Oral Presentation Session
Wednesday, May 24 | 1–2:30 p.m. | PISB 106
1. Morphology of the petrosal and bony labyrinth of extinct Equidae (Perissodactyla) and preliminary phylogenetic analysis
Owen Goodchild; Sydney Rosen; Jérémy Tissier, PhD; Jin Meng, PhD Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Paleontology
Lead Author: Owen Goodchild, Undergraduate Student, omg28@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisors: Ted Daeschler, PhD, ebd29@drexel.edu; Jérémy Tissier, PhD, jtissier@amnh.org; Jin Meng, PhD, jmeng@amnh.org
Abstract: Perissodactyla, or odd-toed ungulates, is a clade of laurasiatherian placental mammals represented today by 16 species of rhinos, tapirs, and horses. Perissodactyls were more diverse in the past, having a rich fossil record spanning from the Late Paleocene (~57 ma) to recent and including a myriad of extinct lineages. The inter-relationships of extinct families of perissodactyls remain poorly resolved, despite over a century of study. New morphological characters could thus potentially help to solve these issues. Recently, the petrosal and bony labyrinth have proven to be reliable morphological structure for phylogenetic studies in mammals. The petrosal is the basicranial bone housing the inner ear, the organs of hearing and balance in mammals. Unlike those of artiodactyls, perissodactyl petrosals are poorly documented and have not been used to assess phylogenetic relationships. In this study, we used to describe seven petrosals, six inner ears and two stapes belonging to five European fossil equid taxa and six individuals. We used the 3D models to score these petrosals according to the matrix in Spaulding et al. (2009), described in detail by O’Leary (2010) and adding nine additional characters from Mateus (2018). Our results were encouraging, while the topology is not a precise match to what is expected from prior morphological work, it recovers important groupings that suggest the petrosal is phylogenetically informative in equids.
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Observing Chemistry Self-Efcacy Changes after Education and Reflection
Anthony Howcroft; Daniel King, PhD Department of Chemistry; Chemical Education
Lead Author: Anthony Howcroft, PhD Student, awh49@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Daniel King, PhD, dk68@drexel.edu
Abstract: Traditionally, chemical education research has focused on the impact of the classroom environment and pedagogies on student performance, but recently, there has been a push to investigate how afective (emotional) factors impact student success. This study investigates how self-efcacy changes between the fall and winter terms of general chemistry.
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To measure chemistry self-efcacy, we utilized the Chemistry Attitudes and Experiences Questionnaire (CAEQ) developed by Dalgety. In this study, we introduced students to the concepts of self-efcacy, grit and mindset and encouraged reflection to improve students’ belief in their ability to do chemistry and to encourage a growth mindset toward chemistry. This intervention consisted of weekly mini-lectures (5-10 minutes) on various afective factors, in addition to 1-3 weekly clicker questions to encourage students to reflect on the resources they were likely to use. We found that students who participated in the self-efcacy intervention showed statistical improvements (p<0.05) in self-efcacy between the fall and winter terms, whereas students who did not receive the intervention showed no change in self-efcacy. Importantly female students and underrepresented minority students showed statistical improvements in self-efcacy between the fall and winter terms, for those who experienced the intervention. This is critically important especially since there is a push in the field to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM disciplines, and students with higher self-efcacy typically show greater success and retention in STEM.
3. Combining Neurophysiology and Behavioral Measures to Identify Biomarkers of Clinical and Preclinical Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Dysfunction
Elizabeth Espinal; Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD; Ashesh Mehta, MD, PhD; Stephan Bickel, MD, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Clinical Psychology; Neuropsychology
Lead Author: Elizabeth Espinal, PhD Student, ee396@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu
Abstract: Memory is a critical piece of the human experience and impairments in neural memory networks can have devastating consequences. Sleep oscillations (slow oscillations and thalamocortical spindles) coupled with hippocampal sharp wave ripples are proposed to be mechanistically involved in establishing the crucial cortical-subcortical dialog for long-term consolidation. The current study aimed to determine alterations in typical sleep oscillations and oscillation coupling in patients with and without structural hippocampal damage and correlate them with neuropsychological measures sensitive to hippocampal dysfunction. Methods: We used intracranial electroencephalography in 14 patients with epilepsy to directly record from hippocampal sites and correlated with neuropsychological measures obtained prior to implantation. Half of the participants were diagnosed with mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) in the left hippocampus and healthy tissue in the right hippocampus. The other half did not have MTS. We analyzed hippocampal SWR features from both hippocampi. We correlated electrophysiological data with behavioral results of neuropsychological testing. Results: SWR analysis revealed significant diferences in the frequency, t(7639) = 15.52, p>.001, amplitude, t(7664) = -23.93, p > .001, and waveforms of SWR in the sclerotic versus healthy hippocampi. Patients with a sclerotic hippocampus but relatively preserved verbal memory scores (RAVLT, VPA-II) showed increased SWR amplitudes in the contralateral hippocampus compared to patients with low verbal memory scores. Results of our correlational analysis were variable and dependent upon additional factors, such as age of
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onset and diagnosis duration. Conclusions: Results from this work will aid in establishing a criterion for characterizing a relationship between subcortical and cortical oscillations as they relate to memory performance. Additionally, this work may potentially provide first evidence of a neurophysiological biomarker directly recorded from the human hippocampus to support possible reorganization of memory functioning in the non-sclerotic hippocampus.
4. Development of tandem-column liquid chromatographic methods for pharmaceutical compounds using simulations based on hydrophobic subtraction model parameters
Zhiyang Liu
Department of Chemistry; High-Performance Liquid Chromatography
Lead Author: Zhiyang Liu, PhD Student, zl358@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Joe P. Foley, PhD, jpf26@drexel.edu
Abstract: The liquid chromatography (LC) analysis of small molecule pharmaceutical compounds and related impurities is crucial in the development of new drug substances, but developing these separations is usually challenging due to analyte structural similarities. Tandem-column LC (TC-LC) has emerged as a powerful approach to achieve alternative separation selectivity compared to conventional single column separations. However, one of the bottlenecks associated with use of tandem column approaches is time-consuming column pair screening and selection. Herein, we compared critical resolution ( R c ) in single column vs. TC-LC separations for a given set of small molecule pharmaceutical compounds and developed a column selection workflow that uses separation simulations based on parameters from the hydrophobic subtraction model (HSM) of reversed-phase selectivity. In this study, HSM solute parameters were experimentally determined for a small molecule pharmaceutical (Linrodostat) and ten of its related impurities using multiple linear regression of their retentions on 16 selected RPLC columns against in-house determined HSM column parameters. R c values were calculated based on HSM database column parameters for a pool of about 200 available stationary phases in both single-phase column (2.1 mm i.d. √ó100 mm) or tandem column paired (two 2.1 mm i.d. √ó50 mm) formats. Four column configurations (two single and two tandem) were predicted to achieve successful separations under isocratic HSM separation conditions, with a fifth tandem pair predicted to have a single co-elution. Of these five potential candidates, one tandem pair yielded compete baseline resolution of the 11-component mixture in an experimental separation. In this specific case, the tandem column pairs outperformed single-phase columns, with better predicted and experimental R c values for the Linrodostat mixture under the HSM separation conditions. The results reported in this study demonstrated the enormous selectivity potential of TC-LC in pharmaceutical compound separations and are consistent with our previous study that examined the potential of tandem column approaches using purely computational means, though there is room for substantial improvement in the prediction accuracy. The proposed workflow can be used to prioritize a small number of column combinations by computational means before any experiments are conducted. This is highly attractive from the point of view
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of time and resource savings considering over 200,000 diferent tandem column pairings are possible using columns for which there are data in the HSM database.
5. The Drexel University Gospel Choir: A Black Geography
Tifany Wali Mwakisha
Department of Politics; Political Science; Sociology; Africana Studies
Lead Author: Tifany Wali Mwakisha, Undergraduate Student, twm43@drexel.edu
Abstract: In a piece about maroon geographies, Celeste Winston considers “homeplaces” as “spaces of care and nurturance [created] in the face of the brutal harsh reality of racist oppression ... [and] sexist domination... forms a site of struggle and resistance that afrms Black people and sustains Black life.” In our contemporary context, the homeplace remains a central site of Black “aspiration, cultural continuity and survival.” That is what I believe constitutes as a Black geography a safe space within the chaos and mess. On March 11, 2023, the Drexel University Gospel Choir (DUGC) celebrated its 45th anniversary, marking 45 years of being on Drexel's campus with a big celebration that included alumni from all the years the choir has been active. The significance of the alumni points to the nature of the DUGC as a Black geography, and as a homeplace. But this is not unique to the DUGC. In fact, the DUGC is a continuation of the Gospel tradition. The Gospel transcendence has many elements, including transcendence, survival, a Blues history/epistemology. This is a centuries long tradition, dating back to African music and religious practices, that has evolved through time and oppression to become what we now recognize as Gospel music. All these elements, and more, are crucial to placing the DUGC and its members as part of this tradition.
6. Implementation of a Structural Isomerism Activity in Introductory Organic Chemistry
Adrienne Pesce
Department of Chemistry; Chemical Education
Lead Author: Adrienne Pesce, PhD Student, amp568@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Daniel King, PhD, dk68@drexel.edu
Abstract: Student struggles with isomerism topics have been documented for decades. Studies have proposed a variety of causes for these difculties and recommendations for addressing these difculties. But to date, few studies have explored the efect of implementing these recommendations or investigated who benefits from these interventions. It has been established that a link exists between visualization skill and student achievement in both general chemistry and organic chemistry courses. Variability in students’ skill level has been postulated as a possible explanation for why some students struggle with topics such as isomerism. We have developed a 35-minute activity to reinforce structural isomerism content understanding through the use of a molecular modeling mobile device application. During two quarters of implementation, we completed a pre-activity/post-
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activity test procedure to observe changes in student understanding of structural isomerism. We observed a significant score improvement in the post-test during both quarters of activity implementation. Additionally, we used student visualization test scores to group students into tiers based on their relative visualization skill level. We discovered that students of all visualization levels benefitted from the activity, as measured by a score improvement on the post-activity test compared to the pre-activity test. In this poster, we will present the data from two quarters of activity implementation in an introductory organic chemistry course.
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Poster Session
Wednesday, May 24 | 2:30–4:45 p.m. | PISB Atrium
1. Revolutionizing EEG Technology: Hair-Penetrating MXtrodes for Comfortable, GelFree, and High-Density Brain Activity Recording
Ryan Rich; Brian Erickson, PhD; Sneha Shankar; Georgios Mentzelopoulos; Flavia Vitale, PhD; John Medaglia, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Cognitive Neuroengineering; Biomedical Device Development
Lead Author: Ryan Rich, Research Coordinator, rrr87@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: John Medaglia, PhD, jdm582@drexel.edu
Abstract: Previous research introduced MXtrodes, a gel-free, high-density electroencephalography (EEG) technology that boasts exceptional material properties, including biocompatibility, low cost, and scalability in manufacturing. Unlike other gel-free EEG systems, MXtrodes are comfortable to wear and compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Unlike gelled systems, MXtrodes do not require a conductive gel medium, resulting in faster preparation and avoiding gel residue in the hair after removal. Previous MXtrode designs were limited to hairfree areas of the scalp, but in this project, we present a hair-penetrating MXtrode design, allowing full-head coverage. The MXtrodes are made of a single, flexible, cellulose-sponge pillar soaked in liquid MXene. As the MXene dries, it forms a strong bond with the button snap backing, eliminating the need for adhesives. This project used an elastic-band cap with 21 hair-penetrating MXtrodes in receptacles woven into standard 10-5 locations. To prepare the electrodes, we parted the subject's hair, wiped the area with alcohol, placed the electrode, then hydrated it with saline via a pipette. We then recorded resting-state and task-based data, including real and imagined finger taps and steady-state visual evoked potentials (SSVEPs). Although some MXtrodes required rewetting during the recording, our exploratory analysis yielded high-quality data with successful independent component analysis (ICA) component separation. The spectrographs exhibited the expected motor-mu decreases during real and imagined hand movement versus rest on electrodes contralateral to the hand, and the SSVEP stimulus frequency increased versus rest in all frequency conditions on occipital electrodes. These results indicate that MXtrodes can detect traditional and BCI-related brain activity at hairy scalp sites with minimal preparation and no gel. Further validation of the hairpenetrating MXtrodes may enable comfortable, whole-head, ultra-high-density, and gel-free EEG recording in traditional and multi-modal (MRI and TMS) research. These findings have significant implications for research, medicine, and BCI.
