PROGRAM
and
PROCEEDINGS 

Husker Rocketry is a group of undergraduate students that design, build, and launch high powered rockets for annual intercollegiate rocket competitions. Members of our team learn the basics of rocketry and aerodynamics by utilizing OpenRocket and Solidworks, as well as gain hands-on experience working with composites, electronics, shop tools, 3D printing, and programming. This year, we are returning to the International Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC) (formerly called Spaceport America Cup), which will be held in Midland, TX in June. Our team is composed of four sub-teams: airframe, mechanical payload, electrical, and programming. These sub-teams each have their own team lead and are responsible for building all of the components of the airframe, payload, payload ground station, and avionics bay. We will be competing in the 10k COTS category at IREC, so our goal is to construct an airframe that hits a target simulated apogee of around 10,000 feet. This year, our goal was to fabricate our own airframe for the first time since the team restarted using carbon fiber and fiberglass composite layups. Our goal is also to launch the rocket as close to Mach 1 as possible. Our payload will have multiple cameras capturing footage of the rocket as it launches. This includes both a traditional camera that records to an SD card, as well as livestream footage from the payload bay that can be streamed to YouTube. This is something our team hasn’t done before and requires us to construct a ground station that tracks the rocket in order to maintain the line of sight telemetry required for the livestream signal. So, we have members working on both the on-board payload as well as the ground station throughout the year. In addition to building the rocket, each year our team also submits written deliverables such as a proposal, preliminary design review (PDR), comprehensive design review (CDR), and a final presentation poster that we display at the competition.

Women in Aerospace (WIA) is a group that promotes professional development, workshops, community engagement, and a sense of belonging for women and other minorities within the field of aerospace engineering. We collaborate with industry partners to host speaker events, which allow our members to directly get in contact with aerospace engineers from a variety of different industries. We also attended two different national conferences this year: WE24 (the national Society of Women Engineers conference) and WAI (Women in Aviation International). Attending these conferences has directly resulted in our members getting aerospace internships and improving their networking skills. We also be presented at the No Limits conference hosted at UNL in March. Women in Aerospace also hosts skills-based workshops based on what members are interested in, which allows them to improve different skills (related to different manufacturing techniques). This not only allows members to gain skills in different areas of interest but also promotes bonding and collaboration with other aerospace members.

The human immune system is highly responsive to physiological, psychological, and environmental stressors, making infection prevention critical for astronuants during space flight. 3D printing enables rapid, on-demand production of medical devices tailored to specific conditions. Antimicrobial materials, with copper-based biocidal composites, enhance this capability by reducing infection risks. However, deploying these materials requires understanding their mechanical properties to ensure durability, safety, and functionality. The purpose of this project is to utilize antimicrobial 3D printing filament to develop medical devices to be used by astronauts in space flight. Mechanical testing was conducted on polylactic acid (PLA). Tensile properties, including ultimate strength and  modulus of elasticity were measured following ASTM D638 standards. Compressive strength and modulus were determined using ASTM D695 protocols. Tests were performed using a Shimadzu AGS-X Universal Testing Machine (UTM) with a load range of 1N to 50kN. PLA exhibited an average compressive strength of 83.85 MPa and a compressive modulus of 1,925.14 MPa. The ultimate strength for PLA was 2,912.75 psi and the modulus of elasticity was 73,410.50 psi. PLA’s stiffness and compressive strength make it suitable for rigid, load-bearing components. Seven medical device protypes were 3D printed using the antimicrobial PLA. Devices included, short finger splint, full finger splint, scissors, hemostat, scalpel handel, forceps, and a kidney tray. These devices highlight the usability of this material and its potential applications during space flight. The outcomes of this project provide safe, on-demand technology for astronauts on missions as well as promote the use of additive manufacturing for in space use.

Quasars are super luminous objects located in the centers of galaxies. The energy they release is powered by the accretion disks of supermassive black holes. The luminosity of quasar accretion disks is variable, and this fundamental observation of quasars that can give insight into their physical characteristics. We have developed simulations of quasar accretion disks that produce variable light curves. Our goal is to use these simulations to characterize the physical parameters that affect the variability, such as black hole mass, Eddington ratio, and characteristic timescales. In our model, the temperature distribution of the disk directly determines the emissions. The variability in the emissions is caused by thermal fluctuations that are driven by random perturbations in the local mass accretion rate. Our simulations use a continuous autoregressive (CAR) process to model these local mass accretion rates. We can generate synthetic distributions of quasars and their light curves over a range of values for their physical parameters to test their impact on the amplitude of variability. Our objective is to simulate quasar observations of the upcoming Vera Rubin Observatory, which will provide large sets of data on AGNs, which will advance our understanding of accretion. We intend to develop statistical tests of its capabilities and its anticipated results. These tests will inform researchers on ways to improve accretion disk models to more accurately capture the nature of quasar optical variability.

The bioaccessibility of macronutrients in peanut butter were compared between two different types, conventional and organic. Organic farming is the use of natural process to operate the farm as opposed to man-made processes which is known as conventional farming. A macronutrient is described as the substances that are needed in large quantities that provide humans with energy. Both types of peanut butter were put through stomach digestion, which was created by mixing pepsin, HCl, and NaHCO3.  Samples were analyzed using a Glycerol assay kit. The glycerol assay kit determined the glycerol level in the peanut butter after digestion to ensure fatty acids were digested and if lactate was created during the process. From the Glycerol assay changes in glycerol were calculated. For conventional peanut butter, pepsin 0.0113g/L, HCl 0.406g/L, stomach 0.816g/L, duodenum -0.547g/L.  For organic peanut butter, pepsin -0.389g/L, HCl -0.443g/L, stomach 0.041g/L, duodenum 0.526g/L. HPLC analysis is in process to measure the amounts of bioaccessible amino acids, sugars, and fatty acids. This experiment will provide insight as to what type of food would be better to consume before a practice or competition and will last the duration of the practice or competition. The higher the bioaccessibility the higher the absorption into the body, which adds to the longevity of products making it better for athletes to intake.

A riboswitch is a piece of non-coding RNA that functions in downstream gene expression when bound to a metabolite. When a riboswitch interacts with its metabolite, it will undergo a conformational change that will affect downstream gene expression. The result is a change in production of the binding metabolite. The Soukup lab is researching the potential eukaryotic riboswitch in the Ornithine Decarboxylase Antizyme pseudoknot (OAZ-PK) RNA segment. Known bacterial riboswitches have an effect on various metabolic pathways, providing a way to develop antibiotic treatments. Identification of a similar non-coding RNA in eukaryotic species may provide a way to develop anti biological agents. I study a potential riboswitch in Crassostrea Gigas, a species of oyster. Selective 2’-Hydroxyl Acylation analyzed by Primer Extension (SHAPE) is being used to analyze structural changes of the OAZ-PK segment when it interacts with various polyamines. Analyzing these structural changes will aid in identifying this RNA segment as a eukaryotic riboswitch.

The project described was supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Grant # 5P20GM103427.

Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in the immune system by eliminating malignant and infected cells through two primary mechanisms: direct killing and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Both pathways contribute to immune defense and are of interest in the Denton Immunology lab. This lab focuses on studying and optimizing NK cell function by assessing factors that influence these killing mechanisms using Daudi and K562 cancer cell lines. Flow cytometry is a key tool in these investigations, providing insight into NK cell activity and target cell characteristics. However, variations in cell culture conditions, such as the timing of cell splits before an assay, may impact staining quality and data interpretation. To evaluate this, staining data from Daudi and K562 cells that were split either one or two days before flow cytometry will be analyzed. Statistical comparisons will determine whether split timing significantly affects staining intensity and overall data quality. It is hypothesized that cells split two days before the assay will exhibit better staining quality due to more stable surface marker expression and reduced cellular stress. If confirmed, this finding could help refine best practices for cell culture preparation in flow cytometry experiments. These findings could provide guidance on whether cell splits should be standardized at a specific time before assays to ensure optimal staining quality and data consistency. If split timing is shown to have a significant impact, this information could help the lab and others refine experimental workflows, improving reproducibility and reliability in flow cytometry-based studies. The project described was supported in part by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the NIGMS of the National Institutes of Health under Grant # 5P20GM103427.

Naegleria fowleri, a thermophilic, free-living amoeba causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), a rare but devastating central nervous system infection with a mortality rate exceeding 95%. Despite the use of multiple anti-infective agents, treatment remains largely ineffective. Drug interactions in PAM therapy have been poorly characterized. Drug antagonism, a known challenge in antimicrobial treatment, may contribute to poor clinical outcomes. To address this gap, we have utilized isobologram analysis to evaluate the interactions between drugs commonly used to treat PAM. Our findings reveal both synergistic and antagonistic interactions, highlighting the importance of combination therapy optimization. Identifying synergistic combinations may enhance therapeutic efficacy, while recognizing antagonistic interactions can prevent ineffective treatment strategies. Future research will focus on in vivo validation of promising drug combinations

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a very common infection prevalent in 50-80% of American adults. The virus causes recurrent painful oral sores and fevers and can exhibit a period of latency between active infections. Currently there is antiviral medication that can reduce the number of outbreaks, but resistance mutants are beginning to become a larger concern. LAPTM5 is a lysosomal membrane protein which regulates cell death, helping with immune response. LAPTM5 has been implicated in cancer, viral infections and immune diseases., LAPTM5 has shown antiviral activity against HIV-1 through interactions with the envelope, indicating it may be a viral restriction factor.. It is unknown whether LAPTM5 plays a restrictive role in HSV-1 infection. We hypothesize that overexpression of LAPTM5 in a cell line will inhibit HSV-1 infection, because several other viral restriction factors exhibit cross-virus restriction. Here we present our progress in exploring this hypothesis. This work is important because it could uncover new viral life cycle targets for the development of novel therapies.

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that is a leading cause of nosocomial infections associated with foreign devices. Often, S. aureus is associated with relapsing infections thought to be mediated by persister cell formation, a dormant-like subpopulation tolerant to antibiotic treatment. Recently, persister cell formation was shown to depend on a reduction in tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity, as a knockout in the fumarase gene results in increased tolerance (fumC:: NΣ). In turn, we found persister cells also conferred a survival advantage to antimicrobial peptides, LL-37, and human β-defensin 3, leading us to hypothesize a similar advantage to macrophages. To investigate, we monitored survival of fumC:: NΣ and wild-type S. aureus in a macrophage cell line. Interestingly, those infected with fumC:: NΣ exhibited increased bacterial burden. To determine whether macrophages infected with persisters exhibited a difference in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) production, macrophages were stained with 4-amino-5-methylamino-2', 7’- difluoroflurescein and CM-H2DCFDA. No significant difference in RONS production was observed between macrophages infected with fumC:: NΣ and wild-type S. aureus, indicating persisters confer a fitness advantage through other means. Altogether, our results suggest that persisters hold an advantage in macrophage interactions.

Ixodes scapularis, commonly known as the black-legged tick, plays a significant role in transmitting various human pathogens. At every post-embryonic stage of its development—larva, nymph, and adult—the tick relies on consuming a substantial blood meal to progress to the next stage. This feeding behavior also increases the risk of acquiring pathogens from infected hosts. During blood feeding, ticks undergo a remarkable expansion of their cuticle, allowing them to engorge and gain up to 100 times their original body weight. Yet, the precise ultrastructural changes and mechanisms stabilizing the cuticle against the increasing turgor pressure from the ingested blood are not fully understood. Our research focuses on the role of chitin, a key component of the arthropod cuticle, in maintaining structural integrity during blood ingestion. Traditionally, chitin synthesis in arthropods has been observed mainly during the molting process. However, our findings reveal a unique biphasic pattern of chitin synthesis in ticks: occurring first during feeding and subsequently during molting, challenging established paradigms and offering new insights into tick physiology and adaptation mechanisms. Moreover, our work sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of cuticular chitin remodeling in ticks during feeding and underscores the significance of targeting chitin metabolism as a strategy for innovative vector control methods.

​Herpes Simplex Virus type one (HSV-1) infections are some of the most common viral infections of humans in the world. HSV-1 is an enveloped virus which establishes latency in its host as a way to evade the host’s immune system. During viral infections host cells express viral restriction factors to halt infection to other cells. Cells express interferon in response to viruses and as a result increase expression of viral restriction factors, one such group of restriction factors is known as interferon-induced transmembrane (IFITM) family of proteins . Many stages of the viral replication cycle are inhibited by viral restriction factors; IFITM3 is thought to modulate cell membranes or antagonize viral structure and inhibit entry. IFITM3 specifically has been linked to potently restrict enveloped viruses like Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Influenza. Both human IFITM1 and IFTIM3 have been shown to strongly inhibit HSV-1 infection in vitro. Previous studies have shown that non-primate mammalian genes have significantly inhibited HIV and SIV infections which is the basis of our experiments on the inhibition of HSV-1. Initial experiments have shown that overexpression of IFITM3 did not have a significant impact on plaque size but we found that rates of expression were low. To circumvent this we explored alternative transfection methods resulting in a higher yield of expression as well as utilized a more accurate quantitative PCR method. 

Twenty percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers in the US are squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). Specifically, cutaneous SCC is attributed with worse prognoses with around 1-5% of cSCCs metastasizing. Studies of in vitro cancer cells are largely done at atmospheric oxygen conditions. Our lab’s approach is novel as we understand there is alteration to a cell’s metabolism in hypoxic conditions. This is critical to developing a better characterization of cancer metabolism as tumors often end up in hypoxic environments.  Using a primary tumor cell line and a metastatic tumor cell line, SCC74A and SCC74B respectively, our goal was to identify metabolic changes associated with cancer in hopes of improving cancer diagnosis efficacy. Metabolism of SCC74 cell lines cultured in 21% and 2% O₂ was characterized with the Agilent Seahorse XFe24 Analyzer in conjunction with the use of NADH Phasor FLIM. We hypothesized that prolonged growth in a hypoxic environment would result in a shift from aerobic to anerobic metabolism, with less reliance on the electron transport chain (ETC). We monitored cellular respiration by applying ETC inhibitors in both environmental conditions. A two-way ANOVA (cell line, oxygen condition) revealed that oxygenation significantly affected ATP-linked respiration. In agreement with the NADH Phasor FLIM results, Seahorse revealed a reduction in cellular metabolism based on the environment cancer cells are found in. The results from Seahorse and the in vivo FLIM are promising that there is application for NADH Phasor FLIM as a noninvasive, optical method of biopsy to diagnose cancer. 

The project described was supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Grant # 5P20GM103427. 

Atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac arrhythmia worldwide, significantly raises the risk of stroke and heart failure, increasing healthcare burden and costs. Early detection is imperative for prevention and intervention. This has been provided by advancements in machine and deep learning, which has provided resilience even against noise or short durations. This systematic review, spanning eleven studies on PubMed, found that incorporating signal preprocessing (wavelet filtering, independent component analysis) and symbolic representations of RR intervals improved average sensitivity (up to 96.8%) and precision (up to 94%). While robustness and classification were improved by de-noising strategies like Stationary Wavelet Transform, phase-driven attention mechanisms, generative topographic mapping, and novel feature-selection strategies (filter-based γ-metric), synergizing convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and hybrid architectures (CNN–LSTM ensembles) is additionally beneficial. Wearable and contact-free monitoring (e.g., facial video–based pulse extraction) allow for continuous and opportunistic detection, which aids screening. Non-linear clustering (using GTM) with phenotyping methods improves risk stratification to support more focused risk management. With limited or non-human data, weak labels and uncertainty estimation improve model calibration and reliability. For paroxysmal AF episodes, dynamic symbolic assignment (DSA) captures transition patterns in RR intervals. Advancements in machine learning have significantly improved early detection of atrial fibrillation across scenarios. As this healthcare burden persists, hopefully, these innovations will improve prediction.

Encapsulation of photoreactive alkenes within cavitands as a reliable method for controlling photocycloaddition (PCA) reactions is an ongoing endevor in our research group.  Dubbed the cavitand-mediatd photocycloaddition (CMP) approach, this methodology provides a supramolecular means of directing the bimolecular PCA of a wide range of aryl acrylic acids (Ar-CH=CH-COOH) towards specific regio- and stereoisomers, yielding several truxillic and truxinic acid dimers selectively and in high yields. The presence of truxillic and truxinic acid cores in several natural compounds and bioactive molecules adds significance to this endeavor. This presentation features our exploration of CMP applied to the PCA of chalcones (Ph-CO-CH=CH-Ph), wherein key differences in product chemoselectivity and the spectroscopic features of the host-guest complexes, in comparison to acrylic acids, were observed. This new study, which investigates the photochemical and supramolecular factors governing the differences in reactivity and selectivity between acrylic acids and chalcones, provides additional insights into the factors that influence the effectiveness of CMP. It is hypothesized that differences in intermolecular hydrogen bonding pi-pi stacking, and cavity-induced conformational restrictions contribute to the observed selectivity in the PCA of chalcones versus acrylic acids. These findings are expected to expand the scope of CMP and pave the way for its potential application in the selective synthesis of bioactive and pharmaceutically relevant molecular architectures.

Despite many biology students' innate interest in animal diversity, teaching taxonomy and classification can be challenging to deliver in an engaging format. To capture the excitement of natural historians discovering and classifying unknown organisms, I developed an activity that utilizes Pokémon—a popular fictional universe with diverse regional fauna—to introduce key taxonomic and animal classification concepts and procedures. In this activity, groups of three to four students were given sealed packs of Pokémon trading cards. Each card depicted an animal-like Pokémon that students could "discover" and classify using biological taxonomy. Students completed a structured worksheet requiring them to determine the Pokémon’s symmetry, expected germ layers, and body cavity organization. Based on these characteristics and the Pokémon’s superficial traits, students classified the Pokémon to at least the genus level. If no known species aligned with their Pokémon, students were allowed to assign it a species name. To justify their classification, students compared the Pokémons’ features to real-world animals. The learning objectives for this lesson were to: Identify and describe different types of animal body symmetry, differentiate between diploblastic and triploblastic organisms, classify organisms based on body cavity type, and apply hierarchical taxonomic classification systems to cryptogenic species. This instructional technique can provide an accessible and interactive framework for introducing students to taxonomy, animal classification, comparative anatomy, and evolutionary relationships.
 

    This ethnographic study explores the factors influencing consumer purchasing decisions in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a focus on the adoption of organic and environmentally sustainable products. Utilizing qualitative methods, the research employs extensive participant observation and semi-structured interviews with store employees and shoppers. Observations will primarily focus on consumer behavior in the produce and dairy sections, while semi-structured interviews will examine motivations behind choices such as preferences for organic or plant-based products.

    In addition to exploring product preferences, the study will pay close attention to how demographic factors—such as race, gender, age, and socioeconomic status—may influence purchasing decisions. By observing these characteristics, the research seeks to understand how various social identities shape consumer behavior in the context of sustainable and organic consumption. Conducted in a middle-class suburban environment, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolving dynamics of food retailing and emerging trends in healthy food consumption. Ultimately, the research will offer insights into how consumers navigate food choices in response to health, environmental, and social influences.

It is agreed upon by many that the act of collecting is a behavior in humans that is far from modern. It is an action that has been documented numerous times throughout history, both on small, individualistic and large, corporational scales. Common knowledge around collecting is primarily focused on the ideas of museums and personal accumulations. As maintained by the European Museums Network, the oldest known museum was built in 530 B.C,—nearly 2,555 years ago—and was devoted to Mesopotamian antiques ("The Worlds Oldest Museums", n.d.). This isn’t to say that the interest in collecting started then, as many claim that the urge to collect stems from evolutionary impulses and it is theorized by these groups that collecting has been a habit since early humanity (Dillon, 2019). Others who have researched this topic hold the belief that collecting originates from intrinsic motivations such as simple, aesthetic purposes or psychological reasons, examples including adolescent deprivation or insecurity (Tanselle, 1998). Another theory behind collecting motivations explores possible social connections, as it has been studied and found that the majority of people begin their collections based on familial influences (Jorgensen et al., 2023). This literature review will investigate the relationships between collecting and anthropology and will use secondary research in an attempt to identify and answer the motivating factors behind why people collect, and the sub-question of how their collections began.

This study's objective is to largely serve as a literature review of current information regarding porcine scapulae and human crania morphometrics and behavior under mechanical testing. Surprisingly, little information is published about the morphometrics of pig scapulae, but luckily two little-known articles from Øyvind Nordbø in 2020 and Nordbø et al. In 2018 provide most of the information forensic anthropologists would likely want to know regarding porcine scapulae morphology. Identifying areas of maximum and minimum thickness as well as noting the typical placement of contours that would affect behavior under mechanical testing [1]. This, in conjunction with the work of Rickman & Shackel in 2018 assessing the formation of crack propagation on porcine scapulae, not only provides the relevant morphometrics but also relevant mechanical testing data to back it up [2]. However, more pressing to this research subject is the compositional similarities of human and porcine flat bone. Human flat bone composition is documented extensively with articles like Lynnerup et al. 2005 going as far as documenting the ratio of diploic space in human crania and its variation with age, sex, and general morphology [3]. Porcine flat bone composition however is scant reported on, with Nordbø 2020 being the closest we get in terms of finding any detail on overall composition. Exposing a critical gap in the field, as many articles and experiments operate under the assumption that porcine flat bone and human flat bone are structurally similar without having any actual citation or experiment to reinforce that point. This presentation serves not only to show the scientific community the currently available information regarding porcine scapulae as a proxy for human bone in mechanical testing, but also to expose the fact that little is published about the ratio and function of diploic space in these porcine bones as they compare with humans, and while overall structure and appearance remain similar, it is still worth researching and, more importantly, documenting how this porcine diploe behaves when serving as a proxy. 
1. Nordbø, Ø. (2020). Modelling the shape of the pig scapula. Genetics Selection Evolution, 52(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12711-020-00555-5 
2. Rickman, J. M., & Shackel, J. (2018). A novel hypothesis for the formation of conoidal projectile wounds in Sandwich Bones. International Journal of Legal Medicine, 133(2), 501–519. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00414-018-1946-x 
3. Lynnerup, N., Astrup, J. G., & Sejrsen, B. (2005). Thickness of the human cranial diploe in relation to age, sex and general body build. Head & Face Medicine, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-160x-1-13 

