Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Discipline
Institution
Keyword
Publication Year
Publication
Publication Type
File Type

Articles 36571 - 36600 of 2920685

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Targeting The Metabolic-Neurodegenerative Axis: In Silico Repurposing Of Fda-Approved Pleiotropic Metabolic Modulators For Alzheimer's Tau Protein, Maanya Chitrapu, Juhi Vora Apr 2026

Targeting The Metabolic-Neurodegenerative Axis: In Silico Repurposing Of Fda-Approved Pleiotropic Metabolic Modulators For Alzheimer's Tau Protein, Maanya Chitrapu, Juhi Vora

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Extensive research has established a link between insulin deficiency and insulin resistance and Alzheimer's Disease (AD) type-neurodegeneration, coining it "Type 3 Diabetes". While research typically focuses on glucose regulation, the comparative structural efficacy of broader metabolic agents against neuropathology remains distinctively underexplored. This study addresses this gap by performing a novel in silico comparison of three drug classes (Glucose, Lipid, and Cardio-Metabolic regulators) to identify superior scaffolds for obstructing the pathological Tau protein, which plays a major role in causing AD through its hyperphosphorylation. The Tau paired helical filament (PDB ID: 5O3L) was retrieved from the RCSB Protein Data Bank. …

Go to article

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Substance Use Disorder, Sarah Defrant Apr 2026

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation For Substance Use Disorder, Sarah Defrant

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This review evaluates transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a supplemental intervention for decreasing substance use disorder (SUD) relapse rates by synthesizing understandings of neurobiological mechanisms and clinical outcomes. TMS stimulates the activity of neural cells in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), a small portion of the prefrontal cortex that houses impulse control and decision-making skills. This leads to improved neuroplasticity and dopamine regulation, both of which are disrupted by unregulated substance use. Although TMS is not FDA-approved for substance use disorder, the neurobiological similarities between SUD and its comorbidities like major depressive disorder or anxiety highlight TMS's theoretical potential to …

Go to article

Distinct And Cooperative Effects Of Epigenetic Inhibitors On Cell Viability And Cell Cycle Regulation In Neuroblastoma Cells, Tamanna Dipen Shah, Anushka Ayanampudi, Shyam Jaganathan Apr 2026

Distinct And Cooperative Effects Of Epigenetic Inhibitors On Cell Viability And Cell Cycle Regulation In Neuroblastoma Cells, Tamanna Dipen Shah, Anushka Ayanampudi, Shyam Jaganathan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Epigenetic dysregulation plays a central role in uncontrolled cell proliferation and therapeutic resistance in cancer. Consequently, targeting epigenetic regulators with small-molecule inhibitors has emerged as a promising strategy to disrupt cell cycle progression and induce tumor cell death. In this study, we evaluated the cytotoxic and molecular effects of two epigenetic-targeting agents, CM-272 and JNJ-64619178, administered as individual, simultaneous, and sequential treatments in neuroblastoma cell models. Cell viability was assessed using XTT assays, and changes in cell cycle regulatory proteins were analyze by Western blotting. Our results demonstrate that simultaneous combination treatment produced the greatest reduction in cell viability compared …

Go to article

Environmental Exposure And Neighborhood Change: A Longitudinal Study Of Little Haiti, Miami, Joshua Dumond Apr 2026

Environmental Exposure And Neighborhood Change: A Longitudinal Study Of Little Haiti, Miami, Joshua Dumond

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Urban development trends in coastal cities are increasingly impacted by environmental characteristics like elevation. As individuals and businesses residing near the coast move inland to escape rising sea levels, climate-resilient communities may begin to experience increased housing market trends and real estate investment. This longitudinal, retrospective study investigates how elevation influences the housing market in higher-ground communities, with a focus on the Little Haiti neighborhood in Miami, Florida, while also describing changes in demographic characteristics over time. Census tracts within Little Haiti were used as the unit of analysis for this study while using the U.S. Geological Survey Data to …

