Indiana’s Intel ISEF Team Abstract report for the Board ... 2015/2015 Team Indiana.pdf · Indiana’s Intel ISEF Team Abstract report for the Board of Directors April 11, 2015 .

Indiana’s Intel ISEF Team

Abstract report for the Board of Directors

April 11, 2015

Student Teacher Intel ISEF Observer Annie Ostojic Diane Ostojic Intel ISEF Observer Taj El-Khalili Dorothy Sisken Intel ISEF Observer Olivia Newman Joe Ruhl Intel ISEF Finalist Emily Martin Jeff Layden Intel ISEF Finalist Noor Abdullah Kenneth Link Intel ISEF Finalist Asmaa Mahoui Mia Sankari Intel ISEF Finalist Amit Chakrabarti Melanie Huber Intel ISEF Finalist Arjun Dhawan Radhika Dhawan Intel ISEF Finalist Sabin Karki Melanie Huber Intel ISEF Finalist Vikas Maturi Jennifer Marlow Intel ISEF Finalist Boyang Dun Julie Ervin Intel ISEF Finalist Rachel Johns Linda Wilson Intel ISEF Finalist Laan Yeung jane schott Intel ISEF Finalist Puneeth Meruva Matt Elder Intel ISEF Finalist Arjun Ramani jane schott Intel ISEF Finalist Ryan Loehrlein Nora Walsh Intel ISEF Finalist Stephen Bauer Nevin Longenecker Intel ISEF Finalist Nirupama Devanathan Matt Elder Intel ISEF Finalist Sarah Cooper Joe Ruhl Intel ISEF Finalist Alexis Thornburg Ken Andrzejewski Intel ISEF Finalist Yu Jin Lee Mark Prochaska Intel ISEF Finalist Priya Kirtley Melanie Huber Intel ISEF Finalist Aditya Mishra Kshitij Mishra Intel ISEF Finalist Sreya Vemuri Jennifer Marlow Intel ISEF Finalist Leah Hefty Susan Zuber Intel ISEF Observer Rachel Chan Katrina Veerkamp Intel ISEF Observer Jay Maturi Luke Crawley Intel ISEF Finalist Spencer McDaniel Jeff Layden

Annie Ostojic Grade: 7 -- Wilbur Wright Middle School - Munster, IN Project Title: A Novel Microwave Cavity Design Using Cylindrical Parabolic Reflectors to Optimize Energy Efficiency Abstract: Efficiency and uniformity in heating food in a microwave oven has been a challenge for many years due to multiple interactions of microwaves reflecting off the oven's metallic cavity and causing ''standing waves'' with varying intensity distributions. These hot and cold spots have been studied for food packaging development, but research is lacking regarding the effect of geometrically redesigning a microwave oven's cavity to optimize distribution of energy on the turntable food. How do the cavity dimensions of microwave ovens affect the hot spot locations within the oven, and what geometric cavity design built out of reflective materials will optimize cooking efficiency and energy usage? In this research, hot spot patterns were studied for three sizes of microwave oven cavities. initial and final Infrared camera temperature readings of marshmallow arrays within the oven cavities were analyzed for similarities and differences in hot spot patterns. Similarities were found in cavity corner hot spots which were outside the range of food placement. Microwave-reflective materials were tested and utilized to reshape the oven cavity. Three different cavity designs, a turntable-circumscribing cylinder, circular disc corners, and cylindrical parabolic corners, were engineered and tested for their effectiveness in reflecting microwave energy onto turntable food uniformly. Experimental results supported the hypothesis that uniformity in energy distribution increases with a cavity design that eliminates 90 degree corners. Cylindrical parabolic reflectors in the microwave oven's cavity corners were most effective at increasing food temperature and uniformity in energy distribution on the turntable. This novel microwave cavity design improves cooking efficiency of a microwave oven thereby reducing energy consumption during its operation.

Taj El-Khalili Grade: 8 -- Klondike Middle School - West Lafayette, IN Project Title: Killer Insect Abstract: Mosquitoes carry deadly diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and encephalitis. They can infect us with a single bite. DEET, a chemical compound, has been used to repel mosquitoes since the1950’s. Many believe it is harmful to humans and the environment. DEET is strong enough to melt plastic casings off of glasses and watches. Natural alternatives are sought to replace DEET. I hypothesized that if plants are able to protect themselves from mosquitoes then the use of botanical extracts can be used to protect us from mosquitoes. Six treatment groups were studied. An untreated control was compared to Off (25% DEET), Cutter (7% DEET), Repel(Lemon eucalyptus), DETER (Geranium oil), and Shoo-Fly (my own natural compound). To test my hypothesis I caught 40 mosquitoes and placed them in a cage. The hands of human volunteers were inserted into the cage twice per hour for six hours. Mosquito mean landing rates were recorded for each of the six treatment groups and were analyzed by a one-way ANOVA [F (5,12) = 70.71579 p > .05]. The ANOVA showed statistical differences between treatment groups. A Tukey HSD statistic determined that Off (25% DEET) provided significantly better repellency than the untreated control, Cutter (7% DEET) and botanical based repellents, Repel, Deter, and Shoo-Fly. The results showed no statistical difference between Cutter (DEET 7%) and the botanicals. Statistical analysis indicates that in this study group, botanicals can be a replacement for a chemical repellent containing 7% DEET.

