Virtual Poster Session for 118th Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Academy of Science

118th Annual Meeting of the North Carolina Academy of Science

North Carolina Academy of Science

Welcome to the virtual conference program and poster session! 

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More info: https://cas.campbell.edu/ncas

Filter displayed posters (11 keywords)

in-person 43 virtual 11 10:05-10:20am 2 10:20-10:35am 2 10:35-10:50am 2 8:30-8:45am 2 8:45-9:00am 2 9:00-9:15am 2 9:15-9:30am 2 9:50-10:05am 2 show more… 9:30-9:45am 1
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Poster: Investigating microplastic pollution in the water column and sediments of the Lumbee River

Investigating microplastic pollution in the water column and sediments of the Lumbee River

Epting, Carlee*, Amber Rock

Abstract
Microplastics, debris that are less than five millimeters in length, have been known to persist in marine and freshwater environments for decades. Microplastic debris can cause harm to native and local wildlife when ingested due to their small size and bioaccumulation potential. More focus has been placed on the harmful effects of microplastics in marine ecosystems, however it is also important to better understand their effects in freshwater ecosystems. This research aims to evaluate microplastic pollution in the Lumbee River, an ecologically and economically important river in southeastern North Carolina. Water column and sediment samples were collected at three different sites near Pembroke, NC over the period of a year. These samples were filtered and examined under a microscope. Additional water quality measurements such as pH, turbidity, and water temperature were also collected. Data collected thus far suggest that fibers are the most abundant type of microplastic in the Lumbee River. Future work on the Lumbee River should sample additional locations to determine the full extent of microplastic pollution in this ecosystem.
Presented by
Carlee Epting <Carlee365@gmail.com>
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: The use of needle aspiration and specific cell markers to determine the size of the sertoli cell population in prepubertal beef bulls

The use of needle aspiration and specific cell markers to determine the size of the sertoli cell population in prepubertal beef bulls

Gaddy, Kalani* , Nicolas Negrin-Pereira, Robert Poage

Abstract
Sertoli cells (SC) are found in the testis of mammals and are responsible for nurturing germ cells and defining the potential daily sperm capacity in bulls. Daily Sperm Capacity is determined by the size of the SC population. Sertoli cell replications occurs rapidly between 4-25 weeks of age in the prepubertal bull. Once puberty is achieved, Sertoli cells halt replication and the ceiling of sperm production in the bull is determined. Different techniques for testicular tissue sampling are utilized and compared: fine needle aspiration (22g needle), semi-automatic biopsy needle (20g needle) and conventional histology sections in combination with immunohistochemistry using specific cell markers to identify SC. The following stain comparison is made: hematoxylin and eosin, and GATA 4 and Wilms Tumor I antibodies. The use of specific SC markers allows us to locate accurately the cells within the tissue. The objective of the present experiment is to compare different testicular sampling and staining techniques to determine the size of the SC population established in the testis before puberty in young bulls assessing the potential daily sperm production of the individual as an adult bull.
Presented by
Kalani Gaddy
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Ecology of Juvenile Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Ecology of Juvenile Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina)

Schulte, Mic*, John Roe

Abstract
Eastern Box Turtles are a terrestrial species experiencing population declines throughout most of their native range in North America. Due to their slow rates of growth and maturity, small body size, limited mobility, and low annual fecundity, they are particularly susceptible to human and environmental disturbances. They are also prone to higher rates of mortality during the embryonic, hatchling, and juvenile life stages. Adult Eastern Box Turtles have been well studied, yet little is known about the smaller and more cryptic juveniles. This research aims to further our understanding of the behavior, growth, and movements of juveniles from two populations in North Carolina. Using radiotelemetry, we documented the coordinate positions of 41 turtles at regular intervals during 2020 and 2021. We studied and compared the movements of juveniles (n=12), adult females (n=14), and adult males (n=15) from April through October. We hypothesized that movement rates would be lower in juveniles compared to adults of either sex, and lower in smaller than larger individuals. Our hypothesis was not supported by the preliminary data which showed that juveniles, adult males, and adult females moved at an average of 9.56, 10.13, and 14.37 meters per day, respectively. Additionally, only 1.5% of the variation in movement rates was a result of body size. Our future aim is to compare various fitness-related endpoints between adults and juveniles and test how fitness and other behaviors (e.g., habitat selection, home range) vary with body size. By gaining more information about the vulnerable early life stages of this imperiled species, wildlife and land managers can establish practices that may help provide juveniles with the resources they need to reach sexual maturity and promote population stability or even growth.
Presented by
Mic Schulte
Institution
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Campbell university herbarium curation and an assessment of Harnett county specimens using SERNEC

Campbell university herbarium curation and an assessment of Harnett county specimens using SERNEC

Marshall, Taylor*, J. Christopher Havran

Abstract
This research began by learning how to curate the Campbell University (CAU) Herbarium. During the Fall 2021 semester, specimens in the CAU Herbarium were organized into various cabinets with respect to their scientific name. During the same semester, over 900 new specimens were photographed. Equipment borrowed from North Carolina State University, including a suspended camera, lights, and a color separation guide, was used to photograph the specimens which were later uploaded to the Southeast Regional Network of Expertise and Collections (SERNEC) portal. During the Spring 2022 semester, curation was continued and an inventory of the Harnett County specimens listed on SERNEC was generated. A list of 7,544 specimens from 103 herbaria was generated to compare the two herbaria located within Harnett County, CAU and Raven Rock State Park Herbarium (RARO), to the remaining 101 herbaria. The two herbaria located within Harnett County, CAU and RARO herbaria, account for 18.37% of all specimens collected from Harnett County. In addition, these two herbaria have a combined total of 1,386 Harnett County specimens. The CAU and RARO herbaria's combined specimen total come second in holding the most Harnett County specimens to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Herbarium, which has a total of 1,981 specimens.
Presented by
Taylor Marshall <tdmarshall0605@email.campbell.edu>
Institution
Campbell University
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Recycling plastic materials by solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation.

Recycling plastic materials by solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation.

Locklear, James*, Martin, Brianna*, Paul Flowers, Cornelia Tirla

Abstract
Because plastic materials are very common in the in everyday life, efforts to deconstruct and recover the initial pure resin became a high priority. The following project described efforts to identify solvents to be used on a strategy called solvent-targeted recovery and precipitation (STRAP). In order to be successful, the purity and the composition of the recovered material should be similar with the pure resin. Analytical tests like ATR- FTIR spectroscopy and head gas chromatography, will show if the precipitation process allowed the recovery of pure resins, without traces of toxic solvents. During this project 4 bio-renewable solvents that can be used in this strategy were identiifyed:1-butanol, ethyl acetate, biodiesel and cyrene. These solvents were used on several pure plastic materials: Polycarbonate, Acrylic, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE).
Presented by
James Locklear <Jl0078@bravemail.uncp.edu>
Institution
UNCP
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Effects of salinity and acetaminophen on egestion rate and movement of Poecilia reticulata

Effects of salinity and acetaminophen on egestion rate and movement of Poecilia reticulata

Brookhart, Alyssa*, Daniel Elias

Abstract
Freshwater organisms currently face increasing salinity in their ecosystems, which is driven by agricultural activities, runoff of road salts, and global climate change. Changes in water salinity can influence the toxicity of pollutants in marine ecosystems; however, little is known about the combined effects of elevated salinity and pharmaceuticals in freshwater biota. This study assessed the combined effects of acetaminophen (350 µg/L) and salinity (680 mg/L) on Poecilia reticulata. After a 96-hour exposure period, egestion rate (mg/cm/hr) and movement variables (e.g., absolute turn angle: the absolute change in direction of the animal) were measured. Elevated salinity levels increased egestion rates and erratic movement (absolute turn angles and movement between designated zones), while higher acetaminophen levels decreased absolute turn angles. There was no observed interaction between salinity and acetaminophen, suggesting saltwater intrusion does not affect the toxicity of this pollutant.
Presented by
Alyssa Brookhart <a.brookhart@rocketmail.com>
Institution
North Carolina Wesleyan College
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: The effect of nicotine on biofilm formation by ESKAPE pathogens

The effect of nicotine on biofilm formation by ESKAPE pathogens

Norman, Zach*

Abstract
Nicotine, a highly-addictive plant alkaloid consumed in various forms for centuries, is well-known for its detrimental health effects. Recent studies suggest that low concentrations of nicotine enhance biofilm development by pathogenic bacteria during an infection. Biofilms are microbial hydrogels that are common in respiratory infectious diseases and require high dose antibiotics to clear. Although nicotine delivery is primarily through inhalation, little is known of the role of this drug in biofilm formation in lung tissue. In the current study, the effect of low-dose nicotine exposure on development of bacterial biofilms was investigated in vitro. Common laboratory strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Staphylococcus aureus were chosen for this project. Sub-types of these organisms belong to the �ESKAPE� group of hospital-acquired, often antibiotic-resistant, pathogenic bacteria that can grow by producing viscous biofilms in vivo. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of nicotine required to prevent visible microbial growth was first determined for each bacterium. Next, serial dilutions of nicotine at and below the MIC were added to broth cultures of bacteria growing in 96-well culture plates. Resulting bacterial mats were stained with crystal violet and re-suspended in acetic acid. Absorbance readings of the wells taken at 595 nm were used to approximate the degree of bacterial growth. MIC trials for nicotine against the bacterial strains tested were (mg/mL): P. aeruginosa, 0.38; A. baumannii, 0.75; and S. aureus, 0.75. Nicotine concentrations at ? one-half the MIC showed little effect on the degree of biofilm formation across the dilution series.
Presented by
Zachary Norman
Institution
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Bacterial resistance: The discovery of novel antibiotics

Bacterial resistance: The discovery of novel antibiotics

Dudley, Christa*, Danielle Graham

Abstract
Since the discovery of penicillin, antibiotics have been widely used to treat bacterial organisms. However, antibiotic resistance, which occurs when an antibiotic can no longer inhibit bacterial growth, is a significant problem that increasingly worsens as more bacteria become superbugs. The CDC classifies a group of bacteria known as ESKAPE pathogens as six emerging antibiotic resistant pathogens that are harmful to our health and difficult to eradicate with current antibiotics. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify novel antimicrobials that inhibit ESKAPE pathogen growth. First, bacteria were cultured from soil samples and screened against safe ESKAPE relatives, which are safer versions of the pathogens commonly used in undergraduate research laboratories. From this screening, five bacterial isolates demonstrated inhibition against Bacillus subtilis based on the Kirby-Bauer agar test assay. Next, bacteria were confirmed to be Gram-negative through Gram-staining and MacConkey agar tests. Further characterization showed all five isolates to be motile and three to be catalase positive. Furthermore, DNA was extracted from each isolate, and the 16S rRNA gene was amplified via PCR. In conclusion, we discovered five Gram-negative soil isolates that inhibited the growth of the Gram-positive safe ESKAPE relative, Bacillus subtilis. Recently, we discovered six isolates to inhibit the growth of Acinetobacter baylyi, a Gram-negative bacteria species. Future studies include characterization of the recent bacterial soil isolates as well as identification through DNA sequencing.
Presented by
Christa Dudley
Institution
Fayetteville State University
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: An Investigation of the Microbial Diversity and Antibiotic Production Potential of Commercial, Pasteurized Kefir and Raw, Goat Milk Kefir

