bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of Tumor Growth Modeling in the Behavior of Homogeneous Cancer Cell Populations: Are Tumor Growth Models Applicable to Both Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Populations?
Authors: Reddy Divya , Zaslavsky Alexander , Morgan Todd , Rasmus Joe
Published: September 2023

The ability to predict and slow the spread of cancer in the human body is a task that medical professionals have been trying to accomplish for many years. Being able to give factual basis to the use of certain growth models for application in not just heterogeneous, but also homogeneous cancer cell populations is imperative to treatment research as using mathematical analysis to predict the dynamics of tumor growth allows professionals to simulate how tumors might behave in the human body. This study follows the process of single-cloning and the growth of a homogeneous cell population in a superficial environment over the course of six weeks with the end goal of showing which of five tumor growth models commonly used to predict heterogeneous cancer cell population growth (Exponential, Logistic, Gompertz, Linear, and Bertalanffy) would also best exemplify that of homogeneous cell populations. We hypothesized that the Gompertz, Linear, and Bertalanffy models would provide the best fit to the homogeneous cancer (clonal) cell population growth data while models such as the exponential and logistic model, which are most commonly associated with the growth of heterogeneous cancer cell populations in natural environments (i.e. malignant tumors), would veer off the growth data. It was shown that Gompertz and Linear functions provided the best fit for this population, while exponential and Logistic functions fell slightly behind. The data collection and analysis for this research was performed through the University of Michigan Research Labs and Solver by Frontline Systems.
The determinants and incentives of corporate greenhouse gas emission reduction
Authors: Liu Eric , Yin Jennifer
Published: September 2023

This study used hand-collected Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and aimed to understand the determinants and incentives of GHG emissions reduction. It explored how companies’ financials, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) compensation, and corporate governance affected GHG emissions. Results showed that companies reporting GHG emissions were wide-spread among the 48 industries represented by two-digit Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes. Companies in the industries with high litigation risks and companies with higher profits tended to have lower GHG emissions. Larger property, plant, and equipment values contributed to higher GHG emissions. Furthermore, companies used compensation incentives to reduce the levels of GHG emissions as evidenced by the negative correlation between GHG emissions and executive compensation (including bonus, stock options and restricted stocks). Lastly, corporate governance affected GHG emission levels. Boards with directors of longer tenure and more female directors were more likely to curb GHG emissions. My study contributed to finding ways to incentivize companies to reduce GHG emissions.
Luteolin's positive inhibition of melanoma cell lines.
Authors: Su Wilson , Liu-Smith Feng
Published: September 2023

If not treated early, melanoma, a form of skin cancer, can lead to death in patients. Currently the few treatments for melanoma include surgical removal, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy without any treatment based on natural small molecules currently available. Luteolin (3′,4′,5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid that occurs in fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Research suggests that luteolin is effective against various forms of cancer by triggering apoptosis pathways. In addition, luteolin was consistently shown to have marginal cytotoxicity against normal cells. Thus, luteolin is currently being researched as a possible anticancer agent. This experiment was performed using an MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay to test cellular cell viability. Each sample was administered varying doses of luteolin by 2-fold serial dilution. These samples were later administered an MTT solution and scanned using an absorbance microplate reader to measure cell viability.The results of our study demonstrate that increased luteolin dosage limited melanoma cell survival rate by as much as 98% in vitro. Although promising, further research is needed to accept luteolin as a clinical drug. This experiment analyzes the effects of luteolin on the cell viability of malignant melanoma cells using an in vitro experiment to research alternative melanoma treatments and hopefully to help further cancer research as a whole.
A comparative analysis of machine learning approaches for prediction of breast cancer
Authors: Nag Shreya , Nag Jaydeep
Published: September 2023

One of the most dreadful diseases for women and their health is breast cancer. Breast cancer death rates are higher than those for any other cancer, aside from lung cancer. Machine learning and deep learning techniques can be used to predict the early onset of breast cancer. The main objective of this analysis was to determine whether machine learning algorithms can be used to predict the onset of breast cancer with more than 90% accuracy. Based on research with supervised machine learning algorithms, Gaussian Naïve Bayes, K Nearest Algorithm, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression were considered because they offer a wide variety of classification methods and also provide high accuracy and performance. We hypothesized that all these algorithms would provide accurate results, and Random Forest and Logistic Regression would provide better accuracy and performance than Naïve Bayes and K Nearest Neighbor. The Wisconsin Breast Cancer dataset from the UC Irvine repository was used to perform a comparison between the supervised machine learning algorithms of Gaussian Naïve Bayes, K Nearest Neighbor, Random Forest, and Logistic Regression. Based on the results, the Random Forest algorithm performed best among the four algorithms in malignant prediction (accuracy = 98%), and Logistic Regression algorithm performed best among the four algorithms in benign prediction (accuracy = 99%). All the algorithms performed well in the prediction of benign versus malignant cancer, with more than 90% accuracy based on their F1-score. The study results can be used for further research in prediction of cancer using machine learning algorithms.
Long Range Radio Communication for Urban Sensor Networks
Authors: Cantillon Molly , Kam Kevin A , Kymissis Ioannis
Published: September 2023