This paper will investigate the differences between global prison systems, why we see certain rates of recidivism and the long term effects of rehabilitation on incarcerated individuals. Recidivism is a term that refers to a “tendency toward chronic criminal behavior leading to numerous arrests and re-imprisonment” (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2025). When trying to avoid high recidivism rates, rehabilitation is implemented. Rehabilitation is the “idea that the purpose of punishment is to apply treatment and training to the offender so that he is made capable of returning to society and functioning as a law-abiding member of the community” (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, 2025). The United States, El Salvador, and Norway all display drastically different approaches within their systems and I will be arguing why some methods lead to increased recidivism and individuals can remain in “mental prisons” after release. A phenomenon that relates to the United States in particular is the “Prison Industrial Complex", which “refers to the intricate relationship between government entities and private industries that encourages the growth of incarceration rates and the prison system” (Mercadal, 2024). Comparatively, Norway is renowned for having one of the most effective prison systems in the world with one of the lowest recidivism rates. Including El Salvador in the picture opens a new perspective and brings into question what peacekeeping can look like, sometimes blurring the line of what the western perspective views as humane and inhumane.

This ethnographic study examines the experiences, roles, responsibilities, and ethical considerations of professionals tasked with the stewardship of human skeletal collections. Through participant observation and semi-structured interviews with archaeologists, anatomists, anthropologists, osteologists, and other professionals, this research will explore how they navigate preservation, access, and repatriation issues. While many professionals emphasize the educational and research value of skeletal collections, they also face increasing demands for decolonization and repatriation under laws such as NAGPRA. Stewards also face ethical concerns regarding non-donated skeletal collections, for which clear legal and institutional guidelines remain lacking. This study will also include a comprehensive literature review to contextualize these challenges within broader ethical, legal, and historical discussions. By examining both professional perspectives and existing scholarship, the study aims to reveal how personal and professional ethics shape decisions regarding skeletal remains, particularly in cases where provenance is uncertain. This study will contribute to ongoing discussions about the future of human remains in research and public institutions and ethical best practices in osteological education.

Over the last 30 years the mortality rate of undocumented migrants at the US-Mexico border has risen, creating a critical need for research on the human rights implications of US border policy1. In response, forensic anthropologists have advocated for the inclusion of osteological variables indicative of early-life stress in the biocultural profile, both to aid in the identification process and to emphasize the impact of structural inequality on individuals from marginalized communities2. For my master’s thesis, I hope to examine the effects of the 1994 Prevention through Deterrence policy on the unidentified migrant population in the Tucson Sector. The study will use evidence of antemortem trauma and oral health issues, such as caries, abscesses, and edentulism, documented by Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner (PCOME) autopsy reports. Using a stratified sampling method by one-year period, I plan to compare data on individuals from the period immediately prior to the funding of Operation Safeguard (1995-1999) to those from the time immediately following its onset (2000-2005)3, to determine the likelihood of differences between the two populations arising by chance. This presentation will be a literature review of the current knowledge on structural violence and mortality rates at the US-Mexico border in the period surrounding the enactment of the Prevention through Deterrence policy. I hope to create a foundational understanding of the demographic changes within undocumented migrant populations and significant United States policy changes which occurred at the beginning of the 21st century, so that my research may expand on the effects of Operation Safeguard on this marginalized community. 

1. Palamenghi A, Cattaneo C. The response of the forensic anthropology scientific community to migrant deaths: Where are we at and where do we stand?. Forensic Science International. 2024 Sep 25:112235. 

2. Beatrice JS, Soler A, Reineke RC, Martínez DE. Skeletal evidence of structural violence among undocumented migrants from Mexico and Central America. American journal of physical anthropology. 2021 Dec;176(4):584-605. 

3. Martínez DE, Reineke RC, Rubio-Goldsmith R, Parks BO. Structural violence and migrant deaths in Southern Arizona: Data from the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner, 1990–2013. Journal on Migration and Human Security. 2014 Dec;2(4):257-86. 

This paper focuses on the research of material culture recovered from archaeological excavations on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln campus, with an emphasis on ceramics discarded at the turn of the 19th century. By analyzing household goods such as white ware and ironstone ceramics alongside historical records, this research investigates how consumer tastes, societal norms, and cultural trends are captured in the collection of materials. The expansion of Lincoln from a small town into a rapidly growing state capital was fueled by railroad access, bringing manufactured goods and new consumer opportunities to the region. The discarded household ceramics found in historic wells and cisterns offer valuable insight into these evolving consumer habits. Through documentation, analysis, and the creation of a public digital exhibit using Omeka S, this project highlights how material culture reflects broader economic and social changes. Special attention is given to the neighborhood predating the Ross Film Theater, where archaeological evidence from residential and commercial spaces illustrates the relationship between the expanding university, urbanization, and consumerism. This project not only fosters skill development in digital curation and historical research but also deepens public understanding of Lincoln’s material history and the broader impact of consumer culture in shaping everyday life.

Western Expansion attracted a diverse array of people, yet much of the literature on the Oregon Trail tends to focus primarily on European settlers and their encroachment on Native American lands (Historic Oregon City, 2019). This project aims to provide a more inclusive perspective by examining the often-overlooked experiences of marginalized groups. Using qualitative methods, the research gathers migration narratives across Nebraska—primarily through primary source diaries—to explore the broader patterns of westward migration. The central research question asks: What do these narratives reveal about migration through Nebraska, and how did different ethnic groups interact with one another? This inquiry is part of a larger mixed-methods research project in anthropology and history, which examines the relationships between Indigenous peoples, minority groups, and settlers along the Oregon Trail, particularly within the context of the Homestead Act (United States Congress, 1862). It considers both the positive and negative aspects of these encounters, specifically focusing on how African Americans, Chinese immigrants, and other marginalized communities engaged with settlers and each other (Lang, n.d.). By analyzing these dynamics, the project seeks to offer a more nuanced understanding of the cultural, social, economic, and political impacts of westward expansion on diverse communities during this pivotal period in American history.

Title: Viability of Digital Image Correlation in the Analysis of Dental Records for Individualization in Forensic Anthropology: A Literature Review 

Alex E. Curry1, acurry13@unl.edu 

1 - Department of Anthropology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE. 

This study’s objective is to serve as an introductory piece to digital image correlation (DIC) for those who are not familiar with it and offer some propositions on how DIC can be used within the field of forensic anthropology. More specifically, in trauma analysis through comparative medical radiography, measuring bone deformation between multiple images, and comparison of dental imagery between suspected decedents and postmortem images. 

Digital image correlation has its foundation in civil engineering, where it is commonly used to test the deformation of materials under stress testing, generating relevant ‘heat’ maps that indicate areas of increased deformation, and in some programs even drawing directional indicators that display the direction of the deformation along with its severity. DIC accomplishes this task by tracking blocks of pixels and monitoring how the coloring and positioning change from picture to picture, usually requiring materials that exhibit a varied observable surface (like concrete or bone material). Sometimes this material is manually created by inflicting a paint speckle pattern upon the surface, but in sufficiently complex surfaces this process is not needed. 