2. Identification of astrocyte subtypes in the Drosophila
Jillian Saunders
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melanogaster visual system
Department of Biology; Neuroscience
Lead Author: Jillian
Saunders, Research Associate, jcs452@gmail.com
Faculty Advisor: Denise Garcia,
PhD, adg82@drexel.edu
Abstract: Astrocytes are the most abundant glia cell type and regulate synapse formation, maturation, and function. Growing evidence from rodent studies shows a remarkable diversity and complexity of astrocyte subpopulations. In contrast, if astrocytes in Drosophila melanogaster comprise multiple subpopulations is unknown. Drosophila melanogaster is a strong model for studying astrocyte diversity due to conserved astrocyte properties between vertebrates and invertebrates. Evidence for astrocyte subtypes in Drosophila comes from scRNAseq datasets in the developing visual system that identified 19 glial clusters (Kurmangaliyev 2020). An independent study in the adult visual system also identified 19 glial clusters (Özel 2021), suggesting similarities between transcriptionally defined glial populations in the pupal and adult brain. These findings have raised questions about possible diversity among the six well-defined glial classes in Drosophila. Here, we focus on identifying astrocyte populations among the 19 glial clusters in the pupal and adult brain of Drosophila. We establish a bioinformatics pipeline to investigate astrocyte heterogeneity. We utilize three known genetic markers to classify astrocytes among unlabeled glia clusters. The markers alrm, Eaat1, and Gat separate astrocytes among various glial populations in newly eclosed flies (96 hours after pupal formation (hAPF)), but only Eaat1 and Gat reliably separate astrocytes during adulthood. Using these markers, we identify two putative astrocyte clusters in both datasets that are predicted to be astrocytes. A correlation analysis reveals the predicted astrocytes in each dataset have the highest correlations when comparing their genetic profiles. We sought to identify genetic diferences between the predicted astrocytes and identified 3 genes diferentially expressed between predicted astrocytes at 96 hAPF and 30 genes diferentially expressed between predicted adult astrocytes. Future work will examine protein expression and in vivo localization of these genes to determine whether clusters represent subtypes of astrocytes or astrocytes in diferent states. Overall, this work provides insights for identifying diversity among glia populations and aids in the understanding on the mechanisms glia cells have in regulating neuronal connectivity.
3. Exhibiting the Family Archive
Thomas Albero; Julia Capaldi; Amarize Finley; Harriet Levin Millan; David Miller; Verona Ni; Odailia Pearce; Stephanie Prizhitomsky; Julia Snyder; Jada Thach
Department of English and Philosophy; Composition; Rhetoric; Creative Writing
Lead Author: Harriett Levin Millan, Teaching Faculty, millanhl@drexel.edu
Abstract: What do you know about the family archive and what does it say about your past, present, and future? The term archive usually includes letters, documents, and photographs but the term can also be expanded to include three-dimensional objects families consciously or haphazardly pass down such as clothing, scrapbooks, soup ladles, paintings, talismans, tea
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sets, jewelry, and other memorable items. This presentation includes poster presentations of research projects undertaken by nine Drexel undergraduates for their Winter 2022-23 English 102 class, "Exhibiting the Family Archive" to complement their professor's current Stein Family Fellowship. Her fellowship was granted for travel to Israel to translate and exhibit over 200 family letters written from Nazi-occupied Ukraine in the 1940s and to teach the significance of personal writing in a historical context. The diversity of her students' backgrounds highlights the importance of understanding how family archives help us to understand and preserve the past and to provide opportunities for the wider public to explore the inextricable links between personal, cultural, and collective memory.
4. Brains are special! The unique evolutionary relationship of brain size to body size
Sean O’Donnell;
Samantha
Giancarli
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Evolutionary Neuroscience
Lead Author: Sean O’Donnell, PhD, Professor, so356@drexel.edu
Abstract: How do organ system sizes relate to overall body size? Do organ system sizes evolve relative to the body at the same rate? We analyzed a unique data set of total volumes for all major organ systems in a set of insect species spanning five orders of magnitude in size. We found that brains were unique: brains were relatively large for smaller species, and relatively small at larger body sizes. We discuss the profound implications of brain size evolution for basic animal body structure.
5. TNFR2 signaling in projection neurons is critical to mitigate Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Sreejita Arnab
Department of Biology; Neuroscience
Lead Author: Sreejita Arnab, PhD Student, sa3692@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: John Bethea, PhD, jrb445@drexel.edu
Abstract: The injury to the peripheral or central nervous (somatosensory) system can lead to neuropathic pain. It is associated with hyperalgesia stimulus, a state of increased intensity of pain sensation induced by either noxious or ordinarily non noxious stimulation of peripheral tissue, and allodynia, response to a non-nociceptive stimulus. Despite afecting a significant number of people worldwide, there are no efective therapies for chronic neuropathic pain (CNP). Current therapies such as tricyclic antidepressants and gabapentin have limited therapeutic efectiveness in the majority of patients. It is well established that chronic neuroinflammation and neuronal injury contribute to the development of CNP. Further, it is recognized that the chronification of neuropathic pain (NP) results in part from pathophysiological plasticity and neuroinflammation in the brain. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is one of the main cytokines regulating a pro-inflammatory environment. Elevated level of TNF has been found at the site of injury in animal models of peripheral nerve injury
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and in neuropathic pain. However, trans-membrane tumor necrosis factor(tmTNF) mediated activation of TNFR2 helps in immune modulation, tissue regeneration and homeostasis. Selective activation of TNFR2 signaling can help in balancing the endogenous TNF activity toward an overall neuroprotective response. Recent studies from our lab have shown that activating TNFR2 is therapeutic for chronic neuropathic pain (CNP). Therefore, we investigated the contribution of TNFR2 expression in the brain to the development of CNP. The neuronal TNFR2 is critical for reduction in axonal injury which is a hallmark of CNP and thought to be important in the transition from acute to chronic pain.
6. Tip60 HAT translocates into the nucleus using its NLS/NES sequences to regulate activity-dependent neuroplasticity gene control
Ellen Armour; Christina Thomas; Felice Elefant, PhD Department of Biology; Nucleocytoplasmic Protein Transport
Lead Author: Ellen Armour, PhD Student, ea554@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Felice Elefant, PhD, fe22@drexel.edu
Abstract: Enhancing synapses in the brain helps to solidify memory formation and cognitive function. Genes involved in synaptic plasticity are regulated by transcription factors and other regulatory proteins, many of which are localized mainly to the nucleus where they are easily accessible to interact with chromatin. Nucleocytoplasmic transport (NCT) allows for the active transport of proteins endogenously localized to the cytoplasm to translocate into the nucleus to interact with chromatin and regulate gene expression. NCT is often triggered by an external stimulus in a process known as activity-dependent gene control. Previous work has focused on the role of transcription factors in activity-dependent gene control, however more recently we have begun to understand how chromatin remodelers such as HATs and HDACs are also able to translocate to the nucleus upon stimulation. Recent work in our lab has shown Tip60 HAT translocates to the nucleus in response to an external stimulus to regulate the expression of neuroplasticity genes in vitro. However, Tip60 dynamics in the in vivo brain are still poorly understood. Here, we used immunohistochemistry to compare the subcellular localization of Tip60 HAT in the Drosophila brain under normal conditions and in response to in vivo stimulation. Strikingly, we found stimulation triggered an increase in Tip60 nuclear translocation with concomitant induction of neuroplasticity genes. Our results support a model by which neuronal stimulation promotes nuclear import of Tip60 to promote induction of activity-dependent neuroplasticity gene transcription.
7. Novel Tip60 activators for epigenetic treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Akanksha Bhatnagar; Rohan Dasari; Neha Chongtham; Sandhya Kortagere; Felice Elefant, PhD
Department of Biology
Lead Author: Akanksha Bhatnagar, PhD Student, ab4267@drexel.edu
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Faculty Advisor: Felice Elefant, PhD, fe22@drexel.edu
Abstract: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder afecting more than 5 million people in America alone, yet there is no cure. Interestingly, >95% AD cases do not have a hereditary link with parents, suggesting involvement of external epigenetic mechanisms such as histone acetylation. In a healthy brain, histone acetylation homeostasis is maintained by the opposing activities of two enzymes, histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and histone deacetylases (HDAC) that add or remove acetyl groups on histone proteins to turn the genes “ON” or “OFF,” respectively. However, in AD brain, loss of Tip60 HAT and gain of HDAC2 results in a less histone acetylated state that turns “OFF” critical genes in the brain. Accordingly, chemical compounds designed to increase histone acetylation are currently a research hotspot for AD. Most treatments are centered on HDAC inhibition that while promising unfortunately also exhibits side efects. Alternatively, enhancing activity of Tip60 HAT serves as an exciting new therapeutic strategy that remains to be fully explored. To this end, we have designed and synthesized novel compounds to pharmacologically stimulate Tip60’s histone acetylation activity. Using computer-based drug discovery approaches, we were able to use the chemical structure of a general HAT activating compound and make it more specific towards Tip60 HAT. Top 10 compounds with highest docking scores and favorable pharmacokinetics were synthesized to assess therapeutic efectiveness that so far fully rescue locomotor deficits in our Tip60 knockdown model. We propose our first-in-class Tip60 HAT activators will serve as powerful chemical entities for epigenetic treatment of AD.
8. Diverse evolutionary patterns in the turtle ant gut microbiome
Christian Cabuslay
Department of Biology; Microbe-insect symbiosis; Evolution
Lead Author: Christian Cabuslay, PhD Student, csc97@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Jacob A. Russell, PhD, jar337@drexel.edu
Abstract: A recent appreciation for intimate beneficial interactions between animals and microbial life (“symbiosis”) has transformed our approach to studying organismal evolution. Some of the most comprehensively studied examples of codependent microbe-animal partnerships come from insects, where ancient, low-diversity symbioses exhibit strict hostmediated diversification and have produced some of the most extreme patterns of reductive genome evolution in bacteria. Most of our understanding of evolution in microbial symbiosis is informed by these examples, however not all beneficial interactions between animals and microbes are as monogamous as the classic examples. To gain insight into the evolution of more diverse symbiotic systems, we leverage a comprehensive collection of over 100 microbial genomic datasets from the gut microbiome of Cephalotes, “turtle ants,” which rely on a 50million-year-old partnership with a diverse community of bacteria which aid in their nutrition. With a phylogenomic approach, we identify at least 18 distinct lineages of bacteria, each having been independently domesticated by turtle ants, and each seemingly found exclusively in these ants. We see diversity in the patterns of diversification between these
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diferent lineages, as well as diversity in the prevalence of each of these lineages across the Cephalotes genus, pointing to variability in how reliably each lineage is passed down between generations. A comparative genomic approach reveals that genomic signatures are similarly diverse across the community. Diferent lineages exhibit varying (generally moderate) degrees of reductive genome evolution, and a varying prevalence of genes which seem to have been inserted into the genome from other members of the symbiotic community. Ultimately, we see that the diversity of the symbiotic community is reflected in the diversity of the evolutionary histories of microbes within the Cephalotes gut, providing insight into how diversity in a microbial symbiosis may cause evolutionary patterns to stray from the classic route.
9. Of Bugs and Bacteria (and Bacteriophage)
Melissa Carpenter
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Symbiosis; Ecology; Evolution
Lead Author: Melissa Carpenter, PhD Student, mmc435@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Jacob Russell, PhD, jar337@drexel.edu
Abstract: Pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) benefit maternally transferred symbiotic bacteria for a variety of functions. Intriguingly, one of these bacteria is itself reliant on a “symbiont” of its own, with the endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa requiring “APSE” bacteriophage for defense against parasitoid wasps. Prior research has revealed that both H. defensa and APSE are comprised of diverse strains co-existing within pea aphid populations. Importantly, variation in APSE composition has likely implications for the quality of antiparasitoid defense, given lab-based findings that APSE strains determine levels of conferred defense. Coupled with evidence that parasitoid populations can evolve to overcome strainspecific protection by phage-bearing Hamiltonella, we have resultingly hypothesized an ongoing process of antagonistic co-evolution between aphids and parasitoids that is mediated by Hamiltonella and APSE. As a first step in addressing this question, we used molecular strain genotyping across hundreds of H. defensa and APSE collected from two pea aphid populations annually, or bi-annually, for 10 years. We find evidence for sustained APSE diversity in both populations, with persistence of some strains across this full duration. Identities of predominant strains fluctuate, however, with a 3-year periodicity in our more regularly sampled population. Showing consistency with the expectations of trench warfare models, our findings provide a unique window into the nature of natural endosymbiont dynamics in insects. They, further, suggest a range of experiments for a full investigation of symbiont-mediated antagonistic coevolution, a currently unprecedented phenomenon with potentially broad implications given the widespread occurrence of defensive symbioses across insects.