Go to article

Proximal Power Gains In Football: Position-Specific Adaptations Revealed Through Compositional Data Analysis, Isabella Estrada Hernandez, Alyana Andal Apr 2026

Proximal Power Gains In Football: Position-Specific Adaptations Revealed Through Compositional Data Analysis, Isabella Estrada Hernandez, Alyana Andal

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Training-induced adaptations in joint power distribution during speed running may enhance performance, but how these changes manifest across different American football position groups remains poorly understood. We investigated the influence of training and player position on joint power composition among players training for the National Football League draft. Forty-eight draft-eligible players performed pre- and post-training camp running trials at 23.4 km/h. We used motion capture software and MATLAB to calculate bilateral peak hip, knee, and ankle joint power. Compositional data analysis (CoDA) was used, in which positive/generated and negative/absorbed power compositions were expressed as isometric log-rations: hip versus knee + …

Go to article

Baseline Emotional Valence Predicts Subsequent Executive Function Task Performance, Andrea Fajardo Aguilar, Alyssa Harris, Isidora Varas-Sanchez, Julia Ribeiro, Dylan Kuni Apr 2026

Baseline Emotional Valence Predicts Subsequent Executive Function Task Performance, Andrea Fajardo Aguilar, Alyssa Harris, Isidora Varas-Sanchez, Julia Ribeiro, Dylan Kuni

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Executive functioning (EF) supports goal-directed behavior and is influenced by affective state. While prior research has largely focused on the effects of emotional valence during task performance, less is known about the influence of pre-task self-reported valence on subsequent EF performance. Our ongoing study will examine whether self-reported ratings of emotional valence assessed prior to the start of a task will predict performance. Participants will report valence ratings during a resting baseline period before performing two EF tasks: the Vertical Stroop and the Go/No-Go. Performance will be assessed using reaction time and accuracy. Regression analyses will be conducted to …

Go to article

Perceived Family Influences On Sexual Decision-Making Among Emerging Adults, Hassan Gowani, Mariana Santiago-Lopez Apr 2026

Perceived Family Influences On Sexual Decision-Making Among Emerging Adults, Hassan Gowani, Mariana Santiago-Lopez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Research on familial influences on sexual decision-making has focused primarily on adolescents, resulting in limited understanding of how family relationships may influence emerging adults' sexual decision-making. To fill this gap in the literature, we asked participants (ages 18-29) to indicate yes/no to "Do you think that your family has played a role in your current decision to be or not to be sexually active?" and then provide qualitative responses to "Please elaborate on why you think your family has or hasn't played a role in your current decision to be or not to be sexually active." Based on preliminary analysis, …

Go to article

Time-Lapse Microscopy To Characterize Astrocyte Precursor Cells Migration Using A Double Reporter Mouse Line, Megan Hilliard, Sravika Chirla, Maria Ramirez Apr 2026

Time-Lapse Microscopy To Characterize Astrocyte Precursor Cells Migration Using A Double Reporter Mouse Line, Megan Hilliard, Sravika Chirla, Maria Ramirez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Astrocytes, the most abundant non-neuronal cell type in the brain, are a diverse population of cells that play a central role in regulating synaptic activity, supporting neuronal energy demands, and modulating interactions among neurons, glia, and blood vessels. Astrocytes originate from astrocyte precursor cells (APCs) in the subventricular zone, from where they migrate to the cortex postnatally. Once in the cortex, APCs continue to proliferate and then undergo morphological and functional maturation. Using a double reporter mouse line engineered to express enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) under the control of the entire glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) gene and tdTomato (tdT) …

Go to article

Acute Effects Of D- And L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate On Vigilance (Sustained Attention And Reaction Speed) In Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Catherine Holen Apr 2026

Acute Effects Of D- And L-Beta-Hydroxybutyrate On Vigilance (Sustained Attention And Reaction Speed) In Healthy Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial, Catherine Holen

