Research Day 2024

Research Day 2024

Tuesday , June 4 , 2024

Oral Presentations : PISB Room 112, 1–2:30 p.m.

Poster Presentations : Behrakis Grand Hall, 2:45–4:15 p.m.

Awards Ceremony : 4:30–4:45 p.m.

Welcome!

We are thrilled to welcome you to the College of Arts and Sciences’ annual Research Day !

Each year, we come together to celebrate our community’s research into topics spanning the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences This year’s program includes oral presentations and posters from tenured, tenure-track, teaching and research faculty; postdoctoral fellows; graduate and undergraduate students; and research trainees and staf. What a tribute to the diverse scholarly activity taking place in our college!

Our program will conclude with Best Presentation A wards presented by the Dean. This year we will give out four awards: Best Talk Award for Faculty, Best Talk Award for students, Alumni Best Poster Award and Best Poster Award.

Enjoy the presentations, posters and engaging conversations!

Sincerely,

Lloyd Ackert, PhD Teaching Professor of History

Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD Associate Dean for Research

David S. Brown, PhD Dean

Acknowledgements

Thank you to the College of Arts and Sciences for sponsoring Research Day 2024!

A note of apprecia>on to our dis>nguished Alumni for their par>cipa>on in the event and their evalua>on of the Alumni Award for Best Poster. A big thank you to our faculty judges for their >me in aGending the presenta>ons and speaking to our presenters!

Alumni Judges

Ken Huang, Biology, Class of 2014

Tammy Mai, Biology, Class of 2022

Faculty Judges

Jennifer Yusin, PhD, Professor, Department of English and Philosophy

Susan Bell, PhD, Professor, Department of Sociology

Hildegarde Van den Bulck, PhD, Professor, Department Head, Department of Communica;on

Travis Cur@ce, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Poli;cs

Gary Rosenberg, PhD, Professor, Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science and Pilsbry Chair of Malacology, Academy of Natural Sciences

C. Clare Strange, PhD, Assistant Research Professor, Department of Criminology and Jus;ce Studies

Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry

Ira Taffer, PhD, Professor, Department Head, Department of Biology

Maria de la luz Matus-Mendoza, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages

Meghan Butryn, PhD, Professor, Associate Department Head, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

Gideon Simpson, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Mathema;cs

Lloyd Ackert, PhD, Teaching Professor, Department of History

38.

39.

44.

45.

46.

Drosophila

62. Neuroethology of a desert isopod (Hemilepistus reaumuri): Relative Brain Volume Comparison to Parental Behaviors

64. The transcriptional signature of astrocyte-like glia across Drosophila melanogaster late-stage metamorphosis ..................................................................................................................................................................... 64

65. The Role of ARHGEF7 Glutathionylation on Cell Migration 65

66. Exploring Fungal Biodiversity in Pacific Coast Salt Marsh Ecosystems: A Restoration Perspective 66

67. Turning Up the Heat: Symbiont-Dependent Insects and Rising Global Temperatures ................................. 66

68. Reproductive diapause and ovary activation in Polistes exclamans .....................................................................

69. Aphids and Antagonistic Coevolution: Symbiont and phage combination mediate antagonism with a parasitoid wasp ..................................................................................................................................................................... 68

70. There are no mistakes, only happy accidents: Deviation from phage amplification protocol yielded high titers of the novel Actinobacteriophage OldNelly (EA1) 69

71. Identifying Antiviral Character in Compounds Using Vectors of Numerical Toxicity Endpoints 69

72. How does symbiont metabolism match B-vitamin dietary needs across the world’s insects?....................... 70

73. Hypomorphic PERK and neurodegenerative risk: ER stress vulnerability or growth factor mislocalization?

74. Individual Diferences and Learner Profiles in Design Fixation

75. A Chemical Tool to Synthesize and Investigate Glutathionylated Proteins 72

76. Chemosensory Neural Basis of Anopheles Mosquito Oviposition ........................................................................73

77. Words Matter: Screening for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis using the Afective Word List Measure....... 74

78. Probing Allosteric Modulator Interactions with the Calcium Sensing Receptor 74

Oral Presentation Session

Tuesday , May 2 1 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. | PISB 1 12

1. Activity-dependent Sonic hedgehog signaling promotes astrocytic modulation of synaptic plasticity

Anh Duc Le and Denise Garcia, PhD Department of Biology; neuroscience

Lead Author: Anh Duc Le, PhD Student, al3449@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisors: Denise Garcia, PhD, adg82@drexel.edu

Abstract: The influence of neural activity on astrocytes and their reciprocal interactions with neurons has emerged as an important modulator of synapse function. Activity regulates gene expression in astrocytes, yet the molecular mechanisms by which such activity is translated into functional changes in gene expression have remained largely unknown. The molecular signaling pathway, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), mediates neuron-astrocyte communication and regulates the organization of cortical synapses. We demonstrate that sensory experience stimulates Shh signaling in cortical astrocytes. Whisker stimulation and chemogenetic activation both increase Shh activity in deep layers of the somatosensory cortex, where neuron-astrocyte Shh signaling is predominantly found. Selective loss of Shh signaling in astrocytes occludes experience-dependent structural plasticity of synapses. We further demonstrate that sensory experience promotes expression of the synapse modifying molecules, Hevin and SPARC, in a Shh-dependent manner. Taken together, these data identify Shh signaling as a molecular mechanism by which neural activity is transduced into gene expression, promoting astrocyte modulation of synaptic plasticity.

2. Live-dead distinctions of mollusks and why they are important

Gary Rosenberg, PhD Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science

Lead Author: Gary Rosenberg, PhD, Faculty, gr347@drexel.edu

Abstract: Molluscan shells can persist on beaches for centuries or millenia. Their occurrence in an area does not mean that a species still lives there. This gap has recently been addressed by the addition of a field for “vitality” in the Darwin Core, which is a standard for data exchange for natural history collections. Adding this field to millions of previously digitized records can be accelerated by bioinformatic approaches. A case of study of three species of arcoid bivalves (Noetia ponderosa, Lunarca ovalis and Anadara transversa) found in the northeast US demonstrates the importance of live-dead distinctions. During the past interglacial, Noetia ponderosa lived as far north as Massachusetts, but it does not currently live north of Chesapeake Bay, as shown by observations on iNaturalist and in museum

collections. Integration of data on portals such as InvertEBase, iDigBio and GBIF can accelerate visualization of data and aid in finding specimens appropriate for addressing particular questions.

3. Dendritic secretion of TGF-β/DAF-7 in C. elegans neurons indicates chemosensory perception of food

Julia Perhacs and Tali Gidalevitz, PhD Department of Biology; neurobiology, developmental neurobiology

Lead Author: Julia Perhacs, PhD Student, jmp588@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Tali Gidalevitz, PhD, tg443@drexel.edu

Abstract: Environmental stimuli, such as the smell of food, are detected by sensory neurons and induce behavioral, metabolic, or developmental decisions. How sensory perception of food connects to these organismal outcomes is not well understood. Our lab uses C. elegans, an organism that has well-defined behavioral and phenotypic responses to food and starvation. One of the known neuromodulators that are necessary to appropriately respond to such stimuli is a TGF-β-like growth factor, DAF-7. DAF-7 is transcriptionally upregulated in pro-growth conditions, while its genetic deletion causes a behavioral response that mimics starvation conditions. However, it is largely unknown how DAF-7 responds at the molecular level. Our lab generated a C. elegans strain with functional fluorescently-tagged DAF-7, which strikingly localizes to and is secreted from the distal dendrites of sensory neurons. Interestingly, its secretion occurs during a specific period of larval development that is critical for the C. elegans to interpret whether their environment is suitable for growth. Furthermore, we observed that dendritic secretion correlates with plentiful food, and is inhibited in high population densities. Therefore, we hypothesized that DAF-7 secretion at the distal dendrites may report on environmental stimuli that support growth. We indeed found that sensory perception of food-derived cues is alone sufcient to trigger the dendritic secretion of DAF-7. This process requires synaptic transmission and depends on serotonin signaling. Further delineating the molecular pathway controlling DAF-7 secretion will aid in addressing largerscale questions such as how we can leverage or manipulate chemosensory perception of food to help combat metabolic disorders.

4. Designing a Modified Event Classification Scheme for the Name that Neutrino Citizen Science Project

Andrew Phillips and Christina Love, PhD Department of Physics; particle physics, physics education

Lead Author: Andrew Phillips, Undergraduate Student, arp384@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Christina Love, PhD, cel94@drexel.edu

Abstract: Name that Neutrino is a citizen science project in which volunteers from the public aid in the classification of data collected by the IceCube, a cubic kilometer neutrino telescope located at the geographic south pole. The preliminary run of Name that Neutrino lasted from March 2023 to September 2023, and during that time it saw over a thousand participants, with over 80,000 classifications of about 4000 simulated IceCube events. Comparing the user classifications to those of a Deep Neural Network (DNN) classifier and cross-referencing with preassigned truth classifications reveals the efcacy of the human eye as an IceCube data filtering technique, in addition to providing insight into the strengths and weaknesses of canonical machine learning methods. Currently, Name that Neutrino is in a transitionary period in which data production and selection strategies are being revised, with a goal to launch a second phase of the project within the year. Key changes in the next phase will include a revamping of user training, enhanced event visualization, and most importantly updated event selection techniques. In particular, we have found that by discarding a small subset of undesirable events from our dataset, and by tweaking the way in which truth labels are assigned to events, we can gain a better understanding of both DNN and user classification accuracy. In addition, we reveal potential areas of improvement for our machine learning model. All these changes will allow the next phase of Name that Neutrino to better query the fidelity of the human eye as a data selection tool.

5. Elucidating the mechanisms governing Drosophila germ cell tumorigenesis

Beth Kern and Kari Lenhart, PhD

Department of Biology; tumorigenesis, stem cell niches (ex vivo imaging, emphasis on cell-cell signaling)

Lead Author: Beth Kern, PhD Student, bak326@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Kari Lenhart, PhD, kfl36@drexel.edu

Abstract: Tissue homeostasis requires a balanced population of stem cells and specialized daughter cells. This is accomplished by restriction of the stem cell microenvironment, or niche, such that only stem cells receive self-renewal cues. Dysregulation in the niche and surrounding tissues can induce progenitors to revert in identity, re-acquire stem cell markers, and initiate tumorigenesis. Yet how progenitors on the path to specialization initially respond to pro-oncogenic signals, and the degree to which they convert to true stemness, remains elusive. Under homeostasis, the Drosophila male germline is maintained by a group of mitotically dividing germline stem cells (GSCs). Using a modified, but complete, cytokinetic program, GSC daughters are released from the niche and displaced from niche cues. Outside of the niche, diferentiating progenitors execute a highly conserved incomplete cytokinetic program. Here, formation of stable intercellular bridges termed ring canals (RCs) creates germline cysts that share cytoplasm and diferentiate as synchronous units. Homeostasis of this tightly controlled system is disrupted by expansion of niche Jak/STAT signaling, which promotes formation of stem-like germ cell tumors (GCTs). Yet, the temporal events underlying transformation, and degree to which GCTs execute GSC programming, is unknown. I find that reception of the Jak/STAT ligand Unpaired (Upd) by germline cysts

does not promote full re-acquisition of GSC cytokinesis. Instead, GCTs have disrupted incomplete cytokinesis, exhibiting instability of F-actin at normally stable RCs. Persistent depletion of F-actin permits inappropriate completion of cytokinesis through abscission. Moreover, just as in mammalian GCTs, we find that defects in adjacent somatic cells are sufcient to induce GCTs characterized by RC F-actin instability. This indicates that integrity of incomplete cytokinesis may require co-diferentiation of somatic support cells. Our preliminary work suggests that somatic-derived FGF is required for fidelity of incomplete cytokinesis, is attenuated at tumor onset, and that aberrant cytokinetic completion drives germline tumorigenesis.

6. A Mathematical Study on Population Models Involving Freely Moving Boundaries

Kayode Oluwasegun and David Ambrose, PhD Department of Mathematics; applied mathematics

Lead Author: Kayode Oluwasegun, PhD Student, kto32@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: David Ambrose, PhD, dma68@drexel.edu

Abstract: With the introduction of mathematics into biological research, patterns arising from biological problems can be efectively studied. The complex interactions involving biological systems and invading pathogens can be described using mathematical frameworks of partial diferential equations (PDEs). More specifically, the spread of new or invasive species can be set up as a population model with a freely moving boundary. Proving the existence of solutions to this model helps us scientists to have a solid understanding of how the population works and predict how it changes in the future. Generally speaking, the mathematical modeling of ecological problems is difcult. It can be quite challenging to capture the complexity and dynamic nature of these kinds of problems. In this work, we propose a diferent approach to the understanding of the spreading of species. We have introduced a special case of the well-known Stefan condition as the equation governing the free boundary. Our study therefore seeks to develop rigorous mathematical frameworks underpinning existence theorems and see the role of free boundaries in shaping the behavior of populations. We have employed energy methods with the goal of building a general framework that will be highly portable for use in other, related problems in the modeling of infectious diseases. Invading fungal pathogens like Candida albicans cause over 150 million mucosal infections and nearly 200,000 deaths per year due to invasive and disseminated disease in susceptible populations. This work represents significant advancements in resolving a long-standing mathematical problem and addressing one of the most important healthrelated issues nations are grappling with.

7. Paralog Bufering Between TRA2A and TRA2B in Cancer Cell Lines

Isha Singh and Peter Choi, PhD

Department

of Biology; pathology, cancer biology

Lead Author: Isha Singh, Undergraduate Student, is455@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Peter Choi, PhD, choipp@chop.edu

Abstract: The creation of diferent RNA transcripts occurs through the process of alternative splicing, and when it is abnormal, it can lead to tumor formation. Alternative splicing is partially regulated by RNA binding proteins, including the paralogs transformer 2 alpha (TRA2A) and transformer 2 beta (TRA2B). TRA2A and TRA2B have been implicated in cancer due to their regulation of the CHEK1 gene responsible for coding a DNA damage response protein. Double-gene knockout CRISPR screens indicate that TRA2A and TRA2B are essential together, suggesting functional redundancy. However, we found that depletion of TRA2A alone results in strong lethality in a subset of cancer cell lines. TRA2A dependency was validated in 2 sensitive cell lines (NCI-H23 and LN319) and 2 insensitive cell lines of the same tumor type (A549 and LN229, respectively). Re-expression of TRA2A or overexpression of TRA2B rescued lethality in sensitive cell lines, suggesting a dosage-dependent bufering mechanism between the TRA2 paralogs. Paralog bufering was tested by using a dual-guide CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) competition assay. Cell lines expressing ZIM3-KRAB-dCas9 were infected with a BFP-virus containing guides targeting TRA2A and TRA2B, only TRA2A, only TRA2B, or a control locus. Cell populations were tracked using flow cytometry to measure BFP-positive cells over time. We observed strong cell lethality in all cell lines only when TRA2A and TRA2B are both depleted. A549 and LN229 cells displayed little to no sensitivity to loss of TRA2A or TRA2B alone. LN319 cells showed moderate lethality to TRA2A depletion. NCI-H23 cells exhibited varying lethality in all conditions. These results suggest that loss of TRA2A and TRA2B display synthetic lethality, but some cancer cell lines display high dependency when one paralog is lost. Determining the efects of targeting TRA2A and TRA2B in both sensitive and insensitive cell lines can help us further understand paralog bufering between these two genes.

8. Harness the Co-Benefit and Avoid the Trade-of: The Complex Relationship between Income Inequality and Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Xiaorui Huang, PhD

Department of Sociology; climate change, social inequality, environmental sociology

Lead Author: Xiaorui Huang, PhD, Faculty, xiaorui.huang@drexel.edu

Abstract: Given the dual crises of climate change and rising economic inequality, it is imperative to improve the synergy between climate mitigation and income inequality reduction. Domestic income inequality is linked to nations’ carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions through multiple theorized pathways. Using a multidimensional framework, multi-regional input-output analysis, panel regression analysis, and a sample of 34 high-income nations from 2004 to 2015, I investigate the relationships between nations’ income inequality and four components of CO2 emissions with distinct implications for climate change mitigation: (1) emissions generated by domestic-oriented supply chain activities; (2) emissions embodied in exports; (3) direct emissions from end-user activities; and (4) emissions embodied in

imports. I theorize that income inequality is heterogeneously related to the four emission components via diferent pathways. Results show that the relationships vary across emission components, change over time, and difer between inequality measures. The Gini coefcient is generally less influential on CO2 emissions than the income share of the top 10%. Notably, the income share of the top 10% is negatively related to direct end-user emissions from 2009 to 2011 and positively related to emissions in exports from 2011 to 2015, indicating variations in pathways both across emission components and over time especially during and after the Great Recession. The findings underscore the multidimensionality in the income inequalityCO2 emissions relationship. Whether reducing income inequality can generate the co-benefit of emission abatement while avoiding a potential trade-of is a context-specific question that requires careful policy design and implementation.

9. Live imaging of sex conversion in the Drosophila testis germline

Tifany V. Roach and Kari Lenhart, PhD Department of Biology; stem cell biology

Lead Author: Tifany V. Roach, PhD Student, tvr24@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Kari Lenhart, PhD, kfl36@drexel.edu

Abstract: Sex determination and diferentiation are essential for development and tissue homeostasis. It is well known that specification of sexual characteristics is essential in early development, but less is known about how sexual identity is maintained over a lifetime. The Drosophila gonads are an ideal system for studying sex determination because they are one of few sexually dimorphic tissues in which the anatomic location and molecular markers of all germline and somatic cells have been identified. Importantly, somatic cells exhibit distinct and sex-specific behaviors. In the testis, somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) produce quiescent cyst cell daughters that encapsulate the germline in a 2:1 soma-germline ratio and codiferentiate to produce sperm. In the ovary, follicle stem cells (FSCs) produce mitotically active follicle cells that form an epithelium around the germline to promote oocyte maturation. Chinmo is a transcription factor that is present in the testis soma and absent from the ovary. Previous work has shown that Chinmo is required in testis soma to maintain male sexual identity. Loss of chinmo from testis soma results in “feminization”, including induction of follicle cell markers and formation of an epithelium indistinguishable from ovarian follicle cell morphology. However, how male somatic cells become female and to what extent do they behave as female upon loss of Chinmo is not well characterized. Using extended live imaging, we will directly visualize the temporal progression of conversion from male to female somatic cell behaviors and quantify 3 sex-specific cellular functions: cell morphology and organization, proliferation, and cytokinesis.

10. Scientific “Fascinations”: Latin American Beasts, Lands, and People in the Views of 19th and 20th Century Naturalists

Nathan Nazario and Lloyd Ackert, PhD

Department of History; history of science

Lead Author: Nathan Nazario, Undergraduate Student, nan72@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Lloyd Ackert, PhD, lta24@drexel.edu

Abstract: I will discuss an apparent paradox between the fascination sparked by Darwin's discovery of fossils in South America among naturalists in North America, and the underrepresentation of Latin American landscapes and fauna in the displays of North American museums, with a focus on the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia (now Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University). In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the relationship between fossils of extinct megafauna and living animals was actively discussed at the Academy as well as other museums in the United States. In the early 20th century, these institutions organized several expeditions to South America which led to the biodiversity illuminating its history. There's also evidence of Latin American collectors who did not receive proper credit for the work they did. Visitors to the Academy wanted to see this new world represented in its displays, there were resources available to make that happen, and several steps were taken in that direction. However, these eforts were fruitless. Overall, this essay explores the idea of how the natural history and fossils of Latin America sparked a major fascination among scientists in North American museums, with Latin America becoming a unique place to study. My main question would be why was there such a fascination with Latin America by the Naturalists around the world, however, there seems to be a relative absence of this historical literature and exhibitions relating to Natural History in Latin America? Some of the names mentioned in this report are Charles Darwin (1809-1882), Thomas Jeferson (1743-1826), Joseph Leidy (1823-1891), E.R. Fenimore Johnson (18991986), Edward D. Cope (1840-1897), Florentino Ameghino (1853-1911), and Manuel de Torres.

11. Latent Trajectories of Depression across Treatment in Individuals with BingeSpectrum Eating Disorders: Associations with Eating Disorder Pathology

Devyn R. Riddle, BA, Jannah R. Moussaoui, BS, Stephanie M. Manasse, PhD, and Adrienne S. Juarascio, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; WELL Center; eating disorders, depression, cognitive behavioral therapy, clinical psychology

Lead Author: Devyn Riddle, Research Coordinator, drr84@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Adrienne S. Juarascio, PhD, asj32@drexel.edu

Abstract: High baseline depression is associated with poor treatment outcomes in individuals receiving Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for binge-spectrum eating disorders (BSEDs). Examining baseline scores as predictors may be inadequate, as there are likely distinct profiles of change in depression (e.g., sharp declines vs. staying consistently high or low), and these profiles may be associated with treatment outcomes. The current study examines trajectories of depression across CBT for individuals with BSEDs and their associations with post-

treatment BSED pathology. Adults (N=268) with BSEDs in one of 6 clinical trials received CBT. Participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) at baseline, mid-treatment, and post-treatment. Latent growth mixture modeling (LGMM) was used to identify latent growth trajectories of depressive symptoms over treatment, and ANOVAs were used to examine trajectory diferences in BSED pathology at post-treatment, controlling for baseline eating pathology. LGMM analyses identified 4 distinct trajectories of depression: “severe and sustained” (12.27%), “moderate and mildly decreasing” (18.59%), “moderate and substantially decreasing” (44.61%), and “minimal and sustained” (24.54%). There were significant main efects of trajectory membership on outcomes: both the “severe and sustained" and the “moderate and mildly decreasing” trajectories exhibited higher eating pathology at post-treatment. These results indicate that unique trajectories of depression across treatment are associated with ED outcomes in individuals with BSEDs. Those with sustained depression may benefit from the integration of a depression-focused treatment earlier on. Future research should examine predictors of these trajectories, as well as whether distinct trajectories are predictive of treatment outcome.