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10. Linking Biological Age and Brain Age to Child Health in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study
Hansoo Chang; Alexei Taylor; Ana Ferariu; Fengqing Zoe Zhang, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences; Aging; Biological Age; Brain Age; Child health; Cognitive Science
Lead Author: Hansoo Chang, PhD Student, hc842@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Fengqing Zoe Zhang, PhD, fz53@drexel.edu
Abstract: Biological age and brain age estimated with either biological markers or neuroimaging measures have recently emerged as surrogate aging biomarkers shown to be predictive of various health outcomes. These surrogate aging biomarkers are not diseasespecific and capture health at the whole person level. Most of the existing studies examined these surrogate biomarkers in middle-aged and older adults. More research is needed to evaluate the utility of biological and brain age in children with longitudinal data. Using the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, we utilized blood-based sample and brain imaging data to calculate biological and brain age with the Klemera-Doubal method in a cohort of young children across the United States. In addition, we examined the relationship between biological and brain age with a multitude of physical, mental, and social health outcomes in children. Our results show that biological age and brain age are predictive of diferent child health outcomes and provide complementary information.
11. Neural Entropy and its Relationship to Insight Problem-Solving
Christine Chesebrough; John Kounios, PhD; Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience; Creativity
Lead Author: Christine Chesebrough, PhD Student, cbc72@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu
Abstract: Neural entropy refers to the complexity and uncertainty of the time course of a neural signal. Characterizing neural entropy in EEG signals may be especially valuable in contexts in which complex, spontaneous brain activity is a key factor, such as insightful problem-solving. Some researchers have argued that insightful problem-solving may be analogous to phase transitions in physical systems which are preceded by a state of relatively higher entropy. Individual diferences in neural entropy at baseline may therefore influence the predominant way in which people report solving problems, either insightfully or analytically. This hypothesis was explored by examining resting-state scalp EEG recordings of n= 44 individuals who in subsequent sessions solved CRA and anagram problems - which can be solved either via insight or analysis. RS-EEG measures of multiscale entropy (MSE) were analyzed over the whole scalp in a 84-electrode montage between individuals who went on to solve more problems insightfully (H-I) with those who solved more problems analytically (HA). Exploratory analyses across all electrodes revealed significant diferences between H-I and H-A groups in MSE at lower timescales. These initial findings suggest further analyses and implications for measuring spontaneous cognition.
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12. Golgi-cytoskeleton connections regulate the mode of 3D cell migration
Jacob J. Duggan; Rahul Chowdhury; Ryan J. Petrie, PhD Department of Biology; Cell biology
Lead Author: Jacob J. Duggan, PhD Student, jjd359@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Ryan J. Petrie, PhD, rjp336@drexel.edu
Abstract: Cells which migrate through three-dimensional matrices must be adaptive to physical properties, such as pore size and viscoelasticity. A fibroblast can react to these types of environmental stimuli by switching their mechanism or mode of migration. Specifically, fibroblasts will switch from lamellipodial migration to lobopodial migration in a highly crosslinked, linearly elastic environment to help move the nucleus through this restrictive environment. It is not fully understood how the physical environment is sensed by the cell to trigger the switch between lamellipodial and lobopodial migration. We hypothesize that the mode of migration is regulated by cytoskeletal strain acting on the Golgi apparatus. To test this hypothesis, we first compared the Golgi’s position and structure between cells using lamellipodial migration and lobopodial migration. We found that the Golgi’s position shifts between the front and back of the nucleus. Additionally, the Golgi is more dispersed and fragmented in cells using lobopodial migration, suggesting a connection between Golgi organization and migration mode. Overexpression of the Golgi-actin crosslinking protein GCC88, which disconnects the Golgi from the actin cytoskeleton, switched cells from lobopodia to lamellipodia migration. To test if actomyosin contractility afects Golgi position or morphology, we either inhibited or activated non-muscle myosin II activity. Both treatments decreased Golgi volume, suggesting actomyosin contractility governs Golgi organization. Finally, we compared the volume of the Golgi in cells using lamellipodia on 2D glass, lamellipodia in 3D collagen, and lobopodia in 3D cell-derived matrix and found the volume of the Golgi specifically decreased in cells using lobopodial migration. Together, these results reveal a fundamental connection between Golgi organization, actomyosin contractility, and the mode of 3D migration. We speculate that actomyosin contractility will ultimately regulate protein trafcking through the Golgi during secretion to help regulate the mode of fibroblast migration.
13. Progress Update from Mother Baby Connections, an Intensive Outpatient Program for Perinatal Women in Philadelphia
Sharon Ettinger; Pamela A. Geller, PhD; Leah Sodowick; Bobbie Posmontier, PhD; June Horowitz, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Clinical Psychology
Lead Author: Sharon Ettinger, PhD Student, sre49@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Pamela A. Geller, PhD, pg27@drexel.edu
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Abstract: Mother Baby Connections (MBC) is an interdisciplinary, intensive outpatient perinatal mental health program that was initiated in December 2015 at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to treat postpartum women with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and their infants. Previously published pilot outcome data has shown improvements in depressive symptoms, maternal functioning, parental stress, perceived stress, emotional regulation, and dyadic adjustment over the course of treatment in the program between December 2016 and August 2018 (Geller et al., 2018). With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, MBC has continued to provide treatment for perinatal women via telehealth services. Preliminary findings have shown that the transition from in-person to telehealth sessions increased accessibility and patient attendance, particularly for underserved women (Ma, Posmontier, Horowitz, & Geller, 2022). The purpose of this presentation is to present updated outcome data, inclusive of pandemic years, to further assess the efcacy of MBC in improving the health and wellbeing of mothers with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and their infants. Self-report survey data were collected at various timepoints throughout patients’ treatment in the program. The current sample represents all patients who received treatment and completed an exit survey at MBC through 2022. Surveys include the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF), Parental Stress Scale, and Difculties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Significant changes in reported symptoms compared to baseline surveys will be discussed. Pilot data have provided evidence for improvements in symptoms related to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders in perinatal woman receiving treatment through MBC. This poster will present updated outcome data to include MBC patients from 2018 through 2022. MBC continues to provide comprehensive and efective mental healthcare for perinatal women and their infants.
14. Assessing Retrospective Learning Challenges in Autistic Adults with a Screening Tool Used in Vocational Rehabilitation Settings
Hannah Grosman; Diego Aragon-Guevara; Goldie McQuaid; Greg Wallace; Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Lead Author: Hannah Grosman, PhD Student, heg45@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD, nrl39@drexel.edu
Abstract: Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face a number of unique challenges, including poorer outcomes in adult life across multiple metrics (i.e., employment, social relationships/activities, independent living). While there is clear evidence for this at the group-level, there is also evidence for heterogeneity in outcomes. One potential source of heterogeneity is a history of academic/learning challenges. However, measures to assess learning challenges retrospectively are limited, and to the best of our knowledge, have not been validated in samples of autistic adults. The current research presents a first step in validating such a measure, the Learning Needs Screening Tool (LNST), a retrospective, selfreport measure of academic challenges used in vocational rehabilitation settings to identify
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jobseekers who may benefit from additional services. 401 autistic adults participated in this study (40.5% male, mean age=28.9). All participants completed the LNST, which collects responses to 13 questions about learning and yields a total score from 0-30. A score of 12 or greater is considered a “screen positive” on the LNST. In addition, participants completed questionnaires that assessed history of educational service provision and current vocational activities. Internal consistency and convergent validity of the measure were examined. Chisquare was used to examine if screen positive status on the LNST was associated with a history of special education receipt. In addition, vocational status as measured via the Taylor Vocational Index was contrasted between screen groups via chi-square. The 13 items of the LNST were found to have high internal consistency (Cronbach’s Œ±=.81). 56% (n=224) of the sample screened positive on the LNST. Individuals who screened positive for learning challenges were more likely to have received special education services as a child [œá2 (1,n=400)=29.99, p<.001] and to have no vocational/educational activities as an adult [œá2 (1, n=386)=19.5, p<.001]. Results support the utility of the LNST as a possible screening tool to evaluate retrospective learning challenges in adult job seekers with ASD. Those who screened positive were more likely to have no vocational/educational activities.
15. Activation of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 elicits sex-specific efects on functional recovery in a model of multiple sclerosis
Shruti Gupta
Department of Biology; Multiple Sclerosis
Lead Author: Shruti Gupta, PhD Student, sg3656@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: John Bethea, PhD, jrb445@drexel.edu
Abstract: Background and Aims: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disorder afecting 2.3 million people globally. In MS, chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is a prevalent symptom that occurs in 80% of the diagnosed population regardless of patient sex. Despite the availability of therapeutics to treat CNP, no current treatment provides more than 50% pain relief and there is a risk for adverse side efects. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) is a multifunctional cytokine with some anti-inflammatory, but predominantly pro-inflammatory characteristics. Dysregulation of TNFα is known to contribute to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases, which includes MS. TNF activates microglia, astrocytes, and recruits B-cells and these activated cells produce further TNF. This results in damage to myelin, oligodendrocytes, and CNS axons. However, MS antiTNF therapeutics failed due to their non-selective nature inhibiting both pro-inflammatory and pro-myelinating functions. TNFα exerts its functions by binding to two diferent kinds of receptors –, TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2). TNFR1, ubiquitously expressed on most cells, preferentially binds to soluble TNFα (solTNFα) and activates the pro-inflammatory pathway. In contrast, TNFR2 expression is more restricted and found on myeloid cells, certain T and B cell subsets, glial cells, and fibroblasts. TNFR2 preferentially binds transmembrane TNF (tmTNF), which promotes immune suppression, remyelination, and activates neuroprotective pathways. We show that a novel
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TNFR2 agonist, p53-sc-mTNFR2, significantly alleviates CNP in both sexes; however, decreased motor deficits are restricted to females. Methods: Adult male and female mice were immunized using the nPTX-EAE method (Murphy et al, 2020). TNFR2 agonist (p53-scmTNFR2) was given on days 10, 13, and 16 post-immunization (DPI). To assess CNP, mechanical allodynia (Von Frey test) was evaluated weekly until 30 DPI. Motor deficits were measured daily according to previously published methods. Biochemical assessments were performed at experiment termination to investigate TNFR2 expression, demyelination, and immune cell activation in the brain and spinal cord. Results: TNFR2 agonist treatment results in decreased mechanical allodynia in both sexes, but alleviates motor symptoms in females only. There is increased expression of myelin in the cortex for TNFR2 agonist treated EAE females compared to controls, but not in males. Agonist treated females also show the increased cellular presence of TNFR2+CD25+ immune cells in the lumbar spinal cord, but not in males. Conclusion: TNFR2 agonist alleviates CNP following nPTX-EAE induction in both females and males, but only reduces motor deficits in females. This indicates that TNFR2 agonist therapy is neuroprotective for pain maintenance regardless of sex. In females, the agonist promotes neuronal recovery in the CNS which could be mediated by CD25+ immune cells since previous data demonstrates that the recovery phase of EAE is associated with increased CD25+ Treg presence and removal of this population causes reinstatement of EAE motor symptoms.
16. Polarity and the Piston: Mapping the subcellular organization of fibroblasts migrating in 3D matrices
Breanne Hewitt Department of Biology; Cell Biology
Lead Author: Breanne Hewitt, PhD Student, bh659@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Ryan Petrie, PhD, rjp336@drexel.edu
Abstract: Directionally persistent cell migration is an essential part of wound healing. Specifically, the ability of cells to regulate their polarity to steer during 3D migration is critical for finding and healing wounds in tissues. Classical studies of fibroblast movement across 2D-surfaces established that the activity of the small GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1 are polarized to the leading edge of the cell to help steer the cell. In cells moving through 3D matrices however, Cdc42 and Rac1 activity are no longer polarized to the leading edge, despite the fact these cells are still capable of persistent directional migration. These changes raise the question of how diferent are the subcellular organization and polarization of cells in a 3D matrix compared to those on a 2Dsurface? Thus, we compared the organization and polarization of primary human fibroblasts on 2D and in 3D by imaging the localization of the classical polarity proteins (Par3, Par6, Clasp2), cytoskeletal elements (actin, vimentin, microtubules, septins), endomembrane system (early and late endosomes, lysosomes), and major organelles (mitochondria). We find a profound diference in subcellular organization in cells in 3D CDM. The classical polarity proteins, known to be at the leading edge of cells on 2D, are enriched at the rear of cells migrating in 3D. Additionally, microtubules are
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concentrated in front of the nucleus in 3D. Late endosomes are found mainly behind/around the nucleus and at the back of the cell. Finally, mitochondria congregate in front of the nucleus compared to the uniform distribution observed during 2D migration. These results suggest the physical environment of cells can polarize them via an unknown mechanism and dramatically reorganize multiple cell components and systems. Future work will investigate the mechanisms responsible for establishing the polarization of fibroblasts in 3D and determine their contribution to the steering of motile cells through 3D matrices.