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Exogenous beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) supplements are increasingly promoted for cognitive and performance benefits but controlled human data--particularly comparing BHB isomers--remains sparse. This study evaluated whether a low dose, acute ingestion of D-BHB or L-BHB influences vigilance (sustained attention, reaction speed) and fine motor control in fasted, non-keto-adapted healthy adults. A total of 136 participants (20.5 ± 1.4 years; 70.2 ± 15.6 kg) were randomized into three groups: D-BHB (n = 47), L-BHB (n=46), or placebo (n = 43). Measures included the Psychomotor Vigilance Test (PVT reaction time) and the central nervous system tap test. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 60 …

Go to article

Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, And Alzheimer's Risk In Women, Shreya Kempuraj Apr 2026

Sleep Disturbance, Menopause, And Alzheimer's Risk In Women, Shreya Kempuraj

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by neurodegeneration, behavioral changes, cognitive impairment, and loss of sleep quality. Women are at a greater risk of developing dementia and AD during the lifetimes because women live longer than men on average and other factors. The duration and quality of sleep are associated with a healthy brain, especially during aging. Impaired and poor sleep is both an early symptom of AD and a contributing factor to cognitive impairment. Maintaining proper sleep can help prevent cognitive impairment, AD, and dementia. Sleep deprivation may increase the risk for beta-amyloid (Aβ) build-up and …

Go to article

The Effect Of Verbal Encouragement With Swearing On High Intensity Exercise Performance, Ella Kern Apr 2026

The Effect Of Verbal Encouragement With Swearing On High Intensity Exercise Performance, Ella Kern

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Verbal encouragement has not been shown to reliably enhance performance on the Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT); however, research has found that when individuals swear during the WAnT, average power increases. This study examined whether incorporating swearing into verbal encouragement during a WAnT enhances performance, self-confidence, and psychological flow compared to standard verbal encouragement without swearing. Forty-one physically active participants (25 females, 16 males; age 20.8 ± 0.78 years) completed two counterbalanced laboratory visits involving verbal encouragement with swearing (VES) and without swearing (VE) while performing the WAnT on a Wattbike Air ergometer. Average power, fatigue index, self-confidence, and psychological flow …

Go to article

Uncovering Hidden Bioenergetic Effects Of Deet: Is Mitochondrial Complex I A Primary Target?, Jacob Kora, Dillen-Preetesh Patel Apr 2026

Uncovering Hidden Bioenergetic Effects Of Deet: Is Mitochondrial Complex I A Primary Target?, Jacob Kora, Dillen-Preetesh Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is one of the most common insect repellents worldwide and is generally regarded as safe for humans. As such, DEET is available as a nonprescribed product to the public for topical application, with concentrations reaching up to 4.0M. However, new studies in other organisms suggest it may have a greater physiological effect than thought before. Research has shown that DEET can reduce Photosystem II activity in algae, alter red blood cell production and lipid metabolism in fish, and cause developmental and cardiovascular issues in zebrafish embryos. These findings point toward disruptions in mitochondrial and oxidative processes. Mammalian …

Go to article

Does A Competitive Season Alter Elastic Bounce Mechanics In University Distance Runners?, Marcus Marek Tortorella Apr 2026

Does A Competitive Season Alter Elastic Bounce Mechanics In University Distance Runners?, Marcus Marek Tortorella

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The spring-mass model (SMM) describes the body's center of mass oscillation during running as a bouncing system, where energy is absorbed and released, producing two asymmetries that represent muscle-tendon elastic function: (1) landing-takeoff (LTO; % relative difference propulsion to braking time), and (2) rebound (REB; % relative difference effective aerial to contact time). Additional SMM-derived variables, such as vertical stiffness(kvert) and step frequency (SF) may provide insight into the influence of a competitive season on running elastic bounce mechanics in university distance runners. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a competitive cross-country season …

Go to article

Genetic Diversity Of Invasive Grey-Headed Swamphens In Florida Compared To Native Gallinules, Monica Maurer Apr 2026