An Investigation of the Microbial Diversity and Antibiotic Production Potential of Commercial, Pasteurized Kefir and Raw, Goat Milk Kefir

Braaten, Anna*, Mathews Stephanie

Abstract
Kefir is a probiotic beverage that is made by fermenting milk. Kefir grains, which are exopolysaccharide matrices containing symbiotic bacteria and yeast, carry out this fermentation. The organisms in this matrix work together to ferment the milk. This investigation focuses on antimicrobial properties of bacteria isolated from kefir and their ability to inhibit conventional antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Bacterial colonies were isolated from store bought and raw goat milk kefir and then plated with relatives of antibiotic resistant bacteria: Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus raffinosus, and Acinetobacter baylyi to evaluate antibiotic production. Bacterial isolates from both types of kefir, 7 from store bought and 5 from goat milk, showed zones of inhibition when tested, demonstrating antibiotic production. Several of these isolates also showed antibiotic production that inhibited more than one type of bacteria. Future testing will determine the effectiveness of the antibiotic(s) produced by kefir isolates and the potential for use in combating infectious disease. As kefir is a probiotic beverage, antibiotic production may positively impact the human gut microbiome by helping maintain a healthy microbiome.
Presented by
Anna Braaten
Institution
Campbell University
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Mutating Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42 with CRISPR to emulate cancerous missense mutations in humans

Mutating Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42 with CRISPR to emulate cancerous missense mutations in humans

Harrison, K. Emily*, Leah K. Frazier, Dr. Brittany K. Brittany

Abstract
Asymmetric polarity is an important process, as it pertains to integral milestones in the cellular life cycle, such as cell division. Budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) directs growth to the bud tip, which serves as an ideal model to study cell polarity. Many proteins involved in polarity, including the RhoGTPase CDC42, are conserved between yeast and humans. CDC42 is a master regulator of polarized cell growth, activating tethering factors and arranging cytoskeletal components to achieve asymmetric polarity. Mutations in CDC42 result in cancer, as losing polarity can result in the development of tumors. By recreating these mutations in the yeast CDC42 homolog that is 80% identical to human CDC42, we hypothesize we will disrupt polarity in yeast and can use this to understand the functional disruption of CDC42 and whether the missense mutations in these CDC42 cancer samples contributed to the disease. Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) serve as an ‘immune system’ for bacteria to protect against viruses. CAS9 is an endonuclease enzyme that cleaves DNA; using CAS9 and a single guide RNA, researchers can edit the genomes of cells. In our research, we use CRISPR to introduce mutations into Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42 to recreate missense mutations in human cancer cells. The specific mutations we selected have connections with cancers, such as colorectal, lung, and uterine cancer. We have introduced several missense mutations in CDC42 and are assessing their effect on polarity in yeast by observing cell morphology, growth rate, and temperature sensitivity. These observations will give us insight as to how these mutations affect human cells.
Presented by
Emily Harrison <ekh008@bravemail.uncp.edu>
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Other Affiliations
UNCP RISE, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Myrica cerifera, a medicinal plant of the Lumbee tribe, has antibacterial and nematicidal properties

Myrica cerifera, a medicinal plant of the Lumbee tribe, has antibacterial and nematicidal properties

Ashley Edwards*, Kazhmiri Deberry, Hannah Mariani, Darian H. Taylor, Nicholas J. Cochran, Ana C. Barrios Sosa, Andrea Regan Scott, R. Thomas Williamson, Cornelia Tirla, Conner Sandefur, and Courtney Carroll Alexander

Abstract
Currently threatening the world of medicine is a growing number of antibiotic resistant diseases like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition to antibiotic resistant bacteria, nematodes have gained resistance to many of the world's leading nematicides, rendering infections in both people and plants more difficult to treat. Subsequently, these parasitic organisms can continue damaging crops and humans unchecked. To help in this battle against antibiotic and nematicidal resistance, the development of novel antibiotics and nematicides is vital. Previous research suggests that phytochemicals are a potential solution that will help not only inhibit bacterial growth, but also reduce nematode survival. We hypothesized Myrica cerifera, a plant often used by the Lumbee tribe to combat illness, possesses antibacterial and nematicidal properties. To answer our hypothesis, we began by collecting plant specimens to extract material for biological assays. The extract was evaluated for antibacterial properties with an agar diffusion assay and then, nematicidal properties using Caenorhabditis elegans. M. cerifera extract was added onto an agar lawn at various doses and the nematodes' lifespans were scored. The findings of this study show that extracts of this plant, more commonly referred to as wax myrtle, do significantly decrease the lifespan of C. elegans and increase the zone of inhibition for Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus. The compounds in wax myrtle could potentially be used to treat bacterial and nematode infections.
Presented by
Ashley Edwards <woaedwards@gmail.com>
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Pembroke and the University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Recreating carcinogenic missense mutations through CRISPR, altering Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42

Recreating carcinogenic missense mutations through CRISPR, altering Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42

Frazier, Leah K.*, Harrison, Emily K., Miller, Dr. Brittany K.

Abstract
Establishing and maintaining asymmetric polarity is an important process for cells, as it relates to the critical elements in the life cycle of cells. Targeted exocytosis is used by polarized eukaryotic cells, like epithelial cells and neurons to direct vesicle trafficking to particular sites on the plasma membrane and regulate their development. To mimic missense mutations in human cancer cells, we utilized Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) to deliver mutations into Saccharomyces cerevisiae CDC42. Currently, we do not know whether or not these mutations in human cdc42 affect its activity or contribute to the pathology of cancer. If we see changes in polarity in yeast, we would be able to extrapolate the results to humans and get a sense of whether the mutations contributed to a patient's condition. Cdc42 is a member of the Rho family of small GTPases and controls cell cycle progression, motility, and polarity. Many proteins involved in polarity are maintained between yeast and humans, including the RhoGTPase CDC42. Saccharomyces cerevisiae has equivalent methods to drive development to the bud tip, making it an ideal model for cell polarity research. Tethering factors are activated by CDC42, which regulates polarized cell development and arranges cytoskeletal components to produce asymmetric polarity. Cancer can be caused by mutations in CDC42 since a lack of cell polarity can lead to tumorigenesis. Cancers such as lung, uterine, and colorectal cancer appear to be linked to certain mutations. As a result, Cdc42 and components of its signaling pathways are appealing cancer treatment targets. We hypothesize that by reproducing similar mutations in the yeast CDC42 homolog, we will disturb the polarity in yeast, allowing us to better comprehend how CDC42 functions and if the missense mutations in these CDC42 cancer samples contribute to the disease.
Presented by
Leah Frazier <lkf009@bravemail.uncp.edu>
Institution
UNC Pembroke, UNC Pembroke, UNC Chapel Hill
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: The COMPASS2 program at UNC Pembroke: Unlocking Access to STEM Majors to Broaden Participation

The COMPASS2 program at UNC Pembroke: Unlocking Access to STEM Majors to Broaden Participation

Santisteban, Maria*; Hagevik, Rita; Bullard-Dillard, Rebecca

Abstract
The overall goal of the COMPASS2 project at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke (UNCP), a Historically American Indian institution with 59.7% overall minority undergraduate enrollment, is to increase STEM degree completion of low-income, high-achieving undergraduates with demonstrated financial need.

The COMPASS2 project focuses on increasing scholars' self-efficacy, STEM identity, motivation, career awareness, and preparing them for entry into graduate school or the STEM workforce. These aims are accomplished through supportive services including exposure to career paths, career counseling, research experiences, faculty mentoring, and tutoring by faculty, graduate students, and professional tutors.

Debuting in fall 2020, our program is expected to serve 30 students in three cohorts, and to date, it has enrolled two cohorts. Despite difficulties in starting amidst the global pandemic, scholars have engaged in a comprehensive set of activities for academic and research skills growth, with the goal of developing a positive STEM identity. Students convene weekly in a seminar course that has team building activities focused on academic skills (study skills, time management, communication, etc.) as well as graduate school and career planning. This semester, for the first time, we have planned in-person site visits to STEM workplaces and graduate schools. Students enjoy additional coaching for building an online professional network. These activities, along with opportunities to attend scientific conferences and participate in research, contribute to our scholars� sense of belonging to the STEM community. Our program ensures inclusivity through healthy and supportive relationships with faculty mentors and through activities (e.g., weekend retreat) that strengthen a cohort-based peer community while fostering socialization and reflection. By eliminating barriers facing underrepresented students, our program will contribute to meeting future demands for STEM workers, while broadening economic opportunities of underrepresented communities.