17. Evaluating and Understanding Biodiversity of Urban Cemeteries in Philadelphia, PA, USA
Heather L. Kostick; Dane C. Ward, PhD
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Urban Ecology
Lead Author: Heather L. Kostick, PhD Student, hlk35@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Dane C. Ward, PhD, dcw33@drexel.edu
Abstract: Cemeteries and burial grounds are an often-overlooked component green space in an urban environment. However, they’ve been found to be local hotspots of biodiversity. Studies in Europe suggest that cemeteries can provide habitat for hundreds of species and rare species in an urban environment; and that species richness and composition varied across urban cemeteries depending upon management intensity and available vegetation structures. This study aims to evaluate and understand biodiversity of three urban cemeteries (Laurel Hill, The Woodlands, and Mount Moriah) in Philadelphia, PA. Measuring biodiversity of cemeteries will not only provide useful information to land and cemetery managers, but document species that may not have been otherwise and give a fuller picture of biodiversity in urban spaces. This information will also provide insight to stakeholders on how to better manage the green spaces for increased biodiversity in these urban spaces: an ever-pressing issue in the sixth largest city in the United States. Taxonomic data for birds, plants, arthropods, and terrestrial mollusks were collected using methods appropriate for each taxon. Data was collected in Fall 2021, Spring 2022, and Summer 2022. Analysis suggests that there are seasonal and site diferences, but that Mount Moriah Cemetery may be more diverse than Laurel Hill and The Woodlands which may be due to the diferences in land management styles and site history. Results and the discussion of various methods for collecting diferent taxa are discussed.
18. Sensory Experience Stimulates Neuron-Astrocyte Sonic Hedgehog Signaling
Anh Duc (Mike) Le; Steve Hill; Marissa Fu; Jamie O'Donnell; Joshua Mell, PhD; A. Denise R. Garcia, PhD
Department of Biology; Neuroscience
Lead Author: Anh Duc (Mike) Le, PhD Student, al3449@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: A. Denise R. Garcia, PhD, adg82@gmail.com
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Abstract: Astrocytes, the most abundant subtype of glial cells in the CNS, play a crucial role in regulating the formation and function of neuronal synapses. Growing evidence suggests astrocytes can facilitate experience-dependent synaptic plasticity, however the mechanism by which they accomplish this is poorly understood. The Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway is a compelling candidate for mediating this bidirectional communication. In the adult cortex, Shh is expressed by neurons localized to layer V and transduced by a subpopulation of layer IV and V astrocytes. To examine whether Shh signaling can be regulated by neuronal activity, we housed mice in an enriched environment to promote robust somatosensory activity. We found that enriched sensory experience stimulated Shh signaling in the somatosensory, but not motor and visual cortex, suggesting that experience-dependent Shh signaling occurs in a modality-specific manner. Chemo-genetic activation of neurons confirmed neuronal activity alone can stimulate Shh activity. Next, to identify potential activity-dependent genes regulated by Shh signaling, we performed bulk RNA sequencing to identify genes enriched in Shh-transducing astrocytes. We identified SPARC and Hevin “astrocyte-secreted matricellular proteins that regulate synaptic formation, function and plasticity” as selectively enriched in Shh-transducing astrocytes compared to the total cortical astrocyte population. Disruption of Shh signaling in astrocytes reduced Sparc and Hevin, identifying these genes as Shh-dependent. Sensory enrichment increased SPARC and Hevin abundance, identifying these proteins as experience-dependent. In summary, our work revealed a novel activity-dependent feature of neuron-astrocyte Shh signaling, deepening our understanding of neuron-astrocyte bidirectional communication in experience-dependent plasticity.
19. Tandem Column-High Performance Liquid Chromatography Achiral Separation of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Megan Malvoisin
Department of Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry
Lead Author: Megan Malvoisin, PhD Student, mem546@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Joe Foley, PhD, jpf26@drexel.edu
Abstract: A liquid chromatographic method was developed to separate ten non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Aceclofenac, Aspirin, Carprofen, Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Salicylic Acid) using an achiral tandem column configuration under reversed-phase conditions. An NSAID test mix was prepared with 0.5 mg/mL thiourea as a t0 marker and 0.5 mg/mL Aceclofenac, Aspirin, Carprofen, Celecoxib, Diclofenac, Flurbiprofen, Ibuprofen, Ketoprofen, Naproxen, Salicylic Acid in 1:1 acetonitrile: 0.2% formic acid. Three diferent columns in two diferent tandem configurations were investigated. The three columns are a 5-cm C8 column, a 5-cm perfluorophenyl (PFP) column, and a 5-cm biphenyl column. The two tandem configurations are a 5-cm perfluorophenyl column followed by either a 5-cm biphenyl column or a 5-cm C8 column.
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20. Astrocytes are eliminated in the developing cortex
Kathryn Markey, Kendra Case; Ellen Gingrich; A. Denise R. Garcia, PhD Department of Biology; Neurobiology
Lead Author: Kathryn Markey, PhD Student, kmm842@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: A. Denise R. Garcia, PhD, adg82@drexel.edu
Abstract: Appropriate cell number is crucial for a function and formation of tissue. Elimination during development is a key mechanism by which tissues establish appropriate cell number. In the central nervous system (CNS), embryonic neurons are over produced and undergo elimination. Whether astrocytes, a class of glial cells that are crucial for formation and function of synapses is not known. To investigate this, the astrocyte population of the cerebral cortex was analyzed from postnatal day (P)14 to P60. It was concluded that astrocytes are eliminated from P14 to P28 then stabilize in number from P28 to P60. We previously determined that cerebral cortex harbors two molecularly distinct astrocyte lineages defined by Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling. We next asked whether elimination is restricted to a specific lineage or if all astrocytes undergo elimination. Using a fate mapping approach, we determined that cells within the Shh lineage are eliminated. Ongoing work will determine whether cells within the non-Shh lineage are eliminated. We next investigated if astrocyte elimination varies in cortical region. We found that in the motor cortex, nearly 60% of astrocytes are eliminated, while the somatosensory cortex 30% of astrocytes are eliminated. Taken together, these data suggest astrocyte elimination is occurring in the mouse cortex, at a diferent rate in the cortical regions and in at least one lineage of astrocytes. Ongoing work will examine whether Shh signaling plays a role in mediating astrocyte elimination.
21. Characterization of Oogenesis in Temperate Paper Wasps
Laura Miller; Kari Lenhart, PhD; Sean O'Donnell, PhD Department of Biology; Ecology
Lead Author: Laura Miller, PhD Student, lem344@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Sean O'Donnell, PhD, so356@drexel.edu
Abstract: Eusocial insects such as ants, bees, and wasps have colonies with reproductive castes in which one female, the queen, is reproductively active while the majority are sterile female workers. The paper wasp genus, Polistes, is considered primitively eusocial and displays some plasticity within their caste system. Temperate Polistes, such as those local to Pennsylvania, follow an annual cycle in which a queen produces only sterile female workers in the spring. She then produces males and future queens during the late summer and early fall. The future queens have less developed ovaries than the workers during the fall. However, after mating, the future queens enter diapause and complete their ovary development to start a new colony after their emergence in the spring. We are comparing the early stages of
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oogenesis between the reproductive castes in Polistes dominula by using similar methods as those previously used to study oogenesis in the model organism, Drosophila melanogaster. Using immunohistochemistry to visualize structures in Polistes queen ovaries to visualize Factin, we were able to characterize the diferent stages of the ovaries from the most anterior portion, where stem cells begin to diferentiate into the nurse cells and developing oocytes, to the most posterior egg chambers containing almost fully developed oocytes. We then looked at the diameter of the developing oocytes, nurse cells, and actin ring canals between all germ cells to have a baseline for oogenesis in fully developed and “healthy” ovaries. This information will be used to compare the ovaries of sterile workers and future queens before they complete their ovary development.
22. ER stress sensor PERK functions in localization of neuronal growth factors through CaMKII
Julia Perhacs
Department of Biology; Genetics; Neurobiology
Lead Author: Julia Perhacs, PhD Student, jmp588@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Tali Gidalevitz, PhD, tg443@drexel.edu
Abstract: Neuronal function depends on the precise localization and release of neuromodulators, such as growth factors, in response to stimuli. Our lab recently identified an unexpected, but exciting role for ER stress sensor PERK, PKR-like ER kinase, in neuronal growth factor localization. Specifically, in the absence of PERK, a dendritic TGF-√ü-like growth factor is mistargeted to the axons, while an axonal insulin-like-growth factor (IGF) is retained in the cell body. Interestingly, PERK is genetically linked to the tauopathies Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). At least two of the three genetic variants have decreased kinase activity, but it is unknown how decreased activity is a risk for disease. Impairment of PERK’s role in the correct localization of neuroprotective IGF and TGF-√ü-like growth factors could provide a molecular connection to neurodegeneration. Because it is unclear how PERK may directly mediate growth factor localization, I asked whether PERK functions through one of its known downstream targets. Strikingly, I found that CaMKII, a kinase whose function is critical for neural plasticity and memory, is genetically downstream of PERK. Importantly, CaMKII has a known function in axonal targeting of neuropeptides, which has the potential to explain PERK’s novel role in growth factor localization. My ongoing work aims to define how PERK and CaMKII interact to control axonal-dendritic targeting of select neuroprotective growth factors. I am currently investigating whether PERK acts through its kinase activity in growth factor localization. I will later ask whether phosphorylation-dependent activation state of CaMKII afects growth factor localization, and whether PERK directly phosphorylates CaMKII.
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23. Control of fibroblast motility by the AIM2 inflammasome Ive-Anwuli Ralph-Uyalor
Department of Biology; 3D Cell Migration
Lead Author: Ive-Anwuli
Ralph-Uyalor, PhD Student, ir333@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Ryan Petrie,
PhD, rjp336@drexel.edu
Abstract: Fibroblast migration is important in wound healing and dysregulation of this process can lead to tissue fibrosis, which impairs tissue function. 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 and this protein forms a complex with the protein absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2). AIM2 is a component of the inflammasome system and can promote tissue fibrosis. Critically, whether AIM2 also functions within the 3D migration machinery of fibroblasts is unclear. To test the hypothesis that AIM2 is a component of the molecular machinery responsible for fibroblast migration, we established an AIM2 deficient mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cell line and compared its migratory properties to wildtype (WT) cells. Our preliminary data show 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. This lack of lamellipodia was confirmed by imaging a loss of the actin nucleating protein Arp2/3 from the leading edge of knockout cells. Together, our data suggest that AIM2 expression is essential in cell proliferation, adhesion, and the formation of lamellipodia at the leading edge of migrating cells. Future work will investigate if the migration of cells through 3D matrices and matrix secretion are also impaired when AIM2 expression is reduced. These studies will reveal whether controlling AIM2 expression in fibroblasts could be a potential therapeutic approach to promote wound healing and mitigate tissue fibrosis.
24. Mating causes stem cell dysregulation by altering soma-germline interactions in the Drosophila testis niche
Tifany V. Roach
Department of Biology; Stem Cell Biology, Cell Signaling
Lead Author: Tifany V. Roach, PhD Student, tvr24@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Kari Lenhart, PhD, kfl36@drexel.edu
Abstract: Stem cells rely on instructional cues from their specialized microenvironment, or niche, to balance the production of self-renewing and diferentiating daughter cells. Many adult tissues must coordinate the divisions and behaviors of multiple stem cell lineages to generate and maintain tissue. The Drosophila testis niche exhibits coordination between germline stem cells (GSCs) and somatic cyst stem cells (CySCs) such that each diferentiating GSC daughter must become completely encapsulated, or encysted, by two daughters of the CySC lineage. Using extended live imaging, our lab has found that soma-germline contact is essential for completion of cytokinesis in GSCs and coordinated release of diferentiating
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daughters. Interestingly, environmental factors and natural stress can directly impact somagermline interactions and tissue homeostasis. We have found that the stress of intensive mating in young males decreases soma-germline adhesion and disrupts GSC cytokinesis. We find that this disrupted adhesion is likely caused by mating-induced increases in signaling of the hormone ecdysone, which leads to diminished EGF pathway activation in somatic cells. Together, these results suggest that acute stress of mating results in loss of critical somagermline coordination. We are now investigating what aspect of mating‚ “the act of mating itself or increased demand for sperm,” causing stem cell defects. We are currently using optogenetics to force ejaculation in the absence of mating to examine changes in somatic encystment, GSC cytokinesis, and ecdysone signaling. This research will extend our knowledge of stem cell coordination and how stem cells respond to external stimuli which alter the demands of the tissue.