Genetic Diversity Of Invasive Grey-Headed Swamphens In Florida Compared To Native Gallinules, Monica Maurer

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Invasive species outcompete native ones and threaten ecosystem stability. The grey-headed swamphen (Porphyrio poliocephalus), established in southeast Florida since 1996, continues to expand into the northern Everglades and Lake Okeechobee despite prior eradication attempts. This study is comparing the genetic diversity of invasive grey-headed swamphens to the genetic diversity of native purple (P. martinica) and common (Gallinula galeata) gallinules to better understand invasion history, competitive potential, and ecosystem impacts. Muscle tissue samples of P. porphyrio collected by the Florida Museum of Natural History from 1999-2023 and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) …

Go to article

Implementing Video Analysis And Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 Screening To Assess Sway In Collegiate Golfers, Sydney Mazur Apr 2026

Implementing Video Analysis And Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 Screening To Assess Sway In Collegiate Golfers, Sydney Mazur

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Golf swing mechanics are fundamental for proper performance and sustainability in the sport. Understanding the complexities of the golf swing as well are crucial in proper performance and prevent injury. Sway is a common swing fault that occurs in golfers because of improper swing fundamental mechanics. The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 screen is used in conjunction with video analyses to better understand swing mechanics. The purpose of this study is to better understand these specific components of the golf swing mechanics to prevent injury and improve performance for collegiate golfers. A total of 16 National Collegiate Athletic Association …

Go to article

What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough Apr 2026

What Genograms Can Tell Us About Family Dynamics That Quantitative Data Cannot, Connor Mccarville, Jessica Frye, Maegan Mcdonough

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Genograms are an important clinical tool that is used to visually represent family relationships and their dynamics, but their effectiveness in empirical research remains limited. This mix-methods study examined the alignment between qualitative genogram visualizations and quantitative assessments of family dysfunctionality among individuals who exhibited high levels of risky sexual behavior. Based on preliminary data, currently with seven individuals with a high level of risky sexual behavior, we created genograms through interviews with young adult participants who described the emotional quality of each family relationship. Quantitative data on risky sexual behavior and whole family functioning were collected using the Family …

Go to article

Biomechanical Profiles In Cross-Country Runners: Pca Identifies Patterns, Not Injury, Kiana Medina, Sathvi Gandra, Auston Hsieh Apr 2026

Biomechanical Profiles In Cross-Country Runners: Pca Identifies Patterns, Not Injury, Kiana Medina, Sathvi Gandra, Auston Hsieh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Running biomechanics reflect coordinated strategies rather than isolated variable effects and are thought to influence injury risk. This study investigates whether distinct running gait patterns identified through principal component analysis (PCA) of biomechanical variables were associated with injury occurrence in collegiate cross-country athletes. Twenty-two university cross-country runners (N=22; n = 5 males, n = 17 females; age range = 18-25 years) completed a 3D biomechanical gait assessment from which we derived step frequency (SF), hip and ankle propulsive power, knee abductor moments (KAM), vertical stiffness (kvert), contralateral pelvis drop (CPD), hip adduction (HADD), time of braking force ( …

Go to article

Ankle Dorsiflexion Differences Due To Fatigue In Men's Division Ii Collegiate Basketball Players, James Manuel Moonnumacakal Apr 2026

Ankle Dorsiflexion Differences Due To Fatigue In Men's Division Ii Collegiate Basketball Players, James Manuel Moonnumacakal

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Previous research indicates the biomechanics at the ankle joint can lead to increased risk of injury such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, Achilles rupture, or patellofemoral tendinopathy. Studies also revealed that the establishment of baseline ankle range-of-motion (ROM) measures can allow the decrease of injury for a team over the course of professional season. Understanding ankle ROM norms can lead to detecting critical injuries and the development of a strength and conditioning plan to help avoid injury. The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationship that fatigue has upon ankle ROM using a static lunge test to …