Olivia Newman Grade: 12 -- Jefferson High School - Lafayette, IN Project Title: Exploration of Tissue Properties on Magnetic Resonance Coupling Abstract: Wireless powering is becoming a popular research topic for implantable devices because of the complications that come with battery powered systems, which include limited lifespan and bulky size. Some devices require drive lines that penetrate the skin to be powered, an uncomfortable system with a high risk of infection. Near-field magnetic resonance coupling (MRC) offers an alternative method where power can be wirelessly transmitted to an implanted device and thus remove the need for a bulky battery and eliminates risk of infection from penetrated skin. Resonance coupling filter energy transfer (RCFET) can be used to tune MRC systems to maximize power transfer efficiency (PTE) by the addition of capacitors used to impedance match the system. The tuning procedure is based upon the quality factor, inductance, and impedance of the coils. Tissue has electrical properties that can alter the performance of the implanted coil, resulting in a change of PTE that could require retuning. To accurately develop a system for implantable devices it is essential to know the effect of tissue on RCFET. A system of RCFET was developed. The system was tuned to a frequency of 13.56 MHz and an impedance of50 ohms. The receive antenna was incased in a tissue phantom and both coils were analyzed for a change in the quality factor, inductance, and impedance. The tissue was then applied to RCFET system to compare PTE and compensated for any changes. The results show that there is a minor drop in power transfer efficiency due to a change in the real impedance that affects the quality factor. The imaginary impedance and inductance change only slightly. The system could be retuned by a minor adjustment of separation distance, but further investigation of PTE maximization requires accounting for the change in quality factor by adjusting the capacitance.

Emily Martin Grade: 9 -- Northwestern Sr High School - Kokomo, IN Project Title: The Role of Bacillus Subtilis on Algae Blooms for the Survival of Aquatic Ecosystems Abstract: The purpose of this project is to find a more efficient, environmentally safe way to reduce algae bloom growth. If algae growth is decreased by the growth of the bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, more than the store-bought algae preventative and does not harm the Daphnia magna, then Bacillus subtilis is a more environmentally safe method of decreasing algae. The result of algae blooms can be devastatingdue to the depletion of oxygen in the water. A control group of spring water and daphnia was used to compare with the other groups. One group of spring water and Daphnia magna was exposed to a proportioned amount of a common fertilizer. Another group was exposed to the fertilizer, but Bacillus subtilis was added. The next group was exposed to the fertilizer, but the store-bought preventative was added. The store- bought preventative over a short amount oftime killed all algae and all Daphnia magna. Bacillus subtilis sustained a controlled amount of algae. These jars had little loss of Daphnia magna. The t-Test for living Daphnia count with Group 3 ( Bacillus subtilis) and Group 4 (store-bought preventative) was highly significant ( t= 4.07> t.01= 3.06). Afterdata analysis and statistics, Bacillus subtilis is a more suitable option than the store-bought preventative. The hypothesis is supported.

Noor Abdullah Grade: 9 -- Hamilton Southeastern HS - Fishers, IN Project Title: A Study of Leaf and Root Extracts from Invasive Species Lonicera maackii on Microbial Growth Abstract: Lonicera maackii, also known as Amur honeysuckle, is an invasive deciduous shrub that is commonly found in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. This invasive species is also an ecological threat to native environments with its widespread growth. In this study, the effect of Lonicera maackii leaf and root extracts on the density and diversity of soil bacteria colonies from honeysuckle and no honeysuckle areas was tested.

Asmaa Mahoui Grade: 10 -- Eman Schools - Fishers, IN Project Title: Effects of Treatment of Reduced Glutathione on Budding Rates and Feeding Rates in Hydra littoralis Abstract: The freshwater organism, Hydra littoralis, has served as an effective model for biochemical, behavioral, reproductive, and environmental studies. When well-fed, hydra reproduce asexually by budding but when conditions are not ideal, they switch to sexual reproduction. In 1961, Lenhoff quantified induction of the feeding response in hydra using reduced glutathione. Naturally, investigations into possible connections between glutathione and budding rates ensued. In 1992, J.A. Adams and M.A.Ward showed that treatment with glutathione increased budding rates in Hydra oligactis. However, their results in unfed animals is inconsistent with published data from other independent investigators. Many questions surrounding the influence of reduced glutathione on asexual reproduction in hydra remain to be answered. This project was composed of three experimental phases. In the first phase, fed and unfed Hydra littoralis were exposed to different concentrations of reduced glutathione to examine the effects of this tripeptide on budding rates. In the second phase, hydra were provided with differing densities of brine shrimp to determine the relationship between feeding rates were dependent on shrimp density. In the third phase, hydra were simultaneously exposed to 8 brine shrimp and different concentrations of reduced glutathione to ascertain the effects of glutathione on feeding rates. After analyzing the results, it was found that reduced glutathione decreases budding rates, particularly at high concentrations. It was also determined that feeding rates were highest at a prey density of 8 brine shrimp. This density was used to confirm that the reason budding rates decrease with glutathione treatment is likely due to a decreased feeding rate following treatment with glutathione. Elucidating the proximate and ultimate effects of glutathione on budding rates in these basal metazoans increases our understanding of the evolution and function of some of the most highly conserved aspects of neurophysiological signaling in animals.