25. Raising Awareness about Perinatal Mental Health through Film: Reflections from Drexel University NPASS’s Documentary Screening Event
Leah B. Sodowick; Alison R. Hartman; Chavis Patterson, PhD; Pamela A. Geller, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Perinatal Mental Health
Lead Author: Leah B. Sodowick, PhD Student, lbs66@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Pamela A. Geller, PhD, pg27@drexel.edu
Abstract: In 2021, Drexel University’s chapter of the National Perinatal Association Student Society (NPASS) was established as the first and only chapter of the national society that is based in a psychology department rather than a medical school. Drexel’s NPASS chapter functions as part of the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization at Drexel’s Dornsife School of Public Health, which has presented valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary student collaboration. In May 2022, Drexel’s NPASS chapter hosted a film screening and discussion event for the documentary film Year One, by Erin Bagwell. Year One provides a firsthand look at postpartum depression and the motherhood journey. Advertising for the event occurred via flyers, email listservs, and word of mouth. The event took place in May 2022 and attendees participated both in person and virtually. The event was free of cost for attendees. Planning and hosting the event was low-cost: funds from the Maternal and Child Health Student Organization were only used to provide pizza and drinks for in-person attendees. After the screening of Year One, Dr. Chavis Patterson, the Director of Psychosocial Services at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia moderated a lively and important discussion about the documentary, its implications, and important takeaways. Further education on the risk factors for and warning signs of postpartum depression and ways to help those who are struggling was also shared with attendees. The moderated discussion included rich dialogue not only about postpartum experiences and postpartum depression but also about representation, racial and socioeconomic disparities, public health implications, and ideas for eforts and programming to support parents and families who are impacted by perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. This poster will present details about this film screening event and highlight how film can be a useful tool for raising awareness about
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perinatal mental health and sparking the rich dialogue that is necessary for generating practice, policy, and research ideas and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
26. Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial to Examine the Efcacy of Pokémon GO in Increasing Physical Activity
Jasmine Huiya Sun
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Health Psychology
Lead Author: Jasmine Huiya Sun, PhD Student, jhs324@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evan Forman, PhD, emf27@drexel.edu
Abstract: Sedentariness is connected to multiple detrimental health outcomes, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, and is a leading factor contributing to global death rates. Yet, existing physical activity promotion interventions demonstrate major limitations, including small efects and difculties in dissemination. Exercise video games (exergames) are an alternative approach to increasing physical activity that could enhance the efcacy of existing interventions by 1) targeting intrinsic motivation (that is, framing physical activity as a pleasurable, entertaining experience through elements such as points, collectible items and characters, and team-based competition/cooperation) and 2) facilitating dissemination through numerous mediums (smartphones, consoles, etc.) and on a global scale. This study is a two-arm parallel randomized controlled trial that examines, in the context of a structured physical activity intervention, the efect of Pokémon GO on steps per day. Healthy, sedentary adults (N = 42) will receive a 4-week remote intervention incorporating cognitive-behavioral strategies for engaging in physical activity (goal setting, self-monitoring). Participants will be randomly assigned to an exergame or non-exergame condition. Aims of the project are to test whether an exergame plus a non-gamified fitness application leads to greater increases in physical activity than the non-gamified fitness application alone, to test whether baseline video game use, liking for video games, attitudes toward video games, intrinsic motivation for physical activity, area walkability, and gender moderate treatment efects, and whether intrinsic motivation for physical activity mediates efects. This study will be a methodologically rigorous contribution to the gamification literature that helps establish whether exergames are efective at promoting clinically significant increases in physical activity.
27. A novel neuronal function for epigenetic regulator Tip60 in RNA splicing
Christina Thomas
Department of Biology
Lead Author: Christina Thomas, PhD Student, cmt397@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Felice Elefant, PhD, fe22@drexel.edu
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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 two domains: a chromodomain (CD) that aids in Tip60's recruitment to chromatin and a catalytic HAT domain that promotes histone acetylation to mediate chromatin packaging and concomitant gene expression. 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. 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 CD, highlighting an RNA binding loop within Tip60's CD that’s critical for direct Tip60-RNA interaction. Excitingly, protein alignment of Tip60 orthologs from multiple species (yeast, human, ponab, mouse, rat) show perfect conservation of the predicted RNA binding a.a. residues within Tip60 and underscores the critical nature of these a.a. and support our plan to explore the role of Tip60 in RNA splicing in AD. To achieve this goal, we will tease apart Tip60's RNA binding function in neural gene control and cognition using mutagenesis of the RNA binding a.a, cellular and transgenic approaches in the Drosophila brain, in vivo in conjunction with functional cognitive behavioral assays. Our results will uncover 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.
28. Characteristics of Families of Adolescents with Eating Disorders
Claire M Trainor
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Lead Author: Claire M. Trainor, PhD Student, claire.trainor23@gmail.com
Faculty Advisor: Stephanie Manasse, PhD, smm522@drexel.edu
Abstract: A wide range of family factors are associated with eating disorder symptom severity and treatment outcomes for adolescents across the eating disorder spectrum. However, the constructs that have been studied thus far are often overlapping, leaving researchers and clinicians alike with a wealth of information is challenging to synthesize, thus precluding a deeper understanding of how to best improve treatment outcomes to target parent-child mechanisms that may maintain eating disorder pathology and interfere in treatment. To understand the current landscape of family research in eating disorders, a scoping literature review was conducted using PRISMA-ScR criteria, including articles from PUBMeating disorder and PSYCINFO, using the search terms “eating disorders,” “anorexia nervosa,” “bulimia nervosa,” “binge eating disorder,” “family functioning,” “parental emotion regulation,” “attachment style,” and “expressed emotion” to identify publications examining patterns of family interactions, parent-child communication, and their implications for
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treatment. Results from the review highlight that parental emotional responding is influenced by both parental and adolescent psychological factors, and that caregiver’s responses to their adolescent have significant implications for eating disorder symptom severity and outcome. This review synopsizes major findings in the field of parent-child interactions and eating disorders. It highlights future areas for research, including how diferential profiles of caregiver and adolescent emotional interactions impact treatment outcomes. Specific recommendations are provided regarding areas for treatment development meant to target parental emotional responding (i.e., emotion focused family therapy) and parent-child communication for adolescents with eating disorders.
29. Investigating Symbiont-Mediated Thermotolerance in Pea Aphids
Abbie Williams
Department of Biology; Ecology; Evolution; Microbiology
Lead Author: Abbie Williams, PhD Student, aw3479@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Jacob A. 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). This cosmopolitan crop pest requires an obligate bacterial symbiont, Buchnera, 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 aphids from clonal lines varying only in their presence/absence, and strain identities of Hamiltonella symbionts. We initiated replicate cultures with n=1 progenitor aphid, and compared final population sizes among aphid lines following three generations under an alternating and stressful 30° /19° temperature regime. Two biological replicates of Hamiltonella sub-strain “C9” sustained higher population sizes than Hamiltonella-free aphids, suggesting thermal tolerance efects for these symbiont variants. A similar boost was provided by a single replicate of Hamiltonella strain “A.” Surprisingly, a Hamiltonella sub-strain with high relatedness to C9, i.e., sub-strain “C11” decreased aphid population size relative to that in aphids with no Hamiltonella at all. Additionally, population sizes for strains “B” and “D” difered depending on the aphid genotype, suggesting an aphidstrain interaction. We genotyped Hamiltonella from aphids collected during a southeastern Pennsylvania warming event in 2012, finding rapid proliferation of those with the labprotective C9 Hamiltonella sub-strain, and possible spread of strain A at this same time. 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.
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30. Virtual Reality Technology as a Stress Inoculation Tool for NICU Caregivers
Peggy Burke; Pamela A. Geller, PhD; John Chuo, MD, MPH; Chavis Patterson, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Lead Author: Peggy Burke, Master’s Student, pb657@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Pamela A. Geller, PhD, pg27@drexel.edu
Abstract: Annually, 1-7% of birthing parents delivering at full-term experience postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while those giving birth to a pre-term or high-risk infants have a higher prevalence of PTSD, ranging from 24 to 44% (Kim, et.al., 2015). Specialized treatments for postpartum PTSD are needed to best support NICU parents and families. Decreasing the experience of stress for caregivers will allow for better mental health outcomes and thereby promote adaptive caregiver-infant interactions to support healthy child development (Hattangadi, et.al., 2020; Jones, et.al., 2021). The purpose of the current study is to provide SIT specifically designed for NICU parents using VR technology. Our study uses a web-secure VR-enabled telemedicine platform (COURAGE) to administer VR-supported stress inoculation to NICU caregivers and assess their anxiety and PTSD symptoms using validated self-report measures. We are evaluating whether the delivery of VR-enhanced SIT can result in a demonstrable decrease in stress response and mental health symptoms for NICU parents. An existing library of VR video scenarios will be expanded (with input from previous NICU caregivers) and used by coaches to help current NICU caregivers (1) become proficient in relaxation skills and (2) apply these skills in experiential practice in order to reduce the stress response. We hypothesize that the use of VR-supported coaching and stress inoculation will help decrease postpartum stress symptoms in NICU caregivers. For this study, we are testing the feasibility and efcacy of the COURAGE platform and SIT protocol for NICU caregivers. Overall, we believe that teaching NICU caregivers how to properly assess and manage their stress will help lessen the experience of postpartum PTSD and anxiety symptoms. In future studies, we will examine whether SIT sessions with VR that are personalized to each caregiver will be more efective at decreasing PTSD and anxiety symptoms than non-VR-supported SIT sessions.
31. Drainage Impacts on the Productivity of Wetland Species Spartina Alterniflora and Salicornia Pacifica
Kylie Cherneskie
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Coastal Wetland Ecology
Lead Author: Kylie Cherneskie, Master’s Student, kycherneskie@gmail.com
Faculty Advisor: Elizabeth Watson, PhD, elizabeth.b.watson@stonybrook.edu
Abstract: Coastal wetlands display ecohydrological zonation such that vertical diferences in groundwater levels over tidal cycles are quite large in the tall form Spartina alterniflora zone, intermediate in the short form Spartina alterniflora zone, and modest in the upper marsh zone. It is unclear how this variable level of tidal drainage directly impacts biotic and abiotic
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factors in coastal wetland ecosystems. To determine the impacts of drainage levels, simulated tides in mesocosms with varying degrees of drainage were created with Spartina alterniflora, the coastal ecosystem dominant species on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, and Salicornia pacifica, the Pacific Coast dominant. We measured biomass production and photosynthesis as measures of plant health, and we supplemented these measures with those soil and porewater characteristics to help interpret patterns of productivity. We found the greatest plant production in soils with intermediate drainage levels, with production values that were 13.7% higher in the intermediate levels for S. alterniflora, and 57.7% higher for S. pacifica. Understanding how drainage impacts plant species is important for predicting wetland resilience to sea level rise, as increasing water levels alter ecohydrologic zonation.
32. Ancillary Efects of High-Definition tDCS on Psychophysiology and Cognition in Adults Under Pharmacological Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
Taylor Orsini
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Cognitive Neuroscience
Lead Author: Taylor Orsini, Master’s Student, to365@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu
Abstract: Anxiety disorders are characterized by dysfunction in the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex (PFC). In the PFC specifically, previous research has indicated an imbalance between the left and right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC), wherein the left dlPFC is hypoactive, whereas the right dlPFC is hyperactive. Several cognitive deficits are also associated with anxiety disorders, including poor concentration, defective learning and working memory, and longer decision-making latencies. Although psychopharmacological treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines, have shown to have positive efects for symptom reduction, little investigation has been dedicated to their impact on the cognitive deficits associated with the disease. An alternative therapeutic intervention for psychiatric disorders, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), has shown positive results for cognition in healthy and clinical populations. We investigated the ancillary efects of high definition (HD) 4x1 tDCS on psychophysiology and cognition in patients with anxiety disorders who were treated with psychopharmacological agents, specifically SSRIs and benzodiazepines. Participants clinically diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and who were either unmedicated, prescribed and taking an SSRI, or prescribed and taking a benzodiazepine received HD-tDCS in a within-subjects design under three diferent conditions: sham, active anodal tDCS over the left dlPFC, and active cathodal tDCS over the right dlPFC. During stimulation, participants completed the Symbol Digit Modalities Test and the N-Back task (2-back), while undergoing the “Threat-of-Scream” paradigm. Multilevel regression analysis revealed efects of HD-tDCS on anxiety symptom severity and performance on cognitive batteries than sham stimulation, particularly for the SSRI treatment subgroup.