12. Mechanosensitive Calcium Channels and Migratory Plasticity in Fibroblasts

Brittany E. Hood, James M. Cowan, and Ryan J. Petrie, PhD

Department

of Biology; cell biology

Lead Author: Brittany E. Hood, Undergraduate Student, beh65@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Ryan J. Petrie, PhD, rjp336@drexel.edu

Abstract: As cells migrate through complex physiological environments, they switch between multiple modes of migration, a phenomenon known as migratory plasticity. Actomyosin contractility, a major driver of migration, is dispensable for cells migrating in 2-dimensional (2D) environments yet remains a requirement for migration through 3D matrices and migratory plasticity. While it is not clear what regulates contractility during 3D migration, mechanically sensitive calcium channels play a critical role controlling actomyosin contractility in many contexts. Piezo1 and TrpV4 are two mechanosensitive calcium channels that are activated by mechanical tension in the plasma membrane, thereby resulting in an influx of calcium activating many downstream targets. We hypothesize that Piezo1 and TrpV4 control contractility during 3D migration to govern migratory plasticity. To test this hypothesis, we confirmed we could pharmacologically activate each channel as a first step towards testing their role in regulating actomyosin contractility during 3D migration. We have found that through activation of Piezo1 and TrpV4 through Yoda1 and GSK1016790A respectively, primary dermal fibroblasts on a 2D surface display a decrease in lamellipodia formation and an increase in focal adhesion size. These results are indirect indicators of elevated actomyosin contractility in migratory cells in 2D. Having shown that we are able to pharmacologically activate these cells, we will next test if activation of these channels is sufcient to induce migratory plasticity in a 3D collagen environment. Together, these eforts will reveal how mechanosensitive calcium channels govern contractility and migration mode during the migration of human cells through physiological 3D environments.

13. Nexus Between Scrolling Culture, Financial Literacy And Spending Economics: A Bibliometric

Analysis of Literature On Social Media

Essien Oku Essien and Hildegarde Van den Bulck, PhD Department of Communication; communication, culture and media studies; social media research/digital culture

Lead Author: Essien Oku, PhD Student, eoe25@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Hildegarde Van den Bulck, PhD, hdv26@drexel.edu

Abstract: Engaging with well curated financial content on social media platforms has the potential to foster a greater sense of fiscal responsibility and enhance individuals' understanding of financial matters. Actively following and consuming the reels and posts of key financial social media accounts likely provides access to a wealth of knowledge, ideas, and methods related to personal financial management. Considering this likelihood, the objective of this study is to conduct a bibliometric analysis of scientific literature to identify trends and topics related to the emergent concepts of scrolling culture within the realms of financial literacy and spending economics. This is aimed at determining how social media users have utilized the scrolling culture to their advantage to arm themselves with relevant financial information and to examine how creators of financial contents on social media have responded to the scrolling culture by altering the structure, frequency, and contents of their pages. The study is grounded in Bandura's Social Learning Theory, which posits that individuals acquire knowledge by seeing the behaviors, attitudes, and outcomes of others. It further suggests that exposure to media and social interactions facilitates this learning process. The research employs a systematic review methodology, wherein papers are selected and screened based on the PRISMA criteria. Hence, the Web of Science Core Collection electronic database and Google Scholar would be accessed to identify relevant papers within a specified set of search terms. By analyzing the contents of the screened publications, this study would provide insight into how active engagement with financial contents on social media can improve financial literacy levels towards demonstrating the efectiveness of social media as a tool for financial education.

14. Gender and Sexuality: New Mathematical Subject

Dmitri LaBelle and Jennifer Yusin, PhD Department of English and Philosophy; gender and sexuality studies

Lead Author: Dmitri LaBelle, gnl37@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Yusin, PhD, Faculty, jyusin@drexel.edu

Abstract: In this talk, we propose to demonstrate how gender and sexuality are mathematical subjects. We take as a starting point the action of perception as a process that reduces the objective qualities of an individual’s life to real dimensional space. We show that this

reduction does not correspond to our classical notion of physically informed Euclidean space, but is also informed by various social pressures, such as uses of language and identity markers. This allows us to develop a rigorous mathematical description of gender and sexuality as a continuous process of transforming lived experiences that cannot be reduced to our usual spaces. As a result, gender and sexuality cannot be adequately described by humanitarian and sociological approaches to the subject. To demonstrate the necessity of a mathematical approach, we take the canonical example of ‘compulsory heterosexuality’ as it was developed by the poet and feminist writer Adrienne Rich. We show some of the social consequences of the exclusion of mathematical approaches to the activities of perception in the development of theories of gender and sexuality. We also demonstrate the wider political and social applicability of gender and sexuality as mathematical subjects.

15. Baseline depressive symptoms predict post-treatment driven exercise in bingespectrum eating disorders

Madeline Navea and Adrienne Juarascio, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; WELL Center; eating disorders

Lead Author: Madeline Navea, Undergraduate Student, mn686@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Adrienne Juarascio, PhD, asj32@drexel.edu

Abstract: Existing literature highlights how individuals with comorbid binge-spectrum eating disorders (BSEDs) and depression have poorer treatment outcomes overall compared to individuals with BSEDs alone. Depression also predicts treatment outcomes for specific behaviors in BSEDs, such as binge eating frequency, self-induced vomiting, and driven exercise. Additionally, specific depressive factors, such as self-criticism (SC) and punishment feelings (PF), are known to predict poorer treatment outcomes in individuals with eating disorders, specifically anorexia nervosa. Previous cross-sectional research highlights how SC and PF closely relate to “core low self-esteem” in the transdiagnostic model of eating disorders, although little is known about how these factors may predict treatment outcomes overtime in individuals with BSEDs. To address this gap, further research is needed to understand how these factors may predict treatment outcomes in other eating disorder populations. The current study examines the role of baseline SC and PF as predictors of treatment outcome in individuals who received enhanced cognitive behavioral therapy (CBTE) for BSEDs. We hypothesized that baseline SC and PF would predict higher scores of binge eating frequency, self-induced vomiting, and driven exercise. Participants (N = 165) with BSEDs between the ages of 18 and 70 years old took part in one of four research studies (M age = 38.70, SD = 12.84; 87.3% female; 73.3% white). Participants received between 12 and 20 sessions of CBT-E and had clinically significant binge eating at baseline (i.e., experienced ≥ 12 loss-of-control eating (LOC) episodes in the past three months). We conducted five separate multiple linear regressions with pooled data using SC and PF to predict each treatment outcome. These analyses controlled for study and baseline eating disorder pathology. Baseline SC and PF items from the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) were used to predict past month post-treatment Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) Global score,

total objective bulimic episodes (OBEs), total LOC episodes, self-induced vomiting episodes, and driven exercise days. Baseline SC and PF did not significantly predict the post-treatment EDE scores, self-induced vomiting episodes, OBE episodes, or LOC episodes. However, PF (� = .784, p = .031) and SC (� = -.811, p = .025) were significant positive predictors of driven exercise, such that higher baseline values were associated with increased post-treatment driven exercise days. These findings establish a preliminary link between baseline PF, SC, and driven exercise. Therefore, it may be useful for future research to examine the benefit of intervening on SC and PF early in treatment for individuals with BSEDs. This information could help inform more personalized treatments and consequently improve overall treatment outcome. Future studies could also examine whether more severe BDI-II scores predict more severe BSED pathologies, as well as how other BDI-II items predict treatment outcomes.

16. Digital Phenotypes of Self-Injurious Urges

Jannah R. Moussaoui, BS, April R. Smith, PhD, and Elizabeth A. Velkof, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; WELL Center; clinical psychology, suicide, self-injurious behaviors, eating disorders

Lead Author: Jannah R. Moussaoui, Research Coordinator, jrm486@drexel.edu

Abstract: Background. Self-injurious urges (SIUs) are arguably the clearest precipitants of self-injurious behaviors (e.g., cutting, self-induced vomiting; SIBs). However, SIUs demonstrate heterogeneity, and diferent types of SIUs may be more predictive of engagement in SIBs than others. For example, some individuals may tend to experience SIUs as longlasting but low in intensity, whereas others may experience SIUs as intense and fleeting. The present study uses ecological momentary assessment to examine phenotypes of SIUs and their associations with SIBs. Method. Participants were 124 adults who reported engaging in at least 3 SIBs in the past month and completed six surveys a day for 16 days (6,600 responses). Within-person intensity, variability, frequency, stability, peak, and duration of SIUs over the recording period were calculated and used as model parameters for latent profile analyses.

Results. Five distinct phenotypes were identified: “sustained” (moderate intensity, duration, and frequency, high peaks), “subdued” (low intensity, duration, and frequency, moderate peaks), “sudden-onset” (low intensity, duration, and frequency, high peaks), “extreme” (elevated on all characteristics), and “virtually absent” (low on all characteristics). Phenotype membership had an efect on engagement in SIBs, F(4, 119) = 16.88, p <.001, and those in the “extreme” phenotype engaged in more SIBs than other phenotypes. Notably, 45% of participants who engaged in SIBs had SIUs which were classed as "virtually absent".

Discussion. This study is the first to identify phenotypes of self-injurious urges, underscoring that for some individuals, engagement in SIBs may be associated with SIUs that are higher in intensity, whereas for others, SIBs may occur in the absence of SIUs. Future work should prospectively examine associations between SIU phenotype and engagement in SIBs, and identify intervention targets to improve individuals’ ability to redirect SIUs. Further, additional research should explore other mechanisms (e.g., impulsivity) that may explain why some individuals engage in SIBs despite the absence of SIUs.

17. A Cognitive and Neural Framework for Cognitive Flexibility: Perspectives from Traumatic Brain Injury

Hayley E. O'Donnell, Kiah Patel, and Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience, traumatic brain injury, cognitive flexibility

Lead Author: Hayley E. O'Donnell, PhD Student, heo23@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu

Abstract: Cognitive flexibility reflects our ability to respond to changes and obstacles in our environment with novel response strategies. Although this description is generally accepted among cognitive neuroscientists, the precise definition of cognitive flexibility, and its integration within other aspects of cognitive regulation, remains understudied. To address this question, we examined an alternative framework for cognitive flexibility that includes four proposed subfunctions salience detection, inhibition, set-shifting, and creative thinking and examined its validity using behavioral data from traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and healthy control subjects. The neurological profile of TBI presents an opportunity to investigate potential dissociations between these proposed subfunctions of cognitive flexibility. Cognitive deficits of set-shifting and inhibition commonly follow a TBI, and severe injuries can result in salience detection impairments, whereas little deficits of creative thinking have been documented following a TBI. Patients with TBI and matched control participants, between 25 and 45 years old, completed six tasks measuring cognitive flexibility and each of its proposed subfunctions. The results revealed dissociable response profiles between the two groups. Additionally, TBI participants were significantly impaired on tasks specifically measuring executive functions (inhibition and set-shifting), and less impaired on tasks not reliant on increased PFC-mediation (salience detection and creative thinking). These findings ofer support for the proposed alternative framework for cognitive flexibility and for the dissociation between cognitive flexibility and other cognitive processes.

18. Predicting retention of women in physics with machine learning

Maxwell Franklin and Eric Brewe, PhD

Department of Physics; gender equity, retention of women in physics

Lead Author: Maxwell Franklin, PhD Student, mf3275@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Eric Brewe, PhD, eb573@drexel.edu

Abstract: In this work, we use a variety of machine learning tools to predict retention of women in physics. Previously, we used data collected at the Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics, along with a follow-up survey, to study which factors correlated with long term persistence in physics. The factors we studied were sense of belonging, sense of community, interest, physics identity, perceived recognition, and performance competence. In

this study, we build on our previous results by comparing the machine learning methods of support vector machines, neural networks, random forests, and logistic regression to best predict which women are most at risk of leaving the discipline. While we do not yet have a large enough dataset to find definitive results, we do see promising outcomes that can be expanded in the near future. The end goal of this study is a tool that can efectively predict whether an undergraduate woman may need more support to remain in physics. Using this, professors could provide targeted interventions to increase overall retention, supporting gender equity in physics. Though we focus on gender equity in this work, the principles of our machine learning approach can be used for other predictive measures in physics education. This work aims to highlight the uses of each machine learning technique for other potential work.

19. What do we know about emotions?

Alexandra Kelly and Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience, semantic memory

Lead Author: Alexandra Kelly, PhD Student, allie.e.kelly@gmail.com

Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu

Abstract: General conceptual knowledge about emotions is inherently associated with sensation, particularly interoceptive signals regarding physiological states (e.g. high heart rate, accelerated breathing). It is unknown whether and to what extent individual diferences in the ability to sense and interpret these interoceptive signals afect the long-term representations of emotion concepts. Results from three studies will be reported that help to clarify what people ‘know’ about emotions and how such knowledge is shaped by diferent aspects of our bodies. One study uses property generation – a common paradigm used to elaborate the featural representations of concepts – and reveals subtle distinctions between emotion concepts and other types of abstract concepts. A second focuses on manipulation of attention to interoceptive processes, demonstrating that internally-focused attention to respiration slows the ability to access knowledge about emotion concepts. Finally, preliminary results from a third study using functional neuroimaging will be discussed in the context of how interaction between neural pathways underlying interpretation of interoceptive signals and those associated with semantic processing might produce the observed efects on emotion concept representation.

20. Engaging men in psychotherapy for eating disorders: A mixed-methods study

Ross Sonnenblick, BA, and Adrienne Juarascio, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; WELL Center; eating disorders

Lead Author: Ross Sonnenblick, PhD Student, rs3725@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Adrienne Juarascio, PhD, asj32@drexel.edu

Abstract: Nearly one third of adults with binge-spectrum eating disorders (BSEDs, including bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge-eating disorder (BED)) are men. Men with EDs are much less likely than women to seek psychological help. This mixed-methods study pilot-tested six theory-driven messages encouraging men with BSEDs to go to therapy. The messages varied in tone (humorous or serious) and focus (reconsidering self-reliance, questioning avoidance of femininity, or providing ED psychoeducation). Participants were 15 cisgender men (M [SD] age: 47 [16]) with diagnosed BSEDs (BN: 4; BED: 11). None had ever gone to therapy for their eating problems; all (8 White, 4 Black, 3 Asian, 12 heterosexual) were recruited via ResearchMatch. Participants answered open-ended questions about how a public-health initiative could raise men’s awareness of EDs and willingness to seek psychological help. Then, they ranked the messages. Three themes stood out: 1) These men voiced a preference for serious, not humorous, messages; they argued that the messages need to convey the gravity of the situation. 2) The ideal message would be simple and relatable and persuade men that seeking therapy makes them more, not less, manly. Therapy could be presented as a way to improve one’s mental strength or become a better family man. 3) Not all men are the same, so no single message could resonate with all men. Participants’ choice of messages told a slightly diferent story: Despite predicting that they would prefer serious messages, they chose serious and humorous messages equally often (22 times vs. 21). They also chose messages focused on self-reliance, femininity, and psychoeducation at comparable rates (16, 15, and 12 times, respectively). These results underscore that no message will appeal to all men. Nonetheless, all men expressed enthusiasm for at least one message, which inspires hope that men can be moved to consider therapy for their BSEDs.

Poster Session

Tuesday, May 21 | 2:45–4:45 p.m. | Behrakis Grand Hall

1. An analysis of foods eaten during binge-eating episodes using macronutrient category

Tasnia Ananna, Megan L. Wilkinson, Chloe Hessler, Erica M. LaFata, PhD, and Adrienne Juarascio, PhD

Department of Biology, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, WELL Center; psychology, eating disorders

Lead Author: Tasnia Ananna, Undergraduate Student, ta585@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Adrienne Juarascio, PhD, asj32@drexel.edu

Abstract: Binge-Eating Disorder (i.e., recurrent objective binge eating) is associated with numerous physical consequences which may be partially attributed to overconsumption of particular foods or macronutrient categories during binge episodes. Previous research shows individuals with binge eating tend to consume more carbohydrates and protein during BE episodes compared to regular meals (Presseller et al., 2023). However, there is little to no data on what specific foods people eat during BE episodes and whether these foods difer by sex or age. This secondary analysis aimed to characterize the specific foods and macronutrient contents of binge episodes and any associations with sex or age. Fifty-nine participants (78.0% female, Mean age=53.2 years) with Binge-Eating Disorder and co-morbid overweight/obesity were asked to indicate how often they consumed specific foods during binge-eating episodes over the past 28 days using a Food Frequency Questionnaire. The most commonly endorsed foods during at least one binge episode in the past month were: chips (66.1% of participants), ice cream (57.6%), pizza (57.6%), cookies (54.2%), and breads (50.8%). All of these foods had a higher percentage of carbohydrates than the other macronutrients. The five foods consumed at the highest number of days with a binge episode in the past month were: chocolate (M= 9.07 days, SD= 6.86), breads (M= 6.80 days, SD= 5.01), candy (M= 6.24 days, SD= 5.85), cooked vegetables (M= 5.80 days, SD= 5.85), and fruits (M= 5.75 days, SD= 3.96). No significant diferences were observed between male and female participants regarding foods frequently consumed during binge episodes (ps = 0.060.99). Older age was associated with more frequent consumption of donuts or sweet rolls during binge episodes (r = 0.53, p = 0.02). These results may help inform clinicians regarding specific foods or macronutrient categories their patients may overconsume during binge episodes.

2. Social Motivation, Social Awareness, and Attention to Emotion Eliciting Stimuli in Toddlers With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder

Katelynn

Rudolph and Andrea Wieckowski, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, A. J. Drexel Autism Institute; developmental psychology

Lead Author: Katelynn Rudolph, Undergraduate Student, kbr39@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Andrea Wieckowski, PhD, atw64@drexel.edu

Abstract: Background: Toddlers with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit atypical emotional expression, suggesting reduced awareness of facial expressions' communicative value or diminished motivation to use facial movements for communication. Diferences in attentional processes for facial emotion recognition have been found between ASD and typically developing (TD) children in eye-tracking studies, though gaps persist in understanding the relationship between social deficits and gaze fixations. Objective: To investigate the correlation between social awareness, social motivation, and gaze fixations in response to emotionally eliciting stimuli in toddlers with and without ASD. Methods: 49 participants (23 TD, 26 ASD) ages 2 to 4 years old, viewed emotionally eliciting videos. Experimental stimuli consisted of social (experimenter and bubbles or cars) and non-social (bubbles or cars) videos designed to elicit feelings of joy. Caregivers completed the Social Responsiveness Scale, a questionnaire measuring a child’s social behavior and functioning, including social motivation and social awareness subscales. Results: In TD and ASD groups, correlations between gaze fixations and non-social motivation and awareness were not significant across stimulus types. However, there was a significant negative correlation in gaze fixations to social bubbles stimuli and social awareness (r = -.421, p < .046) and between social cars stimuli and social motivation (r = -.419, p = .046) in the TD group. No significant correlations were found in the ASD group. Conclusions: No relationship was found between eye gaze fixations and social motivation and social awareness when looking across stimulus types. Findings however emphasize the importance of stimulus type in eye-gaze analysis. Future research could address limitations by exploring social communication and eye-gaze using varied assessments and stimuli alongside an increased sample size, enhancing understanding of social impairment and gaze fixation in toddlers with and without ASD.

3. Teasing apart a bi-level neuronal function for Tip60 HAT at the chromatin and RNA level

Christina Thomas and Felice Elefant, PhD Department of Biology

Lead Author: Christina Thomas, PhD Student, cmt397@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Felice Elefant, PhD, fe22@drexel.edu

Abstract: The histone acetyltransferase (HAT) Tip60 is an essential epigenetic mediator of neuronal transcriptional regulation and is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Tip60 contains a catalytic HAT domain that promotes histone acetylation mediated chromatin control and a chromodomain (CD) that interacts with methylated histone lysine residues. Recently, our lab reported a novel RNA binding function for Tip60 that is localized within its CD and underlies neuronal RNA alternative splicing (AS) regulation in the brain. AS of RNA is a process that enables brain cells to generate diferent functional variants of the same

protein to promote the protein diversity required for dynamic brain function in making new memories. Recent reports highlight defects in RNA splicing of genes in the brains of AD patients, thus making splicing disruptions a widespread hallmark of AD. Unfortunately, causes for these splicing disruptions in the brain are currently unknown. To further elucidate Tip60’s RNA binding/splicing function, we carried out high resolution homology modeling and molecular visualization of Tip60’s chromodomain (CD). Our results strongly predict the RNA binding loop within Tip60’s CD is critical for direct Tip60-RNA interaction. To tease apart Tip60’s RNA versus histone binding function in neural gene control and cognition, we mutated highly conserved amino acids (a.a) in Tip60’s CD strongly predicted to specifically interact with either histones (Tip60mutHis) or RNA (Tip60mutRNA) and generated transgenic flies carrying these inducible mutant Tip60 constructs. These transgenic Tip60mutRNA and Tip60mutHis fly models will serve as powerful tools to tease apart neural functions dependent upon histone vs. RNA binding or both. We will induce expression of mutant Tip60 in the fly brain and carry out functional assays to assess cognitive ability using both larval (single odor paradigm) and adult (olfactory shock learning) learning and memory assays as well assess brain morphology using immunohistochemistry with well characterized markers. We will also assess gene expression using RNA-Seq, Tip60 splicing activity using rMATs on RNA-Seq data, and chromatin and RNA binding using ChIP and RIP, respectively. We anticipate that RNA versus histone binding functions are required for specific functional outputs and some neuronal processes will be more dependent on a given Tip60 binding function than others. Our results will elucidate a new bi-level regulatory role for Tip60 in chromatin and RNA that has potential to transform how researchers view Tip60 HAT mediated neural gene control in the context of cognition and AD.

