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Producing Nanoparticles under Oxygen-Free Conditions by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids
Sydney Calhoun
Synthesis of nanoparticles via pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) has been thoroughly researched in the past, but synthesis in inert and water free environments by PLAL is a completely novel and exciting avenue to explore. Providing an inert environment while also providing laser ablation is a challenging engineering task. A specialty airtight vessel must be developed that can be used in the glovebox as well as withstand the high fluence of the ND:YAG laser. Corning 7980 fused silica glass was found to withstand these high energies and thus could be incorporated into a vessel. Once developed, the vessel will be used to generate low or zero valent iron nanoparticles that may prove to be novel as a quantum material or electro/photo catalyst.
2023 -
Development of Mechanical Characterization Techniques and Analysis of Flexible Electronic Materials
Joshua Corbin
Flexible electronics are a growing technology in the field of additive electronic manufacturing. Due to their flexible characteristics, these electronic devices can experience large and complex strains during their applications as compared to traditional rigid electronic devices. These large and complex strains can lead to mechanical failure of the materials that flexible electronic devices are fabricated from. Common mechanical failures of these materials include cohesive cracking through their thickness and interfacial cracking between dissimilar materials. It is therefore important to have techniques to measure the mechanical properties of these materials to design future flexible electronic devices with improved reliability and to survive their extreme user conditions. The mechanical characterization method utilized in this research project measures the interfacial fracture toughness between conductive ink films and the flexible substrate they are printed on using a custom built interfacial wedge tester. The interfacial wedge tester fabricated here was improved from previous experiments and was designed to be simple, reliable and readily fabricated. During the research, the design of the interfacial wedge tester was improved by increasing the precision of hardware and accommodating a fixed optical measurement device. The specific materials used in this research project are Novacentrix JS-B25P Silver Nanoparticle Ink printed on a thin and flexible PET substrate (Novacentrix Novele Printing Media).The silver conducting ink layer of samples was exposed to elevated humidity conditions using an environmental test chamber to simulate real-world use applications. These elevated humidity exposure silver ink samples were compared to a control group of silver ink samples that were exposed to room temperature/humidity conditions. After humidity exposure, silver ink samples were allowed to dry at room temperature/humidity conditions for varying lengths of times. The results from the experiment show that high humidity exposure, in combination with prolonged dry time, can have a beneficial effect in the interfacial fracture strength of the interface between the silver conducting ink and its flexible substrate.
2023 -
Characterization of p75NTR Interactors in Midbrain Dopaminergic Neurons
Lorelei Darzi
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that is characterized by the deterioration of neurons that communicate via dopamine. These dopaminergic neurons undergo a phenomenon known as oxidative stress, which obstructs neuronal functioning and results in cell death. There is no treatment for PD that is highly effective in preventing neurodegeneration, so it is imperative to research its mechanisms at the molecular level. The p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR) is a poorly understood protein that is involved in neurodegeneration. Oxidative stress has been shown to induce p75NTR signaling by triggering regulated proteolysis of the receptor. In the present study, we evaluated whether receptor internalization is required for oxidative stress-induced p75NTR signaling. Our results indicate that blockade of receptor internalization with dynasore prevents p75NTR proteolysis in 6-OHDA treated cells. Additionally, we evaluated the expression of coreceptors that may potentially influence p75NTR signaling in dopaminergic cells, and we determined that sortilin is present in LUHMES cells whereas TrkB and TrkC receptors are not expressed.
2023 -
Short Film Adaptation of Soseki Natsume’s Ten Nights’ Dreams
Celeste Davis
This project takes the short story "Ten Nights' Dreams" by Soseki Natsume and adapts it into a short animated film. The film was made using both traditional mediums such as paper and pencil as well as digital tools.