Recent advances in digital image correlation software have allowed select researchers to apply these tools to biomechanical studies, most notably in the analysis of compression in porcine flat bone material. Creating vibrant and easy-to-understand graphics that detail the deformation of bone material between images, which entertains a possibility of use within a forensic anthropological context. Not only being able to identify sites of trauma but also having such programs be able to analyze such sites and offer input on the direction of deformation may prove invaluable where antemortem imaging of a decedent is available for comparison. This could be especially useful in the comparison of dental records due to the generally uniform position from which these radiographic images are taken and the ability to replicate such images. 

There are several noteworthy articles and programs in the world of digital image correlation that have since crossed into the realm of biomechanics. Bringing the subject matter ever closer to forensic anthropology, with more recent studies opening lines of inquiry into possible use cases for such programs in comparative medical radiography for the purposes of identification and the analysis of trauma. 

SEQUENCING THE GENOME OF A BORRELIA BURGDORFERI STRAIN FOUND IN THURSTON COUNTY, NEBRASKA 

Natalie Hamaker¹, Travis J. Bourret² natalie.hamaker@eagles.csc.edu  

1 - Department of Physical Sciences, Chadron State College, Chadron, NE 69337 

2– Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE 68178 

This study attempts to phylogenetically classify and genetically analyze a strain of  Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, that was extracted from a tick found in Thurston County, Nebraska. Whole genome sequencing of this strain provides insight into potential differences in the metabolism and infection cycle of the specific strain that may infect people or animals living in Nebraska. It is important to determine the phylogenetic relationships of individual strains of B. burgdorferi so that it can be better understood how different strains are moving across North America and which strains are prevalent in different parts of the world. The whole genome sequencing for this study was done by the University of Nebraska Medical Center genomics core, which ran long paired reads, performing 2 x 250 paired ends, on the MiSeq instrument using a MiSeq Reagent Nano Kit v2 (500 cycles). The results of the whole genome sequencing were then analyzed by running a variation analysis against Borrelia burgdorferi strain B31 on the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) website. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been found in many genes and specifically the gene that encodes for outer-surface protein C (OspC). OspC is an indicator of the Thurston County B. burgdorferi strain’s relationship to other strains from North America and Europe. Using the sequence of the ospC gene, the Thurston County strain has been compared to other strains within the BV-BRC database to create a phylogenetic tree that demonstrates the relationship of the new strain of B. burgdorferi that is threatening Nebraska. 

Nursing students at the undergraduate and graduate levels benefit from opportunities to practice having difficult conversations with patients and families. Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications provide a unique opportunity for learners to gain experience and hone this skill prior to human interaction. The purpose of this project is to develop a tiered experiential approach to preparing nursing students for difficult conversations prior to interacting with real-life standardized patients. Our team aims to adapt, pilot, and evaluate an AI-based communication tool for student engagement in practicing difficult conversations. Approximately 80 undergraduate and graduate nursing students will first practice difficult conversations via an AI chatbot before engaging with a standardized patient (appropriately leveled for students). Rubrics will be utilized for course outcomes evaluation and learners will complete a post-activity survey to determine student perceptions regarding the usability and efficacy of the AI-based communication tool. 

Keywords: Uranium-Series Disequilibrium, Mantle Melting Models, Computational Optimization

Abstract: The accurate modeling of uranium-series (U-series) isotopic disequilibria in basaltic lavas is essential for understanding mantle melting processes. The pyUserCalc Jupyter Notebook, developed by Elkins and Spiegelman (2021), provides an accessible and cloud-hosted tool for modeling these disequilibria under equilibrium and disequilibrium porous flow conditions. However, to enhance its functionality, usability, and computational efficiency, we are systematically refining the code. This work leverages advanced programming and software engineering principles, including data input optimization, profiling existing models, refactoring, modularization, optimized numerical solvers, testing and improved data visualization, to increase the tool's flexibility and scalability. Our improvements aim to facilitate broader adoption by the geoscience community through open-source distribution on GitLab. Key enhancements include restructuring the code into reusable classes and functions, optimizing performance for large-scale simulations, and incorporating better parameter selection interfaces. These refinements ensure that pyUserCalc remains a robust, reproducible, and extensible platform for investigating U-series disequilibrium during mantle melting and melt transport processes.

References:

Elkins, L.J. and Spiegelman, M., 2021. pyUserCalc: A revised Jupyter Notebook calculator for uranium‐series disequilibria in basalts. Earth and Space Science, 8(12), p.e2020EA001619. Available: https://gitlab.com/ENKI-portal/pyUsercalc

The objective of our project is to develop a single-laser system capable of simultaneously locking to both the cooling and repump transitions of the D2 Rubidium-87 line. Our approach of using a single laser and a saturated absorption spectroscopy setup aims to enhance the efficiency of laser cooling techniques. The first step in achieving this goal includes the development of a repump transition beam to keep the cooling transition going. This will be accomplished using an Electro-Optic Modulator (EOM) with attached fiber optic couplers in combination with a radio-frequency driver (RF) to create the necessary frequency modulation. Locking the laser to the cooling transition we will be able to siphon off some of the cooling light and send that into the EOM to blue shift the light to be on resonance with the repump transition. This work contributes to the next phase of laser cooling technology, which is essential for advancing precision measurements, quantum simulations, and ultra-cold atom experiments. The completion of our project will provide a significant step toward the end goal of laser cooling.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults, with a median survival of about 15 months despite the current standard of care, which includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. This study investigates the use of the immunotherapeutic drug Lenalidomide in combination with radiotherapy to improve therapeutic outcomes. MATLAB-based AI codes (machine learning) are used to cluster and analyze cellular and organoid imaging data, providing a deeper understanding of treatment effects at the cellular level. 

Two GBM cell lines are treated with Lenalidomide and subjected to clinically relevant radiation doses using a cell irradiator. Cell migration is monitored in real time, and survival analysis is conducted using cloud-based clonogenic assays. Images of treated cells and organoids are analyzed using machine learning algorithms implemented in MATLAB to cluster morphological changes. Our results demonstrate that Lenalidomide, in combination with radiotherapy, significantly enhances the antitumor effects on GBM. Machine learning analysis of imaging data reveals distinct clustering patterns corresponding to treatment-induced morphological changes. 

About 25% of cancer patients receive chemotherapy and about 50% to 60% receive radiotherapy. Yet, several cancers are both chemo- and radioresistant, such as glioblastoma (GBM). This study aims to enhance treatment outcomes for cancers exhibiting high resistance to radiation and chemotherapy by utilizing MATLAB-based unsupervised machine learning to cluster and analyze cellular and organoid imaging data. We used Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS) to monitor cellular activities, such as adhesion, proliferation, and migration, following chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Additionally, a cloud-based platform, Axion Omni provides millions of images over time. Unsupervised machine learning in MATLAB was employed to cluster morphological changes from imaging data, identifying patterns correlating with possible treatment efficacy. 3D data acquisition is on-going and machine learning results will be presented.  

Liquid metal (LM) elastomer composites offer promising potential in soft robotics, wearable electronics, and human-machine interfaces. Direct ink write (DIW) 3D printing offers a versatile manufacturing technique capable of precise control over LM microstructures, yet challenges such as interfilament void formation in multilayer structures impact material performance. Here, a DIW strategy is introduced to control both LM microstructure and material architecture. Investigating three key process parameters–nozzle height, extrusion rate, and nondimensionalized nozzle velocity–it is found that nozzle height and velocity predominantly influence filament geometry. The nozzle height primarily dictates the aspect ratio of the filament and the formation of voids. A threshold print height based on filament geometry is identified; below the height, significant surface roughness occurs, and above the ink fractures, which facilitates the creation of porous structures with tunable stiffness and programmable LM microstructure. These porous architectures exhibit reduced density and enhance thermal conductivity compared to cast samples. When used as a dielectric in a soft capacitive sensor, they display high sensitivity (gauge factor = 9.0), as permittivity increases with compressive strain. These results demonstrate the capability to simultaneously manipulate LM microstructure and geometric architecture in LM elastomer composites through precise control of print parameters, while maintaining geometric fidelity in the printed design.