4. Pursuing Medicine as an International Woman of Color: Dr. Anandibai Joshee, 18651887

Nisha Patel and Lloyd Ackert, PhD Department of Biology, Department of History

Lead Author: Nisha Patel, Undergraduate Student, np828@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Lloyd Ackert, PhD, lta24@drexel.edu

Abstract: Dr. Anandibai Joshee was the first woman of Indian origin to earn a medical degree. To accomplish such a feat was not without its challenges, however. From leaving her loved ones behind to attend medical school in the United States to balancing her education and personal health issues, Dr. Joshee overcame many hurdles to become the first female Indian doctor. While her achievements were more than extraordinary, not many know about Dr. Joshee’s seminal position as an Indian woman physician. I aimed to explore the life of Dr. Joshee to help develop an intimate understanding of who she was as a student, physician, and overall individual. As a graduate of the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania (WMCP), a predecessor institution to what is now known as the Drexel University College of Medicine (DUCOM), I utilized archival materials from the Drexel Legacy Center such as letters, photographs, and advertisements to gain a composite view of Dr. Joshee before, during, and

after her medical schooling. I also analyzed secondary sources including biographies and reviews to better grasp contextual factors that may have influenced Dr. Joshee’s decisions, experiences, and general life. In doing so, I seek to reveal the struggles international women of color dealt with to enter the medical field during the late nineteenth century, and how Dr. Joshee served to be a remarkable figure in proving it was not only possible but necessary for people of diverse backgrounds to be medical providers. Moreover, I want to showcase the value of historical archives in allowing the stories of groundbreaking, but often ignored, individuals like that of Dr. Joshee to be known and shared.

5. Examining Parent-Adolescent Discrepancies in Family Meal Environment Perceptions and Their Association with Loss of Control Eating

Caroline Martin and Stephanie Manasse, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; adolescent disordered eating

Lead Author: Caroline Martin, MS Student, cgm67@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Stephanie Manasse, PhD, smm522@drexel.edu

Abstract: Family meal environments (FMEs) can be conceptualized by the frequency, structure (rules), prioritization, and atmosphere of family meals. Positive FME perceptions (high frequency, high priority, structured, and positive atmosphere) are protective factors for adolescent disordered eating since they involve parental monitoring of nutritional intake, promote healthy eating behaviors, and provide social support and communication. However, parents and adolescents have diferent perceptions of the FME, with parents reporting more favorable perceptions. Parent-child discrepancies in FME could signify a general disconnect regarding meals and eating, a lack of awareness of secretive behaviors, or inconsistencies in enforcing mealtime behaviors or rules- all of which could drive disordered eating such as loss of control (LOC) eating. Thus, this study investigated associations between FME and LOC eating while examining parent-adolescent discrepancies in FME perceptions and assessing whether these discrepancies are associated with adolescent LOC eating. Secondary analyses were conducted from an NIH-funded trial for adolescents (n = 61). On average, parents reported more favorable FME perceptions; yet, both parents and adolescents reported equal frequencies of family meals, and adolescents perceived more FME structure. Linear regressions revealed that total FME scores for parents and adolescents were not associated with LOC eating. However, FME structure discrepancy was significantly associated with LOC eating, F(1, 56) = 4.39, p = .041, indicating that adolescents who perceived less structure than parents endorsed increased LOC eating. Parent-adolescent discrepancies between composite FME, FME frequency, priority, and atmosphere were not associated with LOC eating. This study demonstrates the importance of evaluating parent and adolescent perceptions of FME structure while highlighting an avenue to reduce adolescent disordered eating. In particular, if an adolescent endorsing LOC eating reports less FME structure compared to the parents, then the family might benefit from an intervention or psychoeducation explaining the importance of a structured and consistent FME.

6. The Development and Initial Validation of the Experiential Learning Instrument (ELI)

Anthony Howcroft, PhD and Jennifer Stanford, PhD

Biology Department and Center for the Advancement of STEM Teaching and Learning Excellence; STEM Education

Lead Author: Anthony Howcroft, Postdoctoral Fellow, awh49@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Jennifer Stanford, PhD, jss75@drexel.edu

Abstract: There are a wide variety of experiences that fall into the category of experiential learning; therefore, it is helpful to develop ways in which we can characterize experiential learning to understand the similarities and diferences between experiences. The goal of this study was to develop and validate an experiential learning survey instrument to describe diferent experiential learning experiences. The initial instrument was designed by a group of faculty from three institutions in the United States and piloted across all three campuses three times. The instrument was further refined by a focus group of students. Reliability and validation procedures found that the survey developed is capable of reliably and accurately characterizing experiential learning experiences such as study abroad and undergraduate research, examples of disparate experiential learning modalities. This study adds to the body of experiential learning literature and is the first step in the process of developing an experiential learning survey instrument to characterize experiences of all varieties.

7. Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex (dACC) Involvement in Early Alcohol Sipping Patterns and Their Impact on Personality Traits and Psychopathology: Insights from the ABCD Study

Ana Ferariu, Hansoo Chang, Alexei Taylor, Fengqing Zhang, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences/Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences program; neuroscience, statistics

Lead Author: Ana Ferariu, PhD Student, af682@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Fengqing Zhang, PhD, fz53@drexel.edu

Abstract: Early alcohol exposure has an increased risk in developing future alcohol use problems and has a negative impact on the activation of multiple brain regions responsible for reward response, inhibitory control and other cognitive processes. The dorsal anterior cingulate gyrus (dACC) plays a very important role in cognitive control and response inhibition, as well as in reward-based learning, decision-making, motor functions, emotion and autonomic functions. In adolescence, there is a notable restructuring of dACC connectivity, which may impact response inhibition abilities related to personality traits and mental health outcomes. Evidence linked dACC dysfunction to various psychological disorders, as well as to normal and abnormal personality traits, but the influence of dACC activity remains somewhat ambiguous during adolescent development. In this ongoing study, we modeled the latent trajectory of early alcohol sipping over time using data from the

Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. We then examined the efects of latent trajectories on personality and mental health outcomes. In addition, we analyzed the moderating efects of the dACC activation during the stop-signal task (SST) in the relationship between early alcohol sipping pattern and personality traits and psychopathology. One of the key findings indicated that decreased activation in the left dACC and increased activation in the right dACC during the SST at baseline prospectively impacted the divergent trajectories of outcome scores over the following four years between participants reporting a high number of alcohol sips and those reporting no or low alcohol sipping. Our study adds to the existing body of literature by clarifying the impact of distinct types of bilateral dACC activation and their hemispheric specificity on the association between early alcohol sipping and outcomes related to psychopathology and personality traits in adolescents.

8. Characterizing two astrocyte populations in the mouse cortex

Julia Kovalski and A. Denise Garcia, PhD

Department

of Biology; neurobiology

Lead Author: Julia Kovalski, PhD Student, jmk576@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: A. Denise Garcia, PhD, adg82@drexel.edu

Abstract: Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell in the brain, have many well characterized functions including synapse support and participation in synaptic communication. Astrocytes have recently been regarded as a highly diverse cell type, based on the expression of diferent sets of genes by diferent astrocyte groups. Yet, the functional significance of this diversity remains largely unknown. Here, we begin to address this by characterizing diverse astrocyte populations in the adult mouse brain. We are utilizing a publicly available genetic expression dataset from which two populations of astrocytes were identified. Bioinformatic analysis of these populations suggest each population is defined by a set of diferentially expressed genes. Analysis of these genes point to one population being involved in synaptic function (cluster A) and the other being involved in maintaining the extracellular space (cluster B). To identify these populations in tissues, we selected several diferentially expressed genes of interest from each population and are analyzing their expression in the adult brain. One gene of interest in Cluster A, Kirrel3, is a cell adhesion molecule, a class of proteins that recognize and bind to itself on the surface of other cells, forming a physical junction. Neurons are also reported to express this molecule, suggesting that Kirrel3-expressing astrocytes can bind to Kirrel3expressing neurons at synapses, potentially implicating a population of astrocytes in forming specific associations with specific synapses. Preliminary data show that Kirrel3 is enriched in cortical layers 2/3 and 5, a distribution that suggests enrichment in some astrocytes over others. The long-term goal of this study will investigate whether distinct astrocyte clusters can perform specialized functions in the brain.

9. Efect of Parental Facilitative Emotional Intelligence on Parenting Behaviors and Early Childhood Outcomes

Onisha Rahman and Stephanie Krauthamer Ewing, PhD, MPH

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Behavioral Health Counseling; parental facilitative emotional intelligence

Lead Author: Onisha Rahman, Undergraduate Student, or76@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Stephanie Krauthamer Ewing, PhD, MPH, ek469@drexel.edu

Abstract:

Background: Many studies show links between positive parenting and early childhood outcomes. Several risk factors predict lower observed use of positive parenting (e.g., untreated parental mental illness; high stress levels). Less is known about parental strengths that contribute to a higher likelihood of sensitive and attuned caregiving with young children. Parental facilitative emotional intelligence (FEI) may be a key factor to consider. In a recent study, FEI predicted higher levels of parenting sensitivity and expressed positive emotion during a parent-child interaction task and to various aspects of parental empathy (Krauthamer Ewing et al., 2019). Purpose: The current study sought to replicate and extend findings demonstrating relationships between parental FEI, parenting, and dimensions of parental empathy. Hypotheses: Higher parental FEI will relate to lower reported use of negative parenting behaviors. Higher FEI will relate to higher reported empathic concern and perspective taking (other-focused empathy) and lower levels of reported empathic personal distress (self-focused empathy). Higher FEI will relate to higher levels of child efortful control (parent-rated). Methods: 76 parents of preschool children were recruited from Northwest Philadelphia daycares. Parents completed a performance task from the MayerSalovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test to measure FEI, the Adult-Adolescent Parenting Inventory to measure parenting difculties, and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index to measure empathy dimensions. Results: As hypothesized, higher FEI related to less difculty with negative parenting (inappropriate power assertion) (r = .26; p = .03), higher empathic concern (other focused empathy reactions) (r = .36; p < .01), and lower empathic personal distress (self-focused empathy reactions) (r = .25; p = .04). Higher FEI also related to higher reports of children’s efortful control (r = .51; p < .01). Conclusion: Findings add to evidence on potential relationships between parental FEI, parenting, empathy, and children’s outcomes and could help contribute to building evidence-based parenting programs.

10. The Genomics of Urbanization in House Mice

Stephen Kupchella, René Clark, Adrienne Kasprowicz, Sam Giancarli, Logan Lacy, Jason Munshi-South, and Megan Phifer-Rixey, PhD Department of Biology; evolutionary genetics

Lead Authors: Stephen Kupchella, PhD Student, sck84@drexel.edu; René Clark Faculty Advisor: Megan Phifer-Rixey, PhD, mp3754@drexel.edu

Abstract: Urbanization represents a significant and ongoing transformation of natural ecosystems driven by anthropogenic activity, afecting biodiversity worldwide. Cityscapes often

introduce a suite of new selective pressures, such as altered resource availability and extreme microclimates, that can drive changes in physiology, morphology, and behavior. While recent work has highlighted the ability of some taxa to readily adjust to these urban stressors, the field of urban evolution remains young, and our understanding of how urban areas shape the evolutionary trajectories of wild populations is still developing. Here, we compare populations of wild house mice (Mus musculus domesticus) from urban and rural areas in three major cities (New York City, NY., Philadelphia, PA., and Richmond, VA.) to investigate evolutionary responses to urbanization and the genetic basis of rapid adaptation. House mice ofer several advantages for studying urban evolution, including their pervasiveness in urban areas, short generation times, and extensive genetic and phenotypic resources. We aim to 1) use whole genome resequencing to characterize population structure and identify regions of the genome that show evidence of urban adaptation, and 2) explore the functional significance of these candidate variants by connecting them to phenotypes via RNA-sequencing, functional bioinformatics analyses, and comprehensive phenotyping, including physiological (e.g., metabolism) and morphological traits (e.g., body size, aspects of the skull and mandible), among others. Our preliminary results suggest the presence of some morphological variation associated with urbanization. When complete, this project will shed light on the genomic impacts of urbanization on house mice and aid in our understanding of the evolutionary consequences of anthropogenic change.

11.

Comparative Enzymology of Browning in Fungus, Fruits (Plants) including Cacao (Chocolate), and Humans

Kareena Patel, Caraline Young, Lina Volchok, Katelyn Phan, Alec Shonk, Jana Lenart, Tifany Petrovic, Ben Barrett, Andrew Dumas, Max Maser, Shaheen Soltani, Kelly Allen, Htay Aung, Angus Lee, Mathew McDonald, Laura Duwel, PhD, Kevin Owens, PhD, and Amit Basu, PhD Department of Biology; biochemistry and enzymology

Lead Author: Amit Basu, Adjunct Faculty, ab59@drexel.edu

Abstract: Enzymatic browning is prevalent in all kingdoms of life. All browning enzymes consist of a common active site with two type III copper cofactors (Cu-A & Cu-B) bound to six histidine residues located on alpha-helices, synthesizing a dizzying variety of quinones derived from oxidation of the corresponding diphenols. The di-phenolase reaction of browning enzymes consists of oxidation of a diphenol to a quinone and synthesis of a water molecule from two H^+-ions and an O^2- bound to the Cu-A & Cu-B. The pH dependent di-phenolase kinetics of Agaricus bisporus tyrosinase and Ipomea batatus catechol oxidase exhibit profound diferences while using two diphenols: 3,4-Dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine (LDOPA) and 4-Methylcatechol (3,4-Dihydroxytoluene) as substrates. At any given pH, the reaction kinetics (km, Vmax and kcat) difer between the enzymes for each substrate. Each enzyme exhibited a unique pattern of kinetic change when the pH was varied from 6 to 8 for any one substrate. Trans-Cinnamic acid, which contains a benzene ring instead of phenol, inhibits both Agaricus and Ipomea enzymes with difering dissociation kinetics (ki), but failed to inhibit cloned Homo sapiens tyrosinase. These kinetic property diferences may be

explained by the diference in size and shapes of the substrates and active sites of the enzymes.It is to be acknowledged that the results were generated from the contributions made by the students of the Biochemistry laboratory (Bio306) and biochemistry summer research experience in the Department of Biology, Drexel University.

12. Neural Correlates of Learning Diferences and Experience as Determinants of Design Fixation

DongHo Kim, Shuyao Wang, Julie Milovanovic, PhD, Udo Kannengiesser, PhD, John Gero, PhD, and Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience

Lead Author: DongHo Kim, Research Assistant, dk956@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu

Abstract: Past research has shown that the inclusion of pictures as examples in design problem solving fosters designers’ propensity to adhere to those examples, a phenomenon known as design fixation. In this exploratory study, we examined whether individual diferences in learning tendencies during concept building might underlie one’s susceptibility to design fixation. We hypothesized that an exemplar-based learning approach, as reflected in brain activity patterns, would amplify the impact of the examples in design problems by heightening the prominence of specific design features over the abstract relationships that bind them. Conversely, an abstraction-based learning approach might prioritize the abstract design rules governing example designs, providing protection from adhering to specific design features of the example and thus, design fixation. To test these hypotheses, mechanical engineering students participated in two experimental sessions. The first session involved completing a learning task and multiple behavioral assessments; in the second session, they underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan (fMRI), while completing learning and two design tasks using a sketching tablet compatible with the imaging environment. Participants’ thought processes during task completion were captured through simultaneous verbal protocols during the scans. A classification of design events via verbal protocol analysis using the Function, Behavior, Structure (FBS) ontology for design, in conjunction with the coding of the designs produced revealed an extensive frontoparietal network of regions associated with the propensity for design fixation. We discuss the importance of adopting a real-world, multimethod approach to quantify design fixation, learning tendencies, and individual diferences through diverse neurocognitive assessments.

13. Contextualizing Refinery Air Quality Data for Community Impact

Erin Poole, Sophie Kujawski, Anthony More, Rina Notani, and Gwen Ottinger, PhD

Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES); environmental justice, data analysis

Lead Author: Erin Poole, Undergraduate Student, efp34@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Gwen Ottinger, PhD, ottinger@drexel.edu

Abstract: People living next to oil refineries want to know what they are breathing. However, finding information in an accessible format is a challenge. Refinery Air Watch is an online data access tool that addresses this challenge by consolidating fenceline air monitoring data, enabling users to download it, and providing relevant key metrics. However, user feedback revealed that community members desired additional contextual information to make the data valuable to their advocacy or personal choices. With this in mind, the Data Innovation Lab has experimented with a variety of strategies to make data more meaningful. We hypothesized that data could be more meaningful if it (a) helped identify factors correlated with reduced pollution levels, (b) documented trends over time, and/or (c) ofered evidence of uneven spatial distribution of pollution. Among the factors with potential impact on pollution levels are regulations, enforcement, and unplanned releases. We attempted to identify violations that are reported for refineries, as well as diferences in regulatory policies regionally. We also tried to catalog accidents and flaring. We identified crucial absences in the available information, and were not able to use these strategies to provide context. To show trends over time, we graphed benzene measurements for individual refineries. We also designed an interactive table to incorporate into the site that will highlight key metrics for past years. To understand spatial distribution of pollution, we attempted to correlate relatively high benzene fenceline concentrations with neighboring geographical areas. As benzene dispersion from oil refineries is not well understood, we are investigating more rigorous methodology that further examines how neighboring communities are impacted.

14. Ion-Acoustic Wave Dynamics in a Two-Fluid Plasma

Emily Kelting and J. Douglas Wright, PhD

Department of Mathematics; partial diferential equations

Lead Author: Emily Kelting, PhD Student, ekk36@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: J. Douglas Wright, PhD, jdw66@drexel.edu

Abstract: Plasma is a medium filled with free electrons and positive ions. Each particle acts as a conducting fluid with a single velocity and temperature when electromagnetic fields are present. This distinction between the roles played by electrons and ions is what we refer to as the two-fluid description of plasma. In this talk, we investigate the dynamics of these particles in both hot and cold plasma using a collisionless "Euler-Poisson" system. Employing analytical and computational techniques from diferential equations, we show this system is governed by the dynamics of the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation in the long-wavelength limit and possesses solitary wave solutions.

15. Autistic Perspectives on Communication Measurement

Hunter Cheng, Ashley de Marchena, PhD, Maci Brown

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; psychology, autism

Lead Author: Hunter Cheng, Undergraduate Student, hc845@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Ashley de Marchena, PhD, abd64@drexel.edu

Abstract: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) afects the way autistic individuals communicate with others to the point where communication diferences are a key diagnostic feature of ASD. These diferences have been demonstrated to negatively impact life outcomes such as community involvement and functional independence. However, there are no reliable or valid measures to quantify communication diferences based on the lived experience of communication diferences, especially for autistic adults. Assessment of autistic communication is primarily based on outsider reports, which takes away agency from the autistic community and fails to account for internal experiences, including the tendency of some autistic individuals to mask or camouflage their preferred communication style. One communication measure with untested psychometrics in an autistic population is the Communication Checklist – Self-Report (CC-SR), based on the adult adaptation of the Children’s Communication Checklist 2. This project explores autistic adults’ perspectives on the experience of taking the CC-SR to examine trends that can be addressed in future measures seeking to assess communication in autistic adult samples. 400 autistic participants completed the CC-SR as part of a study on nonverbal communication and were allowed to provide feedback on the CC-SR directly after completing it. I conducted a qualitative content analysis on written feedback provided by participants (n=166). Participants had critiques regarding the problematic wording of the items and response options throughout the survey. Participants also provided information they felt was relevant to their communication experience but neglected by the survey, suggesting limited content validity. Ultimately, findings suggest similar critiques from the autistic community as have been explored in previous research on autistic perspectives of communication measurement. This knowledge emphasizes how important having community-partnered measures developed is to avoid further marginalization of the autistic community in research. Future directions should seek to utilize the critiques from this study in the development of measures.

16. Associations Between Sex, Depression, and Dementia Screening Scores among Adults with Down Syndrome

Margaret Bianco, Hannah E. Grosman, Jessica McNulty, Meghan O’Brien, Laylah Jones, Gregory L. Wallace, PhD, and Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; neuropsychology

Lead Author: Margaret Bianco, Undergraduate Student, mcb385@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD, nrl39@drexel.edu

Abstract: Adults with Down syndrome (DS) show accelerated aging, with heightened rates of dementia during middle adulthood relative to the general population[1,2]. Research on dementia risk and phenomenology in the general population suggests that females present with heightened rates of dementia[3] and that dementia co-occurs with mental health

difculties, particularly depression[4]. Less is known about these associations in DS, particularly among young adults who may only be beginning to demonstrate early declines in cognitive function. To better understand these associations, this study sought to characterize sex diferences in dementia screening scores among a large sample of young adults with DS and to examine associations with depression symptoms. To do so, we used the Dementia Screening Questionnaire for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (DSQIID)[5], a measure designed for caregivers of adults with intellectual disabilities to assess dementia symptomatology, and the Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scales (ADAMS)[6], a scale used to assess anxiety, depression, and mood symptomatology of those with intellectual disabilities. Data from 103 adults with DS (Mage= 27.33[5.08], range = 18-39; 54.5% male; 84.5% White; 96.2% Non-Hispanic) were collected. A Mann-Whitney U analysis indicated that there were no sex diferences in dementia screening scores in the sample (Z= -.888, p = .375). Regarding dementia screening-depression relations, a Spearman correlation analysis revealed a significant association between the ADAMS Depression scale and the DSQIID score (r(95) = .484, p < .001). These results support the notion that those with DS experiencing depression may be at an increased risk for developing dementia symptomatology. Longitudinal research is needed to explore these associations over time in order to understand the nature of these relations and possible points of intervention.