The COMPASS2 Program is funded by a National Science Foundation (NSF) Scholarship in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (S-STEM).
Presented by
Maria Santisteban
Institution
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Genome Mining Reveals Putative New RiPP in Streptococci

Genome Mining Reveals Putative New RiPP in Streptococci

Butler, Keelie*, Jonathan Chekan

Abstract
Ribosomally synthesized and post translationally modified peptides (RiPPs) are a growing class of natural products. Through biotechnology advancements, genome mining for these RiPP natural products is leading the way for discovery of novel natural products. In this study, we focus on using this genome mining strategy to search for putative new RiPPs. Using this strategy, a well conserved ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide (RiPP) gene cluster was found within several commensals and pathogens, particularly the Streptococcus species. As an opportunistic pathogen, some Streptococcus pneumoniae strains can cause pneumococcal infections. We aimed to express these gene clusters, identify, and isolate the suspected product, and assess the enzymology as well as bioactivity. Heterologous expression of the gene clusters as well as successful assays revealed the formation of a product confirmed by LC-MS and a putative new enzymatic reaction. The presence of this putative new enzymatic reaction will lead important insight into the pathogenesis of clinically relevant Streptococci.
Presented by
Keelie Butler <ksbutler2@uncg.edu>
Institution
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Exploring the substrate scope of the E1 subunit of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex for abiological catalysis

Exploring the substrate scope of the E1 subunit of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex for abiological catalysis

Peterson, Ryan*, Evan Reynolds

Abstract
The E1 subunit of the 2-oxoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (SucA) is a thiamine diphosphate-dependent enzyme found in the citric acid cycle in E. coli which shows potential as a green catalyst for abiological reactions, such as benzoin condensations. To realize this potential, SucA was expressed in E. coli BL21(DE3), and purified by Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, with an expression yield of 43 mg/L. Purified SucA was used to catalyze a condensation reaction between alpha-ketoglutarate and 2-methylpentanal, providing a product with two chiral centers. Future work will aim to determine the stereoselectivity of this reaction and explore additional donor and acceptor substrates.
Presented by
Ryan Peterson
Institution
Campbell University
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Investigation the effects of rabbit tobacco on Parkinson's disease in C. elegans

Investigation the effects of rabbit tobacco on Parkinson's disease in C. elegans

Swann, Jacqueline*, Ashley Edwards, Courtney Alexander

Abstract
Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder that causes a number of symptoms, including issues with locomotion, tremors, and reduced lifespan. Research is being done to discover different ways to either cure Parkinson's, or at least aid in the symptoms of it. One way this research is being conducted is through the nematode model, Caenorhabditis elegans. Better known as C. elegans, the worms are an easy, and cost effective, way to conduct research into different diseases, including Parkinson's, because they have a short lifespan and reproduce quickly, and they can be easily genetically manipulated. In this experiment, the Parkinson's model DDP1 C. elegans are used because they have a reduced lifespan , and an overexpression of the alpha-synuclein protein. I used medicinal plants used by the Lumbee tribe. The Lumbee tribe has an extensive history of plants they use for medicinal purposes which have not been thoroughly studied, so in pursuit of more ways to treat serious disorders, such as Parkinson's, in depth research is needed. We used a mild heat shock as a cellular stressor, and then followed it by feeding one group an extract of a Lumbee plant- Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium or rabbit tobacco. The other group was fed vehicle control. I scored the worms for lifespan, marking the number dead each day as a measurement of survival. This is an ongoing study that still has yet to be completed, so the results are still pending. The hope is for rabbit tobacco to provide a prolonged lifespan for the C. elegans.
Presented by
Jacqueline Swann
Institution
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Ruthenium-catalyzed oxidations to synthesize benzyl silyl esters from silyl ethers

Ruthenium-catalyzed oxidations to synthesize benzyl silyl esters from silyl ethers

Poythress, Kendall E.*, Alisha M. Weinhofer, Campbell L. Brown, Brian C. Goess, Sarah K. Goforth

Abstract
An existing method for synthesizing silyl ester from silyl ethers was optimized for oxidation of several para-substituted benzyl substrates. In the original ruthenium-catalyzed system, the solvent was a biphasic CCl4/H2O mixture; however, using EtOAc as the organic solvent instead of CCl4 significantly reduced the reaction time. Other parameters such as catalyst ratio, reoxidant ratio, and temperature were optimized to produce a range of benzyl silyl ethers as the major product. Side products observed via 1H NMR included the analogous carboxylic acid, aldehyde, and acid anhydride. Reproducibility was improved by adding the RuCl3 catalyst as an aqueous stock solution rather than a solid reagent. Workup methods are currently being optimized for isolation and maximum recovery of benzyl silyl esters with various polarities.
Presented by
Kendall Poythress
Institution
Campbell University, Furman University
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Evaluation of Kinetic Parameters for Lactate Dehydrogenase Enzyme using Lambert (W) Function

Evaluation of Kinetic Parameters for Lactate Dehydrogenase Enzyme using Lambert (W) Function

Chinemerem Blossom Edoh*, Jameson Trey McDonald*, Julianna Nicole Chapman, Crystal Flinchum.

Abstract
The Michaelis-Menten Equation characterizes enzymatic rates at different substrate concentrations. In this Michaelis-Menten equation as shown in equation 1, v is defined as velocity, Vm is the maximum velocity, Km is the Michaelis-Menten constant, and S is the substrate concentration. The purpose of this work is to measure the activity of the enzyme, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The data collected was tested using Lambert W function (Omega function) to determine the kinetic parameters. Traditionally, the Line-Weaver Burk plot is characterized as the formal method of analysis for Vm and Km, but it requires lots of experimental data. However, the use of Lambert (W) function bypasses the laborious work of both experimentation and calculations are used to determine Vm and Km.
Presented by
Chinemerem Edoh
Institution
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds from rabbit tobacco and nematode longevity

Extraction and isolation of bioactive compounds from rabbit tobacco and nematode longevity

Cranford, Samantha*, James Locklear, Brianna Martin, Jared Wood, Dr. Rebecca Bullard-Dillard, Dr. Cornelia Tirla, Dr. Courtney Alexander

Abstract
Rabbit Tabacco (Pseudognaphalium obtusifolium) was known by the Lumbee native tribes in North America to benefit health. Previous work in our laboratory showed that aqueous extracts from this plant increase the longevity of nematocytes; however, no information is available in the literature about the active compounds present in the rabbit tobacco or their activity level. This work describes the extraction of biologically active compounds from the plant using diemethanlinechloride and hexane, followed by the isolation, purification, and identification of the compounds. Further, these compounds were tested on nematocytes to understand their biological activity better.
Presented by
Samantha Cranford and James Locklear
Institution
UNC Pembroke
Other Affiliations
RISE
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Propylene- and Ethylene-Glycol Based Nanofluid using Boron Nitride Nano-barbs

Propylene- and Ethylene-Glycol Based Nanofluid using Boron Nitride Nano-barbs

Maselugbo, Adesewa*, Jeffrey Alston

Abstract
Ethylene and Propylene Glycol, in various quantities combined with water, are commonly used for heat transfer applications. Their low thermal conductivity, on the other hand, limits the scope and efficiency of their application in cooling systems. The BN Nano Company's boron nitride (BN) nano-barbs, which are made up of BN nanotubes with h-BN crystal bonded to their walls, were used as nanofillers in this investigation. Their large bandgap gives excellent thermal conductivity because of the significant phonon transfer throughout the atom lattice, while still insulating. BN nano-barbs are thus expected to improve thermal conductivity when put into base fluids, which in this study are ethylene glycol (EG)-water and propylene glycol (PG)-water. In this investigation, 0-10 weight per cent of BN nano-barbs were added to base fluids containing different ratios of EG to water and PG to water. The inclusion of BN nano-barbs increased the thermal conductivity of all base fluids by 20-40% at 0 and 40 �C, according to the experimental results. The improvement in thermal conductivity was related to the concentration of BN nano-barbs present in the base fluid for all dispersion of BN nano-barbs. However, when the particle concentration increased, the dispersion became less stable.
Presented by
Adesewa Maselugbo <aomaselugbo@aggies.ncat.edu>
Institution
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Other Affiliations
Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering,
Keywords
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Poster: Zoned quartz crystals

Zoned quartz crystals

Torres-Navarro Aldair*, Thomas Jay

Abstract
Growing zoned quartz crystals in a piston press chamber along with titanium dioxide, and zirconium dioxide. By varying the growing conditions of pressure and/or temperature, it will limit the titanium and zirconium concentration in quartz as it grows. Both the titanium and zirconium +4 cations can replace the silicon +4 cation in the main SiO2 molecule structure. This cation exchange favors higher temperatures. Pressure also does influence this cation exchange; higher pressures can slow this process down even if the temperature is high enough. By conducting a few quartz crystal growth experiments, each at different temperatures and pressures then record the grow conditions and concentrations in the quartz. By knowing the concentrations of common impurities in a major rock forming mineral, we can use this data and compare it closely with data collected from a natural rock sample. The drawback from using quartz as a thermobarometer mineral to study, is that quartz is the last mineral to crystallize in a rock. The data will be accurate for determining the rock forming conditions towards the end of its formation. The growing conditions in the piston press can vary from 600-1050 degrees Celsius, and 2-20 kilo barrs of pressure. The experiment runs will look closely at the changes in concentrations when the temperature or pressure is changed half-way in the run. There will be only one variable at a time for each run, the other growing condition will remain constant. The plan is having a low temperature/pressure in the beginning and rise it half-way during the run while the other is kept constant or vice versa. By making this adjustment to one of these growing conditions will lead to two distinct zones of different impurity concentrations, thus creating a zoned quartz crystal. Preforming experiment runs like this gives us an advantage of being able to collect more data in one experiment run compared to having both conditions stay constant throughout the whole run.
Presented by
Aldair Torres-Navarro
Institution
Jay Thomas is a professor at Syracuse University in the geology department
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Phenotypic character of anticancer peptide lunasin in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) population

Phenotypic character of anticancer peptide lunasin in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) population

Yuan, Jiazheng 1*, de Mejia, Elvira 2, Mian, Rouf 3, Kassem, Abdelmajid 1, Viera, Sonia 1+, Rashad, Layla 1+, Valines, Amani 1+,

Abstract
Lunasin comprises forty-three amino acid residues with molecular weight of 5.5 kDa and has shown tremendous cancer�preventive properties, antioxidant, and hypocholesterolemic effects in animal and in vitro model. Since it was isolated from soybean seeds in 1981 during screening of protease inhibitors in Japan, peptide lunasin has been considered one of the most promising and potential anticancer phytochemicals. Besides its anticancer activity, lunasin plays a vital role regulating cholesterol biosynthesis in the human body with its inherent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. The lunasin concentrations for 144 accessions with the diverse geological origin and genetic background from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection in Illinois were quantified in soybean protein and defatted flour using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in a previous study at UIUC. In this study, these 144 accessions plus additional 150 cultivars and 140 wild accessions were grown and harvested in a field trial of USDA, NC. Based on our analysis, the agronomic characteristics and Pearson correlation for the lunasin concentrations identified from two extraction methods, protein and defatted flour, respectively in 144 soybean accessions show a significant phenotypic variability. The differences of lunasin concentrations among these soybean lines can be up to 13 times and the coefficient of variation (CV) for both methods is about 46%. The lunasin concentrations from the two quantification methods are very similar and the Pearson correlation coefficient is 0.98 (p<2.2 x 10-16) in the diverse soybean accessions suggesting that the exceptional reliability of quantification methods has been developed. (NSF�s HBCU-UP RIA program, under award number: 2101138)
Presented by
Jiazheng Yuan
Institution
1. Department of Biological and Forensic Sciences, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC20348 2. Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, IL61801 3. Soybean and Nitrogen Fixation Research, USDA-ARS, Raleigh, NC27607 *Corresponding author; + Undergraduate scholars
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Weather Impacts on Wildfire Behavior � Case Study with the Marshall Fire

Weather Impacts on Wildfire Behavior � Case Study with the Marshall Fire

Bridges, Bernardo*, Nicholas Golden, Jing Zhang

Abstract
Weather Impacts on Wildfire Behavior - Case Study with the Marshall Fire