Amit Chakrabarti Grade: 10 -- Terre Haute South Vigo High School - Terre Haute, IN Project Title: Chemoimmunotherapy of Cancer in a Mouse Model Abstract: Do chemical adjuvants inhibit murine lymphomas (like 2C-3) and mammary carcinomas (like 4T-1)? Cancer therapy currently involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Surgery does not ensure complete removal of cancer. Chemotherapy and radiation are follow-ups of any cancer treatment; but they both cause collateral damage to normal tissue and diminish the activity of the immune system. The objective of this study is to lessen drawbacks of chemotherapeutic protocol by treating post-surgical patients with an immunoadjuvant at the site to develop resistance for cancer. Due to inadequacy from surgery, the residual cancer would provide antigenic stimuli, while the adjuvant will boost specific anti-cancer immunity. The goal of this experiment is to develop a better chemotherapeutic strategy based on concurrent treatment with anti-cancer compounds in addition to the immunoadjuvant. I grew 2C-3 invitro and 4T-1 in vivo cells. 9 BALB/c were injected with 4T-1 cells, allowed to grow, and then were treated in equal groups with squalene, phytanol, and phosphate-buffered-saline.2C-3 was studied in culture with the same requirements, to be used in the future. The research suggests that chemicals like phytanol and squalene directly shrink tumors and retard their growth. When the two are compared, phytanol appears more effective than squalene.

Arjun Dhawan Grade: 10 -- Signature School Inc - Evansville, IN Project Title: A Warning System Based on Sensor Technology and Chemical Analysis to Detect Distracted Driving Abstract: Over 1,100 people in the U.S. are either injured or die from distracted driving crashes everyday. Distractions can be visual (eyes off road), manual (hands off wheel), and cognitive (mind off driving). Safety devices in vehicles today are based on reducing collisions through external sensors (distance to car ahead, blind spot indicator, backing camera, etc.). This project was aimed at using sensors and chemical analysis to develop a holistic system capable of detecting and warning against distracted driving inside the vehicle. To achieve this goal, a device consisting of ultrasonic sensors to monitor head movement, accelerometers to track phone usage, a decibel meter to detect sound levels, and an alcohol sensor to measure the presence of alcohol or other volatiles (cannabinoids) was built and tested. Sensors were strategically placed and programming was used to interpret sensor values and provide auditory warnings. When the above elements were combined, the system was successfully able to detect all types of distracted driving with 100% accuracy. Chemical sensor information was correlated with data from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis for completeness. Since legalization of cannabis provides additional risk, theoretical calculations were performed on the presence of cannabinoids based on alcohol measurements. Information from a survey on the usefulness of this device indicated that a warning system of this nature can help reduce distracted driving (the same way seat belt lights remind drivers to buckle up). This project is an active step toward providing a platform capable of actively assessing and warning against distracted driving.

Sabin Karki Grade: 11 -- Terre Haute South Vigo High School - Terre Haute, IN Project Title: Computational assessment of the role of repeat sequences in splicing of human RNA transcript during HIV-infection Abstract: TDP-43 is a protein functioning in transcription and pre-mRNA splicing regulation, known to cause exon skipping on the CFTR and apoA-II genes by binding to TG-repeat motifs 12 bases or longer at intronic 3’ splice sites during transcription. TDP-43 also represses viral transcription of HIV-1, and expression of its associated gene is increased by macrophage cells in response to HIV-1infection. This research aimed to computationally identify potential binding sites of TDP-43 on a virally-infected human genome, predicting an increase in pre-mRNA splicing events. A Python program was created to search for all TG-motifs 12 bases or longer within intronic sequences of the human genome, then modified to reduce results to those TG-sequences within an established limit for the distance from the TG-sequence terminus to the next intron/exon junction. Results indicated that the 3’ splice site of intron 1 of gene XAF1 represented a potential binding site for TDP-43, as it displayed both the presence of a 26-base long TG-motif within the established distance limit and demonstrated reduced expression levels of exon 2 in both uninfected and infected cells. Knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of transcription-related regulatory events of HIV-1 is critical in progress toward a therapeutic cure. Furthermore, research on TDP-43 may implicate it as a potential causal factor in diseases associated with inactivated protein products if the associated gene possesses TG-repeat motifs.