2023 -
Merchants and Mill Workers: Harrison Brothers and Huntsville Commerce, 1897-1903
Merritt Fisk
Between 1897 and 1903, the Harrison Brothers store on South-Side Courthouse Square underwent many changes in customers and merchandise. This research revels a distinct economic connection between downtown Huntsville merchants and cotton mill villagers that influenced Harrison Brothers abrupt change of merchandise from tobacco to Queensware ceramics in 1900. The Harrison Brothers' ledgers, which recorded customer credit accounts, and their daybooks, which recorded daily transactions, give insight into the store's operation, customer habits, and significant events in the store's history. These accounting books and other sources in the Harrison Brothers Hardware Collection from the UAH Archives and Special Collections present an in-depth view of Harrison Brothers and Huntsville in relation to significant developments in the pottery and tobacco industries in the United States during the late Industrial Revolution. These industry developments and the rise of the cotton mill industry affected Huntsville’s merchants and consumers. Addressing subjects such as race, gender, and social class through an economic lens, this research offers an intricate view of Rocket City’s well-known hardware store that once sold Queensware in Cotton Mill City.
2023 -
Timing of a Fast Optical Switch
Miles Gannett
A Rubidium Titanyl Phosphate (RTP) Pockels cell was placed in an optical transverse configuration in line with a fast modulation high voltage source. Two crossed polarizers were configured to allow light through the system during a voltage pulse across the Pockels cell. Sources of additive noise were identified with power spectrum analysis. Noise power in the active pulse was measured to be 3.412*10^-15 (V^2/sqrt(Hz)). Accounting for this noise and digital signal filtering, timing information of the active pulse was captured. A rise time of 15.94 ± 0.416 (ns) with a recovery time of 1.39 ± 0.072 (μs) was demonstrated using our setup. The measured pulse width was stable about 1.37 ± 0.016 (μs).
2023 -
The Prospective Use of FTIR and Surface Tension in Measuring Concentrations
Maddie Liz Golembeck
Quantifying concentrations of chemical compounds in solutions is often an important analytical demand in order to control a chemical process. Quick, accurate, and efficient methods are always preferred. This research investigated the potential for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR spectroscopy) and surface tension to determine concentration accurately and efficiently for solutions of oleic acid (OA) in hexane (HXN) or acetonitrile (ACN). The peaks for the functional groups belonging to OA, HXN, and ACN were measured from solutions at different concentrations. Three FTIR spectra were taken for each solution mixture. Similarly, the surface tension was measured at different concentrations using a surface tensiometer. For the OA/HXN mixtures, calibration curves were created for FTIR and preliminary calibration curves were created for surface tension. For OA/ACN, a noticeable phase separation occurred. This discovery was confirmed after the fact by a paper in 1952. The calibration results were successfully applied to an extraction process for OA/ACN using hexane. The findings show promise for continuation in an independent study project for Fall 2023.
2023 -
Describing the effects of antibiotic-resistance ribosomes on gene expression in bacteria
Kieffer Haehnlein
The ribosome is the cellular structure responsible for protein synthesis and is the target of certain antibiotics in bacteria. All peptides leave the ribosome through a region called the exit tunnel, which is composed of proteins and rRNA. Interactions between peptides exiting the ribosome and the component of the exit tunnel called the constriction site can be a determining factor in whether gene expression will continue. Previous research efforts have found that SVS1144 Escherichia Coli (E. coli) experience a decrease in expression of the lysine-dependent acid-resistance gene CadB when the cells possessed the K90D mutation, in which the 90th residue of the ribosomal protein UL22 is switched from a lysine to an aspartic acid. This project aimed to record how CadB expression was affected by the presence of the K90D mutation in SVS1144 E. coli, as well as in MG1655 Δ7 E. coli carrying the +Ains mutation in 23S rRNA. Both bacterial strains were transformed with two types of plasmids carrying a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene. One plasmid was a transcriptional fusion plasmid and the other was a protein fusion plasmid. Detection of GFP was achieved using confocal microscopy and western blotting. Results from confocal microscopy persistently showed a decrease in transcriptional activity among SVS1144 bacteria with the K90D mutation compared to the wild type cells and no significant difference in any expressional activity between wild type and +Ains cells of MG1655 Δ7. Preliminary data from western blotting yielded mixed results and will need further testing.