Society’s technological landscape is growing rapidly. In the era of smart cities, wireless technologies and their novel applications have begun to permeate almost every aspect of urban life. From controlling traffic signals to monitoring air quality, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a field with much potential, but some challenges. Being a relatively new field of research, there is much more to discover about IoT. Before developing proposed applications of the technology in smart cities, it is imperative to fully understand how IoT-based technologies work, including Long-Range Radio Communication (LoRa). This study aimed to test the feasibility of LoRa devices in the bustling, urban environment of New York City to identify limitations in the technology. Using a testbed containing two LoRa radio modules and a monopole antenna, we determined the relationship between the distance of the radios and received signal strength to be inversely proportional. We hypothesized that Received Signal Strength Index values from the transmissions could be used to determine the maximum range. Our results supported this hypothesis by determining the maximum range to be 250 meters. In addition, we found that the relationship followed an exponential decay curve. These findings will help future researchers further understand the limitations of LoRa in urban sensor networks and ultimately create stronger IoT smart city applications.
The Long-Term Effect of CBD Crystals and CBD Oil on Depressive-Associated Rat Behaviors
Authors: Yang Jiarui , Liu Siyu
Published: September 2023

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical extracted from cannabis and shown by some studies to alleviate the symptoms of many mental disorders, especially major depressive disorder. Many researchers have explored how acute CBD treatment impacts the attitude of depressive patients, but few researchers have examined how chronic CBD consumption influences the mood of people without depression. To simulate the effect of CBD on people, we used male Wistar Rats as experimental models, divided into three groups: the control group received peanut oil (vehicle), the CBD oil group received CBD oil and vehicle, and the CBD crystal group received CBD crystals and vehicle. We hypothesized that chronic treatments with purified CBD through oral administration would relieve depression-associated behaviors in normal healthy rats under adverse conditions. The CBD oil used in this study was made from crude oil of hemp by molecular distillation, and the CBD crystals were further processed from CBD oil by crystallization. We used forced swimming test and sucrose preference test to assess the characters associated with the diagnosis of depression: despair-like behavior and anhedonia. Furthermore, we used the weight of the rats to assess appetite. A statistical analysis of the experimental data suggested that long-term consumption of CBD could elicit depression associated symptoms in normal rats without depression. The results imply that people should consume CBD-containing products with extreme caution and highlight the need to carefully monitor the use of CBD in health care products.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Teens
Authors: Qureshi Afaf Saqib , Fraz Shamaila , Saqib Kiran
Published: September 2023

The stress, fear, and uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic can wear anyone down, but teens may have an especially tough time coping emotionally. In this study, we aim to highlight the impact of this pandemic on the mental health of teens, who account for almost 50% of the population in Pakistan. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study in Islamabad, Pakistan. Due to the COVID-19 lockdown in Pakistan, we collected data through a validated online questionnaire from the students at private schools enrolled only in Cambridge Assessment International Examination (CAIE) system. The study included a total of 289 students, comprised of 116 males and 173 females within the age range of 13–19 years. Our study showed that the prevalence of signs of mental illness was quite high amongst teenagers, with slightly higher prevalence in female respondents. These signs included feeling socially disconnected, frequent mood swings, constant worry, self-dissatisfaction, change in eating habits, and change in sleep cycle. Since there is evidence that significant burden of mental illnesses originates at a young age, we assert that close attention to mental health of young people in quarantine is warranted to avoid any long-term consequences.
How has California’s Shelter-in-Place Order due to COVID-19 and the Resulting Reduction in Human Activity Affected Air and Water Quality?
Authors: Everitt Olivia , Pierce Ashley M
Published: September 2023