17. A personalized approach to studying the subjective experience of spontaneous thoughts using PCA and hierarchical clustering

David Braun, Lotus Shareef-Trudeau, Swetha Rao, and Aaron Kucyi, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience of spontaneous thoughts

Lead Author: David Braun, Postdoctoral Fellow, db3566@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Aaron Kucyi, PhD, aaron.kucyi@drexel.edu

Abstract: People often engage in thoughts that arise spontaneously and are unrelated to their present environment. Neural activity underlying these spontaneous thoughts varies across people, suggesting that the subjective experience of spontaneous thinking might var y across people as well. We tested for the presence of such individual variability in thought patterns by assessing whether people fall into reliable subtypes based on experience sampling (repeated subjective reports) during wakeful rest. Fifty participants were instructed to stare at a fixation cross on a computer screen while letting their minds wander freely. At pseudo-random intervals, the fixation cross was replaced with an experience sampling probe asking 13 questions about diferent features of ongoing thoughts spanning both content (e.g., whether thoughts were more about oneself or others) and thought dynamics (e.g., whether thoughts were freely moving between topics), each of which participants rated on a scale of 0 to 100. Ratings were grouped within each subject using principal components analysis to reveal features of thinking that co-occur for each subject. We then grouped subjects together based on similarities in co-occuring thought features using hierarchical clustering, yielding a treelike grouping of subject similarity. Results revealed that, for thought content, one cluster of

subjects tended to have thoughts centered on themselves and future oriented, while another cluster tended to have thoughts involving the past and other people. For thought dynamics, one cluster of subjects tended to have thoughts that were moving and not deliberate, while other subjects tended to have thoughts that were not moving and difcult to disengage from. These findings validate a novel method for quantitatively grouping people according to features of ongoing thoughts. Such grouping lays the groundwork for more closely relating the subjective experience of spontaneous thoughts to its underpinning neural activity, fostering a more personalized approach to studying spontaneous thinking.

18. Sex Diferences Found Within Executive Functioning in Adults with Down Syndrome

Sarah Grey, Meghan O’Brien, MS, Hannah Grosman, MS, Jessica McNulty, BA, Laylah Jones, BS, Gregory Wallace, PhD, and Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; psychology, neuroscience, intellectual disability (Down Syndrome)

Lead Author: Sarah Grey, Undergraduate Student, smg459@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Nancy Lee, PhD, nrl39@drexel.edu

Abstract: There is evidence that adults with Down syndrome (DS) experience challenges in several areas of executive function (EF; Grieco et al., 2015; Lanfranchi et al., 2010). Areas of EF such as working memory have been shown to be associated with everyday outcomes such as employment and independent living (Tomaszewski et al., 2018). There is some evidence to suggest that EF may difer across sex in the general population (Gaillard, Fehring & Rossell, 2020), but results are mixed, and sex diferences across domains of cognitive functioning remain largely unstudied in adults with DS. Understanding factors that may be associated with diferences in EF in DS could contribute to the refinement of inclusive intervention approaches and lead to improved outcomes for adults with DS. For this study, close family members of 76 adults with DS, aged 18-39 (M= 27.16; SD= 5.16; 52.6% male), completed the BRIEF-A, a measure of EF in adults (Roth, Isquith, & Goia, 2005). The current study analyzed components of behavior regulation, measured by the Inhibit, Shift, Emotional Control, and Self-Monitor subscales (as quantified by age-standardized T-scores). Independent samples T-tests showed that adults assigned male at birth (M= 53.43; SD= 8.16) reported greater challenges on the Behavior Regulation Index (BRI) than adults assigned female at birth (M = 48.83; SD= 7.24), (74)= -2.58, p = .012. This was also true for the Inhibit (t(71.57)= 3.05, p = .003) and Shift (t(74)= -2.86, p = .006) subscales, with moderate efect sizes. There was no significant diference found for the Emotional Control (t(74)=-1.27, p = .208) or Self-Monitor (t(74)= -1.72, p = .089) subscales. While both groups fell within the average range on all subscales, these findings suggest that adult males may benefit from greater levels of support, and possibly tailored interventions, for these areas of EF.

19. Spherical Capsid Structure's Efciency Against UVC Light

Grace King and Allison Moyer, PhD

Department of Biology; bacteriophages

Lead Author: Grace King, Undergraduate Student, gak47@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Allison Moyer, PhD, aem442@drexel.edu

Abstract: This experiment tests capsid head structures of bacteriophage PhredFlinston, an icosahedral, and Phorgeous, a spherical structure, afect to produce plaques when exposed to UVC wavelength of light for varying amounts of time. These bacteriophages are a virus that infects and replicates in bacteria each with diferent head shapes. We used Microbacterium foliorum as the host bacteria, which these bacteriophages are specific to. The purpose of this experiment is to find out whether or not capsid head structures afect the stability of phages when exposed to ultraviolet light. By finding this answer we can apply it to phage therapy. For our methods, we placed 50 ul of lysate into 96 wells and placed them under UVC light for 120 seconds and 10 minutes. We then isolated the phage by placing 10 ul of our phage into 90 ul of phage bufer into a tube labeled 10^-1, vortexing, and taking 10 ul from 10^-1 and placing the 10 ul into another 90 ul phage bufer, repeating the process up to 6 times. We found that when placed under UVC light for 120 seconds, Phorgeous’s titer count decreased by 19.03% and PhredFlinston’s titer count decreased by 30.29%. When placed under UVC light for 10 minutes, Phorgeou’s titer count decreased by 6.49% and PhredFlinston’s titer count decreased by 16.34%. We concluded that Phorgeous is more resilient to UVC exposure based on its smaller decrease in titer value. Its spherical head structure likely protected the phage’s DNA more than the icosahedral. This finding can be applied to phage therapy and how to make phages more resilient.

20. Restoring histone acetylation homeostasis in Alzheimer's Disease using Tip60 HAT activators

Aprem Zaya, Akanksha Bhatnagar, Sandhya Kortagere, and Felice Elefant, PhD Department of Biology; Alzheimer’s Disease

Lead Author: Aprem Zaya, PhD Student, az572@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Felice Elefant, PhD, fe22@drexel.edu

Abstract: Reduced histone acetylation in the brain is an early event in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) etiology that causes cognitive impairment prior to amyloid beta plaque formation. Over 90% of patients hospitalized are diagnosed with sporadic AD, highlighting the importance of epigenetic dysregulation in disease progression. Small-molecule epigenetic modulators are currently in clinical trials for AD. These treatments aim to restore histone acetylation homeostasis by inhibiting histone deacetylases (HDACs), which remove acetyl marks from histones causing chromatin to condense, leading to a reduction in gene expression. While promising, many HDAC inhibitors are not specific to one HDAC, causing side efects likely due to global hyperacetylation. Our work focuses on Tip60 histone acetyltransferase (HAT), which generates pattern-specific acetyl marks onto histones to decondense chromatin, leading

to enhanced transcription. We have shown that increasing Tip60 HAT levels rescues cognitive deficits and the expression of critical neuroplasticity genes repressed in a well-characterized Drosophila AD model. Since our findings support a neuroprotective role for Tip60 HAT in AD, we propose an epigenetics-based therapeutic strategy using small molecules that selectively activate Tip60 HAT to restore histone acetylation homeostasis. We developed and optimized small molecule compounds using structure-based and pharmacophore functionbased approaches and identified three of the compounds as robust and specific Tip60 HAT activators using an in vitro HAT assay. Future work will elucidate the efcacy of these compounds in functional assays and assess the expression of neuroplasticity genes responsible for cognitive function in a Drosophila AD model. Activating Tip60 HAT as a therapeutic strategy to restore histone acetylation homeostasis is a promising AD treatment that could address cognitive impairment that precedes other disease characteristics observed at later stages.

21. Individual Diferences in Resting-State Salience Connectivity and Emotional Memory in the Cam-CAN Dataset

Michael DiCalogero, Meghan D. Caulfield, PhD, Irene P. Kan, PhD, Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; aging and memory

Lead Author: Michael DiCalogero, PhD Student, mjd499@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu

Abstract: Aging research reveals that older adults show declining cognitive functions in various domains, including memory. These changes in cognition are reflected in changes within large-scale brain networks, such as the salience, default mode, and executive control networks. Recent research has revealed an association between resting-state functional connectivity of the salience network and recognition memory in younger adults, as well as preserved structural and functional connectivity for the salience network in ‘Superagers’- older adults resilient to cognitive decline. Based on this prior work, the present study takes an adult lifespan approach and examines how individual diferences in salience network connectivity may be associated with memory performance. We used existing data from the Cambridge Centre for Ageing and Neuroscience (Cam-CAN) dataset. This dataset includes 330 participants (between 18 and 88 years of age), who completed an emotional memory task, as well as underwent structural and functional MRI scans. The emotional memory task consisted of 120 encoding trials where participants saw a neutral object superimposed on a positive, negative, or neutral background. For recognition trials, participants were tested on 160 objects to assess object recognition and background valence. Functional MRI data were pre-processed using SP8 and functional connectivity toolbox (CONN) pipelines. Statistical analysis within CONN revealed that individual diferences in salience network connectivity as a factor of age might be able to predict emotional memory performance. These findings underscore the relationship between salience network connectivity and emotional memory,

and highlight the importance of examining salience network contributions to memory across the lifespan.

22. Revealing the Neurophysiological Mechanisms Behind Memory Consolidation During Sleep via Targeted Memory Reactivation

Elizabeth Espinal, Akash Mishra, Maria T Schultheis, PhD, Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, Ashesh Mehta, PhD, and Stephan Bickel, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; neuroscience, clinical neuropsychology

Lead Author: Elizabeth Espinal, PhD Student, ee396@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu

Abstract: Objective: Memory is a critical piece of the human experience. Damage or degradation to neural memory networks and related brain structures can be devastating. A complex interplay of cortical slow-wave activity (slow oscillations, SO), thalamocortical spindles, and hippocampal sharp-wave ripples (SWR) is believed to comprise the neural mechanism initiating and coordinating neural activity leading to consolidation of memory. The current hypothesis posits that slow fluctuations (SO) of brain activity between up and down states, i.e., active vs quiet states, facilitate widespread networks. However, our current understanding stems from animal models and little evidence is available if these principles apply in humans. Methods: The current study uses targeted memory reactivation (TMR) during sleep in combination with intracranial electroencephalography in humans to investigate the relationship between cortical and subcortical brain rhythms and overnight consolidation during a memory task. Additionally, we incorporate validated clinical measures of memory to investigate biomarkers of memory functioning. Results: Overnight sleep oscillation analysis revealed significant diferences in the coupling of oscillations surrounding TMR cues. Additionally, the quantity and quality of sleep oscillations correlated with baseline memory performance and we show evidence of decreased forgetting across patients for objects associated with TMR cues. Conclusions: This is one of the first studies to combine iEEG recording in humans to explore the neural substrates of memory consolidation during a TMR task. Results from this work can contribute to establishing a biomarker for both efcient and inefcient memory consolidation.

23. Latinas and Cervical Cancer in the United States: A review of the literature

Maeve Fitzgerald, Susan E. Bell, PhD, Iqra Siddiqui MS, AnaMaria Lopez MD, MPH Department of Sociology; medical sociology

Lead Author: Maeve Fitzgerald, Undergraduate Student, mmf334@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Susan E. Bell, PhD, seb376@drexel.edu

Abstract: Cancer screening, awareness, and treatment approaches have resulted in improved cancer survivorship, but survivorship outcome improvements have not been equitable.

Cervical cancer, a disease often thought of as of merely historical interest, remains a global health problem. It is the leading cause of cancer deaths among women in 36 countries, primarily in low-income and middle-income countries. Likewise, screening program coverage is much higher among women living in high-income countries than in low-and middleincome countries (Ginsburg et al. 2023). In the United States, cervical cancer presents at a 32% greater rate in Latinas than in non-Latina white women (NLWW) and its incidence is 78% higher in Latinas in Puerto Rico than in NLWW in the US. Mortality remains 26% higher in Latinas than in NLWW in the United States (Miller 2021; Despres 2018). These rates have been stable for several years. In this paper we present a literature review of social science, public health, and public health studies of cervical cancer from 2000 to the present. We highlight patterns and themes in the literature about individual, sociocultural, and system-level factors that explain these cervical cancer disparities. We focus in particular on studies of Latina and non-Latina white women in the United States from 2000 to the present. The review is part of a pilot study, “Estamos Aqui: Escuchenos / We are Here: Hear Us,” funded by the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, that employs qualitative methods to investigate the experiences of Latina women in the United States diagnosed with cervical cancer. The study seeks to improve our understanding of how and why Latinas are less likely than non-Latina white women to survive after a diagnosis of cervical cancer.

24. Using Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation with Concurrent EEG to Examine the Role of Alpha- and Gamma-band Oscillations in Creative Thinking

Necla Ece Yilmaz and Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; psychology, cognitive neuroscience, creativity

Lead Author: Necla Ece Yilmaz, MS Student, ny92@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu

Abstract: Creative problem-solving is often characterized by an interplay between two main processes: creative ideation and idea evaluation. These processes were shown to represent diferent states executive control and are generally supported by diferent large-scale neural networks. Alpha- and gamma-band oscillations have been reliably associated with the neural mechanisms underlying creative thinking: Alpha-band synchronization has been consistently observed during tasks requiring creative ideation, whereas gamma-band synchronization has been reported predominantly during tasks requiring creative idea evaluation. Previous research has shown that non-invasive brain stimulation techniques ofer a way to modulate these specific neuronal dynamics underpinning creative cognition. Despite this, very few studies have manipulated neural synchronization through non-invasive brain stimulation as a tool to enhance creative cognition. In this study, we aimed to address this gap by using transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) together with electroencephalography (EEG) over executive control regions to induce targeted neural oscillations during creative thinking. Healthy adult native English speakers participated in a within-subjects study where they performed a creative ideation task under tACS in (a) the alpha-band range (10Hz), (b)

the gamma-band range (40 Hz), or (c) sham stimulation. EEG measures were used to examine the impact of tACS on task-based oscillatory activity.

25. Investigating Biological and Brain Development in Children in the Adolescent Brain Development (ABCD) Study

Hansoo Chang, Kevin Street, Ana Ferariu, Alexei Taylor, John Kounios, PhD, and Fengqing Zhang, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; brain and biological development in adolescents

Lead Author: Hansoo Chang, PhD Student, hc842@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Fengqing Zhang, PhD, fz53@drexel.edu

Abstract: Biological and brain development index, the quantification of the physiological deterioration of organ systems and the brain, has been shown to be an efective, quantifiable tool that is predictive of a variety of diseases and mental health outcomes. We utilized bloodbased and grey matter volume biomarkers and the Klemera-Doubal Method to calculate the acceleration of biological and brain development in a cohort of young children in the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. Using Biological and Brain Development Index (BIDI and BRDI respectively), we found significant associations between these measures at baseline and health outcomes in the neurocognitive, physical, and social health domains up to 4 years in the future which are indicative of whole-person health and multimorbidity. In addition, our study is the first to use BIDI and BRDI to create a biological and brain growth chart for adolescents similar to a BMI growth chart used by clinicians. Using our charts, our study found that participants with a delayed BRDI were more likely to develop health outcomes across multiple health domains. Lastly, to better understand the relationship between BIDI and BRDI, we analyzed the connections between these measures and their subcomponents using Bayesian network analysis. Our findings hold the potential to advance the understanding of longitudinal biological and brain development in adolescents and create a tool for clinicians to assist in predicting future relevant health outcomes in adolescents.

26. Using live imaging to investigate stepwise signaling and cytoskeletal changes underlying de-diferentiation in the Drosophila testis

Carlie Relyea and Kari Lenhart, PhD

Department of Biology; stem cell and tissue maintenance

Lead Author: Carlie Relyea, Undergraduate Student, car395@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Kari Lenhart, PhD, kfl36@drexel.edu

Abstract: Tissue homeostasis requires maintenance of adult stem cells over an organism’s lifetime. These stem cells produce progenitors that specialize and populate the tissue they

reside in. Yet, insult, injury, and lifelong stress can cause significant depletion of the stem cell pool, leading to insufcient progenitors to maintain tissue integrity. Thus, the mechanisms that tissues employ to retain a robust stem cell pool are vital for prevention of tissue degeneration. One method to renew the stem cell population is dediferentiation; the process by which diferentiating cells move back to the specialized stem cell niche and adopt selfrenewing capabilities. The Drosophila testis is an ideal model to study de-diferentiation as several genetic and environmental perturbations induce this process to replenish the germline stem cell pool. Under homeostatic conditions, diferentiating germ cells are released from the niche and complete four rounds of mitosis with incomplete cytokinesis, forming interconnected units termed cysts. Each cyst is tightly encased by somatic cells which codiferentiate, facilitating spermatogenesis and tissue maintenance. Work from our lab and others suggests a three-step model by which de-diferentiation is achieved: 1. Somatic cells lose contact with adjacent germ cells 2. Germ cell cysts complete cytokinesis to release individual cells 3. Migration of germ cells back to the niche. Preliminary studies have revealed the signaling and cell biological changes that promote two of these events, cytokinesis completion and migration. First, we find that completion of cytokinesis is preceded by loss of F-actin at typically stable germ cell intercellular bridges, allowing for germ cell abscission outside of the niche. Moreover, migration back to the niche is mediated by Jak/STAT signaling, which promotes germ cell polarization and leading-edge cytoskeletal rearrangement. Current work is focused on live-imaging somatic cells during dediferentiation to elucidate the mechanisms governing each step of maintaining the germline stem cell pool.

27. Beyond the ‘Sanctuary:’ Unveiling Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and the Struggle for Health Equity among Undocumented Mexican Women in Philadelphia

Nalo Russell and Alberto Morales, PhD Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages

Lead Author: Nalo Russell, Undergraduate Student, ncr47@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Alberto Morales, PhD, aem464@drexel.edu

Abstract: Within the self-acclaimed orbit of a sanctuary city, there are still so many immigrants left unprotected. The seemingly inclusive regulations within Philadelphia are not reflected in the City’s system of health administration. Undocumented immigrants feel the brunt of what it means to live without insurance and the proper health resources to cope with sickness and disease as they naturally arise. Unfortunately, women are disproportionately afected by the immigration health crisis, and their journey to access care within the clinical landscape highlights significant linguistic, legal, and cultural barriers that shape long-term health management. The positionality of immigrant women places them in a unique state of vulnerability that can produce unfavorable health outcomes. My research written and presented as my senior thesis delves into the intricacies surrounding the healthcare crisis within the demographic of Mexican immigrant women who have traveled Northbound, shedding light on the barriers that impede accessibility and equitable health outcomes and

highlighting their impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD). The complex landscape surrounding the status of immigrant women creates distinct struggles that are not merely a matter of policy, but engender a necessary examination of health disparities, cultural competence, patient-provider interactions, and the authentic voices of immigrant women. My work seeks to contribute to a deeper understanding of the nuanced interplay between the immigrant experience, womanhood, vulnerability, healthcare management, and CVD risk factors. In this way, I posit that the immigrant experience, coupled with structural health inequality, deeply shapes individualized healthcare encounters for immigrant patients at every stage of the medical process. The presented research embarks on a critical exploration of what formulates cardiovascular health for Mexican immigrant women, while challenging the efcacy of the sanctuary city policy concentrated in Philadelphia.

28. Embracing Passivity: Why We Enjoy the Horror “Let’s Play” Phenomenon

Greta Wilkinson and Dorothy Charbonnier, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; social psychology & user experience in video games

Lead Author: Greta Wilkinson, Undergraduate Student, gpw28@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Dorothy Charbonnier, PhD, drc73@drexel.edu

Abstract: Horror media has been flourishing recently which has led to increased research about the paradoxical enjoyment of fear. Games that play like horror movies where players make decisions that determine the fate of characters are one such example. The pandemic led to increased popularity in “Let’s Play” videos or livestreams, where viewers can watch another person play video games online. The consumption of “Let’s Play” content of these chooseyour-own-adventure games seems to undermine the intended goal of the game. The purpose of this review was to determine why viewers may prefer “watching” and how that relates to the broader appeal of “Let’s Play” videos, the enjoyment of horror content, and fear management. A literature search was done using Drexel Libraries and Google Scholar with terms including recreational horror, video game live streaming, and horror video gaming. Only peer-reviewed, English-language articles published later than 2019 were considered. Of 115,300 articles, most focused on specific topics not relevant to this review. Three articles directly examined the psychology of horror video games. Fifteen additional articles about paradoxical enjoyment of horror, fear management behaviors, and emotional responses to video games were included to sufciently explore the topic. Ultimately, viewers may choose to watch others play horror games rather than play themselves to maximize control of their fear levels. While enjoyable video games demand attention from players, the lack of control viewers have over the game allows them to engage in behavioral fear management. Watching someone play may fulfill a social quota, making the viewer feel like they are playing with others. Further examination is needed into livestreaming as there is little literature on the subject. More research into how watching a livestream fulfills social needs and how ideal fear levels vary across people is necessary.