Vikas Maturi Grade: 11 -- Carmel High School - Carmel, IN Project Title: Intraocular Injection Guide: Pain Reduction in AMD and DME Treatment Abstract: Purpose: Eyelid speculums are often a source of discomfort during intravitreal injections. We performed a prospective, subject-masked trial to determine if a novel intraocular injection guide (IIG) in place of an eyelid speculum would reduce patient discomfort during and after intravitreal injections. Methods: Using Autodesk Inventor software, we designed over 30 progressively improving prototypes of the IIG. This guide was tested with a variety of needle-syringe combinations to ensure compatibility with the numerous injectors available for intraocular treatments. The study population consisted of 100 eyes (50 subjects) needing bilateral intravitreal injections. Treatment order (IIG or speculum first) and eye (right or left) was determined by a randomization schedule. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) evaluated discomfort level for each injection immediately following the procedure, at both the initial treatment and at followup. Statistical tests determined differences in comfort at four time points per subject. Results: The IIG had a mean discomfort level of 16.08 mm (using VAS with a range of 0 – 100 mm) with a standard deviation of 20.613 while the lid speculum had a mean discomfort level of 32.22 with a standard deviation of 26.645. A two-variable t test (one tail, unequal means) was conducted and determined a p value of .0005189. Similarly, a one- variable t test was conducted with the difference between the values (speculum – device) and resulted in a p-value of .0009935. Both p-values are under a .05 p-value comparison and suggest statistical significance between the treatment groups. Matched-pair randomization with the entire dataset revealed an approximate mean of 24.2, significantly different from the average difference of 16.08, further suggesting that the differences in treatment groups are statistically significant. Conclusions: The levels of statistical significance between the IIG and speculum treatment groups support the hypothesis that this novel IIG reduces pain that patients experience from the speculum. This could have implications in both the treatment of wet AMD and DME with anti-VEGF drugs as the device can be implemented fairly simply on a large scale with minimal change in current intraocular injection techniques. Decreased discomfort generally leads to better patient acceptance and compliance with treatment plan.

Boyang Dun Grade: 11 -- Canterbury School - Fort Wayne, IN Project Title: Harnessing the Prokaryotic CRISPR/Cas Foreign DNA Defense System for Antiviral Therapy In Canine Fibroblast Tumor Cells Abstract: CRISPR/Cas is a prokaryotic defense system that may degrade foreign nucleic acids, including viruses. I hypothesized that if a eukaryotic virus (Canine Parvovirus [CPV] in this case) were to be artificially introduced into the CRISPR/Cas containing bacteria S. pyogenes, the resulting effector complexes produced, if isolated and subsequently introduced into eukaryotic cells, specifically canine fibroblast cells, also infected with CPV, would provide a temporary CPV resistance to the cells. However, host cell nucleases and snc RNAs would eventually target and degrade the foreign molecules, so resistance against the virus would not be permanent. CPV DNA was isolated and conjugated with cationic liposomes and introduced into a S. pyogenes culture with its cell walls removed. After intervals of 1, 3, 6, and 9 hours from when liposomes were absorbed, an amount of culture was taken out and cryolysed. The lysate was subjected to coimmuno precipitation with Dynabeads and the cas9 (part of the effector complex) antibody, and the resulting immunoprecipitate was analyzed and then entrapped into liposomes. The liposome solution was introduced into CPV-infected canine fibroblast cells, and the cytopathic effects on that culture were compared to controls. Bacteria cell-wall removal and liposome formation were successful and verified by TEM imaging, while immunoprecipitate was also successfully obtained (analyzed with a Nanodrop) in amounts of 158 ug/mL, 93ug/mL, 114 ug/mL, and 70 ug/mL at hours 1, 3, 6, and 9, respectively. Of the CPV-infected cells that were treated with the immunoprecipitate, they adhered to the culture flask significantly longer than non-treated infected cells.

Rachel Johns Grade: 12 -- Northwestern Sr High School - Kokomo, IN Project Title: The Medicinal Effect of Juglone Abstract: The purpose of this project is to test the effects juglone has on bacteria found in the body. If the bacteria are adversely affected, then juglone has an effect external from the soil. The bacteria used were Citrobacter freundii, Enterobacter aerogenes, Escherichia coli, and Micrococcus luteus. Pure juglone solution was made with sterilized water (0.05 grams per 100 mL of water and 0.05 grams and 1000 mL of water). Pure juglone has a pH of 5. The bacteria was tested for rings of inhibition because of the juglone and also for cell morphology. All four bacteria’s displayed rings of inhibition with the higher concentration juglone. Citrobacter freundii showed rings of inhibition of a 1 cm radius after two days. It also displayed cell morphology, morphing from rod-shaped to coccus. Enterbacter aerogenes had rings of inhibition of 0.5 cm radius. E. coli had rings of inhibition of 1 cm radius. Micrococcus luteus had rings of inhibition of 1.2 cm radius. Micrococcus luteus displayed cell morphology, morphing from coccus to rod-shaped. The low concentration of juglone had no effect on the bacteria. Daphnia was then tested for mortality. Five daphnia were placed in 80 mL of water. Daphnia were exposed to the high concentration of juglone for 48 hours. Zero of the daphnia died and continued to reproduce. The hypothesis was supported.