Go to article

Dft Modeling Of Steroid–Phospholipid Noncovalent Interactions: Conformations, Binding Energy, And Solvation Effects, Sohan Mothkur Apr 2026

Dft Modeling Of Steroid–Phospholipid Noncovalent Interactions: Conformations, Binding Energy, And Solvation Effects, Sohan Mothkur

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Steroids (STRs) have essential roles in human physiology and disease, regulating processes such as metabolism and immunity. STRs exert their effects through receptor-mediated pathways and by modulating cell membrane properties. STRs can intercalate into phospholipid (PL) bilayers, altering membrane properties that can influence downstream biological processes. While STR-protein interactions have been widely studied, little is known about how STR-PL interactions influence membrane properties. In this study, we used density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the interactions between testosterone (TST) and cholesterol (CHOL) with three representative PLs: phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG). STR-PL complexes were modeled using an aqueous …

Go to article

Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Secondary Metabolite Clusters With Cytotoxic Properties, Fatima Muhammad, Maya Pasapuleti, Emily Abraham, Navya Mysore Apr 2026

Comparative Genomics Across Ganoderma Species To Identify Secondary Metabolite Clusters With Cytotoxic Properties, Fatima Muhammad, Maya Pasapuleti, Emily Abraham, Navya Mysore

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Fungi in the genus Ganoderma have been widely studied in Chinese culture for their medicinal properties and promoting overall health and longevity. Our prior work on eight Ganoderma species showed that they contain Secondary Metabolite Clusters (SMCs) that code for multiple terpenes, betalactones, and ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPPs). These compounds are well known for their cytotoxic and anticancer potential. Using the bioinformatics platform antiSMASH, we previously identified and annotated the specific SMCs within these genomes that are predicted to produce such bioactive metabolites. To test the results obtained from the bioinformatics analysis, fungal extracts were prepared from …

Go to article

Developing A Novel Protocol To Isolate Mitochondria From The Cnidarian Aiptasia Pallida For Bioenergetic Studies , Chelsea Nguyen, Kiran Sajnani Apr 2026

Developing A Novel Protocol To Isolate Mitochondria From The Cnidarian Aiptasia Pallida For Bioenergetic Studies , Chelsea Nguyen, Kiran Sajnani

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The symbiotic relationship between cnidarian hosts and photosynthetic dinoflagellates relies on a dynamic exchange of metabolites between key organelles including chloroplasts and mitochondria. Understanding how temperature affects this exchange is pivotal to determine its role in metabolic dysbiosis, but methodological challenges in isolating mitochondria from cnidarian tissue must be addressed. The aim of this project is to develop a reproducible homogenization and isolation protocol of mitochondria from the upside-down sea jelly Cassiopea xamachana, to be used as a model for subsequent bioenergetic studies. Mesogleal tissue from laboratory acclimated C. xamachana was finely minced, and several mechanical homogenization methods were …

Go to article

Passion Versus Predisposition: How Engagement, Personality, And Trait-Anxiety Predict Homesickness, Bala Sivani Padala, Porsha Adoghe, Alyssa Harris Apr 2026

Passion Versus Predisposition: How Engagement, Personality, And Trait-Anxiety Predict Homesickness, Bala Sivani Padala, Porsha Adoghe, Alyssa Harris

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Homesickness is a prevalent condition affecting many college students. Several factors contribute to homesickness, including, but not limited to, adjustment difficulty, missing family and friends, rumination, and loneliness. To better understand homesickness, we explored how engagement, anxiety, and personality moderate each factor. Engagement and personality were hypothesized to negatively correlate with homesickness. Trait anxiety was hypothesized to positively correlate with homesickness. We examined these variables by having participants complete a Google form that included questions from four surveys: the Utrecht Homesickness Scale (UHS), the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Ten-Item Personality Inventory …

Go to article

Biomechanical Stress And Asymmetrical Loading: Comparing Unilateral Landings Across Volleyball Hitter Positions, Nihar Patel Apr 2026

