presence of fecal contamination, including dirty counter tops (p<0.05), pest infestation
(p<0.05), lack of towels in the bathroom (p<0.05), and dirty cutting boards (p<0.005). Similarly, a lack of paper
towels in the kitchen was associated with the presence of E. coli in kitchen sinks (p<0.05) as well as S. aureus
on refrigerator door handles (p<0.05). Homes where a pet was observed in the kitchen at the time of the audit
were more likely to have Listeria present in the refrigerator than homes with no pet observed (p<0.05). The
identification of unique food safety risks in the domestic environment will hopefully inspire targeted interventions
to reduce the risk of foodborne illness from food prepared at home.
151
TR
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biological Sciences
Unannounced Adult Firearm and Penetrating
Injuries at an Urban Free-Standing Pediatric Trauma
Center
TR-027
Luis Gamboa
Co-Author(s): Evan Weiner, MD, Matthew Moront, MD, Christopher Haines, DO, Marc Leshner
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/Emergency Medicine
Firearm and penetrating injuries are a major concern in urban settings. City trauma centers must be well
equipped to manage these victims of violent injuries. Interestingly, we have found that urban free-standing
pediatric trauma centers may face specific challenges, unique to their specialized setting, when caring for
penetrating injuries.
Our study is a retrospective analysis of the characteristics, including age and mode of pre-hospital
transportation, of patients sustaining firearm or other penetrating injuries that presented to an urban pediatric
level one trauma center in Philadelphia.
A sample of 162 total patients was identified from the hospital trauma registry between 2007 and 2012. The
mean and median ages were 8 and 9.95 years respectively. When considering adult aged patients, 15 patients
were between the ages of 18-21 years old, and 12 patients were older than 21 years of age. The oldest patient
was 37 years old.
In analyzing the mode of pre-hospital transportation for patients <21 years of age, 44.67% presented via EMS,
22.67% via inter facility transport, 20% via private car, 6.67% via ambulatory method, and 6% via police vehicle.
However, when analyzing the mode of pre-hospital transportation for the sub-group of patients older than 18
years of age (N=27), 77.8% presented via private car, 7.4% via ambulatory method, 11.1% via EMS, 3.7% via
inter facility transport, and none via police vehicle.
In summary, our study revealed 27 patients in a five year period over the age of 18 years who would be
considered adult trauma patients in most pediatric facilities. Further, these adult aged victims of firearm and
penetrating injuries frequently arrive in unannounced fashion via either private car or ambulatory method. It is
thus vital that our facility and other urban free-standing children’s hospitals ensure the proper preparations to
optimally care for unannounced violent injuries in both children and adults.
152
Is There A Knowledge Deficit Among Adult
Practitioners in Assessing and Treating Pediatric
Patients with Acute Burns?
TR-028
Judy Popple
Co-Author(s): Dalit Eyal, DO
Literature has suggested that there is an inconsistency or lack of education among general emergency room
staff regarding the triage of pediatric patients. The lack of education that nurses have in regard to triaging
pediatric patients leads to over triaging and under triaging of this population, thus causes delays in definitive
care or unnecessary admission to the hospital. This study was conducted to explore the issues in the triaging
and assessment of the pediatric burn patients in the general emergency room, specifically patients with thermal
burns.
This project consisted of a 2 year retrospective chart review of all burn referrals to the critical care transport
team at an urban pediatric level one trauma center. Data including documentation of the estimated percentage
total body surface area of burn, initial vitals signs, type of burn, and fluid resuscitation was collected from the
critical care transport intake sheets.
The study results are inclusive of 104 total patients. The majority of the reviewed patients sustained their injury
from a scald burn (n=78), followed by thermal burns (n=14), flame burns (n=9) and finally chemical burns (n=3).
The percentage total body surface area of the burn was over-estimated in 60.5% of the cases; under-estimated
in 11.5% of the cases; and was properly estimated in 27.8% of the cases. Fluid resuscitation was both
accurately and inaccurately estimated, in 44.2% and 55.7% of the cases, respectively. The vital signs of the
patient were incomplete in 48% of the cases, abnormal in 44.2% of the cases, and normal in 7.6% of the cases.
The results of this retrospective chart review show that general emergency rooms inaccurately estimate burn
percentages and also fail to recognize abnormal vital signs in the pediatric patient, which then leads to poor
fluid management. We can conclude that there is a need for education regarding the management of pediatric
burns.
153
TR
Staff
College of Medicine
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/Critical Care Transport
Role of X-linked long non-coding RNAs in chronic
pain with female predominance
TR-029
Botros Shenoda
Co-Author(s): Guillermo Alexander, Sabrina Douglas, Rehman Quershi, Ahmet Sacan, Melissa Manners,
Enrique Aradillas Lopez, Robert Schwartzman, Seena Ajit
Advisor(s): Seena Ajit
Chronic pain resulting from injury or functional impairment of the nervous system impacts millions of patients
and is extremely difficult to treat. Evidence is overwhelming for gender differences in pain, with women
representing a majority of the chronic pain patient population. There is a need to explore novel avenues to
elucidate the gender bias in development of chronic pain conditions. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
is a chronic neuropathic condition with a broad spectrum of symptoms including pain, inflammation, sensory
dysfunction, impaired motor function, and trophic disturbances. The incidence of CRPS is greater in women
than in men by approximately 4:1. Our preliminary data show that the long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) TSIX
and XIST, that are involved in the process of in X chromosome inactivation (XCI) are significantly altered in
blood samples from CRPS patients. Additionally, high levels of XIST and TSIX were observed in female CRPS
patients resistant to intravenous ketamine treatment suggesting a potential biomarker utility. Lymphocytes from
CRPS patients had aberrations in H3K27me3, a histone modification that is usually enriched on the inactive X
chromosome and is considered a hallmark of heterochromatin, and hence of gene repression. We observed
a gender difference in the aberrations of H3K27me3 in CRPS patients. Investigating the role of lncRNAs
involved in XCI and the associated epigenetic modifications in CRPS patients will provide novel insights into
gender specific molecular mechanisms underlying CRPS. These studies may result in the identification of novel
therapeutic targets and potentially lead to gender-specific treatments for chronic pain.
154
TR
Graduate Student
College of Medicine
Pharmacology and Physiology PhD
Visualizing Research Trends With an Automated
and Extensible Platform for Hierarchically
Clustering Clinical Trials
TR-030
Timothy Schultz
Advisor(s): Chaomei Chen
Disconcerting trends in clinical research have counter-intuitively shown in recent years that the failure to
meet desired clinical trial endpoints has come at the cost of increased spending. This suggests the need for
developing new ways in which clinical trials are designed, patients are recruited, and protocols are executed.
One approach for addressing this issue is to provide research organizations a mechanism to proactively
identify key clinical trial design patterns and trends within a therapeutic area through the utilization of novel
visualization tools. By developing means to quantify and qualify the current state of the art of a research
domain, additional insights can be gained. In 2013, as part of President Obama’s “Big Data” initiative, three
major pharmaceutical companies formed a collaborative effort to enhance the utility of ClinicalTrials.gov. This
website serves as the definitive source for detailed protocol information associated with past, ongoing, and
planned clinical trials. Currently, ClinicalTrials.gov only accommodates plain-text search and retrieval of trial
protocols and requires users to manually extract information from the results. Instead, we propose a framework
that extends ClinicalTrials.gov by semantically annotating trial protocol entries with biomedical ontologies and
then approximating their similarities. By expressing this phenomenon as a network of time-dependent and
interrelated concepts, graph analytics can be harnessed to identify clusters of thought. We propose to enable a
system in which this massive space of clinical research itself can be mapped and queried, through a scalable
and distributed “Big Data” graph technology. It is proposed that future research trends can be extrapolated by
identifying the nature of and relationships between clustered areas of research within therapeutic areas. We
provide an example of these principles by modeling the Alzheimer’s Disease research landscape.
155
TR
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Analysis of Dog Bite Management in Children in a
Level I Pediatric Trauma Center
TR-031
Xi Lin Jing
Co-Author(s): Brooke Burkey, MD, Paul Glat, MD, Kelsey Gannon, Wellington J. Davis III, MD
Dog bites affect 4.7 million people in the United States each year. Approximately 386,000 people injured by a
dog bite require treatment in a hospital emergency room each year. Dog bite injury rates were highest among
children ages 5-9 years old and were significantly higher in males as compared to females.
The aim of our study was to investigate the overall complication rates, anatomic region of the injury, dog breed,
whether the dog was known or unknown to the victim, rabies prophylaxis status, and hospital admission rate
through a retrospective review of medical records of dog bite patients treated by the Trauma Surgery service
over the last 12 years at our level I pediatric trauma center.
Of that sample size 35.5% were female and 64.5% were male. Most of the dog bites were caused by the Pit
Bull breed (46.2%). Other dog breeds that were commonly documented in the patient’s records were: Rottweiler
(5.7%), German Sheppard (3.7%), and Terrier mix (3.7%). The dog was known in 71.7% of the cases and
unknown in 26.4% of the cases, the remaining 1.9% was not documented in the patients’ charts. Most of the
dogs were reported to be “up-to-date” with their vaccinations (53.8%). Other vaccination statuses of the animals
involved included: not up-to-date (0.9%); no vaccinations (3.8%); vaccination status was unknown (26.4%); and
vaccination status not documented (15.1%). Most of the patients seen in the emergency department for a dog
bite were admitted to the hospital (86%) with an average length of stay of 2.8 days.
This demographic study can provide valuable information about patterns of injury, allowing us to create targeted
injury prevention programs and improve the care of patients with dog bite injuries. It was interesting that we
did not see a clear seasonal trend of injury. 26.2% of injuries occurred in the winter (Jan-March), 25.3% in the
spring (April-June), 27.1% in the summer (July-Sept) and 21.5% in the fall (Oct-Dec).
156
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/Plastic Surgery
The Impact of a Medical Home in Children with
Autism: Findings from the National Survey of
Children with Special Health Care Needs
TR-032
Jessica Rast
Co-Author(s): Craig Newshcaffer, Jennifer Plumb, Renee Turchi
Advisor(s): Dr. Craig Newschaffer
TR
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Epidemiology and Biostatistics
Introduction: A medical home is a model of patient treatment in which care should be accessible, continuous,
comprehensive, family-centered, coordinated, and compassionate. A medical home is recommended by the
American Academy of Pediatrics for all children. The first aim of this study was to determine if the presence of
a medical home improves the outcomes of children with autism on four health service markers that are used as
surrogates for medical home propensity. The purpose of analyzing these health service markers was to assess
if a medical home was doing what the model claims it will accomplish. The second aim was to determine if the
presence of a medical home improves key functional outcomes in children with autism, including the level of
daily activity limitations and the number of school days missed in the past year.
Methods: This study used data from the National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs which is a
national telephone survey of 40,242 children with special health care needs conducted by the CDC’s National
Center for Health Statistics. We used medical home as the main predictor in several logistic regression models,
and the interaction between medical home and each other predictor was assessed for each outcome.
Results: Overall, the presence of a medical home improved the odds of meeting each of the four health service
markers. In these children, the medical home had a positive impact on markers that acted as surrogates for the
medical home core concepts. The two functional outcomes were used as more distal signs of medical home
benefit. They both showed weaker, but still positive signs of medical home success. Children with autism who
have a medical home are 45% less likely to have missed 11 or more day s of school than children with autism
who do not have a medical home. Similarly, children with autism with a medical home are 32% less likely to
report higher levels of limitations to daily activities.
157
Complications of Lower Extremity Fractures:
Femoral Shaft and Distal Femoral Physeal
Fractures
TR-033
William Bassett
Co-Author(s): Shannon Safier M.D., Martin Herman M.D., Scott Kozin M.D., Joshua Abzug M.D.
Advisor(s): Dr. Martin Herman
TR
Medical Student
College of Medicine
Pediatric Orthopaedics
Fractures of the femoral shaft comprise about 1.6% of all bony injuries in children, and are the most common
pediatric orthopedic injury that requires hospitalization. The treatment of femoral fractures in children is largely
age- and size- dependent and takes into account multiple considerations: the child’s weight, associated injuries,
fracture pattern, mechanism of injury, institutional or surgeons’ preferences, and economic and social concerns
(7, 10). Additionally, over the last two decades, there has been a dramatic change favoring fixation over casting
due to its many advantages and more rapid mobilization. The goal of treatment should be to ultimately obtain
a healed fracture with avoidance of associated complications such as nonunion or delayed union, angular or
rotational deformity, unequal leg lengths, infection, neurovascular injury, disruption of the growth plate, muscle
weakness, and/or compartment syndrome (7, 12). The primary treatment modalities discussed below include
SPICA casting, intramedullary nailing, and management of distal femoral physeal fractures. Each of these
interventions has associated complications that will be discussed in detail.
158
Blood transfusion utilization in an urban pediatric
trauma center: a retrospective review
TR-034
Kelsey Gannon
Co-Author(s): Stephanie Sea, MD, Christine Campbell, RN, BSN, MS, Matthew L. Moront, MD
Trauma is often thought to be a common reason for transfusion in the pediatric population. Historical review
of the literature shows reported transfusion rates of pediatric trauma to range from 7.1% to as high as 16.6%.
There appears to be large variability in transfusion practices among physicians treating pediatric patients, with
most guidelines extrapolated from adult data. This study was implemented to analyze blood utilization patterns
over a 12-year period within a pediatric trauma center at an urban children’s hospital. A retrospective review
was performed on 8,160 patients admitted to a level one urban pediatric trauma center from Jan 1, 2000 to
June 30, 2012. Demographics, location of first transfusion, mechanism of injury, outcome and type of blood
products transfused were assessed. Analysis was conducted using a student’s t-test, chi-square, and analysis
of variance. 155 patients (1.9%) were identified as receiving blood products or recombinant factor VII. Of those
patients, 59.1% were a result of blunt trauma, 22.1% secondary to penetrating trauma and 18.1% secondary
to burn injury. Overall, 25.2% were a result of child abuse. Transfusion of blood products in the pediatric
population is a rare event. Of those transfused, the majority of transfusions occurred in blunt trauma associated
with severe head injury with a preponderance for child abuse. An in depth analysis of transfusion patterns and
practice will allow the practitioner to develop quality indicators and improve resource utilization.
159
TR
Staff
College of Medicine
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children/Trauma Services
Single-Incision Versus Traditional Laparoscopic
Appendectomy: A Prospective Randomized
Controlled Study in the Pediatric Population
TR-035
Jessica M Babcock
Co-Author(s): Alia F Whitehead, Shaheen J Timmapuri, Rajeev Prasad, Michael S Katz, L. Grier Arthur
Advisor(s): L. Grier Arthur
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Surgery/Pediatric Surgery
Single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) is a relatively new technique in the evolution of minimally invasive
surgery. Little is known about how SILS compares to traditional laparoscopy. We performed a randomized
prospective study comparing SILS and traditional laparoscopy for the treatment of acute appendicitis.
Children diagnosed with acute appendicitis were prospectively recruited and randomized to SILS or traditional
laparoscopy. Patient demographics, operative time, length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, pain medications
and operative complications were recorded. Post-operatively, a questionnaire was collected noting pain scale,
return to school, return to normal activity, and patient satisfaction. 70 patients were enrolled. 35 patients each
underwent SILS and traditional laparoscopic appendectomy. Operative time was longer for SILS (53.5±15
versus 44.0±10.9 minutes, p=0.005), but the surgeon with the most SILS experience had an operative time of
47.2±12.1 minutes similar to traditional laparoscopy (p=0.43). LOS, pain medication requirements, return to
school, return to normal activity, and patient satisfaction were not significantly different between groups. There
were two umbilical wound infections following SILS and none following traditional laparoscopy. SILS trended
toward being more expensive than traditional laparoscopy (69,672±14,588 versus 64,268±14,436, p=0.12).
Conclusions: SILS and traditional laparoscopy have similar outcomes for the treatment of acute appendicitis
with respect to LOS, post-operative pain, return to activity, and patient satisfaction. SILS appears slightly more
expensive and takes slightly longer to perform. However, there appears to be a learning curve that eventually
minimizes this time difference. SILS is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of acute appendicitis.
160
A Rare Case of Aggregatibacter aphrophilus
Pacemaker Endocarditis
TR-036
Sahil Patel
Co-Author(s): Nishi H. Patel, Amit Borah, Gopala Krishna Rao, Heath Saltzman, Slowomir Kusmirek
A 62-year-old African American male with a medical history significant for dual-chamber pacemaker placement
in 1996 for complete heart block, presented to his primary care doctor with a four-month history of worsening
fevers, chills, night sweats, vomiting, fatigue, and ten-pound weight loss. Physical examination revealed a new
murmur and jugular venous distension. Outpatient blood cultures were positive for Aggregatibacter aphrophilus
and patient was subsequently sent to the hospital with high suspicion for endocarditis. In the ED, he was
given piperacillin-tazobactam. Repeat blood cultures confirmed A. aphrophilus; based on sensitivities, the
antibiotic was changed to ceftriaxone. TEE revealed vegetations on the tricuspid valve and the right ventricular
pacemaker lead.
The patient underwent device and lead extraction with irrigation and debridement of the device pocket. A
temporary jugular venous pacer was then placed and the patient transferred to the coronary care unit. Over the
following two weeks, surveillance blood cultures remained negative and a repeat echo showed residual casts
on the tricuspid valve. After two weeks of inpatient antibiotics, a new pacemaker was placed and the patient
was discharged home with a Hickman catheter to complete the remainder of a six-week course of intravenous
ceftriaxone.
Aggregatibacter species are a rare cause of endocarditis in adults. Recent genomic studies have reclassified
several Haemophilus species – notably H. aphrophilus, H. paraphrophrilus, and H. segnis – into the genus
Aggregatibacter. Despite this change in nomenclature, it still remains a HACEK organism. We present here
what we believe to be the first case of Aggregatibacter aphrophilus pacemaker endocarditis.
161
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Internal Medicine
The correlation between free amino acids found in
breast milk and an infant’s growth and development
TR-037
Lorren Lutz
Co-Author(s): Wing Yan Lau, Lauren Nicholl, Kevin Klatt
Advisor(s): Alison Ventura
Excessive weight gain during infancy can lead to obesity later in life. Breastfed infants are less likely to gain
excessive weight during infancy, which may be due to the unique composition of breast milk. Breast milk
contains higher levels of free amino acids (FAAs) than standard formulas. Previous research in formula-fed
infants formulas higher in FAAs (e.g., free glutamate) lead to healthier weight gain patterns during infancy, likely
because a high concentration of FAAs promotes earlier satiation compared to formulas with lower levels of
FAAs. It is still unknown if the levels of FAAs in breast milk may impact infant intake and growth, thus, research
is needed to better understand the role of FAAs in the healthier growth trajectories and lower obesity risk for
breast-fed infants.
The objective of this study is evaluate levels of FAAs in the breast milk and their relation to infant intake, weight
status, growth, mother’s diet, weight status, and age.
All study procedures have been reviewed and approved by the Drexel University Internal Review Board
and Biosafety Committee; we are currently recruiting mother-infant dyads. Mother-infant dyads will visit our
laboratory for a feeding observation. Immediately before and after the feeding, mothers will express a 5 mL
sample of breast milk. Infant consumption will be determined by weighing the infant immediately before and
after feeding. During this visit we will also collect demographic and dietary data via questionnaires. Trained
researchers will collect weight and height/length data from both mothers and infants. Breast milk will be
analyzed through monitored laboratory procedures to determine levels of FAAs, with a particular focus on free
glutamate and glutamine. It is hypothesized that mothers with breast milk containing higher levels of FAAs will
have infants who consume less and have lower weight status. We also hypothesize mothers’ diet will not be
associated with the FAA levels in breast milk.
162
TR
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Nutrition and Foods
Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach to Patient
Follow-up Leads to High Satisfaction Rates
amongst Caregivers
TR-038
Ruby Oluronbi
Co-Author(s): Folasade Kehinde, MD, Renee Turchi, MD/MPH, Joyce Eugene, Bruce Bernstein, PhD
Advisor(s): Bruce Bernstein
TR
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
MD/MPH
Historically, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) follow-up programs targeting families with infants transitioning
out of a NICU have focused on specialty care rather than on primary care. The Next Steps Program (NSP) at
St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is one of the first NICU follow-up initiatives that provide an integrated
multispecialty medical home for NICU graduates. The aim of this study is to explore factors associated with
caregiver satisfaction levels in an integrated multispecialty program.
We interviewed 125 caregivers of NICU graduates being cared for in the Next Steps Program using the
Patient Satisfaction Survey adapted from the Human Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and
The Parenting Stress Index (PSI-4) Short Form. (PAR, Inc.). Information on participant’s demographics was
collected including age, gender of caregiver, race, length of time since discharge from the NICU and patient’s
medical diagnoses. PSI subscales, total stress scores and composite patient satisfaction scores were
calculated. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out.
Patient satisfaction scores were high with 75% of participants scoring above 4 of 5 (“good” to “great” range) on
a per item composite score. Mean total satisfaction score was 95.4 ± 13.0 of a possible 110 (range 59-110).
There were no significant differences in satisfaction levels based on race and gender. There was a positive
correlation between gestational age and caregiver satisfaction (p = .022), a negative correlation between
caregivers’ stress level and satisfaction (p = .003), and no correlation between the amount of technology
dependence of infants upon discharge and caregiver satisfaction.
We conclude that transitioning medically fragile infants from the NICU to the primary care setting using an
integrated, multispecialty follow-up program model results in high caregiver satisfaction rates.
163
Parental/Caregiver stress levels in technology
dependent children in an integrated multispecialty
medical home
TR-039
Joyce Eugene
Co-Author(s): Folasade Kehinde M.D, Renee Turchi M.D, MPH, Bruce Bernstein PhD, Ruby Oluronbi
Advisor(s): Dr. Bruce Bernstein
TR
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Epidemiology
Advances in medical technologies have enabled infants with complex health care needs requiring care in
neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to survive with improved outcomes. Discharge from the NICU can be a
stressful transition, with increased risk for uncoordinated care, as well as emotional and psychological burden.
Few programs have established a multi-disciplinary team that includes primary care as well as specialty care
to foster high quality care in the context of a medical home environment. The Next Steps Program (NSP),
at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is one of the first NICU follow-up/primary care clinics providing a
continuum of care in a medical home for NICU graduates. This study explores parental/caregiver stress levels
in technology dependent children. We hypothesize that parents/caregivers, who have a technology dependent
child experience higher levels of stress then those of children who are not technology dependent.
Stress levels were measured using The Parenting Stress Index (PSI-4) Short Form (PAR, Inc.). PSI subscales,
total stress, and stress percentiles were calculated. Technology dependence included use of Continuous
Positive Airway Pressure, Nasal Cannula, Ventilators, Gastrostomy Tube, Nasogastric tube, Apnea Monitors,
Pulse Oximetry, or Tracheostomy. 125 parents/caregivers were interviewed. 40% of participants had children
who were technology dependent at NICU discharge. Mean PSI percentile was 33.9±24.4. There was no
significant linear correlation between the use of technology and total stress (r = -.037, p=.687). Parents/
caregivers of children who depended on one or more technology were no more stressed than parents/
caregivers of children without technology (t=.132, p=.895). In conclusion there is no difference in stress levels
amongst parents/caregivers of NICU graduates that are technology dependent or non-dependent at NICU
discharge. However, given the relatively small sample size more research should be done to validate this result.
164
IC/BPS Patients with Bladder Mucosal Cracks: Who
are They and Can They Benefit from Corticosteroid
Treatment?
TR-040
Darlene Morrissey
Co-Author(s): Dominique El-Khawand, Peter O’Hare, Lauren Rittenberg, Natasha Ginzburg, Kristene Whitmore,
MD
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
There is little data on the etiology of bladder mucosal cracks in patients with interstitial cystitis / bladder pain
syndrome (IC/BPS). The primary objectives of this study are to identify the patient who has bladder mucosal
cracks and to evaluate the effectiveness of treating these cracks with submucosal Kenalog injections. This is
a retrosepective cohort of IC/BPS patients with bladder mucosal cracks found at the time of hydrodistension
from December 2009 to June 2012. A 200mg Kenalog suspension was injected submucosally into the base and
edges of the cracks. Data was collected at baseline and 12 weeks postoperatively.
A total of 100 patients were included. Sixty percent (n=60) of the patients were sexually active with 36% (n=22)
reporting dyspareunia and a mean FSFI score of 24.95 (n=45; SD±19.1). Pre-operative questionnaires also
revealed a baseline mean ICPI of 10.44 (n=64; SD±4.1), ICSI of 10.11 (n=64; SD±4.7), and bladder PFIQ of
46.4 (n=40; SD±32.2).
A total of 69 patients underwent urodynamics pre-operatively with a mean bladder capacity of 429 ml
(SD±214ml) and 45% (n=32) had a diagnosis of sensory urgency. Mean maximum anesthetic cystometric
capacity (MACC) was 788.8 ml (SD±246.6).
Compared to baseline, the mean VAS-D score showed a non-statistically significant decrease from 5.1 to 4.0 at
12 weeks post-op (p=0.435) while there was a significant decrease in urinary frequency from a mean of 11.7 to
9.1 daily episodes (p=0.05) and nocturia from a mean of 3 to 1.6 nightly episodes (p=0.008).
This subset of IC/BPS patients who have bladder mucosal cracks appear to have moderate symptom severity
scores. The use of intramural corticosteroid injections may be beneficial to symptom control and improvement
in the quality of life of patients with IC/BPS by decreasing urinary frequency and nocturne.
165
Maternal and Fetal Outcomes of Routine Screening
for Shoulder Dystocia
TR-041
Andrew Jovanovski
Co-Author(s): Ruofan Yao
Advisor(s): Ryan Brannon
Shoulder dystocia is an unpredictable obstetrical emergency that can result in significant maternal and neonatal
morbidity. To date, no studies have successfully identified a combination of risk factors that accurately predicts
shoulder dystocia. A proprietary tool known as the PeriCALM Shoulder Screen has been suggested in
observational data to reduce the incidence of shoulder dystocia and associated neonatal brachial-plexus injury
by the practice of offering elective prelabor cesarean delivery to those women falling into the high-risk category.
This study sought to investigate the effect of routine shoulder-dystocia screening on mode of delivery and
maternal and neonatal morbidity. Patient charts were reviewed retrospectively to collect demographic, delivery,
and outcome measures for a cohort of non-anomalous full-term singleton pregnancies eligible for vaginal
delivery and, consequently, shoulder-dystocia screening. Of 607 pregnancies reviewed, 268 (44%) completed
the screening process. Those screened were significantly more likely to be younger and of non-white race but
did not differ in terms of parity, BMI, presence of diabetes, and neonatal characteristics. The rates of shoulder
dystocia, vaginal delivery, operative vaginal delivery, severe perineal laceration, episiotomy, brachial-plexus
injury, clavicular fracture, NICU admission, and five-minute Apgar scores less than 7 were similar in both
groups. Overall, the use of the Shoulder Screen did not appear to reduce the incidence of shoulder dystocia or
maternal and neonatal morbidity. Consequently, its utility in clinical practice should be questioned.
166
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Impact of participation in the PT COUNTS research
study on school-based physical therapists’
practice.
TR-042
Kandis Jones
Co-Author(s): Lisa Chiarello, Kimberly Ward, Tracy Stoner
Advisor(s): Lisa Chiarello, PT, PhD, PCS, Kimberly Ward, PT, DPT, MPH, Tracy Stoner, PT, DPT, PCS
TR
Graduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences
School-based physical therapists nationwide should participate in research, and provide services based on
evidence. In order to facilitate future participation in research, this post-study survey aimed to determine the
impact, benefits, and challenges of participating in the PT COUNTS study, a federally funded, observational
study that examined the relationships of school-based physical therapy and student outcomes. Of 111 physical
therapists who participated in the PT COUNTS study (Mean age: 46 years old, Gender: 96% female), 67
participated in the optional post-study survey administered through Qualtrics or e-mail. Descriptive statistics
were analyzed using SPSS 20.0, and themes were determined by three researchers based on written
responses on the benefits and challenges of participating in the study. While results indicated that participating
in the study only influenced practice a small to a moderate extent, school-based physical therapists valued
participating in the PT COUNTS research study, and 96% indicated they would participate in research again.
Aspects of participating in the study promoted team collaboration, and 84% of participants shared information
learned in the study with others. We recommend that practitioners consider participating in research as an
avenue to meet both their professional responsibilities, and to benefit their professional growth. In addition,
when designing studies, it is important for researchers to collaborate with practitioners to be sensitive to the
challenges they experience when participating in research.
167
Accuracy of equations in predicting resting
metabolic rate of healthy, active, college-aged
individuals
TR-043
Jacqueline M. Van Grouw
Co-Author(s): Rachel C. Kelley, Francesco Alessio, Stella Volpe, PhD, RD, LDN, FACSM
Advisor(s): Stella Volpe
TR
Graduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Nutrition Sciences
Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is a measure of energy needs to sustain the body’s normal vital functions at
rest. RMR comprises the majority (60 to 75%) of total daily energy expenditure and serves as the foundation
for diet planning. The other components that contribute to total daily energy expenditure are thermic effect of
food (10%) and thermic effect of activity (15 to 30%). Following sports nutrition guidelines has been shown to
optimize physical performance; thus, it is important to have an accurate estimate of energy needs. There are
a number of equations to predict RMR, however, researchers suggest these equations over predict RMR in
a young, active population. RMRs of active individuals, 18 to 25 years of age were measured using indirect
calorimetry. To isolate RMR and to minimize the effects of factors known to influence RMR, participants were
instructed to follow the following protocol prior to the test: 1) no exercise 24 hours prior, 2) no food or drink other
than water 12 hours prior, 3) no caffeine or alcohol 12 hours prior. Height, weight, and waist circumference were
measured, and percent body fat was determined using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Four equations will be
evaluated for accuracy in predicting RMR: Mifflin-St. Jeor equation, Harris-Benedict equation, Owen equation,
and Cunningham equation. Comparisons between measured RMR and predicted RMRs will be made.
168
A Chronic Asthmatic with
Hyperimmunoglobulinemia E Presenting at an Adult
Cystic Fibrosis Center
TR-044
Andrew Salim
Co-Author(s): Michael J Stephen
Advisor(s): Michael J Stephen
TR
Medical Student
College of Medicine
MD/MPH
A 27-year-old Caucasian female presents with a lifelong history of severe asthma and bronchitis, requiring longterm prednisone, supplemental oxygen, and frequent hospitalizations. Recent CT scans demonstrated diffuse
bronchiectasis bilaterally and, despite her age, raised a strong suspicion of cystic fibrosis (CF).
She was referred to an Adult CF Clinic for diagnostic work-up. However, normal sweat-chloride levels and
negative genetic analyses effectively ruled-out CF. Interestingly, the total serum IgE level was 20-times the
upper-limit-of-normal and allergen profiles revealed widespread increases in antigen-specific IgE levels.
Routine sputum cultures grew both bacteria and fungi.
At follow-up examination, atypical facial features and a “cold” abscess on her back are noted. She admits to
several prior similar abscesses, and discloses an upcoming surgery to extract several retained primary teeth.
The patient was referred for further genetic analyses, and has begun treatment with Xolair in an effort to wean
prednisone.
Hyperimmunoglonulin E Syndrome (HIES) encompasses a group of rare immunological disorders. Type 1 HIES
(Classical Job’s disease) develops from hypomorphic STAT3 mutations. Type 2 HIES arises from null TYK2
mutations. DOCK8 deficiency is an atypical HIES subtype stemming from loss-of-function DOCK8 mutations.
The TYK2/STAT3 pathway regulates immune cell activity and antibody production, while DOCK8 influences
cytoskeletal structure, cell cycle progression, and protein kinase activation.
While the HIES subtypes alter different signaling pathways and thereby exhibit distinct clinical features,
they also share the common atopic phenotype of markedly elevated IgE levels, dermatitis, and recurrent
skin and lung infections. Greater clinical awareness is needed as HIES is likely commonly misdiagnosed
and mismanaged. Timely identification holds significant prognostic implications, simultaneously decreasing
morbidity and increasing survival.
169
Combating Childhood Obesity Among Hispanic
children with Cultural Competence
TR-045
Mariam Mirza
Co-Author(s): Mahalakshmi Srinivasan, MD
Childhood obesity is a rising epidemic, particularly among Hispanic children. We identified overweight and
obese Hispanic children in a community based outpatient practice based on their BMI. Select children then
participated in group visits which consisted of a parent-answered questionnaire about food habits and exercise,
a physician visit and ended with a combined session with demonstrations on how to prepare healthy snacks,
simple exercises and basic nutrition. Among these children there was a high prevalence of hypertension
and prehypertension. Some of these children had subsequent fasting lipids and basic metabolic panels
checked which revealed dyslipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance. Through these group visits we found
barriers which were more prevalent among the Hispanic population including a language barrier for immigrant
parents, cultural differences, lower socioeconomic status and lack of readily available fresh produce in certain
neighborhoods. Although the traditional multidisciplinary approach to reducing childhood obesity with emphasis
on nutrition, behavioral modification and exercise may improve morbidity, cultural competence is equally
important in order to be successful in this challenging endeavor.
170
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Case Series of HIV-Infected Individuals with
Osteonecrosis
TR-047
Sara Taherkhani
Co-Author(s): Zsofia Szep, Nader Toosi
Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis has been well described as having a higher prevalence in the HIVinfected population, though the exact etiology remains unclear. The higher incidence of osteonecrosis among
HIV infected individuals suggests that it may be a complication of either HIV infection itself or its treatment
consisting of antiretrovirals. We report a case series of HIV-infected individuals being followed at our
comprehensive HIV practice that have had hip replacement surgery and a diagnosis of osteonecrosis confirmed
by surgical pathology at our affiliated tertiary care hospital between 2004-2012. A total of 20 patients were
identified that had a pre-operative diagnosis of osteonecrosis but only 13 of these patients had a pathology
proven diagnosis. Therefore 13 of 1600 (10 men and 3 women) patients receiving care at our facility had path
proven osteonecrosis with a prevalence of 0.81%, though this number is likely higher in actuality. Thirty eight
percent had bilateral joint involvement. Average age at surgery was 41.4. Sixty one percent were on Tenofovir
and 77% were on a PI based regimen. Only 38% had undetectable viral load at time of surgery and average
CD4 at surgery was 420. We plan to gather more information on these patients with the hope of identifying
other co-existing risk factors and risks associated with use of ART’s.
171
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Followup and Complications After Image Guided
Breast Biopsy
TR-049
Jacob White
Co-Author(s): Kathryn Jarrett, Vijay Nayak, Douglas Parrillo, Jean Kirk
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in females. In the last two decades there have been great advances
in breast cancer detection due to better imaging, namely ultrasound, mammography and MRI. Using these
imaging modalities, biopsies have become less invasive and have improved accuracy and outcomes. There is
no consensus regarding imaging followup after an image guided biopsy. Currently, the standard of practice is
to have a mammogram six months after the biopsy. However, there is no data to suggest that this is needed
which costs time and resources, not to mention extra radiation to the patient. This study looks at the followup
imaging after breast biopsy to determine the complication rates of image guided biopsy, and to determine if the
six month post biopsy mammogram is indicated in biopsy negative patients.
172
TR
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Radiology
COMPUTATION & BIO MODELING
A Discrete Molecular Dynamics Study of
α-Synuclein Folding and Oligomer Assembly
CB-001
Matthew Voelker
Co-Author(s): Mark Betnel, Brigita Urbanc
Advisor(s): Brigita Urbanc
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized in part by the cerebral accumulation of Lewy bodies, abnormal
intracellular protein deposits in the brain. A major constituent of Lewy bodies are aggregates of the 140
amino acids--long α-Synuclein, a protein produced naturally in the body. Small oligomeric assemblies of this
protein have been hypothesized to be a primary neurotoxic agent in the neuronal loss and motor symptoms
characteristic of PD. We have here characterized α-Synuclein oligomer structure computationally by discrete
molecular dynamics (DMD) combined with implicit--solvent intermediate--resolution protein model. We varied
the implicit solvent parameter corresponding to the strength of the electrostatic interactions (Ech) in the DMD
approach and thus fine tuned the implicit solvent conditions to obtain an oligomer distribution consistent with
a reported experimentally-derived oligomer size distribution. Our population of oligomers is characterized by
a monotonically decreasing propensity of monomers, dimers, trimers and tetramers, followed by an increased
pentamer propensity. Analysis of the free energy landscape of the monomer population revealed three unique
conformations, deemed classes A, B, and C, which differ in the distance between the N-termius and C-terminus
as well as in characteristics of the C-terminal region (residues 120-140). Exploration of the secondary structure
and solvent accessible surface area (SASA) of these monomers and the oligomers in our population, as well
as directly examining characteristic oligomer conformations produced in our simulations, gives insight into how
these differing monomer classes impact aggregation. This study is the first step towards understanding the
relationship between the aggregation and oligomeric structure of α-Synuclein and toxicity in PD.
174
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Using Computer Simulations to Calculate 3D
Muscle Moment Arms of a Titanosaurian Dinosaur
CB-002
Emma Fowler
Co-Author(s): Kristyn Voegele, Paul Ullmann, Kenneth Lacovara
Advisor(s): Kenneth Lacovara
Titanosaurian dinosaurs are known to be the heaviest land animals to ever exist, weighing 60 to 80 tons, over
12 times the weight of an elephant. Their joint and muscle morphologies likely played a very important role
in their ability to succeed at this extreme body size. MPM-PV 1156, a large titanosaur found in Patagonia,
Argentina, contains at least one of every major limb and girdle bone, presenting a unique opportunity to
explore the function of its joints. This remarkably well preserved specimen displays many muscle scars,
indicating where various muscles attached. Although the function of a muscle can shift over evolutionary time,
its attachments often remain homologous allowing us to reconstruct dinosaurian muscles using birds and
crocodilians as extant analogs. To draw conclusions about the functionality of these muscle arrangements,
paleontologists often calculate muscle moment arms. This technique does not require knowledge of the
absolute values of muscle forces, but rather allows comparison between muscles. Moment arms are often
calculated two-dimensionally, however, leaving out the third dimension in a muscle system can significantly
change its perceived functional contribution. Using a 3D laser scanner and Autodesk Maya, we have
constructed a digital skeletal model of MPM-PV 1156. A complete 3D digital model of this specimen allows us
to calculate the moment arms in three dimensions using GaitSym, and comparing these results to those we
calculated using traditional methods demonstrates the major advantages of using 3D versus 2D moment arms.
175
CB
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology/Paleontology
Application of biomechanical engineering methods
to evaluate articular cartilage thicknesses in the
elbow joint of a giant titanosaurian sauropod
CB-003
Kristyn Voegele
Co-Author(s): Sorin Siegler, Jason R. Toy, Emma K. Fowler, Kenneth J. Lacovara
Advisor(s): Dr. Ken Lacovara
Soft tissues rarely preserve in the fossil record, leaving many questions about the biology and anatomy of
ancient organisms unanswered. For example, the thickness of dinosaur articular cartilage and its biological and
biomechanical implications have become prominent research topics. Debate ensues whether dinosaur cartilage
was thin as in large extant mammals or thick. We are investigating elbow cartilage thickness in MPM-PV-1156,
a new, nearly complete, super-massive titanosaur from the Cretaceous of Patagonia, with a novel application
of a biomechanical engineering method developed by one of us (Siegler). In order to evaluate optimal cartilage
thicknesses of this joint, modeling is performed in two engineering programs, ADAMS for kinematic simulations
and ANSYS for finite element analysis (FEA). In ADAMS, a moment is applied about the joint to bend the elbow.
The overall magnitude of the force required to produce the moment is divided into its components, the flexor
muscles, via an optimizing equation at different points during bending. MPM-PV-1156 is estimated to have
weighed 62 metric tons, thus caloric usage is a parsimonious optimizing parameter. The force vectors and the
anatomical arrangement of the bones calculated in ADAMS are then analyzed in FEA to test stress distributions
through the joint. Thick and thin cartilage pads are also being tested to determine the magnitude of force
transfer across the joint. This project is ongoing, and when finished, will provide new evidence to the articular
cartilage debate by determining the relationship between cartilaginous pad thicknesses and the forces acting
across this joint.
176
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Sciences
ProtsDMD: Toward a Novel Discrete Molecular
Dynamics Protein Model
CB-004
Derya Meral
Co-Author(s): Brigita Urbanc
Advisor(s): Brigita Urbanc
The task of determining the final folded form of a protein, also referred to as the native structure, is difficult and
computationally demanding. For most protein sequences with more than 100 amino acids it is not yet possible
to examine the folding mechanisms at the level of atomic resolution simply due to the immense amount of time
such a simulation would take. However this problem can be approached through coarse grained models that
allow for a simplification of the complexities of these molecules, diminishing the computational weight of the
simulations, hence making it possible to fold large proteins in feasible time spans. One such method is discrete
molecular dynamics (DMD) with a four bead protein model and backbone hydrogen bonding, which allows for
the correct representation of the protein backbone. Simplified side-chain beads are characterized by the amino
acid specificity based on their hydropathy and charge. Here, we propose a multi-scale approach that uses the
DMD approach to efficiently scan the conformational phase space, combined with all atom molecular dynamics
that in principle allows for locking in the native structures at atomic resolution. We have studied five proteins
with experimentally determined native structures in order to find the optimal force field parameters of the DMD
approach and to test the validity of our approach. Such a combined computational strategy will be valuable
in studies of protein folding and aggregation of proteins in general and specifically of intrinsically disordered
proteins which are the cause of a broad range of amyloidogenic diseases.