Bernardo Bridges, Nicholas Golden, Jing Zhang

Department of Physics, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC

Wildfire behavior depends on factors such as fuel type, fuel moisture, and topography; however atmospheric conditions are the most important ones. Weather and climate can increase the risk and dramatically alter wildfires' behavior. Aspects of weather that impact fire behavior include wind, air temperature, humidity, stability, cloud, precipitation, etc. This study summarizes the specific impacts of various weather conditions on wildfire behaviors for the Marshall fire, which occurred on December 30-31, 2021, in Boulder County, Colorado. It's found a severe downslope wind event over the Front Range Mountains, and Foothills in Colorado exacerbated the fire drastically. In this fire event, strong local winds significantly increased the spread of fires by carrying burning embers to a new fuel supply. Precipitation, in any form, also affects fire behavior significantly. The Marshall fire was ended by heavy snowfall from December 31, 2021 - January 1, 2022. On the other hand, significant drought following a rainy season prompted dangerous fire hazardous conditions for the Marshall fire. A rainy season promotes vegetation growth, and then the drought turns the overgrown plant into dry fuel. This is precisely the case for the Marshall fire. Considering the significant variability of weather, the broad range of weather factors that influence fire behavior, and the interconnection between weather and the rest of the fire environment, a more sophisticated weather-fire model including all of these aspects of weather's impacts on fire behavior will help to understand weather and fire behavior's predictability.
Presented by
Bernardo Bridges
Institution
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University - Department of Physics
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:00 - 7:05 pm Join the Discussion
Poster: Development of a Smart Grid and Machine Learning Test Bed Using Hardware/Power-In-The-Loop, OPAL-RT FPGA Simulator and Power Electronics Building Blocks

Development of a Smart Grid and Machine Learning Test Bed Using Hardware/Power-In-The-Loop, OPAL-RT FPGA Simulator and Power Electronics Building Blocks

Ha, Joseph Filho, Faete Smith, Raymond L, III

Abstract
With the transition into renewable energy sources such as solar and wave energy, it is critical to investigate energy conversion systems and the integration of Machine Learning (ML) within the power grid. To investigate and provide real-time simulation, the unitization of the OPAL-RT 4510 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Based Real-time Simulator is used along with the PEB 8024 Imperix- Half-bridge Silicon Carbide (SiC) power module. The OPAL-RT has a multi-rate FPGA-based architecture and enables users to simulate power outputs quickly and accurately for Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) applications. With the addition of the PEB 8024, an advanced pulse width modulation (PWM) power converter, it allows for additional capabilities in controlling hardware for Rapid Control Prototyping (RCP) application with better timing resolutions around 20 nanoseconds. These two hardware systems are connected through software and hardware allowing for immediate changes in simulation, providing quick feedback when changes are made. Currently, the system being researched has been able to produce a sinusoidal pulse width modulation (SPWM) signal from the OPAL-RT output and through the Imperix power module. This is a major step in the direction of automation in smart grid applications. With the future of machine learning, the allocation of power will be done autonomously with minimum observation needed.
Presented by
Joseph Ha <Haj19@students.ecu.edu>
Institution
East Carolina University
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:05 - 7:10 pm Join the Discussion Watch Presentation
Poster: Genome-wide association study and Makerspace design to discover genes involved in Alcohol Used Disorder

Genome-wide association study and Makerspace design to discover genes involved in Alcohol Used Disorder

Payton, Zeely*, Rechelle Henry, Eric T. Saliim, S. Catherine S. Key

Abstract
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) among humans is responsible for about 1 in 20 deaths per year worldwide. These deaths range from accidents to murder, but regardless, they are all alcohol-related. Naturally, alcohol-related deaths and AUD can be seen as a global problem. To solve this problem, studies are being conducted on Drosophila melanogaster, the common fruit fly, to find a possible antidote to AUDs. Common fruit flies share around ~75% of disease-causing genes with humans, therefore they are good model organisms for studies regarding human diseases. If we can find the specific genes associated with AUDs in common fruit flies, we can use translational research: applying the results to human AUD treatment.

These studies are conducted through a Genomic Wide Association Study (GWAS) by students at NCCU enrolled in the Drosophila Behavioral Genetics (DaBuGs) class. These studies are performed by observing Ethanol Mobility Behavioral Assays (EMBAs) where flies are exposed to ethanol to test how many minutes it takes for them to become fully sedated (Sedation Time 100 (ST100)). The flies used are various Drosophila Genetic Reference Panel (DGRP) strains (such as DGRP 774 (ST100 = 27.33�2.52), DGRP 399 (ST100 = 28.67�7.02), DGRP 786 (ST100 = 30.85�1.52 mins)) and a control strain, w^1118. These flies are also separated by gender to ensure that differences between male and female sedation time are not overlooked.

Students will also help by creating experiment equipment to help with ease of the experiments or to extend further research into the field. This is done via TinkerCAD and 3D printing, which will help advance the students� skill sets. The current design aims to assess the effect of isolation on alcohol consumption. Designs are tested and rated based on how well they succeeded in their goal.

Acknowledgement: NSF HBCU-TIP grant #1912188.
Presented by
Zeely Payton
Institution
Department of Biological & Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:10 - 7:15 pm Join the Discussion Watch Presentation
Poster: Identifying the genetic causes of Alcohol Use Disorder using Drosophila melanogaster.

Identifying the genetic causes of Alcohol Use Disorder using Drosophila melanogaster.

*Bell, Kennedy, Jayden Waites, Janna Campbell, Eric T. Saliim and Catherine S. Key

Abstract
Alcohol misuse is an ongoing epidemic in the United States. 1 in 8 Americans are impacted by Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). A main cause of AUD is found genetically. By accessing the genes and the cellular machinery associated with AUD, we can better understand the disorder and develop treatments to prevent the effects of AUD. The objective of the DaBuGs research is to identify genes and related behavior correlated with AUD using the research model, Drosophila melanogaster, which share 60-75% of genes with humans. If we can determine the SNPs in the Genome Wide Association (GWA) study and the related behaviors of genes associated with AUD in Drosophila, then we can translate this research to the genes responsible for AUD to humans. Our laboratory does this by conducting Ethanol Mobility Behavioral Assays (EMBA), in which separate vials containing gender-sorted flies in the control group or flies from the 200+ Drosophila Genetics Reference Panel (DGRP) strains. Recently, we have found that the DGRP 774 (23.67 � 1.53 min) and DGRP 786 (25 � 3.61 min) strains have shown more resistance to alcohol than the control strain (24 � 3.37 min). These findings will be verified through iterative trials. Our lab is developing an alternative to the EMBA approach with a TinkerCAD, design that holds the flies in separate chambers and allows observation of the behaviors of the ethanol exposed flies simultaneously in one device. We will be able to observe the impacts social isolation on alcohol-consumption rate, better identifying the genes associated with AUD in Drosophila.

Acknowledgement: NSF HBCU-TIP grant #1912188.
Presented by
Kennedy Bell
Institution
Biological & Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina Central University
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:15 - 7:20 pm Join the Discussion Watch Presentation
Poster: Effects of carbon nanodots on TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory gene expression in mouse liver tissue

Effects of carbon nanodots on TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory gene expression in mouse liver tissue

Ahmed, Shafaq*, Zhenquan Jia

Abstract
Atherosclerosis is known to be the main cause of cardiovascular disease and is regulated by pro-inflammatory molecules such as macrophage chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin 6 (IL-6). The liver is known to be the main metabolic organ that is involved in metabolizing abnormal lipid metabolism and complex inflammatory disease. A new class of nanoparticles, Carbon Nanodots (CNDs), have been expressed as potential candidates for bioimaging, biosensing, and drug delivery. There have also been some studies that found them to have anti-inflammatory effects, however the effect of CNDs in the liver have not been investigated. In this study I studied the impact of CNDs on TNF-alpha-mediated expressions of pro-inflammatory genes in mouse liver tissues. Liver tissue samples from C57BL/6 mice were used, which were previously treated with either TNF-alpha (25 mg/kg bw), CNDs (2.5 mg/kg CNDs), both TNF-alpha and CNDs, or neither to serve as the control. Our current results have shown that TNF-alpha increased the expression of pro-inflammatory molecules and decreased the expression of anti-inflammatory molecules. Other experimental data are still in progress, which will allow for a better understanding of the actions of CNDs on liver inflammation in vivo.
Presented by
Shafaq Ahmed
Institution
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:20 - 7:25 pm Join the Discussion Watch Presentation
Poster: Effects of Nrf2 on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in mouse heart tissues

Effects of Nrf2 on lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in mouse heart tissues

Khang, Katie*, Jia, Zhenquan, Li, Robert, Zhu, Hong

Abstract
Sepsis is an immune response to infection or injury of the body. Sepsis is a severe condition characterized by the dysregulation on inflammation. It is the leading causes of death in intensive care units, with no current cure. Previous studies have shown that the expression of pro-inflammatory genes, including TNF-α and IL-6, plays a vital role in the development and progression of sepsis, ultimately leading to multiple organ failure and death. The heart proves to be a crucial organ to major bodily functions and is often most severely affected in sepsis. Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates downstream antioxidative stress genes, which play an important role in regulating inflammation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin that is essential for triggering septic shock. However, there is a gap in understanding the role of Nrf2 in LPS-induced inflammatory injury in heart tissues. In this study, I used the heart tissues from the C57BL/6 mice to study LPS-induced inflammation and examine the effect of Nrf2. C57BL/6 wild-type mice and Nrf2 knockout mice have been treated with either LPS (7.5 mg/kg bw) or neither (control) to serve as control. My data suggested that LPS can increase in expression of TNF-α and IL-6 in heart tissues. Other results are still in progress. My study would increase the understanding of the role of Nrf2 in regulating LPS-induced inflammatory injury.
Presented by
Katie Khang
Institution
University of North Carolina at Greensboro & Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:25 - 7:30 pm Join the Discussion Watch Presentation
Poster: Search for the Holy Grail: Synergy of Different Longevity Interventions on the Model Organism C. elegans

Search for the Holy Grail: Synergy of Different Longevity Interventions on the Model Organism C. elegans