Laan Yeung Grade: 12 -- West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School - West Lafayette, IN Project Title: Adhesive Elastin-based Proteins as Soft-tissue Surgical Glues Abstract: Developing a viable soft tissue adhesive can eliminate the needs for sutures, which often cause further tissue damage in clinical settings. Adhesives that demonstrate biocompatibility, functionality in wet environment, balanced adhesive and cohesive forces, and mechanical properties similar to that of soft tissues may prove to be a successful alternative. Mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs), flexible and biocompatible proteins that have strong adherence underwater, and Elastin, a protein that can easily stretch and retract, demonstrate these properties. Combining DOPA (3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine--the amino acid that is believed to be responsible for the cross-linking and adhesive characteristics in MAPs) and ELPs (Elastin-Like Polypeptides) together, a recombinant protein is designed, over-expressed, and produced in the host bacteria E. coli through the fermentation process. After purification of this protein via temperature cycling and pH adjustments, an average protein yield of 96+/-61 mg/L of culture with a purity of 91%+/-5% is produced. If a large amount of this protein may be harvested, it could be used not only for just as surgical adhesives, but also for other applications in the medical field such as cartilage repair and cellular localization. Therefore, it is crucial an effective purification process is established for the production of this protein. Turbidity testing of this protein at different temperatures is conducted along with testing of the protein’s solubility at different pHs. These tests can help determine the exact temperature and pH at which the protein transitions during the temperature cycling of the purification process, so that the process can be streamlined. Further testing on cytocompatibility, tensile strength, and adhesive strength may be conducted later to ensure that the protein meets other criteria listed to be a successful soft tissue adhesive.

Puneeth Meruva Grade: 12 -- Homestead Senior High School - Fort Wayne, IN Project Title: Autonomous Motion Planning for Hyper-Redundant Modular Robotic Systems using State Estimation, Obstacle Avoidance, and Intelligence Locomotion Algorithms Abstract: Modular Snake Robots, a type of Hyper-Redundant Modular Robots, are extremely useful robots when attempting to traverse through tightly packed volumes due to their many internal degrees of freedom. These internal degrees of freedom make snake robots highly articulate and maneuverable, giving them a number of locomotive capabilities that wheeled robots are incapable of performing. A successful robot is defined to be able to sense the characteristics of its environment, plan autonomous motions, and perform these actions. Thus far, research in snake robots has primarily focused on improving snake locomotion capabilities. However, the acts of sensing the environment and planning autonomous motions for the snake are remarkably and rather surprisingly underexplored topics. This project proposes the first use of a visual sensor (a structured light sensor) retrofitted to the snake robot, allowing it to conduct three-dimensional motion planning.

Arjun Ramani Grade: 10 -- West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School - West Lafayette, IN Project Title: Photoelectrochemical Properties of 2-D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides(TMDCs) Functionalized with Porphyrins Abstract: Recently, cutting edge 2-D materials have emerged in the field of photovoltaics. Graphene, the 2-D version of graphite, has a high carrier mobility, transparency, and mechanical strength making it well suited for electronic applications. Still, the issue with graphene is its 0-bandgap allowing electrons to jump bands too easily for applications. TMDC(Transition Metal Dichalcogenides) are semiconductors that have a sizeable band gap at the single-layer (1.9 eV). They possess the unique ability to change from indirect to direct bandgap as the number of layers decreases, due to lack of inter-layer orbital hybridization. This project shows the differences in optical properties between bulk and thin layer TMDCs confirming the change in properties. In addition, the light harvesting capabilities of thin layer TMDCs bound to porphyrins are explored. Porphyrins are chromophore molecules similar to chlorophyll with high intensity absorption bands and unique optical properties. To this point, the capabilities of TMDCs bound to porphyrins for light energy conversion to current are not well known. This project shows an increase in photocurrent generation for MoS2, a TMDC, when bound to porphyrin-like materials. This is the first proof-of-concept for porphyrins acting as electron donors for energy conversion with TMDCs, opening the door for much further research in the field of 2-D semiconductors.

Ryan Loehrlein Grade: 12 -- Francis Joseph Reitz High School - Evansville, IN Project Title: The Guardian Angel ''Heroic Acts Taking Flight'' Abstract: Law enforcement agencies are always looking for ways to protect their officers in the most efficient ways. To ensure the safety of law enforcement officers in hostile situations new devices need to be developed for practical applications. The potential way to secure the safety of officers is to implement drones that have universal features. To provide vital information this drone must be able to enter a building to detect potential threats, fly around building perimeters, and have multiple sensors to send back information such as telemetry, motor temperature, sonar readings, and live images. To create this various features the drone will be created by using 3-D printers, laser cut acrylic, and multiple aviation systems such as NAZA and Spektrum. Such a drone has the possibility to become the future for law enforcement agencies by integrating different features. This drone designed and constructed in this project is a hexacopter that has the capability to fly efficiently with a load of multiple sensors, cameras, and send video live over a secure network. Law enforcement agencies will be able to secure the safety of their officers by integrating this new drone, the Guardian Angel, into their existing intelligence operations.

Stephen Bauer Grade: 12 -- Adams High School - South Bend, IN Project Title: Using Hydrophobic Microporous Layers and Enhanced Air Flow to Reduce Methanol Crossover in a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Abstract: Due to the finite supply of fossil fuels and the ecological dangers associated with their use, there has been a push in recent years to find new ways of efficiently producing energy. The direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is a popular energy producing unit due to its high energy density. One remaining obstacle to the vast commercialization of the DMFC, lies with its inability to process higher molarity methanol fuel. This is due a phenomenon known as methanol crossover, in which methanol fuel crosses the proton exchange membrane (PEM) and thus diminishes the voltage of the cell. Over the course of this investigation Hydrophobic Microporous Layers will be inserted into the PEM of the DMFC to reduce this methanol crossover. The Micropourous membranes will be composed of a mixture solution containing XC72Rcarbon black and 50wt% Teflon coated on a carbon paper. This layer will prevent both methanol and water from crossing the PEM without preventing the proton flow to the cathode. Furthermore, this investigation aims to decrease crossover by increasing airflow to the cathode of the DMFC. By inserting the DMFC into a wind tunnel air flow of up to 60 mph can be provided to the DMFC. Previous investigations have shown that enhanced airflow yields higher performance in aDMFC. For this reason, this experiment aims to assert whether enhanced air flow can also help reduce the effects of methanol cross over.