177
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Accelerating Spectral Method of Dimensionality
Reduction and Visualization on large-scale
Microbiome Data
CB-005
Bo Song
Co-Author(s): Xingpeng Jiang
Advisor(s): Xiaohua Tony Hu
The revolutionary next-generation high-throughput sequencing technology has been generating massive
microbiome data directly from environmental samples, which is far more extensive than that had been ever
imagined from cultured microorganism studies. These big datasets enabled broad access and possibilities
to uncover and understand the fundamental mechanism of microbial community for the first time; the
corresponding challenges are also unprecedented.
One significant process in the microbiome study is dimensionality reduction, as the intrinsic high dimensionality
of the feature space in raw microbiome sequencing data, such as 16S rRNA, often requires proper
simplification for possible statistical analysis. Two popular eigenvector-based dimensionality reduction
techniques in the field are principal component analysis (PCA) and multidimensional scaling (MDS), which
already gained some notable results. However, the explosively increasing size of data from large-scale
microbiome studies inevitably and exponentially raises the computational complexity of existing algorithms,
which is an urgent issue in the way required addressing.
This study applies a new approach for dimensionality reduction and visualization on microbiome sequencing
data associated with the very issue. During such process, data in the original space are projected and
embedded into a spectral domain extracted from its Laplace operator. Meanwhile the data characterization
and distances between data points in the original high dimensional space are preserved as much as possible
after scaling down to low dimensional space. This method not only minimizes the loss of data information but
also greatly improves the efficiency of computing on large-scale data when compared with classical methods.
With the adaptive methods to the feature of large-scale microbiome data, we can better facilitate the reveal and
intuitive comprehension of patterns and functions of microbial community to benefit human beings.
178
CB
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Information Studies
Mechanisms of left-right coordination in
mammalian locomotor pattern generation: a
mathematical modeling study
CB-006
Bartholomew Bacak
Co-Author(s): Yaroslav Molkov
Advisor(s): Ilya Rybak
Coordination between left and right locomotor activity in the spinal cord is controlled by commissural
interneurons (CINs). Several CIN types have been genetically identified, including the excitatory V3 and
excitatory and inhibitory V0 types. Talpalar et al. recently reported that selective ablation of inhibitory V0
neurons (V0D subtype) leads to a lack of left–right alternation at low locomotor frequencies, but maintains this
alternation at high frequencies. When ablation is targeted to excitatory V0 neurons (V0V subtype), the left–right
alternation remains present at low frequencies, but switches to a left–right synchronized (“hopping”) pattern at
high frequencies.
To explain the above findings, we developed a mathematical model of neural circuits in the spinal cord. The
model consisted of four neurons representing left and right flexor and extensor half-centers interconnected via
pathways representing V3, V0D, and V0V CINs. The model demonstrated: (1) a typical left-right alternating
pattern under control conditions; (2) switching to a synchronized hopping pattern at any frequency after
removing commissural connections representing both V0 (V0D and V0V) neurons; (3) a synchronized pattern
at low frequencies with alternation at high frequencies after removing commissural connections representing
V0D neurons; (4) an alternating pattern at low frequencies with synchronized hopping at high frequencies after
removing commissural connections representing V0V neurons. Using fast-slow decomposition methods the
mechanisms underlying the transitions seen in scenarios (3) and (4) were explained. The model also generated
predictions regarding the multi-stable nature of frequency modulation.
179
CB
Graduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Neuroengineering
Model for aging and cognitive decline
CB-007
Maxwell Henderson
Advisor(s): Dr. Luis Cruz
A population of neurons in the cerebral cortex of humans and other mammals organize themselves into
vertical microcolumns perpendicular to the pial surface. Anatomical changes to these microcolumns have been
correlated with neurological diseases and normal aging, and in particular in area 46 of the rhesus monkey
brain the strength of microcolumns was shown to decrease with age. We have previously developed a model
to simulate aging brains by constructing a microcolumnar network of neurons and allowing the neurons to
undergo Brownian motion while being constrained by a harmonic force that weakens as a function of age. Now,
we expand on this model by constructing and simulating the generated neural networks. By generating a young
neural network from strong restorative forces, one can create an initial distant dependent connectivity. Then, we
age these networks and presume that connectivity between neurons either weakens or severs as a function of
neural displacement from initial neuronal positions. We aim to show that older networks are unable to efficiently
shift between different firing regimes, providing a potential mechanism for loss of information processing in
relation to microcolumnar structure.
180
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Spontaneous Dimer States of the Aβ21-30
Decapeptide
CB-008
Micholas Smith
Co-Author(s): J. Srinivas Rao
Advisor(s): Luis Cruz Cruz
Alzheimer’s disease is associated with the production of neurotoxic oligomers of amyloid β-protein (Aβ).
The assembly of these oligomers, however, is not fully understood. The study of the assembly of low order
oligomers, such as dimers, is a step towards understanding this process. Here we perform all-atom molecular
dynamics simulations to study the formation of dimer states of the Aβ21-30 decapeptide, previously identified
as the folding nucleus of the full-length Aβ. We find that this decapeptide spontaneously forms dimers that can
be classified into three families: parallel, anti-parallel, and unaligned. Furthermore, we find that the anti-parallel
and parallel dimer states are metastable. Using REMD simulations, we additionally determine that of these two
states, the anti-parallel may be more abundant close to physiological temperatures.
181
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Topical Gap Analysis between Researchers’
Interests and Consumers’ Concerns in Healthcare
CB-009
Meen Chul Kim
Advisor(s): Christopher C. Yang
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Information Studies
However, we raise one fundamental suspicion at this point, “Do they, the researchers in the field of biomedicine,
sail to the signpost directly?” Some studies tackle that translational clinical research is in trouble because the
translatability of the existing advances into tangible health benefits seems to have decreased. It indicates that
not every biomedical research reaches the benefiting stage, and there is a certain gap between researchers’
interests and consumers’ concerns.
This topical inconsistency motivates us to be dedicated to this present study because biomedical research must
be conducted with the main goal and objective to improve, modify, or create therapy in the clinical setting for
the particular disease being studied. Hence, we aim at 1) analyzing research products and consumers’ needs,
through a set of text mining techniques, and 2) identifying any statistical significance between them so that we
empirically rationalize they should not walk apart.
To properly tackle this issue, we take two venues, the Web of Science and TREATO into consideration.
We employ the well-established topic model, LDA for content analysis of these two datasets. Through the
experiment, we identify some topical characteristics from these silos: 1) topics discussed by consumers are
time-sensitive and predictive, and 2) the trends of some topics occurred from both perspectives digress from
each other over time.
In this study, we diagnose the gap between researcher and consumer, and articulate a sustained explanation
on that inconsistency in healthcare. The anticipated result may be evidential to remedy the current despairing
irony in biomedical research.
182
CB
The ultimate goal of biomedical research is said to develop knowledge, interventions, or technology of “use in
healthcare or public health.” This domain has been highly valued by individuals, governments, foundations, and
corporations, and is ceaselessly thriving.
The Effect of Amino Acid Substitutions at Position
2 on Amyloid-beta Folding and Oligomer Formation
CB-010
Akihito Tomida
Co-Author(s): Derya Meral, Matthew Voelker, Brigita Urbanc
Advisor(s): Brigita Urbanc
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an age-triggered neurodegenerative disorder, which causes substantial loss of
memory and cognitive skills. Initial stages of AD are linked to self-assembly of amyloid beta-protein (Ab) into
toxic oligomers, followed by the aggegation into insoluble Ab fibrils, a predominant component of amyloid
plaques in the cortex of AD patients. Of the two predominant forms of Ab in the brain, Ab40 and Ab42, the later
is more strongly associated with AD and forms assemblies that are more toxic. The structure of Ab oligomers
is not known experimentally. However, discrete molecular dynamics (DMD) simulations combined with a
four-bead peptide model revealed structural differences between Ab40 and Ab42 oligomers in the N-terminal
region, which were hypothesized to be correlated with distinct toxic properties of Ab40 and Ab42 oligomers.
Recently, two naturally occurring amino acid substitutions in the N-terminal region, [A2V] and [A2T], have
been reported to affect the carriers by either inducing an early onset of the disease or protecting from the
disease. Furthermore, [A2V] mutations was shown to have high toxicity only in the absence of other types of
Ab peptides in vitro. To gain insights into the role of the N-terminal region in Ab oligomer formation, we applied
the DMD approach to examine the effect of three substitutions, [A2V], [A2T] and [A2G], on Ab40 and Ab42
oligomerization. We characterized monomer and oligomer conformations formed by the mutant peptides in
terms of their secondary, tertiary, quaternary structure and compared the results to the structural characteristics
of Ab40 and Ab42 conformations, thereby providing structural information that may underly distinct toxicity
properties of different Ab isoforms. The understanding of amino acid substitutions in the N-terminal region will
enrich our molecular level understanding of Ab oligomer formation dynamics.
183
CB
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Aggregation of Amyloid Beta Fragment 16-22 with
Crowders and Study of Water Behavior around
Crowders using All-Atom Molecular Dynamics
CB-011
Elizabeth Segelken
Advisor(s): Luis Cruz
Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative disease, is associated with the aggregation of the amyloid β peptide
(Aβ). The Aβ(16-22) fragment is prone to aggregation and by better understanding a fragment of the Aβ peptide,
it is possible to better understand the peptide itself. We use all-atom molecular dynamics simulations in explicit
solvent of Aβ(16-22) and crowders in order to determine how placing crowders among Aβ(16-22) fragments
affects the rate of aggregation and how they aggregate. In order to do this, we need to first determine a size
and type of crowder to use and in doing so we explore the behavior of water around the crowders, including
the density and lifetime. The types of crowders we use are hydrophobic fullerenes, hydrophobic fullerenes with
hydrophilic decorations, and hydrophilic frozen water. That way we can determine how the hydrophobicity and
size of the crowder affect the water behavior and possibly limit the amount of space in which the Aβ(16-22) can
aggregate by forming a water barrier around the crowder. So far we have found that the size of the crowder did
make a difference in the behavior of the water and are still exploring how the different types affect the water.
184
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Soft Exoskeleton Force Feedback Interface for
Exploring Five Dimensional Stem Cell Image Data
CB-012
Michael Koerner
Advisor(s): Dr. Andrew Cohen, Genevieve Dion
Time lapse microscopy data showing live neural stem cells together with blood vessels allows biologists to
quantitatively analyze the dynamic properties of stem cells in intact tissue, providing insight into fundamentally
important questions in regenerative medicine and cancer therapeutics. These image sequences (movies)
consist of the three spatial dimensions plus time, along with a 5th dimension containing distinct biological
imaging channels such as stem cells and blood vessels. These movies are uniquely challenging to interact with.
Using only keyboard and mouse makes navigation difficult and imprecise. For this interdisciplinary project, we
developed a new approach to interacting with 5-D microscopy movies. A soft haptic exoskeleton-based force
feedback glove together with a tonal audio component allows the user to perceive spatiotemporal relationships
in the data that simple visualization cannot display. The Exo-Skin mimics the flexor and extensor tendons of
each finger, reacting accordingly when a change in fingertip intention is detected. It also eliminates the need
for keyboard and mouse by acting as a three dimensional pointer with built in keyboard touch points. The
exoskeleton’s position above the workspace is optically tracked with millimeter accuracy and translated into
the stem cell visualization application. The exoskeleton also includes an array of six vibrating coin motors that
relay texture data. The glove allows blood vessels and stem cells to be grasped virtually, providing force, audio
and texture feedback. Interdisciplinary applications include: 1) a rehabilitative device for physiotherapy, 2) an
assistive device for human strength augmentation, 3) a master or slave device for tele-operation.
185
CB
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Biomedical Engineering
Methods For Identifying 3D Structures Of Neurons
In The Brain
CB-013
Frank Jones
Advisor(s): Luis Cruz
Individual locations of many neuronal cell bodies are required in order to identify structures in the brain as
well as visualize the organization of these cells with respect to other objects, such as dendrites. Identifying
structures or organization of neurons is a difficult task when analysis is limited to only 2D cross sections of brain
tissue. To overcome this problem, we use confocal image sets of the brain to obtain the 3D location of neurons
in the fly and rhesus monkey. Our method of obtaining these locations uses a combination of image processing
techniques, including: pre-processing, image segmentation, and clustering algorithms. Having obtained the 3D
locations of neurons, we present methods for identifying structures and organization of neurons in the fly brain
through the use of nearest neighbor measurements and density maps. In addition, we identify the organization
of neuronal microcolumns with respect to bundles of apical dendrites in the rhesus monkey.
186
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
Using a Hidden Markov Model to find foraging
areas for the gray smooth-hound shark (Mustelus
californicus) in a Southern California estuary
CB-014
Noga Neeman
Co-Author(s): Mario Espinoza, Thomas J. Farrugia, Christopher G. Lowe, Marc J. Sobel, Michael P. O’Connor
Advisor(s): Michael P. O’Connor
Analyzing movement pathways can allow unobservable, underlying, discrete behavioral states to be inferred
from tracking data. This can be used to understand how animals use their habitats, for example where they
tend to forage vs. what areas they use as transit corridors. This study analyzes acoustic telemetry data for
the benthic, coastal predator Mustelus californicus (gray smooth-hound shark) to determine if and where they
forage within the Full Tidal Basin of Bolsa Chica, Huntington Beach, California and whether or not this varies
by individual shark. Preliminary analysis of the data for all the sharks showed that their speeds are a mixture
of two log-normal distributions (log-mean -3.8 and -1.6) and that turning angles vary with speed such that at
lower speeds the turning angles are uniformly distributed and at higher speeds the turning angles are a mixture
of two normal distributions (centered around 0 and 180 degrees). Normally, analysis requires interpolating so
the data is at regular time intervals. However, since there is abundant data and since the turn angles close to
180 degrees might be indicative of behavioral state, this analysis used the data as irregular time intervals and
used a Hidden Markov model evaluated using particle filters to determine the behavioral state at each location.
Testing the model on simulated data sets suggests that the model is able to find states accurately and to report
real confidence measures to determine which points are uncertain.
187
CB
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
BEES
COMPUTATION & MODELING (NON-BIO)
Green Infrastructure: Performance analysis of
the ABC Carpet Stormwater Treatment Wetland
installed in the Bronx, NY
CN-001
Ge Pu
Advisor(s): Dr. Franco Montalto
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Environmental Engineering
CN
The ABC Carpet constructed wetland treats runoff from a ~1 acre parking lot prior to discharge to the Bronx
River. The wetland is lined and designed to sustain a permanent pool to support the wetland vegetation.
Continuous inflow data was collected with a V-knotch weir and pressure transducer for a period of two years.
Water levels in the wetland, in the river, and above an overflow riser were also monitored continuously. The
continuous time series data was discretized into wet and dry spell events and scatter plots generated to
describe stormwater retention characteristics. The time series data was also used to validate a SWMM model,
so as to simulate hydrologic performance of the system during NYC’s average rainfall year.
189
Seeing Through: Object-Side Light Field
Processing for Removal of Occluded Rays
CN-002
Weston Aenchbacher
Advisor(s): Timothy Kurzweg
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
CN
In many situations it may be desirable to remove the negative effects of a foreground object or surface when
trying to image something behind it. This occlusion could be anything from dirt on a camera lens, a cataract
on the lens of a human eye, or foliage obstructing a scene. The field of computational imaging has seen
several efforts in this direction. Experiments in light field photography often capture images of a scene from
multiple perspectives and attempt to align the images so that the object of interest overlaps. This effectively
blurs occluding objects and lessens their contribution to any particular reconstructed image pixel; however, this
defocus blur still degrades contrast in the region nearby. In this work, we make a case for removal of occluding
rays for improvement of image quality. We simulate a scene that contains an object of interest and an arbitrary
occluding object. By identifying the light field rays passing through the occluding object, we may remove them
and re-weigh the contributions to the image pixels they would arrive at. Here we show early successes and
discuss possible applications.
190
Predicting Spatial Self-Organization with Statistical
Moments
CN-003
Linge Bai
Co-Author(s): Robert Gilmore, David E. Breen
Advisor(s): David E. Breen
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Computer Science
CN
We have developed a self-organizing shape formation system based on locally interacting agents whose
behaviors are inspired by living cells. Given a predefined macroscopic shape, genetic programming is used to
find a finite field function that defines the agents’ interactions. By following the gradient of the cumulative field
the agents form into a desired shape. It has been seen that the self-organization process may form two or more
stable final configurations. In order to control the outcome of the shape formation process, it is first necessary
to accurately predict the outcome of the dynamic simulation. This paper describes an approach to predicting
the final configurations produced by our spatial self-organization system at an early stage in the process.
The approach calculates statistical moments of the coordinates of the agents, and employs Support Vector
Machines to predict the outcome based on them and their time derivatives.
191
Simulated Natural Illumination
CN-004
Ariel Evans
Co-Author(s): Hunter Draper, Amber Sbriglio, Melissa Lee, Martina Tucker, Felicia Tucker
Advisor(s): Troy Finamore
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CN
Our project is an animated short that explores the implementation of simulated natural lighting in 3D computer
graphics. Our animation is set in a cell-block that has two distinct sources of natural light; sunlight streaming
though cell windows and firelight from torches in an adjacent corridor. These form two distinct zones of
illumination, each with unique potential and challenges when animating. Adding complexity, these two sectors
are only separated by the cell’s bars and needed to be engineered to work together artistically. Of particular
interest was the effect of chiaroscuro in which characters are dramatically illuminated in contrast to their
darker surroundings. The cell’s portal lighting further added the possibility of the reverse tenebrism in which
the characters could be strongly backlit. By using a combination of lighting types we found a balance between
the ambient light needed for image capture and simulated natural lighting. Our lighting solutions affected the
whole composition widening dramatic range, emphasizing details, and increasing the viewer’s sense of three
dimensional volume.
192
The Use of Metrological Instruments for Accuracy
Characterization of Computer Numerical Control
(CNC) Vertical Machining Center
CN-005
Yalcin Ertekin
Co-Author(s): Mac Olean
Advisor(s): Yalcin Ertekin
Faculty
College of Engineering
Engineering Technology
CN
This project uses metrological instrumentation to develop Thermal & Kinematic Modeling of the Computer
Numerical Control (CNC) Vertical Machining Center (VMC). This is done by running laser measurement tests
on determined areas of the machine work space and compiling the data to form a true picture of how accurate
and repeatable the CNC machine will cut. Using a part program, a piece of stock material is machined into a
finished part with known dimensions. The part can then be analyzed by the Coordinate Measuring Machine
(CMM) to see whether the dimensions of the work piece are within the tolerances. This information can then be
used to make corrections to the CNC machine and improve part dimensional tolerances.
193
A Bootstrap Based Neyman-Pearson Test for
Identifying Variable Importance
CN-006
Gregory Ditzler
Co-Author(s): Robi Polikar
Advisor(s): Gail Rosen
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical & Computer Engineering
CN
Selection of most informative features that leads to a small loss on future data is arguably one of the most
important steps in classification, data analysis and model selection. Several feature selection algorithms are
available; however, due to noise present in any data set, feature selection algorithms are typically accompanied
by an appropriate cross validation scheme. In this work, we propose a statistical hypothesis test derived from
the Neyman-Pearson lemma for determining if a feature is statistically relevant. The proposed approach can be
applied as a wrapper to any feature selection algorithm, regardless of the feature selection criteria used by that
algorithm, to determine whether a feature belongs in the relevant set. Perhaps more importantly, this procedure
efficiently determines the number of relevant features given an initial starting point. We provide freely available
software implementations of the proposed methodology.
194
Bäcklund Transformations and Spherical Curves
CN-007
Jonah Smith
Co-Author(s): Ron Perline
Advisor(s): Ron Perline
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Mathematics
CN
Many integrable (exactly solvable) equations have realizations in the classical differential geometry of curves
and surfaces. In particular, the Bäcklund transformations (superposition) of solutions of integrable differential
equations correspond to transformations of curves in space. We derive a Bäcklund transformation for spherical
curves. The extrinsic nature of our construction allows us to make connections to the “bicycle problem” for
spherical curves in space.
195
Comprehensive simulation-based evaluation of the
impacts of building ventilation strategies on indoor
air quality and energy use
CN-008
Adams Rackes
Co-Author(s): Sheng Wang, Michael S. Waring
Advisor(s): Michael S. Waring
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
CAEE
To accomplish these goals, we employed a probabilistic framework drawn from uncertainty and sensitivity
analysis domains. We identified and developed distributions for 17 of the most consequential physical and
operational parameters. Sampled values of these parameters were used as inputs to thermal and IAQ
simulations to produce distributions of outputs. In both a small and a medium office, we assessed six ventilation
strategies that combined economizing, demand controlled ventilation, increased ventilation rate, and supply air
temperature reset. For each strategy, the simulation outputs were the changes in IAQ and energy relative to a
fixed-rate, standard-based baseline ventilation strategy. Results indicated the possibility of substantial energy
savings and IAQ improvements, but not always at the same time. These impacts were also highly variable,
yielding, for example, spans on the order of 50 kWh/m2 for the middle 95% of energy savings. Sensitivity
analysis and a fast metamodel were employed to extract useful combinations of parameters to inform decisions
about ventilation strategies.
196
CN
The design and operation of a building’s ventilation strategy can positively or negatively influence indoor air
quality (IAQ) and energy use, leading to significant health, comfort, and economic ramifications. There are,
however, few resources to help practitioners compare the magnitude and probability of these impacts. This
study addresses this need for robust, tailored ventilation decision-support in two important ways. First, it
evaluates the impacts of ventilation strategies on a comprehensive group of effects, including: cooling, heating,
and fan energy use; average air exchange rates; and indoor concentrations of carbon dioxide and a generic
indoor-emitted pollutant. Second, it considers impacts in the context of uncertain building and mechanical
system parameters like occupant density and coil efficiency, which is crucial since these vary greatly among
real buildings.
Predict Room Organic Aerosol Loadings by an
Indoor Thermodynamic OA Partitioning model
CN-009
Chunyi Wang
Advisor(s): Michael S. Waring
People care about their exposure to fine particles indoors because of its potential hazard to health and many
spend majority of their lives indoors rather than outside. Studies indicate that organic aerosol (OA) represents
a strong portion of fine particles indoors. It can be either transported through the heating, ventilating, or airconditioning (HVAC) system from outside or generated by reactions between ozone and terpenes, which are
ubiquitous indoors. Therefore, this research developed and evaluated an indoor thermodynamic OA partitioning
model to simulate room OA loadings and organic compound distributions at different key locations related
to the OA transport and formation due to gas and surface phase reactions, such as in an occupied space, in
supply duct, in mixing section, etc.. Using this model, we compared the real OA filter efficiency to its theoretical
efficiency, as well as how HVAC cooling and heating coils influence OA concentrations. With a Monte Carlo
analysis, the influences of parameters such as the outdoor, supply, and room temperatures, air flow rates,
outdoor organic compound concentrations, indoor emissions, and filter efficiency on room OA loadings at
different seasons (summer or winter), with/without surface reactions, and in residential or commercial buildings
were quantified. The ozone outdoor concentration and indoor d-limonene emission rate were the strongest
determinants for indoor aerosol loadings.
197
CN
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
CAEE
GPU-Enabled Pore-Scale Resolved Transport Model
for Vanadium Redox Flow Battery
CN-010
Charles Andersen
Co-Author(s): Gang Qiu, Nagarajan Kandasamy, Ying Sun
Advisor(s): Ying Sun
Many problems in fluid dynamics consider a range of length and time scales too large to efficiently simulate by
traditional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. Recent advancements in CFD have pointed towards
the growth of high performance computing as a solution to this problem. Simultaneously, energy demands have
continued to grow and many alternative energy resources such as wind and solar power can be intermittent
in energy generation. Flow batteries are good candidates as energy storage units for these renewable
resources due to their separation of power generation and energy storage capacity and long life cycles. We
present a computational model of a vanadium redox flow battery, which uses real pore-scale fiber geometry
obtained through X-ray computed tomography. Our pore-scale approach is in contrast to the more common
volume-averaged model, which considers the domain as a homogeneous medium of uniform porosity. We
apply a finite volume method to solve the coupled species and charge transport equations. The Butler-Volmer
equation provides a coupling between the species and charge equations on the fiber surface. It is a highly
computationally expensive task to resolve the governing equations at the pore-scale of carbon fibers(~10μm).
To overcome this challenge, in lieu of a traditional implementation with Message Passing Interface, which uses
many central processing units to divide the computational effort of a simulation, we employ the use of Graphics
Processing Units (GPUs) as a means of parallelization. GPUs have been shown as highly effective tools for
solving many computational fluid dynamics problems including lid driven cavity flow, porous media flow, and
shallow water flows. To further increase the speedup of our simulations, multiple GPUs are used together in a
multi-GPU approach. Scalability of both the single and multi GPU implementations are examined along with the
effects of fiber geometry, porosity, and flow rate on battery performance.
198
CN
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Pore-scale Transport Resolved Model Incorporating
Cathode Microstructure and Peroxide Growth in
Lithium-air Batteries
CN-011
Long Zhang
Co-Author(s): Gang Qiu, Charles P. Andersen, Vibha Kalra, Ying Sun
Advisor(s): Ying Sun
The lithium-air (Li-air) battery has captured worldwide attention as a promising battery solution for electric
vehicles since its high energy density. However, a major hurdle facing the development of Li-air systems is
their poor round-trip efficiency owing to the formation of electrically insulating Li2O2 at the cathode surface.
It is known that the deposition morphology of Li2O2 greatly influenced the cell performance. And ex-situ
imaging has shown that the Li-air electrodes have highly intricate structures and the deposition of Li2O2 is
equally complex. However, all existing simulations thus far treat the electrode/Li2O2 matrix as a homogenous
continuum and utilize simply-shaped electrode morphologies, such as spheres, to construct volume-averaged
expressions for porosity and surface area. The formation of Li2O2 is then modeled as growing uniformly
above these simplified electrodes. Such assumptions are insufficient in characterizing the precise effect of
the complex electrode/Li2O2 microstructure on cell performance. Here, we present a pore-scale transport
resolved model of the Li-air battery that fully accounts for the electrode microstructure and peroxide growth.
This approach requires no empirical correlations regarding the electrode morphology. Additionally, the growth
of Li2O2 is modeled locally and no longer requires the assumption of uniform deposition. Utilizing this porescale transport resolved model, the complex electrode and Li2O2 morphologies can be directly incorporated
into the numerical model and their effects on system-level performance can be evaluated. Incorporating the
thickness-dependent electron resistivity of Li2O2, results obtained from our pore-scale model agree well with
experiments. The validated model is then used to predict the galvanostatic discharge behavior of a Li-air cell
for a variety of electrode/Li2O2 morphologies. The effects of pore-size and electrode structure on Li2O2 growth
and cell performance are presented.
199
CN
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Instabilities and Bifurcations in Jeffery-Hamel Flow
CN-012
Sharanya Subramony
Co-Author(s): Dipin S Pillai, Jason Ryan Picardo
Advisor(s): S Pushpavanam
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Incompressible fluid flows between two semi-infinite inclined planes can be simulated by solving the laws
of conservation of mass and momentum. These can be reduced to a third order non linear boundary value
problem. The parameters that govern the flow characteristics are the Reynolds number and the channel angle.
Numerical simulations in Matlab were used to examine the velocity and pressure profiles in the diverging
channel. To verify the flow asymmetry, COMSOL is used to validate the results. Of interest in this study are the
flow patterns where alternating vortices are formed, causing the fluid to periodically move towards one side
of the wall. This can be useful in the application of vortex formation in the cardiovascular system or in that of
reactions in the channel where one wall is coated with a catalyst or reactant and the fluid flowing through can
be diverted to that side for reactions to take place.
200
CN
For a divergent channel, we show that the flow for small Re is symmetric, with the maximum velocity at the
center. As Re is increased, a reverse flow is observed near the walls. As the Re increases beyond a critical
value, the symmetric solution ceases to exist and a bifurcation occurs. This results in the formation of vortices
on two sides of the symmetry axis.
Peracetic Acid Disinfection of Municipal
Wastewater: Development of a Predictive Metamodel
CN-013
Ian Bakst
Advisor(s): Bakhtier Farouk, Charles N. Haas
Peracetic acid (PAA) is an emerging technology for disinfection, and has particular applicability for treatment
of wastewater for reuse. Like many disinfection technologies, performance is a function of site, specific water
characteristics, intrinsic kinetics, and hydraulics of a disinfection system. Often on-site pilot testing is important
to determine the site-specific kinetics. A three-dimensional CFD model of the on-site pilot testing apparatus
was developed. The model was used for the prediction of transport of momentum as well as the concentrations
of the disinfectant PAA and its decay, and the microorganisms (dead and alive). The model developed can be
used to analyze the chemical and biological performance of such a system. Physical attributes of the system
were modeled in detail and the hydraulic effects on the inherent chemistry were studied. The mixing at the
injection point of the disinfectant was analyzed for cases with and without a static mixer. In addition, the effect of
an embedded baffle was also quantified. Overall, the deviation from ideal disinfection scenarios was predicted.
In addition, a physical serpentine reactor was built to gather on-site concentration data. Ultimately, a calibrated
and simplified meta-model will developed from the CFD model predictions and the physical serpentine data.
The meta-model will be run in inverse form, given field experimental data, to deduce the decay rate and
inactivation parameters on the actual wastewater. These parameters, along with a CFD model of a full-scale
system may be used to design and optimize plant-scale PAA disinfection systems. This concept has use for
many other disinfection technologies as well.
201
CN
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Music Emotion Recognition Using Deep Recurrent
Neural Networks
CN-014
Michael Caro
Advisor(s): Youngmoo Kim
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical Engineering
CN
Deep recurrent neural networks are intrinsically different than deep neural networks with regards to how they
operate on an input space but also on an internal space which accounts for information that has already been
processed by the network. In previous works, researchers have focused on pre-training techniques involving
unsupervised processing of large datasets. That approach has shown reasonable improvements over earlier
works because deep neural networks can learn hierarchies of features. To that end, deep networks can be
thought of as a processing pipeline. Each part of the network processes a certain part of the data and moves
it on to the next. But the strength of basic recurrent neural net is that it introduces memory -- not feature
hierarchies. Therefore it is only natural that stacking neural networks with temporal feedback loops will provide
the model with the ability to learn temporal hierarchies. In this new work, we seek to develop a model that can
learn about the temporal evolution of music and its relation to emotion using the “1000 song dataset for the
emotional analysis of music”.
202
Analysis of Local Linear Approximations Traced by
Rigid Length Constructions
CN-015
David Grethlein
Advisor(s): Anatolii Grinshpan
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Mathematics
CN
A classic problem in mathematics is the ability to draw a straight line without the use of a straight edge. Through
examination of the Peaucellier-Lipkin linkage and Watt’s linkage, the mechanics of kite-oriented tracing
can be witnessed and used for tracing different curves. Having created a modified version of Watt’s original
design, it is shown mathematically and visually that all the shapes Watt’s linkage can trace contain local linear
approximations. That is, that for sections of the trace there is almost perfect linear motion as a point traverses
the curve. Measuring the curvature of the trace equation opens the door numerically for analysis of how straight
that local linear approximation is. The study of these linkages is paramount to understanding the motion of
components inside an internal combustion engine, as the design for driving a piston through a cylinder is a
descendant of the Peaucellier-Lipkin Linkage.
203
Recommending Healthy Living Programs based
on a Patient Wellness Tracking (PWT) System at a
Nurse-Managed Health Services Center
CN-016
Yizhou Zang
Advisor(s): Yuan an
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Information Studies
CN
The patient wellness tracking (PWT) system is a health information system in a nurse-managed healthcare
services center. The center applies a novel, trans-disciplinary and holistic approach to chronic disease care. A
wide variety of healthy living programs and wellness services are provided to patients. However, these health
and wellness services referrals are currently made according to manual judgment by a healthcare team. In
this paper, we propose a healthcare recommendation module that allows personalized recommendations
for patients based on data collected in an electronic medical record (EMR) system and the PWT information
system.
204
On the development of a DEM contact model for
powder compacts at high RD with application on
pharmaceutical tableting
CN-017
Chrysovalantis Tsinginos
Co-Author(s): Antonios Zavaliangos
Pharmaceutical tablets are the most common form of drug delivery with over 80% of all therapeutic drugs
administered in this form. Tablets are popular due to the ease of delivery and convenience of dosage control.
The serial nature of process of drug approval is lengthy, and often costly as even small changes in the
manufacturing process, can be prohibitive. The “Quality by Design” has brought into prominence the concept
of “in silico” design and optimization of pharmaceutical processes which offers remarkable flexibility to
development engineers. In this context, the work presented here aim towards understanding and predicting
the mechanical properties of pharmaceutical tablets. Numerical simulations of compaction of pharmaceutical
powders were conducted with the Discrete Element Method.The discrete nature of powders makes the DEM, a
suitable method for studying the compaction of powders. During compaction, the primary mechanism of powder
densification at high relative densities (RD³0.70) is the irreversible deformation at the particle level which have
as a direct consequence the change of particle shape.Currently, the contact laws that have been extensively
implemented in DEM simulations of powder compaction cannot predict accurately the compaction of powders
at high relative densities, since their formulation is based on the small strain deformation assumption and thus
the interaction between neighbor contacts is ignored. In this project, a new contact law will be proposed that
introduces the effect of neighbor contacts on the normal contact forces, to improve the efficiency of the DEM
method on the problem of powder compaction. By introducing, the coordination number in the contact law, the
effects of incompressibility effects that governs high-density behaviors can be captured.The work presented
here is only a first step towards a predictive computational tool that will provide quick and reliable insight in the
design of pharmaceutical tablet manufacturing.
205
CN
Post-Doctoral Fellow (Ph.D.)
College of Engineering
Mechanisms of crack formation in die compacted
powders: An experimental and modeling
comparison between standard straight and tapered
dies
CN-018
Sean Garner
Co-Author(s): Elaine Ruiz, Dr. John Strong
Advisor(s): Dr. Antonios Zavaliangos
In an effort to identify the origin and the evolution of damage during the compaction/ejection cycle of powder
compacts, an experimental study that compares compacts in straight and tapered dies in terms of the
presence and growth of microcracks using x-ray tomography and environmental scanning electron microscopy.
The results presented here document the presence of internal microcracks at high relative densities, and
microcracks on the surface of the compacts. Parts compacted in a tapered die exhibit microcracks with smaller
crack tip opening and have a higher axial strength than those made in a straight die. These experimental
observations, together with the ideas of damage generation under compressive stresses, as well as finite
element analysis of the stress field in the compact as it exits from the die, confirm the hypothesis that a twostep mechanism is responsible for damage generation in powder compacts. First, microcracking occurs during
unloading within the die at high pressures and subsequently surface cracks grow under the localized stresses
as the compact emerges from the die.
206
CN
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Analysis of Self-Consistency in Piano Performance
CN-019
Jeff Gregorio
Advisor(s): Youngmoo Kim
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
CN
The vast majority of keyboard musical instruments today communicate key events using the Musical Instrument
Digital Interface (MIDI) standard, typically allowing only information about event timing and key velocity
insufficient to capture the nuances of piano touch. Use of a continuous key position tracking system affords a
myriad of possibilities for expressive control, yet the question arises as to what degree keyboardists of different
levels of training can consistently reproduce the finer details of expression. In order to inform the design of
musical interfaces utilizing continuous key position, we test the hypothesis that intended expression is indeed
readily reproducible in terms of commonly used features.
207
Determining magnetic dipolar nanoparticle
interaction from transverse magnetic susceptibility:
particle pair model
CN-020
Elizabeth Plowman
Co-Author(s): Ondrej Hovorka
Advisor(s): Gary Friedman
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
ECE
CN
Determining nanoparticle dipolar interactions from experimental measurement of magnetic properties is
important in a variety of applications including magnetic information storage and Magnetic Particle Imaging
(MPI). We demonstrate that dipolar coupling strength in a nanoparticle-pair can be determined from transverse
magnetic susceptibility, a readily measured parameter. Moreover, we demonstrate that this method is
insensitive to particle size, rendering it robust for real-world experiments. We present an analytical model,
based off the master equation, for transient susceptibility and resulting interaction strength of our two-particle
system.
208
Electron Conduction in Time Varying Geometric
Systems
CN-021
Eric Carchidi
Advisor(s): Robert Gilmore
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
CN
Ever since the development of the famous Schrödinger equation in 1926, applicable analytic solutions are a
rare occurrence given the nature of differential equations. When considering the system of an electron bound
to a time varying geometric structure, a numerical approach must be used to help solve for the particle’s wave
function. This is due to a constantly changing potential proportional to the curvature squared of our surface of
confinement as presented in “Quantum mechanics of a constrained particle” by R. C. T. da Costa. By using
the finite element method, an approach that utilizes the tactic of divide and concur, these complicated wave
functions are to be broken down, computed, and then visualized in the form of graphs. This will in turn be
used to derive probability densities that should describe the possible motion of an electron along our surfaces
of confinement. In particular, I will compute the effectiveness of geometric deformations of one- and twodimensional structures for the transport of electrons in cells. I will develop the low lying eigenfunctions for an
ellipse and elliptical band along with other geometries; however, it’s still unknown how the rate at which the
structure changes or how the degree of “flatness” in our surface will affect the movement of an electron.
209
Mass Segregation in Globular Clusters- Validating
AMUSE Codes
CN-022
Michael Brewer
Advisor(s): Steve McMillan
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
CN
The AMUSE codebase is a modular package of codes for astrophysical research simulations. Intended to
replace traditional “kitchen sink” types of codes, which require that the end-user accept all of the code creator’s
choices for implementations of multiple different types of physics, the modular structure of AMUSE allows
users to easily select which codes are desired for each type of physics required, and because the modules
share a common interface, this allows users to change their choices of modules without significant changes to
their code. Here, we examine the behavior of a new module designed for detailed handling of binary stars and
other few-body systems within large N-body codes, applying the module to the study of mass segregation in
globular clusters. We find, for systems of size N = 5000 bodies, that the timescale for the segregation of a small
population of heavy objects within a background population of lighter objects scales as 1/mu, where mu is the
ratio of the mass of the heavy population to the lighter, background population. This scaling is in agreement with
theoretical predictions and published results from other numerical simulations. The work done here is for the
purposes of code validation, not significant research. Confirming that new code conforms to expected behaviors
is an important step in moving forward with new research.
210
Realistic Avatar Creation and Player Choice
CN-023
James Lee
Advisor(s): Stefan Rank
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CN
As the gaming industry continues to grow, female gamer numbers are on the rise. Research has shown that
females have been disproportionately underrepresented and inaccurately portrayed in video games. The
research findings also reveal the many negative effects misrepresentation can have on women’s self esteem
and body image. This project hypothesizes that the use of a more realistic and responsive in-game character
creation tool will help assess the impact of female character models on the enjoyment and self-concept of the
players. The project will produce model templates with accurate body proportions and a character creation tool
based on literature review that can be used in future projects for collecting data on player avatar preference.
The models are created with data sets from the U.S. Army Anthropometric surveys, the Center for Disease
Control and cross-referenced with data from ANSUR and ASTM. This tool will be helpful for game developers
and gender studies researchers studying the media effects of 3D character models and players’ choice.
211
Supercritical Fluids: Applications in Waste Heat
Recovery
CN-025
Nusair Hasan
Advisor(s): Bakhtier Farouk
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
CN
Supercritical fluids are highly compressed gases which combine properties of gases and liquids in an intriguing
manner. Near the critical point, supercritical fluids exhibit complex property variations that are not found in
liquids, gases or even in supercritical fluids that are far from the critical point. Non-linear thermo-physical
property variations in near-critical fluids gives rise to large heat transfer coefficients, thus making it an ideal fluid
for harnessing waste heat. Heat recovery from a power plant steam condenser by utilizing a trans-critical flow
of carbon dioxide in a bottoming cycle is considered. Thermal transport characteristic of trans-critical carbon
dioxide flowing in a tubular heat exchanger is numerically investigated. Trans-critical carbon dioxide flowing in
a circular cross-section tube in both horizontal and vertical alignment with a side-wall heated by condensing
steam (isothermal wall) is considered. Due to rapid and large variations of thermo-physical properties with
small temperature changes, trans-critical fluid flows are usually characterized by the development of mixed
convection and buoyancy plays a significant role on the flow dynamics. Effect of buoyancy on the thermal
transport characteristics is investigated. The predicted results from the present study can be used in designing
waste heat driven Organic Rankin Cycles (ORC) for power generation.
212
Plasma Discharges in High Pressure Carbon
Dioxide
CN-026
Pablo Rodriguez
Co-Author(s): Nusair Hasan
Advisor(s): Bakthier Farouk
Plasma discharge is a possible method to decompose carbon dioxide (CO2) into carbon monoxide (CO), which
is a valuable energy source. To achieve this goal, we need to improve the conversion efficiency in the plasma
process. We present preliminary simulation results of a carbon dioxide/argon discharge system. We predict
the CO concentration of our system as well as the characteristics of the discharge. A set of equations for the
chemical kinetics of the process is developed. About 15 species and more than 50 reactions are considered to
model the discharge. Simulations are conducted to characterize a DC discharge for a plate to plate electrode
configuration. The discharge model considered consists of momentum and energy conservation equations for
the mixture, conservation equations for each component and state relations. The aspects studied comprise
from temperature distribution to carbon deposition, including ion number density and discharge voltage-current
characteristic. The preliminary models will lead to the development of plasma discharge in high pressure and
supercritical conditions, which can be used to include other processes such as carbon nanotube synthesis,
biological reaction catalysis and plasma vapor deposition. Future studies will include AC discharges with
different types of electrode arrangements with and without dielectric barriers. The plasma and associated
characteristics from atmospheric-to-supercritical CO2 also will be computationally investigated in future.
213
CN
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Graphical Analysis of Online Discussions Using
Technology
CN-027
Victor Sohmen
This study seeks to analyze online classroom discussions in the Project Management Program at the College
of Engineering, Drexel University. Considering the vast material covered across ten weeks, use of technology
was adopted to identify overarching themes, concepts and key words to bear upon the discussion, evaluation,
summarization, and archiving of rich, abstracted textual data for use in current and successive class terms.