Huppert, Caleb and Malotky, Michele

Abstract
Aging is a complex phenomena commonly defined as a functional decline of the body that occurs over a period of time. Many potential causes of aging have been identified. These include shortening telomeres, genetic damage, and antagonistic pleiotropy. Ongoing research has found ways to reduce or reverse the effects of aging in the body. Certain lifestyle changes such as sleeping properly, maintaining positive social relationships, exercising, and healthy eating are correlated with higher lifespans in humans. Murine models have shown that some drugs such as NAD boosters, metformin/phenformin, and rapamycin can not only extend lifespan but also healthspan. Genetic studies in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans has also revealed a number of pathways and mutations that extend life. C. elegans is a microscopic soil worm with a short lifespan and many longevity pathways homologous to humans. Of interest to this study are: (1) the insulin/IGF-1 signaling pathway, which uses the Insulin-like growth factor and controls metabolism, growth, development, and longevity in response to nutrient levels; (2) the mTOR pathway, which controls cell growth in response to nutrient availability and energy balance; and (3) the AMPK pathway, which controls energy balance in response to intracellular AMP/ATP rations. Previous research has shown that independent activation of these pathways through various interventions including gene mutation and different drug treatments can amplify the longevity inducing effects of the treatment. This study aims to see if simultaneously activating these separate pathways through environmental (dietary restriction), pharmacological (rapamycin treatment), and genetic (par-1 mutant) manipulations will also have a synergistic effect. Results indicate that there is little significant change between activation of one or many of these pathways. This suggests these pathways do not act independently but all work together to restrict an organism�s lifespan.
Presented by
Caleb Huppert
Institution
Guilford College
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:30 - 7:35 pm Join the Discussion Watch Presentation
Poster: Preparation of Capsules by Semi-manual Capsule Machine

Preparation of Capsules by Semi-manual Capsule Machine

Spellman, Nakesha, Friday, Kafi, Dr. Al-Achi, Antoine

Abstract
Capsules are common and easy to use solid pharmaceutical dosage forms. Patients prefer capsules over tablets when taken orally due to ease of administration. Gelatin shells are the most common form for capsules, although others are also available (e.g., cellulose capsule shells). In this project, two semi-manual capsule machines were used to fill capsule shells with a powder mixture containing lactose and a dry coloring agent (used as a marker).

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of preparing capsules with a reproducible weight. Six batches were prepared with a Capsule Connection LLC instrument, and six were made using the Janssen Capsule machine. Capsule Connection LLC machine produces 24 capsules (size 0 capsules) per batch, whereas Janssen is suitable for making 50 capsules per run (we made 100 capsules ‘size 2 capsules’ per batch). Batch powders containing a dry dye were prepared by mixing using a spatulation method. The weight of each capsule per batch was recorded in milligrams. The semi-manual capsule machines utilized in this study produced similar batches in their average weights (ANOVA; p < 0.05). Further work is in progress to quantify the amount of dye encapsulated in the batches to measure content uniformity.
Presented by
Nakesha Spellman
Institution
Campbell University School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Keywords
virtual
Chat with PresenterAvailable Friday, March 18, 7:35 - 7:40 pm Join the Discussion Watch Presentation

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Poster: Examining the potential for evolutionary divergence by describing treehopper host plant use and mating signals

Examining the potential for evolutionary divergence by describing treehopper host plant use and mating signals

Carranza, Rebecca*

Abstract
Behavioral mechanisms that play a role in speciation are of central interest in evolution and ecology research. Plant-feeding insects often serve as models for the study of speciation, and many insect species acquire mates by producing substrate-borne vibrational signals. They do so on particular plant species (i.e. host plant species), on which they live, mate, and lay eggs. Plant-feeding insects sometimes change their host plant species, and the properties of vibrational mating signals can change as one consequence of a host plant shift, potentially contributing to reproductive barriers. Keeled treehoppers (Entylia carinata) are plant-feeding insects that produce vibrational mating signals prior to copulation. In a midwestern population keeled treehopper vibrational signals have recently been shown to differ according to host plant species. Host plant use and mating signal parameters have not been described for North Carolina Piedmont populations of keeled treehoppers. Here, we describe host plant use from field surveys at Penny�s Bend Nature Preserve (Durham, NC). We quantitatively describe the male mating signals of E. carinata, which contain four distinct components. Our findings show that E. carinata consistently use one host plant, Cirsium altissimum, throughout the early and late summer (month vs. nymph presence: ?2= 2.05, P = 0.15; month vs. adult presence: ?2= 0.03, P = 0.85). In addition to using C. altissimum throughout the season, Entylia also occupy another host plant species, Erechtites hieraciifolius, during the late summer. We found no differences in signal parameters between insects that developed on the two host plant species (linear mixed models, all NS). However, peak frequency differed for signals recorded from early and late-summer males on Cirsium (lmm: F1,11= 8.32, P = 0.01). We suggest that future research should assess the effects of developmental nutrition and plant phenology on male signal parameters and female preferences.
Presented by
Rebecca Carranza
Institution
Elon University, Department of Biology
Keywords
in-person, 8:30-8:45am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 8:30 - 8:45 am Join the Discussion
Poster: Prey size does not scale linearly to raptor mass

Prey size does not scale linearly to raptor mass

Finn, Seana*, Eric Butler

Abstract
While larger raptors are known to take larger animals; the general rule for determining the ratio has been unexplored in literature. It is reasonable to assume that there are limiting factors that deter raptors from taking down large prey, such as lifting capacity. However, our previous work has shown that raptors are willing to kill animals they are not able to lift. In this study, we have analyzed literature that reports the mass or species identity of animals preyed on by raptors with a focus on large prey. We have found that while there is a relationship between raptor body size and prey mass and that this trend varies slightly between the three raptorial orders (Falconiformes, Accipitriformes, and Strigiformes) there are several species that are strong outliers within their groups. To address the question of why there are outliers, we have determined four possible hypotheses: raptors in environments with few large predators may take on larger prey, the largest or smallest raptor in the area may take unusually large prey, taking down large prey is a characteristic for certain genera, or that raptors take large prey in a manner that scales with, but exceeds, lifting capacity.
Presented by
Seana Finn
Institution
Shaw University
Keywords
in-person, 8:45-9:00am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 8:45 - 9:00 am Join the Discussion
Poster: The Role of the Lateral Line System in Prey Acquisition Behaviors of Xenopus laevis

The Role of the Lateral Line System in Prey Acquisition Behaviors of Xenopus laevis

Keller, Maggie*, Carly York

Abstract
Invasive populations of African Clawed Frogs (Xenopus laevis) pose significant threats to local ecosystems around the globe as voracious predators. Understanding relative contributions of the different sensory systems to Xenopus laevis�s predatorial efficiency can be useful in evaluating their impact on nonnative ecosystems. The objective of this study was to investigate behaviors of Xenopus laevis during prey acquisition. The lateral line system of Xenopus is used to detect changes in surrounding water, giving it the potential to be an integral sense in prey acquisition. It was hypothesized that when the lateral line system in the frogs was ablated, predatorial behaviors would significantly differ from non-ablated individuals when presented with live guppy prey (Poecilia reticulata). Because visual sensory input was hypothesized to be a confounding variable in past studies, light levels were manipulated to control for this variable. Experimental groups consisted of Xenopus with (a) both lateral line and visual input, (b) lateral line only, (c) visual only, and (d) neither lateral line nor visual input. Upon introduction of three live guppy �prey� to the tank of each individual frog, behaviors were recorded for ten minutes with a Mako U-130B infrared camera. Recordings were analyzed using ImageJ software for angle and velocity of attacks. No significant differences were found among the experimental groups in strike velocity or angle of attack, but trends were observed in productive versus nonproductive predatorial behaviors. Further investigation should be made into these trends; future studies should analyze the contribution of other sensory systems, notably olfaction, to efficient prey acquisition behavior.
Presented by
Maggie Keller
Institution
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Keywords
in-person, 9:00-9:15am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 9:00 - 9:15 am Join the Discussion
Poster: The Behavioral Effects of Integrating a New Male into an Established Herd of African Elephants (Loxodonta africana)

The Behavioral Effects of Integrating a New Male into an Established Herd of African Elephants (Loxodonta africana)

Throneburg, Emma*, York Ph.D, Carly, Lynch Ph.D, Emily, Strobel, Jordan, Kauffman, Nancy

Abstract
African elephants are listed as endangered on the ICUN Red List, and management of captive populations is an ongoing concern. The Species Survival Plan Program (SSP) is a population management and conservation program for at-risk species, including African elephants. In May of 2021, the African Elephant Species Survival Plan made the recommendation to move an18-year-old bull elephant to the NC Zoo for breeding purposes. The primary goals of this project were to: 1) Create a baseline of behaviors for the new bull elephant; and 2) Compare the behaviors of the female elephants when the new bull is on versus off a nearby habitat. The focal subjects studied in this project were the new bull, and the four resident female elephants. Building on The Elephant Ethogram: A Library of African Elephant Behavior, a unique ethogram was compiled for this project, considering previous research by NC Zoo interns and behaviors noted by current keepers. ZooMonitor software (IMLS) was used in this project. Focal elephants were studied during 15-minute sessions, and behaviors were recorded every minute (scan sampling). Scan sampling data revealed that the new bull spent most of his day foraging (52%), followed by locomotion (25%), inactivity (14%), and maintenance behaviors (7%). Throughout the course of the study, the time that the new bull was mobile decreased, while inactivity increased. The female�s activity budget showed that when the new bull was in a nearby habitat, they foraged for 59% of time and were inactive for 20% of time. These activity budgets mirror behaviors seen in other captive elephant populations. This study further informs our understanding of African elephant behavior and will help in the management of captive populations and conservation efforts.
Presented by
Emma Throneburg
Institution
Lenoir-Rhyne University, North Carolina Zoo
Keywords
in-person, 9:15-9:30am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 9:15 - 9:30 am Join the Discussion
Poster: Copper tolerance in tardigrades (Hypsibius exemplaris) modeled by Na/K ATPase inhibition

Copper tolerance in tardigrades (Hypsibius exemplaris) modeled by Na/K ATPase inhibition

Carter, Maggie Lou*

Abstract
In North Carolina, copper pollution is considered to be a significant and widespread problem in surface waters. Excess copper, a heavy metal, disrupts the cellular osmotic balance of organisms exposed by inhibition of the membrane-bound Na/K ATPase. Copper pollution sources range from industrial and municipal to even dust from car braking systems. Tardigrades, commonly known as water bears, are microscopic invertebrates well known for their survival in extreme environmental conditions. They do this most often in a unique, dormant tun state; however, even in their active state, they are known to survive environmental stressors beyond that of other comparably sized organisms. Some tardigrade species demonstrate resistance to excess environmental copper (Hygum 2017). This current study investigated copper tolerance of the tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris. Groups of tardigrades were exposed to a copper concentration of 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, or 1 ug/mL for 24 hours, then subsequently washed. Tardigrade movement at 0, 2 and 24 hours post exposure was used as an indicator of survival. Active tardigrades were homogenized and assayed using an NADH-linked spectrophotometric analysis for activity of the Na/K ATPase. This information can be used to give a clear limit to tardigrade resistance to copper toxicity, as H. exemplaris is considered to be a less stress tolerant tardigrade species. It also expands the understanding of copper pollution�s impact on the natural environment.
Presented by
Maggie Lou Carter
Institution
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Keywords
in-person, 9:30-9:45am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 9:30 - 9:45 am Join the Discussion

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Poster: Integrin inhibitor attenuates synaptotoxic pathogenic cascade following paraoxon exposure in hippocampal explants.