Biomechanical Stress And Asymmetrical Loading: Comparing Unilateral Landings Across Volleyball Hitter Positions, Nihar Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Jump-based movements in volleyball, particularly unilateral landings, generate substantial injury risk to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). These landings create asymmetrical ground reaction forces and patellar joint instability, with outside and right-side hitters most affected since they often land on a single leg after spiking. Prior studies show that unilateral landings produce higher peak forces and reduced knee flexion compared to bilateral landings, increasing biomechanical stress. Lead-limb dominance and player position further influence landing mechanics and loading patterns. Using VERT, a wearable sensor that records jump height, frequency, and landing impact, along with synchronized video analysis, this study compares landing …

Go to article

Mapping Neurobehavioral Outcomes Of Glyphosate Application In The United States Through A Data Science Framework, Parushi Porwal, Sharvani Nune, Japji Madan, Arrin Carter, Mitali Athwale, Aliyah Khan, Roham Hadidchi, Umayyah Ahsan, Junaid Muktadir, Rishi Porwal Apr 2026

Mapping Neurobehavioral Outcomes Of Glyphosate Application In The United States Through A Data Science Framework, Parushi Porwal, Sharvani Nune, Japji Madan, Arrin Carter, Mitali Athwale, Aliyah Khan, Roham Hadidchi, Umayyah Ahsan, Junaid Muktadir, Rishi Porwal

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Glyphosate is the most widely used active ingredient in herbicides globally, yet its impact on mental health and neurodegenerative disorders is under-researched. This project developed a data science approach to build a structured database that consolidates evidence of glyphosate exposure and neurological health outcomes, with a primary focus on the United States. A systematic search of scientific databases identified over seventy peer-reviewed studies, primarily U.S.-based with some global representation. Data for six primary health outcomes (depression, anxiety, reported suicide, ADHD, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease) were extracted. Each study was reviewed for design type, study location, exposure assessment methods, health …

Go to article

Pattern Formation In A Β-Amyloid Plaque Model For Alzheimer's Disease , Hannah Prudhomme Apr 2026

Pattern Formation In A Β-Amyloid Plaque Model For Alzheimer's Disease , Hannah Prudhomme

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder with complex physiological mechanism that are not fully understood. Over 7 million Americans are known to be living with the disease, and an Alzheimer's diagnosis accounts for 60-70% of dementia cases. Current hypotheses attribute the cause to an interplay between β-Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, resulting in central nervous system disruption and decline in cognitive functioning. In this project, we study a spatial dynamical system model that incorporates the interaction between β-Amyloid monomers, oligomers, microglia, and interleukins in the context of plaque aggregation. We establish conditions for the existence and stability of a spatially …

Go to article

Repurposing Nilotinib In A Metabolically Compromised Mouse Model Of Alzheimer's Disease, Maria Ramirez Aleman, Victoria Pullido-Correa, Ariana Hernandez, Chana Vogel, Ana Carvalho, Daniel Lopez, Esperanza Barrios, Katilin Martin, Dylan Kuni, Maria A. Paiz Apr 2026

Repurposing Nilotinib In A Metabolically Compromised Mouse Model Of Alzheimer's Disease, Maria Ramirez Aleman, Victoria Pullido-Correa, Ariana Hernandez, Chana Vogel, Ana Carvalho, Daniel Lopez, Esperanza Barrios, Katilin Martin, Dylan Kuni, Maria A. Paiz

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Diet-related metabolic disorders, including obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes, significantly increase the risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Despite substantial research, effective disease-modifying therapies remain limited. Nilotinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor approved for leukemia, has shown neuroprotective effects in preclinical AD models, including reduced amyloid-β pathology and improved cognition. In vitro studies also suggest nilotinib enhances mitochondrial bioenergetics. However, its efficacy under conditions of metabolic dysfunction remains unclear. This study therefore evaluated the effects of nilotinib in an AD mouse model with diet-induced metabolic impairment. Male and female B6129SF1/J control and 3xTg-AD mice were fed a low-fat (LFD) or high-fat …