2023 -
Civility as a Nursing Concept in the Clinical Setting
Dawson Hammons
Background: Incivility in nursing education and practice is a worldwide problem. Many research articles support this claim and have offered different methods to combat incivility. Before one tries to combat incivility, civility must be investigated within the organization. Objectives: This study set out to find lived experiences of nursing students, and if student-led interviews created a more authentic response when discussing aspects of civility among faculty, students, and hospital staff in the clinical setting. Method: This ethnographic qualitative study took place over 10 weeks in the Research and Creative Experiences for Undergraduates (RCEU) program at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. This was one arm of a two-arm study addressing civility within the College of Nursing clinical setting. One clinical data unit was analyzed using NVivo the SAMMSA method. A clinical and classroom data unit were synthesized to find overarching themes. Results: The data revealed three overarching themes: (I) the role of the instructor is to lead student learning, (II) students will use real world experiences to define civility unless it’s taught in the nursing curriculum, and (III) students desire their instructors to value them as individuals capable of becoming competent nurses. Conclusion: This study of student-led interviews on civility in the clinical nursing setting has the potential to set the standard for how to obtain authentic student responses. Further research is required with more participants.
2023 -
Studying feedback from super-massive black holes at the center of giant elliptical galaxies
Kokoro Hosogi
Every galaxy with a central bulge has a supermassive black hole (SMBH), and SMBHs can inject energy by jets and shocks that can be observed in radio and X-rays. These energy produced during the growth of SMBHs could affect the growth of the host galaxy. In this study, we focused on NGC 4636, which is a red giant elliptical galaxy in the galaxy cluster Virgo. NGC 4636 has an active galactic nucleus (AGN) that is an extremely bright region at the center. We organized and reduced the optical integral field spectroscopy data from the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument with the existing pipelines. By using this processed data, we produced flux and kinematic maps of warm ionized gas such as H⍺ and [NII] to trace the imprint of the SMBH feedback.The emission lines of these gasses can be used to see motions in the galaxy and locations where it is relatively active in star formation, that leads us perform further analysis of the stellar population of NGC 4636.
2023 -
Alabama Lied to Me! Uncovering Alabama’s Public Memory
Halle Huber
The project proposal, written by my advisor, Dr. Saunders, focused on looking at popular Alabama legends to uncover why certain legends are presented as truth. My project focuses on Mobile Alabama’s claim to the first Mardi Gras and Gadsden, Alabama’s claim to harbor an “Indian Princess who jumped over a waterfall to escape an arranged marriage.” Over the summer, I have been in contact with the Alabama Public Library System, Etowah Historical Society, Noccalula Falls Park, Mobile Carnival Museum, and references in Louisiana, to find historical sources of the two legends ranging from newspaper clippings, to poems, to books starting from the 1800s until the present. I have organized the stories from the oldest to most recent to find the changes in each narrative. Through this project, we have discovered that Mobile’s claimed “first parade” happened on New Year’s Eve instead of Mardi Gras and that the story of “Efoladela” has turned into “Noccalula the Indian Princess.” In my paper, I argue that both legends have remained in their altered versions to attract tourists. Mobile uses the claim of “the original Mardi Gras" to compete with the popularity of New Orleans’s Mardi Gras. Noccalula Falls keeps the legend of “Princess Noccalula '' and her “lover’s leap” because the “Romeo and Juliet-like forbidden love story” attracts tourists rather than just a natural scenic view.