As the world continues to battle the novel coronavirus or COVID-19, many states in the USA have restricted outdoor human activity, intending to reduce the number of viral infections. In turn, the number of cars on the streets and factories in operation has decreased. This unique time for the world has created an opportunity to study the impacts of reduced human activity. We collected water and air quality data through field data collection and remote data sites to test how the change in human activity affected the concentration of pollutants in water and air. Throughout California, we studied three test sites in June and July from 2015 to 2020 to compare the collected field or monitored water and air quality data over the past five years. We hypothesized that with the reduction of human activity, and therefore car emissions, the air and water pollutants in all three test locations would decrease for June/July 2020 compared to the last five years. In our study, the air quality improved from 2015 to 2020 in terms of the oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and ozone (O3), especially at Lake Tahoe’s Placer County. However, the water quality remained relatively constant for the test sites over the course of the study, while it significantly improved Sonoma County’s Russian River. Overall, the air pollution in California for June and July somewhat decreased from 2015 to 2020, while the water quality remained fairly constant in June and July during California’s shelter-in-place order.
Evaluation of platelet-rich plasma vs. platelet lysate: VEGF and PDGF concentration, stability, and shelf life
Authors: Prasad Shambhavi , Thomas Teena Mary , Rao Jyothsna , Rao Gururaj
Published: September 2023

Cell-free biologicals are a novel method of treating clinical conditions which involve chronic inflammation such as tendonitis and osteoarthritis. Standard approaches for addressing such conditions involve steroids and powerful pain killers, which predispose patients to unfavorable clinical outcomes. Cell-free biologicals like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet lysate (PL) derived from blood provide a reliable approach to treat chronic inflammation. aPRP is the activated form of PRP and is assumed to contained higher concentration of cytokines. These blood derivatives are safe and can be administered with ease over long periods. Although this approach is widely popular among physicians, it requires scientific standardization of its growth factors and a complete analysis of its shelf life and stability. In this study, we compared platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in PRP, activated PRP (aPRP), and PL. We analyzed the shelf life at different storage temperature over three weeks. We hypothesized that PL would contain higher concentrations of growth factors than PRP and that different storage temperatures for PL would diminish cytokine expression. Our results demonstrated PL had the highest concentrations of both cytokines, with concentrations slightly diminishing at-80C. aPRP and PRP demonstrated lower concentrations of PDGF and VEGF than PL.
Effects of Prolonged Azithromycin Therapy on Bacterial Resistance to Functionally Analogous Antibiotics
Authors: Gibbs Ethan , Gibbs Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Bacteria may be innately resistant to antibiotics or acquire antimicrobial resistance through a variety of mediums. Under certain conditions, bacteria develop cross-resistance, a reduction in susceptibility to many antibiotics they have never been exposed to before. Most frequently, chemical similarities between antibiotics cause cross-resistance since bacterial defenses are counteractive to a specific molecule. However, cross-resistance to many chemically different antibiotics can occur when bacteria mutate to develop non-specific defenses. This study investigated a subject who had received prolonged azithromycin therapy for a neuropsychiatric condition related to chronic Group A Streptococcus infection. Given the possibility of cross-resistance, we hypothesized that, after prolonged azithromycin therapy, any bacteria collected from the subject would be resistant to structurally analogous antibiotics. We also hypothesized that, if bacteria from the subject had developed metabolic mutations, resistance to functionally analogous antibiotics would be present. From a series of antibiotic susceptibility tests, we concluded that the subject bacteria were resistant to erythromycin, a structural analog of azithromycin, but exhibited standard sensitivity to functional antibiotic analogs. The results of our study will help identify the risks associated with prolonged antibiotic therapy for a variety of conditions.
Comparison of Perception of 2020 Election Security Threats Between Young and Old Voters
Authors: Rafacz Thomas , Campbell Jason
Published: September 2023

Elections constitute the bedrock of a democratically governed society. Due to the long time it has historically taken to ensure equal social participation, the integrity of elections needs to be particularly protected to make every vote count. The democratic process itself has been subject to manipulation through widespread illegal practices in many municipal areas like New York or Chicago that have earned in the past a notoriety for ballot stuffing or stealing votes through impersonation. In the current American social climate of the 2020 presidential election, the same concerns come up to the forefront, compounded by threats of cybersecurity. Our research gauged types and extent of concernment among two age groups of voters: college students and senior citizens. We explored the correlations using the baseline survey and re-examined them after applying information frames through a paired comparison. We found that opinions about voter ID laws and cybersecurity have a strong association to age. Our original hypothesis was that seniors will unchangeably perceive voter identification as essential to election safety while young people will emphasize cybersecurity but will be open-minded. Contrary to that hypothesis, seniors expressed an equal concern over voter ID and cybersecurity and seemed to be more susceptible to the influence of new information. Comparably, college students overwhelmingly confirmed their preoccupation with cybersecurity, marginalizing voter ID, but unexpectedly did not show inclination to easily change their views. The age of voters plays a role in how they perceive the concerns and how they react to information about them.
Misconceptions regarding heart disease are prevalent among american adults and minors
Authors: Kumar Akash , Kumar Shivani
Published: September 2023