29. The Relationship Between Negative Mood and Observed Risky Driving in Healthy Adults

Rachel Lyons, Jocelyn Ang, BS, Molly Split, MS, Aleksandar Gonevski, BS, Oluwatoniloba Ogunkoya, Tasmia Hasan, Kathryn Devlin, PhD, and Maria Schultheis, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; clinical neuropsychology

Lead Author: Rachel Lyons, Undergraduate Student, rel75@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Kathryn Devlin, PhD, knd52@drexel.edu

Abstract: Objective: This study uses video telematics to examine relationships between selfreported negative mood symptoms and directly observed naturalistic driving-as-usual in healthy adult drivers. We hypothesized that reports of higher anxiety and depression symptoms would be associated with more observed risky driving behaviors. Method: Fortyseven healthy drivers (ages 22-61, 66% women) were recruited from the general community into this longitudinal study. At baseline, six months, and twelve months, participants completed 28 days of naturalistic driving with an in-vehicle video telematics platform that detected risky driving behaviors. At the end of each period, they filled out retrospective selfreports of anxiety and depression symptoms. We used linear mixed models to evaluate the relationship between the mood symptoms and total risky driving behaviors per hour, as well as the mood symptoms and specific categories of risky driving behaviors per hour. Results: Anxiety symptoms were positively related to total risky driving behaviors (B=.73, p=.01), but had no relationship to specific categories of risky driving behaviors. Depression symptoms did not significantly relate to total risky driving behaviors, but there was a positive relationship between depression symptoms and awareness-related risky driving behaviors (B=.06, p&lt;.001). Conclusion: In healthy adult drivers, greater levels of anxiety are associated with greater engagement in risky driving behaviors as a whole. Specific stressors may cause anxiety, imposing cognitive interference and increasing the likelihood of engagement in various risky driving behaviors. Additionally, greater levels of depression are specifically associated with greater engagement in awareness-related risky driving behaviors, like late response to braking. Depression symptoms may cause cognitive slowing and working memory difculties, impairing one’s ability to be alert and respond to environmental cues. We plan to expand this work to broader samples and clinical populations to increase generalizability and applicability to clinical driving evaluations.

30. Recommendations to Provide Greater Debt Relief to Federal Student Loan Borrowers

Rida A. Memon and Cyndi Rickards, EdD

Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages

Lead Author: Rida Memon, Undergraduate Student, ram489@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Cyndi Rickards, EdD, crr46@drexel.edu and Leah Gates, MA lhg33@drexel.edu

Abstract: Student debt in the United States has nearly tripled "from more than $619 billion to $1.77 trillion" in the past 15 years (Safier and Harrison). Although Biden’s forgiveness and income-based repayment plans are a step in the right direction, this white paper proposes improvements that would, to some extent, provide greater and easier access to student debt relief for those who have undergraduate federal loans. In terms of forgiveness, this white paper argues in favor of using a wealth-based approach instead of an income-based one. Additionally, this paper argues for tax-exempt forgiveness and interest-based forgiveness. It also argues in favor of forgiveness in which the student debt of former students is reduced by the additional amount they would have received with each Pell Grant increase when it is adjusted for inflation. Furthermore, this white paper argues in favor of income-based repayment plans compared to standard-time repayment plans. Specifically, it argues in favor of expanding Biden’s new SAVE repayment plan and allowing employers to automatically withhold payments as a collection mechanism. The benefits to the public good from implementing these recommendations surpass their costs both in terms of finances and other factors. In other words, the indirect costs our country would bear by not adopting these recommendations would be much higher than the costs associated with their implementation.

31. fMRI Exploration of Mind Wandering and Associative Memory

Devayani Joshi and Alexa Tompary, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences; memory consolidation

Lead Author: Devayani Joshi, PhD Student, dj584@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Alexa Tompary, PhD, at3549@drexel.edu

Abstract: Mind wandering, a phenomenon observed in humans, which consumes nearly half of our time refers to self-generated, spontaneous thoughts that involve a shift in attention from external on-task demands to more internal mental processes (Killingsworth & Gilbert, 2010). Mind wandering during a task has been linked to impaired memory recall (Risko et al., 2012) but little is known about the potential benefits of mind wandering during post-learning rest periods. Periods of quiet rest following a learning task can be beneficial for memory consolidation, which is the process of integrating new information into long-term memory (Staresina et al 2013; Tambini et al 2010; Tambini & Davachi 2013; Tambini & Davachi 2019). These periods also provide an ideal environment for mind-wandering episodes that ofer opportunities for spontaneous memory replay and may serve a functional role in the memory consolidation process (Mildner & Tamir, 2019). The current study investigates how mind wandering may be valuable in boosting systems-level consolidation, and provides insight into the functional significance of spontaneous thought during rest. Fifteen participants learned associations between 128 unique objects and 4 scenes before undergoing approximately 40 minutes of awake rest inside an fMRI scanner. During this period, they intermittently reported if they were mind-wandering, and the contents of their thought. Following this rest period, their memory for the encoded objects was tested both immediately and after 24 hours. Preliminary analyses revealed a decay in memory over this 24-hour

interval. Further analyses, including examination of fMRI data, aim to uncover the neural systems that underlie the interaction between mind wandering and memory consolidation.

32. The Aminochronolgy of Jamaican Land Snails Utilizing Natural History Collections

Matthew T. McDonald and Gary Rosenberg, PhD

Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES); paleoecology

Lead Author: Matthew McDonald, PhD Student, mtm35@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Gary Rosenberg, PhD, rosenberg.ansp@drexel.edu

Abstract: In the forests of Jamaica assemblages of dead terrestrial snail shells can be found in crevices and other collection points. In these assemblages are a variety of terrestrial snail shells with some of these shells representing species that can no longer be found living in the area. These shell collections are time-averaged death assemblages, the dead organic remains that are still mostly unburied, temporally coarse accumulations in which noncontemporaneous individuals can be found. The time-averaged death assemblages of terrestrial snails found in Jamaica can provide a look into regional diversity and long-term baselines in an era and region under increasing anthropogenic disturbances. If the ages of these dead shells can be determined, then we can see how populations changed over time, with distinct species appearing and disappearing at separate times. To make paleoecological inferences from Quaternary land snail deposits it is important to show a reliable chronological context for the shells found at a specific site. To do this, the ages of individual snail shells need to be determined. Amino acid racemization (AAR) is a widely accepted method for age dating Quaternary mollusk shells and can be used to create age models based on AAR ratios from museum collections. Live-collected historical specimens from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University malacology collection and recently collected specimens will be used to establish racemization ratios for several Jamaican species. A reverse phase HPLC procedure for stereoisomeric separations of amino acids will be used on these specimens with a known age. The data will be used to generate racemization age models that can be used to estimate the age of field collected shells. Field collected shells from death assemblages with unknown ages will then be analyzed and placed within the age models to determine an approximate date of death for each shell.

33. The Role of Right Hemisphere Structural Properties in Aphasia Recovery

Nicole K. Marie and John D. Medaglia, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience

Lead Author: Nicole Marie, Undergraduate Student, nkm57@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: John D. Medaglia, PhD, jdm582@drexel.edu

Abstract: Over one-third of stroke survivors have chronic aphasia, a language disorder that afects one’s ability to communicate and negatively impacts patients’ relationships, ability to

work, and quality of life. Research on aphasia recovery emphasizes the reorganization of the language network in a patient’s brain, including regions in the right hemisphere. However, there is little research on how reorganization causes changes to the structural properties of right hemisphere regions. The current project addresses this gap by investigating how right hemisphere structural connections change in persons with aphasia (PWA) and their relationship with language outcomes. A literature review was conducted to identify nine right hemisphere regions of interest (ROIs) to further analyze. Sixty-nine PWA and 96 control subjects underwent an MRI scan to measure structural connectivity. We then used measures from network science to measure the structural properties in each ROI across groups. To understand language outcomes, we examined relationships between network measures and behavior via linear regression. Compared to controls, PWA had significant structural diferences in the superior frontal gyrus (SFG), supramarginal gyrus (SMG), middle frontal gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus (MTG) across network measures. For the behavioral relationship, we found a positive relationship between aphasia severity and degree (i.e., number of connections between regions) for the pars triangularis, superior temporal gyrus (STG), MTG, and SMG. Additionally, the network topology of the pars opercularis, STG, and SMG was negatively associated with aphasia severity and semantic processing. The results from this study demonstrate the importance of understanding structural changes in the right hemisphere in PWA. Moreover, the structural properties are related to aphasia recovery. Future work can examine how structural changes relate to functional changes in the right hemisphere. Research can also use the regions related to language outcomes as a target for treatment in PWA.

34. Diatom assemblages of the Ridley Creek watershed over 114 years of observations

Sarah Barker, Lauren McGrath, and Marina Potapova, PhD Department of Biology; freshwater ecology

Lead Author: Sarah Barker, Undergraduate Student, smb582@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Marina Potapova, PhD, mp895@drexel.edu

Abstract: Diatoms are routinely used as water quality indicators in inland waters, but longterm trends in their assemblage composition in lotic environments have not been investigated. Understanding long-term shifts in diatom assemblages is however important for separating the efects of environmental conditions from biogeographic processes such as spread of invasive species or extinction of native taxa. Historical diatom data are also essential for revealing secular trends in stream water quality associated with land-use transformation and climate change. This project seeks to compare historical diatom samples to recently collected samples from the Ridley Creek (Pennsylvania) watershed, which has been periodically sampled by the diatomists from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia since 1909. Archived mounted specimens were enumerated alongside samples collected in 2023. Our results indicate a decrease in beta-diversity in recent samples, representing a progressive homogenization of diatom flora. The modern assemblages are dominated by eutraphentic diatoms characteristic for hard-water streams and vary depending on water temperature,

dissolved oxygen content and to a lesser degree on substrate or season. In the past, assemblages varied dramatically among the sites indicating either very clean water or, alternatively, a pronounced organic enrichment. The current increase of some brackish and warm-water species appears to be a trend common for most streams of the Eastern Seaboard. These findings suggest dramatic diferences in habitat quality over the last 114 years and could inform local and global conservation practices.

35. Acculturation of South Asian Youth: Generational Diferences and Impacts on Psychological Well-Being

Sanjana Oak and Brian P. Daly, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; clinical child psychology

Lead Author: Sanjana Oak, Undergraduate Student, sgo28@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Brian P. Daly, PhD, brian.daly@drexel.edu

Abstract: Acculturation is a nonlinear process whereby individuals choose to connect their host culture to their cultural identity, which impacts values, behaviors, and well-being. Evidence suggests the host culture typically has more power compared to the individual’s other cultural groups. In this context, it is important to examine how acculturation strategies vary among diferent generations and influence psychological well-being. This review, driven by Berry’s 1974 Model of Acculturation, aimed to examine whether preferences for primary and secondary acculturation strategies between first generation (G1) and second generation (G2) South Asian adolescents and young adults diferentially afected their psychological wellbeing. Integration – which involves an individual maintaining their cultural identity while interacting with the host culture – was hypothesized as the preferred acculturation strategy for both G1 and G2, and also was hypothesized to have a positive impact on the psychological well-being of South Asian adolescents. It was further hypothesized that G1 and G2 would choose diferent secondary acculturation strategies resulting in diferential impact on psychological well-being. Fifty-five articles were reviewed to identify diferences between primary and secondary acculturation strategies. Results revealed that diferent regions exhibit varying preferences. For example, G1 and G2 youth in Western countries prefer integration, while in East Asian countries, marginalization is more preferred. Findings also suggested that integration correlates positively with psychological well-being, while marginalization relates to negative well-being outcomes. These results are important because better understanding acculturation's impact on psychological well-being can help inform more tailored interventions. There remains a pressing need for more studies focusing on South Asian youth in the U.S. because research on this population remains limited even though there is strong population growth in the U.S. Future research should investigate regional diferences in acculturation strategies and delve into intra-generational psychological well-being variations.

36. Examining the neural bases of spontaneous thought with real-time fMRI

Tiara Bounyarith and Aaron Kucyi, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences Program; neuroscience

Lead Author: Tiara Bounyarith, Research Assistant, tiara.bounyarith@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Aaron Kucyi, PhD, aaron.kucyi@drexel.edu

Abstract: In daily life, ongoing mental experiences can involve thought patterns such as rumination and worry, which can be a major source of distress for many patients who sufer from psychiatric illnesses. Prior studies have examined the neural bases of such ongoing thoughts using online experience sampling (i.e., thought probes) at random intervals during functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI). We aim to prospectively test the role of specific brain regions in ongoing experiences using a novel method termed real-time fMRItriggered experience-sampling (rt-fMRI-ES). In our ongoing study (target sample of 60 healthy adults), real-time fMRI analysis of spontaneous blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) activity is conducted during data acquisition to identify significant spontaneous brain events that automatically trigger sets of Likert rating scales for participants to immediately report their thoughts. We specifically target increased BOLD activation in two regions of interest (ROIs), counter-balanced across runs, based on their theorized roles in mind-wandering and high-arousal inner experiences that occur during rumination and worry: the dorsal anterior insular cortex (daIC), a core region of the brain’s salience network, and the posteromedial cortex (PMC), a component of the brain’s default mode network (DMN). As the daIC has been shown to assign salience to spontaneous thoughts, we predict that increased daIC activation will be time-locked to self-generated experiences with higher subjective ratings of arousal. We further predict that increased PMC activation will be associated with self-reported attention to inner mental experience. This is supported by a theorized role of the PMC in stimulus-independent thought, regardless of specific content. Analyses of either hypothesis will involve both within-subject correlation analysis of trial-type efects on experience sampling ratings, and group-level linear models of ROI activation associations with ratings.

37. Role Nischarin-Glutathiolyation in regulating cell migration. Madhu Chakkere Shivamadhu, and Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD Department of Chemistry; chemical biology

Lead Author: Madhu Chakkere Shivamadhu, Postdoctoral Fellow, mc4474@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD, ya426@drexel.edu

Abstract: Protein glutathiolyation serves a regulatory role in protein and modulates distinct biological processes implicated in health and diseases. Among diverse cysteine oxidations, protein S-glutathiolyation is one of the major cysteine oxidations forming in response to ROS, or oxidative stress. Protein glutathiolyation involves the addition of glutathione to protein cysteines via disulfide formation, and regulating protein’s functions involves various biological functions, including cell migration. Here we reported how Nischarin glutathiolyation

regulates breast cancer cell migration under oxidative stress conditions (low glucose), in vitro. Our proteomics and bioinformatic analyses found that Nischarin undergoes glutathiolyation at specific C186 plays a crucial role in cell migration. Furthermore, we screened other cysteine residues found in Nischarin by employing a clickable glutathione approach followed by a pulldown assay. Results found that C186 is the major cysteine that undergoes glutathiolyation under oxidative stress conditions. Previous studies suggest that Nischarin, a tumor suppressor protein, interacts with a few signaling proteins such as PAK1, Rac1 and Integrin α5, and prevents breast cancer cell migration. Our studies found that NischarinWT cells induce its dissociation from PAK1 and Rac1 under low glucose conditions. The dissociation of the NischPAK1 complex leads to Pak1-phosphorylation (p423) and could contribute to further activation of the downstream signaling cascade. Furthermore, we also showed that Nischarin WT, compared to C186S, increases migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells under low glucose conditions, supporting a model that Nischarin-glutathiolyation increases cell migration and invasion by destabilizing the Nischarin-Pak1-Rac1 complex, in the breast cancer model, in vitro. In contrast, C186S did not show any dissociation from the PAK1 complex under low glucose conditions, suggesting C186 is the major cysteine that undergoes glutathiolyation, contributing to regulating the cell migration.

38. The impact of diet and genetic background on the gut microbiota of new wild-derived strains of house mice

Samantha Giancarli, Mariia Tertyshnaia, Joshua Mell Cameron Gaines, Caroline Reverendo, Rebecca Mendoza, Emily Olynyk, Nico Landino, and Megan Phifer-Rixey, PhD Department of Biology; gut microbiome, mice, diet

Lead Author: Samantha Giancarli, Postdoctoral Fellow, smg432@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Megan Phifer-Rixey, PhD mp3754@drexel.edu

Abstract: Gut microbiota play a crucial role in an animal's fitness. For example, they may expand their host’s dietary niche and immune responses. The host gut microbial community is partially influenced by host genetics and can vary geographically within host species, even co-evolving with the host species in response to environmental conditions. While gut microbiota are extensively studied in laboratory mice (Mus musculus domesticus), variation in the gut microbiota of wild populations is still under-studied. Here, we use an experimental manipulation of diet to investigate the relationship between gut microbial community, strain, and body size in several new wild-derived mouse strains originating from diferent latitudes in the Americas.

39. Golgi-cytoskeleton connections govern the mode of 3D primary human fibroblast migration

Jacob J. Duggan and Ryan J. Petrie, PhD Department of Biology; cell biology

Lead Author: Jacob Duggan, PhD Student, jjd359@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Ryan J. Petrie, PhD, rjp336@drexel.edu

Abstract: Cells must sense and respond to the physical structure of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to migrate efciently through 3D environments. For example, when cells encounter covalently crosslinked 3D matrices, they activate actomyosin contractility in front of the nucleus to pull the nucleus like a piston, increase anterior cytoplasmic pressure, and switch cells from actin-based lamellipodia to pressure-driven lobopodial protrusions. It is unclear how cells sense the structure of the ECM to activate this nuclear piston pulling machinery. Interestingly, mechanical strain on the connections between the Golgi apparatus and the actin cytoskeleton can control protein secretion. Therefore, we hypothesized that the nuclear piston mechanism is activated by increased cytoskeletal strain on the Golgi apparatus when nuclear movement is slowed in 3D matrices. To determine if the structure of the ECM could afect Golgi function, we compared Golgi morphology in cells using lamellipodia to cells using the nuclear piston to move through 3D cell-derived matrix (CDM). We found that the volume of the Golgi was reduced in cells using the nuclear piston. Inhibiting or activating non-muscle myosin II (NMII) also decreased Golgi volume, suggesting actomyosin contractility can regulate Golgi structure. We next compared the position of the Golgi in cells either pushing or pulling the nucleus forward. We found that the Golgi’s position is constantly shifting between the front and back of the nucleus. Finally, we tested if the connections between the Golgi and the actin cytoskeleton were necessary for activating the nuclear piston by overexpressing the Golgi-actin linking protein GCC88 to disrupt Golgi-actin connections. Critically, cells expressing GFP-GCC88 switched from lobopodia to lamellipodia 3D migration, consistent with inactivation of the piston mechanism. Together, these results suggest that connections between actin and the Golgi apparatus regulate activation of the nuclear piston in response to the structure of the ECM.

40. “We Feel It Too:” Secondary Traumatic Stress and Coping Strategies in NICU Nurses

Leah Sodowick and Pamela A. Geller, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; clinical psychology

Lead Author: Leah Sodowick, PhD Student, lbs66@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Pamela A. Geller, PhD, pg27@drexel.edu

Abstract: NICU nurses are at risk for experiencing secondary traumatic stress (STS), which has implications for their health, well-being, retention, and the quality of care provided. There is a gap in knowledge about the first-hand experiences of STS from the point of view of NICU nurses, particularly in the age of the COVID -19 pandemic. The current study provides an enhanced understanding of STS and coping strategies in NICU nurses through the qualitative analysis of rich narratives and first-hand accounts of their personal experiences, thoughts, and perceptions. Methods: The study sample was comprised of 15 female registered nurses (RNs) working in a level-IV NICU in the United States. Self-report measures were used to collect sociodemographic information, key work-related information, STS symptoms and severity,

and level of burnout and descriptive statistics were used to characterize and describe the study sample. Qualitative data collection occurred during individual semi-structured interviews with eligible NICU nurses. Interviews were transcribed and coded for thematic content using NVivo 14 qualitative data analysis software. Results: Participants had high levels of STS (M = 45.07) and moderate levels of burnout (M = 3.70). Theoretical thematic analysis resulted in six main themes and 17 subthemes revealing the traumatic experiences NICU nurses witness while at work, the psychological and emotional impact of such exposure, and common coping strategies. In addition, nurses spoke about how the COVID -19 pandemic and related policy changes compounded stress and anxiety and increased feelings of loneliness. Participants ofered their ideas for mitigating STS among nurses. This poster will use participant quotes to illustrate the main themes and subthemes derived from the thematic analysis. Discussion: This formative research study provided key insight that can be used to inform intervention development, nurse training and education, and policy recommendations. This poster will include related suggestions informed by the qualitative findings from the current study and existing literature. The strengths and limitations of the current study and ideas for future research will also be presented.