2023 -
Methanol and Aqueous Synthesis of ZIF-8 Metal-Organic Framework
Jackson Jones
Metal-organic frameworks are crystalline structures composed of metal ions connected by organic linkers. Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-8 (ZIF-8) is composed of zinc ions connected by 2-methylimidazole linkers. Typically, ZIF-8 is synthesized in methanol, but due to the cost, as well as potential environmental and health impacts of methanol, water is being studied as a solvent for the preparation of ZIF-8. In this work, ZIF-8 was synthesized in aqueous solutions at molar ratios of 8, 16, and 60 by mixing solutions of 2-methylimidazole and zinc nitrate hexahydrate in water. For comparison, it was also synthesized in methanol solutions at molar ratios of 8, 16, and 32 moles of 2-methylimidazole to zinc by mixing solutions of 2-methylimidazole and zinc nitrate hexahydrate in methanol. The resulting samples were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Powder X-ray Diffraction (pXRD). It was observed that both the choice of solvent used and the molar ratio of reactants affected the composition and structure of the product. While the products synthesized in methanol and the molar ratio 60 product were consistent with literature values for ZIF-8 for both FTIR and pXRD, the 8 and 16 molar ratio products synthesized in aqueous solutions were not consistent with expected values. This indicates that using these methods, ZIF-8 was not synthesized in aqueous solutions at lower molar ratios.
2023 -
Weather Radar Characteristics of Thick Cloud Layers over the Eastern Range Associated with a Triggered Lightning Risk
Emma Koontz
Whenever a launch is made from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) and Kennedy Space Center (KSC), there are certain weather criteria that must be met. The Lightning Launch Commit Criteria (LLCC) includes a specific rule involving thick cloud layers over 1400 feet thick and is concerned with the presence of potential lighting threat. In this study, we use existing databases of LLCC violations and Surface Electric Field Mill readings to analyze cases in regards to the Thick Cloud Layers Rule. Public Nexrad Radar Data gathered for case specific dates from Google Cloud Storage will be analyzed using Gibson Ridge 2 Analyst and Python. The database used had cases sorted into Definitive Lighting Risk, Possible Lighting Risk, and No Lighting Risk. In the study we focus on an in depth radar analysis of Definitive Risk and No Risk cases clearly violating the Thick Cloud Rule to determine if there is a difference in cloud structure, reflectivity, and behavior in cases with and without a significant Electric Field Mill response. The findings of this research will contribute to the overarching goal of assessing whether the existing LLCC can be made to be less restrictive in order to increase launch opportunities, while maintaining launch safety.
2023 -
Cancer Risk in Human Spaceflight & Directions for Space Nursing: A Rapid Scoping Review
Brighton Krejci
Background: As humans venture further into deep space, it is essential to possess an adequate understanding of the unique challenges and cancer risks associated with its exploration. Because of radiation exposure and other hazards, one of the risks facing space crews is carcinogenesis. Although utilizing engineering solutions such as radiation shielding to mitigate health risks like carcinogenesis is important, an over-reliance on these countermeasures would add excess mass and cost to the spacecraft. Therefore, we need to have a better understanding of cancer risks of being in a spacecraft to guide the study of health-based countermeasures that reduce the risk of cancer while also ensuring optimal spacecraft performance. Methods: Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we conducted a scoping review across PubMed, CINAHL, and ScienceDirect to explore published peer-reviewed health literature about cancer risks in space. We included original research articles utilizing human subjects or cells that found or evaluated risk factors or carcinogens that lead to oncogenesis from spaceflight. Results: Our search recovered a total of 600 unique results, of which 77 were deemed eligible for data extraction after screening. Factors contributing to cancer from space travel covered by literature include radiation, environmental toxins, microgravity, immune dysfunction, and genetic predisposition. Research subjects consisted of biological samples and human subjects, the latter of which were generally astronauts. Discussion: Research on cancer risk among humans who fly in space is in its infancy. This review concluded that research literature is concentrated primarily in Earth-based studies and radiation studies. Numerous journals from various scientific disciplines have contributed to research. There is also evidence supporting the interactions between cancer-causing factors in space to further increase risk such as the relationship between microgravity and radiation. However, we identified gaps in literature related to the pathophysiology behind immune suppression and a lack of consensus regarding risk probability models. A sound, multidisciplinary approach to studying cancer risk is necessary to ensure safe travel in deep space. There is a great need for more research to be conducted in a true spaceflight setting due to the constraints of Earth-based research and the lack of human settlements beyond low Earth orbit. Nursing practice is a vastly underrepresented profession in this discussion, which presents an opportunity for it to contribute to the field of space healthcare and expand on important questions related to risk reduction. As such, the need and directions for nursing research are also discussed.