Health literacy refers to the knowledge base and ability to access, understand, and utilize basic health information to participate in health decisions (1). It is an invisible barrier to effective healthcare delivery and leads to significant costs for individual as well as public health. Health literacy has been associated with limited knowledge of health conditions (2-4), medications (5), poor overall health status (6, 7), higher healthcare costs (8, 9), increased likelihood of rehospitalization (10), and mortality (11-13). This fundamental need to improve general knowledge and health literacy is especially important in cardiovascular diseases because (1) they account for more deaths in the US than any other cause including more deaths than all cancers combined, and (2) it is felt that 80% of cardiovascular deaths may be preventable. The authors were interested in assessing the knowledge level of adults and minors about cardiovascular diseases. A survey was administered to assess fundamental knowledge of demographic factors pertinent to heart disease, risk factors of heart disease, healthy dietary and exercise habits, and other general knowledge about heart disease. Our study demonstrated that significant misconceptions and knowledge deficits regarding cardiovascular diseases exist among US adults and minors. Reductions in the death burden from cardiovascular disease will require a multi-faceted approach, including removal of this invisible barrier of misconceptions and knowledge deficits by increasing public awareness about these diseases. Action must be taken to improve public knowledge and improve health literacy about heart disease in the United States.
The impact of timing and magnitude of the El Niño- Southern Oscillation on local precipitation levels and temperatures in the Bay Area
Authors: Li Ryan , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2023

In this study, we analyzed temperature, Multivariate El Niño-Southern Oscillation Index (MEI), and Standard Precipitation Index (SPI) data from the San Francisco Bay Area from 1971 to 2016. We also analyzed CO2 records from Mauna Loa, HI for the same time period, along with the annual temperature anomalies for the Bay Area. Understanding the relationships between temperature, MEI, SPI, and CO2 concentration is important as they measure the major influencers of California’s regional climate: temperature, ENSO, precipitation, and atmospheric CO2. Thus, measurements of the three variables are key indicators of long term trends in climate, and can reveal the exact effect anthropogenic climate change is having on the Bay Area’s climate. Our research question was whether there is a correlation between temperature, MEI, SPI, and atmospheric CO2 within the Bay Area. We found that there was a clear correlation between warm anomalies and high MEI/low SPI in the period of 2013–2016, however only when both were historically significant. Also, MEI levels in general were highly correlated with temperature, showing that the local temperature anomalies in the Bay Area are significantly influenced by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle. The influence of precipitation on the local temperature anomalies was limited, however. Finally, although there was not a statistically significant link between the atmospheric CO2 concentration at Mauna Loa, HI and the temperature anomalies in the Bay Area, the consistent increase in CO2 concentration could have had an impact on the overall increase in annual temperature anomalies from 1971 to 2016.
Formulation of novel polyherbal compound MAT20 with phytochemicals found in amla, tulsi, and moringa
Authors: Narayan Aadi , Kasture Pooja , Umrao Ankita , Rao Jyothsna , Rao Gururaj
Published: September 2023

Herbal products play an important role in mitigating the harmful effects of oxidative stress caused by free radicals. The purpose of this study was to prepare a novel antioxidant polyherbal formulation as a supplemental treatment to reduce oxidative stress. We hypothesized that the formulation “MAT20”, a polyherbal mixture containing three herbal plants, Phyllanthus emblica (amla), Ocimum sanctum (tulsi), and Moringa oleifera (moringa), possesses maximum antioxidant properties compared to each individual herb. These herbs are known in Ayurveda for their medicinal use. After obtaining extracts by using five different solvents (water, methanol, ethanol, chloroform, and acetone), we tested each for polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, and saponins, which are known to have antioxidant properties and free radical scavenging activity against a free radical which reduces in the presence of antioxidants. After extensive analysis, we formulated a combination of the herbs by extracting moringa with chloroform, amla with acetone, and tulsi with methanol, which we named “MAT20." Our results show that “MAT20”, a polyherbal formulation, is an excellent source of antioxidants.
Analysis of Patterns in the Harmonics of a String with Artificially Enforced Nodes
Authors: Jain Armaan , Broadbent Curtis
Published: September 2023

This study examines the higher harmonics in an oscillating string by analyzing the sound produced by a guitar with a spectrum analyzer. Higher harmonics of a string are simultaneously oscillating modes which have frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental frequency of the string. These harmonics can be viewed on an audio spectrum analyzer. They are always present in an oscillating string and contribute to its timbre and tonal quality. Specific higher harmonics can be produced directly by placing nodes (points where the string cannot oscillate) at different lengths along a string. The tone thus produced lacks the fundamental frequency but also has a very different harmonic structure. In a guitar string, for example, it is this harmonic structure which gives rise to the very different tonal quality of a plucked harmonic as compared to the directly excited pitch of the same frequency. We mathematically hypothesized that the higher harmonics in the series of the directly excited 2nd harmonic contain the alternate frequencies of the fundamental series, the higher harmonics of the directly excited 3rd harmonic series contain every third frequency of fundamental series, and so on. We also verify a simple mathematical relationship between two different harmonic series arising from two different boundary conditions that feature the same fundamental mode. To test our hypotheses, we enforced artificial nodes to excite the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th harmonics directly, and analyzed the resulting spectrum to verify the mathematical hypothesis. The data analysis corroborates both hypotheses.
Aggression of Carcharhinus leucas and Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos towards humans
Authors: Mignone Catherine , Graff Lindsay
Published: September 2023