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33. Does EEG Frontal Asymmetry Neuromarketing Predict Eating Behavior?
Alexa Schlyfestone
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Cognitive Neuroscience; Neuromarketing
Lead Author: Alexa Schlyfestone, Master’s Student, as5632@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: John Kounios, PhD, jk342@drexel.edu
Abstract: Neuromarketing, or marketing research based on neural data, reveals novel insights into consumer decision-making that are invisible to behavioral and self-report research. A notable gap in the neuromarketing literature is its focus on average group responses to products and advertisements rather than how individual diferences in prior brain states and traits may influence decisions following exposure to advertising or products. The current study investigated whether post-satiation snack-eating behavior was better predicted by initial resting-state frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha-wave asymmetry recorded prior to watching television commercials or by frontal asymmetry recorded while participants watched commercials. Frontal EEG asymmetry is a well-studied measure of approach motivation (left > right neural activity) versus cognitive control (right > left neural activity). The session began with a recording of resting-state brain activity with no task to perform. Then, participants viewed 60 television commercials about 30 food and 30 non-food products while EEGs were recorded. After viewing the commercials, participants ate a standardized satiating meal and were then ofered a series of snacks to measure post-satiation eating behavior. EEGs collected from 58 participants showed that (rightward) baseline frontal asymmetry significantly predicted post-satiation eating behavior (measured in calories consumed; (r = -.38, p = .<.01), but that frontal asymmetry measured during the commercials did not (r = -.15, p = .12). The rightward direction of baseline frontal asymmetry associated with greater eating implies that the initial anticipation of food commercials and the subsequent availability of food activated self-control mechanisms but that these mechanisms were unable to overcome approach motivation and restrain later eating in the participants who ate the most. Furthermore, the fact that viewing the commercials reduced the ability of frontal asymmetry to predict eating suggests that the commercials had inconsistent efects on the balance between approach motivation and transient self-control across subjects.
34. Molding One's Self-Efcacy: Importance of Self-Esteem and Coping Strategies
Ruby Agholor
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences
Lead Author: Ruby Agholor, Undergraduate Student, rca65@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Danette Morrison, PhD, dm3353@drexel.edu
Abstract: Self-efcacy is defined as an individual’s belief in their ability to perform as needed (Bandura & Wessels, 1994). Research has shown the benefits of molding a high self-efcacy which may lead to, for example, enhanced academic success and overall well-being (Wang et al., 2015). On the other hand, low self-efcacy has been linked to self-limiting behaviors, such
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as self-doubt and increased stress (Elias & MacDonald, 2007). For college students, selfefcacy varies and intervention methods targeting, for example, one’s self-esteem, have been shown to improve self-efcacy. However, there are limited studies that explore this relationship in minority students. These minority students may struggle due to, for example, a lack of diversity and cultural congruity alongside the rigor of their coursework, which may negatively impact their self-efcacy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an intervention method on the self-efcacy of minority college students. A sample of minority female students (n=5) partook in a group-led intervention method, i.e., workshops executed as 1-hour sessions, once a week for three consecutive weeks. Preliminary results show an improvement in students’ self-efcacy and the end of the workshop. Qualitative data was also collected and showed positive feedback expressed by participants regarding engaging in the workshops. The results of this study indicate that the implementation of self-efcacy intervention methods may improve self-efcacy in minority college women. Limitations to this study include a small sample size, a limited number of sessions, and restricted time durations. The results of this study could inform intervention methods that may be beneficial in improving self-efcacy in other minority students.
35.
Learning-Related Challenges and their Association with Special Education
and Vocational Outcomes in Autistic Adults
Receipt
Diego Aragon-Guevara; Hannah Grosman; Goldie McQuaid; Gregory Wallace, PhD; Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Autism Research
Lead Author: Diego Aragon-Guevara, Undergraduate Student, daa325@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Nancy Raitano Lee, PhD, nrl39@drexel.edu
Abstract: Relative to their typically developing peers, autistic individuals experience greater difculties in domains of functioning that are relevant to learning and adult outcomes, such as sensory sensitivities, anxiety, and social. However, little is known about how difculties in these domains relate to the receipt of special education services as well as adult outcomes, such as vocational achievement. The current study sought to fill this gap by examining if difculties in various learning-related domains as ascertained via the Learning Needs Screening Tool (LNST) were associated with historical special education receipt and vocational status. 400 autistic adults, recruited via the Simons Powering Autism Research (SPARK) participant registry Research Match service, participated in this study (40.5% male, mean age=28.9 years). All participants completed the LNST, which collects responses to 13 core questions about learning, as well as 7 additional questions. LNST item 14 and its response options (1-9) capture suspected causes of learning difculties (e.g., “too much noise or activity bothers me,” “I get nervous taking tests”). These individual questions as well as the total of endorsed learning related challenges were then evaluated in relation to historical special education receipt (“yes” vs. “ no”) and vocational outcomes (“yes” vs. “ no ” engaging in 10+ hours of postsecondary education or employment without supports), as assessed via the Taylor Vocational Index. Logistic regression was utilized to predict the dependent variables of
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interest. Models included sex assigned at birth and age in the first step as covariates. Then either the total of learning related challenges endorsed or the 9 individual learning-related challenges from the LNST were included as independent variables of interest.
36. Attentional Deficits in Individuals with Comorbid Anxiety and Trauma
Sneha
Boda
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Cognitive Psychology
Lead Author: Sneha Boda, Undergraduate Student, ssb98@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu
Abstract: Anxiety disorders in the U.S. are prevalent in about 31.1% of adults at some point in their lives, making it one of the most prevalent classes of mental illnesses. Individuals with anxiety experience a variety of cognitive impairments, one of which is attentional deficits. Attentional deficits are also found in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Similar to the mechanism of attentional deficits in anxiety, attentional control impairments in individuals with PTSD result from directing attention to fear-arousing stimuli rather than goal-related stimuli, thus impacting cognitive performance on goals and tasks. No study has investigated the combined efects of having GAD and having experienced a traumatic event on attentional control in cognitive performance. To address this gap in the literature, this study examined a subclinical population to provide a basis for assessing the comorbid efects of GAD and PTSD on attentional functions and thus inform methods of intervention more accurately in the future. Participants were psychology student volunteers at Drexel University, ages 18-50. Participants were pre-screened through the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. All participants completed the following computerized scales: the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Life Events Checklist, and a demographic questionnaire. Participants also completed the Stroop task, Eriksen Flanker task, and the Wisconsin Card Sorting task to assess selective attention, response inhibition, and set shifting processes, respectively. Eye tracking and electrodermal activity were also recorded during the tasks. We compared performance on attentional tasks between the two study groups, as well as correlational analyses to investigate the impact of body awareness, mood, or personality on performance on the primary tasks. These analyses allowed us to assess whether attentional shifting and inhibition functions are significantly more impaired in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who have experienced trauma than in individuals with GAD who have not experienced trauma.
37. Insect Diversity of Rural-Style Cemeteries in Philadelphia, PA
Zara Castillo; Heather L. Kostick; Dane C. Ward, PhD
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Biodiversity
Lead Author: Zara Castillo, Undergraduate Student, zic23@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Heather L. Kostick, hlk35@drexel.edu
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Abstract: Research indicates that having healthy, biodiverse ecosystems in urban areas results in a person having a 78% positive increase in environmentally related health co-factors (mental health, air quality, etc.). Insects have been highly documented to be indicators for healthy and biodiverse spaces. Parks and nature preserves are often first in mind for urban green space, however areas such as backyards, community gardens, and cemeteries are also urban green spaces (UGS). This study aims to evaluate insect diversity to highlight implications for environmental health in urban greenspaces in Philadelphia. Malaise traps were used to collect insects aimed at measuring insect diversity at Laurel Hill Cemetery (LH), The Woodlands Cemetery (TW), and Mount Moriah Arboretum and Cemetery (MM). These cemeteries represent large areas of green space in areas that typically are lacking in urban green space. Malaise traps were deployed in a monthly insect survey where the traps were set up for a 72-hour period. Malaise traps intercept flying insects and collect them into a jar of 70% Ethanol. Samples were collected between May-September 2021, stored in 95% ethanol, and sorted and identified to Order. Jaccard’s Similarity Index (JSI), Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (SDI), and Evenness were calculated to evaluate insect and site diversity uniqueness. Results indicate that insect diversity at the cemeteries have seasonal and site diferences. Documenting and analyzing insect diversity at urban rural cemeteries in Philadelphia can be used to indicate the city’s environmental health and provide recommendations to stakeholders on improving the quality of urban green spaces.
38. Impact of Stress on Academic Performance in Freshman Chemistry
Lin Choi
Department of Chemistry; Chemical Education
Lead Author: Lin Choi, Undergraduate Student, lc968@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Daniel King, PhD, dk68@drexel.edu
Abstract: The purpose of this research study was to investigate the relationship between stress and academic performance in freshman chemistry courses. This analysis used data obtained from two introductory level chemistry courses: CHEM 101 (Fall 2021) and CHEM 102 (Winter 2022), which were collected once a week through a series of survey-like clicker questions. The impact of stress on academic performance among college students was investigated by assessing three diferent exam grades and reports of stress during exam weeks. The students were categorized by no stress reported/stress reported, in addition to their gender and major. The groups were then compared to identify any correlations. In CHEM 101, diferences in exam average were observed between students who reported no stress and students who reported stress. The exam averages of students who did not report stress were significantly higher for all three exams (p < 0.05 for each exam). The exam averages for male students were higher than the exam averages for female students on two of the three exams. Additionally, engineering majors performed significantly better compared to science majors on two out of the three exams. CHEM 102 students did not follow the same trends. There were no significant diferences seen in this population. Since CHEM 102 was taken in the second term, students who experienced stress at the beginning of the school year may have
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acclimated to the new college environment by this time. Though they might still have felt stressed, it may not have had the same impact on their academic performance. Many studies have shown that excessive stress negatively impacts both academic and social well-being. The results of this analysis are consistent with previous findings, which emphasizes the importance of further exploring the impacts of stress in undergraduate students.
39. TIP60 HAT ACTIVATION STRATEGY FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE TREATMENT
Rohan Dasari
Department of Biology; Brain and Behavior
Lead Author: Rohan Dasari, Undergraduate Student, rvd37@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Felice Elefant, PhD, fe22@drexel.edu
Abstract: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder afecting the elderly and is characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline. Being the most common cause of dementia, AD possesses a huge health burden, but there is currently no cure to treat this disease. Interestingly, more than 95% of AD cases now appear to be sporadic from epigenetic external factors and are not genetically inherited from parents. In support of this, our lab and others have shown that histone acetylation homeostasis is greatly impaired under AD pathology. The equilibrium, in a healthy brain, is preserved by the antagonistic activity of histone acetyltransferases (HAT) and histone deacetylases (HDAC). Initially, inhibiting HDAC through epigenetic modifications was a promising treatment for AD because it rescued histone hypoacetylation and cognition in the mice model. However, this therapeutic strategy did not pass clinical trials due to the HDAC inhibitors’ non-specific mode of action along with various attributed side efects. Since several HATs have non-redundant functions and activation of certain HATs‚ such as Tip60‚ has been shown to be neuroprotective, pharmacologically inducing Tip60 activity using targeted compounds serves as a new therapeutic strategy that is yet to be explored. In order to test this theory, a combination of the Genetic Optimization for Ligand Docking (GOLD) software and Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) drug discovery software was applied to design experimental drug compounds. We then synthesized the 10 best compounds predicted for Tip60 HAT activation. These drugs were screened in our Drosophila Tip60-RNAi knockdown in vivo. Downregulation of Tip60 in the brain results in reduced locomotor function in the third instar larval stages of Drosophila that is indicative of neuronal deficits. These disruptive locomotion behaviors are successfully prevented by feeding several of these drug compounds, at varying concentrations, to the larvae from the earliest stages of their lifecycle. Therefore, our Tip60 HAT activators are promising candidates for providing neuroprotection and will be further tested in more specific assays and disease models.