2023 -
Knowledge, Perceptions and Beliefs of Palliative Care by Primary Providers
Lundin Krejci
Background: Many people diagnosed with serious illnesses are troubled with considerable pain and discomfort that affects their quality of life. Palliative medicine aims to combat patient discomfort using evidence-based approaches to improve patient quality of life. However, referral to palliative care services is often laden with difficulties surrounding various factors. Due to the most current rating of palliative care in Alabama of “D” by the Center of Advanced Palliative Care, identifying barriers to palliative care in Alabama is imperative. Objective: This study aims to gather data about the knowledge, perceptions, and beliefs of health providers in North Alabama to identify potential barriers to palliative referral. Methods: Participants were recruited through the Huntsville Hospital System, where participants participated in a cross-sectional online survey. The survey consists of 8 questions with a following demographics section. Analysis of the survey will be used to determine the survey’s psychometrics and identify palliative care barriers. Results: Results are currently pending and will be complete by December 2023. Impact: If successful, this study will identify additional barriers to palliative care referral in North Alabama. The information from this study can be used in the creation of targeted educational programs, or implementation into already existing educational programs to increase referrals to palliative care.
2023 -
Development of Electrode Geometry for testing Dielectrophoresis (DEP) feasibility in applications of Artificial Gravity
Jaden Lueders
Dielectrophoresis (DEP) is an electrostatic force exerted on polarizable particles and structures constrained inside a non-uniform electric field, often finding applications in the control of cells on microscopic scales for particle separation and testing. No current commercial technology exists on large-scale applications that use DEP to manipulate macroscopic objects comparable to methods used by DEP on microscopic scales. Research into macroscopic DEP applications in the field is limited due to the higher voltage requirements for testing and problems presented by arcing. If large-scale manipulation of objects can be proven using DEP at high voltages it could range in applications such as artificial gravity for deep-space travel, fluid manipulation in industrial applications, particle separation from large quantities of fluids, or object levitation. We attempt to prove the feasibility of DEP on the macroscopic scale through the construction of niche electrode geometries necessary for inducing asymmetric electric fields and subsequently testing such geometries using a high-voltage power supply and various target materials. Using the proposed electrodes we gather force measurements in Newtons on a golf ball, wood sphere, marble, and ping-pong ball in a controlled testing fixture and at varying voltage levels. We conclude from testing that the asymmetry of the electrodes, along with the material properties of the target, play a heavy role in inducing a macroscopic DEP force. Therefore, this suggests that gravity-like forces can be achieved on the macroscopic scale on a limited range of dielectric materials using limited high voltage and creative electrode design. Future research will focus on modeling larger-scale DEP applications and achieving DEP levitation using higher voltages.
2023 -
Civility as a Nursing Concept in the Classroom Setting
John David McGovern
Background: A culture of civility in nursing education is crucial for a healthy learning environment to thrive. This study is the first of its kind in this field. It sought to empower student researchers to learn the qualitative research process, while utilizing student-led interviews. Objectives: This study sought to understand the lived experiences of nursing students, and learn if using student-led interviews increased the authenticity of participant responses. Methods: This ethnographic qualitative study took place over a 10-week period. The study had two arms, with one arm focusing on the classroom setting while the other studied the clinical setting. This project focuses on the classroom arm. Both arms utilized the SAMMSA method to analyze one data unit, for a total of two data units. Results: The synthesis of the themes found in both units found three themes: (1) The role of the instructor is to lead student learning. (2) Students will use real world experiences to define civility unless it is taught in the nursing curriculum. (3) Students desire their instructors to value them as individuals capable of becoming competent nurses. Conclusion: The role of civility in nursing education is crucial. Both students and faculty should have a voice in the civility discussion. The use of student researchers in this study allowed for both voices to be present in the research process. Further research with student researchers and larger data units would be beneficial.