For this purpose, Leximancer 3.0, developed by The University of Queensland (Brisbane, Australia), was used.
After trial tests with several text analytics platforms, it was decided that Leximancer would be the best choice
for this work. It has enabled data mining and identification of the focal points and key elements of large textual
documents that cumulated over a three-month term in online class discussions to identify trends, concepts,
and distinctions. Data mining is the use of computational algorithms to analyze large data-sets. It provides
objective extraction of material through colorful concept maps—visually depicting labeled circles of various
sizes, colors, and positions within a square grid map, rather than using pre-defined terms and keywords. Thus,
it shows main and secondary relationships that can be examined in more detail by exploring juxtapositions
and overlaps. A bar-chart was also generated in order of cumulative frequency of themes, concepts, and key
words. An automated data analysis platform such as Leximancer 3.0 speedily brings interactive visual mapping
tools to obviate the laborious process of analyzing the body of collected data—with possibly fuzzy, subjective
interpretations. In a nutshell, this technology enables rapid and thorough content analysis of complex textual
entries of discussion data. The qualitative analysis using Leximancer 3.0 has resulted in thorough evaluation of
the PROJ535 students’ conceptual understanding of the course material, and more general observations about
the use of technology tools.
214
CN
Faculty
College of Engineering
Project Management
Neuroimaging of seizure and epilepsy
CN-028
Samar Hajj
Co-Author(s): Khuram Kazmi
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
College of Medicine
Diagnostic radiology
CN
Neuroimaging is crucial to identify epileptogenic foci in patients with seizure and epilepsy for surgical resection
for possible cure. MRI is the first line imaging modality in seizure and epilepsy. Review of the MR imaging
findings of the different pathologies in seizure and intractable epilepsy collected at our institution is presented
including brain contusion and diffuse axonal injury from trauma, scarring and gliosis from remote stroke,
encephalitis, mesial temporal sclerosis, developmental anomalies, benign epileptogenic tumors, other vascular
and malignant tumors, and neurocutaneous syndromes.
215
CREATIVE ARTS & DESIGN
Spoonfull: Addressing Food Insecurity Through
Self-Sufficiency
CA-001
Alexa Forney
Advisor(s): Michael Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
CA
Exploring the role of product design in social change, this project investigates the role of self-sufficient skills
in improving the quality of life in low-income populations. In the wake of twelve months of original qualitative
research, including expert interviews, a community survey, and experimental analysis of the novice learning
curve for self-sufficient skills, Spoonfull attempts to democratize access to information and specialized
ingredients in a population with limited budgets and limited access to technology.
217
OceanLAB: An International Marine Energy
Research Facility in Miami, Florida
CA-002
Melanie Groch
Advisor(s): Rachel Schade
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Architecture
The ocean covers 70% of the earth’s surface, yet it is one of the most under-utilized natural resources we have
access to. There are many ways to harness clean energy from the ocean and several techniques are being
developed to produce mass-distributing power from the sea. There is a demand for more facilities that can
support marine energy research and there should be a place in the United States where researchers from all
over the world can come to explore and test ideas on how to produce power from the ocean.
• Create a Sustainable Environment of Innovation: OceanLAB will bring together research and education across
a broad spectrum of science, engineering, and innovation areas in order to foster multidisciplinary discoveries
that arise through the mixing of international researchers, students, investing businesses, and policymakers
• Serve as a model for future construction: In addition to the research done inside the facility, the building
itself will become a living example of how ocean turbines can power a facility, and eventually an entire city.
OceanLAB will also showcase various innovative sustainability techniques to create an energy conscious
facility in a sub-tropical environment
• Gain support for sustainable research: OceanLAB will be placed on Watson Island, which is directly between
Downtown and Miami Beach and will become an integral component to the revitalization of the new Science
Park on Biscayne Bay
• Lay the foundation for a world-class research center that will help attract, create, and retain both US and
international talent tot he Miami area
218
CA
The mission of this facility will be to advance knowledge, foster innovation, revitalize Science Park, and educate
the community on sustainable energy in order to address critical scientific, technological, and innovation
challenges and gaps facing the US and the world. OceanLAB will be a new research facility model built on a
number of guiding principles, and contributing to several goals:
Light therapy glasses for people with Seasonal
Affective Disorder
CA-003
Troy Hudson
Co-Author(s): Kevin Sacherman
Advisor(s): Mike Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
CA
Light therapy uses artificial bright light to simulate the effects of sunlight. This helps your body to secrete
serotonin, an important brain chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, learning, and memory.
Serotonin is regulated by the amount and type of light that interacts with your retina. During the winter the
amount of sunlight in the day gets shorter and can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. SAD is a
recurrent depression that is accompanied by symptoms of fatigue, increased sleep, carbohydrate appetite, and
weight gain. People of all ages can develop SAD and it is very common. Between 4-6% of people in the United
States suffer from SAD, while 10-20% experience a minor form of this disorder. Through light therapy 60-80%
of users have complete remissions of symptoms. There has been much progress in the light therapy field,
but it has been very linear and this method has caused a disconnect between the product and end user. Light
therapy needs to adapt to a circular process that works with the user. This is a three step system 1) start with
an ‘idea’ 2) bring it to the ‘user’ for feedback 3) take the feedback from the user to ‘reiterate’ the idea to shape
to their daily life. And this process repeats itself until it can seamlessly integrate into their life. Interviewing
potential users helped to illuminate the problem with light therapy. One quote in particular stood out: Laura
Smith explained, “I’m always on-the-move; I couldn’t work it into my schedule.” The idea of wearable technology
emerged and through the adaptive process, described above, a solid concept came to life. Light therapy
glasses that reflect blue led light to shine light onto the user’s eyes; helping to increase serotonin levels and
transition users from SAD to happy.
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Coffeebot
CA-004
Chelsea Myers
Co-Author(s): Eric Martin, Ian Suen, Ross Reagan
Advisor(s): Troy Finamore, Jeremy Fernsler
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
Coffeebot is an online series that follows the humorous interactions of a recent college graduate named Glenn
and his sentient coffee machine, Coffeebot. The series intends to advance newspaper funnies from a static,
paper medium to online 3D-rendered animations. Our thesis is inspired by an interview with the creator of
Calvin and Hobbes, Bill Watterson, from the Comics Journal (1989). In this interview he said, “Animation is, I
think, the fulfillment of the cartoon. There is nothing you cannot do in animation.”
CA
Newspapers are moving from an analog to a digital form. Articles are enhanced with the occasional video but
the funnies section is left untouched. Our series will be exploring how newspaper funnies can be advanced as
well while using our two original characters. We are taking the funnies’ joke structure and applying it to 30-45
second 3D-rendered animations. To convert funnies into animations, we will also be creating comics. Some of
these comics will have animated panels. They will act like a stepping stone between the still newspaper funnies
and the fully animated shorts. The Coffeebot series will be posted on our mobile and touch friendly website,
www.CoffeebotOnline.com, with a new episode every Sunday at 9AM. The website also explores how comics
can be viewed on mobile devices as well, without relying on the “pinch to zoom” method.
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Science Fair
CA-005
Julia Duffy
Co-Author(s): Corinne Cook, Hannah Deters, Liana Pena
Advisor(s): Troy Finamore, Jeremy Fernsler
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
Science Fair explores the use of a strong female protagonist within an animated short. Throughout the
animation the main character demonstrates dedication and perseverance to overcome obstacles standing in
the way of completing her project. To design a female character relatable to younger girls, we teamed up with
the local group TechGirlz – a non-profit organization dedicated to helping adolescent girls pursue interests in
technology. We created surveys for both the girls and their guardians that examined attributes such as how
young girls deal with specific situations and what keeps them motivated in their work. After examining the
results, our group made the appropriate behavior modifications to our protagonist to establish a more engaging
main character.
221
How Added Gums Effect the Shelf Life and
Consumer Preference of Homemade Ice Cream
CA-006
Emily Rugh
Advisor(s): Rosemary Trout
Undergraduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Culinary Science
CA
The texture of ice cream is both unique and specific. Ice cream should be frozen solid, but not too solid, soft,
but not too soft. It should melt when scooped into a cup or on top of a cone, but not too quickly. The consistency
of ice cream is a hugely important aspect of high quality ice cream. Homemade ice cream has a tendency to
form large ice crystals during storage much faster than commercial ice cream. The large ice crystals create a
gritty, unappealing texture. This study explores the use of xanthan gum and guar gum- two stabilizers that help
retard ice crystal growth- in homemade ice cream. Two coffee-flavored ice creams, one including a gum and
one without, were made each week. They were evaluated for consumer taste preference against each other
and a commercial coffee ice cream. To determine if consumer preference between the ice creams changes as
the ice creams age, the ice creams are stored and undergo a round of consumer preference testing each week.
The study is ongoing.
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Head Motion Control for Head Mounted Display
Games
CA-007
Phillip Lyon
Advisor(s): Stefan Rank
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
Established methods for 3-D interaction with virtual environments in games are not well suited for use with
consumer level head mounted displays. Research towards more suitable methods for 3-D interaction often
focuses on the use of highly specialized input devices that are not easily available to consumer audiences.
As an alternative, this thesis examines and explores control schemes that rely primarily on the motion of a
user’s head for interaction in virtual environments, requiring no input devices beyond the head mounted display
itself. Control schemes for head motion in existing games and technology demos are analyzed and cataloged.
Several head motion control schemes for travel are prototyped and refined through iterative user evaluation.
This research shows how head motion controls can be used to create accessible, easily learnable, and
comfortable 3-D user interfaces.
223
Lost Cloud
CA-008
Stephen Pettit
Co-Author(s): Katelyn Godfrey, Greg Lobanov, Mathew Haas, Kyle Small, Zach Greer, Michael Wolfe, Evan
Doocy
Advisor(s): Troy Finamore, Jeremy Fernsler, Frank Lee
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
Lost Cloud is an open world video game that juxtaposes calm exploration with tense chase sequences to make
a unique and compelling narrative experience. The game is built in Unity 3D, a flexible game engine that has
allowed the creation of an incredibly large and detailed world. The game also uses motion capture animation to
allow a team of four artists and four programmers to rapidly create and test a much more complex system than
would have been possible using more traditional means. These tools and pipeline allows for a lot of iteration of
design, which is invaluable for a small team trying to create a game with a lot of experimental elements. The
game is designed to tell a story solely through in-world interactions and art assets as well as leave as much
freedom and responsibility in the hands of the player as possible in terms of both story and gameplay.
224
ANS: Museum Mystery
CA-009
Brian Kelley
Co-Author(s): Ayanna Harris, Danzell Braswell, Dylan Holland, Sokvanna Seng
Advisor(s): Troy Finamore, Jeremy Fernsler
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
CA
Museum Mystery is an educational game that will be added to the existing ANS Explore! mobile application for
the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. The game is targeted at 8-12 year olds and utilizes QR
technologies to lead the players through the museum as they use exhibit information to answer riddles and
collect clues to solve a whodunnit mystery. The original application had some issues with QR readability. We
experimented with multiple solutions in order to come up with a solution that worked well in the museums low
light interior.
225
Helping Arthritic Hands
CA-010
Nnaemeke Offodile
Advisor(s): Mike Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
CA
There are two forms of Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerate form of arthritis in which the material that
cushions the joints, called cartilage, breaks down. This causes the bones to rub against each other resulting in
stiffness, pain and loss of joint movement. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which your
body’s immune system mistakenly attacks your joints. The abnormal immune response causes inflammation
that can damage joints and organs, such as the heart. The reality of Arthritis is one that is filled with constant
pain that will only get worst overtime. Most Arthritis sufferers are strong-willed individuals who fight through that
pain in order to live their normal lives. The current market lacks a well thought out solution to arthritic pain. That
gap is the space I plan to fill with my thesis. My goal is to lend a helping hand and provide both a product and
a system that will change their realities and allow them to live a less painful life. My system and product will
incorporate proven methods of Arthritic treatments such as, moist heat therapy, cold therapy, massaging and
stretching. The combination of these four methods will be delivered to all potential users through my product
in a way that is easy to use, simple to understand, unobtrusive and, most importantly, designed with the user
in mind. All facets of my solution will be tailored with a clear understanding of the conditions and limitations
of arthritic hands. This understanding has be crafted through months of user research interviews, educating
myself and what arthritis it is and what it means to live with arthritis. From there countless sketching and
numerous models I have helped me condense my thoughts and allow me to create something worth while.
226
Utilizing the Microsoft Kinect to Provide Engaging
Physical Therapy to Those With Cerebral Palsy
CA-011
Russell Rygalski
Co-Author(s): Lynda Ferguson, Tomas Carrillo
Advisor(s): Troy Finamore, Jeremy Fernsler
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
Cerebral Palsy effects 1 in every 500 children born, resulting in decreased motor skills, decreased functional
mobility, and decreased interest in physical activity. Through physical therapy, those affected by Cerebral Palsy
can develop their aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, and motor planning skills. Unfortunately, many people
with Cerebral Palsy have little to no interest in the boring, repetitive, and incredibly difficult tasks that they must
complete in conventional physical therapy. Kollect is a PC based video game that utilizes the Kinect Motion
Sensor. Kollect allows the primary physical therapist of the player to set the difficulty of the game, thus giving
the player a strenuous but fun workout. The aim of Kollect is to improve upon the already existing prototype
by refining the visual elements. Many patients will be improving themselves without noticing it, thinking only of
climbing the leaderboards, but that is exactly what Kollect sets out to do. By creating something that is both
visually interesting and fun, we hope to make physical therapy more appealing for those with Cerebral Palsy.
227
Meet Your Seat: Performing Arts Accessibility for
Audiences on the Autism Spectrum
CA-012
Emily Ambash
Advisor(s): Jean Brody
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Arts Administration
CA
My thesis research examines and encourages efforts by regional theaters to develop productions for children
on the autism spectrum and their families. Interviews with potential audience members and an analysis of
recent sensory-friendly performances demonstrate that an accessible show, with slight modifications to the
production and circumstances, can enrich the audience’s social and emotional life while allowing theaters to
form a relationship with a new constituency. Theaters should plan a sensory-friendly show in accordance with a
mission to provide experiences for diverse sectors of the community and to offer quality accessible productions
for an otherwise neglected audience. Administrators must recognize that the program’s financial profitability
is unlikely to match the investment made by the theater to produce it. Interested theaters can follow their
predecessors’ guidelines and suggestions, making a commitment to serve the autism community and treating
this programming as an integral part of their overall program planning process, rather than as an audience
development tool.
228
Visual Director System For Dynamic 3d Interactive
Game Scenes
CA-013
Bingjie Xue
Advisor(s): Stefan Rank, Paul Diefenbach, Gerald Hooper
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
DIgital Media
Film cinematography has been developed and applied for more than a century to involve and engage the
viewer in visual storytelling; interactive storytelling games can benefit from these cinematic conventions to
enhance visual experience. However, in conversation scenes where stories and character motions are highly
dynamic, it is hard to apply cinematography principles manually.
This research proposes an automatic visual director system for dynamic three-people conversation scenes.
The visual director system is designed modularly as an artificial intelligence game component that selects
suitable shots for dynamic scenes based on cinematography principles. The visual director system has been
implemented for the Unity game engine using JavaScript.
CA
The Visual Director System can extend the traditional way of storytelling, and enhance the visual experience
for viewer/user/player in interactive storytelling games. The system can also be applied as a tool to assist in
creating interactive storytelling games.
229
The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Comic-Book
Making in Reducing Social Impairments Associated
with Asperger’s Disorder: A Pilot Study
CA-014
Nicole Barash
Advisor(s): Donna Kaiser, PhD, ATR-BC, LPC, LMFT
Graduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Creative Arts in Therapy
CA
The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of an art therapy intervention, specifically comicbook making, in the reduction of social skill impairments commonly exhibited by individuals with Autism
Spectrum Disorder. Few studies have explored the impact of comic-book illustration on social skill deficits; and,
though comic-book making is commonly used in social skill building programs, there is little research that has
explored the impact of comic-book making techniques and treatments administered within an art therapy milieu.
This study focused primarily on increasing general social skill behaviors, and decreasing maladaptive boundary
and touching behaviors exhibited by a 10-year-old male with Asperger’s Disorder. The Comic-Book Making
Intervention (CBMI) was facilitated in an individual, one-on-one art therapy setting. The story that was illustrated
in the comic-book was pre-written by the facilitator, and incorporated descriptions of the targeted social skill
behavior, consequences of the behavior, and recognition of socially appropriate alternative behaviors; it utilized
highly structured art materials and a token economy system. A single-subject ABAB design was implemented.
Observation and frequency counting were conducted, and additional pretest-posttest Social Skill Rating System
questionnaires were used to determine the effectiveness of the CBMI. Data analysis yielded support for the
hypothesis that the participant would exhibit a decrease in inappropriate touching and boundary behaviors
during the intervention phases of the study. Additionally, results demonstrated partial support for the hypothesis
that pretest-posttest Social Skills Ratings System questionnaires would indicate an increase in social skills and
decrease in problem behaviors following participation in the CBMI.
230
Designing digital water-ink animation with a focus
on ink spread and gradient change on rice paper
background
CA-015
Yue Zhou
Advisor(s): Michael G Wagner, Jeremy Fernsler, Gerard Hooper
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
This thesis paper consists of four parts: the first part introduces the appearance of Chinese water-ink
animations and how Chinese politics influenced its growth and development; The second part discusses the
development of water-ink animations based on the analysis of existing works of water-ink animations; the third
part explains the disappearance of water-ink animations due to external influences and its inherent limits ; The
last part recounts the achievements of digital water-ink animation and raises the issue on how past critically
acclaimed pieces of water-ink animation can be combined to form a digital template that emphasizes the use of
rice paper as background? Based on the reported research, an art piece to produce a digital water-ink animated
with rice paper environment is offered as my MS project.
231
Embedded Mobile Devices: A Help or Hinderance?
CA-016
Amanda Noumoff
Advisor(s): Marilynne Rose
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Interior Design
CA
Technological innovation has increased greatly due to the importance of efficiency and productivity, allowing us
to multi-task our personal and professional lives. Though most consider the recent integration of technology into
our everyday life positively, research is emerging that discusses the opposite. Researchers state excessive use
of technology in the young generation will slow brain development, while adults may experience depression or
addiction. New ways of communication allow us to be more efficient, yet pose the issues of being impersonal.
This research will discuss the development of technology in order to find out why we feel a need to stay
connected and seek an outcome on how technological growth will impact current and future generations. This
analysis will focus on the neurological, psychological and social impact, in order to analyze the positive and
negative aspects, as well as identify resolutions to the negative concerns.
232
wanted: Guild, Spatial Exploration in Virtual Reality
CA-017
Chester Cunanan
Advisor(s): Jichen Zhu, Ted Artz, Glen Muschio
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
The continuing integration of stereoscopic technology into the mainstream allows for the opportunity of new
methods of narrative presentation. By leveraging postmodern concepts of simulation, hyperreality, and the
metanarrative, with interactive narrative theory, a narrative experience can be created that unfolds via a
process of user exploration. Through the use of stereoscopic virtual reality, this thesis project will draw upon
the postmodern ideas of simulation and hyperreality providing a foundation upon which the intersection of
the real and game worlds for hardcore gamers can be explored. wanted:Guild is an interactive installation
that comments on the hyperreality experienced by World of Warcraft (WoW) hardcore gamers. Through their
interaction and exploration the audience knits together pieces of fragmented story, creating order out of the
chaos of various speakers and narrative pieces. In doing so they are experience the deep impact WoW has
had, and continues to have, on the lives of gamers.
233
Reading with Arthritis
CA-018
Megan Peaslee
Advisor(s): Mike Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
“Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.”
“Rheumatoid arthritis affects 1.5 million people in the U.S.”
The statistics do not adequately describe the ramifications rheumatoid arthritis has on quality of life for
individuals with this degenerative disease. My grandmother, Mary Ann Peaslee is the inspiration for this
research project. Throughout her life, Mary Ann was an avid reader. Upon retirement, it was common for her to
read as many as seven books per week despite the fact that rheumatoid arthritis had already greatly affected
her mobility. As the disease progressed, loss of dexterity, sensitivity to weight and debilitating pain forced Mary
Ann to give up this source of enjoyment. The goal of this project is to create a solution that would ease the
difficulty of reading and extend the time that arthritis sufferers can continue to enjoy the pleasure of reading.
Analyzing the research, I synthesized musts, wants and needs of people suffering from arthritis. Based on
these insights; I began ideating, refining, and revisiting with research participants for feedback and validation.
Through this process I have designed and created a quilt that folds in on itself to create a stand for a book and
has features that aid in that aid in keeping the book open and turning the pages.
234
CA
My research included meeting with individuals with arthritis, medical experts and sympathy exercises.
Interviewing people with this disease humanized the emotional toll and provided insight into the physical limits,
frustrations, pain points and coping methods. Medical experts simplified the issues described in the medical
literature; provided information on the nature of the disease; described various treatments; and provided insight
on why reading books causes pain. Attempting to mimic the effects of arthritis upon my own hands through tape
and rubber bands brought an inkling of the discomfort and diminished range of motion that is endured on a daily
basis.
Additive Mixing 3D Printer Filament Extruder
for Mixing Different Additives in Thermoplastic
Polymers
CA-019
Yalcin Ertekin
Co-Author(s): Josh Konstantinos, Michael Smoluk, Sergio Frierson, Mathew Sonderman
Advisor(s): Yalcin Ertekin
Faculty
College of Engineering
Engineering Technology
A team of four senior design students have designed and built a filament extruder that is capable of mixing
different additives in with various thermoplastics to create 3D printer filament with custom properties. The
benefits of a filament extruder are many - and our design incorporates novel features that will expand the
possibilities of consumer 3D printing. Some of the many benefits include:
• Vastly reduced cost over buying spools of 3D printer filament.
• The capacity to mix various additives in with the plastics will allow us to create:
- Conductive plastics
- Mixtures of different types of plastics giving us different strength characteristics
- Custom Colored Plastic Filament
- Metal or Fiber Infused plastics
• Sealed design limits potentially harmful fumes
CA
Additive Mixing Filament Extruder will allow for some very interesting applications in the exploding field
of additive manufacturing. It makes 3D printing cost effective by reducing the cost of filament by orders of
magnitude, and allows for the creation custom filament that could not be purchased anywhere.
235
Design for Sports injury prevention with a focus on
soccer
CA-020
Jingqiao Wang
Advisor(s): Mike Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product design
After doing my research on soccer injuries, I realized that almost all of the treatments and products are meant
to help the users after they are injured and not a lot of people who plays soccer knows how use their body right,
in other terms: they don’t know how to protect their body from injuries, they play soccer on a regular basis and
injuries happen as their training progresses. On the other hand pre-professional soccer players only get proper
performance training during their soccer season, which means they have to train themselves for three quarters
of the year out of every year they play.
I believe with the right information delivered to them they will know exactly what they need to do, and how to do
them right in order to prevent and improve, eventually they will be living in the “Balanced cycle” which they use
their body sustainably by avoiding injuries and also offer them the opportunity to be better at playing soccer.
236
CA
As a designer it’s my job to innovate and stretch the reality to an ideal situation which offers people what they
truly need in order to help them achieve more they ever wished for. And the reality I’m creating is one that
people who plays soccer never have to worry about injury issues and performance problems that they are being
challenged with. My end concept has two parts. First part is pair of soccer shoes with motion trackers and force
sensors that monitors user’s exact lower body movements in order to understand their workouts, trainings
and forces that are applied to their joints, muscles, bones in their lower body. Second part is a Ipad app that
understands users entirely, including their body figure, injuries and their goal of training also analyze the data
the shoes collect, in order to give users instructions on their training schedules, injury preventing exercises and
performance trainings.
Helping Substance Abusers’ Loved Ones To
Understand And Become Aware Of Their Illness
In Order To Cope With Their Disease And Achieve
Self-Empowerment
CA-021
Jordann Smith
Advisor(s): Michael Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
Addiction is a family disease that has been growing rapidly throughout our nation. For such a common disease,
most people know little about it and are victim to the stigmas that have been created as a result of the violence
that is sometimes associated with addiction. As these issues are recognized, more methods are being created
to help the addict, but addict’s loved ones become just as sick, if not sicker, than the addict and have little to no
options to cope.
There is an opportunity to create a system that helps substance abusers’ loved ones to understand and
become aware of their illness in order to cope with their disease and achieve self-empowerment. Supporum is
an app and physical product created to achieve this goal. Addicts are the sufferers and their loved ones are the
supporters. Supporters can download the app to learn, connect, and heal. They learn about the complexities
of the disease and understand the facts about addiction. They connect with other supporters through profiles
and a communal journal to share their stories. A support button under each story can be pressed by other
supporters to send a 3 second light to the supporter’s physical product. The light shows the supporter he or she
is not alone, gives the supporter hope, and allows the supporter to heal.
237
CA
The research process was heavily reliant on primary research. Information was gathered from interviews and
focus groups consisting of addictions therapists, addicts and their loved ones. Various quotes and insights from
the interviews were analyzed and synthesized to focus in on new findings and opportunities. Addiction is a
family disease that develops during adolescence, it is a complex and incurable disease that most people do not
understand, people feel they are abnormal when affected by the disease, people find comfort in knowing they
are not alone, abstinence from all mind altering substances does not make the disease go away, and there are
little options for addicts’ loved ones to cope.
Adaptive Projection Displays: a low cost system for
public interactivity
CA-022
Jenna Dundas
Advisor(s): Michael Wagner
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
Interactive digital public displays that track viewer’s position are currently inaccessible to the average
consumer. Many tracking systems available on the market are prohibitively expensive and are out of scope
for small business owners to purchase. This research tests various consumer level tracking technologies
to ascertain whether a system can be developed in a low cost and accessible manner. Microsoft’s Kinect in
tandem with Unity3D offers a system that is straightforward to use and allows for ease of implementation. The
resulting technique can be quickly carried out to create an interactive digital public display.
238
Herbert: A Quirky Mobile Game of Intuitive Motionbased Controls
CA-023
Alexander Duff
Co-Author(s): Alberto Uriarte, Wenjie Wu, Jun Ma, Shannon Sepelak
Advisor(s): Jichen Zhu
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Computer Science
CA
Most popular adventure games feature strong characters who directly take on challenges like strong enemies
or fearsome beasts without fear or hesitation. Furthermore, some of the most popular games tend to be
grandiose in scale, requiring marathon play sessions in order to make significant progress in the game. Lastly,
a few games and systems utilize motion controls (PlayStation Sixasis controls, Wii-Mote, XBox Kinect), but
most successful games utilize more traditional control schemes (keyboard and mouse, controllers, etc.) With
these factors in mind, we have produced a game starring Herbert, a benign virus and timid, unlikely hero who
only wants to protect his infected host from more serious diseases. Lacking the strength to fight off infections
on his own, he must bait his host’s natural defenses into following him to dispatch more serious threats without
the antibodies capturing him in the process. The game is played on iPhone and uses intuitive motion controls
based on the device’s accelerometer readings and can be played in small increments for the modern “on-thego” player.
239
Japanese Cultural Gestures in Animation
CA-024
Liang Du
Advisor(s): John Andrew Berton
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
Through the analysis of Japanese animations, the research question of this project is: how are seniority system
represented in Japanese animation? Examples will be documented of how Japanese animators successfully
incorporate Japanese seniority system into their animation in order to add depth and life to their story. The
purpose of this research is to provide people interested in animation an example to understand the use of
cinemagraphic language in animation. More specifically, through the research of the seniority system in
Japanese animation, help the audience understand the seniority system culture in Japanese society.
CA
The first part of my research looks at the history of Japanese animation development and analyzes the cultural
elements inherent in Japanese animation. In this part I will analyze existing animation examples and extract
expressions of seniority in animation. In the second part I will provide a detailed plan to design 3D scenes
to recreate the 2D animations and analyze the animation techniques in the 3D software. By recreating the
technique, the compiled results will be placed in a demo to showcase how the various animators expressed the
social status of different characters. These examples and demos will be used to support my research.
240
The Development and Implementation of a
Graduate Program in Child Advocacy Studies
for Creative Arts Therapies and Related Fields at
Drexel University
CA-025
Marcia Cohen-Liebman
Advisor(s): Dr. Nancy Gerber
Graduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Creative Arts Therapies
A degree program in Child Advocacy Studies does not currently exist at Drexel. Courses that address related
topics are scattered throughout the interdisciplinary landscape in various schools and throughout a host of
disciplines. In order to assess the needs and feasibility of developing a program at Drexel in Child Advocacy
Studies, Qualtrics, a web based tool, was used to create three separate but related surveys to gather
information from three professional populations; the Philadelphia Child Advocacy Community; Drexel University
Faculty, and Creative Arts Therapists. Additional sources of data included current literature and research;
existing educational programs and curriculum in Child Advocacy Studies; and a follow-up Forum. The analysis
and synthesis of all four data sources contributed to specific recommendations regarding the needs and
feasibility of developing and implementing a multidisciplinary, multi-tiered Child Advocacy Studies program at
Drexel University.
241
CA
Child Advocacy Studies, a newly emergent field in higher education, provides specialized training and
education through a multidisciplinary lens for individuals interested in working in child protection and child
welfare (McCormick, 2006). Educational programs that integrate experiential training are being established
in an effort to prepare graduates to enter the field and alleviate “on the job training” (Vieth, 2006; McCormick,
2006). The rationale for this project was to study program development, curriculum development and program
implementation in higher education and apply this information to the proposal of graduate level programs in
Child Advocacy Studies including the Creative Arts Therapies at Drexel. Although the process of development
and implementation was the initial impetus for this project, the needs and feasibility of a Child Advocacy Studies
program became the focus.
Avian: Game Design and Player Metrics for Player
Modeling in Educational Games
CA-026
Justin Patterson
Advisor(s): Jichen Zhu
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
As data-driven information technology develops, its potential use on game-centered learning systems becomes
increasingly evident. We present our approach for designing game mechanics and player metrics toward
player modeling of player types, necessary steps toward adaptive educational games. The research develops
Avian as a prototypical example, a first person educational game that teaches basic bird identification through
bird-watching mechanics. As players interact with Avian, the game gathers metrics about their movement,
bird interaction, and menu usage. These interactions are then correlated to their underlying characteristics
measured through pre-play motivational surveys. The goal of the research is to draw conclusions about how
player metrics can be used for player modeling in educational environments, and how those metrics can relate
to their underlying learning motivations.
242
Musical Medicine Project
CA-027
Nicholas Kovacs
Advisor(s): Michael Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
CA
Music has been used as a healing force for centuries. The idea of music as having an affect on health, and
behavior is at least as old as the writings of Aristotle and Plato. The 20th century discipline of Music Therapy
began after World War I and World War II when community musicians, traveled around to hospitals to play for
veterans suffering from both physical and emotional trauma. Today Music Therapy is effective in treating people
with Autism Spectrum Disorders, Downs Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and other developmental delays through
the use of various musical group exercises. Therapists lead these group exercises to help improve patients
focus, motor and social skills. Music therapists still use traditional music instruments, which aren’t designed
for the severely mentally and physically handicapped. One example of this is their motor skill development
exercises, which are performed on the drums and the piano. They are ineffective because they don’t work
all the muscles in the patient’s hands. Patients have a certain comfort with technology; they are proficient at
using iPads and other hand held devices. “Patients are more comfortable playing the piano on an iPad, then
on a large intimidating keyboard, “ says one of my interviewees. The lack of effective exercises for motor skills
development and the increase comfort with new technology opens the door for new emergent product design: a
device that develops the patient’s motor skills in a new effective way using the power of music.
243
Animating Ancient Ontogeny: Using Digital
Interpretive Visualization to make fossils and the
science surrounding them more accessible
CA-028
Daniel Newman
Advisor(s): Dr. Stefan Rank, Dr. Edward Daeschler, Dave Mauriello
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
This project seeks to utilize Digital Interpretive Visualization (DIV) in order to make fossil collections and the
important biology surrounding them more visible and accessible to the public. The public are twice separated
from the significance of paleontological specimens. First, there is the geological time that separates one from
the original context of a fossil, that being a living organism. Second, there is an accessibility gap between the
public and the collections that store fossils. Direct access to original source fossils is often limited. DIV can be
leveraged to unite the public with fossil collections, the connections between related fossils, and the important
theories associated with them. Stepping beyond a strictly anatomical restoration of an individual, there are other
restorations that could convey wide reaching topics and processes within biology. One of the growing topics in
paleontology is the evidence of ontogeny in the fossil record. I will carry out a digital paleontological restoration
of a collection of fossils from the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. The collection is of the
Devonian placoderm Bothriolepis. The collection is significant because it represents compelling evidence of an
ontogenic growth series. Using photogrammetry to bring the fossils into digital space, an ontogenic character
rig to interpolate between different life stages, and other digital animation techniques I will present a coherent
view of how development might have appeared. This project will present an example for museums and other
institutions to mobilize their collections to potentially reach a larger audience with a greater impact.
244
The Process of Utilizing Anatomical Structure to
Create Biomechanically Logical and Aesthetically
Pleasing Movement
CA-029
Erica Henn
Advisor(s): Tania Isaac
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Dance, PT
CA
When creating a dance piece, a form of choreographic movement generation is exploration of a simple concept.
Under the principle of using outside sources to physically move bones and activate muscles, movement was
generated. This movement showcased the simple yet powerful ways extrinsically motivated and intrinsically
motivated tasks, both bony and muscular, could then be organized in space to create interesting and familiar
images, while also being safe for the dancers’ bodies through keeping with their bodies’ anatomical structures.
Research on this creation process, along with a short performance of this type of movement will be provided.
245
The Affect of Personal Background on What Images
are Presented and Perceived in Non-Narrative
Movement Pieces
CA-030
Erica Henn
Co-Author(s): Kathryn Miller
Advisor(s): Tania Isaac
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Dance, PT
The research I have been working on that I want to submit to research day is a cross-section between dance
and psychology; does the aesthetic choice of the choreographer to present certain images in dance affect the
audience in the same way? In other words, when we watch a dance piece with no clear narrative, do we all see
the same images? Data on three specific areas of this broader question will be examined:
1. Does choreographic intention and aesthetic choice affect the imagery presented? (Particularly when remounting work a second time)
2. Does the audience’s history and backround affect what images they see?
3. Does the audience tend to see images related to the group as a whole or images related to individuals?
CA
A live performance of REVENIT will be included, so that the audience may experience the imagery research for
themselves.
246
Be like water: a study on how water’s form and
existence has implications for the development of
humanity
CA-031
David Hunt
Co-Author(s): Paige Kelly, Clarise Smith
Advisor(s): Miriam Giguere
Undergraduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Not only is water the universal solvent through which virtually all compounds can dissolve and be transformed,
it is also the universal solution to some of the greatest challenges that face humanity. Humanity faces the
challenge of realizing its own interconnectedness. Water does not face this challenge; water moves fast, slow,
exists as solid, liquid, and steam. Water is the most abundant compound on the planet, yet in its differences, it
does night fight against itself. Water simply adapts; it is aware of its true nature, its unity. We sought to capture
the transformative nature of water through dance. This performance embodies three stages; existence as is,
exposure, and realization. Currently, we exist very separate- holding very egocentric views of the world that
foster comparison. As the dance evolves into psychological conditioning, we interact with experiences that
broaden our mind and understanding of the world. Finally, after one’s mind is primed, a realization occurs – a
realization that we are ultimately all one.
247
CA
Water is the only substance on the planet that is naturally found in all three states of matter. Its transformative
properties have significant implications for the understanding and development of humanity. As society has
evolved, the individual has become increasingly detached from a world view and emphasized egocentrism.
There has been inadequate attention placed on the collective nature of society and how people are connected
through their own humanity. Water is the perfect teacher of maintaining an understanding of individualized
representations of humanity while simultaneously existing as whole. This understanding is one that can foster
greater levels of collaboration, peace, and development throughout humanity. If we are able to adapt, as
water does and fully accept the differences (our forms) i.e. race, religion, gender, socioeconomic status and
emphasize unity, humanity can engage in a deep evolution of actualization.
Visualizing facial muscles based on Facial Action
Coding System
CA-032
Bolun Li
Advisor(s): Dave Mauriello, David Ebaugh, Michael Wagner
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
Facial expression animation is currently an essential component of the digital media industry. It brings a vivid,
anthropomorphic and evolutionary reality to a multitude of digital fields. FACS, short for Facial Action Coding
System, is an emotion model proposed by Paul Ekman and Friesen. As a theoretical guide towards the way our
face makes expressions, FACS is proven to be instrumental to animators and filmmakers.
CA
This project aims to explain the face muscular system and its relationship to six recognizable human basic
emotions: anger, disgust, fear, joy, sadness and surprise. Through an examination of different existing facial
animation methods and popular emotional coding systems, I will produce an anatomically correct facial
skeleton rig with muscles on top as an educational tool, from which the viewer can learn the FACS and six
basic emotions. This facial system fosters animator’s understanding of FACS and the facial muscle system as
well as its relationship to basic visually recognizable human emotions, promote the fleeting emotions in facial
animation, and help animators to make more realistic and emotionally compelling facial animation.
248
Empowering Asthmatics Through Education
CA-033
Osman Cueto
Advisor(s): Michael Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
CA
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Asthma affects about 1 in 12 people in the US, making it
one of the most common non-communicable diseases. Having been diagnosed with asthma as child it is always
something I have had to deal with and live with. The purpose of this project is to Instill and Empower a sense
of comfort and knowledge to those who are affected with this chronic disease. Over a period of ten weeks,
countless hours of research was completed. It included compiling information about the disease itself and also
conducting numerous interviews with both users and experts in the field. The next step of the design process
was to synthesis all of the information that was gathered, turning problems into opportunities. After weeks of
ideating the final concept of a “connected inhaler” was born. Following a list of “Must” “Wants and “Desires”
as set of guidelines, the Inhaler and the Application were designed. Going back to show and consult with the
interviewees and experts is a very important part of the design process. Getting feedback was key in making
sure the product is user friendly. Having an inhaler that can connect to your phone can be a quintessential part
in educating oneself about their specific case of asthma.
249
A New Desk for a Changing Office
CA-034
Bradley Siegel
Advisor(s): Mike Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
I set out on my senior project to redesign the office desk for more efficient and productive use. I wanted to take
the traditional office desk, that can be either greatly used and appreciated, or abused and made a disaster
and design a desk that could be easily adapted for any work environment. This modular flat-pack desk can be
made out of many materials to fit any workspace. This modular desk can be assembled to have a variety of
size drawers and shelves. The shelving panels can be placed at varying heights allowing for adjustable storage
space and additional shelves can be purchased as well. The ribbed top is covered with a sheet of glass, giving
it a professional look and feel. The raised top also allows for wires to be run underneath and off the desktop
itself.
For people that mainly use a computer, the desk can act more as a bookcase with shelves than a desk with
drawers. For people that use a desktop computer, the shelf can be sized to hold the tower in the desk, out of
the way. If you prefer drawers, the shelves can hold drawers. The shallow slide out in the middle can either be a
pencil tray or be used to hold a keyboard.
CA
The desk can be made out of a wide variety of materials too. The full-size model I am making is out of 3/8
inch cardboard. It can be wood, plywood, plastic, metal or any other flat, rigid material that can be cut to
specifications.
250
SoundBite - Innovating and Simplifying Music
Creation
CA-035
Seth Fowler
Advisor(s): Michael Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
3 out of every 10 people compose their own music, but most can’t record their creations because they lack the
means and the technical knowledge to turn their songs into masterpieces. The goal of this project is to give
musicians with little to no recording experience a simple all in one solution for recording as well as new ways to
create innovative new music.
After the initial ideations were finished, another round of interviews were conducted with interviewees from
each user category to discuss the concepts and pick three final design directions. After another sweep of all
the previous research, one final design direction was selected. The next step was to team up with electrical
engineering seniors from K-State University to create working prototypes. During the design of the internals in
Kansas, the exterior form was taking shape in Philadelphia. Once the internals and the form had been nailed
down, the design was taken back to the interviewees for design validation. The information from each interview
was used to inform the design and polish the final product.
251
CA
In order to design the most functional and beautiful solution to this problem, in-depth research and information
synthesis was required. The process began by conducting broad market research of all the products available
to musicians and studio engineers. This research provided insights into what the market was lacking and
areas for innovation. The next step was to interview potential users. The interviews included novice musicians,
professional musicians, music industry students, studio engineers and music industry professors. This provided
the groundwork to start brainstorming product ideas that were tailored to the wants and needs of the potential
users. These ideations were organized into three groups, steps, jumps and leaps. Each group was incremental
steps in design feasibility, for example, a step could be a redesigned exterior of a microphone and a leap would
be a hovering microphone.
Collaborative Space for Developing Neighborhood
in South Philly
CA-036
Mary DiPesa
Advisor(s): Mike Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
Point Breeze, a historically underprivileged neighborhood in South Philadelphia, is approaching a breakthrough.
During this turning period there has been growth and change but a lingering stagnation remains. This area
needs a reliable community centered environment for sharing and implementing ideas. What does it take to
revitalize a place that for the last 30 years has sat in decay? It takes a strategic rearrangement of the existing
parts.
To narrow in on the elements needed for a holistically appropriate solution I have employed a vital range of
research techniques from ethnographic observation to general public question asking. Combining sections of
design from service to interiors, experience to product lifecycles, the result is a workshop and venue called,
PatchPHL. Aiming to bring together the thinkers and makers in the community and encourage object oriented
exploration for everyone at a low cost and high motivational value.
CA
As to further support the benefits of the collaborative workspace this design has been created through several
co-creation sessions with community members. The collaboration process is similar to a charrette and takes
place in the participants local business or home. The results are multimedia explorations of space, functionality,
social affordances. PatchPHL a wading pool for conscious evolution that maintains local authenticity while
pushing the boundaries of global possibility.