Go to article

The Effects Of Gender Crime Congruency On Jurors' Decisions And Confidence, Elizabeth Avila Apr 2026

The Effects Of Gender Crime Congruency On Jurors' Decisions And Confidence, Elizabeth Avila

Undergraduate Student Symposium

A basic principle of the U.S. court system is that every individual has the right to a fair and unbiased trial. While this is the ideal, it is not always reality. Jurors come in with their own beliefs and attitudes before the trial starts. These preconceived beliefs can jeopardize the integrity of the trial. An example of these beliefs is gender stereotypes. Gender stereotypes can influence a juror's attitude towards a defendant, to either have a more negative or positive view on whether the defendant's gender matched the nature of their crime. This is called gender crime congruency. In this …

Go to article

A Review Of Reproductive Cycling In Batoid Dentition Morphology With New Data On Two Dasyatid Stingrays From The Western North Atlantic, Lacey Adamik Apr 2026

A Review Of Reproductive Cycling In Batoid Dentition Morphology With New Data On Two Dasyatid Stingrays From The Western North Atlantic, Lacey Adamik

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Elasmobranchs continuously replace their teeth throughout their lifespan, allowing changes in tooth morphology associated with feeding and reproduction to occur. In many batoid species, males will bite females during pre-copulatory behavior, placing male dentition under selective pressure to meet the demands of both diet and grasping of females. Previous research has documented sexual dimorphism and seasonal dentition changes in several species of batoids, suggesting that this phenomenon is widespread. Much of this research is observation-based, and quantitative studies of dentition are limited, particularly in pelagic species. Pelagic Stingray (Pteroplatytrygon violacea) specimens were previously collected by commercial fishermen, and …

Go to article

Towards Safer Epirubicin Based Anti-Cancer Treatments, Alanis Malave Carmona, Julian Oliver Bozek, Elizia Jijon, Shivansh Patel, Alvin Binoj, Samuel Dinh Apr 2026

Towards Safer Epirubicin Based Anti-Cancer Treatments, Alanis Malave Carmona, Julian Oliver Bozek, Elizia Jijon, Shivansh Patel, Alvin Binoj, Samuel Dinh

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Epirubicin is a widely used anticancer agent whose mechanism of action (DNA intercalation leading to disruption of the double-stranded helical structure) has been extensively studied. Despite its clinical effectiveness, epirubicin is associated with significant side effects that limit its therapeutic window. In this work, we investigated the interaction of epirubicin with a circular double-stranded plasmid DNA (2686 bp) in the presence and absence of 5-amino-4-imidazolecarboxamide (AIC). Spectroscopic studies combined with a modified Stern-Volmer methodology were used to determine binding constants. The results indicate that stepwise addition of AIC enhances epirubicin intercalation, yielding a higher DNA-epirubicin binding constant compared to epirubicin …

Go to article

Temperature-Driven Changes In Lysis Kinetics Of Bacteriophages Infecting Gordonia Rubripertincta, Bianca Gonzalez, Jyothi Vivekananda Apr 2026

Temperature-Driven Changes In Lysis Kinetics Of Bacteriophages Infecting Gordonia Rubripertincta, Bianca Gonzalez, Jyothi Vivekananda

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Antibiotic resistance represents a significant global health crisis creating a necessity for alternative treatments to combat drug-resistant pathogens. One alternative treatment is bacteriophages, such as those targeting Gordonia rubripertincta, a gram-positive, aerobic actinomycete bacterium which has shown intrinsic resistance to some antibiotics. Furthermore, G. rubripertincta can cause endocarditis and CNS infections in immunocompromised individuals. Phages that successfully target G. rubripertincta (Alyssamiracle, Fribs8, Genamy16, and NovaSharks) have been discovered by NSU students. The phages work in a lytic manner, bursting the bacteria and releasing its viral progeny. The goal of this research was to evaluate the lysis kinetics of these …

Go to article

First Prev Next Last