2023 -
Nanorobot Locomotion by Breaking the Scallop Theorem
Joshua Merz
As robots approach smaller scales, they lose multiple actuation and directed locomotion. The locomotion at the nanoscale requires a non-reciprocal motion to generate a net trust and independent movement at Low Reynolds numbers (the Scallop theorem). Current fabrication techniques generate single-particle nanorobots with limited actuation. Developing nanorobots with multiple-actuation is necessary to advance different technological applications, such as drug delivery and minimally invasive surgery. On the other hand, to produce predictable locomotion at Low Reynolds Numbers, we use Brownian Dynamics simulations to model a simplified nanorobot composed of three permanently magnetized particles. Further, the particles are connected with a spring, which is quantified by the Rauss Bead-Spring model. We consider three-link nanorobot shapes varying in the size of the leftmost particle (and consequently that particle’s magnetic moment) to break the symmetry of their movement and overcome the Scallop theorem. The three-link nanorobot is exposed to a time-varying magnetic field and analyzed under multiple particle-field interaction parameters. We analyze the simulation results by quantifying the probability distribution of the final center-of-mass position of the three-link nanorobot across 10,000 time steps. We compare different conditions with different shapes and particle-field interaction parameters. Simulation results show that symmetric nanorobots show no locomotion. However, as the asymmetry of the nanorobot increases and as the particle-field interaction parameter increases, the nanorobot experiences a significant locomotion. Results show the relevance of assembling asymmetric magnetic particle nanorobots to overcome the Scallop theorem and generate net locomotion in the nanorobots. In the future, we will explore other particle shapes to promote different actuation and locomotion.
2023 -
Women in STEM: A Digital Oral History Project
Jace Nixon
Women are traditionally underrepresented in the STEM field, and subsequently underrepresented in archival documentation. The goal of this project, "Women in STEM: A Digital Oral History Project", is to interview 6 women from varying backgrounds and experiences who are successful professionals in the STEM field to document their experiences. One way previous projects in this field have encouraged women interested in STEM is to provide role models that individuals can look up to in their pursuit of entering the industry. The interviews will be one way to highlight some successful women in the field that individuals can watch to gain inspiration from. Interview questions covered topics ranging from early childhood to their experiences in the industry. Questions also include advice each woman would give to those entering the field today. The interviews were conducted by Jace Nixon under the supervision of Reagan Grimsley. All the interviews produced in this project will be stored in the UAH Archives and will be accessible to the public
2023 -
The Effect of Nurse Practitioners on Nursing Burnout in ICU Setting: A Pilot Study
Hailey Palacios
Background Since the COVID-19 pandemic, bedside nurse burnout rates have grown across the United States, resulting in nurses leaving the field and worsening the nursing shortage. Identifying the factors that lead to burnout will help guide the improvement of burnout rates and thereby reduce nursing shortages. Many intensive care units employ nurse practitioners, but there is little research on the effectiveness of having nurse practitioners in intensive care units on burnout rates. Objective The purpose of this study is to determine if having full-time nurse practitioner presence in the intensive care unit will lead to a decrease in bedside nurse burnout. Methods An anonymous and voluntary questionnaire was distributed via a QR code posted in staff-only areas of adult intensive care units. The questionnaire included the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, a validated and open-access quantitative survey that measures burnout from 2 viewpoints: exhaustion and disengagement. The results were calculated by analyzing three scores from the survey: the total burnout score, the exhaustion score, and the disengagement score. Results A total of 29 survey responses were received from critical care nurses. Of the nurses who responded, 11 answered “yes” and 18 answered “no” to having 24-hour nurse practitioner coverage in their units. The total burnout scores indicate that across both of these groups, high levels of burnout are present. In order to explore the potential trend of nurse practitioners on reduction of burnout, this study should be replicated on a larger scale.