252
3D Printed Cardiac Imaging Data: A Tool to
Supplement Doctor/Patient Communication
CA-037
Jason Kirk
Advisor(s): Dr. Michael Wagner, Dave Mauriello, Dr. Youngmoo Kim
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
This Digital Media Master’s Thesis research generates and utilizes patient specific 3D printed cardiac
anatomical models to evaluate how they can supplement contemporary visualization techniques, as well as
their ability to improve Doctor/Patient communication and consent gathering. The project uses anonymized
medical scan data to create a highly accurate three-dimensional computer model of the cardiac anatomy. This
model is then fabricated into a physical replica through the use of a 3D printer.
CA
The resultant physical models offer greater understanding of complex anatomies and their relationship to
one another, as well as the physical behavior of complicated pathologies. Existing research has proven the
efficacy of 3D printed cardiac anatomical models in aiding diagnosis and surgical planning. This research will
qualitatively assess the value of patient specific 3D printed cardiac anatomical models in aiding doctor/ patient
communication and consent gathering as well as their ability to supplement contemporary medical visualization
media.
253
DIY Shoes, no tools required
CA-038
Jacob Beadenkopf
Advisor(s): Michael Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
CA
In today’s society shoes exist as a status symbol representing luxury and excess, while there are still many
people who go without shoes entirely. Although there have been many approaches to give shoes to those
without, many of these methods are still entangled with corporate structures and complex manufacturing. In
order to tackle this problem effectively the solution bypasses manufacturing at almost every level, and doesn’t
require shipping a product to those who need it. Instead, by creating a design for a shoe that can be assembled
without need of any specialized tools, and can be constructed out of any fabric. In order to bring this design to
those who need it most, a visual design language has been established that can communicate the design, and
how to use it effectively, with minimal written language, making it accessible to as many people as possible.
This design and method of communication has the potential to grant access to shoes to many in need, without
relying on charity, or global supply chains.
254
Motorcycle Design: Creating a Concept
CA-039
Arvid Roach
Co-Author(s): Ethan Quanci, Dan Resnic, Jeremy Higgins, Rob Avellino, Ross Henry, Grant des Rosiers, Devon
Ackridge, Jingqiao Wang
Advisor(s): Mark Hjeltness
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
CA
In an intensive ten week design studio, students brought two concept bikes from initial sketches to 3D models.
Students tackled engineering problems, discussed design criteria, and combined varying aesthetic approaches
to deliver original motorcycle designs.
255
Diaghilev and his Choreographers
CA-040
Dawn Mazzola
Advisor(s): Miriam Giguere
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Dance
CA
In just 20 years, The Ballet Russes, a small group of Russian dancers, artists, composers and choreographers
based in Paris, became one of the most famous collaborative-ballet companies in history. Its founder and
director, Sergei Diaghilev, wanted to bring modernism and trending artistic movements to the forefront of late
nineteenth/early twentieth century literature, visual art, musical composition and, in 1909, dance- particularly
ballet. Throughout its time, the Ballet Russes director hired five exclusively-Russian choreographers to
collaborate with other modernist artists in multiple disciplines; these choreographers include (chronologically)
Michel Fokine, Vaslav Nijinsky, Leonid Massine, Bronislava Nijinska and George Balanchine. In this
comprehensive literature review of Diaghilev’s five choreographers and their work, I have discovered four of
Diaghilev’s personal beliefs noted in the literature that appear to have shaped the course of the Ballet Russes,
and have possibly identified a fifth tenet. In studying the remains of the relationships between director and
choreographer, as well as the resulting works of the Ballet Russes, we may come to understand more clearly
the choices made by each collaborative effort that ultimately changed the face of ballet and other art forms for
good.
256
The Changing Social Landscape: Technology and
the Next Generations
CA-041
Courtney Walker
Advisor(s): Max Zanhiser
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Interior Architecture and Design
CA
Technology has increasingly become a constant presence in our daily lives. The Millennials and the App
Generations are the first generations to grow up fully immersed in a technological world. They communicate
and interact with their environments much differently than previous generations, creating content rather than
passively experiencing it. As these generations continue to grow and develop, it is important to examine how
their collaborative and innovative upbringing is creating a new social landscape, and how it is and will change
every major industry.
257
Using Video Games to Facilitate Understanding of
ADHD: A Feasibility Study
CA-042
Thomas Goldman
Advisor(s): Jichen Zhu
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
This project seeks to add to the growing pool of video games used for serious purposes, deemed serious
games, by presenting a method of facilitating understanding of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
through video game mechanics. To do so it focuses on the concept of procedural rhetoric, a technique used
to send a message to a player through intertwined processes that he/she interacts with. We consider ADHD
to be one of many internal human perspectives which cannot be understood easily by those who do not
experience their internal, psychological effects. Procedural rhetoric is proposed to be a method through which
understanding another internal perspective can be more easily facilitated, rather than attempting to acquire that
perspective through other forms of rhetoric such as text, speech, or visuals. In caregivers, lack of understanding
of the internal effects of ADHD has been shown to lead to higher stress levels, negative parental practices, and
ultimately child underachievement, therefore making new understanding techniques such as procedural rhetoric
worthy of study. With this thesis project, we will study the effects of a video game that employs procedural
rhetoric on the understanding of ADHD in caregivers.
258
Redesigning the Modern Medicine Cabinet
CA-043
Jemma Frost and Hanya Moharram
Advisor(s): Michael Glaser
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Product Design
Our research seeks to better understand how millennials (people aged 18-24) interact with their medicine
cabinets, which have been redefined as a collection of medicine, first aid, toiletries, and supplements. Using
a design research process of interviewing, and then visualizing and synthesizing data from interviews allows
designers to better understand the lifestyle and mindset of the people they are designing for.
CA
The project began by understanding the historical and social context of the medicine cabinet as a household
staple. Then a group of five people who interact with their medicine in an outlying way (a hyper medicator,
an alternative medicator, etc.) were interviewed using a matrix activity and a set of questions. Through the
synthesis of the data from the five interviews, we proceed to identify what millennials’ needs and challenges
are, and foresee possible design opportunities that can be used by others in the Product Design program, and
will be presented to prominent design firms in New York City. These insights create an opportunity for designers
to create a solution that better suits the needs and lifestyle of its user.
259
Twitter Compete: A Multi-player Twitter Strategy
Game
CA-044
Yiqun Shao
Advisor(s): Michael Wagner
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital media
CA
This paper proposes a Twitter strategy game. In the game, people will fight for their guilds. The game attempts
at attracting attention from different group of user by using hashtag to spread the game. And by employing the
successful experience of social network game and apply them to Twitter, the project is focused on utilizing the
playable elements on Twitter and develop an engaging game.
260
“Little Newton,” An Educational Physics Game
CA-045
Natalie Lyon
Co-Author(s): Josep Valls-Vargas, Caroline Guevara, Ning Shao, Junyu Zhu
Advisor(s): Jichen Zhu
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
In the genre of serious games, educational games aim to teach concepts or skills applicable outside of gaming
through gameplay itself. “Little Newton” is a 3D defense game in which the player learns about basic physics
concepts by controlling physics attributes of projectiles. The player character is Little Newton, who defends
his treehouse from an army of evil toys by using apples as ammunition and traps. The mechanics of the game
require the player to learn the basics of parabolic arcs, friction, and force in order to make use of the projectiles.
Game design and learning principles are applied to the design in order to increase the ability of the player to
learn how to play the game itself and therefore physics concepts, balancing entertainment and educational
content.
261
Using Persuasive Narrative to Encourage Ethical
Gameplay
CA-046
Caroline Guevara
Graduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
CA
Video games are increasingly including moral choices in their gameplay as players demand more freedom
within these three dimensional (3D) environments. However, along with it a new area of research has come
to light in regards to ethical gameplay and design. Using a persuasive narrative to include gamer dilemmas,
without alluding the player concrete consequences for their actions, will allow them to experience ludic
phronesis. Achieving this allows the player to reflect on their personal moral wisdom and project it onto their
in-game character. This suggests that having dramatic moral choices in video game are capable of creating
responsible citizens. The persuasive narrative will first be created as a text based adventure game to playtest
and then turned into a full 3D game to add visual stimulation.
262
The Effect of Fats on the Sensory Qualities of Pie
Crusts
CA-047
Rebecca Smith
Advisor(s): Jonathan Deutsch
Undergraduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Culinary Arts
CA
From cookbook to classic cookbook pie crust recipes fail to coincide on one thing: which fat creates the best
product. Using a standardized recipe, a sensory analysis was carried out on pie crusts using five different fat
products: butter, coconut oil, Crisco, duck fat, and lard, with the rest of the recipe remaining constant across
each sample. The purpose of the study was to test which fat best matched the participants’ generalized concept
of the ideal pie crust. In order to test this, questionnaires first asked participants to describe their ideal pie crust
in terms of texture and taste, responding to different variables on a hedonic scale from one to nine. Examples of
these variables included flakiness, tenderness, buttery flavor, crispness, and saltiness. Then, each sample was
given to participants using the blind taste test method, and they were asked to rate each sample on the same
factors they rated their ideal pie crusts. Analysis of the data includes means of rating responses and frequency
of free-responses in the write-in option. From this data, we hope to see which fat yields texture and taste
characteristics most representative of the rated ideal, in order to inform culinary professionals which fat rates
highest for consumer satisfaction.
263
Creation of a granola “box mix” for Individual
Consumption
CA-048
Angela Bastian
Advisor(s): Professor Rosemary Trout
Undergraduate Student
Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies
Culinary Science
The goal is to create an inexpensive healthy granola “box mix” for individual consumers to make for their
personal consumption by baking the included fresh ingredients. The purpose is so that instead of an individual
consumer grabbing another food product such as a cake “box mix” for example to utilize in making a convenient
snack or breakfast option the consumer may grab a healthier tasty granola “box mix” to make for a snack or
breakfast which is just as easy and simple to make.
CA
Granola, a very popular food, contains whole grain nuts and oats and spices and if eaten in moderation
promotes digestion and may lower cholesterol and aid in weight loss along with helping to limit certain diseases
such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. For best quality there is an abundance of available dried fruit,
seeds, nuts and grains in food stores.
264
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
From Awareness-Generation to Changing Norms:
Implications for Entertainment-Education
HM-001
Amy Henderson Riley
Co-Author(s): Suruchi Sood, Paramita Dasgupta Mazumdar, Narendranath Chowdary, Alka Malhotra
Advisor(s): Suruchi Sood, PhD
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Community Health and Prevention/Doctor of Public Health
HM
UNICEFs Facts for Life (FFL) Communication Initiative utilizes convergent strategies for engendering behavior
and social change by providing parents and other caregivers with the information they need to save and
improve children’s and mother’s lives. FFL’s flagship activity is an entertainment-education television drama
serial titled Kyunki…Jeena Issi Ka Naam Hai. This case study describes and analyzes findings from an
endline evaluation of Kyunki… The research design for Kyunki…was a pre-post with post only comparison
group survey combined with extensive concurrent monitoring. The framework consisted of 3 cross-sectional
evaluation studies: a baseline, midline and an endline, all utilizing the same sampling design so as to be
able to build upon one another. In addition, the FFL initiative also included a robust concurrent monitoring
system consisting of 14 rounds of monitoring over 3 ½ years. The primary objectives of the evaluation were to
measure changes in knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, self-efficacy, social norms, interpersonal communication,
practices, and behaviors related to FFL topics by comparing the baseline, midline, and endline responses and
also exposed and unexposed respondents at midline and endline. Results indicated that Kyunki… elicited
high levels of exposure, message and story recall. This project illustrates the relative effectiveness of the FFL
initiative as a whole, but indicates a move beyond the awareness-generation model to design entertainmenteducation that is instrumental in changing attitudes, efficacy perceptions, and social norms.
266
Relationships between Developmental Immaturity
and Perceptions of Stress During Custodial
Interrogations
HM-002
Nora Koppelman
Co-Author(s): Leah Brogan, Sharon Messenheimer Kelley, Ana Prelic, Molly Tiedeken, Ava Skolnik, Lindsey
Peterson, Naomi E. S. Goldstein
Advisor(s): Naomi Goldstein
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
Situational stressors during custodial interrogations produce deficits in legal decision-making capabilities
and, consequently, increase the risk of suspects offering false confessions (Rogers et al., 2011; Kassin &
Norwick, 2004). Developmental immaturity (DI), which is the incomplete development of abilities in independent
functioning, emotion regulation, decision making, and general cognitive processing (Kemp, 2010) may
augment the intimidating climate of custodial interrogations, thereby increasing stress during police questioning
(Oberlander & Goldstein, 2001). This study examined the relationship between DI and perceived stress
during custodial interrogations. Participants were 105 adults housed in either of two Philadelphia correctional
facilities. In a series of analyses, perceived stress in custodial interrogations, as measured by the Perceptions
of Coercion during Holding and Interrogation Process (P-CHIP) instrument, was regressed on DI subscale and
total scores of emotion regulation, independent functioning, and decision making. Results revealed that one
measure of emotional regulation and one measure of decision-making significantly predicted perceived stress
during interrogations. Implications and future research directions will be reviewed in this poster.
267
Spiritual coping: A protective factor against
substance use
HM-003
Toni Mascaro
Co-Author(s): Amanda NeMoyer, Jenna Ebbecke, Erika Foster, Sharon Messenheimer Kelley, Christy L.
Giallella, Naomi E.S. Goldstein
Advisor(s): Dr. Naomi Goldstein
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
Numerous studies have emphasized the importance of religious or spiritual involvement as a protective
factor against risky behaviors, including substance use and misuse (Eliason, Burke, Olphen, & Howell, 2011;
Moscati & Mezuk, 2013). However, extant research has yet to identify the specific mechanisms associated with
spirituality that exert this protective influence. The current study investigated whether use of spiritual activities
(e.g., praying, meditating) to cope with stress serves as a protective factor against substance use. Data were
collected from 264 (75% female) undergraduate students. A linear regression analysis revealed that reports
of more frequent use of such coping methods were inversely related to substance use, suggesting that young
adults who more often use religion as a coping mechanism tend to be less likely to use various substances.
Multiple regression results revealed differences in this relationship by gender. Implications of these findings,
study limitations, and future research directions will be reviewed.
268
Screening for Learning Difficulty: Utility of Teacher
Ratings on the Colorado Learning Difficulties
Questionnaire
HM-004
Mark D. McCurdy
Co-Author(s): Taylor Koriakin, T. Andrew Zabel, Lisa A. Jacobson
Advisor(s): Dr. Brian P. Daly
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Clinical Psychology
HM
The present study sought to validate the clinical utility of a brief teacher-reported screening measure for
identifying learning difficulties (LD). School-aged children (5-18 years) referred for neuropsychological
evaluation were included if they were administered standardized reading or math achievement measures and
if pre-visit screening of academic difficulties via the Colorado Learning Difficulties Questionnaire (CLDQ) was
completed by teachers and parents. Of those, 463 youth had Reading CLDQ scores from a reading teacher
(M age=9.7±2.6 years, 64% male) and 380 had Math CLDQ ratings from a math teacher (M age=9.2±2.4,
65% male). Sensitivity, specificity and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were examined for
specific reading (word reading, decoding, fluency, & comprehension) and math (calculation & problem-solving)
difficulties (SS<85). Secondary analyses included 1) repeated analyses in a subsample of elementary-aged
youth and 2) logistic regressions examining the added value of teacher ratings over parent ratings when
predicting academic impairment. Selected cut-scores maximized sensitivity (Reading: 89-92%; Math: 8990%), but specificity was low (Reading: 42-66%, Math: 38-46%); discrimination was better in the elementary
subsample. AUC ranged from .76-.87 (Reading) and .76-.77 (Math). Parent and teacher ratings were well
correlated (r=.707), but addition of teacher ratings improved classification accuracy across domains. For
example, classification of word reading LD improved from 79.4% to 85.8% and inclusion of teacher ratings
improved the model fit [ΔX2(2)=48.298, p<.001]; at a given parent rating, a one-point increase in teacher
ratings increased odds of Reading LD by 4.68. Examining sensitivity and specificity, teacher responses may
more accurately predict children without LD than children with LD. Furthermore, incorporating teacher reports
with parent CLDQ ratings improves the classification accuracy relative to use of parent ratings alone.
269
Expecting the unexpected: Assaults to EMTs/
Paramedics
HM-006
Brittany Barnes
Co-Author(s): Andrea Davis
Advisor(s): Jennifer A. Taylor
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Department of Environmental and Occupational Health/Masters of Public Health
HM
Annually, there are 700,000 assaults by patients on paramedics and EMTs in the United States (Munding,
2008). In an urban, inner city fire department this problem appears to have a disparate impact on female EMTs/
Paramedics. Data from the Firefighter Injury Research and Safety Trends (FIRST)project found an increased
odds of female EMTs/Paramedics reporting “struck by” injuries compared to their male colleagues (OR: 6.48,
95%CI: 4.25-9.87, p<0.0001). The purpose of our research study was to investigate this gender disparity in
injury and gain a better understanding of the experiences of EMTs/Paramedics who were assaulted while on
on-duty. The intent was to develop recommendations for the fire department to prevent these injuries. Our
qualitative study conducted semi-structured individual interviews (n=5) and one focus group (n=5) with EMTs
from a large urban fire department who were assaulted while providing medical care. Grounded theory methods
were used for data collection and preliminary data analysis. EMTs/Paramedics discussed specific incidents of
assaults while working in a medical capacity. Preliminary data analysis of transcripts identified four potential
domains for exploration: (1) gender differences, (2) patient expectations/use of services, (3) psychological
effects and (4) legal process and outcomes.Gaining an in-depth understanding of this issue of assaults to EMTs
provides a unique opportunity to develop prevention strategies to keep EMTs safe, as well as fill in the gap of
qualitative research that currently exists on this topic.
270
The impact of family violence and sibling arrest
history on justice-involved youths’ arrest history
HM-007
Ava Skolnik
Co-Author(s): Leah Brogan, Mark Houck, Jessica Madej, Amanda Zelchoski, Naomi Goldstein
Advisor(s): Naomi Goldstein
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
Research demonstrates an intergenerational transmission of criminal behavior from parents to children, as well
as between siblings (Beaver, 2013). Paternal and/or maternal incarceration predicts many negative outcomes
in offspring, including adolescent offending and adult criminal behavior (Murray et al., 2009). Further, siblings’
delinquent behavior, especially among same-sex siblings, may perpetuate criminal behavior in youth (Aaron &
Dallaire, 2013). The present study adds to the existing literature on the role of family dynamics in adolescent
delinquency by evaluating the impact of family violence and sibling arrest history on justice-involved youths’
arrest history (i.e., number of previous arrests). Data came from a large, archival database of youth involved
with the Philadelphia juvenile justice system. Results of data from 7,683 youth (10.1% girls) revealed that both
history of family violence and sibling arrest history independently predicted youths’ numbers of prior arrests.
Additionally, sibling arrest history significantly moderated the relationship between history of family violence and
number of prior arrests, such that this relationship was stronger for youth without siblings than for those with
siblings. Thus, family violence may negatively impact youths’ behaviors less if they have siblings with whom
to share traumatic experiences, resulting in decreased delinquency. Implications and future directions will be
discussed.
271
The Impact of Auditory Distractors on Working
Memory
HM-008
Kellie McWilliams
Co-Author(s): Emily Meltzer, Ryan Elles, Melissa McCartney
Advisor(s): Karol Osipowicz
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
Previous research has found that competing auditory stimuli act as attentional distractors and can negatively
affect short term and working memory performance. The present study examined whether an active cell phone
ring in particular would decrease working memory performance. Visual word pair association tests were given
to 19 participants, with each person engaging in both the control (silent) and experimental (ringing) trials.
Analysis of the data revealed that the active cell phone ring significantly decreased the number of associated
word pairs correctly recalled within the experimental trial. These results suggest that cell phone rings are
substantial auditory distractors and can decrease working memory performance.
272
The Effect of Online Clothing Advertisements on
Body Image Satisfaction
HM-009
Rickie Miglin
Co-Author(s): Na Young Kim, Stephanie Malamas
Advisor(s): Karol Osipowicz
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
The purpose of this study was to measure the effect of online advertisements on body image satisfaction.
This study is unique because others have not studied the immediate effect of online advertisements featuring
models on the body satisfaction of female consumers by comparing the responses to images of bathing suits
being worn by models that embody the “thin ideal” to images of bathing suits alone. Previous research on
this topic reveals that exposure to unrealistic thinness, widely found in modern advertisements, is related to
women’s decreased self-esteem, increased risk for disordered eating, and overall dissatisfaction with their
bodies. The hypothesis for this study is that women will report lower body satisfaction scores (measured using
the MBSRQ) after viewing advertisements featuring models wearing swimsuits advertisements of swimsuits
alone. In a sample of 14 young women, it was found that there was a significant difference in body satisfaction
between the two conditions. Our results suggest that clothing advertisements featuring swimsuit models may
have a negative effect on women’s body image satisfaction.
273
Relationship between Interpersonal Trauma and
Symptom Endorsement on the K-SADS-PL
HM-011
Elise Turner
Co-Author(s): Connor Kerns, Elizabeth Nicholls, Aimee Hildebrand, Steven Berkowitz, Brian Daly
Advisor(s): Brian Daly
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
M.S. Psychology
HM
Childhood trauma profoundly impacts many victims’ mental health. During childhood, the experience of trauma
may lead to a breakdown in one’s capacity to regulate emotion and behavior (van der Kolk, 2005). This
disrupted emotional/behavioral regulation in children is associated with the development of internalizing and
externalizing disorders (O’Dougherty et al., 2009). Although the relationship between generalized childhood
trauma experiences and adult psychopathology has received attention, few studies have specifically examined
the contribution of interpersonal trauma experiences to childhood mental health symptom expression. This
study examined differences in patterns of symptom endorsement reflective of internalizing and externalizing
disorders in 23 youth (ages 8-17) with and without histories of interpersonal trauma. Youth and parents/
caregivers were interviewed in a single session, either separately (ages 10-17) or together (ages 8-9), to
determine the child’s history of stressors and current mental health symptoms. All youth were administered the
Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime (K-SADS-PL) followed by the
Traumatic Events Screening Instrument for Children (TESI-C). All caregivers/parents were administered the
K-SADS-PL and the parent version of the TESI. History of interpersonal trauma was reported by more than half
of participants (56.5 %). Results from a one-way ANOVA indicated that endorsement of phobia was significantly
higher in those with interpersonal trauma, F(1, 21) = 4.76, p = 0.41. Findings also revealed that endorsement of
symptoms of ADHD approached significance, F(1,21) = 4.06, p = 0.057. Our findings reveal that interpersonal
trauma is related to symptom expression of phobic disorders in youth. This suggests that clinicians working with
children who have experienced interpersonal trauma should also evaluate for the presence of phobia.
274
Defining a Hall of Famer: Resolving the Ambiguity
Surrounding Baseball’s Highest Honor
HM-012
Sam Angell
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies
Sport Management
The purpose of this study was to inform the establishment of specific guidelines for the electorate of the
National Baseball Hall of Fame. It attempted to resolve the ambiguity surrounding the election process to
the Hall of Fame and provide the electorate with more concrete guidelines for making an informed vote. For
the better part of a decade, players who are known or believed to have been involved in what has come to
be known as the “Steroid Era” have appeared on the official ballot for induction to the Hall of Fame. To date,
none of them have been elected. In large part, voting members of the Baseball Writers Association of America
(BBWAA) who have made their votes public have cited Rule 5, a vaguely-worded part of the official Hall of
Fame election rules that instructs voters to consider a candidate’s “integrity, sportsmanship and character”
along with on-the-field accomplishments.
While no players implicated in baseball’s performance enhancing drugs scandal have yet been elected, many
have received substantial support for inclusion in the Hall of Fame. One, Mark McGwire, has remained on the
ballot for seven years while another, Craig Biggio, came just two votes shy of election on the 2014 ballot.
HM
Looking at Hall of Fame voting historically, the statistical accomplishments of these and other players would
suggest a quicker election by the BBWAA. On the other hand, in the presence of evidence of steroid use, an
application of Rule 5 could reasonably lead to their exclusion. This study attempted to resolve this quandary
and provide guidance for how the electorate should handle these candidates.
275
The Sociological Motivations That Trigger English
Football fans to Engage in Hooliganism Behavior
and the Policies Put in Place to Stop the Violence
HM-013
Laura Rumolo
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
Football hooliganism is classically defined as the “English Disease” despite reports of violent behavior taking
place throughout Europe (Holt, 1989). English football fans engage in hooliganism due to a variety of factors.
The excitement of participating in the violence is seen as an exciting break in the monotony of their work and
school week. Hooligans also find a sense of belonging in their own group of like-minded people and as such will
go to great lengths to defend their hometown and/or their football club and prove their masculinity to the group
as well as other groups of hooligans through means of hooliganism.
Football hooliganism is easy to identify yet difficult to define as it encompasses a wide range of violent
behaviors, both physical and verbal. The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) from a sociological
perspective, determine the reasons why individuals engage in hooliganism, (2) indicate what other factors
contribute to the hooliganism phenomenon, and (3) to recommend policies or strategies that can be
implemented by the British Government and/or the Football Association to reduce the violence.
HM
In order to fulfill these purposes, surveys will be taken by English football fans attending the Tottenham Hotspur
vs. Southampton FC football match. The participants will answer questions about their level of knowledge of
hooliganism as well as how they have this knowledge, whether it comes from personal experience, first-hand
encounters with the phenomenon, or from media exposure. Head officials in The Football Association that have
a direct correlation involving football hooliganism will be interviewed to discuss preventative measures. The
success of the study will be measured by the effectiveness of the strategies implemented by the governing
body of English football.
276
Identifying the Causes of Decline in American
Men’s Professional Tennis
HM-014
Mehdi Rhazali
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
From the 1970s-2000 American male tennis players dominated the number one ranking worldwide. In the
1970s, American player, Jimmy Connors, held the number one ranking for five consecutive years. In the 1980s,
American, John McEnroe, was at number one for four consecutive years. During the 1990s, Jim Courier, Pete
Sampras, and Andre Agassi, all Americans, together combined held the number one ranking for eight years.
The last male American player to be ranked number one was Andy Roddick in 2003. Since 2003, no American
has held the number one ranking. In fact, from 2004 to 2013, the number of professional American tennis
players in the top 100 has steadily declined. After Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick, only a few
Americans made it to the top ten for a short period of time then moved back in the ranking. For example Mardy
Fish was ranked 8th in 2012 and is now currently ranked 369. John Isner ranked 10th in 2012 and currently he
is ranked 13th being the only American in the top 20 (ATP Rankings). Currently there are six American male
players in the top one hundred and only one in the top twenty.
HM
This decline of professional American male tennis players brings out the question: Why aren’t American tennis
players dominant anymore? The purpose of this study is to define what has changed between 1974-2003, and
2003 to present, and to provide the United States Tennis Association (USTA) with informed recommendations to
streamline the player development process. In defining the decline of the top ten American professional tennis
players in the world, three purposes were established - (1) to study the differences between: competing in the
International Tennis Federation (ITF) Men’s Pro Tour, and competing in the ITF junior circuit before competing
at the senior tour, (2) to understand the impact of participating in college tennis before considering becoming
a professional tennis player versus not competing in college and moving directly into the professional ranks,
3) to identify the number of players who had a successful professional tennis career and trained through
private coaching vs. through USTA coaching and 4) to compare the USTA player development model to other
successful countries. Once the study is completed, a set of guidelines will be created in order to address the
above-mentioned issues.
277
Measuring Intent to Follow Advice From Within the
Tourist’s Personal Social Network
HM-015
Mike Holovacs
Advisor(s): Dr. Linda Joyce Forristal
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Hospitality Management/Global Tourism
The purpose of this study is to research the perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions of a sample
population of social media participants in order to determine the level of influence that a participant’s own
personal social network holds in vacation decision-making, if any. The individual posting their experiences on
Facebook or Twitter might not have the social media following or the name recognition that TripAdvisor has
built for itself. However, it is inadvisable to think that user-generated content has rendered one person relating
their experience on their Facebook page or Twitter stream pointless. The research will measure how likely the
participant is to act upon social media content posted by people within their network(s) as opposed to social
media content generated by hospitality, travel, or tourism brands.
The operative questions are: (1) to what extent an individual’s social media content has an effect on the
vacation decision-making of their friends, along with (2) the number of brands an individual follows and the (3)
number of platforms on which they follow those brands. This is an important topic for marketers and the tourism
community at large, as it will help to determine the efficacy of brand-driven versus personal social media
content.
HM
This abstract represents a work in progress; the survey that will generate this data is in the IRB approval
pipeline. IRB approval is expected shortly and data collection and analysis will be completed in time to complete
the research before Research Day.
278
“Tag You’re It”: Using Social Metadata to Classify
Church Services
HM-016
Steven Losco
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Science, Technology, and Society
In a qualitative study of a church service in downtown Los Angeles, I found that social metadata, or “tags”
were an effective resource for redefining the services of an Evangelical church. Scholars, however, defined the
church as a New Paradigm church, upon my observations, this definition was not the case. When compared
to other Evangelical churches in the United States, this classification didn’t hold up. In fact, it defied the many
categories established by the collective movements within the Evangelical movement. What is interesting is that
the church in question is known as an innovator within the movement.
HM
After searching for ideas on how to classify phenomena in general, I a series of participant observations. I
wrote up my notes and reflections to the services. I then coded my notes using tags, keywords that usually
classify things like blog posts. Then I measured the frequency of the tags at specific intervals and found that the
services defied a discreet classification and that challenged the other scholars’ definition. This challenges the
notion of categories and the fact they are often seen as having hard boundaries and can be mutually exclusive,
but the church services I witnessed seem to engage and mix church types into a unique format. By using tags,
both the fine details and the big strokes are put together and thus provide a deeper synthesis of what is going
on at all levels of the service.
279
Differences in Susceptibility to Coercion and Stress
Level during Interrogations between JusticeInvolved and Community Youth
HM-017
Siara Johnson
Co-Author(s): Sharon Messenheimer Kelley, Naomi E. S. Goldstein, Ava Skolnik, Nora Koppelman
Advisor(s): Naomi Goldstein
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
According to Kassin and collegues (2010), juveniles often do not understand their rights and/or cannot properly
apply them to the context of their interrogation. Additionally, McLachlan and collegues (2011) point out that it
is a common belief that justice-involved youth have a clearer understanding of Miranda rights due to their past
experiences. This study compared interrogation-related behavior of justice-involved and community youth.
There were 232 participants (168 justice-involved youth, 64 community youth) who completed the Perceptions
of Coercion during the Holding and Interrogation Process (P-CHIP), which assesses examinees’ self-reported
likelihood of offering true and false statements to police, as well as their stress levels during interrogation
vignettes. Results revealed that justice-involved youth were significantly less likely to believe they would provide
true or false statements to police, and they reported significantly lower stress levels than community youth.
Limitations and research, policy, and practice implications of these findings will be discussed.
280
The Black Best Friend: The Relegation and
Reduction of Black Women in Television
HM-018
Christiny Martin
Advisor(s): Eva Thury
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Screenwriting/Playwriting
This project explores one of the many manifestations of genderized racism in entertainment: the Black Best
Friend. This stereotype is usually comprised of a combination of anti-black/misogynist elements that have been
prevalent throughout entertainment history, as early as blackface minstrelsy. Samuels describes some of the
most prominent anti-black-women stereotypes (Jezebel, Sapphire, Mammy) and shows that most of the time,
audiences are unaware that the images of black women that they are consuming are descended from a long
line of racist imagery. However, viewing these images still otherizes black women within entertainment media,
as well as outside.
HM
Like the Philip Kretsedemas study of audience reactions to negative portrayals of black women in “Ugly Betty,”
this project takes into account the responses of audiences across a range of ages, races and ethnicities to
anti-black-female tropes in media-- consciously or otherwise. The project examines the Black Best Friend as
represented by three black female characters in very popular TV series: Mercedes Jones of “Glee,” Bonnie
Bennett of “The Vampire Diaries” and Tara Thornton of True Blood. The latter two characters appear in shows
adapted from novels. In their respective novels, both Tara and Bonnie were written as white characters. But
as black women in their TV worlds, their roles have shifted in ways which relegate them to props for the white
female protagonists and their story-lines. The question is, “Is this an issue of race or an issue of TV tropes?” All
of the evidence gathered here points to race. The project contributes to the discussion found in both scholarly
articles and op-ed pieces, taking into consideration objective and subjective responses to these tropes.
281
Obtaining Medicaid funded abortions under the
Hyde Amendment in Pennsylvania: Barriers and
Policy Solutions
HM-019
Aasta Mehta
Faculty
College of Medicine
Obstetrics and Gynecology
HM
Objective: To (1) examine previous efforts by advocacy organizations to remove barriers that Medicaid eligible
Pennsylvania women face when seeking funding for Hyde-exempt abortions, (2) identify additional and new
barriers that may exist, and (3) recommend possible policy solutions to remove these barriers. Methods: The
methodology employed was largely qualitative in nature. In depth interviews were conducted with stakeholders
in the Medicaid reimbursement process in Pennsylvania including reproductive and abortion rights advocates,
abortion providers, and the state Medicaid office focusing on previous advocacy efforts, elucidation of the
current Medicaid reimbursement process, and potential barriers that still exist. Results: After meeting with
abortion providers and advocacy organizations, four major barriers have been identified: (1) inconsistency
among different Medicaid Managed Care Organizations in regards to policies for pre-authorization for
procedures, (2) physician hesitancy to sign Medicaid forms, (3) requirement of physician signature for Medicaid
forms, and (4) ultrasound requirement for Medicaid reimbursement. Discussion: After conducting interviews with
key stakeholders mentioned above, it has become clear that Pennsylvania has come a long way in regards to
challenging illegal Medicaid denials for abortion services. Previous efforts by advocacy organizations have been
successful to an extent. However barriers to access still exist and need to be addressed in order to ensure that
women are being provided with services that they are guaranteed under the law.
282
The changing research landscape of library and
information science: An investigation on its
dynamic relationship with computer science
HM-020
Yongjun Zhu
Advisor(s): Erjia Yan, Christopher C. Yang
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Information Studies
Since the first American school for library science was founded at Columbia University in 1887, this discipline
has evolved for nearly 130 years. Throughout the second half of these years, library and information science
(LIS) has gradually influenced and been influenced by computer science (CS) since its inception. Today, many
scholars in these two disciplines share similar research interests. The recent merger of College of Information
Science and Technology and Department of Computer Science at Drexel University well exemplifies this trend.
In this context, the study aims to discover the relationship between LIS and CS.
Understanding the mutual engagement of these two disciplines is important. If they are highly related and
pertain to a similar cognitive core, more policies, strategies, and efforts are needed to create a synergetic effect.
For instance, department merger is a kind of such effort. Sharing of curricula, faculties, and facilities can also
be good strategies in this case. These endeavors will thus allow for a more efficient allocation of educational
resources and help build more active scholarly communication channels.
HM
To examine the relationship between LIS and CS, we use a granted citation data set from Elsevier. This data
set contains more than 4 million journal-level citation instances among all indexed fields during the past 15
years (1997-2011) with a two-year citation window. Journal-to-journal citation data signify knowledge flow
between journals and is thus a valuable instrument to discover knowledge flow between journals or fields.
Descriptive statistics, correlation and similarity measures are applied to examine this data set.
283
The Vertical Flow of Shared Leadership: An
Examination of the Cascade of Shared Leadership
from Supervisors to Teams
HM-021
Jaclyn Shor
Co-Author(s): Jonathan Ziegert
Advisor(s): Jonathan Ziegert
Graduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Management Department
HM
This research examines how shared leadership flows downward in organizations to cascade across levels.
Building from a sensemaking framework, the results of our study utilizing 28 teams within a large manufacturing
company illustrate that a supervisors’ perceptions of shared leadership in their immediate supervisor-level work
group positively relates to the shared leadership in the lower-level team they lead thereby illustrating the vertical
flow of shared leadership across organizational levels. In order to further explore this relationship to understand
how this cascading process operates, we illustrate that supervisors’ satisfaction moderates and empowering
leadership mediates the connection between shared leadership at these different levels. Finally, we link shared
leadership to reduced team conflict thereby illustrating how shared leadership at a higher organizational level
beneficially impacts the functioning of a lower level team.
284
The (f)unemployment diaries: A frame analysis of
the good life in an unemployment blog
HM-022
Alison Novak
Co-Author(s): Wajeeha Choudhary
Advisor(s): Ernest A. Hakanen
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Culture and Communication
HM
As unemployment remains a popular topic, individuals are finding new ways to share their personal narratives
about being laid off. Unemployment blogs are a new and increasingly popular way in which individuals can
share their narrative to the world. With over 270,000 views, HowIGotLaidOff.com reaches a large mass of
people and has the potential to impact the way that the public thinks of unemployment. This study examines the
online unemployment blog, HowIGotLaidOff.com to explore how individuals’ frame the concept of the good life
in their unemployment experience. Through frequency and descriptive frame analyses, individuals present their
narratives using seven frames: processes, positive outlook, injustice, the (not) so good life, loyalty, financial
rationalization, and faith and religion. Process was the most frequent frame used in the blog posts, and it was
present in 68 or 27.4% of the narratives. The second most frequent was the positive outlook frame, dominantly
used in 60 posts or 24.2% of the narratives. The frequency and descriptive frame analyses depict trends in the
way the unemployment experience is shared in an online environment. Specifically, this study sheds light onto
the good life, the economic context, and the blogging platform. This was made possible through the diversity
of the contributors, their experiences, and the careers they represent. Overall, individuals challenge the
construction of the unemployed self and couch their experience as a component of the good life.
285
Blitzed: Assessing The Impact Of African American
NFL Players As Figures Of Product Endorsement
And Brand Equity
HM-023
Brandon Cates
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
Using spokespeople as brand ambassadors are not a new phenomenon for corporations. Celebrity
endorsement of products has been proven to be effective in helping consumers identify brands and establish
brand loyalty. “When consumers receive information from advertising, they determine the product image
according to the image of the advertising spokespersons (Sen Wu, 2013).” Previous studies have taken this
philosophy and used it to develop a belief that corporations use celebrities to create symbolism between the
brand and the consumer.
HM
The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not endorsement of products by African American football
players has an effect on a brand. There have been a myriad of studies done to analyze celebrity affinity on
consumers, hero worship, brand identification and cultural identity; however, there has yet to be a study done
which combined elements of all four. Professional football is one of the few occupations where minorities are
the predominant labor force. Professional athletes continually cross over into many different segments of life
in order to market themselves to a wider audience than just the dedicated sports enthusiast. This study will be
conducted through questionnaires and focus group discussion before and after participants watch advertising
featuring both African American & Caucasian football players. The results will give us a better understanding
of African American players’ impact on the perceived value of the brand(s) to which they have been asked to
endorse.
286
Semantic Biomedical Relation Extraction from
Scientific Literature
HM-024
Mengwen Liu
Co-Author(s): Yuan Ling, Yizhou Zang, Yuan An, Tony Hu
Advisor(s): Tony Hu, Yuan An
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Information Science
HM
Scientific literature contains abundant knowledge about relationships among concepts or entities. Unfortunately,
such kind of knowledge is expressed in natural language where different types of relationships are not explicitly
categorized. In this study, we take biomedical literature from Elsevier Neuroscience corpus as an example to
discover likely relationships between two types of biomedical entities, gene and brain region. We develop a
novel relation extraction approach that integrates distant learning and open information extraction techniques.
Unlike state-of-the-art models of relation extraction from biomedical literature which are based on supervised
learning, our approach does not need manually-labeled examples of relations. We apply our approach to
extract relationships between genes and brain regions from one million articles. The resultant relations are
used to construct a heterogeneous biological semantic network. This network can benefit many interesting
applications such as gene finding for specific brain regions and gene interaction analysis.
287
Social Comparison, Negative Body Image, and
Disordered Eating Behavior: The Role of Coping
Style
HM-025
Emilie Pinkasavage
Co-Author(s): Danielle Arigo
Advisor(s): Danielle Arigo
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
Comparing one’s body to those of individuals perceived as more attractive (e.g., peers, media figures)is
common among college women, and has been associated with increases in body dissatisfaction and disordered
eating.Not all college women are vulnerable to the negative influence of such “upward” comparisons,
however, and little is known about psychological processes that may distinguish more vulnerable women.
Coping styles, which represent individuals’ responses to negative events, are a key area of opportunity for
better understanding the relationship between body-focused comparison and weight-related experiences in
this population. College women (N=628) at a large, private university completed an electronic assessment
of upward body-focused comparison, body dissatisfaction, disordered eating behavior, and coping styles.
Results indicated that a positive reframing coping style moderated the relationship between upward bodyfocused comparison and body dissatisfaction (p=0.02), such that women who engaged in more (vs. less)
positive reframing showed a weakened relationship between upward body-focused comparison and body
dissatisfaction. Controlling for body dissatisfaction, a self-distracting style (p=0.009) and a self-blaming style
(p=.02) also moderated the relationship between upward body-focused comparison and disordered eating
behaviors; women who more (vs. less) strongly endorsed self-distracting and self-blaming styles appeared
more susceptible to the negative influence of upward body-focused comparison. These findings underscore the
importance of upward body-focused comparison for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating among college
women, and introduce coping style as a key factor in these relationships. Increased attention to body-focused
comparison and coping style may improve quality of life and contribute to the prevention of disordered eating in
this vulnerable population.
288
Do Loans to Women from Micro-Finance
Institutions in India Reduce the Gender Gap in
Education?