An important step in combating shark endangerment is lowering the stigma surrounding the species; one way to do so is to publish data on shark aggression. This paper presents findings on Carcharhinus leucas (bull shark) and Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos (grey reef shark) aggression towards humans at Beqa Adventure Divers in Shark Reef Marine Reserve, Fiji. We collected data on the number of sharks present and prods delivered - a method to redirect sharks away from tourist divers using a 2.5-meter metal stick by dive masters - during nine shark feeds. We hypothesized that grey reef sharks would receive more prods than bull sharks because grey reef sharks are typically more aggressive than bull sharks. The results supported our hypothesis, as an individual grey reef shark received 2.44 prods on average per feed, while a bull shark had an average of 0.61. Furthermore, grey reef sharks showed signs of aggression, including pectoral depressions and exaggerated swimming, throughout the feeds, while bull sharks showed none. These findings are meaningful not only to the world’s general understanding of shark aggression, but also to human protection against grey reef sharks as well as public education on bull sharks and the conservation of the species.
Presence of Vegetation in Relation to Slope in Yosemite Valley, California
Authors: Saltzgaber Colin , Kelson Julia
Published: September 2023

Vegetation is an essential part of our world and we rely on the presence of trees, plants, etc. in our current society, however vegetation itself also relies on other aspects of the Earth to thrive, for example, its growth conditions and habitat. Here we examined the relationship between the slope of a terrain and vegetation, measured by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). We used satellite data from Yosemite Valley to test for statistically significant differences in NDVI values amongst terrains of different slope angles. We hypothesized that lower slope ranges would be more supportive of vegetation growth than higher slope ranges. We used confidence intervals and hypothesis tests to estimate the population mean NDVI for terrains with different slope angles. We report a statistical significance between the 30–45° slope range and the 75–90° slope range, which supports our hypothesis that lower sloped terrain is more supportive of vegetation greenness. Additionally, our analysis showed that no slope (even as extreme as 85–90°) prohibits the growth of vegetation completely; even the steepest slopes examined contain plant life. With our planet constantly evolving and growing, we are always looking for ways to improve efficiency. Knowing that steep slopes can still support plant life, we can begin to explore and start planting additional crops and plants at these extreme slopes.
Psychosocial impact of home-based learning among students during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Singapore
Authors: Wagle Govind AA , Wagle Gopal AA , Wagle Anurupa A , Wagle Ajeet M
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced students to adapt to Home-Based Learning (HBL) for varying durations globally. We hypothesize that HBL has had a negative psychosocial impact on secondary school students due to an increase in the time spent on digital gadgets, reduction in physical activity, and social isolation. After surveying 69 secondary school students (8-14 May 2020) during the “circuit breaker”, which was a nationwide stay-at-home order implemented as a preventive measure by the government of Singapore in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we compare their time spent on digital gadgets and other activities before and during HBL and grade their feelings during HBL on a Likert scale. Our results show that the students spent significantly more time on digital gadgets, online web-based meetings, social media and multimedia during HBL compared to before HBL. They also spent significantly less time on physical exercise and meeting friends. During HBL, the majority of students felt bored most of the time (45, 65.2%), and, missed meeting friends (61, 88.4%), missed going to school (56, 81.1%) and felt trapped at home (45, 65.2%) at least some of the time. Although most students (60, 86.9%) started a new hobby during HBL, and some reported positive changes in their outlook towards life, the majority of students (39, 56.5%) preferred going to school over HBL. Overall, secondary school students in Singapore have adapted well to HBL and have had opportunities to develop new skills; however, most still prefer going to school over learning in the home environment.
The effects of COVID-19 pandemic social isolation on the mental and physical health of the general population
Authors: Cinque Michael , Kuntz Karen
Published: September 2023