2023 -
Mining the Data Cubes in Astronomy
Nathanael Pichette
The three dimensional data structures of two positional axes and a spectral axis, called data cubes, are the cutting edge format of astronomy data for both visualization and analysis. The combined spectral and positional information from such data cubes can help study galaxies that have interesting spatial features like extended tails and interesting spectral features such as broadened emission lines and abnormal line ratios. In order for such galaxies to be studied, the raw telescope data has to be run through various codes in order to create a data cube for study. We created data cubes in this manner for five fields of ESO 137-002, a spiral galaxy with an extended tail in the nearby Abell 3627 cluster, using data from ESO/VLT/MUSE. We used additional codes to combine these data cubes into mosaic cubes that allow for the galaxy and its tail to be studied in a single data cube. In addition to completing these preliminary steps to data analysis, we have determined that ESO 137-002 does not follow the expected line ratios between the redder NII emission line and the H-alpha emission line in both the galaxy and tail regions. We have also noticed a wind coming out of the central supermassive blackhole, through velocity dispersions and broadened emission lines. We are still working on more specific results through further spectral and velocity analysis. We expect this in depth analysis of the galaxy will help us to better understand the wind from the central supermassive black hole and the abnormal NII to H Alpha emission line ratios.
2023 -
Fiber Optic Pathogen Detection based on Dynamic Light Scattering
Michael Raum
This research project, conducted by Michael Raum under the supervision of Professor Lingze Duan, introduces an innovative approach for pathogen detection in water using dynamic light scattering (DLS) through a fiber-optic laser setup. The study's primary objective was to utilize a duplex fiber-optic probe to transmit and collect light within a water sample, enabling the identification of pathogens based on particle size analysis through backscattered signals. The experimental configuration encompassed the operation of a fiber-optic laser at approximately 0.24 A, followed by division through a 10:90 splitter. The predominant branch guided the laser through the fiber-optic probe into the solution, where backscattered light was directed back into the probe. This backscattered signal combined with the minor branch via a 50:50 splitter and was subsequently recorded by a photodetector. To simulate particles, cornstarch was introduced to the solution at various concentrations. Optimal outcomes materialized at a concentration of approximately 1 gram per liter, effectively balancing particle backscattering and signal noise. Results showcased a substantial signal amplitude increase in the cornstarch mixture compared to the control, which exhibited a baseline signal of approximately 15 mV attributed to photodetector noise. Conversely, the cornstarch solution yielded an average signal of 55 mV. The utilization of an autocorrelation function on this dataset facilitated the calculation of the mean decay constant, pivotal for particle size determination. The research's potential implications are profound, particularly within the agricultural sector. Further refinement of this technique could yield substantial cost reductions in routine chemical testing of water supplies. The continuous monitoring capabilities enabled by the fiber-optic setup could identify particles akin in size to known pathogens, prompting supplementary chemical tests. Ultimately, this approach holds the promise of mitigating product recalls and enhancing global food safety standards, signifying a substantial advancement in pathogen detection methodologies.