HM-026
Robert Faria
Advisor(s): Dr. Eva Thury
Undergraduate Student
LeBow College of Business
Economics
As micro finance institutions (MFIs) such as the Grameen Bank continue to expand their reach in India, an
increasing number of women are gaining access to micro loans. The impacts of these loans on women’s
empowerment and girl’s enrolment rates have been individually studied by academics with varying results,
though there is no research which shows how women’s empowerment through MFI loans affects girls’
enrollment rates.
Through a comprehensive review of the literature, this project seeks to show that MFI loans have a positive
impact on women’s empowerment which, through greater control of resources, increases the duration
and rate of girls’ enrollment. Goetz highlights that many women who receive these loans are forced to
relinquish partial or total control of the funds, therefore concluding that the loans are an ineffective means of
empowering women. Though there are other researchers that come to similar conclusions, Kabeer shows that
empowerment of women does not come through direct control of the loan, but rather through the resulting
increased say in household budgeting and decisions. The loans therefore catalyze the spread of power within
households allowing women greater control over resource allocation. An 89,000 person study across India by
Afridi shows a significant positive correlation between women’s empowerment, as defined by relative degree of
control over household resources, and the amount of schooling received by girls.
HM
The direct link between MFI loans, empowerment, and education helps to more accurately explain how these
loans affect women and their families, which can be used to focus future research on the subject.
289
Breaking a Terrorist: The Psychology of Military
Interrogations
HM-027
Mia Alessandra Nardini
Co-Author(s): Dr. Eric Zillmer
Advisor(s): Dr. Eric Zillmer
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
In the Global War on Terrorism, knowledge has become more important than weaponry. One tactical application
of intelligence is derived from the military interrogation of detainees. The aim of this presentation is to review
current tactics and procedures of military interrogations through a framework of psychological theory. Military
interrogations depend on interactions and developing relationships between two or more humans; something
best described and explained through psychological theory.
The theoretical and scientific study of interrogations is naturally shrouded in secrecy. To date there is not one
agreed upon model of interrogation. Furthermore, the military interrogation process has been fragmented by
the use of different agencies that provide divergent training and practices (Kennedy & Zillmer, 2012). Thus,
through a framework of psychological theory, this presentation will help explain the divergence of approaches to
interrogation, ranging from control and torture to rapport and trust.
Such analysis may serve as a vehicle for understanding the pitfalls of the control model which result in
significant and consequential political baggage. This model establishes control over the detainee and is
loosely based on the psychological theory of punishment. The control model is a natural approach due to the
adversarial relationship of the detainee and interrogator, and has historically been used. In contrast a more
modern model of interrogation, known as rapport, appears better grounded in psychological theory, including
interpersonal, humanistic and organizational models of interaction.
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The goal of this presentation is to demonstrate how psychological theory can assist in the conceptualization of
something as controversial as the interrogation of terrorists. As a result, this information may assist in a higher
probability for obtaining more beneficial and reliable information, ultimately resulting in a more successful
interrogation.
290
Mommy Issues: Framing Welfare Mothers in
Newspapers Across Three Presidencies
HM-028
Julia Richmond
Co-Author(s): Alison N. Novak
Advisor(s): Ernest Hakanen
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Communication, Culture and Mass media
HM
Using the backdrop of three US Presidencies focused on welfare reform (Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and
Obama), this paper looks at how the framing of welfare mothers has evolved over time in specific newspapers.
Previous literature has found that the way a group is represented, framed, and identified in the media is critically
important to the way the group views itself and relates to public policy and the media system. Through an open
coding process of 570 articles on welfare mothers from The Christian Science Monitor, The New York Times,
The Wall Street Journal, and The Washington Post, five themes emerged that identify the dominant frame used
to describe welfare mothers. These five frames are: Policy, Emotional Experience, Scapegoat, Good Example,
and Charitable. This study revealed different ways the five frames were used and suggests that journalist did
not consistently refer to welfare mothers throughout the three presidencies, but instead invoked them in a
variety of ways to address, describe, and sometimes critique the welfare system. This study holds implications
for understanding welfare public policy and the changing role of mothers.
291
The Inner Vampire of Bella Swan: A Jungian
Analysis
HM-029
Douglas Ramundo
Advisor(s): Eva Thury
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
English
HM
The goal of my research is to understand the development of Bella Swan’s character in Stephanie Meyer’s
Twilight Saga using Carl Jung’s process of individualization. While there have been Jungian analyses of Bella,
like the one by Gaarden, they have failed to account for inconsistencies with Stephanie Meyer’s perception of
the collective unconscious in the series and results in a romanticized version of the novels. Bella’s description
of her research on vampire myths unknowingly describes an aspect of the collective unconscious as she
understands it in the first book; she reports a myth that vampires could be both good and an enemy to evil. Her
views have been researched in medieval sources about vampires and witches and they are not accurate. This
has surprising repercussions for the Jungian analysis because it establishes the vampire species as evil and
the Cullen family as repressed outliers. Thus, positive archetypes are subverted and become negative and the
negative archetypes become positive; for example, Gaarden considers Edward and Carlisle Cullen as positive
animi because they help Bella recognize aspects of herself that will eventually make her whole; however, my
analysis shows that they are actually negative animi and attempt to prevent Bella from integrating herself with
the qualities and impulses that she truly desires (i.e., the vampiric traits of immortality, beauty, strength, etc…).
The study concludes by analyzing Bella’s integration with her shadow and her subsequent rejection of the
qualities that the shadow embodied.
292
Using Technology to Spark Intrinsic Motivation in
Developing Regions
HM-030
Rina Patel
Undergraduate Student
LeBow College of Business
HM
After years of going to India and meeting young, uneducated women from rural villages I found myself
wondering what motivates them to think past society’s gender expectations. There are many that never get
the change or have the opportunity to. However, for those who do, what sparks that intrinsic motivation to see
beyond society’s expectations? The Self- Determination Theory (selfdeterminationtheory.org) highlights the
reason young girls in developing regions come to give up on their needs and wants (i.e. education) over the
course of their life. One of the case studies I will use is of Usha- a 10 year old girl who has been raised in a
lower class family in a village in India. As the daughter of a farm laborer, she along with her sisters have always
been discouraged to go to school or even ask questions. This research shows how those subject to inferiority
can quickly learn to recognize their hidden potential through technology. It will show the accelerated learning
process recognition of self-worth due to a computer and few simple applications.
293
Experiencing the Past through Interactive Digital
Media
HM-031
Jessie Wu
Co-Author(s): John Novak, Tom Welker, James Maguire, Chris Elliott
Advisor(s): Glen Muschio
Undergraduate Student
Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Digital Media
HM
Our project is an interactive digital recreation of a section of the SS United States luxury passenger liner.
The SS United States was operational between 1952-69 and was a marvel of naval engineering as well as a
design icon of the time. It broke the speed record for crossing the Atlantic, which it still holds today. However,
due to the jet age the ship was decommissioned in 1969 and began a long process of being sold and stripped
between 1980 and 1992, and has remained unused ever since. Our senior project produced an iPad app and
web app that will allow the user to explore the interior of some of the most famous areas of the ship. As an
educational outreach component of the project, we also animated a portion of our project that will be used at the
Independence Seaport Museum in an exhibit featuring the SS United States. We will be conducting research
at the exhibit about the way that visitors react to watching the animated video as opposed to engaging with the
fully interactive application. Through the use of cutting edge 3D mobile technology our project raises awareness
for this historically important ship and with interactive technology allows the public to simulate the experience of
being on board the ship.
294
Ironic Science: In Search of Spoof
HM-032
Maryam Ronagh
Co-Author(s): Dr. Lawrence Souder
Advisor(s): Dr. Lawrence Souder
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Publication Management
HM
The goal of most scientific research published in peer-review journals is to discover and report the truth.
However, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has a tradition of publishing an annual Christmas issue that
includes one or more tongue-in-cheek research papers written in the conventional form and style of a research
paper. One such example is the 2001 paper by Leibovici, which, by his own admission, was not intended to be
taken literally. Yet, this research paper was subsequently cited in 60 research papers including the prestigious
Cochrane Review. Our paper attempts to understand why this instance of ironic science was taken seriously
by so many readers. We review the concept of irony in literature in order to develop a method of analysis for
characterizing, detecting, and coping with irony. We then draw from the research literature on error propagation
in research publication for ways of categorizing citations. With this conceptual scheme we then try to isolate
and identify the nature of the moment of citation. We find a variety of interpretations of the ironic science: some
citing authors accept the statement of the cited author, some contradict or reject it, and some acknowledge its
ironic nature. We finally speculate about the effects of publishing subtle irony in a scientific journal like BMJ.
295
Art Therapy Treatment for Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in
Female Adolescents: An International Survey Study
HM-033
Gretchen Tucker
Advisor(s): Donna Kaiser
Graduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Creative Arts Therapies
This study collected qualitative data about the interventions and goals of art therapy treatment for
female adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury. Participants included nationally accredited art
psychotherapists from eight countries including the United States of America, Canada, Australia, Grenada,
Ireland, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. The participants completed an online mixedmethods survey.
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The perceived positive and negative effects or limitations of the practice were reported by art therapists who
have provided treatment to this population. Art materials and the related therapeutic goals of the materials
were explored and compared against current theoretical knowledge in the field of art therapy. The data analysis
and the findings are presented, including recommendations for education and implications for current practice.
Methods for providing effective art therapy treatment to this population are discussed following the findings.
296
Do Oral Contraceptives Affect Women’s Facial
Expression Processing?
HM-034
Katherine Alvarez
Co-Author(s): Mary Spiers
Advisor(s): Mary Spiers
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
Females typically outperform males in facial expression processing (FEP), especially for subtle expressions.
Studies suggest a negative relationship between testosterone levels and female FEP performance.
Oral contraceptives (OCs) contain progestins with varying degrees of androgenic or masculinizing effects. Older
progestins are related to testosterone and considered androgenic whereas newer progestins are considered
antiandrogenic. To date, no study has explored FEP performance in OC users.
One hundred seventy nine females (82.1% Caucasian) ages 15-21 from the Philadelphia Neurodevelopmental
Cohort database were assigned to groups based on the androgenicity of their OC progestins: “highly
androgenic” (Levonorgestrel), “androgenic” (Norethindrone), “antiandrogenic” (Drospirenone) and controls.
Controls were matched to OC users on all demographic variables including lifetime depression. We
hypothesized a negative relationship between participants’ androgen status and emotion recognition and
emotion intensity differentiation.
A multivariate analysis of variance revealed that composite FEP performance was significantly different among
groups F(6,348) = 2.85, p < .05; Wilk’s Λ = 0.908, partial η2 =.047. Univariate one-way analyses of variance
revealed marginally significant emotion recognition (p = .052) and significant emotion intensity differentiation (p
< .05). Tukey’s post hoc tests revealed that “highly androgenic” OC users (M = 81.85, SD = 8.21) outperformed
controls (M = 76.57, SD = 7.99) on emotion intensity differentiation. Findings were replicated with a second
non-depressed control group.
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Findings suggest that some aspects of facial expression processing (i.e., emotion intensity) may be more
sensitive to sex hormone changes than others (i.e., emotion recognition). Performance patterns suggest that
OCs may not exert clinically meaningful androgenic effects on female FEP performance.
297
Overwhelmed by Smartphones? An Investigation
into Mobile Information Overload
HM-035
Yuanyuan Feng
Advisor(s): Denise Agosto, Susan Gasson
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
HM
Information overload is a long-established research topic and a real life problem of the Information Age. With
the increasing usage of web-enabled mobile devices and the rapid advances of mobile technologies, modern
people are likely to experience mobile information overload – a new type of information overload that comes
along with the increasingly ubiquitous use of mobile devices and mobile technologies. This poster identifies key
issues around mobile information overload based on relevant literature, and outlines three proposed research
studies to investigate: (1) how people experience mobile information overload, (2) what factors cause mobile
information overload, and (3) what coping strategies people use to mitigate the problem. Expected results of the
proposed studies are presented in this poster as well.
298
Investigating the Correlation Between Executive
Function and Intelligence in a College Sample
HM-037
Rhae Ana Gamber
Advisor(s): Brian P. Daly, PhD
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
Introduction: Executive functions (EF) are a set of cognitive processes key to self-regulation and goal orientedbehavior. Intelligence is the capacity to acquire knowledge to complete tasks. Few studies have investigated
relationships between indices of IQ and specific executive functions. A college sample is of special interest due
to the importance of EF and intelligence for school performance. This study aims to investigate the association
between intelligence and objective and subjective measures of EF within a college sample, including specific
domain correlations.
Method: The sample was composed of young adults (N=125) between 18-23 years enrolled in a private
university. All participants completed the WASI, D-KEFS and BRIEF-A.
Results: Bivariate correlations reveal significant relationships between specific domains of intelligence and
specific objective measures of EF. The WASI full scale score was significantly correlated with Trails, [r(123) =
.28, p = .002], Verbal Fluency, [r(122) = .32, p = .001], and the Towers Test, [r(123) = .28, p = .002]. The WASI
performance scale score was significantly correlated with Trails, [r(123) = .27, p = .002], Verbal Fluency, [r(122)
= .25, p = .005], and the Towers Test [r(123) = .30, p = .001]. The WASI verbal scale score was significantly
correlated with Trails [r(123) = .19, p = .037] and Verbal Fluency [r(122) = .26, p = .004). The BRIEF-A (GEC)
was significantly correlated with the WASI full scale [r(116) = -.21, p = .022] and WASI performance [r(116) =
-.21, p = .025].
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Discussion: Findings suggest that certain domains of intelligence and specific executive functions are positively
correlated in a college sample. Interestingly, stronger correlations were found between intelligence and
objective measures of EF than were found for subjective measures of EF. This deserves further investigation,
as the subjective measure is considered a more ecologically sensitive measure, and frequently used in clinical
settings.
299
Addressing corporal punishment with behavior
and social change approaches: Findings from a
systematic review
HM-038
Carmen Cronin
Co-Author(s): Dr. Suruchi Sood
Advisor(s): Dr. Suruchi Sood
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Community Health & Prevention
Background: The Convention on the Rights of the Child defines corporal punishment as any punishment in
which physical force is used and intended to cause some degree of pain or discomfort, however light. Social
acceptance of violence contributes to the continued use of corporal punishment as a form of discipline. Limited
legal protection against corporal punishment further normalizes the use of violence against children. As
violence often stems from social and cultural norms, behavior and social change approaches play a critical role
in creating cultures that support child rights.
Objectives: To develop recommendations for future programs and research through a systematic review of
behavior and social change approaches addressing violence against children, a study commissioned by
UNICEF.
Methods: Peer-reviewed and grey literature since 2000 was examined utilizing six search engines. Search
terms included various communication approaches, as well as broad and specific types of violence. Of the 302
manuscripts coded, only 12 addressed corporal punishment.
Conclusions: Evaluations of interventions from developing countries are greatly needed. Future research should
examine the effectiveness of using a public health primary prevention approach and the long-term effectives of
interventions.
300
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Results: A majority of interventions are from developed countries. Theoretical frameworks underpinning
interventions are rare. Corporal punishment can occur in many settings, yet only one of the interventions
focused on corporal punishment outside the home. The effectiveness of interventions is unclear. Manuscripts
reported positive results; however, one review claimed that the effectiveness of corporal punishment
interventions is mostly unknown or at best inconclusive.
Juvenile Justice Contact Among Individuals with an
Autism Spectrum Disorder
HM-039
Paul Turcotte
Co-Author(s): Lindsay Shea
Advisor(s): Craig Newschaffer
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
Epidemiology
HM
Past research has shown that individuals in the juvenile justice system have high rates of behavioral and
mental diagnoses. While diagnoses like ADHD and Asperger’s have been examined in these populations, there
are few papers that examined rates of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) contact with the juvenile justice System.
The primary purpose of this study is to investigate rates of juvenile justice system contact in a populationbased sample of youth with ASD, compare these rates to general population rates, and examine these trends
over time. Data used to identify the population with ASD were collected from a northeastern state through
enrollment in Medical Assistance and other Public Welfare programs. Youth with an ASD diagnosis between
the ages of 10 and 21 in calendar years 2005 and 2011 were identified using at least one Medicaid claim for
ASD in those years. Individuals with ASD were identified by the state juvenile justice Office and linked to their
respective records for juvenile justice system initial dispositions. Crude contact rates for the ASD population
were compared to rates in the general population gathered from publicly available state and federal data tools.
Poisson regression was used adjust rates for basic demographic characteristics and to contrast adjusted rates
in the ASD and general population group. Crude rates show a higher rate of contact with the juvenile justice
system for individuals with ASD when compared to the general population. For the ASD population, contact
rates increased from 63.8 to 135.5 dispositions per 100 PYS from 2005 to 2011. Meanwhile the contact rates
in the general population decreased from 119.4 to 12.7 dispositions per 1000 PYS in the same time period.
Regression analyses are ongoing. Should these patterns persist, the implication is that individuals with ASD in
our sample are at a higher risk for juvenile justice system contact than the general population.
301
Cultural Pluralism At Work: Understanding the
Cultural Assimilation of Indian Students at Drexel
University
HM-040
Soeleen Kaur
Advisor(s): Dr. Usha Menon
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Anthropology
HM
This research project explores the process of assimilation that international Indian undergraduates experience
at Drexel University. This is an interesting research topic because Indian Americans are one of the most
successful immigrant groups in the United States who, despite achieving structural assimilation, do not seek
and therefore, perhaps, do not achieve “cultural” or “behavioral” assimilation. Thus, they are active in politics,
public affairs, and the corporate world, but they tend not to adopt the customs and manners of mainstream
Anglo-American society. Using the method of in-depth qualitative interviews combined with participant
observation, this particular study hopes to understand the dynamics of this process of assimilation. Thus, the
questions it seeks to answer are: Which are the traditional customs that persist? Which are the cultural norms
that have enduring value? How can one plausibly explain the persistence of these norms and customs?
302
A Study of Jazz Improvisation: The Impact of
Explicit Instructions, Personality, Affect, and
Domain-Expertise on Creative Improvisation
HM-041
David Rosen
Advisor(s): Dr. Youngmoo Kim, Dr. John Kounios
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology
HM
Often times, experiments seeking to measure creativity and insight lack ecological validity and are not
transferrable to other real-world tasks. This work explores expert creativity in a higher-order, complex
cognitive task, jazz improvisation. The present study’s primary objective is to determine if jazz improvisation
performance amongst expert jazz pianists significantly differs in creativity when given explicit instructions
to be creative. Furthermore, this work seeks to better understand and explore potential factors, which may
contribute to individuals’ enhanced or stifled creative performance under this conditional manipulation. Jazz
Pianists performed four improvised performances over a series of chord changes with either standard or explicit
instructions in a multiple baseline design. An audio accompaniment (upright bass and drums) and a jazz lead
sheet was provided. Demographic and domain-expertise information, two personality inventories (Big Five
Inventory and Frost Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale), and pre-post affect surveys (Positive and Negative
Affect Scale) were collected to evaluate the relationship between these factors and creative improvisational
performance. Musicians’ cognitive strategies will be reported, as well, to understand adaptive strategies when
striving for a “be creative” goal. MIDI data will be collected from each performance to determine if discrete
music features are predictive of high levels of creativity.
303
Temporal Dimension in Data Sampling: Relevance
and Accuracy in Mediated Domains
HM-042
Brandon Niezgoda
Co-Author(s): Asta Zelenkauskaite
Advisor(s): Asta Zelenkauskaite
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Culture and Communication
HM
Given persistent availability of online commenting, how are they distributed over time? Based on a Lithuanian
news portal, Delfi.it, this research aimed to discover trends in asynchronous user-generated comments from
archival depositories to aid researchers in creating tactical sampling techniques situated for new media.
We collected a total of 1,385 comments on September 13th, 2013 to account enough time for completed
commenting cycles on 15 middle level frequency stories (in terms of user posting). Articles, taken from all
content categories, ranged from 22 to 68 comments (mean=41.2; median=33), not including one high-level
767-comment article. Initial comments occurred within five to 39 minutes after the pages were posted. Eight
stories were categorized by 80-95% first day comment distribution, and four stories by 50-69%. The four
remaining stories comments were distributed proportionally over a three to four day period of time. Only one
true irregularity was pinpointed with a comment posted on November 28th (the 68-comment story), which
supports the concept of cyclicity. The overall analysis shows comment distribution and article relevance
following a standard curve, with a spike within the first or the second day and a life cycle that lasted four to five
days. This study bears practical implications for researchers who wish to be selective; sampling the first three
days is sufficient. Those who wish to have an exhaustive search, although perhaps not relevant, will discover
the furthest comment being posted within three months. This is significantly delayed, and extraneous, as this
research pinpoints the pronounced trend of a general three-wave format per story with the first peak usually
hitting within the first two to three hours of a story’s posting. Importantly however, waves within a cycle do have
their own life—with magnitudes and durations of the second and third waves predicted to be contextually driven
by social habits and practices.
304
A Complete Chronological Timeline of Breast
Augmentation
HM-043
Michael Mirmanesh
Medical Student
College of Medicine
HM
Hypomastia has been a concern of women and a topic of media speculation for the majority of modern history.
Though individual reasons for concern vary, numerous studies have uncovered that unsatisfactory breast
volume may lead to many negative psychosocial consequences. For as long as women’s dissatisfaction with
breast size has been an issue, breast augmentation has been one solution. Though results and safety have
vastly improved since techniques to augment breasts were first introduced, women have been satisfied and
positively impacted since early attempts began. As quality and safety of breast augmentation continue to
advance and the surgical techniques continue to improve, to fully grasp where we are going, a plastic surgeon
as well as other inquiring minds must fully understand what has been done to lead us to the point where we are
today.
305
Gender, Race, and Labor Representation: A Visual
Rhetorical and Content Analysis of American
Apparel’s Instagram Advertising Campaign
HM-044
Melinda Sebastian
Co-Author(s): Ethan Lascity
Advisor(s): Wes Shumar
This poster presents the results of an ongoing study on gender, race, and labor in online advertising. Our
analysis was of the online photo-sharing application Instagram, that is currently owned by Facebook. The
dataset consisted of a random sampling of 100 images from American Apparel’s Instagram campaign collected
in the time period beginning July 1, 2013 and ending on December 31, 2013. We employed a mixed methods
approach that Herring suggests for computer-mediated communication, by first conducting a visual content
analysis of American Apparel’s Advertising campaign on Instagram (2011; Kapidzic & Herring, 2014). However
because we were interested specifically in racial representation we also performed a contextual rhetorical
analysis on both the visual aspects of the photos as well as the texts of each post, paying close attention to the
affordances of Instagram such as hashtags and emoticons or “emojis” (Burke, 1997; Dresner & Herring, 2012).
Although Kapidzic and Herring conducted a visual content analysis that included race, they acknowledged
that a better practice is to allow subjects to select their own racial identity, when possible. The qualitative
rhetorical analysis of the visuals and text was therefore a necessary compliment to the more quantitative
visual content analysis. The results thus far demonstrate that American Apparel’s Instagram follows the same
model of objectified and sexualized women, first discussed by Goffman in 1979, and more recently observed
in a longitudinal study of Rolling Stone covers by Hatton & Trautner in 2011. Additionally many of American
Apparel’s “models” are actually identified as employees from their retail stores, compounding the gender
and racial bias in advertising even further by the added power dynamics inherent to employee and employer
relationships. The most statistically significant findings from the quantitative portion of the study show that
female employees were sexualized 4% of the time by being depicted revealing clothing or as partially nude,
while male employees were never depicted this way, and that “named” female employees identified by name
were depicted as sexualized by revealing clothing or partially nude and sexualized poses while again named
male employees were never depicted this way. Finally the qualitative analysis revealed that in keeping with
classic and contemporary theory on gender and race the images produced and “reproduced” the dominant
ideology of the “white patriarchy at the expense of gender and racial minority groups (hooks, 1992; 2012), by
featuring non-white workers on the factory floor in background groups only, never named, compared to the
many white professional models and retail employees depicted as models.
306
HM
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Culture & Communication
Treatment Efficacy for Antenatal Substance Use: A
Meta-Analysis
HM-045
Julie Present Koller
Co-Author(s): Dr. David DeMatteo
Advisor(s): Dr. David DeMatteo
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Clinical Psychology
HM
This study was a meta-analysis of treatment outcome studies that have examined substance use treatment for
pregnant women. To date, there have been no systematic reviews of this literature. Two independent coders
collected the available studies and independently coded multiple variables, including statistical, methodological,
client, and program factors. Quantitative outcomes were aggregated a) to determine whether substance use
treatment programs for pregnant women were effective, and b) to examine additional variables, such as the
type of intervention or treatment setting, that may have moderated the overall treatment effect. Twenty-six
studies met inclusion criteria. The overall treatment effect when aggregating across outcome variables was
in the small to moderate range; the standard difference of means (SDM) was .3 (p<.001). Treatment seemed
to have the greatest impact (SDM=.7, p<.0001) on maternal outcome variables, such as employment status,
comorbid mental health disorders, parenting skills, prenatal visit compliance, and medical and health status.
When assessing the overall treatment effect as determined by treatment/drug use outcomes, the SDM was
.3 (p<.0001). For birth outcomes, the overall SDM was .2 (p<.001). Both the type of intervention treatment
and the treatment setting significantly moderated the overall treatment effect. Substance use programs
targeting pregnant women with substance use disorders appear to be beneficial, especially when a behavioralcontingency component or methadone maintenance component is added to the treatment protocol.
307
Studying the Effects of the Affordable Care Act on
Medical Tourism in the United States
HM-046
Andrea Verghese
Advisor(s): Yoto V. Yotov
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Tissue Engineering
With the cost of medical care rising eight percent every year, more Americans are finding themselves unable
to pay for basic medical care if it is performed in the United State. This has led to a rapid rise in the medical
tourism industry. Even after the sobering effects of recent recession, the number of American medical tourists
was still expected to grow to 1.6 million in 2012 and the industry continued to show a forward growth rate of
35%.
Although the medical tourism industry has been well studied, recent changes in the American health care
market warrant a re-evaluation of previous projections. In 2010, Congress passed the Patient Protection
and Affordable Care Act, commonly known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or “Obamacare”. As the ACA’s
provisions are enforced, the health care economy is increasingly changing. At this time, this author could
not find any empirical analyses looking at the ACA and its effects on medical tourism. Thus, while the effect
of medical tourism on the economies of both developed and developing nations has been well studied, the
introduction of the new American healthcare laws clearly warrants a re-evaluation of this trade system.
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The research presented here will a use survey of attitudes towards health care abroad among insured and
uninsured Americans in conjunction with Congressional Budget Office Projections of the change in the number
of insured Americans to project the change in outflow of Americans seeking medical treatment abroad. Using
these numbers, this paper will also calculate the change in hospital revenues. A supply-demand analysis of
the effects of the new laws on both the domestic and foreign ends of the medical tourism industry will also be
performed.
308
Bypassing effect: Congruency of vocabularies
within and between patient and professional groups
for describing hypertension
HM-047
Qing Ping
Advisor(s): Christopher Yang
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Ph.D. in Information studies
It has long been appealed that patients play a participative and proactive role in decision-making process in the
medical practice. One pre-requisite condition is that patients have minimum information concerning the problem
at hand. Internet serves as a promising tool in assisting patients to search and obtain desired information.
However whether patients could find desired information in this way is largely determined by whether patients’
queries could be matched to desired professional articles. Existing research on patient and professional
vocabularies mainly focus on face-to-face communication context, and few studies have investigated the
congruency of vocabularies in online-searching context. The present research attempts to firstly propose
measurements of within-group and between-group congruencies for vocabularies of two groups, and then
explore to what extent patients and professionals differ in their vocabularies, both within their own group, and
across the two groups, using proposed measurements.
Data extracted from 15 posts from health forums and 15 health articles are analyzed to calculate the proposed
measurements of within-group and between-group congruency. Then the two congruencies are validated by
comparison with measures of Information Entropy and Euclidean Distance and triangulated with word cooccurrence network visualization using Jigsaw. Thirdly congruencies of the two groups are compared, and
distinctive keyword characteristics of the two groups are summarized.
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The proposed measurements are proved to be valid and supported with evidence. Analyzing the measured
results we found that patients have low within-group congruency while professional articles have high withingroup congruency. The between-group congruency across patient and professional groups are relatively low.
Patients tend to describe personal feelings and symptoms and report abnormal cases, while professional
articles focus on standard terms, clinic signs and typical cases.
309
Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in African American
Patients with Heart Failure: Philadelphia Heart
Study
HM-048
Kathleen Ross
Co-Author(s): Kathleen Ross, Purva Jian, Shelley Hankins, Howard J Eisen, Longjian Liu
Advisor(s): Dr. Longjian Liu
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
HM
In the United States, approximately 5.1 million individuals have heart failure. Risk factors for heart failure
include coronary heart disease, elevated blood pressure, and diabetes mellitus. Control of these medical
conditions can prevent and postpone the development of heart failure, and improve the quality of life in patients
with diagnosed heart failure. The aim of this study is to examine whether patients’ disease self-management
knowledge and skills could be significantly improved through an action-oriented intervention program in a real
healthcare setting. We hypothesized that patients with intensive action-oriented consulting and/or training have
significant increases in knowledge of heart failure, self-efficacy for disease control and self-care skills, and
adherence to medication and healthy behaviors. The study consisted of an intervention group (n=79) and a
control group (n=73). The control group received usual healthcare and received health-related questionnaire
surveys. The intervention group received enhanced cardiovascular health-focused education materials
and discussion through health-related survey questionnaires. The results suggest that an action-oriented
participatory intervention may play a fundamental role in improving disease control and prevention in patients
with heart failure. Education through cardiovascular health focused questionnaires improves patients’ selfefficacy, knowledge of heart failure, self-care skills and adherence to medication and healthy behavior.
310
Teens’ Everyday Life Technology Choices and
Preferences
HM-049
Rachel Magee
Advisor(s): Denise Agosto, co-advisor, Andrea Forte, co-advisor
Graduate Student
College of Computing and Informatics
Informatics
HM
As part of a larger dissertation study examining teens’ everyday life information ecologies and spectrums
of technology use, this poster examines teens’ perceptions of their technology choices and preferences.
Spectrums of use range from non-use to heavy use, and can include low, moderate, and temporary levels
of technology use. This dissertation examines a variety of technologies (including social media, mobile
technologies, and other information and communication technologies) in concert with the people, practices, and
values present in teens’ lives outside of school. This preliminary work uses thematic analysis on surveys, audio
diary recordings, creative activities, and interviews made with urban teens to illuminate their ideas about how,
why, and when they use technologies in their everyday lives.
311
Top 40 USA Radio on Social Networking Sites
HM-051
Nicholas Grodsky
Advisor(s): Asta Zelenkauskaite
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Communication, Culture, and Media
Over the last decade, participation in online social networking sites (SNS) by traditional, pre-Internet media
outlets has become a standard practice, with popular U.S. radio stations widely adopting use of SNS since
2009. This study compares publishing trends between Facebook walls and Twitter feeds for ten of the most
popular “Top 40” radio stations across eight major U.S. cities. With offline listenership between one and four
million listeners per station, an average of 61,867 Twitter and 136,837 Facebook followers per station, and
roughly five years of operation on each platform, station SNS use represents standardized practices.
Facebook and Twitter are unique sociotechnical systems with similar affordances in prompt creation. Prompts
are radio messages that appear on station Facebook walls and Twitter feeds. Platform specific technological
affordances, while offering similar opportunities, are seen to facilitate varying degrees of prompt richness as
currently used by “Top 40” radio stations, where “richness” is conceptualized by inclusion of images, words, and
hyperlinks.
HM
We found that Twitter prompts outnumber Facebook by three to one. Twitter prompts also outnumbered
Facebook prompts per station. There are no platform limits on number of prompts that stations can publish, so
this difference in frequency reflects station practice. Despite this, radios engaged in more “rich” prompt creation
on Facebook than on Twitter: 88% of Facebook messages included words, hyperlinks, and pictures while 12%
included words and hyperlinks. Alternatively, 96% of Twitter prompts were words and hyperlinks, 3% included
words, links, and pictures, and 1% words. When Twitter is used by “Top 40” radio stations, prompt richness
is sacrificed for frequency, despite the fact that platform affordances are nearly identical. This analysis shows
different ways in which stations attempted to connect with their listeners, by accounting for sociotechnical
differences between the SNS.
312
How do men and women communicate differently
using body language and why does it matter in the
workplace, dating, and social circles?
HM-052
Sonia Parikh
Co-Author(s): Preet Parekh, Shreya Rane, Vishva Patel, Veronica Montiero
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biology
Communications can be verbal and nonverbal. Nonverbal communication seems to be more immediate but
more ambiguous than verbal communication. Starting with shrugging our shoulders as children to growing up
and communicating with the eyes. Men and women differ significantly in their ways of verbal and nonverbal
communication through tone, movement, and expression. Gender differences should be understood but not
used as a gateway to communicate ambiguously. Why do some say that women communicate differently than
men? Is it the tone of our voice? Is it the way our eyes move? Or are we over thinking the communication
theory? Does communication require a skill that both genders lack? Communication through facial expression,
gestures, mannerism, proximity, and touching may lead to unexpected consequences. This may be a benefit
in dating but what about the work place? Is there a certain limit that people should have in communication with
co-workers? If there are certain rules that each man and woman consider through communication what should
they be and why?
HM
This research will focus on communication and how it differs between men and women throughout their daily
lives.
313
EDUCATION & OUTREACH
The Implementation of Mandatory Pre-Participation
Physical Evaluations of Incoming Freshmen
Athletes by On-Campus Sports Medicine
Physicians
ED-001
Cecelia Fedele
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
Prior to each competitive season, every Division I (DI) collegiate athlete within the NCAA must obtain a preparticipation physical evaluation (PPE) by a licensed physician to determine if they are medically fit to compete
in sport. However, the guidelines for these physical evaluations have been found to be ambiguous with
incoming college freshmen.
The purpose of this project is to (1) construct a more comprehensive medical history questionnaire (MHQ)
to create greater awareness for the sports medicine staff concerning each athlete’s unique needs, (2)
establish guidelines for the online collection of medical history of incoming freshmen athletes, (3) enhance the
physical evaluation of incoming freshman athletes by on-campus sports medicine physicians based on the
comprehensive MHQ, and (4) establish guidelines for bringing incoming freshmen athletes to campus for PPE
by on-campus sports medicine physicians.
This research project will collect PPE forms from DI institutions. It will be determined if the forms provided are
ones developed by the sports medicine staff of the individual institution or if the forms are those recommended
by the NCAA. Once the type of form is established, the content of these PPE forms will be examined and
compared to that of the NCAA along with other DI institutions. This examination will focus specifically on the
MHQ and the physicians performing the physical exam portion of the PPE.
ED
Steps will be taken to ensure the incoming freshmen athlete is meeting NCAA compliance laws in terms of
coming to campus before school starts. In addition, HIPPA guidelines will also be determined and adhered to
within the submission of online-based medical history forms. Upon completion, the objective of this project will
be to implement a web-based MHQ submission along with the mandatory physical evaluation by on-campus
sports medicine physicians of incoming freshmen athletes at Drexel University.
315
Quantitative Methods of Analyzing Law: A
Quantitative-Legal Approach to Healthcare Law
ED-002
Viren Doshi
Co-Author(s): Kat West, Lindsay Foster
Advisor(s): Sarah Happy
Law Student
School of Law
Health Law
ED
Laws are one of the most effective ways to improve public health yet a gap exists in looking systematically at
the effects of laws on public health. Without rigorous research, it is difficult to know whether laws are making
a difference and if they are, why. With many public health law controlled by State government, uniform legal
approaches to public health improvement are rare. Creating a tool which which helps analyze these differences
at the legal and regulatory level proves to be a great premise in later case-by-case analysis. The LawAtlas
policy surveillance portal is a gateway to key laws aimed at improving our health or access to health care.
Visitors can use the Interactive Law Maps pages to generate maps and tables highlighting selected features
of the law as it exists today or has changed over time. Visitors can download prepared summaries of current
law from the Policy Surveillance Reports page, and on the Data page, visitors can view and download the
underlying data, codebooks, and protocols. The LawAtlas software proves to be a highly useful tool and is
expanding for use in state legislatures in creating new laws, even here in Pennsylvania where the prescription
drug monitoring program is outdated compared to the rest of the country. LawAtlas has grown to over to
incorporate several datasets and is expanding for third-party use, including the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC) and other agencies across the country.
316
Athletic Development in the Ivy League:
Fundraising Strategies Based on Donor Motivations
and Constraints
ED-003
Matthew Valenti
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
Charitable donations have grown into a major source of revenue for intercollegiate athletic programs in recent
years. Athletic development offices have become vital to the function of athletic departments. Recent research
on athletic fundraising has investigated the motivations and constraints of donors to give to athletic programs.
Studies have looked at the effect of winning, undergraduate experience, identification, gender and academic
prestige on donor contributions. While there has been plenty of research on these topics, the focus has
primarily been on NCAA Division 1-A schools with major football and basketball programs. There has been little
examination into how these factors affect smaller, private institutions and almost no research has been done on
Ivy League athletics.
In comparison to the modern day “arms race” in intercollegiate athletics, the Ivy League is an outlier. Ivy
institutions expect success on the playing field and in academia, yet must do so without the use of athletic or
academic scholarship. Ivy League athletic programs are unique and present different challenges for athletic
fundraisers particularly without clear research of donor motivations and/or constraints.
ED
The purpose of this study is to (1) identify the motivations of donors to Ivy League athletics, (2) identify the
constraints of donors to Ivy League athletics, and (3) identify appropriate development strategies for an
Ivy League athletic development office to increase the effectiveness of their fundraising efforts. In order to
determine this information, the researcher will interview athletic development officers from around the Ivy
League. The research will provide a quantitative study of first-hand experiences of fundraisers in Ivy League
Athletics.
317
Identity Crises in International Schools: New Forms
of Citizenship in Local and Global Contexts
ED-004
Mollie Davis
Advisor(s): Kristy Kelly, Rebecca Clothey
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
PhD in Educational Leadership and Development and Learning Technologies
ED
International schools are playing an increasing role in the education of elite national students for global
leadership roles. These schools generally operate outside national education standards and curricula
requirements. They privilege English language learning, American and European standards and teachers
familiar with those systems. While they offer important opportunities for some students to escape failing local
schools and gain access to global economic and political networks, they do so in ways that risk alienating
them from developing a national identity and commitment to local social change. This paper explores the
tension between educating for global citizenship and socializing citizens into in their local context. Drawing
on the growing literature about international schools, global identity construction, and cultural capital and elite
socialization, this paper considers how international schools articulate their goals for their students. I specifically
analyze international school websites, curricula and publicly available reports and documents to consider how
schools situate themselves and their students, both locally and globally. I consider the role school organization,
student and parent involvement, and curricula play in promoting social justice or reproducing inequality in
school contexts. Data analysis is informed by nine years of living and working in international schools in
Turkey, Bangladesh and Honduras. This paper is part of a larger study on the education of global elites and
opportunities for upward mobility in local and global contexts.
318
Anchored Instruction: Designing Interactive
Scenarios for Online Courses
ED-005
Matthew Duvall
Advisor(s): Elizabeth Haslam
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
Educational Leadership and Technology
For many years educational researchers such as Bransford and Barab have recognized the value of anchored
instruction, where authentic problem-based scenarios give context to academic content. This type of learning
involves creating a complex situation that requires higher-level thinking and problem-solving in order to better
understand academic concepts. The advent of online education has offered unique opportunities for providing
learners with these kinds of authentic situations, while also presenting unique challenges. On the one hand,
many software applications today give educators, even those with basic technical skills, the ability to create
interactive and meaningful experiences for learners. At the same time, a number of design “best practices”
need to be considered when creating such technological content. Teachers may feel overwhelmed by the
prospect of designing such scenarios, particularly for online courses where instructional design becomes even
more important due to the absence of face-to-face interactions.
ED
This poster discusses a current project in the Educational Learning Technologies division, using Adobe
Captivate to create engaging and realistic experiences for online students. In this project, we worked to
create a tutorial that could empower teachers to design scenario-based problems in order to create more
meaningful learning experiences for online learners. The purpose of the project is twofold: first, to emphasize
considerations and affordances of scenario-based learning in an online environment; secondly, to describe the
use of Adobe Captivate 7 as one tool to accomplish the creation of these learning experiences.
319
Educational Cultural Exchange: LeBow/European
School of Business, Germany
ED-006
Mita Patel
Co-Author(s): Brian Ellis, Sheri Shaw
Staff
LeBow College of Business
Adivisng-LeBow/ESB Dual Degree Program
The LeBow-ESB Dual Degree Program is committed to providing an in-depth experience in international
business practices that will enhance student knowledge and proficiency. The LeBow-ESB Dual Degree
Program provides services and initiatives designed to help students develop and succeed within the program
of Drexel University and Reutlingen University, ESB. To attend ESB students must be proficient in German,
completing at least 6 levels of German before going abroad. An accelerated course is required before students
start classes in Germany as language of instruction is in German. Students will also complete their last co-op in
Germany, working with a German company. The program is 18 months long.
According to the World Education Program there are many educational, personal, and long-term reasons for
participating in an exchange program. Educationally, students will learn multi-faceted approaches to learning,
develop foreign language skills not learned in the classroom, and become well rounded in understanding global
issues (World Education Program Australia 2014).
Overall participating in an exchange program pushes students out of their comfort zone, forcing them to
become comfortable in “foreign” environments. As our world is increasingly becoming more and more global,
employers want to see a well-rounded student who has traveled and has had diverse cultural experiences
(World Education Program Australia 2014).
ED
This poster illustrates the benefits of exchange programs, educationally as well as professionally and a
comparison of the German vs. American educational systems.