Nirupama Devanathan Grade: 11 -- Homestead Senior High School - Fort Wayne, IN Project Title: Missense Mutations in Colorectal Cancer "Targeting Pathways in Early vs. Late Stages" Could There be a Role for Early Intervention with Better Outcomes? Abstract: Colorectal cancer arises from genetic aberrancies classified as driver mutations, which actively promote disease progression, and passenger mutations that provide no evident selective growth advantage. A driver can consist of both driver and passenger mutations. Missense mutations account for nearly 91% of genetic irregularities within the transforming cancer cell and can either operate as driver or passenger mutations. The role of driver status missense mutated genes was revealed through the Chi-Square test, Cramer’s V, Odds Ratio, and Polynomial Regression Analysis. The cBIO, INTOGEN, COSMIC, and Venny bioinformatics tools facilitated in the acquisition of driver missense mutated genes for each stage. While the Chi-Square test and Cramer’s V demonstrated a strong association between a missense mutated gene having a driver status and the progression of disease, the Odds Ratio test illustrated driver status missense mutated genes present in more than one stage are a greater relative risk for the development of each stage. Additionally, a missense distribution less than or equal to 50% favored the presence of stage 1 and 2, while greater than 50% favored stage 3 and 4. An accelerated rate of change between stage 2 and stage 3 depicted in the polynomial regression models confirmed this distribution shift. Thus, an increase in the distribution of missense mutation directly corresponds to the onset of metastasis’ early targeting will lead to better outcomes because drivers with low missense mutation distribution will be prevented from “setting the stage” for distant metastasis.

Sarah Cooper Grade: 12 -- Jefferson High School - Lafayette, IN Project Title: The Role of Syk Protein-Kinase in Stress Granule Dynamics of Cancer Cells Abstract: Syk, spleen tyrosine kinase, consists of two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains and a single catalytic domain that mediates downstream signaling cascades. Recently, Syk has been shown to be recruited to stress granules, which are non-membranous punctacomposed of non-translating mRNA that are formed in a cell when it is exposed to environmental stresses. The storage of mRNA in the form of stress granules(SGs) halts mRNA activity as a survival mechanism to prevent environmental stresses from inducing the cell into apoptosis. The method of recruitment and Syk’s role in the SGs are unknown. In this project, Syk’s biological role within SGs was investigated in MCF7 breast cancer cells using immunofluorescence microscopy, western blotting, MTT assay, and analog-sensitive kinase experimentation. The results showed that Syk protein-kinase is recruited to SGs through its interaction with Grb7 protein. Also, once Syk is recruited to the SG, it was determined that Syk’s catalytic activity is responsible for SG clearance. A third experiment demonstrated that Syk’s role in the clearance of SGs increases cell proliferation and promotes cancer cell survival. Understanding this biological function of Syk can aid in the development of new therapeutic cancer treatments. We hypothesize that if Syk were inhibited, the cancer cells would be unable to clear the SGs and be forced to succumb to apoptosis.

Alexis Thornburg Grade: 11 -- Marian High School - Mishawaka, IN Project Title: Effect of Cisplatin on Gene Expression Over Time in Lung Cancer Cells Abstract: Lung cancer affects the lives of many people with over 200,000 new cases diagnosed every year. Cisplatin is one drug that has been used to combat the cancer. Some cells have shown resistance, inhibiting the drug from being successful. Understanding resistance to cisplatin is key for developing more effective treatment. By comparing gene expression in cisplatin sensitive and resistant non-cancer lymphoblastoid cell lines, 5 genes were selected because each decreased expression in the sensitive cells only. The genes STAT3, ELF4, ZNF238, PTP1B, and ZNF77 were measured in lung cancer cells 2, 4, and 6 hours after treatment with 5µM cisplatin hypothesizing that the trend of the sensitivity will decrease as well. The time course plots of these genes were made with standard error showing that ZNF238 and ZNF77 support the hypothesis while ELF4 does not and STAT3 and PTP1B could not be fully evaluated. More replicates will be done for STAT3, ELF4, and PTP1B to gain more confidence, though they do suggest a difference in the tumor cell biology. This research suggests that these modulations of these genes have the potential to increase the effectiveness of cisplatin treatment in lung cancer patients.