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40. Evidence of predation in Placoderms from the Late Devonian (Famennian) Catskill Formation of North America
Adam Eliezer
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Vertebrate Paleontology
Lead Author: Adam Eliezer,
Faculty Advisor: Edward
Undergraduate Student, aie33@drexel.edu
(Ted) B. Daeschler, PhD, ebd29@drexel.edu
Abstract: The Devonian, especially the Frasnian and Famennian stages, saw the early phases of stem-tetrapod evolution before the emergence of fully terrestrial tetrapods in the Carboniferous. There has been much work done to investigate trophic interactions between vertebrate taxa in the Late Devonian to illuminate the ecological context of the fin-to-limb transition. The Catskill Formation of North Central Pennsylvania, USA has provided some of the best insights into the freshwater environments that played host to this transition. Fossils collected from many diferent sites across the region have produced a diverse assemblage of gnathostomes (jawed fish) including placoderms, acanthodians, chondrichthyans, actinopterygians, and a variety of sarcopterygians including multiple distinct tristichopterid taxa and fragmentary remains of early tetrapods. In order to understand paleo-trophic interactions in the Catskill Formation we looked at direct evidence in the form of bite traces. Here we analyze 20 bone deformations in various placoderm trunk shields that we have found to fit our criteria to be qualified as direct predation evidence. Smaller species of placoderm studied here are inferred to sit at a lower trophic level in these paleoecosystems than their larger osteichthyan counterparts, but very little direct evidence exists to show these interactions. Preserved alongside the placoderm elements under study were additional osteolepiform elements bearing dentalites as well, suggesting a broader study of predation among the Catskill ichthyofauna may prove fruitful. With this information, we establish that these placoderm species occupied a lower trophic level, and were prey items for larger sarcopterygians, thus ofering ecological context to the Late Devonian freshwater ecosystems in which the evolution of early tetrapods occurred.
41. Learning Preferences and Individual Diferences in Design Fixation
Rosiejo Genzola; Dong-Ho Kim; Julie Milovanovic, PhD; John Gero, PhD; Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD
Department of Biology
Lead Author: Rosiejo Genzola, Undergraduate Student, rsg92@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu
Abstract: Problem solving in design is frequently susceptible to fixation, restrictions and mistakes introduced in the design process due to previous practice, that often impede the generation of efective design solutions. Research has shown that the inclusion of examples in the problem’s instructions is associated with a tendency to conform to those examples during creative generation. Individual diferences in learning tendencies during concept building might underlie one’s susceptibility to design fixation. In this exploratory study, we investigated whether an exemplar-based approach to learning reinforces the impact of
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examples in design tasks, by increasing the salience of the example design features relative to the abstract relationships that unite them. In contrast, an abstraction-based approach to learning may emphasize the abstract design rules governing the example designs, thus ofering protection from design fixation to their features. We examined how learning tendencies relate to performance on a design fixation task relative to a control design task, using a multimethod approach regarding the quantification of design fixation, learning tendencies, and individual diferences through various behavioral assessments.
42. Bridging Gender Gaps and Eliminating Stigmas in Ghana for Equitable Mental Health Care
Kaelah Grant
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Public Health
Lead Author: Kaelah Grant, Undergraduate Student, kyg26@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Idris Robinson, itr24@drexel.edu
Abstract: Gender disparities in mental health outcomes, with women disproportionally at risk, have been outlined in previous literature however, there is little analysis on how patriarchal beliefs and values within cultures contribute to mental illnesses in women. This paper outlined accounts from field visits to communities in various regions of Ghana where World Vision WASH has provided water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) interventions and explored the role of patriarchy in factors that negatively contribute to women’s mental health (WMH). Accounts from community members were compiled to determine common factors or instances that contribute to gender-skewed mental health outcomes. From the results, potential root causes were identified to propose solutions using education on mental health and community leaders to improve global health through sustainable development goal (SDG) 3, ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages, and SDG 5, achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
43. Optimizing the Navon for Closed-Loop Stimulation: Increasing Switch Trials Without Biasing Performance
Abigail Hatcher; Katelynn Rudolph; Brian Erickson; Ryan Rich; Guadalupe FernandezNunez; Ben Deck; Harrison Stoll; Brian Kim; Apoorva Kelkar; John Medaglia, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Applied Cognitive and Behavioral Science; College of Computing and Informatics; Cognitive Psychology
Lead Author: Abigail Hatcher, Undergraduate Student, ah3658@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: John Medaglia, PhD, jdm582@drexel.edu
Abstract: The Navon task measures cognitive switching, an essential component of normal executive functioning. It has been proposed that targeting temporal features read on an electroencephalogram (EEG) with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a “closed-loop”
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EEG-TMS system can modulate executive functioning on cognitive tasks for healthy people. In a set of experiments designed to measure the efect of closed-loop EEG-TMS on executive functioning, we will use a modified Navon task to gauge cognitive switching ability. We began with a pilot experiment to optimize Navon task design. The classic Navon task is a paradigm involving the presentation of compound stimuli, where global (large) shapes are comprised of local (small) shapes, and participants must identify the specified figure2. Our version of the task includes switching between global and local identification based on the color of the figure on a trial-by-trial basis, requiring participants to use their cognitive switching ability to maintain a varying set of rules. To maximize statistical power in our upcoming experiments, our pilot study consisted of a variety of blocks with diferent ratios of switch trials, endeavoring to find the maximum ratio of switch trials we could include without afecting subject performance, as measured by accuracy and response time compared with benchmark performance associated with the validated Navon task1. We ran 25 subjects through 4 randomly ordered blocks of the Navon task, with switch/no-switch ratios of 0/100 (control), 70/30, 85/15, and 100/0. We tested whether increasing the ratio would introduce bias for subject response, predicting that there would be no significant variation in response time and accuracy between blocks. Consistent with our prediction, preliminary analysis suggests negligible change in these metrics between blocks, meaning data collection for cognitive switching research could be optimized.
44. Wolbachia-mediate protection fails against the common fungal pathogen, Beauvaria bassiana
Rahul Inaganti
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Biology
Lead Author: Rahul Inaganti, Undergraduate Student, rpi24@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Jacob Russell, PhD, jar337@drexel.edu
Abstract: Aphids are destructive pests of many economically important crops. Parasitoid wasps and fungal pathogens are natural enemies of aphids that are often utilized to control their populations in agricultural settings. Aphids have established relationships with symbiotic bacteria which provide them with life sustaining nutrients or defense. The symbiont, Wolbachia, can protect the banana aphid, Pentalonia nigronervosa, a vector of the BBT virus, against the aphid-specific fungal pathogen, Pandora neoaphidis. However, symbiont protection is often species specific. To evaluate the specificity of Wolbachia’s antifungal protection, a lab assay was conducted using Beauveria bassiana, a generalist fungus used to control a wide range of insect pests. Cohorts from four Wolbachia-infected (W+) and four uninfected (W-) banana aphid lines were exposed to Beauveria using two diferent methods: a spray and dunking method. The number of aphids that survived, sporulated, or died from exposure were recorded over ten days. Results show that W- and W+ aphids were equally susceptible to Beauveria, experiencing similar rates of sporulation and survival, t(34) = 2.03, p = .72. This finding highlights the specificity of symbiont-mediated protection and suggests that Wolbachia’s anti-fungal defense is not efective against all entomopathogenic
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fungi. Understanding how endosymbionts in aphid species influence host-pathogen interactions may lead to the development of more efective biological control strategies.
45. Gloger's Rule: An Analysis of Geographic Variation in the White-winged Becard
Calvin K. Keeys; Lukas J. Musher; Jon T. Merwin; Jason D. Weckstein, PhD Department of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science; Ecology; Evolution; Biodiversity
Lead Author: Calvin K. Keeys, Undergraduate Student, ckk38@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Jason D. Weckstein, PhD, jdw342@drexel.edu
Abstract: A major driver of Earth’s biodiversity is adaptation to climatic conditions. Ecogeographical rules describe presumed adaptive responses of organisms as variation among populations of a species in form and function across environmental gradients. Gloger’s Rule states that organisms will have darker coloration in warmer and more humid environments. Previous research has rarely quantified the covariance in color and climate. The objective of this research is to test whether the extensive plumage variation in White-winged Becard (Pachyramphus polychopterus), tracks Gloger’s Rule. The White-winged Becard has eight subspecies found throughout Latin America; males vary from pale grey to mostly black. I collected both morphometric and color data and placed these data in a geographic context. First, I measured key features of the specimens, such as wings, bills, and tails. Then, I took images of the specimens and used an avian visual model to calibrate the pictures and quantify color variation. Finally, I mapped georeferenced localities for these specimens to determine how morphology and color varies with the environment. After running these analyses, I found that although coloration varies among subspecies, there was no statistically significant correlation between plumage color and the climatic variables, humidity (R2=0.023, p=0.27) and temperature (R2=0.022, p=0.27). However, I did find a negative correlation between temperature and body size as measured by wing length (R2=0.190, p<0.0001) and tail length (R2=0.11, p=0.001) proxies. Thus, birds tended to be smaller in warmer environments, which is a key prediction of Bergmann’s Rule. From this research, we found that White-winged Becard plumage does not track Gloger’s Rule, but instead the species’ morphological features track predictions of Bergmann’s Rule.
46.
Abryana Kevelier-Williams
Department of Criminology and Justice Studies; Social Sciences
Lead Author: Abryana Kevelier-Williams, Undergraduate Student, akk79@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Mica Storer, mls46@drexel.edu
Abstract: A comparative study found that 56 percent of all high-fatality mass shootings were committed by fame-seeking individuals and that these incidents have been on the rise since
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A typology of America's most lethal mass shooters, 1991-2022
2010. Previous research has shown that fame-seeking mass shootings typically result in larger death totalities and are significantly diferent from non-fame-seeking incidents. Fame-seeking perpetrators are also generally younger than non-fame-seeking perpetrators. These perpetrators also often struggle with personality disorders, such as narcissism, and exhibit suicidal tendencies resulting in violent behavior. Because of their motives, these ofenders also attempt to cause maximum destruction. Another feature of fame-seekers is their relationship with the media as they desire validation through social media platforms. Using data from both the Violence Project and the State Firearm Law Database, 1991-2020, this research seeks to develop a thorough typology of the fame-seeking mass shooters by examining the diferences between these shooters and other mass shooters by examining the times and locations of these shootings, the background characteristics of the ofenders, the lethality of these events, the weapons used in the shootings and the type of gun legislation in efect in the state at the time of the shooting. Results found high-fatality mass shooters to be 1.5 times more likely to be experiencing suicidal ideations, while also being three times more likely to own a legal firearm. With this and other findings, the researchers suggest changes in gun legislation laws that direct more mental health resources into the firearms acquisition process.
47. Neural Correlates of Learning Preferences and Individual Diferences in Design
Fixation: Preliminary Evidence from Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Dong-Ho Kim; Julie Milovanovic, PhD; John Gero, PhD; Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Cognitive Neuroscience, Mechanical Engineering, Product Design
Lead Author: Dong-Ho Kim, Undergraduate Student, dk956@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu
Abstract: Problem solving in design is frequently susceptible to fixation, restrictions and mistakes introduced in the design process due to previous practice, that often impede the generation of efective design solutions. Research has shown that the inclusion of examples in the problem’s instructions is associated with a tendency to conform to those examples during creative generation. Individual diferences in learning tendencies during concept building might underlie one’s susceptibility to design fixation. In this exploratory study, we investigated the impact of learning preferences and domain diferences in design fixation. We hypothesized that an exemplar-based approach to learning‚ “reflected in brain activity patterns‚” would reinforce the impact of examples in design tasks, by increasing the salience of the example design features relative to the abstract relationships that unite them. In contrast, an abstraction-based approach to learning‚ “reflected in diferent patterns of neural activity‚” may emphasize the abstract design rules governing the example designs, thus ofering protection from design fixation to their features. Based on prior literature, we further hypothesized that diferences in domain expertise between mechanical engineering and product design would mitigate these efects. Mechanical engineering or product design students participated in two experimental sessions. In the first session, they completed multiple learning and individual diferences behavioral assessments; in the second session,
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they underwent a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan (fMRI) while completing learning and design tasks using a tablet compatible for the brain imaging environment. Participants’ thought processes were also captured through concurrent verbal protocols during the scan. We discuss preliminary findings that reflect neural correlates of individual diferences in design fixation. We further highlight the importance for engineering education of using a multimethod approach regarding the quantification of design fixation, learning tendencies, and individual diferences through various neurocognitive assessments.