320
Playing for a Higher Being: Does a Religious Belief
and Level of Observance Effect a Division I College
Athlete’s Play
ED-007
Steven Graber
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
For collegiate athletic coaches and administrators, it is imperative for them to know the effects religion can have
on college students, especially student-athletes. College students in recent years have been yearning to learn
about the philosophical aspects of life (Bartlett, 2005; Sherkat, 2007; Dalton, Eberhardt, Bracken & Echols,
2006) that religion can answer. Though it was found that student-athletes engage in less spirituality-enhancing
activities than any other student group (Kuh & Gonyea, 2006), religion does play an important part in their life
to help with the uncertainties in athletic competition (Storch, et al., 2001). With copious amounts of research
observing the relationship between religion and collegiate athletics, there has not been any work observing the
relationship between playing time and religiosity.
ED
The purpose of this study was to survey current student-athletes at Drexel University who compete on a teambased sport about their (1) religious affiliation, (2) level of observance, and (3) percentage of playing time
during competition. Surveys were sent to the teams electronically by their respective Head Coach with a follow
up e-mail to get the maximum number of participants. Results of the survey were analyzed to conclude if a
relationship exists between playing time and self-reported religiosity.
321
Hip Hop Lit: An Intersectional Analysis of Three
Novels
ED-008
Jeana Morrison
Advisor(s): Kristy Kelly
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
Ed Leadership Development and Learning Technologies
ED
Hip Hop Lit has been characterized by its presentation of life in the inner cities of America. It is closely
linked with Hip Hop music as it is also wrought with the themes of drugs, sex, violence, and everything that
constitutes “street life”. Despite the “hard core” attributes associated with Hip Hop Literature, Black females
between the ages of 14 and 35 are among the largest group of consumers. My paper will examine Hip Hop Lit
as a space of knowledge production using an intersectional framework of critical race and feminist theories.
Drawing from three popular novels I will discuss how Hip Hop Lit is read through the eyes of academia and the
implications for use in the classroom. Looking specifically at the female protagonists in the books, I will analyze
the ways in which their Black and Female sexualities are constructed and what these racialized, gendered,
and sexual scripts mean to young Black women who are attempting to negotiate, define, and invent their
own sexualities. In all three novels the Black and Female protagonists represent hegemonic interpretations
of Black female sexuality in that all are written as uneducated, hypersexual, and overly dependent on their
physical attractiveness to get ahead. These racialized crystallizations of Black female identity and sexuality
are reminiscent of the invented Black and Female figures that manifest within larger Hip Hop culture. Applying
textual analysis, my findings suggest that the emergence of Hip Hop Literature and/or Street Fiction in our
cultural marketplace might be viewed as opening spaces for new voices to emerge, however, the stories that
are told continue to reproduce dominant understandings of inner city life as patriarchal, sexist, misogynistic,
and homophobic. Therefore, Hip Hop Lit without critical reflection offers few opportunities for young people to
rethink normative identities of race, class, and gender.
322
The Impact of Adding On-demand Programming to
the Program Offerings at the Drexel Recreational
Center
ED-009
Kathleen Obuszewski
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
On-demand programming can offer collegiate recreation centers new ways to use group exercise space.
On-demand programming is a computer system in place in an exercise studio that allows a user to select
instructional exercise videos or virtual bike trails for the stationary bikes at their own leisure. The Drexel
Recreation Center was one of the first collegiate recreation centers to include on-demand training as an
additional programming asset to the group exercise offerings. The purpose of this study was to determine 1)
the effect on-demand fitness has on membership numbers at a collegiate recreation center, 2) the effect ondemand fitness has on gross participation numbers at the same collegiate recreation center, and 3) the effect
on-demand fitness has on group exercise participation numbers at the same recreation center.
ED
In order to determine if an impact has occurred, there was an analysis of secondary data in an effort to
understand any changes in participation numbers (group exercise participation, facility access and membership
numbers) as a result of this new technology.
323
Teachers’ perceptions of student thinking
ED-010
Anthony Matranga
Co-Author(s): Jason Silverman
Advisor(s): Jason Silverman
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
Educational leadership development and learning technologies
ED
Effective formative assessment practices can support student learning of mathematical concepts. Engaging in
these practices typically begins with analyzing student thinking in order to understand how students understand
a particular concept. In our current work, we investigate the ways in which teachers approach the process of
analyzing student thinking in preparing student-centered instruction and individualized feedback. During an
extended professional development opportunity focused on supporting teachers’ formative assessment skill,
teachers engaged in a task that involved analyzing and reflecting on student thinking. Qualitative analysis of
these experiences yielded several categories of perceptions that guided teacher’s performance on the task. In
this poster, we will describe these categories and give detailed examples of teacher activity in each category.
Given the centrality of student thinking in formative assessment, understanding this thinking is the first step
towards teacher’s development of formative assessment practices.
324
Herpes Zoster associated intestinal pseudoobstruction
ED-011
Nino Oqroshide
Advisor(s): Rosemary, Harris
Resident/Fellow (M.D.)
Other (Administration/Staff)
Family Medicine
A 77 yr old Cambodian immigrant with PMH of CHF, HTN and hyperlipidemia presented to the office with
left upper quadrant abdominal pain for a week and severe constipation. Pain was described as irritating,
constant and interrupted sleep. His previous bowel habits were regular and he denied fever, chills, dysuria or
bleeding. Physical examination showed an elderly Asian male in some distress, uncomfortable and clutching
his LUQ intermittently. There was abdominal distention with decreased bowel sounds and left upper quadrant
tenderness to palpation, without rebound, guarding or peritoneal signs. On closer skin inspection two small
1cm to 1.5 cm sized round, fluid filled vesicles were noted at T 9 level on left mid axillary line. Patient attributed
skin lesions to hot compresses he was applying to ease the abdominal pain.Presumptive diagnosis of Herpes
Zoster associated constipation was made, vesicle content was cultured and patient was given prescriptions
for Acyclovir 800 mg qid,Polyethylene glycol, Docusate sodium and asked to follow up in three days. Over
the next 48 hrs pain progressed and he was sent to the ER Obstruction series and CT abdomen revealed
copious stool throughout the colon without frank obstruction or free air, Chest X ray and cardiac workup were
unremarkable, urinalysis and blood work showed no signs of infection. He was discharged home with diagnosis
of constipation.Patient returned to clinic six days after initial presentation with complaints of worsening intense
neuropathic pain and severe constipation. He admitted to not taking acyclovir. Physical exam revealed
extensive vesicular eruption in T 8-T9 dermatomal distribution The importance of Acyclovir was reinforced
Gabapentin and oxycodone were started for pain, along with bowel regimen again.
ED
His bowel habits return to baseline after one month of initial presentation, neuropathic pain is still ongoing at
two months follow up, managed with Lidocaine topical patch and gabapentin.
325
Making a Case: The Need for an Academic Coach in
NCAA Division I Football Programs
ED-012
Kristen Harris
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
It has been well documented that the graduation rates of football student-athletes at Football Bowl Subdivision
(FBS) institutions is lower than those of student-athletes as a whole. The National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) the governing body for collegiate athletics has put certain mechanisms in place to improve
graduation rates. Since the implementation of the Graduation Success Rate (GSR) and the Academic Progress
Report (APR) by the NCAA, graduation rates have increased, but there still is room for improvement.
The GSR tracks student-athletes for a six year period beginning the day they enter college (Hosick, 2013).
The APR is a team based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete each
term (NCAA.org). According to the latest GSR report, 81% of the student-athletes who entered college in 2006
earned their degrees within six years (Hosick, 2013). The football student-athletes competing in the Football
Bowl Subdivision (FBS) posted their highest GSR to date of 71% (Hosick, 2013). When comparing the GSR
between African-American football student-athletes at FBS institutions and white football student-athletes at
FBS institutions, there is a glaring disparity. According to the 2009-2010 NCAA Student-Athlete Ethnicity Report,
47.4% of football players at the FBS level are African-American (NCAA.org). The GSR for African American
football student-athletes is 64% and 84% for white football student-athletes at FBS institutions (Lapchick, 2009).
Graduation rates have steadily increased over the years and appear to be on an upward trend, but institutions
have to develop ways to better serve and motivate football student-athletes, especially those at FBS schools.
ED
The purpose of this study is to (1) gain an understanding of what motivates football student-athletes at FBS
institutions to graduate, and (2) make a case for an academic coach specific to football.
326
Hands-On Robotic Engineering for High School
Students
ED-013
Gregory King
Advisor(s): Warren Rosen
Undergraduate Student
Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies
Engineering Technolgy
ED
You learn by doing. The classroom can teach you the world, but until you go into the world and try to figure out
a problem for yourself you won’t be able to prove that you have learned anything. A program offered by the
Engineering Technology program this past year was a remote-controlled robotic racecar competition for high
school students. The attempt was to attract local high school STEM students to the world of engineering. The
world of robotics is growing, so the youth today have a greater interest than ever before, leading to a natural
interest in engaging in the exercise. We first gave to students a brief lecture on torque and gear ratios and
then are given a set of materials for the car kits and are asked to build the fastest racecar for a given track.
Not only do these individuals engage in the activity but they have to opportunity to ask faculty and undergrads
that are at the area about this technology and the world of engineering. There were quite a few parallels of
this exercise that the high school student got to experience with this race. Since engineering in the real world
is based on teams of individuals working together to solve a given problem, that aspect is portrayed in event.
Also engineering is a competitive field, you have to build your product best, faster and stronger in comparison
to your competitors in order to win. The goal of this was to both educate high school students with faculty and
undergraduates and to attract more high quality students to Drexel’s engineering program.
327
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the Eat.Right.
Now. High School Nutrition Education Intervention
Program
ED-014
Samantha Beaino
Co-Author(s): Alexandra Bell, Antoinette Burke
Advisor(s): Ann Marsteller
Undergraduate Student
College of Nursing and Health Professions
Nutrition Science Department
ED
The increasing prevalence of overweight and obese Americans has reached epidemic proportions in children
and adolescents. Effective, school-based, nutrition intervention programs are important for improving the health
status of children and adolescents. Eat.Right.Now. (ERN) is a nutrition education program for elementary,
middle, and high school students eligible to receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
benefits. This program is funded by the Pennsylvania (PA) Department of Public Welfare through PA Nutrition
Education Tracks, a part of USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. ERN in the Nutrition Sciences
Department at Drexel University provides nutrition lessons and demonstrations to SNAP-eligible children in
The School District of Philadelphia. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the ERN
high school nutrition intervention on improving nutrition knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Six ERN high
schools were randomly selected for evaluation. A pre-intervention survey of 47 questions was administered
to 407 students in the fall of 2013. Five structured lessons were taught over a three-month period, after which
the survey was re-administered in the winter of 2014. ERN staff conducted all lessons and surveys. Pretest
data was analyzed for behavior and knowledge regarding consumption of fruit, vegetables, sugary beverages,
and fast food. Attitudes were not included in this analysis due to a limited number of questions. Only 20%
of students consumed the recommended fruit intake of greater than one serving per day; 6% consumed the
recommended green salad intake, of greater than once per day; 13% consumed the recommended milk intake
of 2-3 times per day. In contrast, 80% of students identified fast foods as high in fat, sodium, and calories. Postintervention data will be analyzed and compared to pretest data in order to determine the effectiveness of the
ERN education lessons.
328
Path to a Draft: Major League Baseball’s
Relationship with the Dominican Republic and
Venezuela
ED-015
Sean Loutzenhiser
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
The game of baseball is America’s National Pastime and a sport that dominates the landscape. Now that
game has expanded throughout the world and in particular in Latin America. Latin American athletes see
an opportunity to escape the poverty of their countries through baseball. Major League Baseball (MLB), in
particular the various team owners, saw an opportunity to acquire cheap young talent. Thus, an influx of
baseball academies arrived in countries such as the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. These academies
provided places for athletes to learn the game under the tutelage of Major League instructors. However, this
has caused a situation of exploitation of these young athletes.
ED
The exploitation extends to every aspect of the athlete’s life. It affects their ability to make money at market
value as well as their ability to achieve an education. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of an
international draft on the Dominican Republic and Venezuela to see if it eases or ends the exploitation of Latin
American players. It took into account the recent changes made by the MLB to with respect to previous studies
and their concerns. In addition, the study took into account the recent changes made by the MLB with respect
to international signings.
329
Project Drexel Women’s Basketball: A Look into
Former Student Athlete Support
ED-016
Michelle Baker
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
ED
Athletic departments need to secure donations has become more important as expenses continue to rise.
A constituent group that has been over looked in the past is former student athletes. Realizing their benefits
financially has led to more research to improve former student athlete athletic giving. The donor profile
for former student athletes is unique and having a relationship with former athletic program is extremely
important to this group. Applying donor motivation theories to an alumni engagement program for a Division I
women’s basketball program was the focus of this research. The purpose of this research was to (1) to identify
opportunities to foster meaningful relationships between alumni of Drexel University Women’s Basketball
and current Drexel University Women’s Basketball athletes (2) to identify opportunities to foster meaningful
relationships between alumni of Drexel University Women’s basketball and current Drexel University Women’s
Basketball coaching staff (3) to develop strategies to encourage alumni of Drexel University Women’s
Basketball to begin or increase financial gifts to Drexel University Women’s Basketball. Strategies to educate
coaches on simple changes to their program to increase alumni support will result from this research. The initial
phase will evaluate of the current status of alumni relations with Drexel University Women’s Basketball program.
Interviews with coaches, athletic director and athletic development will be necessary to understand program
in further detail. Once these essential steps have been completed, five NCAA athletic directors with programs
directed toward alumni giving will be interviewed for pertinent information regarding the topic. Upon completion,
the objective will be to implement guidelines into Drexel’s women’s basketball program to secure more support
(donations and involvement) from alumni. The success will be measured by the increased number of alumni
support and overall feeling of the relationships.
330
Mindful Leadership - A Phenomenological Study
of Vietnamese Buddhist Monks in America with
Respect to their Spiritual Leadership Roles and
Contributions to Society
ED-017
Phe Xuan Bach
Advisor(s): W. Edward Bureau PhD
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
Educational Leadership and Management (HRD)
The lack of the spiritual dimension has become a major factor contributing to a lack of ethical action by our
leaders. We also lack an in-depth understanding of how the spiritual leadership practices of the Vietnamese
Buddhist monk (VBMs) might be models of moral and ethical leadership for others in the larger society.
This study promises to contribute toward the development of a new model of leadership to foster change in
individuals, families, and organizations.
The three research questions are as follows: (1) What are the essences of the lived experiences of VBMs in
spiritual leadership roles? (2) How do they describe their ethical and spiritual practices as spiritual leaders?
(3) How do VBMs perceive their roles in encouraging a spiritual life for those in leadership roles, so they can
effectively lead others?
This qualitative research utilized a phenomenological approach to learn how to apply the leadership lessons
derived from the lived experiences of VBMs in America by snowball effect sampling. Three main themes
that emerged from the research are: (1)VBMs in America and their lived-experiences are dynamic, unique,
and positively contribute to the society because of their spiritual leadership roles and obligations; (2)their
leadership style is characterized as authentically leading by example, basing decisions upon the core values
of mindfulness, compassion, and wisdom; and (3)through their practices, presence, and contributions to the
welfare of others, they bring about peace of mind and happiness for themselves and others in society.
ED
The findings were extracted from participants resulting in five principles of mindful leadership; they are: Leading
from the Inside Out, Notion of Daily Practice, Leading-by-Example, Congruence, and Notion of Completeness.
Eleven recommendations emerged from this study with eight being the techniques and strategies to achieve
mindfulness, peace, compassion and happiness and the remaining three being dedicated to further research.
331
Development of an In-House Energy Management
Simulator at Drexel University
ED-018
Jonathan Berardino
Co-Author(s): Mohammed Muthalib, Tiffany Lakins, Jesse Hill, Chika Nwankpa
Advisor(s): Chika Nwankpa
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
ED
A hardware/software Energy Management Simulator has been developed at Drexel University as a tool for
developing and testing Smart Grid applications. Designed to be integrated into the existing Interconnected
Power System Laboratory (IPSL) and Reconfigurable Distribution Automation and Control (RDAC) laboratory,
this test bed combines research on building management systems, demand side planning, distributed energy
resources, and smart grid technology, providing an in-house test platform that can be used for teaching,
research and as a training tool for Energy Management Systems. This poster describes the evolution of the
design and development of the Energy Management Simulator, particularly how experience with demand side
planning activities conducted on Drexel University’s campus has been included in the platform development.
The overall system architecture, including the hardware components, software and computer systems, as well
as communication systems is also presented.
332
Playing to See: Developing the Keys to the
Collection Digital Art Game
ED-019
Pooja Rangan
Co-Author(s): Kevin M. Gross, Robert R. Speck
Advisor(s): Dr. Aroutis Foster, Dr. Jen Katz-Buonincontro
Graduate Student
School of Public Health
This research poster explains the development of a new digital arts-based game called Keys to the Collection
(KttC) developed by the School of Education faculty Dr. Aroutis Foster and Dr. Jen Katz-Buonincontro
in collaboration with the Barnes Foundation. The purpose of the KttC game is to strengthen aesthetic
understanding and creative self-efficacy in children aged 7-14 years, as they play the game on mobile devices
in the galleries at the Barnes Foundation.. The three 3D modules in the game ArtSee, ArtDash and ArtPuzzle
introduce the principles of line, color and shape through performing different tasks. The Ensemble Creator
allows the player to exercise his/her creativity and step into the role of Dr. Barnes himself. Gameplay is
reinforced with Fun Facts, Keys, Explorer Badges, and Points. AR Technology can be used to add works of art
into the game, and collect in a digital portfolio. Creativity Badges will be used for peer ratings of Ensembles, or
collections of these works of art.
ED
The game is based on Play, Curriculum activity, Reflection and Discussion (PCaRD) framework, a pedagogical
model for integrating games with learning art. KttC has been tested with 8 children between 7-14 years of
age, who navigated a 3D environment modeled after the artworks of Henri Rousseau, Jules Pascin, Giorgio
de Chirico, William James Glackens, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne. Qualitative interviews and
observations of the level of involvement in the game were done to build an understanding of how children
aesthetically engage with the works of art. We recorded their observations, suggestions and opinions about the
game and art. The children were asked about their perception of line, color, shape and art pre and post playing
the game. The results showed that their thoughts about lines, shapes and color changed from pre to post
playing the game.
333
An Intrinsic Exploratory Case Study: Instructors’
and Graduate Students’ Perceptions of Community
Engagement Quality Factors Within a Selected
Hybrid
ED-020
Samantha Mercanti-Anthony
Advisor(s): Deanna Hill
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
Policy, Organization and Leadership
ED
Research shows that creating an engaged, online community within a fully online course positively effects
a student’s perception of the course. However, there is a lack of research on whether these engaged online
community components transfer to the hybrid-learning environment. To create the perceptions of an online
community within a fully online course, course management systems offer various tools for students to interact
continuously throughout the course. Furthermore, prior research on fully online courses has shown, that online
courses should be instructionally designed to create ongoing dialogues amongst the students on the topic of
study as a component of community building. However, these components are designed for fully online courses
as opposed to hybrid courses where physical interactions exist. An aim in this research study is to determine
if instructors and students within the Doctor of Education hybrid environment perceive these constructs of
online community building as a necessary component or are these online community-building techniques
superfluous. Moreover, this research study seeks to understand if the same instructional techniques and online
tools are required to build online communities in a hybrid environment. The proposed research is designed to
develop a conceptual framework for high quality student engagement in hybrid learning communities based
on the perceptions as measured from the hybrid program at the private university. Measuring these student
and instructor perceptions will show factors influencing student’s perceptions of the design, instruction and
interactive tools within their hybrid courses.
334
Messages from Pope Francis: Exploring church
leaders’ attitudes and behaviors towards LGBT
church members
ED-021
Seth Jacobson
Advisor(s): Jamie Callahan
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
School of Education
ED
Organized religion and homosexuality are often recognized as incompatible. Indeed, the majority of major
organized religions condemns and prohibits homosexuality as a viable sexual orientation and lifestyle (LeVay
& Nonas, 1995, pp. 375-386). In particular, the Roman Catholic Church has classified homosexuality as
“intrinsically evil” and “disordered.” Such classifications were endorsed and affirmed by former Popes Benedict
XVI and John Paul II (Allen, 2005, p. 207; Congregation, 1986). Numerous studies have documented the
myriad stresses and psychological tensions experienced by LGBT persons, and their families, as a result of
the negative messages that such teachings promote. The Roman Catholic Church’s message of condemnation
toward homosexuality within the Roman Catholic Church is shifting. While there has been no official doctrinal
change in the Church’s teaching on matters related to homosexuality, the Pope’s message has been
recognized as a positive, and powerful shift. Using a narrative design, the researchers will interview Catholic
Priests and Sisters within the Archdioceses of a large city in the northeast United States in order to explore the
attitudes and behaviors of Church leaders toward LGBT persons, in light of the new Pope’s message.
335
IEP Facilitation: Exploring New Methods of
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Special Education
ED-022
Rachel Mueller
Co-Author(s): Constance F. Lyttle, Ph.D., J.D.
Advisor(s): Michel L. Miller O’Neal, Ph.D., Constance F. Lyttle, Ph.D., J.D.
Graduate Student
Goodwin School of Education
Ph.D. Program
It is well known that the IDEIA 2004 encourages families and school districts to work together to provide an
appropriate education for children with disabilities. It is also well known that Congress anticipated that disputes
might arise during this collaborative effort and thus mandated procedural safeguards to resolve these inevitable
conflicts.
While the IDEA mandates the use of mediation and resolution meetings as ADR options, these methods are
only available after the due process complaint is filed. Due process hearings are financially and emotionally
devastating for both parties, as well as the home-school relationship..
As a way of addressing disagreements prior to a filed due process complaint, prominent education
organizations have recommended facilitated IEP (IEP Facilitation) meetings as an effective option to aid in
parent involvement and avoid conflict. IEP Facilitation utilizes a neutral or interested facilitator to assist with the
communication and progress of the meetings.
Interestingly, IEP Facilitation is a non-universal method, defined by as many organizations as promoters.
Because the facilitated IEP is a somewhat new phenomenon, and not a federally mandated procedure,
there are no uniform rules regarding who can become a facilitator. This means that facilitator experience
and requirements can vary from state to state, and even school district to school district, leaving a significant
amount of room for inconsistencies across the country not just in how the meetings are run, but in the meeting
outcomes.
ED
During this interactive workshop, participants will explore IDEA mandated and voluntary dispute resolution
options, including several prominent IEP Facilitation methods. Participants will also have an opportunity to
examine the pros and cons of the various IEP facilitation methods as potential offerings in their respective early
dispute resolution policies.
336
Assessing the stringency of penalties for NCAA
member institutions related to banned substances
among the top collegiate men’s basketball
programs
ED-023
Kelly McBryan
Advisor(s): Dr. Amy Giddings
Graduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Sport Management
ED
All Division I and Division II student-athletes, under National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) rules are
required to subject themselves to year round drug testing by the governing body. If a student-athlete tests
positive for drug use under an NCAA mandated drug test, they will lose eligibility. In addition to these NCAA
mandated tests, institutions are encouraged by the NCAA to have institutional drug testing polices. For these
institutional drug testing policies, member institutions can set their own penalties for their student-athletes and
the penalties can range from mandatory drug education sessions to expulsion from the athletic department. It
is imperative to determine why each of these member institutions chooses the drug testing penalty that they
do for first, second, and third offenses. Additionally it is also crucial to understand if member institutions take
into consideration the athlete’s health and well-being or if they are setting their policy for the fairness of the
game, or to keep student-athletes eligible for competition. The purpose of this study will be to determine if
the competitiveness and success of a member institution’s men’s basketball program has an impact on the
drug testing penalties that they have in their policies. The study will determine the following: (1) Do member
institutions with men’s basketball programs in the top 25 ranked teams in 2013 have lower penalties for studentathletes that test positive for NCAA banned substances? (2) Do member institutions with men’s basketball
programs in the top 25 ranked teams in 2013 give more second chances to student-athletes after their first
positive drug test (3) Do member institutions with men’s basketball programs in the top 25 ranked teams in
2013 have drug education and counseling sessions for student-athletes that test positive for NCAA banned
substances at a lower rate than the average member institution.
337
Automated Green-Energy House Solar Collectors
ED-024
Nicholas Flynn
Co-Author(s): Andre White, Calvin Tsi
Advisor(s): Richard Y. Chiou, Irina N. Ciobanescu
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Engineering Technology
ED
Our senior design project is to focus on the automation of a green-energy house using both Flat Panel
Solar Thermal and Evacuated Tube Solar collectors. Both of these Solar Collectors have contradicting peak
efficiencies. During the summer or in higher temperatures the flat panel solar collector will have a higher
efficiency. During the winter months and in lower light conditions the evacuated tube solar collector will have a
greater efficiency. Since we are in an area with cold winters, hot summers and varying lighting conditions it is
difficult to use a single collector to efficiently capture enough solar radiation to heat our green-energy house.
To avoid drastic heat losses during times of inefficient collection we have decided to use both collectors. Using
LabVIEW and Arduino we are automating the heating of the green house so little to no human contact with
the equipment is necessary. The algorithm will take solar radiation levels, ambient temperature, as well as the
heating needs of the green-energy house into account. Thereafter the system is going to “choose” whether to
use either solar collector individually or combine the two to achieve maximum heating efficiency.
338
PHYSICAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
Shape Profiles and Orientation Bias For Weak and
Strong Lensing Cluster Halos
PS-001
Austen Groener
Co-Author(s): David Goldberg
Advisor(s): David Goldberg
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Galaxy clusters are the most massive structures in the universe and whose development comes after billions
of years of hierarchical merging of smaller cells under the supervision of gravity. Gravitational lensing, the
distortion of background light by foreground massive objects, is but one tool cosmologists use to both weigh
and map out mass. However, new insights into the non-spherical shape of clusters may prove useful in
understanding why lensing results can vary drastically across different scales of a single halo. We show
that a combination of orientation bias and a varying shape can account for some of these reconstruction
discrepancies.
340
The influence of land management disturbance on
Gentiana autumnalis pollination, nectar production,
flowering phenology and seed set
PS-002
Devon Donahue
Co-Author(s): Ryan R. Rebozo, Dr. Walter F. Bien
Advisor(s): Dr. Walter F. Bien
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Sciences
PS
Understanding the impact of land management practices on plant-pollinator interactions is important for
developing conservation strategies for rare plant species. Pollinators play an essential role in facilitating
reproductive success and maximizing seed set. We examined how current land management practices (i.e,
mowing and burning) in the New Jersey Pinelands have impacted pollination success in Gentiana autumnalis,
a rare early successional species found in disturbed moist habitats. We investigated the role that flowering
phenology and nectar standing crop have on insect visitor diversity (reciprocal and asymmetric specialization),
visitation rate, and seed set and how disturbance affected flowering percentage.
341
Wearable Power
PS-003
Kristy Jost
Co-Author(s): Babak Anasori, Majid Beidaghi, Genevieve Dion, Yury Gogotsi
Advisor(s): Yury Gogotsi, Genevieve Dion
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
Research on wearable technology is advancing quickly, with new wearable heart rate monitors, smart watches
and heated clothes making their way to the market. However, wearable energy storage is an underdeveloped
keystone technology. In this work, we demonstrate how supercapacitive materials can be made into yarns, and
then subsequently how those yarns can be knitted into full fabric devices.
342
Solid Xenon Crystal Fabrication for the Detection of
Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay
PS-004
Courtney Slocum
Advisor(s): Michelle Dolinski
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Neutrino-less Double Beta (0vββ) decay is so sought after in the world of physics because of the type of new
physics it would reveal. Because 0vββ decay contains no neutrinos, this process violates lepton number
and essentially expands all that physicists thought they knew about the Standard Model. In order to detect a
rare process such as this one, ultra sensitive detectors must be created with fantastic energy resolution. An
intriguing candidate for this task is Solid Xenon because of its low background and energy resolution at low
temperature. This project revolves around the creation of transparent Solid Xenon to be made into detectors
and eventually used to observe 0vββ decay.
343
Knitted electrochemical capacitors for applications
in wearable electronics
PS-005
Kristy Jost
Co-Author(s): David Durkin, Luke Haverhals, John K. McDonough, Hugh DeLong, Paul C. Trulove, Genevieve
Dion, Yury Gogotsi
Advisor(s): Yury Gogotsi, Genevieve Dion
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
Flexible and wearable electronics are finding applications in sports, healthcare, military technology, as
well as safety and construction supplies. Some notable examples include, Nike Fit, Addidas MiCoach,
UnderArmour, and Google Glass. However, these devices still use conventional pouch cell or hard batteries
and electrochemical capacitors. In this work we describe a knitted, all-solid supercapacitor based on carbon
materials (e.g., activated carbon and graphene), which have been embedded into cotton yarns via natural
fiber welding (NFW). These capacitive yarns, along with stainless steel yarn, act as the electrode and current
collector, respectively. They are assembled on a Shima Seiki 3D knitting machine into 2-electrode symmetric
supercapacitors as a single sheet of fabric and are coated in electrolyte.
344
Site Specific Emission Characterization of
Marcellus Shale Natural Gas Development using
Fast Mobile Measurements
PS-006
Douglas Goetz
Co-Author(s): C. Floerchinger, E. Fortner, J. Wormhoudt, P. Massoli, S.C. Herndon, C.E. Kolb, W.B. Knighton,
S.L. Shaw, E. Knipping, P.F. DeCarlo
Advisor(s): Peter DeCarlo
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Enginnering
PS
The Marcellus Shale is the largest shale gas resource in the United States and is found in parts of
Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Maryland, and West Virginia. The rapid large-scale development, and lack of
measured air emissions make the impact of Marcellus shale development on local and regional air quality and
the global climate highly uncertain. Emission sources include transitory emission from well pad development
such as well pad preparation, well drilling, hydraulic fracturing, well completions, and trucking. Long-term
sources of emission are natural gas infrastructure such as producing wells, pipelines, and compressor
stations. During the summer of 2012 the Aerodyne Inc. Mobile Laboratory equipped with a suite of real-time
instrumentation was used to measure source emissions associated with Marcellus Shale development and to
characterize regional air quality in the Marcellus basin. The Aerodyne Inc. Mobile Laboratory was equipped
to measure Methane, Ethane, N2O (tracer gas), C2H2 (tracer gas), CO2, CO, NOx, SOx, and aerosol
number, mass, and composition. Tracer-release methods were employed at selected source locations to
estimate emission rates from Marcellus shale operations. Site-specific emissions were estimated at tracer
release locations using regression analysis on single multi-species plumes and by utilizing plume dispersion
modeling. Tracer release was employed at twelve individual Marcellus sites with the majority of the sites
being compressor stations and well pads. Emission plumes associated with natural gas compressor stations
commonly exhibited elevated levels of combustion species (i.e. particulate matter, CO, CO2, NOx,) and natural
gas constituents. Both emission types were well correlated with tracer gas plumes. Emission plumes associated
with well pads exhibited elevated levels of natural gas, which were well correlated with co-located tracer gas
plumes. Emission rate estimates for each site are reported.
345
Organic Nanomaterials Sensing Applications
PS-007
Dayne Swearer
Co-Author(s): Arben Kojtari, Noah Johnson
Advisor(s): Frank Ji
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
PS
Low-cost, easily manufactured nanoelectronics have been a long-standing goal in a range of scientific and
engineering disciplines over the last several decades. Organic electronic devices offer significant advantages
in achieving smaller, cheaper, and tunable devices for many distinct applications when compared to traditional
metal-based technology. Our lab has developed several techniques for the prepartion and characterization of
organic sensing devices. Using chemical vapor deposition, intersecting nanowire bundles of perylene-3,4,9,10tetracaroxylic acid diimide (PTCDI) were discovered to be selective sensors for ethyl acetate; an important
component and distinctive aroma compound found within wines and beers. These devices can be used to
perform real-time monitoring of fermenting beverages, and recognize faults or defects early in the fermentation
process. Another distinct organic sensing application of interest has been Ultraviolet (UV) radiation detection.
Organic nanowires prepared from naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracaroxlicdiimide have been proven to exhibit
selective electrical conductivity increase when exposed to UV wavelengths. This property can be exploited to
develop wearable devices used to alert the when undesirable levels of UV radiation are being absorbed by
the skin; potentially with significant health benefits. Herein, the preparation and characterization of two distinct
crystalline nanowire devices for sensing applications is presented, along with discussion on the potential and
future of organic electronic devices.
346
The HI Mass Function and Velocity Width Function
of Void Galaxies in the Arecibo Legacy Fast ALFA
Survey
PS-008
Crystal Moorman
Co-Author(s): Michael Vogeley
Advisor(s): Michael Vogeley
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
We measure the HI mass function (HIMF) and velocity width function (WF) across environments over a range
of masses and profile widths using a catalog of ~7,300 HI-selected galaxies from the ALFALFA Survey, located
in the region of sky where ALFALFA and SDSS (Data Release 7) North overlap. We divide our galaxy sample
into those that reside in large-scale voids (void galaxies) and those that live in denser regions (wall galaxies).
We find the void and wall HIMFs are well fit by Schechter functions. We conclude that void galaxies typically
have lower HI masses than their non-void counterparts, which is in agreement with the dark matter halo mass
function shift in voids; and the void low-mass slope is shallower than that of the wall HIMF suggesting that there
is either no excess of low-mass galaxies in voids or there is an abundance of intermediate HI mass galaxies.
We fit a modified Schechter function to both the ALFALFA void and wall WFs. Because of large uncertainties on
the void and wall WFs, we cannot conclude whether these functions are dependent on environment.
347
Gas-phase metallicity of void dwarf galaxies
PS-009
Kelly Douglass
Co-Author(s): Michael Vogeley
Advisor(s): Michael Vogeley
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
We study how the cosmic environment affects galaxy evolution in the Universe by comparing the metallicities
of galaxies in voids with similar-sized galaxies in more dense regions. Ratios of the fluxes of emission
lines, particularly those of the forbidden [O III] and [S II] transitions, provide estimates of a region’s electron
temperature and number density. From these two quantities and the emission line intensities, we estimate the
abundance of oxygen with the Direct Te method. We estimate the metallicity of 19 void dwarf galaxies and
35 wall dwarf galaxies using data from SDSS via the MPA-JHU value-added Garching catalog. We find very
little difference between the two sets of galaxies, indicating little influence from the large-scale environment on
stellar evolution. Of particular interest are a number of extremely metal-poor dwarf galaxies.
348
Thin Ferrite Films Compared to Oxide Coated Iron
Powder for Electromagnetic Devices
PS-010
Katie Sunday
Advisor(s): Mitra Taheri
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science
PS
The demand for more efficient electromagnetic devices is prominent in today’s society. Electric motor cores,
for example, are limited by the physical shape and magnetic properties of the current silicon-steel laminations.
Oxide-coated iron powders permit the magnetic flux density, electrical resistivity, and structural freedom
desirable for innovative designs of electromagnetic cores. This research focuses on discovering optimal oxide
coatings for iron powders in place of traditional laminations. Thin film and bulk composites of ferrites were
synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and high energy ball milling, respectively. Magnetic properties
of both thin films and compacts were obtained using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and a custombuilt surface magneto-optical Kerr effect (SMOKE) magnetometer. The thermal conductivity and electrical
resistivity were measured by physical property measurement system (PPMS). Structural and compositional
details were observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning TEM with energy dispersive
spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) analysis. Reduced eddy current losses, higher mechanical durability, and
improved magnetic flux carrying capability of the core material will allow for more efficient and cost effective
electromagnetic devices to be produced.
349
Vanishing islands: The geomorphic response
of barrier islands to rising sea level along the
Delaware
PS-011
Anna Jaworski
Co-Author(s): Xinye Li, Kenneth J. Lacovara
Advisor(s): Kenneth J. Lacovara
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmnetal Science / Geoscience
PS
Our aim is to examine Delaware Estuary barrier islands along the New Jersey coast to establish historic rates
of migration and erosion. Even though these barrier islands protect vast swaths of sensitive intertidal biomes,
little is known about their specific response to sea level rise along the New Jersey coast of the Delaware
Estuary. Estuarine barrier islands provide critical habitat for myriad organisms, such as nesting piping plovers
and breeding horseshoe crabs. They also act as natural buffers, diminishing physical energy from waves and
currents, protecting delicate salt marsh ecosystems. As sea level rises, barriers naturally migrate landward and
upward, maintaining their lateral and vertical integrity relative to the sea. Rapid sea level rise, however, can
overtake natural maintenance mechanisms along the coast, causing barriers to erode.Eventually such barriers
may ‘drown,’ leaving delicate salt marsh environments vulnerable to open-water wave attack. Once exposed,
tidal wetlands erode rapidly, destroying habitat for intertidal species. Shoreline change will be calculated
through time-series analysis of historic records, including ground surveys, National Oceanographic Service
charts, aerial photographs, and satellite imagery. Using standard methods, aerial photographs will be rectified,
to account for distortion. A transect-based approach will be used to analyze shoreline change along coastperpendicular transects. The Digital Shoreline Analysis System, developed by the U.S. Geological Survey,
will be used with ESRI ArcGIS to compute shoreline rates of change. The resulting product will show rates of
historic shoreline change along the study area.
350
On-Grid MIMO Radar via Compressive Sensing
PS-012
Michael Minner
Advisor(s): Hugo Woerdeman
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Mathematics
PS
The accurate detection of targets is a significant problem in multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) radar.
Recent advances of Compressive Sensing offer a means of efficiently accomplishing this task. The sparsity
constraints needed to apply the techniques of Compressive Sensing to problems in radar systems have led to
discretizations of the target scene in various domains, such as azimuth, time-delay and Doppler. Building upon
recent work, we investigate the feasibility of on-grid Compressive Sensing-based MIMO radar via a three-fold
azimuth-delay-Doppler discretization for target detection and parameter estimation. We utilize a co-located
random sensor array and transmit distinct linear chirps to a small scene with few, slowly moving targets. Relying
upon standard far-field and narrowband assumptions, we analyze the efficacy of the l1-squared Nonnegative
Regularization method in determining the parameters of the scene through numerical simulations. The choice
of the random sensor array in place of a uniform linear array is justified by a set of results directly comparing
the two setups. We further analyze how changes in the sparsity level, signal-to-noise ratio, and regularization
parameter can impact the reconstruction.
351
Microchip with an Embedded Biomembrane
for Monitoring the Electrical Properties of the
Membrane
PS-013
Xiang Ren
Co-Author(s): Kewei Liu, Parkson Lee-Gau Chong, Hongseok (Moses) Noh, Jack G. Zhou
Advisor(s): Jack G. Zhou, Hongseok (Moses) Noh
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
Photosynthesis is a primary mechanism to produce energy in the plant world. Realizing artificial photosynthesis
system can be an effective way of harvesting energy that can be used as a power source for a variety of
devices. The first step to achieve this is to create a biomembrane that conducts photosynthesis and integrate it
with a device that facilitates harvesting the energy and monitors the function of the membrane.
We chose a triblock copolymer PMOXA-PDMS-PMOXA as our biomembrane because it can be readily
prepared in a planar membrane form and carry membrane proteins such as Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and
Adenosine triphosphate synthase (ATPase) which convert green light energy into chemical energy reserved
in the form of ATP. A microchip was designed and fabricated such that a biomembrane can be installed and
monitored with regard to its electrical properties. The device consists of three components: top chamber made
of glass, bottom chamber made of silicon wafer, and middle layer with a through-hole made of PDMS, which
was designed to place a biomembrane.
The dielectric properties of planar membranes were measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
These dielectric properties can be used to monitor the working status of the planar membrane during
bioreactions. The resistance and capacitance readings are subject to change if the planar membrane breaks or
unwanted leakage occurs.
PS
The Nyquist plot was generated for each biomembrane and an equivalent RC circuit was produced based on
the best fitting. The Bode plot of the triblock copolymer shows much less variation with the frequency change
indicating that the triblock copolymer is more stable than other lipid membranes in terms of frequency response.
In summary, we successfully developed a microchip device with an embedded biomembrane that enables
constant monitoring of the electrical properties of the membrane. This device will be the foundation of our
proposed artificial photosynthesis system.
352
Nucleation and Growth of Graded Zn(S,O,OH)
Thin Films Deposited with a Continuous Flow
Microreactor for Photovoltaic Buffer Layers
PS-014
Borirak Opasanont
Co-Author(s): Austin G. Kuba, Evan G. Louderback, Jason B. Baxter
Advisor(s): Jason B. Baxter
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Chemical and Biological Engineering
PS
ZnS thin films are ideal candidates for replacing CdS as buffer layers in CIGS, CZTS and CdTe photovoltaics
because of their potential for high efficiency, abundance, low toxicity, and cost. However, ZnS films deposited
by chemical bath deposition (CBD) tend to incorporate oxygen in the form of oxide and hydroxide (thus
called Zn(S,O,OH)). These impurities affect the stability and performance of the cells. In a batch CBD, bath
composition varies with time, resulting in the film’s properties and stoichiometry varying through its thickness.
Understanding depth-dependent film properties is crucial, but measuring these properties is very challenging
because the film thickness is small relative to the resolution of many characterization methods. We report on
CBD-Zn(S,O,OH) thin films using a continuous flow microreactor. The microreactor behaves like a laminar
flow reactor whereby the bath composition changes as the reaction proceeds with residence time down the
channel, but the composition at any position is time-invariant. Spatially resolved characterization of the 40 mmlong substrate enables rapid and direct correlation of material properties to growth conditions of an equivalent
50 nm-thick film. Laterally graded Zn(S,O,OH) films were grown from zinc salt, ammonia, and thiourea or
thioacetamide. Films showed wide variation in sulfur-oxygen content as a function of spatial position. Film
morphology on glass is dominated by highly monodispersed nodules. Deposition time- and spatially-dependent
statistical analysis of nodules’ size and number density provides a multi-dimensional view on nucleation
and growth. By analyzing bath pH and sulfur concentration as a function of spatial position, it is found that
supersaturation of Zn(OH)2 controls nucleation while that of ZnS only affects growth of the Zn(S,O,OH) thin
film through cluster-by-cluster deposition mechanism. The continuous flow microreactor provides a unique
perspective to understanding CBD of Zn(S,O,OH) films.