Integrin inhibitor attenuates synaptotoxic pathogenic cascade following paraoxon exposure in hippocampal explants.

J. J. TUTON, M. F. ALMEIDA, B. A. BAHR, K. L. G. FARIZATTO

Abstract
Acute exposure to an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor of the Organophosphate (OP) classleads to a cholinergic crisis, resulting in associated excitotoxic injuries (e.g. seizure pathology), an increased risk in developing long-term neurological problems, and potentially death. OPs are used worldwide for agricultural pesticides and as warfare agents used by terrorist groups and state actors. Understanding the synaptotoxic profile of OPs is vital for public health and long-term treatment strategies. Disticnt OP-mediated synaptopathology has been described (Farizatto et al. 2017 J Mol Neurosci 63:115; Farizatto et al. 2019 Sci Rep.9:6532), with the latter study identifying an involvement by integrin-type adhesion responses. From C. elegans to the mammalian brain, integrins are linked to synaptogenesis, synaptic responses, and axon regeneration (Bahr 2000 J Neurosci Res 59:827; Eva & Fawcett 2014 Curr Opin Neurobiol 27:179; Hisamoto et al. 2018 Nat Commun 9:3099). Here, long-term hippocampal explants were exposed to the OP toxin paraoxon (Pxn) to decipher if the einduced synaptic vulnerability is influenced by integrins, using the ?1-integrin inhibitor (BIO 5192). Synaptic changes were assessed by immunoblot, immunohistochemistry, and correlational analyses. Pxn exposure caused a dramatic loss of pre- and postsynaptic staining among neuropilar dendrites, occurring in correspondence with abnormal induction of adhesion responses through the ?1 integrin. Such an increase in ?1 integrins was evident across the hippocampal dendritic fields. Interestingly, in the Pxn exposure model, the distinctive adhesion response was mediated solely by the ?1-typeintegrin family when assessed in parallel with neurexin and NCAM. To further examine the integrin�s role during OP-mediated synaptopathology, we co-treated the Pxn-exposed tissue with a neuroprotective trifluoromethylketophenoxypentyl analog, and observed that the integrin-type response was offset by the neuroprotectant which also helped stabilize synaptic markers. Similar results were found with a pxn wash-out procedure. Additionally, the synaptic compromise observed in Pxn-exposed explants was not exhibited after the application of the ?1-integrin inhibitor BIO 5192, suggesting that blocking ?1 integrin signaling attenuates the unique synaptotoxicity mediated by Pxn. These findings postulate that integrins can respond to cholinergic crises and strongly influences synaptic integrity and maintenance.
Presented by
JARED TUTON
Institution
Univeristy of North Carolina At Pembroke
Keywords
in-person, 8:30-8:45am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 8:30 - 8:45 am Join the Discussion
Poster: Interrogation of AADACL1 function via a new animal model of hemostasis

Interrogation of AADACL1 function via a new animal model of hemostasis

Oji Philip* , Dr. Stephen Holly

Abstract
Platelets play important roles in the regulation of hemostasis, which is the normal process involved in the prevention of bleeding through clot formation. In the presence of vascular injury, platelets initiate the formation of blood clots via adhesion, activation, secretion of granules, and formation of aggregates or clumps using ?IIb?3 receptors. Previous experiments have shown that the inhibition of the enzyme arylacetamide deacetylase-like 1 (AADACL1) also known as neutral cholesterol esterase hydrolase 1 (NCEH1) will decrease platelet aggregation and thrombosis and increase tail bleeding time in rat models. However, the function of AADACL1 in hemostasis is still unknown. To test the role of AADACL1 in hemostasis, we utilized a rat model created by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing that lacks a functional gene encoding for AADACL1 (KO). We drew whole blood from this KO rat model and from wildtype (WT) rats and analyzed their platelets using aggregometry, which is a method that measures platelets clumping in response to agonists such as collagen and ADP. Our experiments using aggregometry with whole blood showed that platelets from AADACL1 KO rats have significantly decreased agonist response to two collagen concentrations when compared to WT platelets (p = 0.015 for 1.25 �g/mL collagen, p = 0.013 for 2.5 �g/mL collagen, N = 3). However, data from whole blood aggregometry experiments using ADP as the agonist were inconclusive. We are currently conducting aggregation and secretion experiments with purified platelets using aggregometry and flow cytometry, respectively. Finally, we will perform tail bleeding experiments to measure the impact of AADACL1 in vivo.
Presented by
Philip Oji
Institution
Campbell University
Keywords
in-person, 8:45-9:00am
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Poster: Faraday rotation in air and the dispersion of its verdet constant

Faraday rotation in air and the dispersion of its verdet constant

Chavez, Terry V.*, Shaun F. Schrubbe, William D. Brandon

Abstract
On account of the weak circular birefringent response to axial magnetic fields, and hence low values of the Verdet constants, only a few research groups have successfully measured non-resonant Faraday Rotation, and its dispersion, in diamagnetic gases. In contrast to the laborious experiments employed by those researchers, we used a straightforward technique resulting in accurate measurements of the Faraday rotation in air. Our method combines brute force and finesse. The former by combining a nominal 15 ampere RMS current at 85 Hz to produce an AC magnetic field intensity of 240 gauss over a 60 cm length, the latter by utilizing an optical bridge and differential phase sensitive detection. The accuracy of the values we obtained for the Verdet constant of air, Vair, at a dozen wavelengths ranging from 405-800 nm are firmly supported by directly calculating the dispersion of Verdet constant in air as a weighted mixture, Vair = (0.7809 VN2 + 0.2095 VO2), based on previous data.
Presented by
Terry Chavez
Institution
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Other Affiliations
RISE: funded by NIH/NIGMS
Keywords
in-person, 9:00-9:15am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 9:00 - 9:15 am Join the Discussion
Poster: Self-guided payload using grid-fins to translate

Self-guided payload using grid-fins to translate

Boston, Harrison*, Mauney, William*, Knight, Douglas, Welland, Spencer, Vogelsang, Brett, Reeves, Andrew

Abstract
An autonomous grid fin based system to move the payload for the Spaceport America Cup competition was design and tested. Spaceport America Cup is the largest university rocket competition requiring, in the division the team was accepted, a rocket to reach an altitude of 10,000 feet and while carrying a 4.0 kg payload. The payload is designed to guide the 3.0 foot long payload cylinder while falling at approximately 80 feet/sec to a specific position on the ground in the recovery zone. The grid fin system includes four carbon fiber nylon grid fins, four servos, a steerable retraction and deployment mechanism using four stepper motors, a student research and designed control board composed of multiple microcontrollers, batteries and various needed sensors. An onboard GPS system along with other sensors allows the team to compute how to control fin movement and ignite any recovery mechanisms. More testing will occur until the competition in June of 2022
Presented by
Harrison Boston
Institution
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Keywords
virtual, 9:15-9:30am
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Poster: The effect of light intensity on Chlorella vulgaris biomass accumulation and chlorophyll concentration

The effect of light intensity on Chlorella vulgaris biomass accumulation and chlorophyll concentration

Martin, Angel*

Abstract
Bioproducts, which are materials, chemicals, and/or energy derived from renewable or biological resources including animal feed and renewable fuels, hold great promise excellent substitutes for fossil fuels. Microalgae are an excellent carbon source that can potentially be converted into a variety of bioproducts. Microalgae which have higher yields and carbon capture efficiency than higher plant biomass potentially could make algae-derived bioproducts profitable on an industrial scale. This potential has led to intensive research into ways to increase total biomass of microalgal production. There are several limiting factors that need to be addressed, one of which is light-to-biomass conversion efficiency. The purpose of this study was to determine the optimal light energy to maximize photosynthesis and biomass production of the microalga Chlorella vulgaris. Biomass accumulation was quantified via cell counts, and photosynthetic capacity was evaluated by chlorophyll extraction and measurement of chlorophyll a and b concentration spectrophotometrically (663 and 645 nm respectively). Preliminary results indicate that the light intensity providing optimal growth range for Chlorella vulgaris is 32.6 umol/m^2/s to 90.2 umol/m^2/s. There is no apparent correlation between biomass accumulation and chlorophyll concentrations was identified within the parameters of this investigation. Further investigation of additional parameters, including but not limited to growth temperature optimization and specialized reactor design, will be necessary before algal biodiesel production becomes a reality on an industrial scale.
Presented by
Angel Martin
Institution
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Keywords
in-person, 9:50-10:05am
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Poster: Urbanization is Associated with Mercury Accumulation in Honey Bees Across the United States

Urbanization is Associated with Mercury Accumulation in Honey Bees Across the United States

Waiker, Prashant*, Ulus Yener, Tsz-Ki Martin, Rueppell Olav

Abstract
Global urbanization has profound implications for associated ecosystems and species. Monitoring urbanization induced pollutants can provide data for assessing the risk on human and wildlife health. Honey bees forage widely and collect food from many sources and present a good integrator of diverse environmental contaminants, including mercury (Hg). Thus, we collected honey bees from ten different locations in the United States to analyze for total mercury (THg) and its derivative methylmercury (MeHg). We found that bees from urbanized areas had significantly higher THg than those from rural areas, with suburban samples intermediate. However, MeHg concentrations in all samples were below the detection limit. Nevertheless, this first dataset on Hg levels in honey bees across the US suggests the potential usefulness of honeybees as an integrative biomonitor. Despite our limited, yet geographically widespread sampling, our results indicate higher Hg contamination levels in urban areas, consistent with other negative impacts of urbanization
Presented by
Prashant Waiker
Institution
University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Clemson University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, University of Alberta
Keywords
in-person, 10:05-10:20am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 10:05 - 10:20 am Join the Discussion
Poster: Less is more: Incorporating undergraduate research experiences into a general ecology course

Less is more: Incorporating undergraduate research experiences into a general ecology course