41. Exploring Genetic Adaptations in the Thermal Physiology of Army Ants

Caroline Gallen and Sean O'Donnell, PhD Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science (BEES); ecology

Lead Author: Caroline Gallen, Undergraduate Student, cmg435@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Sean O'Donnell, PhD, so356@drexel.edu

Abstract: This project aims to determine the genetic underpinnings of thermal physiological evolution in army ants. Animal species difer in their ability to handle diferent temperatures, and thus it is crucial to study thermal physiology to understand how species distribute globally (Addo-Bediako et al. 2000). Army ants (Formicidae: Dorylinae) have diferences in thermal physiology and heat tolerance that correspond to the temperature ranges in their respective habitats. The temperature ranges experienced by the ants are created by both the environment itself and their behavior within that environment. DNA extraction and genomic sequencing (via RapidGenomics) is performed on 25 samples comprising of 19 species representing diverse thermal environments. Quality of data is assessed using FastQC software. Sequences of target genes are selected and assembled using aTRAM (automated Target Restricted Assembly Method) software, a powerful tool that utilizes a chosen bait sequence to assemble ortholog genes in a given sequenced genome. Assembled target genes will be analyzed for inter- and intraspecific comparison, beginning with genes residing in the mitochondrial genome. Electron transport chain genes are involved in respiration, a temperature-sensitive process. It has been shown that electron transport chain genes can adaptively respond to thermal environments and optimize their functionality at diferent temperatures (Lamb et al. 2018). Diferences among the protein-coding sequences of assembled target genes will be analyzed for correlation between observed genetic variation and species’ known thermal environments. Understanding how genetic diferences afect thermal

biology can help us identify mechanisms of thermal physiology, and establish how certain populations can respond to ongoing directional climate change.

42. Connectome-based predictive modeling of mind wandering within densely-sampled individuals

Lotus Shareef-Trudeau and Aaron Kucyi, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuropsychology

Lead Author: Lotus Shareef-Trudeau, Research Assistant, ls3623@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Aaron Kucyi, PhD, ak4379@drexel.edu

Abstract: Neuroimaging studies have evidenced that mind wandering can be predicted from whole-brain patterns of functional connectivity at a group-level. Given the large amount of variability present in individual mind wandering experiences, whether group-level models are efective in predicting mind wandering at the individual level remains to be seen. Using data collected in a dense-sampling fMRI study, we sought to answer this question. Participants (n=3) performed a “resting state” visual fixation task with interspersed thought probes across multiple sessions, resulting in 10 hours of scanning and 350 probe trials each. We applied connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) within individuals, based on functional connectivity within 30-second windows prior to thought probes, using five-fold and leaveone-trial-out cross-validation. These personalized models, which revealed significant prediction of mind wandering within each subject, were each explained by idiosyncratic whole-brain features. The default mode network, the network most widely associated with mind wandering, could be used to significantly predict mind wandering in all subjects, but functional connections important for prediction were variable across subjects. We then tested model generalizability across subjects using both cross-subject training of the personalized models generated by our analyses as well as two published group-level CPMs (stimulusindependent and task unrelated thought and sustained attention CPM). Neither the personalized models, nor the group-level models, significantly predicted mind wandering in all three subjects. These results suggest that the neural basis of self-reported mind wandering is variable across individuals and more broadly demonstrate the importance of applying individualized models in neuroimaging studies and clinical contexts.

43. Analysis of reproductive diapause of the future queens in temperate paper wasps Laura Miller, Kari Lenhart, PhD, and Sean O'Donnell, PhD Department of Biology

Lead Author: Laura Miller, PhD Student, lem344@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Sean O'Donnell, PhD, so356@drexel.edu

Abstract: Seasonal changes influence the physiology of many organisms such as the development of winter coats in many mammals and fat storage to prepare for hibernation.

Eusocial insects, defined as having sterile and reproductive castes, in temperate regions follow an annual cycle influencing their colony organization. In the primitively eusocial paper wasp, Polistes, the future queens (gynes) emerge as adults with less developed ovaries than the sterile worker caste. Workers can activate their ovaries to the extent of the queen at any point after adult emergence. However, despite gynes mating in the fall, they cannot develop their ovaries until after a hibernation period in winter. In honeybees, it has been seen that ovary activation can be prompted by inducing diapause. The cellular biology influencing this reproductive diapause is not well understood. I performed immunohistochemistry to identify how and where oogenesis is halted during reproductive diapause in future queens. Oogenesis halts before nurse cells, germ cells that divide from the oocyte, dump their cytoplasmic contents to support oocyte growth.

44. Researching climate grief in the classroom

Amanda

McMillan Lequieu, PhD

Department of Sociology; sociology, environmental studies

Lead Author: Amanda McMillan Lequieu, Faculty, aml524@drexel.edu

Abstract: "Climate grief is a sense of existential loss due to climate change. Young people are increasingly voicing feelings of loss, fear, and ‘eco-anxiety’ as they grapple with how to best respond to a set of environmental problems that their generation is not responsible for. At its worst, this grief can sap hope and turn into cynicism and detachment. But at its best, climate grief can motivate engagement. This in-class research project involved 20 students of SOC/ENSS244 (Sociology of the Environment) interviewing each other about their sentiments related to climate change. Students collected, anonymized, and wrote up paragraph-long stories capturing their concerns–and hopes–about climate change. They then collectively created a word cloud and analyzed their anonymized stories to find six overarching themes. They looked at media and academic literature to collate ten reasons for hope in the face of climate catastrophe. The final product is a poster summarizing this in-class research project, and students from the class will be presenting their findings on Research Day.

45. Going Global, Gaining Perspective: Contextualizing cultural learning through narrative interviews with former study abroad students

Catherine Brady, Brenda Dyer, MA, and Rachel Reynolds, PhD Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages; globalization, international contextual learning

Lead Author: Catherine Brady, Undergraduate Student, crb398@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Brenda Dyer, MA, bad24@drexel.edu and Rachel Reynolds, PhD, rrr28@drexel.edu

Abstract: This poster represents a website created as part of a capstone process utilizing qualitative research and analysis to demonstrate cultural learning. Motivated by a desire to explore shifts in global perspective and educational experiences worldwide, the creator conducted interviews with several former study abroad students, both at Drexel University and elsewhere, encouraging them to delve into their experiences overseas and the resulting impacts. Employing qualitative research methods and narrative analysis, the project ofers insight into the diverse ways in which international experiences shape individuals. While acknowledging the absence of a singular narrative blueprint for studying abroad, the stories showcased on the website highlight the richness and diversity of each individual's journey. Through narrative snapshots and an interactive map interface, visitors are invited to explore these varied experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the transformative potential of international education. Originally presented with six interview pages and additional context, including background on the student author whose experience abroad inspired the project, the research has continued as to add further depth to the project and add additional research. The capstone was successfully defended in early March of this year.

46. Investigating the role of the Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) inflammasome in fibroblast migration-induced fibrosis

Ive-Anwuli Ralph-Uyalor and Ryan Petrie, PhD Department of Biology; cell and molecular biology, 3D cell migration/fibrosis

Lead Author: Ive-Anwuli Ralph-Uyalor, PhD Student, ir333@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Ryan Petrie, PhD, rjp336@drexel.edu

Abstract: Fibrosis is a significant global cause of mortality. It is a pathological response to wound healing, wherein activated fibroblasts deposit connective tissue to replace normal parenchymal tissues. If left unchecked, this process can progress to the formation of permanent scar tissues, ultimately disrupting the normal function and structure of afected areas. When fibroblasts move in 3D matrices, they can switch their mechanism or mode of migration between lamellipodia based migration and a high pressure lobopodia based movement where the actin-binding protein tropomyosin 1.6 regulates the actomyosin machinery responsible for pulling the nucleus forward. The ability of fibroblasts to switch between diferent modes of migration is termed migratory plasticity. Interestingly, our preliminary data show that tropomyosin 1.6 interacts with the protein absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2). A cytosolic DNA sensor, AIM2, forms an inflammasome that is involved in innate immune response. AIM2 is activated by the presence of dsDNA in the cytoplasm leading to the assembly of the inflammasome which triggers the secretion of the cytokines IL-1β and IL18. We find that AIM2-deficient MEFs are more adherent to the underlying substrate and less proliferative compared to WT cells. Live cell imaging revealed that the AIM2 deficient MEFs are less motile than wild type cells and appeared to be unable to form lamellipodia at their leading edge. Preliminary data from primary human dermal fibroblasts suggest that AIM2 is enriched in a perinuclear cytoplasmic region, where it appears to partially form a filamentous pattern suggestive of an interaction with a cytoskeletal network of filamentous proteins. This

localization suggests a possible role for cytoskeletal dynamics in the subcellular localization of AIM2 and potentially in its role in 3D fibroblast migration. Future work will confirm the role of AIM2 in 3D fibroblast migration and migratory plasticity and investigate how these functions drive the progression of fibrosis.

47. Ghost trees of Amazonia

Sean O’Donnell, PhD, Laura Miller, Gonzalo Rivas Torres; Lucia Lohmann, and Marcelo Ferreira

Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES) & Department of Biology; plant chemical ecology

Lead Author: Sean O'Donnell, PhD, Faculty, so356@drexel.edu

Abstract: We present preliminary data on the biology of the understory treelet Adenocalymma cladotrichum. This small tree is common in non-flooding terra firme forest in eastern Ecuador, in the Yasuni region. It is especially abundant in well-drained ridge-top forest where it often grows in clusters. This tree is remarkable for producing a white, powdery exudate that covers the trunk and larger branches; its striking appearance led us to call it the “ghost tree”. Local people report using the bark powder to aid wound healing. Our chemical analysis (Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry) showed the bark powder to comprise mainly Friedelin (a tri-terpenoid compound) and related derivatives; several of these compounds are notable for having a wide range of biological activity. Field bioassays with leaf cutter ants suggested the leaves of this tree are attractive and acceptable to foraging leafcutter ants (Atta species), but the powdered trunks showed some evidence of repellency to climbing leafcutter workers, suggesting a possible adaptive function for the powdery exudate.

48. White-Collar and Street Crime Ofender Personality and Behavior: A Comparing and Contrasting Literature Review

Gwyn Rothman and David DeMatteo, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; forensic psychology

Lead Author: Gwyn Rothman, Undergraduate Student, gr466@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: David DeMatteo, PhD, dsd25@drexel.edu

Abstract: Previous research has primarily focused on white-collar crime ofenders or street level crime ofenders at the personality or behavior level, with few looking at both of these groups together at both levels. This paper seeks to compare and contrast street crime ofenders and white-collar crime ofenders at the personality and behaviors level. This literature review included 15 studies that pertain to street level ofenders, white-collar ofenders, or both in regards to their personality and behavior. The literature indicated multiple similarities at the personality level and more diferences at the behavioral level. Results indicated that white-collar crime ofenders and violent crime ofenders both had

personality traits and characteristics, such as psychopathy and extraversion, that can increase the likelihood of committing a crime. However, results indicated that the behaviors exhibited by these ofenders difered in areas such as criminal thinking and instances of violent tendencies. These results showed that there is a need for more research on other traits that might influence the diferent behaviors exhibited by white- collar crime ofenders and violent crime ofenders.

49. Personality Traits in Elite Solo Classical Guitar Musicians

Sanya Gupta and Eric Zillmer, PsyD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; personality psychology

Lead Author: Sanya Gupta, Undergraduate Student, sg3768@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Eric A. Zillmer, PsyD, zillmer@drexel.edu

Abstract: A professional music performance requires a high degree of sequencing, multitasking, planning, synchronization, motor speed, and neuro-emotional modulation. Compared to non-musicians, a primary distinguishable trait of professional musicians is a heightened degree of openness to experience (Vaag et al., 2018 a, b; Vincenzi et al., 2022). This study explores the personality traits of elite professional solo classical guitar performers, a group of artists seldom studied, focusing mainly on their openness to experience (Sale O one the NEO). The NEO Five Factor Model, specifically the NEO-FFI-3 (Costa & McCrae, 1998), was administered to 25 internationally acclaimed guitarists actively engaged in successful recital careers. The research examines whether these musicians exhibit elevated scores on the O scale, which is associated with heightened imagination and broad interests. NEO scores indicated high scores of Scale O (Openness to Experience) for this sample (i.e., T-score of 63 corresponding to the 90th percentile; average age = 38.7 years). Despite minor variations between genders, the diferences were not statistically significant. The current findings suggest that Openness to Experience is a personality trait that is a critical ingredient in terms of how humans perceive and engage in music. The study underscores the importance of creativity and innovation in musical performance and the potential cultural influences on personality traits. The findings suggest that openness to experience is a defining trait among high-achieving solo musicians, potentially influencing their approach to preparation, execution, imagination, and expression in live performances. Limitations of this study include the relatively small sample size and the diversity of nationalities represented among the participants. Overall, the research contributes to understanding the interplay between personality traits and musical expertise, particularly in the context of solo classical guitar performance.

50. Thematic relations outperform taxonomic relations in episodic memory

Weijia Cao, MS, Omri Raccah, Phoebe Chen, Alexa Tompary, PhD, and David Poeppel, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience of memory

Lead Author: Weijia Cao, Research Assistant, weijia.cao@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Alexa Tompary, Ph.D., at3549@drexel.edu

Abstract: Prior knowledge has long been known to influence retention of newly learned information. In particular, known semantic associations across items facilitate subsequent retrieval for these items, and this efect scales with measures of semantic relatedness. In the field of concepts and categories, the processing of taxonomic (e.g., dog-bird) versus thematic (e.g., dog-leash) conceptual relations has been a topic of extensive interest. In Experiment 1 (n = 79), we show that word pairs with thematic relations led to shorter reaction time and better memory performance, followed by taxonomic relations (paired permutation test, two-sided: p &lt; 0.001) and finally unrelated pairs (p &lt; 0.001). We hypothesized that thematically related words are more quickly and more accurately retrieved because they are more accessible in one’s semantic memory. To test this, we designed a follow-up Experiment 2 where participants encode thematically related, taxonomically related, and unrelated word pairs. Participants then complete a forced-choice associative memory test in which they are instructed to determine the paired word for a previously seen word, given three response options which are thematically related, taxonomically related, or unrelated to the cued word (3AFC). Analyses of errors in this experiment will help us understand how accessibility in semantic memory may contribute to episodic retrieval. Next steps will focus on applying transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to brain regions that are thought to be responsible for thematic and taxonomic processing, to evaluate a dual hub account of the neuroanatomical organization of semantic memory (Schwartz et al., 2011).

51. Novel ACSS2 Inhibitors Funciton as Radiation Sensitizers in Killing Breast Cancer

Brain Metastatic Cells ex vivo

Jessica Merzy and Mauricio Reginato, PhD

Department of Biology and Drexel College of Medicine, biochemistry; cancer biology

Lead Author: Jessica Merzy, Undergraduate Student, jm4752@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Mauricio Reginato, PhD, mjr52@drexel.edu

Abstract: Brain metastases in breast cancer patients is considered an end-stage event, with no efective drug treatments and a median survival after diagnosis measured in months. Currently, there are no efective drug treatments for these patients, thus there is an urgent need to develop novel treatment strategies. Breast cancer cells must adapt to lack of lipid availability in the brain environment and become heavily dependent on Acetyl-CoA Synthetase 2 (ACSS2) for the generation of acetyl-CoA for lipid and fatty acid synthesis. Here, we test the ability of current and novel ACSS2 inhibitors to reduce tumor growth in an orthotopic ex vivo tumor brain slice model of breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). Treating preformed BCBM tumors ex vivo with ACSS2 inhibitors shrink tumors and is associated with reduction of proliferation and induction of cell death markers. Treating normal brain tissue with inhibitors showed no cytotoxic efect on normal cells. Since the first line of treatment for patients with BCBM is radiation, we tested the efect of combination of ACSS2 inhibitors with radiation. Treatment of preformed tumors ex vivo with radiation alone caused a cytostatic

efect and blocked further growth. Importantly, combination of ACCS2 inhibitors with radiation significantly reduced tumor size ex vivo compared to each treatment alone suggesting a synergistic efect. Thus, our results identify ACSS2 inhibitors as potential treatment for breast cancer brain metastasis that may serve as agents that sensitize to radiotherapy in treating breast cancer patients with brain metastasis.

52. Mangroves and the Royal Botanical Expedition to New Spain: Redefining Ideas of Ownership and Governance in Colonial Science

Emma Johnson and Tiago Saraiva, PhD

Department of History; Spanish colonization of the Americas

Lead Author: Emma Johnson, Undergraduate Student, ecj42@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Tiago Saraiva, PhD, tsaraiva@drexel.edu

Abstract: This research challenges traditional ideas of Spanish colonial governance and ownership by analyzing the type specimen of Avicennia americana found in the Academy of Natural Sciences and an 18th-century botanical expedition to the colony of Nueva España (present-day Mexico). Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, European royals and scientists alike were fascinated with the flora and fauna of their colonies. Botanists would often lead expeditions to the colonies to collect samples, drawings, and notes about the natural life they encountered. Upon their return to Europe, plants were either shelved away or put on display, and eventually scientists would publish the specimens, tacking their name onto the “newly discovered” species and claiming it for both themselves and the empire. However, a closer look at the environments and specimens Europeans so carefully archived away reveals their true lack of control. Avicennia americana is a type of black mangrove tree, found in mangrove environments famously deemed “uninhabitable” by European explorers but home to many tribes in Africa and indigenous groups in the Americas. In the wake of Spanish colonization in the Americas, societies of escaped slaves, both African and indigenous, would take refuge in mangroves. Their continued survival and success, along with the unique and diverse ecosystem supported by mangroves that remained mostly outside of European comprehension, reveal that the colonization of mangroves within the Spanish colony of Nueva España was successful only in the minds of Spaniards and in their ofcial documents. Within the land under their supposed control, societies and ecosystems thrived well outside of Spanish governance and knowledge.

53. Elimination Sculpts the Developing Astrocyte Population

Kathryn Markey and A. Denise Garcia, PhD Department of Biology; neurobiology

Lead Author: Kathryn Markey, PhD Student, kmm842@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: A. Denise Garcia, PhD, adg82@drexel.edu

Abstract: Establishment of proper cell number is vital for proper construction of the central nervous system (CNS). Here we focus on astrocytes, a major class of glial cell in the CNS, which have important roles in synapse formation and function. How the brain achieves the correct number of astrocytes remains poorly understood. In the developing CNS, neuronal and oligodendrocyte, the other major class of glial cell in the CNS, progenitor cells undergo elimination. Later, following terminal diferentiation neurons and oligodendrocytes are eliminated. Despite the large body of literature on elimination of neuronal and oligodendrocyte populations, little is known about how the astrocyte population is established. Several lines of evidence suggest that immature astrocytes are eliminated during the first postnatal week in multiple CNS regions. However, it was not determined whether this occurs throughout the brain or whether eliminated cells are immature progenitor cells (APCs) or mature astrocytes. To address this, I investigated whether astrocytes are eliminated during the early postnatal period. I determined that astrocytes are engulfed by microglia, the primary immune cell of the brain, on postnatal day (P)7 independently of cell death. These cells were determined to be mature astrocytes. Our lab previously determined that cortical astrocytes develop from two molecularly distinct lineages. Ongoing work will determine whether one lineage is preferentially engulfed by microglia. During late postnatal development, there is a decline in astrocyte number that is due to cell death. My data show that cells from each lineage undergo cell death. Ongoing work will determine whether microglia also engulf astrocytes independently of cell death during this period. Taken together, my data suggest that astrocytes undergo elimination during two diferent stages of development accomplished by two diferent mechanisms to establish cell population.

54. MXtrodes in BCI: A Promising Development in EEG Technology

Ryan Rich, Sneha Shankar, Flavia Vitale, PhD, and John D. Medaglia, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroengineering; biomedical device development

Lead Author: Ryan Rich, Research Assistant, rrr87@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: John D. Medaglia, PhD, jdm582@drexel.edu

Abstract: Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are a technology that allows people to interact directly with computers and devices using only their brain activity. While some BCIs use invasive recordings, those with the broadest applicability typically rely on electroencephalography (EEG) due to its noninvasive nature and high temporal resolution. However, traditional EEG electrodes, while useful, present challenges for BCI applications outside medical and lab settings. They require extensive preparation by trained technicians and are expensive, messy due to the use of conductive gel, and uncomfortable during prolonged use. Our team has developed novel, gel-free electrodes called MXtrodes fabricated from a highly conductive and biocompatible material known as Ti3C2Tx MXene. MXtrodes are inexpensive, simple to apply, and comfortable to wear, making them particularly wellsuited for BCI applications. In this study, we aim to assess the suitability of MXtrodes for BCI applications by recording a common BCI signal, the steady-state visually evoked potential

(SSVEP). In an SSVEP paradigm, a visual stimulus flickers at a specific frequency, eliciting neural firing at the same frequency in the occipital cortex. This neural activity causes a distinct spike in power at that frequency in the EEG data. By knowing the stimulus location and the onset of the neural response, one can determine where the subject is looking and trigger responses. In our experiment, we equipped five subjects with a custom, full-head MXtrode montage and recorded EEG while presenting a stimulus flickering at 20Hz. The MXtrodes were simple to apply, comfortable throughout the one-hour session, and left no residue in the hair. Clear SSVEP responses were present at 20Hz in the frequency spectrum of the EEG data, confirming that MXtrodes capture BCI-relevant brain activity and opening new opportunities to incorporate MXtrodes into a variety of BCI applications.

55. Behavioral Manipulation of the Consolidation of Specific and General Memory Traces

Katelyn G. Cliver and Alexa Tompary, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences: Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience of memory

Lead Author: Katelyn Cliver, PhD Student, kc3769@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Alexa Tompary, PhD, at3549@drexel.edu

Abstract: Memories are not a perfect snapshot of everyday life; they can be influenced, making them prone to distortions. Previous work has explained that newly formed, memories can be integrated with prior semantic knowledge, causing a systematic distortion in their retrieval (Tompary & Thompson-Schill 2021). Here, we investigated whether the mechanism of memory consolidation could be manipulated to prioritize the retention of specific event details or more general category information contained in individual memories. We developed a 1-back task as a post-encoding manipulation to cue the resolution of memory (i.e. specific details or general knowledge) for participants to prioritize for consolidation, aiming to retroactively tag newly learned memories, similar to past retroactive tagging manipulations (Patil et. al., 2016). Our analyses suggest that the novel instructional manipulation selectively impacted memory after a 24-hour delay. Our study showed that when participants prioritized event details had better memory for subsequent images and were more biased towards prior category knowledge than those who prioritized general category memory. However, this contradictory outcome may be attributed to the unmatched instructional demands during the post-encoding manipulation. To better understand the interactions between idiosyncratic item details and general knowledge that make up newly formed memories during consolidation, future work must include more precise task instructions that can more efectively target the interaction between specific memory systems.