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln R.E.D. Teams’ Micro-g NExT design team has proposed the Highly Efficient Regolith Bidirectional Integrated Extraction (HERBIE) for NASA’s Micro-g NExT design challenge. This device will aid astronauts in sample collection on the surface of the moon by providing a simply operated ergonomic device that can collect and store small samples of lunar regolith. HERBIE is operated by pulling upward on the side handle to actuate the mechanism housed inside the device frame. The device will allow astronauts to maintain a mostly upright position while collecting regolith from the moon’s surface. HERBIE consists of three main sections: device frame, sample container, and actuator. The device frame consists of a three-tiered telescoping rod, housing mount and top handle. The top handle connected to the three-tiered rod provides stability to the astronaut while operating the device while the rod allows for full extension away from the astronaut and any disturbed regolith. The sample container consists of a 3” by 3” area to store collected regolith of a depth of 4 mm. The regolith is collected via two sliding doors that seal together. This container can then be removed and replaced. The actuator system consists of two arms connected to an internal cable system, that when pulled to the upright position, closes the sample housing door. This internal cable system is driven by a handle located at the top side of the telescoping rod. The device is dust tolerant and resistant to corrosion from chlorinated water for testing at NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. It only requires manual power and can be operated with an astronaut’s gloved hands. Each mechanism has been developed using rapid prototyping tools such as laser cutting and 3D printing. The final version of the device will primarily be made of a mix of custom and off-the-shelf stainless steel and aluminum components as well as 3D-printed components. This project is financially supported by the NASA Nebraska Space Grant and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Engineering Student Advisory Board.

Tragically, mass shootings have become more common in today’s society.  In 2014, 275 mass shootings were investigated.  This number jumped by 30% in 2020.  Due to the variability in the number of victims and location (outdoor or indoor), investigations of such crimes can be challenging. Retrieving evidence from these scenes, with subsequent reconstruction must be done in a timely manner.  This project sought to simulate an outdoor mass shooting scenario and analyze retrieved evidence.  Victim and bystanders were simulated with contrasting-colored shirts on wood supports and the victim shot at close range. The shirts were then individually placed in paper evidence bags for transport to the laboratory.  Photography and microscopy were used to analyze the shirts for trace evidence, with emphasis on artificial blood spatter, gunshot residue, and fiber.  This project demonstrated the importance of simulated scenarios, such as mass-shootings, to explore variables and hopefully investigate crime scenes more efficiently. 

The study of pharmaceuticals and their effects is a constantly evolving area. One of the emerging ways to test these effects is using insects known to have blood-brain barriers and peripheral nervous systems similar to humans. Previous studies were carried out on Drosophila melanogaster; however, Gromphadorhina portentosa (Madagascan hissing cockroach) have been used in a few studies due to having a similar blood-brain barrier to humans and as a larger model for study. In this study, G. portentosa are being monitored for the impact of well-studied over-the-counter medications, Diphenhydramine and Dextromethorphan to determine if they are viable for pharmaceutical testing. G. portentosa is being evaluated for behavioral changes, memory changes, and dependency on these medications. Subjects had initial observation periods of three weeks in which behavior patterns were observed, and daily trials were conducted with a mouse maze to evaluate memory. Following the observation period, doses of Diphenhydramine at 20 mg mL-1, 10 mg mL-1, and 5 mg mL-1 of sugar water were given in separate test cages and were observed for a week after an initial dosing day. Methods were repeated for Dextromethorphan. Results are currently being collected and evaluated; however, it is hypothesized that the drugs will increase aggression in G. portentosa and increase the time it takes for them to finish the maze.  

Animals experience a variety of stressors and anxiety-inducing scenarios throughout their lives. Proactive and reactive stress coping styles are two ways animals respond to stress and anxiety. Proactive individuals tend to show lower stress and anxiety behaviors while reactive individuals tend to show the opposite. Studies have linked stress to increased glutamate levels, and dysregulation of glutamate has been associated with various stress- and anxiety-related disorders. It is crucial to maintain glutamatergic modulation to appropriately respond to stress and anxiety. N-Acetylcysteine amide (NACA) is an emerging compound to regulate glutamate in the brain. While studies have utilized NACA to study stress and anxiety in zebrafish, the role of glutamate in facilitating the display of alternative stress coping styles is not well understood. We tested the hypothesis that acute treatments of NACA will reduce stress-related behaviors. After NACA administration in zebrafish with the proactive or reactive stress coping style, we quantified anxiety-related behaviors (light/dark test) and active vesicular glutamate transporters (VGLUT) via immunohistochemistry to quantify neuronal glutamate activity. After treating fish for 24 hours with 1 mg/L of NACA, we saw a significant decrease in anxiety-like behavior compared to the control group. However, the magnitude of the anxiolytic effect by NACA did not differ between the proactive and reactive coping styles. By providing a better understanding of glutamate neurotransmission between the different stress coping styles and NACA’s effect on glutamate modulation in stress, we may gain insights into new ways to treat stress and anxiety-related disorders.  

Eleanor Britson 1,  Dr. Jorge Zuniga 1  ebritson@unomaha.edu, 

1 - Department of Biomechanics, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha, NE;

Excessive sweating and bacterial growth on the residual limb are significant challenges faced by prosthetic users. To address these concerns, we developed a prototype for a prosthetic liner designed to combat both excessive perspiration and bacterial proliferation. The key innovation of this liner is the material used—Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS), a polymer embedded with a copper-based composite that provides antimicrobial properties. The material not only promotes comfort but also helps to maintain hygiene by reducing bacterial growth.

The prosthetic liner is engineered to handle up to 500 mL of sweat in just 38 minutes, significantly reducing moisture buildup on the residual limb. In addition, SEBS demonstrates a remarkable ability to reduce bacterial concentration by more than 99.99%, with no viable bacteria detected after 24 hours. The material achieves a 5-log reduction in bacterial count, further ensuring the prevention of infections commonly associated with prosthetic use.

By combining these advanced features—effective moisture management and superior antimicrobial properties—our prototype aims to improve both the comfort and health of prosthetic users. This innovative approach has the potential to significantly enhance the user experience, making prosthetics more hygienic and comfortable for daily use. The findings from this development could lead to the creation of more efficient and health-conscious prosthetic solutions.

The Klotho protein is an important regulator of aging, neurocognitive health, and auditory function. Decreased expression in Klotho is linked to cognitive decline and hearing impairment across species. Our lab has focused on neuronal effects of Klotho because mouse Klotho-deficiency results in very early memory impairment.  While Klotho clearly affects neuronal structure and function, Klotho is implicated in wider brain function than neurons alone can explain.  Recently we have engaged in studies to characterize the role of Klotho in the choroid plexus.  Choroid plexus generates most of the brain’s cerebrospinal fluid while also having roles in blood: brain barrier function.  Our studies are revealing profound effects on protein transporter expression with Klotho-deficiency that suggest cerebrospinal fluid cannot be normal.  This said, mouse brains only contain a total of ~35µl of cerebrospinal fluid making direct evaluation difficult. 