Kingston, Michael

Abstract
The development of course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) have become popular as a tool to provide more students with an opportunity to engage in an authentic research experience. The use of multi-week, inquiry-based lab modules requiring students to participate in all stages of the research endeavor from hypothesis formulation to communication of results better reflects the true nature of science than a more traditional model that exposes students to a new concept, methodology, or habitat during each week of the semester. Between 1993 and 2021, I taught the General Ecology Laboratory course of Elon University 22 times using both the traditional model and the inquiry-based research model. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of student response data indicated a significant preference for (p< 0.03), and efficacy of (p< 0.04), the inquiry-based model. Over several years, one of the multi-week modules constituted an independent project in which two or three students formulated, designed and implemented an experiment to address their own hypothesis. Additional benefits of the inquiry based model is that data from successive years can be compiled to form large data bases that make it easier to discern statistically significant trends which may lead to publication. One data set designed to evaluate student-generated hypotheses about hurricane impacts on tree mortality in a Piedmont forest included data from over 750 trees representing 42 species collected over a five-year period. The abstract describing these findings was published in the Journal of the North Carolina Academy of Science with two student co-authors. The inquiry-based model incorporating authentic course-based research experiences represents a powerful tool to encourage critical thinking and demystify the true nature of scientific inquiry.
Presented by
Mike Kingston
Institution
Elon University
Keywords
in-person, 10:20-10:35am
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Poster: Soybean seed isoflavone contents and QTL and candidate genes

Soybean seed isoflavone contents and QTL and candidate genes

Dounya Knizia1,2, Jiazheng Yuan3, Nacer Bellaloui4, Tri Vuong5, Mariola Usovsky5, Qijian Song6, Frances Betts3, Teresa Register3, Earl Williams3, Naoufal Lakhssassi1, Hamid Mazouz2, Henry T. Nguyen5, Khalid Meksem1, Alemu Mengistu7, and My Abdelmajid Kassem3*

Abstract
Isoflavones are secondary metabolites abundant in soybean and other legume seeds and possess numerous health and nutrition benefits for humans and animals. The aims of this study were to (1) construct a dense genetic map based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and the 'Forrest' by 'Williams 82' (FxW82) recombinant inbred line (RIL) population (n = 306), (2) identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTL) that control seed daidzein, genistein, glycitein, and total isoflavone contents in two environments over two years (NC-2018 and IL-2020), and (3) identify candidate genes within the QTL regions. The FXW82 SNP-based map covered 4,029.9 cM and 27 QTL have been identified and mapped on several chromosomes. One hundred thirty (130) candidate genes have been identified within or close to these QTL regions and will be discussed here. These advances will help farmers and breeders to develop soybean lines and cultivars producing high amounts of isoflavone.
Presented by
Abdelmajid Kassem
Institution
1 Department of Plant, Soil, and Agricultural Systems, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA; dounya.knizia@siu.edu (D.K.); naoufal.lakhssassi@siu.edu (N.L.); meksem@siu.edu (K.M.) 2 Laboratoire de Biotechnologies & Valorisation des Bio?Ressources (BioVar), Department de Biology, Facult� des Sciences, Universit� Moulay Ismail, Mekn�s 50000, Morocco; H.MAZOUZ@fs?umi.ac.ma 3 Plant Genomics and Biotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC 28301, USA; jyuan@uncfsu.edu (J.Y.); fbetts@broncos.uncfsu.edu (F.B.); tregist2@broncos.uncfsu.edu (T.R.); ewilli17@broncos.uncfsu.edu (E.W.) 4 Crop Genetics Research Unit, USDA, Agriculture Research Service, 141 Experiment Station Road, Stoneville, MS 38776, USA; nacer.bellaloui@usda.gov 5 Division of Plant Science and Technology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA; vuongt@missouri.edu (T.V.); klepadlom@missouri.edu (M.U.); nguyenhenry@missouri.edu (H.T.N.) 6 Soybean Genomics and Improvement Laboratory, USDA?ARS, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA; qijian.song@usda.gov 7 Crop Genetics Research Unit, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Jackson, TN 38301, USA; alemu.mengistu@usda.gov * Correspondence: mkassem@uncfsu.edu
Keywords
virtual, 10:35-10:50am
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Poster: The dispersion of aerosolized mouth bacteria when playing the trumpet

The dispersion of aerosolized mouth bacteria when playing the trumpet

Corn, Gabriel*

Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic created concerns about the safety of public instrumental music performances. Several options for reducing the spread of infectious viruses during concerts have been proposed, including masking the bells of woodwind and brass instruments. In this study, the movement of oral bacteria through a brass instrument, a trumpet, was investigated as a means to study the airborne transmission of other infectious agents associated with respiratory droplets in humans. Bacteria were collected by direct impingement onto blood agar during the playing of the trumpet by positioning an agar plate just outside the bell of the instrument. In addition, liquid was collected from the water keys (spit valves) of the trumpet during play to monitor bacterial transmission through the instrument�s pipes and valves. The trumpet was played for 1.0, 2.5, and 10 minutes to generate respiratory droplets with the potential of carrying bacteria. Serial dilutions of saliva collected from the water keys were prepared, and aliquots from each dilution were plated onto blood agar to determine bacterial counts. These plates plus blood agar plates from the bell were incubated at 37 �C for 48 hours. Several different bacterial colony types were obtained and then analyzed to identify bacterial types and numbers of colonies. Results showed little bacterial growth on the trumpet bell plates in contrast to robust growth on plates from water key samples and saliva obtained directly from the investigator (positive control). The most common types of bacteria isolated were Gram-positive streptococci. Results suggest that masking the instrument might provide some hindrance to droplet spread, but routine instrument cleaning/sanitization and proper disposal of water-key contents might be a better strategy for limiting pathogen spread from brass instruments.
Presented by
Gabriel Corn
Institution
Lenoir-Rhyne University
Keywords
in-person, 9:50-10:05am
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Poster: Does peppermint essential oil affect the growth of Staphylococcus aureus?

Does peppermint essential oil affect the growth of Staphylococcus aureus?

Bowman, Lauren*, Lee-Brown, Melanie

Abstract
Since their discovery, antibiotics have significantly decreased the deadly repercussions of bacterial infections. Infections caused by antibiotic resistant organisms, however, are on the rise and are a major health threat (Ghosh et al., 2019). Resistance comes from excessive exposure or overuse by the medical community, and inappropriate use by patients such as not completing a treatment regime (Munita & Arias, 2015). The increase in infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria spurred research into forms of treatment other than antibiotics. Clinical and in vitro studies by Warnke et al. (2009) have shown bactericidal effects with many plant essential oils, even against multidrug resistant strains such as MRSA. Essential oils are concentrated, volatile plant extracts produced by mechanical pressing and steam distillation (Siddeeg et al., 2018). Peppermint (Mentha piperita) essential oil, reported by Rezaei et al. (2020), showed antimicrobial properties against Enterococcus faecalis, Actinomyces viscosus, and Streptococcus sanguinis. S. sanguinis most recognized for its pathology in periodontal disease. This study investigates the potential use of peppermint essential oil as an antimicrobial agent to kill or prevent the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. An antibiotic profile of S. aureus was completed using Mueller-Hinton Agar and 20 antibiotic candidates. The profile determined which antibiotic will be used as a positive control for further testing. The antibiotic profile showed that Imipenem had the highest percent variation from the standard Zone Of Inhibition (ZOI) of resistance for S. aureus and will be used as the positive control. Next steps in this study include: a disk diffusion carrier oil assay, disk diffusion microdilution assay of peppermint oil, subculturing all resistance ZOI, and a verification assay growing S. aureus on plates containing various concentrations of peppermint oil. This study will determine if peppermint oil can be effectively used as a non-antibiotic treatment to control S. aureus infections.
Presented by
Lauren Bowman
Institution
Guilford College
Keywords
virtual, 10:05-10:20am
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Poster: Enhanced Static Bacterial Cellulose Production through increased aerobic interface

Enhanced Static Bacterial Cellulose Production through increased aerobic interface

Bolaji Sadiku*, Hunter Holden, Dennis LaJeunesse, Jeffrey Alston

Abstract
Interest in the utilization of Bacterial Cellulose continues to grow because of its high purity, strength, water holding capacity, moldability and recyclability. These unique properties have made Bacterial Cellulose a choice material in the fields of medicine, food, commercial products, and electronics. Bacteria that produce cellulose typically produce at the air-fluid interface. As bacterial cellulose is produced, the cellulose obstructs the aerobic interface, thus slowing bacterial cellulose production. The slowed production makes the process inefficient and expensive and therefore commercially unattractive. Increased aerobic interface in a static bioreactor holds great potential to improve Bacterial cellulose production to commercially viable quantities while maintaining the properties associated with static culture produced bacterial cellulose. In this study, we have successfully increased bacteria access to oxygen by layering the bacterial cellulose culture medium on denser perfluorohexane sparged with oxygen. The upper surface of the media gives the bacteria access to oxygen from the top while the bioinert lower fluid layer provides another aerobic interface for the bacteria from the bottom. Both interfaces produced bacterial cellulose thus signifying improved yield. With improved yield of bacterial cellulose, this novel system holds great potential in making commercial production of bacterial cellulose possible and thus open a world of opportunities in the utilization of this great biomaterial.
Presented by
BOLAJI SADIKU
Institution
Joint School of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
Keywords
in-person, 10:20-10:35am
Chat with PresenterAvailable Saturday, March 19, 10:20 - 10:35 am Join the Discussion
Poster: Allied Health Microbiology Course Redesign

Allied Health Microbiology Course Redesign

Mathews, Stephanie*

Abstract
Increased student achievement of learning objectives is a goal in most STEM classrooms. This project aimed to redesign the 200-level allied health microbiology course, BIOL 275, at Campbell University in partnership with the Promoting Active Learning and Mentorship (PALM) network. The course redesign was guided mentor Sarah Sletten at the University of North Dakota and used the Backwards Design model, which places assessment considerations at the forefront of planning. Learning objectives were identified using the Undergraduate Curriculum Guidelines for Microbiology in Nursing and Allied Health (MINAH) set forth by American Society of Microbiology (ASM). The methods chosen to deliver content and promote student achievement for the identified objectives was focused on active learning which involves students constructing knowledge instead of passively listening. This redesign resulting in a course matrix, development of several case studies, student presentation assignments, and implementation of course polling technology.
Presented by
Stephanie Mathews
Institution
Campbell University
Keywords
in-person, 10:35-10:50am
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Poster: Teenagers versus Quarantine

Teenagers versus Quarantine

Kodali, Aryan*

Abstract
Did you ever wonder how teenagers are dealing with quarantine restrictions and fears? Did you wonder if you should check in on teenagers you know to see how they are doing? Read on to find specific impacts quarantine has had on teenagers and persuade yourself to check in on your friends and family. To find out how other teenagers are feeling and whether different demographics of teenagers have been impacted differently, I investigated the question: �What are the different effects quarantine has had on the mental health of teenage guys in comparison to teenage girls?�. I hypothesized that if I ask teenagers the effects quarantine has had on their mental health, then both teenage guys and girls will have similar responses as to how quarantine affected their mental health because both have dealt with the same quarantining restrictions and fears. I created an online survey and sent it out to as many teenagers as possible. This survey contained specific questions that reflect a change in mental health, depending on answers. In the end, males and females had similar overall responses to questions. However, each individual had different answers when asked to elaborate on how quarantine has affected their mental health. In the future, I recommend future researchers to include a question about suicidal thoughts, keep track of other demographics, and ask for parent contact information. From this, you can separate data for different demographics than gender and contact parents for teenagers whose answers are concerning.
Presented by
Aryan Kodali
Institution
Green Level High School
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Hydroelectric generators: how can we make it more efficient?