56. Peroxy Radical Formation and Ozone Chemistry in New York City Air

Khaled Shaifullah Joy, Lee Feinman, Andrew Lindsay, and Ezra Wood, PhD

Department of Chemistry; atmospheric chemistry

Lead Author: Khaled Shaifullah Joy, PhD Student, kj632@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Ezra Wood, PhD, ew456@drexel.edu

Abstract: Decades of air quality regulation have aimed to address urban ozone pollution, yet a significant American population still resides in areas failing EPA ozone standards. Historically, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from combustion, especially vehicles, have driven ozone formation in urban areas. While these anthropogenic factors persist, various sources like biogenic VOCs and power plant NOx emissions further complicate ozone chemistry. Recent emission reduction programs have decreased the relative importance of motor vehicle emissions and led to the emergence of Volatile Chemical Products (VCPs) as significant contributors to ozone formation, particularly in densely populated regions. These VOCs, which include emissions from personal care products (PCPs), have introduced a new dimension to air quality challenges, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their impact. Additionally, the rising frequency of wildfires, exacerbated by climate change, releases a plethora of pollutants, including VOCs and NOx, impacting both urban and rural areas. To comprehensively investigate these phenomena's influence on ozone concentrations, we deployed the Drexel University Ethane Chemical AMPlifier (ECHAMP) instrument to measure total peroxy radicals at a site in upper Manhattan (the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center) as part of the NOAA AEROMMA/NYC-METS project. The instrument, utilizing an innovative approach, quantifies hydroperoxyl radicals (HO2) and organic peroxy radicals (RO2) by inducing radical propagation reactions through interactions with NO and ethane. By diferentiating measurements in amplification and background modes, precise determination of radical concentrations is achieved. We use these peroxy radical measurements to calculate instantaneous ozone formation rates, which combined with measurements of VOCs (including PCPs and smoke-related compounds) aim to elucidate the contribution of VCPs, wildfire smoke, and PCPs to ozone formation in the New York City area.

57. Hsp-12.6 exhibits preferential binding to thick filament and protects against movement dysfunctions in C. elegans

Anhelina Volchok and Tali Gidalevitz, PhD

Department of Biology; muscle dysfunction, protein aggregation

Lead Author: Anhelina Volchok, Undergraduate Student, lv378@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Tali Gidalevitz, PhD, tg443@drexel.edu

Abstract: Protein misfolding is a process seen in a variety of disorders, such as myopathies, neuropathies and neurodegeneration, as well as being an outcome of cellular stress and aging processes. Chaperones are proteins whose main function is to deal with any protein misfolding the cell experiences. Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are a group of chaperones that are highly conserved between species and characterized by their low molecular weight. sHSPs normally function by binding the misfolded proteins and keeping them stable for future refolding by ATP- dependent ‘large’ chaperones. Among small heat shock proteins there are some recognizing a wide range of substrates, and some limited to a certain tissue or

substrate. How the specificity occurs is not fully understood. Hsp-12.6, an sHSP in C. elegans is known to be necessary for the lifespan extension of stress resistant developmental states and mutants. Here, we explore the possible role of HSP-12.6 as a chaperone specific for the thick filament maintenance in C. elegans. We find that the HSP-12.6 localizes strongly to thick filaments and to the aggregates of thick filament proteins, showing preferential binding to both native and misfolded or mis-assembled forms of these proteins, despite the highly dynamic nature of the chaperone. Animals with mutations in muscle structural proteins usually exhibit movement impairments or paralysis. We find that overexpression of HSP-12.6 decreases the muscle dysfunction in animals with mutations in thick filament proteins, demonstrating that this chaperone contributes to the maintenance of muscle functionality. In contrast, the dysfunctions of thin filaments, or deletions in muscle component that do not lead to aggregation, are not afected by chaperone overexpression, showing selective nature of HSP-12.6 action. These results therefore suggest the primary role of HSP-12.6 as a chaperone for thick filaments, by selectively protecting their structure or function.

58. A Woman’s Study of Birds

Bailey Michalak and Tiago Saraiva, PhD

Department of History; history of collecting and gender specifically relating to the field of ornithology

Lead Author: Bailey Michalak, Undergraduate Student, bdm88@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Tiago Saraiva, PhD, tfs37@drexel.edu

Abstract: The work of surveying and collecting did not repulse women during the Gilded Age. They embraced it as a bonding experience with their male peers. However, as the field of ornithology and natural sciences became career-oriented, it became people's life work. The features of surveying and collecting became more hardened to professionals, and with this came an emphasis on the higher education of the collectors. Women were left in the dust with no academic credentials. Women were seen as hobbyists by history. In following this idea of women as hobbyists, I explored Garceanna Lewis's works at the academy. Since Quakers believed in educating their daughters and their sons, Graceanna had the privilege of education to back her scientific endeavors. While women during the nineteenth century had some involvement in scientific societies, their chances for pursuing professional roles in science were scarce. Despite facing setbacks in securing a teaching position at the college level, Lewis persisted and garnered recognition from prominent figures of her era through her research and published works. This aspect of scarcity depicts the geopolitics of gender politics in the Gilded Age. I used bird specimens named after Graceanna Lewis, the Icterus graceannae. Also, I studied the biography Graceanna Lewis, Scientist, and Humanitarian, in the academy's library, along with proceedings from the academy specifically Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences, published in Philadelphia in 1867. Using these sources, I argued that, similar to how scientists saw male and female birds during the late 1800s as entirely diferent species, they saw a woman similarly; rather than being depicted as great scientists, they were often dismissed as mere hobbyists by their male peers.

59. Assessing Sex Diferences in Psychiatric Symptomatology in Adults with Down Syndrome using an Informant-Report Questionnaire Developed for People with Intellectual Disability

Angelita Seak, Jessica McNulty, BBA, and Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; intellectual disabilities

Lead Author: Angelita Seak, Undergraduate Student, as5573@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD, nrl39@drexel.edu

Abstract: In the general population, sex diferences in psychiatric conditions have been reported, with higher rates of anxiety and depression in females and higher rates of attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder in males. Despite research indicating an elevated risk of psychiatric disorders among individuals with Down Syndrome (DS), few studies have investigated sex diferences in this group. Thus, our study sought to characterize sex diferences in the psychiatric symptomatology in adults with DS using the Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADAMS). Close family members of 103 adults with DS (45.6% Female, M=27.33 years) completed the ADAMS along with other study measures. Due to the non-normal nature of the data, Mann-Whitney U tests were run to compare male and female scores on the Manic/Hyperactive, Depressed Mood, Social Avoidance, General Anxiety, and Compulsive Behavior scales. Results revealed higher scores on the Manic/Hyperactive scale among individuals assigned male at birth (U = 1065, p &lt;.05) and higher scores on the General Anxiety Scale among individuals assigned female at birth (U = 591, p &lt;.05), consistent with the literature in the general population. In contrast, sex diferences were not observed on the Depressed Mood scale, despite documented sex diferences in the general population. This suggests that some aspects of psychopathology may manifest similarly among individuals with DS and others may manifest diferently. The clinical implications of these findings, particularly as they relate to preventative mental health care among adults with DS, will be discussed.

60. Global Patterns, Local Insights: The impact of Urbanization on Functional Traits in butterflies and flowering plants

Adrienne E. Kasprowicz, Dejenae Smith, Jai’lyn Lagron-Lassiter, Marc T.J. Johnson, and Megan Phifer-Rixey, PhD Department of Biology; evolutionary ecology

Lead Author: Adrienne Kasprowicz, Postdoctoral Fellow, ak4426@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Megan Phifer-Rixey, PhD, mp3754@drexel.edu

Abstract: Urban centers are the fastest expanding ecosystem globally and a potential threat for biodiversity. Urbanization introduces a suite of largely common and potentially strong selective pressures and understanding how wildlife respond to these pressures and the factors

that influence that response is critical for planning, management, and conservation. Cities also have potential as “natural replicates” to study how taxa respond to novel environments. We used functional trait variation in a common butterfly (Pieris rapae) and wildflower (Erigeron strigosus) to answer the question: how do organisms respond to novel environments? Functional traits are the intrinsic characteristics of a species that help them survive in a given environment and ofer an opportunity to study the impacts of rapid environmental change because they represent specific responses to the environment. The traits we selected have the potential to identify adaptive variation in response to urbanization and to do so in two groups of organisms with significant ecological importance. We focused on plant traits related to growth and reproduction. For butterflies, we selected traits related to dispersal and movement as well as defense traits. We collected samples from urban and rural sites in and around Philadelphia. We found significant diferences in pistil diameter and full flower diameter. Within butterflies, we identified significant diferences in hindwing length, hindwing width, and upper wingspan. These results show significant diferences in functional traits among urban and rural populations that may afect fitness. This study lays the foundation for a larger global investigation of impact of urbanization on functional traits in butterflies and flowering plants.

61. The Drosophila testis compensates for catastrophic germ cell loss by altering stem cell cytokinesis

Christie Campbell and Kari F. Lenhart, PhD

Department of Biology; stem cells and tissue regeneration

Lead Author: Christie Campbell, PhD Student, cc3432@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Kari F. Lenhart, PhD, kfl36@drexel.edu

Abstract: Tissue homeostasis requires a balance in production of self-renewing stem cells and progenitors. The specialized microenvironment, or niche, in which stem cells reside provide regulatory signals to control this balance. Diminished niche signals and subsequent tissue atrophy is a hallmark of aging. However, the mechanisms by which stem cells and their progenitors respond to tissue atrophy remain elusive. Using the Drosophila male germline as a model system, we explored a genetic model that depletes progenitors to mimic tissue atrophy. During homeostasis, germline stem cells (GSCs) engage a delayed cytokinesis program. Following contractile ring disassembly, GSCs pause cytokinesis through formation of a secondary F-actin ring. The ring duration is controlled by Jak/STAT signaling and determines the timing of cytokinesis completion. While it is known that GSCs can increase their mitotic rate to compensate for progenitor loss, this compensatory mechanism comes with a cost due to the duration of GSC cytokinesis. Previous work from our lab has shown that fast-cycling GSCs are significantly more likely to exhibit failed cytokinesis, and thus, mitotic rate may be deleterious as a compensatory mechanism. Here, we elucidate a novel mechanism to compensate for tissue atrophy. Ablation of germ cells leads to compensatory feedback to the niche, significantly shortening the cytokinetic pause in GSCs. This altered cytokinesis timing is likely achieved through increased Jak/STAT signaling in the niche, mediated by increased

niche size. We are currently investigating the hypothesis that diferentiating somatic cells move back to the niche and transdiferentiate. Together, this data supports a model whereby under catastrophic germ cell loss, a larger niche is formed, providing increased STAT signal to support a faster release of progenitor cells. Future work will investigate the mechanistic steps underlying this feedback and subsequent change in niche architecture to better understand how stem cell niches attempt to prevent tissue atrophy.

62. Neuroethology of a desert isopod (Hemilepistus reaumuri): Relative Brain Volume Comparison to Parental Behaviors Between Sexes

Natalie Richards, Karmi Oxman, and Sean O'Donnell, PhD

Department of Biology and Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES); animal behavior in parental isopods

Lead Author: Natalie Richards, Undergraduate Student, njr67@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Sean O'Donnell, PhD, so356@drexel.edu

Abstract: A species of desert isopods, Hemilepistus reaumuri, found in Israel’s Negev Desert is known to be biparental. Biparental care is where both parents contribute energy to raise their ofspring. Foraging, the act of bringing food to the ofspring for growth and development is one of the main behaviors associated with parental care. Foraging is controlled by the central body within the brain which is responsible for navigation and motor control. This study aims to quantify the central body’s volume and the inter-optic length to get an overall idea of the brain volume. The brain volume can be compared to the isopod’s behavior to see if there are any diferences in the response to these behaviors between sexes. It hypothesized that there would be a diference between the sexes with both relative brain volume and the performance of parental behaviors. The isopods were manipulated in the field to either be paired or unpaired. The manipulated isopods were watched for several weeks, and their behaviors were recorded. After video data collection, the isopods were taken to a lab where their brains were dissected and embedded in resin. The brains were sliced and went through a histological staining process to quantify relative volume. The data suggests that central body volume and inter-optic length between sexes are not significantly diferent. Looking at the behavior data, female isopods spend more time outside the burrow and foraging as both a pair and unpair than male isopods. This study will investigate the possible reasons for male and female isopods not having diferent relative brain sizes but a significant diference in navigational behavior. This is the first study that manipulates desert isopods in the field to examine parental caregiving arthropods.

63. Small-molecule Tip60 HAT Activator as a Potential AD Therapeutic

Bijaya Manandhar and

Felice

Elefant, PhD Department of Biology; neuroscience and epigenetics

Lead Author: Bijaya Manandhar, Undergraduate Student, bm3329@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Felice Elefant, PhD, fe22@drexel.edu

Abstract: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that impairs patients’ cognitive functions and, in late stages, can diminish locomotor functions. The pathophysiology of AD is an interplay of many biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Recent studies, including research from the Elefant lab, identified epigenetic dysregulation as a hallmark of AD. Epigenetics is the study of proteins and biological mechanisms that regulate chromatin packaging, which in turn controls gene expression. Epigenetic dysregulation refers to the disruption of the homeostasis between epigenetic proteins. The two main epigenetic proteins being investigated are histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylase (HDACs). Specifically, TIP60 HAT levels in a Drosophila AD model are significantly lower compared to wild-type flies. Additionally, the Elefant lab published articles demonstrating Tip60 and HDAC2 target the same neuroplasticity genes, and when Tip60 levels are decreased, there is decreased expression of these neuroplasticity genes resulting in cognitive and locomotor impairment in a Drosophila AD model. Conversely, genetic overexpression Tip60 in a Drosophila AD model has been shown to restore expression levels of neuroplasticity genes, rescuing cognitive and locomotor functions. Current work in the Elefant Lab focuses on developing small-molecule compounds that are Tip60 HAT-specific activators that restore expression levels of neuroplasticity genes in order to rescue cognitive and locomotor functions. Three compounds have demonstrated the ability to increase Tip60 activity in an in vitro HAT assay. Thus, this poster presents the investigation of one compound in vivo using a larval locomotor assay to identify a candidate drug and an optimal concentration. The findings from this study help us identify small-molecule compounds that rescue cognitive impairment associated with AD.

64. The transcriptional signature of astrocyte-like glia across Drosophila melanogaster late-stage metamorphosis

Jillian C. Saunders, A. Denise R. Garica, PhD, and Catherine R. von Reyn, PhD Department of Biology; neuroscience

Lead Author: Jillian Saunders, Research Staf, jcs452@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Denise R. Garica, PhD, adg82@drexel.edu

Abstract: Understanding how nervous system cells develop to achieve precise circuitry is key to unlocking how the brain functions in normal and diseased states. The development of astrocytes, a primary class of non-neuronal cells in the nervous system, coincides with the formation and refinement of developing neural circuits and their key roles in synapse formation and function are now well recognized. The molecular mechanisms driving the maturation of astrocytes, and how this process cooperates with circuit development, is not well understood. Here, we examine the morphological and transcriptional development of astrocytes in the Drosophila melanogaster visual system during metamorphosis, the period during which the embryonic nervous system is deconstructed, and the adult nervous system is established. We find astrocytes begin to invade the synaptic area at 48h after puparium

formation (APF), coincident with synaptogenesis. There is a progressive increase in occupation by astrocyte processes into adulthood, during which synapses are formed and refined. Interestingly, the density of astrocyte processes varies between brain regions, suggesting diferential occupation of specific synaptic area by astrocyte processes. To understand the molecular mechanisms that drive astrocyte development and maturation, we investigated their genetic signature across multiple time points between 48h and 96h APF. Diferential gene expression analysis revealed unique expression profiles, with a progressive increase in the number of genes with significantly higher expression in astrocytes as compared to other glia at each time point. This suggests that as astrocytes mature during metamorphosis, they exhibit increasingly divergent gene expression programs that distinguish them from other glial cell classes. Ongoing studies are investigating the role of candidate genes in driving astrocyte development and how these processes cooperate with developing synapses. Overall, this work provides novel insight into the genetic mechanisms regulating astrocyte development, providing a foundation to understand the role of astrocytes in circuit development.

65. The Role of ARHGEF7 Glutathionylation on Cell Migration

William Schif and Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD Department of Chemistry; cell migration, glutathionylation

Lead Author: William Schif, Postdoctoral Fellow, ws472@drexel.edu

Abstract: Protein S-glutathionylation is a post-translational modification that serves to regulate redox signaling with its aberrant function involved with various diseases. In response to oxidative stress, glutathione can be attached to reactive cysteine residues through a disulfide formation to afect distinct biological processes such as signal transduction, inflammation, and cell migration. Through bioinformatic analyses, Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 7 (ARHGEF7) was found to enhance cell migration under low glucose conditions (oxidative stress) and identified to undergo glutathionylation at position C469. Using a clickable glutathione approach, ARHGEF7 was shown to undergo glutathionylation at position C469 both in cells and in vitro. Transfection of breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231 with a mutation of this residue in ARHGEF7 to serine (C469S) showed a drastic reduction in migration as compared to migration when transfected with WT ARHGEF7. Previous studies have shown that ARHGEF7 forms a complex with the signaling proteins PAK1 kinase and Rac1 GTPase, with the function of ARHGEF7 to facilitate the exchange of GDP for GTP in Rac1 which can then induce actin polymerization. Growing cells in low glucose conditions was demonstrated to increase the association of ARHGEF7 and Rac1 through co-immunoprecipitation. In contrast, the C469S mutant of ARHGEF7 did not see the increased association with Rac1, suggesting that glutationylation of ARHGEF7 at C469 plays an important role in regulating cell migration.

66. Exploring Fungal Biodiversity in Pacific Coast Salt Marsh Ecosystems: A Restoration Perspective

Kris Freyland, Elizabeth Watson, PhD and Marina Potapova, PhD Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES); wetland microbial ecology

Lead Author: Kris Freyland, Undergraduate Student, cf689@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Watson, PhD, ebw49@drexel.edu and Marina Potapova, PhD, mp895@drexel.edu

Abstract: Coastal regions worldwide are grappling with the impacts of climate change, including sea level rise, increased flooding, and habitat and biodiversity loss. Nature-based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as a promising approach to tackle these challenges, while also contributing to climate change mitigation and positive societal benefits. One usage of NbS for coastal climate change adaptation is the use of sediments to create new or restore drowned and eroded marshlands to reduce coastal flooding, replace biodiversity lost through sea level rise, and provide additional benefits like carbon sequestration, water quality maintenance, wildlife habitat provision, and support for coastal fisheries. Although somewhat controversial, discharge of sediment into marshlands for instance was prohibited by the Clean Water Act in the US, this approach has become quite widespread. However, there is concern that plant recolonization occurs over very slow time scales, meaning that the creation of new marshlands does not replicate the functions of mature ecosystems. Increasingly, restoration projects are utilizing microbial inoculations to promote establishment of desirable plant species and successfully restore ecosystem function, and there is interest in pursuing this approach in salt marsh restoration. In the realm of wetland restoration, the role of microbial communities has gained increasing attention due to their pivotal influence on nutrient cycling, soil health, and overall ecosystem resilience. While numerous wetland restoration eforts have successfully focused on plant species reintroduction and physical habitat reconstruction, there exists a notable knowledge gap concerning the deliberate inoculation of microbial communities to expedite and enhance the restoration process. Understanding how the manipulation of microbial populations can bolster ecosystem recovery, mitigate invasive species, and foster long-term wetland health remains a critical yet underexplored facet of wetland restoration science. This proposed project seeks to bridge this knowledge gap, underscoring the need for comprehensive research to unravel the intricate interactions between microbial communities and the restoration of these vital ecosystems.

67. Turning Up the Heat: Symbiont-Dependent Insects and Rising Global Temperatures

Abbie Williams and Jacob Russell, PhD

Department

of Biology; microbial ecology

Lead Author: Abbie Williams, PhD Student, aw3479@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Jacob Russell, PhD, jar337@drexel.edu

Abstract: Widespread bacterial symbionts protect insects against environmental stressors, including high temperatures. Paradoxically, high temperatures can also impair or eliminate some symbionts, raising questions on the fates of symbiont-dependent insects under global climate change. To address such questions, we utilize the pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum), a cosmopolitan crop pest requiring an obligate bacterial symbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, for nutrition. It can also harbor combinations of several non-essential, protective bacterial symbionts. One such symbiont, Hamiltonella defensa, is proposed to defend against high temperatures that are known to impair Buchnera function. To assess the robustness and ubiquity of this phenotype, we studied pea aphid clonal lines varying only in their presence/absence, and strain identities of Hamiltonella symbionts. We compared aphid population sizes following three generations under an alternating and stressful 30℃/19℃ temperature regime. Single aphids on plates were used to measure development time, length of life, and number of ofspring for individual aphids. Two biological replicates each of Hamiltonella sub-strains “A2” and “C9” sustained higher population sizes than Hamiltonellafree aphids, suggesting thermal tolerance efects for these symbiont variants. This protection held up under both permissive cycling temperatures, and a higher temperature regime of 33℃/16℃. Surprisingly, a Hamiltonella sub-strain with high relatedness to C9, sub-strain “C11”, decreased aphid population size relative to Hamiltonella-free aphids. Additionally substrain “E8” sustained similar population sizes compared to Hamiltonella-free aphids, while population sizes for aphids harboring sub-strains “B3” and “D3” difered depended on the aphid genotype, suggesting a host-symbiont interaction. Genotyped Hamiltonella from aphids collected during a southeastern Pennsylvania warming event in 2012 showed rapid proliferation of the lab-protective Hamiltonella A2 strain, followed by C9 and E8. These results combine to suggest a real-world relevance for a lab-studied protective phenotype, revealing heat-protective symbionts as adaptive agents of aphids in a warming world.