During the early part of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began, and continues to affect the lives of millions of people spanning the globe. During the pandemic, local and national governments throughout the world sought to limit the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes the disease known as COVID-19, through the use of mandated lockdowns and social distancing measures. The effects that these unprecedented and hastily implemented measures have had on the mental and physical health of the general population, continues to be an area of intense study. We attempted to measure these effects through an anonymous Google forms survey. A majority of survey respondents lived on Long Island, NY during the period of social isolation. The survey, conducted during April and May of 2020, focused on changes in physical and mental health across various age groups and between sexes. The results of the survey reveal some negative impacts to physical health across all demographic groups, such as decreased physical activity and worsened perceived sleep quality. The survey also reveals significant increases in depressive symptoms and feelings of loneliness across all groups following the period of social isolation, with more significant increases occurring in younger age groups and amongst women. This study illustrates that the social isolation resulting from the COVID-19 lockdowns had negative effects on both the physical and mental health of the general population and provides valuable information that may be used to assist local and national health officials with post- pandemic mental health responses in the future.
The extent to which storefront alcohol advertising differs by community profile in Michigan
Authors: Voyt Julia , Syme Susan
Published: September 2023

Alcohol-linked morbidities are the third leading cause of preventable deaths in the United States. Previous studies have shown that alcohol manufacturers may target ethnic minorities and youth with specific forms of advertisements in certain cities. Less is known about alcoholic storefront advertising disparities among the suburban communities of Metro-Detroit, Michigan, or about the features of storefront alcoholic advertisements in the Metro-Detroit suburbia, such as how content, size, and location are applied to target various demographics. We conducted a cross-sectional field survey of storefront alcohol advertisements in two Metro-Detroit suburban communities in close proximity: the high-income, nonminority community of Birmingham and the low- income, minority community of Pontiac. We recorded the characteristics and occurrence of storefront alcohol advertising for all licensed alcohol retailers, excluding chain grocers and pharmacies, within six defined census tracts. We determined the differences between the communities in advertisement characteristics and number using independent t-tests. We utilized Google Earth to map the position of alcohol retailers and schools. Ultimately, we found that Pontiac had more alcohol advertisements per retailer and malt liquor advertisements, with advertisements more likely to be larger and within 1,000 ft of a school (p < 0.05). These findings emphasize the need for more effective regulation of storefront alcohol advertising in Metro-Detroit communities to prevent exploitation of vulnerable residents.
Modelling effects of alkylamines on sea salt aerosols using the Extended Aerosols and Inorganics Model
Authors: Chang Eugene , Yalamanchili Tej , Qiu Chong
Published: September 2023

Sea salt aerosols are known to serve as effective cloud condensation nuclei and are prominent contributors of light scattering in the atmosphere. More light scattering reduces solar radiations to the Earth and lowers the global temperature. Researchers observed that ambient sea salt aerosols may contain ammonium sulfate (AS) and sodium chloride (NaCl). Recent studies showed that alkylamines, derivatives of ammonia, can react with ammonium salts in the aerosol, displacing ammonium and altering the particle’s properties. Our study investigated the effects of atmospheric alkylamines on the properties of sea salt aerosols using a chemical system of methylamine (MA), AS, and NaCl. We determined the relative humidity when these aerosols start to absorb water vapor from the air (deliquescent relative humidity, DRH), and concentrations of ammonia and MA in aqueous/gas phases using the Extended Aerosols and Inorganics Model. Our findings indicate a notable negative relationship between MA concentration and the DRH for both AS and NaCl. We determined that five parts per billion or higher of MA effectively lowered the DRH of sea salt aerosol particles. The concentrations of ammonia and MA in aqueous and gas phases had a complex dependence on MA concentration and aerosol chemical composition. Aerosol deliquescence often leads to cloud/fog processing which may cool the Earth by reflecting sunlight away from the surface. Therefore, our results implicate a potential role for alkylamines in climate change, suggesting the importance of monitoring alkylamine concentrations in the atmosphere. Future studies are needed to better predict the deliquescent behaviors of aerosols, namely particles containing AS and NaCl, such as those found near coasts.
The analysis of the viral transmission and structural interactions between the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein and the lymphocyte receptor integrin α4β7
Authors: Ganesh Harrish , Morrow Kathleen M
Published: September 2023

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infects approximately 40 million people globally, and one million people die every year from Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)-related illnesses. The HIV-1 virus proliferates, infects people, and kills those who host the virus. Unfortunately, there is little research on the structural interactions between HIV-1 proteins and human cell receptors. This study examined the interactions between the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein gp120 and the human lymphocyte receptor integrin α4β7, the putative first long-range receptor for the envelope glycoprotein of the virus in mucosal tissues. The specific site of binding between the glycoprotein and the receptor has not been determined. However, discovering the binding site can open the field towards the research of molecules that could potentially block this interaction and prevent the initial binding of the HIV1 virus. We hypothesized that the V1 and V2 loops of the envelope glycoprotein of HIV-1 are involved in the binding between the HIV-1 virus and the human lymphocyte receptor α4β7. Using structural analysis software, we analyzed the electrostatics and structural interactions between the glycoprotein and receptor. We report structural insights into the interactions between α4β7 and envelope glycoprotein gp120. Our data support the claim that the V1 loop is involved in the binding between α4β7 and the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein through molecular dockings.
Examining effects of E. muscae on olfactory function in D. melanogaster
Authors: Friedman Halley , Dempsey Brian
Published: September 2023