353
MAX Phases for Nuclear Applications
PS-015
Darin Tallman
Co-Author(s): Elizabeth N. Hoffman, El’ad N. Caspi, Brenda Garcia-Diaz, Gordon Kohse, Robert L. Sindelar,
Michel W. Barsoum
Advisor(s): Michel Barsoum
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
Gen IV nuclear reactor designs require materials that can withstand long term operation in extreme
environments of elevated temperatures, corrosive media, and fast neutron fluences (E>1MeV) with up to 100
displacements per atom. Also, the recent nuclear accidents in Fukashima have revealed an urgent need for
accident tolerant fuel cladding materials in existing reactors. Full understanding of irradiation response of these
materials is paramount to long-term, reliable service. The Mn+1AXn phases have shown potential for use in
such extreme environments because of their unique combination of high fracture toughness values and thermal
conductivities, machinability, oxidation resistance, and ion irradiation damage tolerance. Herein we report
on the neutron irradiation of up to 0.5 dpa at 70°C and 700 °C on Ti3AlC2, Ti2AlC, and Ti3SiC2. Evidence
for irradiation induced dislocation loops and their effect on electrical resistivity is presented. X-ray diffraction
refinement of the resultant microstructures is provided. Based on the totality of our results, it is reasonable
to assume that the MAX phases, especially Ti2AlC, are promising materials for high temperature nuclear
applications.
354
Wireless Power Transfer for Smart Textile
Applications
PS-016
Stephen Watt
Co-Author(s): Jonathan Fisher, Andrea Cook, Michael Le, Damiano Patron, Kristy Jost
Advisor(s): Kapil Dandekar, Genevieve Dion, Yury Gogotsi
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical & Computer Engineering
The use of wireless electronic sensors has become an integral part of modern society, and a valid concern
is the necessity of powering these devices. Many of these sensors are paired with electronic textiles for use
in wearable technology applications such as health monitoring, location tracking, biometrics, and personal
communications. Textile electronics are chosen for these applications due to their light weight, flexibility, and
noninvasive implementation. Using conductive thread, fully knit textile antenna and supercapacitor technologies
have been developed through the collaboration of the Drexel Wireless Systems Lab, Drexel Nanotechnology
Institute, and the Shima Seiki Haute Tech Lab at ExCITe.
PS
We are developing a novel wireless energy harvesting system knit into a textile material to enable powering of
sensors in body-worn applications. The proposed system will consist of a textile harvesting antenna and voltage
boosting circuitry to capture Wi-Fi energy and convert it into a DC voltage to charge a textile supercapacitor.
Several PCB harvesting antenna prototypes have been designed and fabricated. The best performing design
demonstrates a rectified voltage of 0.20V at the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band, which is sufficient to operate voltageboosting circuitry. This antenna design has been translated into a textile form factor yielding an antenna
structure with an acceptable resonance of -17dB at 2.45GHz. Next steps include exploring a connection method
between fabric and electrical components, as well as fabrication of the power management (voltage boosting)
circuit for the harvesting system. The boosting circuit will be used to provide a workable voltage for charging a
supercapacitor using the DC voltage from the antenna.
355
Investigating Ionic Liquid Additives within
Electrochemical Flow Capacitors
PS-017
Alexander McBride
Co-Author(s): Kelsey Hatzell
Advisor(s): Dr. Yury Gogotsi
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
Electrochemical flow capacitors (EFCs) are a new scalable electrical energy storage innovation, combining
the benefits of supercapacitors and flow batteries. EFCs enable rapid charging/discharging, while decoupling
energy storage from power output. This technology has promise for load leveling and storing fluctuating
renewable sources at the grid-scale; however, improved energy densities must be achieved prior to
commercialization. The current study investigates ionic liquids potential for use within carbon slurry electrodes
in EFCs. Electrochemical and rheological measurements of ionic liquid type and concentration in conjunction
with an organic electrolyte were taken. Preliminary results demonstrate improved energy densities of several
orders of magnitude larger with ionic liquid additives, than in a purely organic electrolyte. As expected, slurry
electrodes with higher concentrations of ionic liquids demonstrated improved electrochemical performance,
compared with lower concentrations. Overall, this technology is promising for smart grid and intermittent energy
applications when rapid changes in energy delivery and storage are needed.
356
Defect Morphology and the Feasibility of Nondestructive Damage Detection in Hard Armor
Protective Inserts by Vibro-acoustics
PS-018
Shane Esola
Co-Author(s): Dr. Antonios Kontsos, Dr. Ivan Bartoli
Advisor(s): Dr. Antonios Kontsos
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering & Mechanics
PS
Today’s military armor systems are a complex combination of state-of-the-art engineering materials layered
in a particular fashion to dissipate the energy of an impacting armor-piercing projectile. The initiation and
progression of damage in such intricate composite systems is not well understood at any time or length
scale. Further, the available non-destructive inspection techniques of such composite systems are either not
reliable or not appropriate for quick, in-the-field assessment. The result is a broad and challenging problem
of demystifying armor damage mechanics through the use of simplified non-destructive evaluation methods
and complementary numerical simulation. As part of a larger-scale project with U.S. Army PEO Soldier, this
poster characterizes defects found in a sample of hard armor inserts using X-ray Computed Tomography
(XCT) as well as it explores the feasibility of the non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of hard armor systems by
vibro-acoustics, or modal analysis. The XCT results yield a wide range of defect morphologies beyond the
investigators’ expectations. By leveraging the XCT defect analysis, the “tap-test” is roughly characterized as
a statistical hypothesis test and estimates on the test resolution are offered. Finally, the simulation provides
a demonstration of the potential of vibrational techniques for damage detection in an isotopic plate as a
fundamental precursor for extension of the technique to composite armor systems.
357
Quasar Spectrum Analysis
PS-019
Victoria Tielebein
Advisor(s): Gordon Richards, Nic Ross
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Quasars are highly luminous and dense galactic nuclei with anisotropic radiation patterns. The current structural
model of a quasar places a super massive black hole at the center of an accretion disk so luminous that it
outshines the entire rest of the galaxy. A donut-shaped region called the “torus” forms thick, nearly opaque
clouds of dust from wind off of the accretion disk, obscuring interior quasar radiation from view at certain
angles. For this reason, observational data providing the basis of quasar physics may be biased or incomplete.
However, a theory called the “clumpy model” proposes discrete cloud alignment along magnetic field lines. This
model implies a reality in which some radiation escapes from the interior of the quasar even through the torus,
allowing for increased capacity to study AGN physics. If this model were correct, anomalies would likely exist in
spectral comparisons of time separated quasar measurements. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) now has
a large enough collection of quasar spectra to facilitate the search for this type of observational evidence. For
this purpose, software will be developed to download and determine “matches,” i.e. multiple spectra taken for
the same celestial object, plot these matches in one window, and adjust these plots for analysis. While many
anomalies are expected due to improved spectroscopic equipment between data releases, some of the more
unique anomalies may indicate support for the clumpy model.
358
Low-cost multi-Material 3D printer with Integrated
Additive-Mixing Filament Extruder
PS-020
Joshua Konstantinos
Co-Author(s): Mike Smoluk
Advisor(s): Yalcin Ertekin
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Engineering Technology
For our research project, we have created a 3D printer that uses a novel ring system to control four print heads
with only two stepper motors. This will allow for the use of low multi-material 3d printing with as the controls for
more stepper motors was the limiting factor for adding print heads to a 3D printer.
To make the best use of this low cost multi-material printing capability, we have developed a modified filament
extruder system in tandem with the 3D printer. The novel construction of our filament extruder allows for
different additives to be mixed in with 3D printable polymers. Thus we can print not only with more materials
simultaneous - but with newly developed 3D printable materials that have never been used before.
One of the major uses for our system is 3D printing fully electronic objects. By using 3D filament created with
our extruder that is capable of mixing different additives in with various plastics to create 3D printer filament with
custom properties with our low cost four-head 3D printer we can lay down conductive traces with our 3D printer.
The possibilities of 3D printer electronic circuits are exciting and we look forward seeing what objects can be
produced with it.
There are many benefits of the filament extruder system - not merely the ability to print electric circuits. Some of
the many benefits include:
• Vastly reduced cost over buying spools of 3D printer filament.
• The capacity to mix various additives in with the plastics will allow us to create:
- Conductive plastics
- Mixtures of different types of plastics giving us different strength characteristics
- Custom Colored Plastic Filament
- Metal or Fiber Infused plastics
• Our sealed design limits potentially harmful fumes
PS
Our Additive Mixing Filament Extruder will allow for some very interesting applications in the exploding field of
additive manufacturing. Moreover, it makes 3D printing cost effective by reducing the cost of filament by orders
of magnitude.
359
Dose Measurement of Exposure to Hands through
Nuclear Injection Application of 99mTc
PS-021
Katrijn Netherton
Advisor(s): Kent Lambert
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Nuclear medicine applications commonly include intravenous injections of pharmaceuticals labeled with
radioactive material for diagnostic imaging. Technologists administering these injections are exposed on a daily
basis from handling the syringe. Syringe shields reduce the radiation from the barrel of the syringe, but provide
no protection from the needle or plunger end. Radiation exposure is monitored by dosimeters worn as a ring
on the finger. Because the radiation field out of the ends of the syringe is a non-uniform shape, the dosimeter
is unlikely to measure the highest dose received. Using gafchromic film and ballistic gelatin, the dose to the
hand from a syringe containing Technetium-99m labeled radiopharmaceutical will be measured. Measured
doses will also be compared to a particle simulation created with GEANT software. The dose will be measured
quantitatively by looking at the optical density of the film. Comparison of the measured doses to the hand to the
doses measured by ring dosimeters will provide a calibration factor to better estimate the highest hand dose
which is limited by state and Federal regulation to 500 milliSieverts per year.
360
Dragon Lair Inflatable Space Habitat Design
Concept - Accepted to the 2014 Revolutionary
Aerospace Systems Concepts Academic Linkage
Conference
PS-022
Matthew Meisberger
Co-Author(s): Adam Baechler, Greg Baird, Mike Daily, Amanda Ireland, Rishiraj Mathur, Aashish Murti, Matthew
Wiese, Kushagra Pundeer, Alex Viola, Frederick Wachter
Advisor(s): Ajmal Yousuff
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
The future of human space exploration lies much further from home. The space industry has already begun this
move, most notably with the International Space Station, which has been continuously occupied since 2000.
While the ISS serves as an early model for humans living in space, it is important to venture beyond low Earth
orbit (LEO) before sending similar habitats further into the solar system.
The objective of this mission is to develop a low mass and low maintenance holistic habitat design that will
serve as a small crew-tended outpost in cis-lunar space for up to 240 days. The habitat will be docked with the
Orion crew capsule, and will remain between the earth and the moon at the Earth-Moon Lagrange Point 1. The
habitat’s mass will be minimized by recycling useful waste, increasing efficiency of power, and advanced life
support systems. Upon recycling, waste from packaging and disposable containers will be used as resources
for a 3D-printer to produce tools, spare parts, and other components.
Innovative technologies such as self-cleaning solar panels and lithium iron phosphate batteries will be utilized
for more efficient power production and storage. Solar panels in space accumulate dust over time, lowering
their efficiency. By implementing self-cleaning solar panels, power generation capabilities will be improved.
Lithium iron phosphate batteries will provide a lower mass and more efficient alternative to the batteries
currently used by the International Space Station.
PS
Advanced life support systems will also be vital to a habitat beyond LEO. Implementation of algae will provide
benefits such as oxygen, food, water treatment, and sewage removal. A system for growing and using algae
will be integrated as a central piece of the habitat’s life support system. Through the combination of advanced
recycling, power, and life support systems, this habitat can serve as a home for astronauts, as well as a
prototype for future deep space habitats.
361
Using Scintillation Signals to Increase Exposure
and Improve Energy Resolution in EXO-200
PS-023
Erica Smith
Advisor(s): Michelle Dolinski
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Double beta decay is a rare nuclear decay in which two electrons and two anti-neutrinos are emitted. The
neutrinoless decay mode, in which only electrons are emitted, is forbidden by the Standard Model and can
occur only if neutrinos are massive Majorana particles; that is, neutrinos must have mass and must also be
identical to anti-neutrinos. Detection of this mode is extremely important as it is the most sensitive probe of the
neutrino mass scale, as well as confirmation that Majorana particles exist in nature. EXO-200 aims to detect
neutrinoless double beta decay using liquid xenon enriched in xenon-136 as both the source of the decay and
detector of the produced electrons in a time projection chamber capable of detecting ionization and scintillation
signals using Large Area Avalanche Photodiodes (LAAPDs). A successful measurement relies on several
factors: large exposure, high efficiency, low background, and good energy resolution. To improve our energy
resolution, we perform calibrations that provide corrections to the data to account for variations in our detector
response. In this work, I have characterized the response of LAAPDs over time to evaluate the impact on the
overall energy resolution. I have also identified and corrected for anomalous LAAPD signals to maximize the
livetime of the experiment and ensure that it has the largest exposure possible.
362
A Holistic Approach: Model Guided Design of iCVD
Polymer Electrolyte Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
(DSSCs)
PS-024
Yuriy Smolin
Co-Author(s): Siamak Nejati
Advisor(s): Masoud Soroush, Kenneth Lau
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
CBE
Unlike traditional silicon solar cells, dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) can be made relatively inexpensively
without intensive purification and fabrication steps. These characteristics along with their good performance
lend DSSCs to be one of the most promising next generation solar cell technologies. However, the DSSC
technology suffers from two major challenges: (1) the use of a liquid electrolyte, and (2) a lack of a good
theoretical understanding of processes governing cell performance. The liquid electrolyte is prone to leakage
and evaporation, which hinders DSSC deployment, long term durability, and thermal stability. Furthermore,
despite a massive amount of experimental effort, DSSC efficiency has only improved ~2% over the past 17
years to reach 13%, highlighting the need for theoretical and computational guidance to gain more significant
efficiency enhancement.
PS
Here we show a transformative approach in which macroscopic modeling is coupled to experimental work
for the investigation of novel polymer electrolyte DSSCs. Using a polymer electrolytes remedies the major
challenge associated with liquid electrolyte DSSCs. Initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is used for
the synthesis of polymer electrolytes, including poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), poly(glycidyl
methacrylate) (PGMA), poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), within the mesoporous
TiO2 photoanode that achieves complete pore filling. The experimental work is coupled to first principles
macroscopic modeling to examine how different polymer chemistries influence the electrochemical and physical
process parameters in the DSSC. The two-phase macroscopic model incorporates (1) a pseudo-homogeneous
phase to account for the TiO2 nanoparticles, the polymer electrolyte, and the sensitizer dye, and (2) a polymer
electrolyte phase to examine the effect of the polymer electrolyte on DSSC performance.
363
N-Functionalization of benzimidazole-derived
chelating agents
PS-025
Mohammad Nozari
Co-Author(s): Dr. Anthony Addison, Dr. Matthias Zeller
Advisor(s): Dr. Anthony Addiosn, Dr. Frank Ji
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
PS
We are engaged in making new UV- and visible-region absorbing molecules. These have potential for use
in dye-sensitized solar cells and for tagging and detection of cellular moieties involved in disease. These
involve derivitization of nitrogen-heterocyclic ligands which are simultaneously large aromatic groups; this
is a conceptually simple but often experimentally vexing issue. There are several published benzimidazole
N-alkylation procedures, and we have also developed a simple method for this. Our method is in two steps
using DMSO and metallic Na, which can result in higher yields and works fairly systematically with a variety of
structures in comparison to other published methods, though requiring a longer time. We have also explored
the possibility of alkylating and acylating such ruthenium-coordinated benzimidazole-derived chelating agents.
We have prepared the novel ligand 2,6-bis(N’-[9”-anthracylmethyl]benzimidazol-2’-yl)pyridine (C49H33N5) and
a ruthenium(II) complex derived from it.
364
Fabrication of Large Scale Functional Nanostructures Through Dielectrophoretic Assembly
PS-026
Nathaniel Thorne
Advisor(s): Ying Sun
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
mechanical engineering
PS
Recently, considerable interest has grown in functional nanostructures, such as metamaterials and
microreactors, which promise applications in optics, electronics, and biological material manipulation. Currently,
fabrication of these nanostructures relies on subtractive processes, such as photolithography, which are
material and time inefficient. By contrast, additive processes, such as roll to roll processing, allow for the direct
fabrication, thereby producing less waste than subtractive methods. However, these methods often offer a
lower resolution of possible structures. We present a novel means to augment additive processes allowing
the production of nanostructures using Dielectroporiesis (DEP), a process that uses an uneven electrical field
to induce dipole moments in neutral species. Glass substrates are fabricated with silver/chromium electrodes
through traditional photolithographic techniques and colloidal drops are deposited onto these actuated
electrodes an inkjet printhead. During the drop evaporation, the particles self-assemble into various structures
under the DEP force. The dependence of the resulting structures on experimental parameters, such as voltage,
particle concentration, electrical frequency, and relative humidity, etc. are examined. These parameters are
found to affect the competition between the evaporative-driven convective forces and the DEP forces and thus
affect the structures.
365
Droplet Dynamics Driven by Electro-ElastoCapillary Effects
PS-027
Xin Yang
Co-Author(s): Jaymeen Shah
Advisor(s): Ying Sun
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
PS
The motion of droplets on natural and synthetic flexible materials underlines many technological applications
including flexible displays, insulation, and smart filters. However, there is a lack of fundamental understanding
of the coupled electrical, elastic, and capillary forces on droplets on flexible materials. In the present study, a
flexible PDMS thin film is manipulated to encapsulate and release a water droplet by controlling the interaction
of the surface tension, elastic force and Coulomb force. Furthermore, the moving behaviors of droplets between
the flexible plates bent by the electrostatic force are examined. The directional motion of the droplets is found to
depend on their initial location on the flexible materials. Near the fixed ends, a drop keeps stationary as a result
of the local plate deformation not being strong enough for the capillary force to overcome the contact angle
hysteresis. Close to the free ends, droplet transports from the fixed ends to the free ends due to the unbalanced
capillary force.
366
Conductance Measurements of Magnesium
Diboride-Based Josephson Junctions Below 1
Kelvin: Beyond the 2-Gap Model
PS-028
Steve Carabello
Co-Author(s): Joseph Lambert, Jerome Mlack, Wenqing Dai, Qi Li, Ke Chen, Daniel Cunnane, X. X. Xi, Roberto
Ramos, Shyamalendu Bose
Advisor(s): Shyamalendu Bose
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Superconductivity in magnesium diboride (MgB2) is of great practical interest in part because of its transition
temperature Tc of 39K. This is the highest among “conventional” superconductors explained by phononmediated BCS theory, though its two distinct superconducting energy gaps are a relatively new observation in
superconductivity. Most theoretical and experimental analyses of MgB2 require only two distinct gap values.
However, several theoretical analyses predict fine structures within each energy gap. We have taken highresolution current-voltage data using Josephson junctions incorporating MgB2 films. These measurements, at T
as low as 23mK, show clear sub-structures within both energy gaps. Additional sharp conductance peaks allow
us to identify the energy gap values of the junction counter-electrodes. These peaks lead us to conclude that
the substructures are properties of MgB2. We then fit the data using simplified two-gap and four-gap models
with variable weights and broadening factors. By demonstrating the inadequacy of a simple two-gap model in
fitting the data, we illustrate that some distinctions between theoretical models of energy gap substructures are
experimentally observable.
367
Effect of nanostructures and electrostatic
interactions on meniscus shape and disjoining
pressure of ultra-thin liquid film
PS-029
Han Hu
Co-Author(s): Ying Sun
Advisor(s): Ying Sun
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
PS
Thermal management is becoming a severe bottleneck in ever-increasing demands toward miniaturization
of high performance integrated circuits, power electronics, and lasers. Thin film evaporation has been
demonstrated as a promising thermal management technique where the key challenge is to efficiently
deliver the liquid to the heated surface. Recent efforts have focused on using nanostructured substrates
to transport the liquid via capillary effects. Disjoining pressure, the excess pressure in an ultra-thin liquid
film as a result of long-range intermolecular interactions, plays an important role in thin film evaporation by
providing the necessary pressure gradient to drive the flow to the thin film region. Most existing thin film
evaporation models adopt the classic disjoining pressure theory, which is not capable of accounting for the
effect of the nanostructures and electrostatic interactions. In the present study, the effects of nanostructures
and electrostatic forces on meniscus shape and disjoining pressure of an ultra-thin liquid film are investigated
using both a theoretical model and molecular dynamics simulations. In the model, the meniscus shape is
determined by minimizing the total free energy of the thin film on the solid surface while the disjoining pressure
is determined using the Derjaguin approximation. Molecular dynamics simulations are performed for water thin
films adsorbed on nanostructured gold surfaces and nanostructured alumina surfaces. The simulated meniscus
shape and disjoining pressure agree well with the model prediction. The results show that the meniscus shape
changes from conformal to flat with the increase of film thickness or decrease of nanostructural depth. The
disjoining pressure is found to enhance with increasing nanostructural depth but the effect of nanostructures on
disjoining pressure weakens with the increase of liquid film thickness.
368
Liquid Xenon Purity Studies for nEXO
PS-030
Michael Jewell
Advisor(s): Michelle Dolinski
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
The EXO collaboration is currently searching for neutrinoless double-beta decay using the scintillation and
ionization response of a liquid xenon time projection chamber (TPC). To optimize the signal of such a detector,
the xenon needs to be kept free of electronegative impurities which could interact with drifting electrons and
limit energy resolution. The current 200kg prototype detector, EXO-200, achieves electron lifetimes above
1ms to limit charge attenuation. With the next generation ton scale detector nEXO, more stringent limits will
be needed to achieve expected energy resolution. In addition there is a need for real-time monitoring to allow
for timely response in the event that xenon purity begins to show signs of degradation. This poster will discuss
research and development of new purity monitoring techniques that will directly measure electron lifetime in
liquid xenon. The results of this research will have direct applications for nEXO as well as other large noble
liquid detectors.
369
Multidimensional Quasar Classification for Next
Generation Surveys
PS-031
Christina Peters
Advisor(s): Gordon Richards
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
We used the Non-parametric Bayesian Classification Kernel Density Estimation (NBC KDE) quasar selection
algorithm to classify data sets of spectroscopically confirmed quasars and non-quasars in Sloan Digital Sky
Survey (SDSS) Stripe 82 and demonstrate the effectiveness of selection using the combination of color,
time domain, and astrometric information. Eight values were calculated to use for classification: four colors
(u-g, g-r, r-i, and i-z), two parameters calculated from fitting the structure function of the object with a power
law model that describes the variability of the object, and two parameters that describe the positional offsets
caused by differential chromatic refraction (DCR) that give information about spectral features of the object.
In the parameter space of each of these methods there are distinct regions for quasars and non-quasars, but
also regions where they overlap. Using both variability and astrometry in combination with colors we are able
to increase the purity of quasar selection over colors alone, and combining variability, astrometry, and colors
together increases the purity further. In particular, there is an improvement in the selection of quasars of redshift
2.7 to 3.5 where quasars and stars have similar colors.
370
Transient secondary organic aerosol formation
from limonene ozonolysis in indoor environments:
Impacts of air exchange rates and initial
concentrations
PS-032
Somayeh Youssefi
Co-Author(s): Michael Waring
Advisor(s): Michael Waring
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
CAEE
Human activities such as cooking, smoking and resuspension are strong aerosol emission sources in indoor
settings. Another indoor source is the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation that results from the oxidation
of reactive organic gases (ROGs). The oxidation of ROGs forms gaseous products, some of which have low
vapor pressures and generate SOA by partitioning to available aerosols or self-nucleating. In indoor settings,
the ozone-limonene reaction is a strong source of SOA. Ozone is present indoors due to air exchange with
outdoors and limonene is an ROG widely used in air fresheners and cleaning agents, due to its aroma and
solvent characteristics.
The aerosol mass fraction (AMF) quantifies the SOA forming potential of ROGs, and it is the ratio of generated
SOA to oxidized ROG. The AMF is not constant and it depends on the concentration of organic aerosol, as well
as secondary reactions in gas and aerosol phases. Measurements of AMFs have typically been performed in
static, unventilated smog chambers or in steady-state flow through chambers. However, all indoor environments
have air exchange with the outdoor air, and indoor SOA formation often occurs when ROGs are transiently
emitted, for instance from pulse emissions of cleaning products.
PS
In this work, we used our previously developed framework to describe dynamic indoor SOA formation and then
quantify so-called ‘transient AMFs’ due to ozonolysis of pulse-emitted limonene in a ventilated chamber. We
performed 18 experiments at low (0.28 h-1), moderate (0.53 h-1), and high (0.96 h-1) air exchange rates with
different ratios of initial ozone to limonene. Transient AMFs increased with the SOA concentration, as is typical,
and they also increased with decreasing air exchange rates and increasing initial ozone-limonene ratios.
371
Simulation Studies for the PROSPECT Short
Baseline Reactor Antineutrino Experiment
PS-033
Jacob Zettlemoyer
Advisor(s): Dr. Michelle Dolinski
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
The interest in the search for sterile neutrinos has increased after the success of both accelerator antineutrino
experiments and the Daya Bay reactor antineutrino experiment in setting sterile neutrino limits over the past few
years. However, a difference in actual and predicted neutrino flux has been discovered and termed “the reactor
anomaly”. To search for sterile neutrinos, a short baseline neutrino detector must be designed and implemented
in such as way as to measure this flux and determine if the reactor anomaly is valid.
PROSPECT is an experiment to probe a new, shorter length scale on which the normal neutrino parameters are
not important. The detectors in question have many available parameters such as liquid scintillator dimensions,
diameter of the photomultiplier tubes, and the thickness of the lead shield, which need to be varied within the
simulation in order to determine the best possible design.
PS
The detector will be simulated using Monte Carlo techniques in addition to varying the aforementioned
parameters in order to achieve the best possible rejection of background effects from particles that are not part
of the inverse beta decay from the reactor and neutrinos. These particles include positrons, neutrons, electrons,
and photons (gammas). The ultimate goal is to understand the detector response to the backgrounds before
the construction begins. These studies will be used in order to construct the detector geometry to achieve the
maximum sensitivity to a fourth, sterile neutrino state by eliminating the unwanted signals.
372
Gain Engineering with Additional Interface
Roughness Scattering in Quantum Cascade lasers
PS-034
Angeline Aguinaldo
Co-Author(s): Pierre Bouzi, YenTing Chiu, Mei C. Zheng, Juliana Hernandez, Deborah Sivco, Dr. Claire Gmachl
Advisor(s): Dr. Claire Gmachl
Undergraduate Student
School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems
Quantum Cascade (QC) lasers are semiconductor devices with intersubband transitions within multiple
quantum wells. The intersubband scattering present is responsible for the population inversion between upper
and lower laser states which relates directly to optical gain. It is known that some scattering can be attributed
to the interface roughness (IFR) present at the quantum well interfaces. Therefore, by strategically inserting a
monolayer barrier with IFR within the band structure, the magnitude of population inversion, and therefore gain,
can be manipulated through lifetime engineering. To support this claim, we designed three different structures,
with specific monolayer barrier placements: (a) no additional barrier, (b) one barrier shortening the upper laser
state lifetime, and (c) one barrier shortening the lower laser state lifetime. Based on previous work of QC laser
modeling, it is expected that the low inversion sample (b) display a ~40% decrease in gain, while the fast
depopulation sample (c) display a ~30% increase in gain.
PS
Here we confirmed these theoretical predictions by observing the effects of the additional barriers on the
differential resistance and optical emission using current versus voltage and electroluminescence (EL)
spectrum measurements. It is known that gain is inversely proportional to the width of the EL spectrum. A
decrease in the half width-half maximum (HWHM) from the baseline to the fast depopulation design suggests
an increase in optical gain and an increase in the HWHM from the baseline to the low inversion design
suggests a decrease in optical gain. Based on these results, gain has been successfully engineered by using
additional interfaces within the band structure.
373
Ultrafast transient reflectance of epitaxial
semiconducting perovskite thin films
PS-035
Sergey Smolin
Co-Author(s): Mark D. Scafetta, Glenn W. Guglietta, Steven J. May, Jason B. Baxter
Advisor(s): Jason Baxter
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Chemical and Biological Engineering
PS
Ultrafast pump-probe transient reflectance spectroscopy was used to study carrier dynamics in epitaxial
perovskite oxide thin films of LaFeO3 (LFO) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on (LaAlO3)0.3—
(Sr2AlTaO6)0.7 (LSAT) at 40 unit cell (16 nm) and 100 unit cell (40 nm) thicknesses. Independent of thickness,
the spectroscopy experiments show two negative transients at ~2.46 eV and ~3.46 eV which correspond well
to absorption data taken by ellipsometry and represent two optical transitions in LFO. The kinetics at these
transients were best fit with an exponential decay model with fast (5-40 ps), medium (~200 ps), and slow
(~ 3 ns) components that we attribute mainly to Auger Recombination/trapped states, Shockley-Read-Hall
recombination, and a slower SRH process, respectively. Moreover, the reflectance transient did not decay
to zero by 3 ns, indicating that photoexcited carriers exist for > 3ns and that radiative recombination may
have a lifetime greater than 3 ns. Also, carrier cooling was observed in the ~2.46 eV transient with a fitted
time constant of ~0.5 ps. This work illustrates that transient reflectance spectroscopy can be performed on
epitaxially strained thin films and can provide a quantitative understanding of recombination lifetimes—essential
information for their potential utilization in photovoltaic and photocatalytic applications.
374
One-Step Crosslinking of Electrospun
Poly(allylamine) Fibers
PS-036
Emily Buck
Co-Author(s): Laura J. Toth, Marjorie A. Kiechel
Advisor(s): Caroline L. Schauer
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
One-step (OS) crosslinking of electrospun poly(allylamine) fibers was investigated for two new covalent
crosslinking agents: genipin and hexamethylene-1,6-diamino(carboxysulfonate) (HDACS). Poly(allylamine)
solutions containing the crosslinking agents were successfully electrospun, and post-activation of the
crosslinking agents within the as-spun fibers led to covalent crosslinking of the poly(allylamine) fibers. Fourier
transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was performed before and after post-activation to determine how the
chemical structure of poly(allylamine) changed in response to each crosslinking reaction. Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) images were taken before and after post-activation to study any changes in fiber morphology
and fiber diameter after the crosslinking steps. To test the stability of the poly(allylamine) fibers, as-spun and
crosslinked fibers were submerged in aqueous environments with pH 3, 7, and 13 for 15 min and 72 h. If the
sample did not dissolve before the end of the test, SEM images were taken to determine if any changes in
fiber morphology or diameter resulted from the immersion in each aqueous environment. The solubility study
showed that the as-spun poly(allylamine) fibers were unstable and dissolved immediately in all three aqueous
environments (pH 3, 7, and 13). However, after the HDACS or genipin in the fibers were activated to crosslink
poly(allylamine), the fibers were stable and retained their fibrous structure after 72 h in all three aqueous
environments (pH 3, 7, and 13).
375
First Principles Design of Electronic Function in
Non-Centrosymmetric Metal Oxides
PS-037
Joshua Young
Advisor(s): James Rondinelli
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
Many useful material properties, such as ferroelectricity, arise because of inversion symmetry breaking in a
material’s ground state. Determining how to purposefully lift spatial parity operations is critical to engineering
compounds with ‘acentric’ properties. One route, borrowed from inorganic chemistry, relies on understanding
how cations and anions form repeating polyhedral units in crystals: (tetrahedra in diamond-type structures,
octahedra in perovskites, etc.). Using first-principles density functional calculations, we describe the crystalchemistry criteria necessary to design polar oxides with spontaneous polarization through nanoscale chemical
ordering.In this work, we show all possible combinations of A-site ordering and octahedral rotation patterns that
can lead to polar systems. From this, we put forth a series of design criteria that can be used for the intelligent
design of new non-centrosymmetric materials. We then apply these design rules to the model systems of [001],
[110], and [111] ordered (La,Nd)Ga2O6, (Sr,Ca)Zr2O6, and (Sr,Ca)Hf2O6, and show that they display large
spontaneous polarizations in their ground state and can be used as potential ferroelectric material. Additionally,
we design a series of [111] ordered superlattices with only out-of-phase rotations, and show that they display
large piezoelectric coefficients up to high temperatures. We therefore propose that ordered isovalent A-site
substitutions at the atomic scale, combined with octahedral rotations, is a robust strategy to achieve polar
oxides from centrosymmetric starting materials.
376
Microscopic Insight into the Isosymmetric JahnTeller Bond Axis Reorientation in Na3MnF6
PS-038
Nenian Charles
Advisor(s): James Rondinelli
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
PS
Using first-principles density functional theory calculations, we investigate the hydrostatic pressure-induced
spontaneous reorientation of the Jahn-Teller bond axis in the fluoride cryolite Na3MnF6. We find a first-order
isosymmetric transition occurs between crystallographically equivalent monoclinic structures at approximately
2.15 GPa, consistent with earlier experimental studies. Analogous calculations for Na3ScF6 show no evidence
of a transition up to 6.8 GPa. Mode crystallography analysis of the pressure-dependent structures in the vicinity
of the transition reveals a clear evolution of the Jahn-Teller bond distortions in cooperation with an asymmetrical
stretching of the equatorial fluorine atoms in the MnF6 octahedral units. We identify a change in orbital
occupancy of the eg manifold in the d4 Jahn-Teller active Mn(III) to be responsible for the transition, which
stabilizes one monoclinic P21/n variant over the other. From our results, we conjecture that the same transition
may be accessible in epitaxially grown thin films of Na3MnF6 with a modest biaxial tensile strain.
377
Sickle Cell Anemia Detection Utilizing Capillary
Systems
PS-039
Christopher Brown
Advisor(s): Frank Ferrone
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Present techniques for diagnosing sickle cell anemia require resources not necessarily readily available in
susceptible areas of the world or fail to give correct response under certain conditions. To improve upon this
situation we are developing a capillary based system of measurement to determine the presence of sickle
blood. We present two methods: a wick-in-a-tube system utilizing micro-porous electrospun yarn, and a system
employing a micro-bead filled chamber. Each system operates by detecting the obstruction of blood flow
when sickled blood is present. While the wick-in-a-tube system is conceptually straightforward, the results are
inconsistent. The fundamental mechanism of the micro-bead chamber system is less clear, but it has proved
to be more reliable, and can be used multiple times before degradation of results. We will present results from
both methods, showing their characteristics and relative strengths. A precise tool may not only prove useful in
resource-poor settings, but might also provide a quantitative measure of patient status and/or disease severity
for sickle cell patients.
378
Combustion Reduction: The effects of household
products on the flammability rate of Paint
PS-040
Samuella Takyi-Buachie
Undergraduate Student
LeBow College of Business
The purpose of the experiment is to identify the substances that can reduce the flammability rate of paint in
order to diminish fires at homes, schools and other establishments. Flammability rate of paint is defined to be
the amount of time that it takes a substance to completely burn without leaving any residue. The project was
conducted by mixing ash (calcium carbonate), snow salt, sugar, and baking soda to the paint. After mixing each
additive with paint, the substance was applied on (5) 6 x 6 inch sheets of plywood and wallpaper. The first test
was done by setting each dry sheet of plywood and wallpaper on fire using a Bunsen burner while holding the
wallpaper on a ring stand and with a clamp. Each additive was tested five times, causing the total number of
trials to be thirty. The control variable was regular paint and a stopwatch was used to simultaneously time how
long it took the wallpaper to burn without leaving any residue. The plywood was set on fire for thirty seconds
and then the distance of the damage was recorded.
PS
In the experiment, an infrared thermometer was used to determine the temperature of the wallpaper and
plywood for accurate results. It took an average of ninety-one seconds to burn the wallpaper mixed with calcium
carbonate because it interrupted the fire’s chemical reaction. The plywood took a longer time to burn with
calcium carbonate and had less cracks and damage to the board. Because of this, the probability of saving
someone’s life and their belongings increases significantly. The least most effective was baking soda because
it took an average of forty-seven seconds to burn the wallpaper mixed with baking soda, it burned rapidly and
the baking soda mixed with paint applied on the plywood showed the worse damage in terms of cracks and the
second longest length in damage. Lastly, paint had an average of sixty seconds, it was still highly flammable
and it contained no household products that were being tested in the project.
379
Synthesis and Modeling of Novel
α-Aminoalkylphosphonate Ester Derivatives as
Potent Inhibitors of Prostate-Specific Antigen; A
Comparison Study
PS-041
Arben Kojtari
Co-Author(s): Jacob Babinec
Advisor(s): Haifeng Frank Ji, PhD
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
PS
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers diagnosed in adult males. Described as an omnipresent
illness, it is believed that the diagnosis is inevitable for men as life expectancy increases worldwide. Clinically, a
diagnosis of prostate cancer is determined by measuring quantitatively prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein
in blood serum. It has been implicated that high PSA concentrations in blood plasma is a biomarker for not
only prostate cancer but also the metastasis of the tumor cells into the bone and lymph nodes via IGFBP-3/
IGF-I & -II and TGF-β pathways. Although the precise role of PSA in carcinogensis and tumor progression is
currently disputed, compounds specific towards PSA binding have been synthesized towards understanding the
molecular mechanisms of the protease and inhibiting its proteolytic activity. Here, we describe the mechanism
of α-aminoalkylphosphonate ester derivatives as potent irreversible inhibitors of PSA. Autodock4.2 molecular
dynamics package was utilized to model covalent and non-covalent binding of this class of inhibitors to predict
crystallographic poses and compare experimental IC50 dose-response curves and in silico potencies for future
rational drug design research. The study not only introduces aminoalkylphosphonates as a potential drug
candidate for targeting PSA, but also provides insight to drug binding and validation of Autodock4.2 in future
drug development using quantitative structure-activity relationships.
380
Portable Infrared Thermal Monitoring System for
Non-Destructive Evaluation of in-situ Concrete
Bridge Deck
PS-042
Fuad Khan
Co-Author(s): Mustafa Furkan, Shi Ye, Qiang Mao, Matteo Mazzotti, Ivan Bartoli
Advisor(s): Ivan Bartoli
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
PS
This research represents implementation of a portable monitoring system to assess the condition of a bridge
deck using infrared thermography (IRT). The Infrared thermography (IRT) technique is used here to find and
identify possible subsurface delamination of the concrete bridge deck. This approach has vital benefits in
unveiling incipient anomalies, those in which the cracking is confined to the close vicinity of the reinforcing
steel, and in providing comprehensive records of the discrete locations. The tests used an optical infrared (IR)
scanner and standard video RGB cameras mounted on a vehicle to detect anomalies and de-bonded regions
on the deck. The vehicle was driven over the center of each lane and the data from the IR scanner and the
RGB videos was recorded simultaneously. This scanning test was carried out according to ASTM D4788-03
standard to investigate both top and bottom of the bridge deck and a post-synchronized motion video was
prepared to discover possible delaminated location of the long bridge deck. This work will evaluate the potential
of Infrared thermography (IRT) fused with traditional RGB videos for the assessment of the condition of the
bridge decks. Furthermore, this research will provide guidelines about the prospective automated and portable
non-destructive evaluation of the bridge deck through the use of Infrared thermography (IRT).
381
A biocompatible platform for the measurement of
contractile and electrically excitable cells
PS-043
Laura Toth
Co-Author(s): Xin Xu, Kate Fitzgerald, Wan Shih, Wei-Heng Shih, Bonnie Firestein
Advisor(s): Caroline Schauer
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
The key to numerous diseases lies within the electromechanical functioning of specialized cell types. Because
electromechanical functions can be difficult to measure and analyze in situ, researchers are developing a
material, which is both biocompatible and can measure electrical activity within a three dimensional cell culture.
Here, we present a biocompatible piezoelectric scaffold that is capable of measuring cellular contractile forces.
The piezoelectric response of various configurations of electrospun polyvinylfluorine-trifluroethylene (PVDFTrFE) and collagen were analyzed. PVDF-TrFe electrospun mats demonstrated an average fiber diameter of
340 nm and generated a voltage range of -1.0 – 1.2 V when deformed by a cantilever tip applying 0.1 mN of
force. In order to ensure that the composite fibers were biocompatible, HeLa cells, as well as neurons, were
seeded onto scaffolds. Each cell type attached and displayed morphology consistent with healthy cells. This
platform has demonstrated ability to be used for measurement and analysis of electromechanical behavior for
specialized cell types.
382
Coprolites from the Main Fossiliferous Layer of
the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K/Pg) Hornerstown
Formation, New Jersey
PS-044
Zack Boles
Co-Author(s): Kenneth Lacovara
Advisor(s): Kenneth Lacovara
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
BEES
Coprolites (fossilized feces) can provide a great deal of information concerning predator-prey interactions of
ancient ecosystems. Over the past several years, we have collected vertebrate body fossils and coprolites
from the Main Fossiliferous Layer of the Cretaceous-Paleogene Hornerstown Formation. Two main coprolite
morphologies are recognized which have previously been identified as being produced by either sharks or
crocodilians. Morphotype I coprolites possess a heteropolar spiral morphology characteristic of shark feces.
Maximum length ranges from 16.32 - 60.72 mm with an average of 25.86 mm. Inclusions are not present
except in the largest specimen, which contains well-preserved fish material.