Hydroelectric generators: how can we make it more efficient?

Madaram, Pratham*, Jaichandra Nukala*, Siddharth Vijaymurugan*

Abstract
As you may know, there is a lot of water flowing around the world and our project is to efficiently produce energy from this water. To set up our experiment we created a dynamo and connected it to an axle. We will be comparing a 3:1 turbine to axle setup(Model 1) and a 1:1 ratio(Model 2). The dynamo will produce electricity from the motion of the axle. The control variables are the rate of water flow and the same dynamo. We ran the water for 10 seconds to spin the turbines and analyzed the electricity during those 10 seconds. For current measurement we saw that Model 2 had a final average that was higher than Model 1's average by 0.176 mA. When researching we discovered that power sources can be connected in a certain circuit to linearly increase electricity. This means that if the generators from Model 2 were in a parallel circuit the current would've had an average of 20.88, which gives us a difference of 14.096 mA to Model 1. Now with the regular setup of Model 2 we noticed that Model 1 makes more voltage. But with the full potential of Model 2 in a series circuit it makes 4.642 more volts on average than Model 1. This experiment proves our hypothesis because with the full potential of Model 2 we can see that it is making more current or voltage than Model 1.
Presented by
Pratham Madaram <madarampratham@gmail.com>
Institution
Durham Academy, Green Level High School, Raleigh Charter School
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: outSMARTPD: A Smartphone Monitoring App for Bradykinesia, Rigidity, and Tremor Designed to Remotely Assess Parkinson's Disease

outSMARTPD: A Smartphone Monitoring App for Bradykinesia, Rigidity, and Tremor Designed to Remotely Assess Parkinson's Disease

Esha Agarwal*

Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disease that affects millions of people, usually over 60 years of age, mean diagnosis age is 56. Given that the world's population is aging and the ongoing pandemic, an at-home objective system that can effectively assess PD is essential. This system is important for the many patients who may be experiencing symptoms and are unable to travel to a healthcare facility. outSMARTPD aims to solve this issue with the creation of an app that utilizes sensors and sensor fusion to assess PD through neurological tests and surveys that the patient can perform in the comfort of their home. After subjects completed their testing (the same tests administered in the doctor's office), the app and Python algorithm were able to relay an accurate assessment of the patient's symptoms, an accurate assessment of the patient's likelihood of having PD. For the various neurological tests performed using the outSMARTPD app, the PD patient showed significantly greater variability in finger and toe tap, pronation-supination, and gait tests, signaling bradykinesia; the control patient showed little variability and had a consistent sinusoidal trend. In the flexion-extension test, the PD patient had muscle rigidity; the graph spent a large ratio of time at 0 acceleration compared to control. For rest and postural tremor tests, the PD patient had a higher dominant frequency tremor than control. Patients with established Parkinson's received a much higher percent likelihood when tested by the outSMARTPD app than the control patients. The average percent likelihood returned to users who had diagnosed PD was higher than 50%; the average percent likelihood returned to control patients was less than 25%. While there were limitations, in the future, increasing sample size, integrating machine learning, and more can be done to improve this study. outSMARTPD has the potential to be a revolutionary tool in the field of Parkinson's Disease research.
Presented by
Esha Agarwal
Institution
Enloe High School
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Pet paws make pals

Pet paws make pals

Kalra, Ishana*, Keisha Kalra*, Kaustubh Dabhadkar

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted social interactions unprecedently. Schools closed, people worked from home, and many were confined to interacting through social media and video chats. Studies have shown the psychological benefits of pet ownership. However, little research has been done on how and if the presence of a pet affects social interactions with strangers, especially during a socially isolated pandemic. We set out to answer the question: will a dog walk change social interactions with strangers? We hypothesized that walking with a dog can change human-to-human interaction and help start conversations with unacquainted people. We conducted this experiment during six dog walks on randomly selected trails. We studied how walking with and without a dog affects interaction with other walkers. There were 245 observations in the study group (walking with a dog) and 208 in the control group (walking without a dog). We created a �Social Interaction Scale� to define the interactions during these observations. Walking with a dog resulted in social interactions 63.3% of the time, compared to 39.9% while walking without a dog. Results showed that walking with a dog significantly increased social interaction (z-score of 4.9, p-value < 0.0001). From our analyses, we concluded that walking with a dog can promote social interaction. Further research is suggested to assess the effect of these facilitated social interactions on feelings of loneliness and psychosocial well-being.
Presented by
Ishana Kalra
Institution
Providence High School (Keisha and Ishana Kalra), Novant Health (Kaustubh Dabhadkar)
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: �Weeds on Earth, compost on Mars: improving the quality and nutritional value provided by Martian soil using dandelion crop succession

�Weeds on Earth, compost on Mars: improving the quality and nutritional value provided by Martian soil using dandelion crop succession

Hardy, Isabella*

Abstract
�Hardy, Isabella* �Gryphon Academy �Weeds on Earth, compost on Mars: improving the quality and nutritional value provided by Martian soil using dandelion crop succession �The purpose of this project is to determine if dandelion compost will improve Martian soil and if vegetables grown in dandelion compost and regolith are as nutritious as plants grown in NASA's plant pillows or in potting soil. Pillow packs were replicated with self-sealing bags, SafeTsorb, and fertilizer similar to the formula used by NASA. Kale in conventional potting soil was used as the control. Martian pillow packs were created with MMS-1 Mars Regolith Simulant (Unsorted grade). Fertilizer identical to that used in the conventional pillow packs was added to two packs of the simulated Martian regolith pillow packs, and kale was planted. Two other packs of simulated Martian regolith used dandelion compost instead of fertilizer. Each soil type was tested for levels of pH, nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. The composted Martian regolith tested as high in these levels as the SafeTsorb and fertilizer and the Martian regolith with commercial fertilizer. Dandelion compost did lower the pH of the regolith, but it added necessary nutrients comparable to the levels with commercial fertilizer. Plants were kept under grow lights like the plants NASA cultivates on the International Space Station. Grown leaves were harvested, liquefied, and tested for protein and vitamin C levels using biuret solution and dichlorophenolindophenol (vitamin C reagent). Kale grown in Martian regolith with composted dandelions showed similar Vitamin C levels to the conventional plant pillow kale. When the plants were tested for protein, the plant pillow samples and the composted Martian samples both had higher results than the control. While vitamin supplements might be necessary, vegetables grown with dandelion compost would be as nutritious as those grown with other methods.
Presented by
Isabella Hardy
Institution
Gryphon Academy
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: A cost-effective alternative to hearing aids using a novel 'smart glasses' device

A cost-effective alternative to hearing aids using a novel 'smart glasses' device

Cutiuba, Fillip

Abstract
Hearing Loss is a widespread problem, with approximately 48 million Americans experiencing some degree of hearing loss, and a common solution are hearing aids. Of those who need a hearing aid though, only 1 in 5 use one. A prevalent factor for this is that the cost of hearing aids ranges from $1600 to $8000. To solve the problem, a novel device was invented as an alternative at a fraction of the cost. Using a microphone, a custom-made program, and a transparent glass-type screen, the user would be able to see the transcription of what is being said right in front of them without their view being blocked. For this study, a group totaling five people that had all previously completed informed consent forms and indicated their clinical diagnosis of moderate to severe hearing loss were brought into a room one by one and asked five different questions. The questioning would be done five times, with each time the background noise in the room increasing incrementally until the noise matched a busy city street (80dB). These groups of five rounds would be done in three different settings: with their hearing aid, with the novel device, and finally, without any devices. After testing, the results showed that the background noise did not significantly impact the device's function, even at the highest levels, and the device's performance compared to the hearing aids is very similar, making this device a viable alternative to hearing aids. Although there needs to be more testing and the device itself can be improved, this is definitely a proof of concept. A second version of the device was made to address the weight balancing and the microphone. The new version also provides much easier usability and user experience and better accuracy as a result of better hardware.
Presented by
Fillip Cutiuba
Institution
Raleigh Charter High School
Keywords
in-person
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Poster: Investigating the putative cis-regulatory role of lncRNAs in glioblastoma multiforme

Investigating the putative cis-regulatory role of lncRNAs in glioblastoma multiforme

Dayananda, Veda*

Abstract
Only one percent of the human genome encodes the proteins that are the building blocks of life. Upon completion of the first draft of the human genome, the presiding notion relegated the remaining ninety-nine percent as non-functional "junk DNA." It has since been revealed that the non-coding genome possesses key regulatory functions that influence gene expression. Gene regulation has been increasingly appreciated as a key mechanism that produces diverse cell types from a single genome. Various evolutionary mechanisms give rise to RNA molecules that are transcribed but not translated; a subset of these, known as long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), may play a role in regulating gene expression. There is evidence that many cancers rely on mechanisms of dysregulated gene expression, a subset of which may occur as a result of cis-regulatory lncRNA function. In particular, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), a highly aggressive class of brain tumors, has been shown to exhibit aberrant transcriptional activity. However, the mechanisms by which these gene expression programs are associated with GBM remain poorly understood. We hypothesize that lncRNAs play a cis-regulatory role in the maintenance of gene expression programs required for GBM maintenance. Here, we present an analysis framework designed to nominate candidate cis-regulatory interactions in GBM patient tumor whole-transcriptome data from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Specifically, we pilot a method to identify lncRNAs nearby known tumor suppressor genes ectopically expressed in GBM. We propose a statistical model and demonstrate preliminary analyses wherein proximal lncRNA/gene pairs, whose expression profiles are mutually disrupted in cancer, may be subjected to multiple hypothesis testing to determine their potential biological relevance. Future directions include the application of the analysis framework to an expanded cohort of GBM patient samples, investigations of diverse tumor types, and validation of putative interactions through functional CRISPR screens in cell-based models.
Presented by
Veda Dayananda
Institution
North Carolina Student Academy of Science
Other Affiliations
Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, East Mecklenburg High School
Keywords
in-person
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