Yu Jin Lee Grade: 10 -- Culver Academies - Culver, IN Project Title: Circle Fitting Algorithm Optimization through the iterative Hough Transform Abstract: Detection of an object, such as a line or a circle, is one of the major components in computer vision applications. The Hough Transform utilizes a voting procedure to identify arbitrary objects according to pre-determined parameters to describe the shape. Recognition of the quadratic complexity -- O(n^2) of the Hough Transform has led to this research, which incorporated the iterative method into the Hough Transform to reduce the complexity of the algorithm to O(n). The traditional Hough Transform requires an examination of all possible centers of a fitted circle based on edge detection in order to fit a circle in the first trial. On the other hand, refinement through the iterative method using the decreasing size of class bins and examination range proportionately yields a constant amount of computation required for each trial, thus yielding O(n). The degree of accuracy is not compromised due to several repetitions of examination, whose window closes in to the center of a fitted circle each time. The hand-coded Hough Transform in Wolfram Mathematic ahas’ allowed manual optimization and experiments. This research successfully reduced the complexity of the Hough Transform to O(n) using the iterative method, securing computing time, memory space, and accuracy.

Priya Kirtley Grade: 12 -- Terre Haute South Vigo High School - Terre Haute, IN Project Title: Year Two of Production of Hydrogen Gas from C. reinhardtii: A Parameter Analysis For Eventual Implementation Abstract: As I originally chose this project to combine my love for biology, namely photosynthesis, and my concern for environmental issues, I chose a project based on Chlamydomonasreinhardtii, a photosynthetic alga with alternative photosynthetic pathways which can produce hydrogen gas in an anaerobic environment. With my initial year of research proving its ability to produce hydrogen gas, the objective of this year’s project was to explore the parameters of this unique capability by putting environment stress such as movement, temperature, illumination, transportation, and the limits of its ability to produce the gas in an anaerobic or aerobic environments to ultimately estimate the feasibility to the algae’s implementation of a larger device, such as a pond of a fuel cell. My hypothesis stated that the algae will grow better in environments with slight movement, lukewarm temperature, two thirds of the day in a light period and two thirds of the day in a dark period, transportation using filters, and a maximum of fourteen hours in an aerobic environment. To test this, I submerged the bottles of cultures in water baths of respective temperatures, tested various periods of light and oxygen exposure, shifted the bottles in different degrees, and transported the algae using two mechanisms. My hypothesis proved correct in that slight movement and lukewarm temperatures were ideal for hydrogen production; however, the algae can be exposed to aerobic environments for longer than fourteen hours and survive, and the maximum production rate of hydrogen gas occurred during a half-light and half-dark period of time. Although this project illuminates properties of the algae not tampered with to catalyze the discovery of a green energy source, some of the listed conclusions should be clarified in future research, ultimately modifying the algae to produce the maximum amount of hydrogen gas to officially implement as an environmentally friendly alternative source of energy from natural origins.

Aditya Mishra Grade: 11 -- Munster High School - Munster, IN Project Title: Is Lithium a Safe Power Source? Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this experiment was to understand and determine whether single use lithium batteries had operational restrictions that could cause them to be dangerous. Procedure: Batteries were weighed in order to determine any change of mass before and after experimentation. Then the batteries were placed into two separate battery holders that became a 12v power source. These battery holders were placed into a covered plexi-glass container with a ceramic tile at the base as a precaution for heat. Next the battery holders were connected to two bolts attached on the plexi-glass box connecting it to the rest of the circuit. Two temperature probes were placed on the anode and cathode side of the power source. Depending upon whether the experiment was air-cooled or not, the holes not in use were sealed. At this point all connections were verified and measuring devices were turned on. Data collection ended when the spin vein attached to the motor stopped spinning. Data: Conclusion: The experimentation showed an increase of 226% in time duration and an increase of 180% in usable energy. This increase was the sole responsibility of air-cooling the batteries utilizing moving ambient air versus leaving the batteries in a sealed container. Using this data as an example it can be safe to conclude that further experimentation is required in the temperature variable for all batteries, possible examples including cars and planes.

Sreya Vemuri Grade: 11 -- Carmel High School - Carmel, IN Project Title: Effect of time-dependent gain and loss in a PT-symmetric optical waveguide array Abstract: Quantum systems are typically treated as closed systems and hence described by hermitian Hamiltonian matrices. However, the discovery that a non-hermitian Hamiltonian can have real eigenvalues provided it is both parity (P) and time (T) symmetric has made it possible to study open systems with gain and loss. Such PT-symmetric Hamiltonians can then describe experimentally measurable quantities. Most work on PT-symmetry has been on time-independent Hamiltonians. In this research, I have investigated, analytically and numerically, the effect of periodic time-modulation of the potential term in the Hamiltonian to understand how PT-symmetric systems behave. For a wide range of periodic modulations, and for different tunneling terms, I find that time-modulation of the potential restores the PT-symmetric phase even when the parameters are such that the time-independent Hamiltonian would lead to PT-symmetry breaking. I also find conditions under which the PT-symmetry can be broken under time-modulation even though the PT-symmetry would be preserved for a time-independent Hamiltonian. I explore the origins of these behaviors through a study of the eigenvalues spectrum of the system and the behavior of the left and right eigenvectors. This research shows that even an infinitesimally small modulation frequency can break or restore PT-symmetry. The predictions of this work can be experimentally tested in an array of optically coupled waveguides in which only the nearest neighbor waveguides are coupled.