Beyond the brain itself, we know that Klotho deficient mice are deaf, and we know that their principal cells, the hair cells are not at fault for this abnormality.  In the cochlea, Klotho expression only occurs in the stria vascularis.  Stria produces endolymph fluid required for the transduction of mechanical hearing signals into electrical activity for communication to the brain.  To determine whether we have two secretory tissues that express Klotho with similar effects on function, we are working to characterize the Klotho-deficient cochlea.  This project aims to investigate age-dependent differences in transporter proteins, extracellular matrix and vasculature of the cochlea’s stria vascularis of 3-week (pre-memory impairment) and 7-week-old (post-cognitive impairment, pre-death) mice with and without Klotho. By examining these two time points, we aim to identify the time course of change with KL-deficiency during the shortened Klotho-deficient lifespan.  

This research will employ techniques including immunohistochemistry, microscopy, and quantitative analyses to compare control to Klotho-deficient brains. If the stria is similar to the choroid plexus, we are expecting to see decreased transporter protein expression, a thickened basal lamina, and calcification of blood vessels. 

This research aims to understand how age-related molecular changes in the stria vascularis of the cochlea contribute to functional decline. By exploring these pathways, we hope to identify therapeutic targets to preserve auditory and cognitive function during aging. 

Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a common β-Herpesvirus with a seroprevalence of about 60-90% among the general population. It remains a significant pathogen due to its latent, lifelong infection and significant complications in those pregnant or immunocompromised. To understand how this virus causes disease and persists, we are studying the function of a viral gene, UL5, with unknown function. To begin, we are determining the role of HCMV UL5 during lytic replication, a specific viral lifecycle stage where the virus is active and directly producing new virus particles. A prior proteomics study indicated that UL5 may directly interact with cellular proteins ANKRD13A and ST3Gal1. Both cellular proteins are important for protein regulation and immune function which are key pathways dysregulated by HCMV. We determined that HCMV infection upregulates ANRKD13A and ST3GAL1. Subsequently we transfected cells with plasmid constructs containing UL5 to study its expression and cellular interactions individually. We found ANKRD13A and ST3Gal1 were downregulated in UL5-transfected cells. We are continuing to explore the direct interaction of UL5 with ANKRD13A and ST3GAL1 at the protein level. Finally, we have preliminary data that suggests UL5 is expressed during latency, another critical part of HCMV’s lifecycle. Our future studies will continue to characterize the role of HCMV UL5 in lytic and latent infection of HCMV to advance our understanding of HCMV infection and latency and open avenues for targeted therapeutic interventions.This project was supported by an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Grant # 5P20GM103427. This project was also supported by funding from NIH P20GM113126 and UNL startup funds to LBC.

Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungus that colonizes the gastrointestinal tract and mucosal membrane of a large proportion of humans. The virulence of Candida albicans is strongly linked with its ability to exhibit polymorphism. Candida albicans can switch between yeast and hyphal morphologies, a process that is mediated by a sterol synthesis byproduct called farnesol. Farnesol is a known inhibitor of germ tube formation, or the switch from yeast to hyphal morphologies which is a key part of biofilm formation. Candida albicans is able to detect farnesol in its environment, but it is unclear how farnesol is moved from production, to secretion, and ultimately to detection. In this project, the production, response, and secretion of farnesol is examined through the lens of CWH8, the gene coorelated to farnesol production in Candida albicans. First, cwh8Δ/Δ, the deletion mutant of CWH8, was confirmed to not produce farnesol compared to wild-type Candida albicans. Additionally, the effects of CWH8 deletion on germ tube formation and exogenous farnesol response was evaluated, concluding that cwh8Δ/Δ has limited germ tube development while still responding to farnesol. The cwh8Δ/Δ mutant also was identified as being susceptible to cell wall stress. Finally, cwh8Δ/Δ opened an avenue to investigate the transport of exogenous farnesol into the cell, leading to the identification of potentially important genes involved in farnesol transport. The project described was supported by an Institution Development Award (IdeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Grant #5P20GM103427.

Viral infections in the central nervous system (CNS) initiate a neuroinflammatory CNS environment. Depending on the genetic background of an individual, viral infection and antiviral immune responses can result in neural toxicity, marked by neurodegeneration and demyelination, and have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Neurodegenerative diseases such as MS are associated with proinflammatory gene expression. Proinflammatory gene expression can be regulated by long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and lncRNAs are differentially expressed in humans with MS. Our lab has identified a lncRNA that is upregulated by TMEV viral infection in vitro called Nostrill. Nostrill, or iNos Transcriptional Regulatory Intergenetic LncRNA Locus, is a long noncoding RNA that is upregulated in microglia during inflammatory responses (Mathy et al, 2021). To stimulate an inflammatory response, Theiler’s Murine Encephalomyelitis Viral-Induced Demyelinating Disease (TMEV-IDD) is a useful mouse model system for studying antiviral immune responses that lead to neurodegeneration and demyelination similar to MS. This study explores the role of Nostrill in CNS antiviral defense in genetically susceptible IDD mice (FVB/NJ). In FVB/NJ mice, TMEV-IDD pathogenesis has two phases: acute and chronic. The acute phase arises in cerebral neurons, and after 7 days, the virus spreads to cells in the spinal cord. Chronic leukomyelitis begins after 28 days post infection as neuroinflammatory processes are initiated in the infected spinal cord. The study hypothesizes that there will be an upregulation of Nostrill and proinflammatory genes in FVB/NJ mice during chronic leukomyelitis. FVB/NJ male and female mice were intracerebrally infected with TMEV, and tissue was collected for RNA isolation and RT-qPCR analyses 35 and 90 days post-infection. Preliminary results show Nostrill is upregulated at 35 days post infection. Future work will provide information about whether Nostrill plays a significant role in chronic TMEV viral persistence at 90 days. These results will determine whether Nostrill is a potential lncRNA target for regulating neuroinflammatory processes that contribute to demyelinating disease.

This publication was made possible by grants from the National Institute for AIDS and Infectious Disease (NIAID) (1 R15 AI156879) and the National Institute for General Medical Science (NIGMS) (5P20GM103427), components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and its contents are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of NIAID, NIGMS or NIH.

Difficulty arises in working with large genomic DNA and keeping the DNA strands full length. However, the ability to use large DNA molecules that span genomic variations aids in assembling the variations. Handling large molecules is challenging due to the fragility of the DNA, so a method is needed to prevent the breakage of S. cerevisiae DNA during cell lysis and to concentrate the DNA. This was achieved using a 3D-printed device with an agarose insert, a bis-acrylamide roadblock, and an agarose roadblock. S. cerevisiae was embedded in an agarose insert to protect the DNA during cell lysis. To get the DNA out of the insert, the agarose insert with S. cerevisiae DNA was loaded into the 3D-printed device, and an electric field was applied to elute DNA from the insert and into the solution electrokinetically. A dynamic range of time intervals and voltages were tested. Afterward, the DNA inserts were run on PFGE to determine the amount of DNA that remained in the insert after running it in the 3D-printed device.