Coprolites assigned to morphotype II are tan to dark brown, cylindrical or amorphous structures ranging in size
from 13.01 – 52.50 mm with an average length of 38.39 mm. No identifiable bones or teeth were observed
although small brown specks are present and may be remnants of prey items. However, x-ray diffraction
revealed these coprolites to be primarily phosphatic in composition suggesting they were produced by a
carnivore. At present, these coprolites cannot be confidently identified as being produced by crocodilians. Other
potential producers include fish, mosasaurs, and sea turtles.
The lack of identifiable inclusions indicates either a preference for soft-bodied prey or a highly acidic and
efficient digestive tract.
PS
Several specimens display shallow scores indicating that some fish and invertebrates engaged in coprophagy.
One specimen has two tooth puncture marks. The completeness of the coprolite suggests that the animal
inadvertently bit the coprolite and was not engaging in coprophagy.
383
Dependency-Aware Architecture-Agnostic Traces
for Multi-threaded Applications
PS-045
Siddharth Nilakantan
Co-Author(s): Karthik Sangaiah, Giordano Salvador
Advisor(s): Mark Hempstead, Baris Taskin
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
PhD Computer Engineering
PS
As chip multi-processors (CMPs) are now the predominant type of architecture employed in modern systems,
system designers require a dependable, convenient and quick way of exploring designs for parallel systems.
Trace-driven simulation offers many advantages over execution-driven simulation, such as reducing simulation
complexity, potentially reducing simulation time, and allowing portability. However, trace-based simulation
approaches have encountered difficulty capturing and accurately replaying multi-threaded traces due to thread
dependencies during execution. In this work, we propose the generation of dependency-aware, architectureagnostic traces for scalable multi-threaded simulation, and a replay mechanism that plays back these traces
while respecting thread dependencies. We show the utility of these to architecture simulations by integrating the
traces and replay mechanism into the Gem5 full system simulator and playing our traces through the Ruby and
Garnet network-on-chip (NoC) framework. We also show examples of how event-driven traces can be used for
specific architecture simulations and thread mapping. The results from simulating benchmarks from PARSEC
2.1 and Splash2 show that our trace-based approach with simulated cache hit fast-forwarding has a peak
speedup of up to 18x over simulation in Gem5 Full System with an average of about 5.95x speedup. We are
also able to compress traces up to 74% of their original size with a small impact on accuracy.
384
Developing a High-Protein, Low-Sugar, and Low-Fat
Brownie
PS-046
Elizabeth Edwards
Advisor(s): Rosemary Trout
Undergraduate Student
Center for Hospitality and Sport Management
Culinary Science
PS
Athletes and bodybuilders have strict diets to adhere to, in order to reach their fitness goals. Because of
this, athletes often stay away from eating baked goods as desserts or snacks because of the high amounts
of sugars and fats these baked goods contain. The purpose of this project is to develop a baked brownie
for athletes that will be high in protein, have a low glycemic index, and a reduced amount of fats, while not
compromising sensory components like flavor and texture. Different ingredients will be changed to increase
proteins and fiber, and decrease simple sugars, long chain saturated fats, and trans fats. Proteins and fiber
can be gained from quinoa, whole-wheat, and soy flours, black bean paste, tofu, oats, and flax seed. The
main sources of fat found in brownies are from chocolate and butter. Chocolate can be substituted with cocoa
powder to reduce fat, and different oils can be substituted for butter to give different fatty acid chain size and
saturation. Various types of calorific sugars can lower the glycemic index, like agave nectar and rice syrups,
and non-nutritive sweeteners with no glycemic index can be blended with small amounts of sugar to provide a
low calorie sweetener. Sensory evaluations will be performed to balance ingredient functionality and consumer
acceptability.
385
Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cell
PS-047
Colin Holladay
Co-Author(s): Randy Carbajal, Sean Coleman, Tom Penza
Advisor(s): Dr. Irina Ciobanescu, Dr. Michael Mauk
Undergraduate Student
Goodwin School of Technology and Professional Studies
Engineering Technology
PS
Miniaturized fuel cells offer an alternative to batteries for powering portable electronics and other applications.
In this work, we are developing a microfluidic direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The microfluidic fuel cell is
fabricated as a palm-sized cartridge made in clear acrylic plastic that mixes laminar streams of methanol
fuel and an oxidant. Voltage and current are electrochemically generated at platinum-containing electrodes
embedded in the fuel cell cartridge. This device provides a simple and informative test platform to explore and
optimize the performance of such microfluidic fuel cells, including the effects of proton-exchange membranes,
electrodes, catalysts, fuel and oxidant chemistries, flow conditions, and temperature. The clear plastic
microfluidic chip permits flow visualization by imaging with a CCD camera. In this microscale configuration, it
may be feasible to achieve adequate performance without a proton-exchange membrane (e.g., Nafion). This
is an attractive feature because such membranes have proved costly and technically problematic in fuel cell
applications. Microfabricated structures incorporated into the microfluidic fuel cell to improve efficiency are also
under study.
386
Functionalizing Nanopillars with Metal-Organic
Framework (MOF) Particles for Sensing
PS-048
Dominique Gnatowski
Advisor(s): Frank Ji
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
PS
These nanoparticles are composed of Zn(ADC)DMSO pillars. They are being tested for potential uses as
chemical sensors. This poster will demonstrate the fluorescence testing we have begun with the MOFs.
Fluorescence scans are being run on them in the presence of different solvents using a Hitachi F-1000
fluorescence spectrophotometer. When the solvent forms a complex with the MOF, the intensity of the peak
visibly increases. However, if no complex is formed, the intensity of the peak does not vary from the baseline.
Right now from our results, it seems that the MOF particle favors solvents with a lone pair of electrons, such as
triethylamine. The tunability of MOF structures gives them an advantage over other classes of chemo-sensory
materials, and there is future in their possible functionalization.
387
Mid-Infrared Properties of Quasars
PS-049
John Timlin
Advisor(s): Gordon Richards
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
PhD Physics
PS
Actively accreting black holes at the center of massive, distant galaxies are responsible for the quasar
phenomena; however, the energy transfer process, through which quasars produce electromagnetic radiation,
remains poorly understood. Therefore it is important to study across the full electromagnetic spectrum to
completely account for the energy production associated with active black hole accretion. We examine the
observed Mid-Infrared (MIR) properties of 140 quasars using data from the Spitzer Space Telescope, utilizing
the 3.6 through 8.0 micron bands. Color-color plots, which compare the observed objects apparent magnitudes
at different wavelengths, were generated from this data. Quasars from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS)
Data Releases 7 (DR7) and 10 (DR10) were cross-matched with objects in the Spitzer data set and were
plotted on the color-color diagram. It is shown that the DR7 and DR10 quasars fall within the region of expected
quasar colors as defined by Lacy et al. 2004. A comparison of the redshift of observed quasars in DR7 and
DR10 is also shown, with the DR10 quasars having their Spitzer MIR colors investigated for the first time.
388
Dielectric Properties Extractions of Fe100-xCox
Alloy Nanoparticles up to 40GHz
PS-050
Yaaqoub Malallah
Co-Author(s): A. Daryoush, M. Marinescu, C. Chinnasamy
Advisor(s): Afshin Daryoush
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
ECE
High permeability (20-500) magnetic nanoparticles alloys of Fe100-xCox, are considered for tunable antennas
and filters at microwave frequencies. Complex magnetic properties of Fe100-xCox nanoparticles are not
available for accurate modeling of printed circuit board (PCB) based antenna and filters. An accurate extraction
procedure of magnetic nanoparticles was developed and reported here by characterizing resonant frequency
properties of microstrip line based annular ring resonators over wide range of frequency (50MHz – 40GHz). The
extraction procedure at microwave frequencies is based on best fitting of the complex permittivity to simulated
and measured filter insertion loss (|S21|), insertion phase (
PS
Simulations (using Agilent Advanced Design System, ADS, MATLAB, and COMSOL) and measurements (ANA)
are performed for a baseline annular ring resonator without the nanaoparticles to verify accuracy of extraction
procedure. Simulation results indicated resonance frequencies of 11.5GHz, 13.9GHz, 17.4GHz, 23.4GHz,
and 26.5GHz for five different ring dimensions. Then modeling for the annular ring with FeCo nanoparticles
performed using an effective magnetic permeability for composite substrate. The resonance frequencies of
8GHz, 9.6GHz, 12GHz, 15.9GHz, and 23GHz are calculated for different ring dimensions. Sensitivity of the filter
parameters is also predicted to change in permeability of the nanoparticles at different frequencies to identify
confidence in extraction procedure. The resonance frequency sensitivity with the nanoparticles ranged from
6.2GHz to -1.5GHz due to the ±100% deviation in permeability average of 230.
389
2,5 pyrazine dicarboxylic acid based metal organic
frameworks
PS-051
Christopher Shindler
Advisor(s): Hai-feng Ji
Undergraduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
PS
We report the synthesis, characterization, and potential applications of 2,5 pyrazine dicarboxylic acid based
metal organic frameworks. Various metal ion linkers and synthesis control methods were used including
temperature control, substrate variation, volume variation, concentration variation, solvent variation, and
substrate ozone treatment. Electron and light microscope imagery shows both surface assisted and solution
based crystal growth. Tested metals include copper, iron, chromium, cobalt, europium, and zinc. Structures
varied under different conditions and with different metal linkers. Observed structures included wires, pillars,
and cubes.
390
Ionic Liquids Extend Stability Window of Organic
Solvent Electrolytes in Electrochemical Capacitors
PS-052
Katherine Van Aken
Co-Author(s): Majid Beidaghi, Mayumi Nishida, Yury Gogotsi
Advisor(s): Yury Gogotsi
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
PS
The energy density of EC is directly related to specific capacitance of the electrodes and the working potential
of the device In recent years, Ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted a lot of attention as electrolytes for ECs as
they are stable at higher potentials compared to conventional aqueous and organic electrolytes, leading to
higher energy density of the device. However, neat ionic liquids have much higher viscosities compared to
electrolytes based on organic solvents such as acetonitrile (AN) or propylene carbonate (PC) and they are
also more expensive. In this , we mixtures of ionic liquids and PC organic electrolyte. The ionic liquids all
contain the tetrafluoroborate anion just like the organic electrolyte used for comparison. The three different
cations are 1-Butyl-1-methylhomopiperidinium (BMHPPR), 1-Ethyl-1-methylpyrrolidinium (EMPRL), and
1,1-Dimethylpyrrolidinium (DMPRL). In all cases, multilayered graphene sheets are used as the electrode
material. Electrochemical performance is assessed through galvanostatic cycling, cyclic voltammetry, and
impedance spectroscopy. Results indicate better capacitive performance of all three IL electrolytes compared
to the conventional organic electrolyte as well as an impressive capacitive stability over 10,000 cycles. These
electrolytes find applications in ECs with high energy density and long lifetime requirements.
391
Volumetric Optical Cavity Modes Allow Room
Temperature GaAs/AlGaAs Core-Shell Nanowire
Lasing
PS-053
Zhihuan Wang
Co-Author(s): Bahram Nabet
Advisor(s): Bahram Nabet
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
ECE
PS
Research field of semiconductor nanowires has become one of the most active area in the nanoscience
community. With increasing demand for ultra-small, high-speed and highly efficient integrated photonics circuits,
the nanowire optical devices play an important role either as coherent light source or in optical communications
for intra-chip and inter-chip interconnects. Lasing from nanowires has been demonstrated using a wide range of
different material systems. Recently, GaAs/AlGaAs core-shell nanowires were demonstrated have lasing ability
up to room temperature, and also shown extremely enhanced optical emission properties. Remarkably, lasing
occurs without the sophisticated mirror structures of the vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL). In this
paper, we use FDTD simulation to demonstrate how the light confined in this cavity, produces unique helically
propagating modes resulting in resonant Bragg reflections despite the low reflectivity of the top and bottom
mirrors. We note the dependence of these resonant optical modes on nanowires’ length and diameter. Given
that these structures can be grown on Si, they have numerous future application in high-density optoelectronics.
392
Non-thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma
Treatment of Small Biomolecules
PS-054
Joshua Smith
Co-Author(s): Isaac Adams
Advisor(s): Dr. Haifeng Frank Ji
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
PS
Floating-Electrode Dielectric Barrier Discharge (FE-DBD) is a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma
source with a range of applications from ozone generation to cancer treatment. The non-thermal generation
of the plasma allows for the treatment of heat sensitive material, such as living tissue. For this reason, it has
been explored for applications within a hospital setting for sterilization and wound healing. Clinical studies
have revealed antibacterial effects from treatment of E. coli and S. aureus. Enhanced antibacterial effects were
observed with exposure of the bacteria to plasma treated cell culture medium. Cell culture media is typically
composed of a large amount of sugar and an amino acid variety. Amino acids were found to have a range of
peroxidation efficiencies when exposed to IR radiation, which was found to correlate directly to the level of
antibacterial effects. Understanding the primary components responsible for this enhanced antibacterial effect
along with the general effect of plasma treatment on other general small biological molecules is necessary for
full development of FE-DBD for clinical applications. This work looks into treatment of the primary cell culture
medium components consisting of amino acids and sugars. Treatment of other abundant biomolecules will lead
to a deeper understanding of the antibacterial mechanism and any possible negative side-effects from tissue
exposure to non-thermal plasma.
393
Cross Validated Detection of Crack Initiation in
Aerospace Materials
PS-055
Prashanth Vanniamparambil
Co-Author(s): Jefferson Cuadra, Utku Guclu, Ivan Bartoli, Antonios Kontsos
Advisor(s): Antonios Kontsos
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
A cross-validated nondestructive evaluation approach was employed to identify the onset of crack in Aluminum
alloy compact tension and middle tension specimens. Full Field optical techniques were utilized in conjunction
with Acoustic Emission (AE) to clean, interpret the unknown AE signals and cross validate the initiation of crack
reliably. The mechanical specimens were subjected to quasi static and fatigue loading using the same NDT
setup. Crack initiation was witnessed visually and was confirmed by the characteristic load drop accompanying
the ductile fracture process. The onset of cracking was associated with significant increases in both the AE
features and DIC strain map. Subsequently, the crack openings were noted to release significant thermal
energy which correlated with a shift in the peak frequencies of the AE signals. Although such experiments have
been
PS
attempted and reported before in the literature, the presented approach provides for the first time a crossvalidated nondestructive dataset that can be used for quantitative analyses of the crack initiation information
content. It further allows future development of automated procedures for real-time identification of damage
precursors including the rarely explored crack incubation stage in fatigue conditions.
394
A Novel Radio Frequency Transmission Methods
for Intracranial Pressure Study in causes of
Traumatic Brain Injury
PS-056
Shimin Huang
Co-Author(s): MOHAMMAD-Reza TOFIGHI, Arye Rosen
Advisor(s): Arye Rosen, MOHAMMAD-Reza TOFIGHI
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring is vital in research and therapy for brain injury. The elevation of ICP
caused by traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of death and disability. In our previous research, we
have developed implantable digital and analog wireless devices operating at 2.4 GHz for ICP measurements.
The purpose of this project is to advance our previous ICP monitoring research by focusing on radio wave
transmission through tissues. Implantable slot antennas were used in our devices for in-vivo and in-vitro model.
Our first objective is to optimize these antennas for design parameters such as gain, reflection coefficient (S11)
and transmission coefficient (S21). These parameters are characterized by a vector network analyzer (VNA)
and a custom-built antenna test set up.
PS
Although implantable wireless devices can reduce infection and prolong the monitoring time periods compared
to the widely used tethered fiber optic probe, they require surgery for implantation. We will study, as our second
objective, a novel phantom model mimicking the head structure. This model will be used in a novel means of
investigating radio wave transmission between antennas placed on both sides of the head as a non-invasive
means for ICP measurements. Phantoms chosen to have the same electrical properties as brain tissue and
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) will be used. We will study the variation in the transmission coefficient by inducing
pressure change in the model. Wearable devices shaped as headband will be developed for both phantom and
animal studies for characterizing the relationship between the antenna transmission coefficient and ICP.
395
Nanostructured Hematite Photoanodes for Solar
Water Splitting
PS-057
Anthony J. Abel
Co-Author(s): Anjli M. Patel, Ivan Garcia Torregrosa, Jason B. Baxter
Advisor(s): Jason B. Baxter
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Chemical and Biological Engineering
PS
Hematite has been widely investigated as a material for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting due
to its abundance, stability, favorable band gap of 2.1 eV, and theoretical 15% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency.
Despite desirable properties, challenges remain, including slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics
and a mismatch between absorption depth and minority carrier collection length. Due to this mismatch,
nanostructured architectures are necessary to achieve large photocurrents. Photoanodes of hematite-coated
nanostructured scaffolds and thin films on F:SnO2 (FTO) glass substrates were fabricated to investigate the
effects of film thickness, interfaces, metallic dopants, and nanostructured architecture on PEC water-splitting.
Hematite thin films were fabricated by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), where a
substrate is alternately immersed in iron-containing and oxidizing baths. Annealing at 775°C caused phase
transformation from iron-hydroxide to hematite and diffusion of Sn from the FTO substrate into the hematite,
which may increase film conductivity and enhance the OER. Photocurrent increased with film thickness but
approached saturation at about 120 cycles due to charge collection limitations. It was further enhanced by
adding an ultrathin TiO2 interlayer between the FTO and hematite, which likely improves the interface and
reduces shunting. Depth-profiled XPS reveals that both Ti and Sn diffuse through the hematite upon annealing.
The surface is especially rich in Ti, which may passivate surface traps or catalyze the OER. To increase light
absorption while maintaining hematite thickness similar to the collection length, nanostructured inverse-opal
Sb:SnO2 (ATO) scaffolds with hematite coatings were prepared. This scaffold increased surface area by 85%
compared to planar films, and photocurrent increased by over 15%. Nanostructures and interfacial treatments
following this approach will increase efficacy of PEC water-splitting.
396
The infusion of Infrared Thermography in a
combined NDT Framework for validation and
understanding of damage and infrastructure
evaluation
PS-058
Satish Rajaram
Co-Author(s): Jefferson Cuadra, Prashanth Abraham, Andrew Ellenberg, Utku Guclu, Ivan Bartoli, Fuad Khan
Advisor(s): Dr. Antonios Kontsos
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
PS
Infrared Thermography (IR) is a powerful Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) technique that uses the infrared
band of the electromagnetic spectrum to measure thermal radiation. IR offers powerful visualization of the
emitted thermal radiation for infrastructure evaluation and damage detection. It offers a multi-layer ability to
detect damage in materials or structures and predict the onset of damage in various materials. In infrastructure
evaluation IR has been used to inspect bridges for delaminations, energy efficiency of buildings and power
lines, along with the inspection of grout in concrete masonry walls. In mechanical testing IR has been used
to obtain full field thermal maps, localized hot spots in these maps indicate the onset of damage. Acoustic
Emission (AE) is a powerful tool for volumetric NDT that offers the ability to passively monitor damage. While
AE has the ability to detect damage immediately it becomes underutilized in static settings and cannot visualize
damage. Digital Image Correlation (DIC) measures deformation of light to calculate full field strain maps. DIC
similarly to IR offers a strong visualization of strain development but is a surface measurement tool. These two
techniques can be utilized with IR for a hybrid NDT framework that allows for a stronger level of cross validation
of damage detection and inspection of infrastructures.
397
Study of iCVD Polyglycidol as a Potential Polymer
Electrolyte in Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
PS-059
Chia-Yun Hsieh
Advisor(s): Kenneth K.S. Lau
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Chemical and Biological Engineering
Polyglycidol (PGL) is an ether polymer containing –CCO– repeat units along the backbone much like
polyethylene oxide (PEO) but with –CH2OH side groups. One attractive property of PGL is its crystallization is
frustrated by steric hindrance of the side group. There is also the possibility of the unprotected hydroxyl side
groups to participate in branching and crosslinking, which prevents crystallization. This is in contrast to the
facile crystallization of linear PEO. PEO is well known to possess good ionic conductivity in the amorphous
phase so PGL is anticipated to intrinsically promote ionic conduction with the potential as a polymer electrolyte.
PS
In this study, we successfully synthesized polyglycidol via initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), a polymer
synthesis and deposition technique that converts gas phase precursors (initiator and monomer) into solid
polymer without using any liquid phase medium. Spectroscopy, including FTIR and XPS, has been used to
elucidate material composition and structure. PGL was deposited into confined mesoporous photoanodes of
dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and effective pore filling of the electrodes with polymer electrolytes by iCVD
has the potential to improve the efficiency of DSSCs. By using various probing techniques, including DSC, TGA
and SEM, the PGL properties in the porous nanostructures can be compared with bulk polymers.
398
Thermodynamic Model of EXO-200 Xe System
PS-060
Yi-Hsuan Lin
Advisor(s): Michelle Dolinski
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics PhD
PS
Various experiments have observed that neutrino, a neutral particle assumed to be virtually massless by the
Standard Model, actually oscillates between its flavor states (e, mu, tau), which are combinations of neutrino
mass states. A method to find an upper bound on the neutrino masses is through the half-life of neutrinoless
double beta decay, a rare nuclear process, which can only occur if neutrinos are their own anti-particle. The
EXO-200 collaboration is searching for neutrinoless double beta decay using 0.1 ton of isotopically enriched
liquid xenon at -100 degree Celsius as its decay nuclei. A simulation of the xenon system of EXO-200 would
be able to provide better understanding of the system’s thermodynamic behavior, testing and training for EXO200 operations, and aid in the development of the next generation experiment (nEXO). The thermodynamic
behavior of the xenon condenser and xenon heater has been modeled, showing good agreement with
experiment. The simulation will eventually become a standalone model and be able to fully reproduce the
dynamic behavior of the xenon system.
399
Studying Quasar Accretion Disk “Winds” by
Observing MgII and CIV Narrow Absorption-Lines in
Velocity Space Around Quasars
PS-061
Robert Stone
Advisor(s): Gordon Richards
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Astrophysics Ph.D.
PS
A quasi-stellar object (quasar or QSO) is an extremely luminous astrophysical object powered by an accretion
disk centered around a massive black hole. Using the spectral data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey
(SDSS), we investigate the distribution of absorption-line systems due to ionized carbon and magnesium in the
vicinity of the quasars. If the gas producing these absorption-line systems is intrinsic to the quasar, we would
expect them to clump together in velocity space, whereas if the gas is instead in intervening galaxies, we would
not see this velocity clumping. By distinguishing between these possibilities we can investigate matter outflows
coming from quasar accretion disks. These quasar “winds” are observed to have extreme speeds of 12000
km/s or more. Finding a correlation between the clustering of these absorbers and the radio-loudness of the
quasar can potentially shed some light on the nature of radio emission in quasars, which remains uncertain.
400
Remote Structural Analysis Utilizing Optical Heads
up Displays and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
PS-062
Jacob Zeitzew
Co-Author(s): Eric Hegnes
Advisor(s): Ivan Bartoli, Antonios Kontsos, Anu Pradhan
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
PS
The current methods and techniques of Civil Infrastructure Inspection are out of date. We’re creating Google
Glass applications to detect cracks and erosion over time with high precision. By comparing pictures taken at
specific places looking at specific angles with pictures taken at the same place looking at the same angle, we’re
more accurately able to tell the effect time has taken at the joints and connections of bridges. Currently, the field
of Bridge Inspection requires the use of heavy machinery, which put trained professionals in danger, to allow
them to view, analyze, and record data. We’re able to connect and simulate in real time by the use of Aerial
Vehicles, GoPros, and the Google Glass, unreachable viewing angles and perspectives. It was established
and proven that the Parrot AR drone attached with a GoPro3+ Silver Edition Camera could detect cracks
comparable to current visual inspection. The final application vision will allow Inspectors to more accurately log
important information and allow inspectors to guide technicians at more than one location.
401
Designing an X-ray Transparent Die for In-Situ
Observation of Powder Compaction
PS-063
Jovana Radojevic
Advisor(s): Antonios Zavaliangos
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
In the pharmaceutical industry, tablets are made by compaction of a mixture of powders (active pharmaceutical
ingredients and excipients). Each of these materials has different physical properties and compaction behavior.
In order to optimize tablet production and development, it is essential to have information about mechanical
behavior of pharmaceutical ingredients. The mechanical properties of tablets are significantly decreased by
formation of cracks within the compacts. It is important to understand the particle interactions that lead to the
formation of bonds or the breaking of these bonds. Significant information can be collected if compaction can
be observed in situ. For this to be possible a special die is designed in a way that allows for X-rays to penetrate
through it and to show the compaction process in real time. The traditional compaction die is made of hardened
steel, which makes it impossible for X-rays to go through. Boron carbide (B4C) is the material of choice,
however its mechanical properties are inferior compared to hardened steel. To account for this drawback, a
special design was created that introduced compressive residual stresses in the B4C die.
PS
Information obtained from the experiments in the X-ray transparent die can be implemented to a Discrete
Element Model (DEM) of particle compaction. The broader impact of this work will reflect in its use in
pharmaceutical industry. Production optimization and avoidance of costly mistakes in the drug development
process are expected to be some of the results of the work facilitated by this die.
402
Infrastructure Assessment Utilizing an Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle
PS-064
Andrew Ellenberg
Co-Author(s): Antonios Kontsos, Ivan Bartoli, Franklin Moon, Anu Pradhan, Fuad Khan, She Ye
Advisor(s): Antonios Kontsos, Ivan Bartoli
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
MEM
PS
Visual inspections are the primary method of infrastructure assessment, but the large number and scale of the
systems makes it difficult to record data such as size, location and severity of damage accurately. Currently,
inspections are conducted once every two years, but UAVs can be used more often and they have the potential
to permanently change infrastructure assessment. Visual inspections can also be inconsistent due to the
different levels of experience of the inspectors. Unmanned aerial vehicles can use high resolution imaging to
visually analyze the structures. Non-contact measurements such as digital image correlation (DIC) and 3D
simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) can compute 3D coordinates and determine deformation.
Deformation, relative change in size, and crack identification can be analyzed with an unmanned aerial vehicle
by utilizing a post processing algorithm to provide non-contact quantitative measurements. Image-based
crack detection and inspection is limited to inspecting surface cracks, but it has advantages including speed,
repeatability, and large area coverage. The integration of UAVs into commercial aerospace also makes this
inspection technique very promising for future inspections.
403
Hydrothermally Grown Manganese Oxide
Nanowires with Tunnel Crystal Structures for use
as Li-ion Battery Cathodes
PS-065
Bryan Byles
Co-Author(s): Ekaterina Pomerantseva
Advisor(s): Ekaterina Pomerantseva
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
In recent years there has been a renewed interest in manganese oxides for electrochemical applications,
including energy storage in both batteries and psuedocapacitors. Within the many polymorphs of manganese
oxide, there is a group of materials of particular interest containing unique tunnel crystal structures. Depending
on the synthesis method and conditions, the MnO6 octahedra that compose the material can arrange into
different geometries and form different types of tunnel shapes and sizes. The openness of the tunnel structure
makes this material an ideal candidate for electrochemical applications that involve the intercalation of charge
carrying ions in and out of the crystal structure. Further, acid leaching can be performed on the material to
further enhance its electrochemical properties. Acid leaching has been shown to increase surface area, remove
ions present as a “framework” for tunnel growth, increase the Mn valence state, and increase electrical and
ionic conductivities.
PS
In this study, hydrothermal treatment is used to synthesize α-MnO2 in the form of high aspect ratio nanowires
with diameters of 50 – 200 nm and lengths of up to 10 microns. Using XRD and SEM, the crystal structure,
morphology, and composition of the synthesized nanowires were confirmed. Acid leaching is then performed
on the nanowires by immersing them in concentrated nitric acid for 24 hours, after which they are thoroughly
washed in distilled water and characterized again with XRD and SEM. Following this, the materials are used to
make coin cells and galvanostatically cycled to determine the capacity of the synthesized material.
404
Nanodiamond-Kynar Films for Photovoltaics
PS-066
Sean Orzolek
Co-Author(s): Tianjiao Cai, Shawn Cole
Advisor(s): Vadym Mochalin, Yury Gogotsi
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
MSE
Nanodiamond (ND) has exceptional properties such as a high index of refraction, high absorbsion in the UV
band, and high hardness; all of which make it an ideal candidate as an additive for optical films. Since the
average diameter of a single ND particle is 5nm, the particles can be dispersed into a polymer matrix creating a
high-refractive-index polymer. This polymer composite would be ideal for the application to photovoltaic cell as
it would act as a corrosion resistant barrier and antireflective coating.
PS
In this proposal, the goal is to produce coating with ND and investigate potential of ND for silicon solar cells. We
hypothesized that the ND layer deposited onto the surface of the silicon solar cell will increase the hardness
and enhance the efficiency of absorbing light in the visible region. In this study, solutions containing ND and
Kynar™ were prepared in Dimethylformamide (DMF). The thin film coating was deposited on glass slides,
quartz slides and silicon wafers by spin coating. Previous studies show that a thermal annealing process could
influence the Kynar™ film thickness, morphology and electroactive crystalline. Therefore, the spin-coated
samples with ND and Kynar™ were heated from 35C to 85C. The optical properties of ND-Kynar™ films
were characterized by Optical Microscopy, UV-Vis spectroscopy and Optical Ellipsometry. The cross-sectional
morphology was studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Atomic Force Microscopy was used to characterize
the surface roughness and thickness. The Young’s modulus and hardness were explored by Nanoindentation.
The results about the effects from the annealing process will help to improve the quality of the ND and Kynar™
films.
405
Multispectral and Multiscale Optical Methods for
Structural Health Monitoring
PS-067
Aditi Ramadurgakar
Co-Author(s): Sadaf Bahaza, Jeremy Monteiro, Harold Montilla
Advisor(s): Antonios Kontsos, Ivan Bartoli, Matthew McCarthy
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
The objective of this project is to design a novel Nondestructive testing & Evaluation (NDTE) technique
that consists of non-contact, full-field optical metrology methods in a multiscale and multispectral setting for
Structural Health Monitoring. To achieve this goal, the project examines the use of Infrared Thermography and
novel patterning methods to develop and evaluate novel procedures, which could allow efficient, automated,
and non-contact data collection for infrastructure assessment without risking human lives.
PS
One approach to address these issues will be to explore controllable patterning procedures, which will then be
applied based on scalable manufacturing to large surfaces and perform non-contact NDE. Such patterns are
proposed to be created through the same algorithms used for two-dimensional barcode generation (QR code
or barcodes) and then adapted for measurements at different length scales. In parallel, the use of IR imaging
can allow for multispectral damage assessment through the identification of structural hot spots due to common
problems in civil infrastructure including cracking, permanent deformation, delamination and corrosion. If
successful, the proposed approach could be implemented on Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and combined
with other remote sensing instruments in next generation SHM applications.
406
Portable Hydrogen Fuel Cell Design
PS-068
Roman Ventura
Advisor(s): Dr. Yossef Elabd, Dr. Xuhai Wang
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Hydrogen Fuel Cells (HFCs), an alternative energy source with zero carbon dioxide emissions, flow air and
hydrogen gas over the membrane electrode assembly to generate electricity and water. Current portable HFC
designs are costly because of the platinum (Pt) catalyst on their electrodes and bulky because of hydrogen gas
delivery systems.
To minimize cost, electrospraying and electrospinning (E/E) were combined to fabricate electrodes for fuel cells.
Simultaneously, the E/E technique loaded electrosprayed Pt nanoparticles onto electrospun Nafion nanofibers
from two separate needles. This technique increased the electrochemical surface area of Pt, while maintaining
the HFC’s power output. Additionally, hydrophobic PTFE added to the fibers prevented water, a reaction
product, from flooding the catalyst layer. Pt catalyst loading decreased by a factor of 200% when compared to
the industry’s standard. This meets the Department of Energy’s target for Pt utilization at 0.125 gPt/kW during
maximum power density.
A 3-D design of a proposed portable HFC utilized the E/E electrodes and hydrogen gas generated by sodium
borohydride powder reacted with water. This design was drafted using Autodesk Inventor and a bill of materials
was estimated.
PS
This research has helped to improve the design and marketability of a cheaper, less bulky, portable HFC.
407
The Role of Wickability in Critical Heat Flux
Enhancement during Pool Boiling
PS-069
Md Mahamudur Rahman
Co-Author(s): Emre Ölçeroğlu, Matthew McCarthy
Advisor(s): Dr. Matthew McCarthy
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
PS
We report the pool boiling critical heat transfer enhancement using biotemplated nanostructures based on
the Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Several micro and micro/nano hierarchical surfaces have been designed
considering hydrodynamic Helmholtz instabilities, surface roughness, and capillary wicking rate. Each surface
is characterized under controlled pool boiling conditions. The heat flux and heat transfer coefficient (HTC) as
a function of wall superheat are measured and reported. The effects of surface roughness, wettability, and
capillary hemiwicking have been investigated to identify their roles in CHF enhancement. By introducing micro/
nano-scale structures the critical heat flux and heat transfer coefficient has been increased by more than
200% as compared to flat surfaces. A CHF correlation based on dimensionless wicking number for varied
surface geometry and scale, nanostructures on different materials, varied nanostructure porosity and different
nanostructures is proposed to explain the pool boiling CHF enhancement. We report that TMV can introduce
small-scale features, which promote bubble nucleation with controlled formation, growth and departure along
with enhanced CHF and HTC. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using biotemplated nanostructures
based on TMV for enhanced pool boiling heat transfer and aims to provide a fundamental understanding of the
heat transfer mechanism of TMV coated surfaces during boiling. The dependence of CHF enhancement with
augmented hemiwicking suggests design guidelines for future superhydrophilic high heat transferring surface
fabrication technologies.
408
Biotemplated Super-Bi-Philic Surfaces for the
Spatial Control of Microscale Droplets during
Condensation
PS-070
Emre Olceroglu
Co-Author(s): Md Mahamudur Rahman
Advisor(s): Matthew McCarthy
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
PS
We report the use of biotemplated super-bi-philic surfaces based on the Tobacco mosaic virus to investigate
the effects of wetting dynamics and gain spatial control over nucleation sites in dropwise condensation. Recent
studies on superhydrophobic jumping mode dropwise condensation has shown that under high heat flux
applications, due to the increased number of nucleation sites very close to each, the nanostructure eventually
gets flooded making the overall performance worse than that of flat hydrophobic surfaces. In this work we
introduce super-bi-philic surfaces where the nucleation sites are engineered onto the surface based on
intelligent designs so that vapor always prefers to condense on those pre-defined locations instead of random
spots. This way, we achieved to maintain jumping mode condensation even under higher heat flux tests without
any failure. Optical microscopy and Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) have been utilized to
visualize and quantify the performance of these surfaces.
409
Bi-Conductive Surfaces for the Enhancement of
Pool Boiling Heat Transfer
PS-071
Jordan Pollack
Co-Author(s): Md Mahamudur Rahman, Matthew McCarthy
Advisor(s): Dr. Matthew McCarthy
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics
PS
Phase-change heat transfer is ubiquitous in nearly all industries due to the advantages of harnessing the latent
heat stored within the fluids. However, the performance of these thermal systems using boiling is inherently
limited by the critical heat flux (CHF), the maximum boiling heat transfer rate achievable across a surface. At
CHF, a vapor film forms on a surface blocking the return of replenishing liquid and inhibits the heat transfer from
the surface to the fluid. This results in a rapid and uncontrollable increase in surface temperature leading to a
catastrophic failure of the system. To delay this dry-out phenomenon at CHF, we report a novel heat transfer
enhancement mechanism for increasing pool boiling CHF by integrating islands of non-conductive areas onto
a copper surface. Different bi-conductive surfaces have been fabricated and characterized during pool boiling
to promote ordered pathways for vapor and liquid flow above a surface leading to increased heat transfer.
CHF enhancement of more than 100% and heat transfer coefficient (HTC) enhancement of more than 200%
have been achieved during pool boiling. This work highlights the complex nature of CHF as well as potential
strategies to delay dry-out, including the use of bi-conductive surfaces to promote in-planar temperature
gradients. This work shows substantial increases in performance using flat surfaces, as opposed to structured
surfaces which are susceptible to fouling and degradation.
410
Superhydrophobic Nanostructured Coatings for
Anti-Icing Applications using Biological Templates
PS-072
Jason Allen
Co-Author(s): Emre Olceroglu
Advisor(s): Matthew McCarthy
Undergraduate Student
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
PS
In this work we utilize biotemplated superhydrophobic nanostructures based on the Tobacco mosaic virus
(TMV) for use in anti-icing applications. The unwanted accumulation of ice is detrimental in many applications
and systems such as aircraft components, power lines, and turbine blades. Mechanical and structural damage,
loss of efficiency and even loss of life can be attributed to ice build-up. Removal of ice from critical surfaces is
a mandatory yet a costly process. De-icing procedures generally involve chemical applications and mechanical
systems that are expensive and time consuming. Here we introduce a preventative de-icing method that repels
impacting water droplets before they can freeze on the surface. Using a custom-built experimental apparatus
and a high speed camera, the repellency and wetting dynamics of water impacting hydrophilic, hydrophobic,
and superhydrophobic surfaces at various temperatures has been characterized, demonstrating anti-icing
capabilities at temperatures as low as -25°C.
411
Nanoporous Membranes based on Biological
Templates
PS-073
Donald Fehlinger
Co-Author(s): Md Mahamudur Rahman, Emre Olceroglu, Matthew McCarthy
Advisor(s): Matthew McCarthy
Graduate Student
College of Engineering
MEM
PS
We investigated the assembly mechanisms of Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) nanostructures to create efficient
filtration membranes. The TMV is a high aspect ratio cylindrically shaped benign plant virus measuring 18 nm in
diameter and 300 nm long with an inner protein channel of 4 nm diameter. This bio-nanofabrication technique
used the replication of plant viruses to create functional nanostructures and is inherently sustainable, while
the nanometer-scale pores defined by the inner channel of the TMV protein structure can promote efficient
transport and separation. This work allowed for the investigation of the feasibility of using TMV nanostructures
to create cheap, sustainably-produced, scalable nanoporous membranes.
412
Multiple quantum dot behavior in short and wide
graphene devices, with disorder
PS-074
Joseph Lambert
Co-Author(s): Steven Carabello, Roberto Ramos, Shyamalendu Bose
Advisor(s): Shyamalendu Bose
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics
PS
Quantum dots (QD) are small, weakly coupled islands of charge that behave as artificial atoms. The size of
these islands is small enough that electron-electron interactions become important and quantum mechanical
effects are observable. The simplest QD system consists of the island weakly coupled to three electrodes:
the source and drain electrodes mediate current, and an electrostatic gate controls the amount of charge.
Graphene, an atomically-thin sheet of carbon, can exhibit QD behavior by either localizing electrons on a small
etched island (typically < 100nm across), or by impurity induced localization of charge. The latter approach has
been studied in thin graphene nanoribbons. Here, we report on QD behavior in a new system where the singlelayer graphene channel between two leads is short (a few hundred nanometers long) and wide (5-10 microns
across). Measurements of conductance as a function of gate and bias voltage at temperatures between 20 mK
and 10 Kelvin revealed long-range tapestry patterns extending across a wide range of gate voltages. Applying
filtering techniques reveals so called “Coulomb diamonds”, which are strong evidence of QD behavior. The
diamonds vary in size, suggesting the presence of multiple QDs. Surprisingly, the conductance of the system is
several orders of magnitude larger than typical QD systems. Collectively, these measurements are consistent
with multiple low-barrier QDs in parallel. The results help advance our understanding of charge transport in
graphene, which is a material that promises to advance energy efficient, high performance technology.
413
Recovering dark matter substructure in galaxy
clusters
PS-075
Justin Bird
Advisor(s): Dave Goldberg
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Physics PhD
Over the last two decades, gravitational lensing has served as one of the cornerstones in the development of
our standard model of cosmology and extragalactic astronomy. Given the importance of accurately measuring
the mass, shape, and substructure of individual galactic clusters, and given the enormous expense of long timeexposure observation, it is vital to produce high-resolution maps of substructure within individual clusters.
The most widely used cluster mass reconstruction techniques use first-order gravitational light deflection –
shear – on a statistical scale to find the general mass profile of a gravitational lens. To achieve higher precision,
in this work the second-order gravitational “flexion” field is incorporated into techniques for mass reconstruction.
The great advantage to using flexion instead of, or ideally, in addition to shear is that it is far more sensitive to
small-scale perturbations in the magnification field.
PS
Two techniques for recovering second-order deflection effects are presented. The HOLICS method (Higherorder lensing image characteristics) was developed and successfully utilized by Okura et al. (2008) in cluster
A1689. The AIM method (Analytic image model) was developed and tested by Cain et al. (2011). Independent
implementations of these codes are presented, along with simulation results of their efficacy.
414
Synthesis and Characterization of Polycyclic
Heteroaromatic Compounds for use as Ligands in
Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
PS-076
Noah Johnson
Co-Author(s): Dayne Swearer
Advisor(s): Haifeng (Frank) Ji
Graduate Student
College of Arts and Sciences
Chemistry
PS
Energy is one of the greatest challenges facing the world today. While solar power is a highly abundant and
renewable resource, current techniques for harvesting the energy are either expensive or inefficient. Dyesensitized solar cells offer a promising route toward the solution of this problem, but their efficiency is quite low,
due largely to low solar light absorption. We intend to alleviate this problem by synthesizing and characterizing
a wide variety of polycyclic heteroaromatic compounds, which are known to have strong visible light absorption
and emission, and complexing them to ruthenium metal centers. This synthesis must be highly flexible, while
maintaining compatibility for a wide variety of functional groups. This will allow for fine-tuning of electronic and
physical properties, while optimizing light absorption. We have settled on using palladium- or copper-catalyzed
coupling reactions to form a nitrogen-bridged aromatic framework, followed by ring-closing reactions to create
the polycyclic heteroaromatic backbone. This backbone can then be further functionalized to offer maximum
light absorption. We hope that these compounds can be used to further enhance the efficiency of a promising
class of solar cells.
415