68. Reproductive diapause and ovary activation in Polistes exclamans

Ella McVerry, Laura Miller, Kari Lenhart, PhD, and Sean O'Donnell, PhD Department of Biology; ecology

Lead Author: Ella McVerry, Undergraduate Student, esm73@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Sean O'Donnell, PhD, so365@drexell.edu

Abstract: Adult reproductive plasticity can only be studied in organisms when placed under extreme physiological stress as it is used as a method to preserve necessary resources. Eusocial insects (including ants, bees, and some wasps) have reproductive-based caste systems of queens and sterile female workers. These insects have adult reproductive plasticity as a part of their natural life cycles. The eusocial paper wasp, Polistes, serves reproductive plasticity due to their morphologically identical castes. Their future queens emerge as adults with underdeveloped ovaries and do not develop their ovaries until after the winter months. This is in contrast to the sterile workers which can develop mature ovaries at any point after adult emergence in the event of queen loss. The cellular pathways that influence reproductive diapause and ovary activation are unknown. In this study, we used immunostaining

techniques to look for variations in cellular structures such as germ and somatic cell organization and actin ring canal formation, as they enter and progress through oogenesis (egg development). We compared future Polistes exclamans queens kept in reproductive diapause with queens that were exposed to CO2 to terminate reproductive diapause artificially terminate reproductive diapause. We measured the length of diferent stages of oogenesis, from where the germ cells begin to divide from the stem cell niche to the most mature oocyte (egg cell), in future queens at various stages of ovary development post-CO2 exposure. This study will give us insight into similarities and diferences between reproductive diapause in future queens and reproductive suppression in workers.

69. Aphids and Antagonistic Coevolution: Symbiont and phage combination mediate antagonism with a parasitoid wasp

Melissa Carpenter and Jacob Russell, PhD Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES); ecology and evolution

Lead Author: Melissa Carpenter, PhD Student, mmc435@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Jacob Russell, PhD, jar337@drexel.edu

Abstract: Host-enemy interactions, be they predator-prey or host vs pathogen/parasite, are important drivers in ecology. Understanding what drives these relationships is critical to understanding both the relationships themselves as well as their outcomes. In host vs pathogen/parasite relationships typically the two most important factors are the ability of the host to resist, and the infectivity/virulence of the pathogen/parasite. Sometimes these relationships can become more complicated. Many insect species associate with bacterial symbionts that serve a defensive function against external threats such as pathogens or parasites. This leads to the question, could these symbionts be mediating antagonistic coevolution with a pathogen/parasite of their host insect? My work looks to address this question using the Acyrthosiphon pisum, or pea aphid, model system. Pea aphids can harbor the maternally inherited symbiont Hamiltonella defensa, which defends its aphid host against the parasitoid wasp Aphidius ervi. This defense only occurs when H. defensa harbors the prophage APSE in its genome, and it is APSE that is thought encode the functional genes in the defense. This level of protection ofered by the symbiont has been shown to vary based on the strain of symbiont and the type of APSE it encodes. It has also been shown that A. ervi populations can evolve to overcome the defense provided by the symbiont. Using 10-year longitudinal data from aphids collected from southeastern PA, I have identified variation in H. defensa and APSE in the field consistent with the predictions of antagonistic coevoluionary models. In addition, I have collected wild A. ervi from southeastern PA and tested them against diferent H. defensa isolates, finding that their ability to parasitize depended both on the strain identity of the H. defensa they were tested against as well as the genetic background of the A. ervi. Taken together my findings strongly suggest that there is identifiable antagonistic coevolution happening in the field between the parasitoid A. ervi and the symbiont H. defensa with its prophage APSE.

70. There are no mistakes, only happy accidents: Deviation from phage amplification protocol yielded high titers of the novel Actinobacteriophage OldNelly (EA1)

Jaden Drumm, Jibraan Rahman, and Alison Moyer, PhD Department of Biology; SEA-PHAGES

Lead Author: Alison Moyer, PhD, Teaching Faculty, aem442@drexel.edu

Abstract: As part of the 2023-2024 SEA-PHAGES program, freshmen students from Drexel University used the host Microbacterium foliorum NRRL B-24224 to isolate 34 novel bacteriophages. Among these, one phage was generated in a slightly unconventional manner. A soil sample was collected from a garden along a nearby Drexel University building in Philadelphia, PA. The subsequent isolated phage was named OldNelly. During amplification, an unintentional deviation was made from the standard procedure while trying to increase the overall lysate volume. Instead of properly flooding a webbed plate with phage bufer, the plate was flooded with a previously collected lysate of the same phage - a technique resembling “lysate double-dipping”. As a result of this protocol deviation, the resulting augmented lysate yielded almost a four-fold increase in titer compared to the original lysate, and recovered a high DNA concentration with minimal contamination ratios. Having demonstrated positive results from the flooding with lysate protocol, it was replicated by other lab groups whose lysates were below the required titer concentration of 5x10^9 pfu/mL to proceed. As expected, they also were able to increase their titer concentration considerably, past the minimum titer threshold for archiving and DNA extraction. Subsequently, OldNelly and 5 other phages (following standard protocol) were sent to be sequenced at The Pittsburgh Bacteriophage Institute using Illumina Sequencing: OldNelly (subcluster EA1), Pharpay (cluster EF), PHISB (cluster EB), Phiderman (subcluster EA1), SoilGremlin (subcluster EA1), and Delphidian (subcluster EA1). The latter 2 were submitted to the genome exchange and have been adopted to be annotated by 2 other institutions. There appeared to be no irregularities with generating a genome or during bioanalysis, which showed that OldNelly is a lytic phage, with 99% similarity to other archived EA1 subcluster phages. Collaboratively, the several sections of our cohort worked to produce and ensure accurate genome annotation. While the technique did not appear to introduce contamination in the case of OldNelly, further extensive studies can be performed to be certain whether phage purity is being afected. We propose that this technique can be widely adopted to significantly help other students in the SEA-PHAGES community, as well as further expand the existing phage archive. Additionally, students have begun planning independent projects which may focus on OldNelly. Examples of possible studies include to test UV (ultra-violet) coupled with temperature deviation or dye exposure (with or without UV), exposures to Zinc and Iron, nicotine, and EDTA. These will lend greater insight into its and other phages’ behavior and morphology.

71. Identifying Antiviral Character in Compounds Using Vectors of Numerical Toxicity Endpoints

Danielle McNutt and Karl Sohlberg, PhD

Department of Chemistry;computationalchemistry

Lead Author: Danielle McNutt, Undergraduate Student, drm367@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Karl Sohlberg, PhD, kws24@drexel.edu

Abstract: Identifying compounds that may be antivirals, a notoriously time consuming and expensive process, could benefit from a rapid computational screening able to eliminate unlikely candidates. Based on the observation that toxicity is an indicator of bioactivity, it is hypothesized that vectors of numerical toxicity endpoints can be analyzed to predict antiviral activity. To test this hypothesis, a set of approximately 60 known FDA-approved antivirals was used to generate a distribution of numerical toxicity vectors representing antiviral character. To refine the relationships between the toxicity vectors and antiviral activity, four “classes” of antivirals were defined via k-means clustering. Vectors of toxicity endpoints for a random assortment of other organic compounds plus ~5% of the 60 known antivirals (used as a validation set) were combined to form a test set, which was analyzed to determine how far each of these random compounds is from the vectors shown to be characteristic of antivirals. Ranking each compound by the distance for a test set of 1300+ compounds consistently resulted in the compounds in the validation set of known antivirals exhibiting proximity to the mean of at least one of the four previously identified classes. The results suggest that compounds with potential antiviral properties can be identified if they exhibit a toxicity profile like those in one of the four identified classes of antivirals. Screening compounds in this way should allow for compounds far away from the cluster means to be eliminated from an antiviral search, while compounds showing proximity to one of the four antiviral classes should be further investigated as possible antiviral compounds. This screening process would allow substantial savings of time and money when searching for potential antiviral compounds.

72. How does symbiont metabolism match B-vitamin dietary needs across the world’s insects?

Hannah M. Smith, Patrick Abbot, Benoît Béchad, Christian Cabuslay, Melissa Carpenter, Allison Hansen, Clesson Higashi, Abigail Williams, and Jacob A. Russell, PhD Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science (BEES); microbial ecology

Lead Author: Hannah Smith, PhD Student, hms342@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Jacob Russell, PhD, jar337@drexel.edu

Abstract: Like other animals, insects cannot synthesize several essential nutrients, including B-vitamins. Relying, primarily, on diet for sufcient acquisition, a subset of the world’s insects are proposed to acquire B-vitamins due to the biosynthetic capacities of their microbial endosymbionts. Here, the relationship between insect nutritional needs and encoded symbiont metabolism was studied. We used previously estimated insect requirements for seven B-vitamins alongside newly compiled average quantities of these B-vitamins in varying

insect foods, including seeds, fruit, phloem sap, pollen, leaves, wood, and blood. We obtained FastA formatted proteins from the genomes of all obligate symbionts found across thirtyseven insects consuming the above diets. Using the BLAST-KOALA program, we assigned KEGG ortholog (KO) numbers to each symbiont protein, cross-referencing these against the proteins encoding steps of the seven B-vitamin biosynthesis pathways. Our statistics show only occasional, and modest correlations between symbionts’ B-vitamin biosynthetic capacities and host’s nutritional needs. But the common nature of B-vitamin synthesis among many symbionts, and the apparent rarity of obligate symbioses in insects with more vitaminrich diets like leaves and pollen, add up to suggest a cause-and-efect relationship between symbiosis and host nutritional need. With the incorporation of additional symbionts from evolved symbiosis, and across separately derived cases of the same feeding habits, we will further assess their relationship.

73. Hypomorphic PERK and neurodegenerative risk: ER stress vulnerability or growth factor mislocalization?

Ido Keren and Tali Gidalevitz, PhD Department of Biology; neurodegeneration

Lead Author: Ido Keren, PhD Student, ik384@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Tali Gidalevitz, PhD, tg443@drexel.edu

Abstract: Tauopathies such as Alzheimer’s disease and progressive supranuclear palsy are debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. In humans, hypomorph variants of the endoplasmic reticulum stress sensor PERK have been identified as genetic risk factors for tauopathy. However, the mechanism by which hypomorphic PERK modifies pathology, and whether it is ER stress-dependent, is unknown. Our lab has found that PERK is necessary in C. elegans for sorting specific growth factors that are homologous to mammalian IGF and TGF-β These growth factors are known to be neuroprotective in models of tauopathy. They are also known to be necessary for the development and function of the olfactory system, whose dysfunction is a common early sign of neurodegeneration. We aim to test whether decreased PERK function leads to neuronal defects in Drosophila melanogaster, such as defects in olfactory sensation or associative learning and memory, which are characteristic of early neurodegenerative disease, and whether this depends on ER stress vulnerability, aging, or defects in growth factor sorting. Our initial results show that, under prolonged ER stress, PERK mutant flies have increased mortality and decreased climbing behavior. The latter could suggest a potential ER-stress-dependent neuromuscular defect. Interestingly, mutant larvae have inherently delayed pupation, possibly indicating decreased levels of secreted signals necessary for metamorphosis. We will address whether PERK mutants have impaired olfactory sensation or associative learning and memory and whether this depends on aging or ER stress. Understanding how PERK modifies neurodegenerative risk will provide insight for therapeutic strategies against tauopathy, resolving whether they should aim to enhance or inhibit PERK activity in carriers of risk alleles.

74. Individual Diferences and Learner Profiles in Design Fixation

Anna Zhu, DongHo Kim, Rosiejo Genzola, Shuyao Wang, Julie Milovanovic, PhD, John Gero, PhD, and Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; cognitive neuroscience

Lead Author: Anna Zhu, Undergraduate Student, az@579@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu

Abstract: Among the challenges of problem-solving in design is design fixation, constraints and errors imposed on one's ideas by previous practices that hinder efective design solutions. Past research further indicates that the inclusion of pictorial examples in design problems fosters a designer’s propensity to adhere to those examples during the creative process. In this behavioral study, we examined the potential influence of individual diferences in participants’ learning preferences on their susceptibility to design fixation. We hypothesized that an exemplar-based learning approach would amplify the impact of the examples in design problems by heightening the prominence of specific design features over the abstract relationships that bind them. Conversely, an abstraction-based learning approach might prioritize the abstract design rules governing example designs, providing protection from adhering to specific design features of the example and thus, design fixation. Participants were administered a series of behavioral assessments designed to quantify individual diferences in their learning profiles. They further completed a design fixation task and a control design task, and additional behavioral measures of creativity, learning, and executive function. Tasks were scored per established methods, eliciting measures of learning, design fixation, creativity, and other aspects of cognitive performance. Our results show preliminary support for our predictions, linking individual diferences in learning profiles and propensity to design fixation. We discuss the implications of these findings for our understanding of creativity in design and its relevance to design education.

75. A Chemical Tool to Synthesize and Investigate Glutathionylated Proteins

Daniel Oppong and Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD Department of Chemistry; biochemistry

Lead Author: Daniel Oppong, PhD Student, do454@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD, ya426@drexel.edu

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate biological functions in the cell. However, high levels of ROS can lead to oxidative damage to biomolecules, which is implicated in several diseases, including inflammation, metabolic disorders, and cancer. In the presence of ROS, protein cysteine is highly susceptible to oxidation, including S-glutathionylation (SSG). Protein S-glutathionylation is a reversible post-translational modification involving disulfide bond formation on cysteine residues. Methods have been developed to identify protein glutathionylation; however, the biological functional analysis of glutathionylated proteins

after their identification has been slow. Here, we develop a chemical biology strategy that introduces the glutathionylation modification on a protein of interest (POI) in vitro and delivers the glutathionylated POI to cells, which would enable us to investigate the biological functional outcomes resulting from the glutathionylation of specific POI. We designed a derivative of glutathione (GSH), namely dehydro-glutathione (dhGSH), which can be used to irreversibly modify a protein cysteine while producing a stable (thioether) mimic of glutathionylation on POI. We envisioned that the POI modified by dhGSH could retain the glutathionylation modification even in the reducing environment of cells. To demonstrate our strategy, we selected fatty acid binding protein 5 (FABP5), a major molecular target in inflammation and cancer, and showed that FABP5 undergoes glutathionylation at C127, and the modification is stable in vitro and cells. We have also demonstrated that FABP5 glutathionylation increases its binding to linoleic acid (Kd = 0.6-0.8 µM) compared to nonglutathionylated FABP5 (Kd =1-5 µM). Next, we are studying the efect of FABP5 glutathionylation in breast cancer MCF7 cells. The chemical tool developed in this study would be useful to study the functional efects of glutathionylation on proteins.

76. Chemosensory Neural Basis of Anopheles Mosquito Oviposition

Huiruo Zeng and Ali Afify, PhD Department of Biology; neuroscience

Lead Author: Huiruo Zeng, PhD Student, hz458@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Ali Afify, PhD, aa4686@drexel.edu

Abstract: Mosquitoes, as vectors of diseases such as Zika, Dengue, West Nile virus, and Malaria, are significant global health threats. Anopheles coluzzii is the vector of malaria, a disease that kills more than half a million people every year. Olfactory cues have been shown to influence egg laying (oviposition) behavior in mosquito species such as Culex and Aedes, but little is known about olfactory cues that afect Anopheles oviposition. This study investigates the efect of DEET, butyl anthranilate (BA) and ethyl anthranilate (EA), three known Aedes mosquito oviposition repellents, on An. coluzzii oviposition. To do this, we used a two-choice oviposition cage assay, in which mosquitoes are allowed to land and lay their eggs on water containing the test compounds (DEET, BA or EA) or control water. We found that both DEET and BA repel oviposition of An. coluzzii at 1000ppm and 100ppm concentrations, and EA attracts oviposition of An. coluzzii at 1000ppm and 100ppm concentrations. Moreover, we used calcium imaging to reveal that BA induces a weak response and EA induces a stronger response in the antennal olfactory neurons of gravid An. coluzzii mosquitoes. This suggests that An. coluzzii mosquitoes use their antennal olfactory neurons to smell and avoid laying eggs on BA or laying egg on EA. These results show the impact of olfactory cues on mosquito oviposition and provide insights into the neural basis of An. coluzzii's oviposition. The results could help develop novel control strategies that repel mosquito oviposition away from human-populated areas, potentially reducing malaria transmission and mortality rate.

77. Words Matter: Screening for Depression in Multiple Sclerosis using the Afective Word List Measure

Kim

Gui, Fareshte Erani, PhD, and John D. Medaglia, PhD

Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; neuropsychology

Lead Author: Kim Gui, Undergraduate Student, kg3247@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: John D. Medaglia, PhD, jdm582@drexel.edu

Abstract: Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease typically co-morbid with cognitive and mood difculties. Depression, for instance, is a highly co-morbid disorder for persons with MS (PwMS). Both depression and MS are associated with a decline in cognitive functioning. Arnett et al. (2015) developed the Afective Word List (AWL) test, which is a measure of verbal learning and memory with a component to help screen for depression. The current study examined the utility of the AWL in screening for depression in PwMS. We hypothesized that PwMS would have lower learning and memory score overall and higher depressive symptoms, which would be associated with learning more negativelyvalenced words. Method: Our sample consisted of 20 adults with a pre-existing diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS and 20 healthy controls (HC). We used the AWL to measure the learning of emotionally-valenced words and the Beck Depression Inventory-Fast Screen (BDI-FS) and Chicago Multiscale Depression Inventory (CMDI) to measure depression symptoms. Participants were divided into depressed (n=9) and non-depressed (n=30) groups using a cutof of BDI-FS of 4. We used t-test and linear regression models to estimate the relationship between AWL scores and BDI-FS and CMDI. Results: We found that PwMS scored significantly lower on the AWL Total Learning (p &lt; .05), Total Learning Negative (p &lt;.05), and Delayed Recall (p &lt;.05) than the HC group. Consistent with our hypotheses, PwMS reported greater depressive symptoms on the BDI-FS (p &lt; .01) and the CMDI (p &lt; 0.05), except for on the positive subscale of the CMDI (p &lt;.05). Our regressions also indicated that the CMDI mood subscale was a significant predictor of AWL Total Learning (p &lt;.05) and Total Learning Negative scores (p &lt; .05) for the PwMS.

Discussion/Conclusion: Our results suggest that the AWL is a useful supplemental tool in screening for depression in PwMS. The inclusion of the AWL as a screening measure may not only help identify cognitive difculties as they relate to learning and memory but may also be sensitive to depressive symptoms in PwMS.

78. Probing Allosteric Modulator Interactions with the Calcium Sensing Receptor

Nadee Nisanka Jayarathne Matarage Don and Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD Department of Chemistry; chemical biology

Lead Author: Nadee Nisanka Jayarathne Matarage Don, PhD Student, nm3336@drexel.edu

Faculty Advisor: Young-Hoon Ahn, PhD, ya426@drexel.edu

Abstract: The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in parathyroid glands regulates the serum calcium level, where it remains inactive at low serum calcium levels, causing secondary hyperparathyroidism in kidney patients. Calcimimetic drugs, which are positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of the CaSR, are prescribed to prevent hyperparathyroidism. Despite their therapeutic value, these drugs are expensive and cause several side efects. Therefore, discovering novel therapeutic drugs is essential to overcome the negative efects of the existing drugs. However, current approaches for characterizing CaSR and PAM interactions, such as radio-labeled ligand binding assay, crystallization studies, and monitoring downstream efects via extensive experimental procedures, are laborious and demand technical challenges. In this project, a novel chemical tool was developed for facile evaluation of the CaSR-PAM interactions using a photo-afnity crosslinking approach and one of the PAMs of CaSR, glutathione. The probe was developed by introducing a photoafnity tag to glutathione tripeptide with a propargyl group added to the thiol of the cysteine, which was named DAZ-GSH. DAZ-GSH labels CaSR upon UV irradiation, proving its potential to interact with CaSR. DAZ-GSH crosslinking to CaSR was outcompeted in the presence of PAMs that bind at the amino acid binding site (ABS) of CaSR. DAZ-GSH shows reduced binding with CaSR ABS mutants, proving its interaction at the ABS. Interestingly, we found that cafeine is a novel and potent PAM of CaSR using DAZ-GSH, uncovering the potential implication of CaSR in mediating the biological efects of cafeine. This DAZ-GSH chemical tool displayed a potent allosteric modulation of CaSR (EC50 of 115 nM), providing a robust method for evaluating the CaSR-PAM interactions in identifying novel therapeutic drugs for hyperparathyroidism.

© 2024, Drexel University College of Arts and Sciences