Many parasites manipulate the behavior of their hosts to induce specific behavior for the benefit of the parasite (i.e., to increase its reproduction and transmission). The complex ability to take over a host’s central nervous system has been studied extensively in ants (Camponotus castaneus) infected by the fungus Ophiocordyceps unilateralis s.l., but not as much in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) infected by the fungus Entomophthora muscae. One behavioral change seen in ants infected by O. unilateralis s.l. is a reduced response to olfactory stimuli; however, this has yet to be tested in infected fruit flies. In this study, I tested olfactory response in flies infected with E. muscae, healthy flies (positive control), and flies without odorant receptors (negative control) via a preference experiment using a saturated sucrose solution and distilled water. The results supported the hypothesis that fruit flies do have a reduced perception of olfactory stimuli when exposed to E. muscae, as they perform more like mutant flies without odorant receptors than healthy flies with a functioning olfactory system (p < 0.05). Although, it is not fully understood how E. muscae enters and takes control of the fruit flies’ nervous system, knowing that E. muscae reduces their olfaction gives us more insight into the functionality of this parasite overall. Further research that allows us to understand how a nervous system is overtaken could potentially provide insight into the vulnerable parts of the nervous system and thus deepen our understanding of neurology as a whole.
Microbes Cultured from Garden Soil Positively Impact Seed Germination and Plant Growth
Authors: Singam Rania , Azhari Azalia , Patmanathan Sathya Narayanan
Published: September 2023

Soil microbes may act as pathogens — deteriorating the health of plants — or support the survival of plants. In the present study, we investigated the effect of microorganisms cultured from native soil on seed germination and plant growth. We hypothesized that the soil contained microorganisms supporting seed germination and plant growth. Our results showed that the addition of cultured microbes from domestic soil significantly enhanced the germination frequency of mung bean seeds compared to their controls, which received uncultured broth. Furthermore, the heights of these plants after seven days of intervention were significantly different — the microbe-supplied plants were taller than the controls. When we investigated the addition of similar cultured microbes into the soil of growing pumpkin and pea flower plants, we found that plants provided with microbial culture were significantly taller than their corresponding controls. Taken together, these findings show that domestic soil has beneficial microorganisms that assist in seed germination and plant growth. We can, therefore, better appreciate the beneficial plant-microorganism interactions and exploit them to enhance plant health and productivity.
Formation and sticking of air bubbles in water in d-block containers
Authors: Gupta Gaurav , Salam Laraib , Adhikari Arunabha
Published: September 2023

Bubble formation is a common observation encountered on a daily basis. Although bubble formation takes place in all kinds of containers, containers made of d-block elements such as copper and steel present a specific phenomenon. The water bubbles stick to the walls of the container after formation and show a high mechanical and structural stability. In this study, we aimed to improve our understanding of the formation of bubbles that result from pouring water. We hypothesized that interstitial hydrogen present in the d-block metals form hydrogen bonds with the water bubbles accounting for the structural and mechanical stability. To test this, we poured water in containers of different cross-sectional areas and different materials from different heights. We also varied the temperature of water. Through these experiments, we found mathematical relations to predict the number of bubbles forming at different initial conditions and the force of H-bonding between the interstitial hydrogen and the water bubbles.
Changes in Aromanian language use and the Aromanian ethnolinguistic group’s reaction to decline
Authors: Ganea Theodore Pascal , Lascu Stoica
Published: September 2023