    AU-Plated Electrode Biosensors for Pathogen Detection and Genetic Diagnostics

    Folding-based nucleic acid electrochemical biosensors offer an inexpensive and fast method for clinical measurements, pathogenic identification, and disease diagnostics. Previous research in our lab fabricated electrochemiluminescent (ECL) nucleic acid biosensors using commercial gold electrodes. This method allows for fast detection, but the gold surfaces require extensive cleaning before modification. To solve this, in situ chip based ECL biosensors can be fabricated with a fresh, easily modifiable gold layer deposited over carbon. The surface can be modified with an alkane thiol and a fluorescently tagged aptamer, allowing for biosensor specificity.
    Gold deposition efficiency was characterized via surface roughness. Roughness values of 3.8-4.2 are considered ideal because gold deposition quality and quantity are fit for biosensing applications. Gold must cover the entire electrode surface, and nanostructures must preferentially form buds (spherical nanostructures) over dendrites (flora like nanostructures). Various chronoamperometry deposition potentials, step numbers, and pulse widths were tested to find optimal conditions for plating. The chronoamperometry method developed is shown in table 1. The surfaces of plated electrodes using this method were qualitatively assessed via SEM as shown in figure 1. Drop-casting techniques are currently being investigated to find optimal conditions for gold surface modification.

Atom Transfer Radical Addition (ATRA) reactions have emerged as a valuable synthetic methodology, instrumental in the formation of new carbon-carbon bonds and cardinal reagents. Tris-(2-pyridylmethyl) amine (TPMA) has represented one of the prominent ligands utilized in the formation of complexes for ATRA; however, its configuration poses structural hindrances that reduce its functionality. This research project endeavored to construct novel ligand motifs conducive to the production of improved complexes for ATRA reactions, while alleviating the structural impediments existing in TPMA. We hypothesized that eradicating one of the ligand arms in the tripodal TPMA structure could expose a greater portion of the active site of complexes formed with this ligand. To achieve this objective, we intend to open the coordination site of the ligand through the exchange of one of its aromatic rings with an aliphatic straight chain, expecting an increase in potency as a result. This experiment involved the synthesis of two ligands, ISOBPMEN-3C and L1OH-2C, followed by their subsequent complexation with FeBr3 and CuBr2 salts. Catalysis results revealed that complexes fabricated with our proposed ligands elicited higher ATRA yields for certain reactions compared to complexes made with TPMA. Our study has shown the potential for enhancing ATRA reactions with our ligand design, which could serve as a pivotal precursor in a wide range of future addition transformations.

The Bridgerian North American Land Mammal Age (50.3 to 46.4 Ma) has garnered much paleontological study; fossils from Wyoming’s Bridger Basin have been collected for over a century and are now housed in most major natural history museum collections. Despite this wealth of specimens, however, many questions about Bridgerian paleoecology remain unanswered. The Bridgerian was a period of climatic transition, marking the shift from the hothouse conditions of the Early Eocene Climatic Optimum (EECO) to a cooler global climate. This climate shift coincided with a significant change in mammalian faunal assemblages. The diverse communities of the early Bridgerian gave way to ecosystems with reduced biodiversity. This transition was marked by an increase in species extinctions, while the rate of new species origination remained steady—an event known as the ‘Bridgerian Crash.’ Stable isotope analysis provides valuable insight into paleoecology, yet until this study has not been applied to fossils from the Bridger Basin. By measuring stable isotopes from mammalian enamel of the first three Bridgerian biochrons (Br1a, Br1b, Br2), we provide evidence of changing ecology. Forests covered the basin in the middle Eocene, but their structure has until now been unclear. The earliest depictions of the basin showed it as a dense, closed canopy forest akin to the modern Amazon. There is a distinct stable carbon (d¹³C) isotopic signature in modern closed canopy forests (and mammals that eat these plants): the understory has extremely negative values, with a positive trend rising in the canopy. This d¹³C signature is absent in open canopy forests. In sampling a collection of herbivorous fossil mammal taxa from the Bridgerian, we have tested whether a closed forest was present. Additionally, we have measured the stable oxygen (d¹⁸O) isotopes that, combined with d¹³C measurements, provide novel data on mammalian niche partitioning in the Bridgerian. Developing a greater understanding of Earth’s ecology during periods of extreme climate is paramount to addressing how future environments will function under anthropogenic climate change.

Intraplate seismicity is surprisingly common within the North American Craton. However, understanding the cause of this activity is challenging due to limited moment tensor data, restricting our understanding of earthquake mechanisms in this stable continental region. This research investigates the potential sources of stress that could lead to the reactivation of older faults and influence the observed seismic activity within the region, primarily considering glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), far-field orogenic stresses, and gravitational body forces. Our research focuses on earthquakes in the Midwest and the New Madrid Seismic Zone, exploring the connections between these potential drivers and intraplate earthquakes. Through analysis of focal mechanisms, principal stress directions are identified and contoured tension (T)-axis plots are created revealing a NE to SW directed extension west of the Midcontinent Rift, consistent with GIA. In contrast, the observed NNW to SSE directed extension east of the Midcontinent Rift is more complex and requires a secondary driver in addition to GIA. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of intraplate seismicity and highlight the need for more detailed, localized moment tensor data.

Currently, there are limited treatment options for candidiasis, an infection caused by Candida albicans (C. albicans), which is becoming even more limited due to recent increase in drug resistance. Due to the many similarities between human cells and C. albicans, there has been little development of new drugs that are able to effectively treat infection, without having side effects to human cells. However, the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) of human cells differs greatly from the MTOC of C. albicans. Currently, there is limited knowledge of the composition and organization of MTOC of C. albicans. Through a variety of techniques, we aim to characterize the proteins that compose the MTOC of C. albicans to identify proteins that have the potential to serve as targets for novel candidiasis drugs.

Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) is one of the most common infections worldwide, affecting 3.7 billion people. Like many types of viruses, HSV-1 can be inhibited by viral restriction factors, proteins expressed in host cells in response to viral infection. Human interferon induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) has been found to inhibit a variety of human viruses including HSV-1 and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Research has shown that non-primate mammalian restriction factors have shown to be effective against human viruses, which begs the question, how extensive is this effect? The specific species we chose was the flying fox because of their active interferon system and ability to host many mammalian viruses with minimal negative outcomes. To investigate this we are going to overexpress the Pteropus alecto IFITM3 proteins in vero cells and subsequently infect the cells to measure the restrictive effects of flying fox IFITM3. To our knowledge there has been no research on this topic regarding Pteropus alecto IFITM3 and HSV-1. We anticipate that because of their similarities to human IFITM3 proteins they will maintain their restrictive abilities against HSV-1 due to their protein sequence similarity.

    Pes planus, also known as flatfoot, is characterized by overpronation of the foot and
misalignment of the ankle, knee and hip joint that can increase the risk of lower extremity
injuries. Current literature has focused primarily on intrinsic muscles, but the findings regarding
their effectiveness remain inconclusive, while extrinsic muscles are often overlooked.
PUPROSE: To examine the effect of a resistance training of two extrinsic foot muscles on
navicular drop and leg alignment in participants with flatfoot. METHODS: Five college students
with a Foot Posture Index (FPI) greater than 6 (FPI = 8.4±2; age = 21.2±1yr; BMI = 20.8±3)
participated in the study. Participants performed an exercise protocol 3 times per week for 6
weeks, consisting of tibialis raises and ankle inversions, which targeted the two extrinsic
muscles responsible for inverting the foot: anterior and posterior. Pre- and post-
testing included evaluations of navicular drop and leg alignment during walking and jogging in
three conditions: barefoot, shod, and with insoles. RESUTLS: Statistical analysis revealed a
significant decrease (10%; p =.014) in navicular drop during jogging in the shod after the 6-week
training program, while there was no significant changes in barefoot condition. Regarding leg
alignment, there was 27% reduction in knee abduction that was significant (p=.04).
CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that specialized resistance training of the foot
invertors can play an important role in leg alignment in individuals with flatfoot.