2023 -
Assessment of Lower Extremity Strength Values in Male Collegiate Ice Hockey Players
McKenna Riopelle
Like most sports, ice hockey utilizes an impressive combination of speed, strength, and power. With a heavy focus on the lower body, players use hip, knee, and ankle musculature to propel themselves across the ice. Little research has been done on the strength outputs of these muscles in hockey players, especially as they differ between competition levels. Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare the strength differences between hockey players at the NCAA Division I (D1) and club levels. We hypothesized that D1 hockey players would have stronger ankles and knees than their club hockey counterparts due to the rigorous nature of the D1 program. Methods: Eighteen D1 hockey players and 14 club hockey players were tested using an isokinetic dynamometer. Following the collection of demographic data and a standardized warm-up, players performed tests of ankle inversion and eversion at speeds of 30°/sec and 60°/sec. This was followed by testing knee flexion and extension strength at speeds of 60°/sec and 180°/sec. Each test consisted of five warm-up repetitions followed by a 45-second break. Athletes then completed 5 repetitions at maximum effort for both limbs. Values were compared using independent samples t-tests with an alpha level of 0.05, 2-sided set as the significance level a priori. Results: The D1 players demonstrated significantly greater non- dominant ankle eversion strength at 30°/sec (p = 0.047) and 60 °/sec (p = 0.043). Club hockey players had significantly higher non-dominant inversion strength of the ankle at 60 °/sec (p = 0.012). Club players also had significantly higher non-dominant knee extension strength at 60 °/sec (p = 0.040) and significantly higher dominant knee extension strength at 60 °/sec (p = 0.024). Conclusion: While it was hypothesized that D1 hockey players would have overall higher ankle and knee strength outputs, club hockey had significantly stronger non-dominant ankle inversion strength, as well as significantly higher knee extension strength of both their dominant and non-dominant limb. This could be due to a varying level of skill within the club program, which in turn could warrant a more uniform approach to skill strengthening. Other variables such as time tested could have had an effect, as D1 players were testing in-season while club players were tested following their season.
2023 -
Expansion of T Cells Using Microbeads Coated with Novel Peptide Ligand against CD3
Jacob Rolin
The utilization of T-cell immunotherapy stands as a promising strategy to addressing various ailments, most notably cancer, by leveraging endogenous T cells or genetically modified T cells. The augmentation of therapeutic T cells ex vivo remains a pivotal juncture within the manufacturing process that is inevitable for attainment of ample cell quantities. The enhancement of the enduring presence of the transplanted therapeutic T cells remains of paramount significance for favorable results. This research delves into the plausibility of amplifying human T cells while preventing undue differentiation through the employment of microbeads veneered with an innovative peptide ligand that targets CD3𝜀 (WSLGYTG). The isolation of human pan T cells from the PBMCs of healthy donors ensued via the EasySep Human Pan T Cell Isolation Kit. The proliferation ofT cell was induced by the use of microbeads conjugated with the peptide ligand, juxtaposed against a control group employing the current industry gold standard, DynabeadsⓇ Human T-Activator CD3/CD28. Evident in the experimental group was heightened cell amplification and a mitigated propensity for displaying CD45RO, a marker for more differentiated T cell phenotypes, compared to the control group. These encouraging preliminary findings insinuate the potential of microbeads embellished with the innovative peptide ligand in facilitating the expansion of therapeutic T cells tailored for immunotherapeutic pursuits. Further scrutiny is imperative to optimize and exploit this methodology in the realm of more efficacious T-cell immunotherapies.
2023 -
Real Life or Just Fantasy: Live Performance to Animation
Cole Rosenthal
As most animators do, I love the idea of getting the best possible results with the least work possible. My name is Cole, and with the help of my advisor, Vinny, we worked on troubleshooting some of the performance capture technologies available on campus. Yes, performance capture is those silly mocap suits with the shiny markers all over them, with the funny-looking facial capture camera helmets. It's great because the only thing separating being a weirdo and working as an actor is wearing the right equipment, so I get an excuse to be as goofy as I want. Oh, yeah, and it also saves a lot of time for making a high quality production when you don't have to animate every few frames by hand. Unsurprisingly, techy stuff doesn't always work on the first try, and that's a problem for anyone that needs to focus on the creative side. Setting these performance capture systems up and documenting the process allows future students to use these systems more freely for their own projects. As for mine, I had the chance to make whatever I wanted using these technologies. I decided on making a story from scratch. The process went something like this: I drafted versions of a script, created 3D assets, recorded the appropriate performance captures, refined the performance data, and rendered everything in Unreal Engine.
2023
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