Aromanians, an ethnolinguistic group scattered across the Balkans, feature a unique language and culture that are known for their irreplaceable contributions to the globe’s cultural and linguistic diversity. Unfortunately, the group’s language and culture are rapidly trending towards extinction. Therefore, we quantified the relationship between age and Aromanian language usage, as well as attitudes regarding a program to preserve Aromanian identity. Based on survey data from 100 self-identifying Aromanians in Romanian Dobrogea, we constructed scores reflecting respondents’ use of the Aromanian language (usage score) and priority assigned to conserving a given aspect of ethnolinguistic identity (priority score). We hypothesized that Aromanian usage would decrease as age decreases and that Aromanians would overwhelmingly favor a preservation program prioritizing language conservation. The data supports both hypotheses. Use of Aromanian is lower for younger respondents; simultaneously, respondents overwhelmingly supported Aromanian-led interventions to preserve the Aromanian language, with traditions, religious customs, and social networks less of a priority. This study provides valuable direction for those seeking to preserve Aromanian identity, as the data indicates Aromanian language use in Romanian Dobrogea is rapidly declining, suggesting preservation programs should be launched now, while groups who consistently use the Aromanian language still exist. Further research is needed on education’s role in conditioning Aromanian language loss.
Strain-selective in vitro and in silico structure activity relationship (SAR) of N-acyl β-lactam broad spectrum antibiotics
Authors: Poosarla Ayeeshi , Kolala Ria , Verma Pranjal , Surapaneni Anvi , Surapaneni Atri , Avadhani Udbhav , Chatterjee Chandraki , Wang-Zhou Sarah , Le Stacey , Goyal Emily , Nguyen Nina , Matai Reha , Duvoor Aashika , Njoo Edward
Published: September 2023

Different bacterial species have developed resistance to antibiotics over the years. Penicillin analogs have been developed to counter the bacteria’s acquired resistance to standard antibiotics; in this study, we investigate the antibacterial efficacy of penicillin G and its analogs amoxicillin, carbenicillin, piperacillin, cloxacillin, and ampicillin, against four species of bacteria. Penicillin antibiotics mimic the D-Alanyl-D-Alanine active site region of penicillin-binding proteins (PBP). PBPs are enzymes used in the synthesis of bacterial cell walls. Through a Kirby-Bauer assay, we found that the inhibition performance of these penicillin-type antibiotics varies greatly among different bacterial species. Moreover, to investigate the structural basis for the in vivo Structure Activity Relationship observed, we also conducted in silico virtual creening via homology modeling, molecular docking, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We concluded that all six penicillin-type antibiotics inhibit Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Neisseria sicca with varying degrees of efficacy but exhibited no inhibition against Bacillus cereus. Our computational results suggest that the distance between the β-lactam ring and the active serine is more influential than the thermodynamic binding affinity for these antibiotics to interact with the PBPs. Penicillin G had the greatest broad-spectrum antibacterial activity with a high radius of inhibition against S. epidermidis, E. coli, and N. sicca.
Characterizing the evolution of antibiotic resistance in commercial Lactobacillus strains
Authors: Gibbs Ethan , Gibbs Jennifer
Published: September 2023

Throughout the world, millions of patients consume probiotic supplements and fermented foods for their perceived health benefits. Recent research suggests that the ingestion of bacteria commonly associated with probiotics negatively correlates with the prevalence of health conditions such as antibiotic-associated dysbiosis and can benefit immunocompromised patients through competitive inhibition. Therefore, healthcare providers often recommend co-administration of probiotics and antibiotics during treatment. Despite the benefits conferred by co-administration, the transfer of antibiotic-resistance genes from probiotics to pathogenic bacteria residing in the gut microbiome remains a significant risk to patient health, as many species are known to be resistant. We sought to determine how antibiotic resistance and its transferability developed among a commonly consumed species of probiotic, Lactobacillus. We hypothesized that these bacteria would demonstrate increased resistance to an antibiotic when administered over successive generations, that resistance would specifically develop during the first two generations of antibiotic exposure, and that antibiotic resistance could be modeled to predict future behavior in response to other antibiotics. We determined the transferability of antibiotic resistance by exposing Escherichia coli to resistant Lactobacillus and testing for antibiotic resistance. Our results demonstrated that Lactobacillus develops antibiotic resistance logarithmically with each generation and variably depending on the class of the antibiotic administered. Further, we created a model to predict how antibiotic resistance developed. Our findings may influence how healthcare providers evaluate the risks associated with probiotic co-administration in immunocompromised patients.
Exploring the Wonders of the Early Universe: Green Pea Galaxies and Light Flux
Authors: Mandic Mina , Scarlata Claudia , Baker Karissa
Published: September 2023

"Green Peas" are a unique set of galaxies characterized by low mass, low density, and high star formation rate. These properties are shared with Lyman alpha emitters, one of the first types of galaxies that existed in the early universe and played a role in reionization, a phase in the early evolution of the universe that is not well understood. Investigating the properties of Green Peas would improve the Lyman alpha emitters and their contribution to reionization because they are easier to see and measure. This project examines the light flux distribution emitted by Green Peas, separating the light from the stars and the surrounding gas. An algorithm implemented in Python was used to extract images of 80 galaxies from the Sloan Digital Sky Survey database and create images of the components produced by stars and oxygen gas. These images were used to make plots of Flux vs Distance from the center of each galaxy to show the regions from which the two components were emitted. The results show that the stars and the oxygen gas emit light from the same locations within the galaxy, hence providing new insight into the role of Lyman alpha emitters in reionization.