Leah Hefty Grade: 11 -- DeKalb High School - Waterloo, IN Project Title: Solving World Hunger - One Family at a Time Abstract: The topic I researched was the production of green beans using bags of soil. I chose this topic because my grandfather was having both of his knees replaced in early spring and would not be able to tend to his normal garden. If my research was successful, not only would my grandfather have a garden he could harvest while recovering from surgery, but it would also be a procedure helpful to families without the space to plant a garden. The first step of my procedure was to construct a framework to elevate the beans so they could be harvested from a standing position. I created an elevated gardening bench with materials from around our farm, using a hog panel as a base and a cattle panel as a bench top. I purchased green bean seeds and 20 plastic bags of soil. After placing the 20 bags of soil on the bench, I cut drainage holes in the bottom of the bags. The next step was to set up five sets of repetitions by cutting three, six, nine and 12 holes in the top of the bags for the plants. I watered and fertilized the plants as needed. I tilled and planted controls for each test in my grandfather’s garden (20 control repetitions). My purpose was to determine the maximum number of bean plants that could be produced in a soil bag. My conclusion was that with daily watering and weekly fertilizing, the bags with 12 plants produced the most beans. However, they did not compete with the control repetition plants in the established garden. Although the production level of the bags overall was lower than that of the traditional garden, if all 20 bags had 12 plants each, 379.06 ounces of beans could be produced. Thus, at 12.5 cents per ounce, $47.38 worth of beans could be produced. The production cost was significantly lower than the potential yield. The reusable soil bags cost $1.25, the package of seeds cost $1.98 and the fertilizer cost $3.87. A 4 x 16 foot elevated garden can produce 95 servings of green beans.

Rachel Chan Grade: 10 -- Center Grove High School - Greenwood, IN Project Title: Purification of the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factor (CPF) Complex and Analysis of Pti1 Phosphorylation in Yeast Abstract: RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII), which actively transcribes genes into RNA, contains the Cleavage and Polyadenylation Factor (CPF), which largely contributes to termination of transcription. The phosphatase Rtr1 influences the termination of RNAPII at specific genes in yeast by regulating phosphorylation of its C-terminal domain. The goal of this project was to determine if Rtr1 controls the phosphorylation of protein subunits of the CPF and to identify the locations at which phosphorylation of certain proteins was occurring. We hypothesized that deleting the phosphatase Rtr1 would result in increased phosphorylation of specific proteins in the CPF complex compared to WT. To test this hypothesis, we looked at the levels of phosphorylation in WT and Rtr1-deleted yeast cells. Trypsin-digested CPF complexes were analyzed using mass spectrometry and then further examined with bioinformatic techniques to compare phosphorylation levels. After examining modified proteins in the CPF complex, we found differential phosphorylation on the protein Pti1. We performed phosphoRS analysis and manual spectrum interpretation to identify the probabilities of phosphorylation at various serine and threonine residues on a peptide sequence within Pti1. The entire experiment, including affinity purification of the CPF complex, was subsequently replicated; however, very low levels of Ssu72 peptide fragments were detected by mass spectrometry. To verify that the FLAG-tagged Ssu72 protein was expressed in yeast, a Western blot was performed and confirmed expression of the tagged protein. Collectively, these results indicate that Rtr1 regulates phosphorylation of a peptide sequence within Pti1 and thereby influences the function of RNAPII during termination of transcription.

Jay Maturi Grade: 9 -- University High School of Indiana - Carmel, IN Project Title: Reversing Beta-amyloid Induced Paralysis in Transgenic C. elegans with Resveratrol: A model for Alzheimer's disease Abstract: According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) currently affects over 5 million people. A simple model for AD involves a genetically modified C. elegans (CL 4176) that produces B-amyloid plaques with a temperature upshift and becomes paralyzed. Using this model, we tested if resveratrol, an anti-oxidant polyphenol, added prior to the temperature upshift would prevent nematode paralysis. Subsequently, we added resveratrol after temperature upshift and worm paralysis, to see if the drug could reverse this paralysis. There was a dose dependent decrease in paralysis when resveratrol was added as a preventative treatment prior to temperature upshift. However, adding resveratrol after worm paralysis did not reverse this effect in a significant manner. We also tested a different genetic strain (HE1006) using the same methods.

Spencer McDaniel Grade: 9 -- Northwestern Sr High School - Kokomo, IN Project Title: Paper Texts Versus Electronic Texts in Terms of Reading Abstract: Technology enthusiasts claim that the digital age is coming and no one can stop it. Schools and businesses across the world are switching to use electronic tablets instead of paper. Unfortunately for technology enthusiasts, the digital age may not arrive as quickly as they would like it to. Even more unfortunately for technology enthusiasts, it may be true that they do not really want the digital age to come at all. A hypothesis was formed that if one typical, average human being were to read paper and off a screen then he or she will find it easier to read off paper than the screen because humans naturally tend to favor paper over screens. Twenty individual human willing volunteers were asked to play two perfectly identical memory games. The first memory game was played on paper. The second memory game was played on electronic tablet. The results of the experiment were that on average the willing volunteers scored a6.05 on the paper test. On average the willing volunteers scored a 4.65 on the test on the electronic tablet. The conclusion of this experiment was that humans do indeed tend to naturally favor paper texts, however it should duly be noted that it is only by a relatively minute amount.