48. Neuropsychological Performance Relates to Observed Risky Driving in Healthy Adults
Rachel Lyons
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: This study uses video telematics to examine relationships between neuropsychological performance and directly observed naturalistic driving-as-usual in healthy adult drivers. We hypothesized that visual attention and executive function measures would have the strongest associations with unsafe driving behaviors. Method: Twenty-five healthy drivers (ages 23-61, 62% women) were recruited from the general community into this crosssectional study. They completed neuropsychological testing and 28 days of naturalistic driving with an in-vehicle video telematics platform that detected unsafe driving behaviors. The neuropsychological battery measured driving-relevant domains, namely visual attention, processing speed, executive function, and visuospatial memory. We examined correlations between neuropsychological measures and unsafe behaviors. Results: Unsafe following distance correlated with better performance on Useful Field of View Selective Attention (r=.55, p=.004, 95% CI=.19-.77), Symbol Digit Modalities Test Written (r=.51, p=.009, CI=.13-.76) and Oral (r=.51, p=.010, CI=.13-.75), Trails B (r=.42, p=.035, CI=.02-.70), and Stroop Color (r=.46, p=.022, CI=.06-.72). Speeding correlated with better Spatial Recall Test Immediate (r=.48, p=.015, CI=.10-.73) and Delay performance (r=.42, p=.038, CI=.02-.69).
Conclusion: In healthy adult drivers, better performance in the domains of visuospatial memory, processing speed, and attention is associated with greater engagement in unsafe driving behaviors. In the absence of concern about cognitive compromise, individuals may feel more comfortable making risky behaviors. We plan to expand this work to broader samples and clinical populations to increase generalizability and applicability to clinical driving evaluations.
49. Does Nature Relatedness impact diet-related emissions among Philadelphians?
Olivia Maddox
Department
of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science
Lead Author: Olivia Maddox, Undergraduate Student, oem27@drexel.edu
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Faculty Advisor: Dane Ward, PhD, dcw33@drexel.edu
Abstract: One of the most important solutions to climate change is the sustainability of our global food system which contributes ~30% of our total greenhouse gas emissions. If all other emissions were immediately halted, emissions from our food system alone would prevent us from achieving the 1.5 °C global warming limit (Clark et al. 2020). Because food type is the most important contributing factor to food CO2-eq emissions, understanding the elements that afect a person’s choice in food can be beneficial (Poore and Nemecek 2018). Previous research shows that a person’s nature relatedness (NR) is positively associated with dietary diversity and higher intake of fruit and vegetables; however, it does not examine the correlation between a person’s NR score and the emissions associated with their diet. The current research sought to identify a correlation between a person’s NR score and the emissions of their daily food intake utilizing a 2017 survey of Philadelphians (N=233). We found no correlation between subjects’ overall NR score and their diet-related emissions. Additionally, we did not observe a correlation between subjects’ income and their food emissions. A few of the NR items did have a correlation to food-emissions; self-reporting the belief that conservation is necessary to help nature recover from human impact (NR18) & awareness of environmental issues (NR8) had the strongest correlations to food emissions. Future studies will need to include more specific data on the proportions of reported food groups in order to better estimate food emissions. Increased focus on food sustainability and further research on contributing factors to food choice will be necessary to fully address the issue of diet-related emissions.
50. The Complexities of Identity Formation and Feelings of Belongingness Within Racial Communities for Multiracial Young Adults
Janine Marclay
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Social; Community; Race; Identity
Lead Author: Janine Marclay, Undergraduate Student, jam932@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Danette Morrison, PhD, dm3353@drexel.edu
Abstract: Many multiracial individuals may encounter moments of racial invalidation, the denial or misperception of another’s racial identity, that significantly afects their emotional well-being and their own understanding of their racial identity (Franco & O’Brien, 2018). Consistent questioning about one’s racial makeup by members of the same racial community may lead to feelings of cultural homelessness (Campbell & Troyer, 2007). However, molding one’s racial/ethnic identity as well as the key parental racial socialization practices may act as protective factors against these negative experiences (Wang et al, 2020). The purpose of this study is to gain a better understanding of how one’s security in their racial ethnic identity may act as a protective factor against experiences of racial invalidation and feelings of cultural homelessness. Additionally, this study explored the types of parental socialization practices that afects one’s ability to cope with racial invalidation and feelings of cultural homelessness. We conducted interviews with college students (N = 15) who identified as multiracial based on
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having two biological parents of two or more diferent races. Significant themes were discovered through the interview process: (1) importance of preparation for bias coming from within one’s racial community, (2) negative impact on one’s identity due to experiencing racially invalidating comments from people identifying within one’s racial community, and (3) experiencing a stronger sense of identification with the racial group most exposed to throughout one’s life which in the end countered feelings of cultural homelessness. The primary limitation to the generalization of these results is the sample size. Although significant themes were found, a larger sample size would provide more statistically significant and generalizable findings. Despite the small sample size, this study was able to recognize the importance of parental racial socialization strategies in regard to feeling a sense of belongingness within racial communities and developing a strong racial ethnic identity.
51. Microbial Eukaryotic Assemblages in Salt Marsh Restoration Experiments
Daiana Markarian; Joshua Barufaldi; Micaela Kersey; Cassidy Joyce; Naomi Friedman; Elizabeth Watson, PhD; Monique Fountain, MD; Marina Potapova, PhD
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Department of Biology
Lead Author: Daiana Markarian, Undergraduate Student, dm3592@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Marina Potapova, PhD, mp895@drexel.edu
Abstract: Microbial eukaryotes play crucial roles in coastal wetland ecosystems, but their diversity and distributions are poorly known except for some groups that have been studied using the traditional microscopy approach. The aim of this project was to examine the drivers of distribution patterns and to assess the efects of salt marsh restoration approaches on soil microbes in Elkhorn Slough, California. Our assessment of the composition of the eukaryotic community was based on Illumina amplicon sequencing of the hypervariable V9 region of the 18S rRNA gene in 71 soil samples. We found 2033 unique amplicon sequence variants with fungal and protistan sequences being the most diverse and abundant. The other important groups of organisms revealed by this analysis were nematodes and arthropods. Constrained ordination analyses showed that marsh elevation and associated soil properties, such as pH, salinity, and organic content were the main factors explaining community composition and structure. Vegetation also had a strong efect on microbes. Unvegetated plots were heavily dominated by diatoms and had relatively low diversity and abundance of microbes. The overall abundance and diversity were considerably higher in vegetated plots where fungi were the most abundant and diverse group followed by a variety of auto- and heterotrophic protists, such as representatives of SAR group (Stramenopiles, Alveolates, and Rhizaria), Amoebozoa and Cholorophyta (green algae). Microbial diversity was higher in vegetated plots, which suggests that revegetation strongly benefits soil restoration. An experiment with planting five relatively rare salt marsh plant species and a common species Salicornia pacifica showed that plant identity had a significant efect (P < 0.05) on the microbial community composition. A Partial Redundancy Analysis demonstrated that among the most abundant eukaryotic groups, fungi and Amoebozoans were most sensitive to plant species identity, while
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diatoms, green algae and Cercozoans were predominantly afected by marsh elevation and soil properties.
52. Role of ACSS2 in Breast Cancer Brain Metastatic Growth
Jessica Merzy
Department
of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (Drexel University College of Medicine); Cancer
Lead Author: Jessica Merzy, Undergraduate Student, jm4752@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Mauricio Reginato, PhD, mjr53@drexel.edu
Abstract: Brain metastases (BMs) in breast cancer patients is considered an end-stage event, with no efective drug treatment and a median survival after diagnosis measured in months. Currently, there are no efective drug treatment for BM patients, thus there is an urgent need to develop novel treatment strategies. Breast cancers that metastasize to the brain must adapt to lack of lipid availability in the brain environment and are highly dependent on fatty acid synthesis for growth and survival. However, the signaling pathways that regulate precursors of fatty acid synthesis and lipid metabolism in breast cancer brain metastatic (BCBM) tumors are not known. Here, we show that BCBM cells can generate acetyl-CoA, a major metabolite feeding lipid biosynthesis, via phosphorylation of acetyl-CoA synthetase 2 (ACSS2) by the cyclin-dependent kinse-5 (CDK5) regulated by the nutrient sensor O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). Breast cancer cells selected to metastasize to the brain contain higher levels of OGlcNAcylation, OGT. and ACSS2-Ser267 phosphorylation compared to parental cells, and we show that human breast cancer brain metastatic patient samples contain elevated ACSS2-Ser267 levels. Here, we show ACSS2 is required for breast cancer growth in the brain but not in the mammary fat pad. Pharmacologically targeting the ACSS2 with small molecule inhibitors reduces tumor growth in orthotopic ex vivo brain slice model. Additionally, novel ACSS2 inhibitor analogs, synergize with irradiation, the first line of defense in the treatment of BCBM. These results suggest a crucial role for ACSS2 in the regulation lipid metabolism in BCBM cells and identifies ACSS2 as a novel therapeutic target for treatment of breast cancer brain metastatic growth.
53. M is for Methods, Membrane proteins and Manipulation of Microbacterium foliorum phages
Rohan Dontha; Aneeka Phadnis; Katelyn Schuchardt
Department of Biology; SEA-PHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science)
Lead Author: Rohan Dontha, Undergraduate Student, rd824@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Alison Moyer, PhD, aem442@drexel.edu; Laura Duwel, PhD, duwelle@drexel.edu
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Abstract: Using bacterial host Microbacterium foliorum NRRL B-24224, freshmen SEAPHAGES (Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science) students isolated and purified 45 novel bacteriophages from soil in Fall 2022. The Pittsburgh Bacteriophage Institute generated genomes using Illumina Sequencing for three of these bacteriophages: PhunaPhoke (cluster EF), Rapheph (subcluster EA1), and PufyCat (cluster EE). In a third annual “Phage Cup,” each section participated in a completely student-led friendly competition to annotate the same phage genome. A point system was used to see who can annotate the genome the quickest and most accurately. Students produced high quality annotations and self-reported both enjoyment and learning gains by employing knowledge from the first instructor-guided genome annotation. In addition to gene functions, students identified membrane proteins utilizing web-based programs
TMHMM (Transmembrane Helices Hidden Markov Model) and SOSUI (Classification and Secondary Structure Prediction of Membrane Proteins) in all three novel genomes. It was noted that with determination of membrane proteins, percentage of genes with identifiable functionality characteristics increased. In the PhunaPhoke genome, 28% of genes (23 of 82 genes) have probable identifiable functions. With six membrane protein identifications, gene functionality characteristics rose to 35.4%. Students have initiated their Spring quarter independent research projects. They are investigating efects of experimental factors such as exposure to various chemical compounds (e.g., metal sulfates, tetrazolium red, mutagens, antibiotics, Vitamin C, nitrogen and phosphorous, spices) and physical factors such as UV light, with intention to test phage infectivity, conversion between the lysogenic and lytic cycles, efects on phages with DNA or capsid head structural diferences, etc. These projects will garner insights and implications for phage biology.
54. Perceptions of School Violence & Mental Wellness: A Correlational Study
Mackenzie Oliver
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Social; Mental Health
Lead Author: Mackenzie Oliver, Undergraduate Student, meo57@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Julia Sluzenski, PhD, jms679@drexel.edu
Abstract: School-related violence is being filmed and recorded more often by many diferent people involved. This creates a huge strain on students' mental health. This study examined the correlation between students' exposure to violence in the media, and their mental wellness. The study also explored a relationship between students' exposure to media violence and their gun control attitudes. Data were collected from a survey consisting of 3 scales involving Drexel students (n=142). Our hypothesis was not supported, but we did find a positive correlation approaching significance between students’ exposure to media violence and their gun control attitudes. This means the greater the exposure to violence in media, the greater the desire for gun control. Users of the Internet see a large amount of weapon related content that could make them desensitized to seeing such violence. This could mean the more often individuals see guns online, the more likely they are to be against gun use.
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55. Investigating EEG correlates of spontaneous thought characteristics
Swetha Rao
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Applied Cognitive and Brain Sciences
Lead Author: Swetha Rao, Undergraduate Student, smr463@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Aaron Kucyi, PhD, ak4379@drexel.edu
Abstract: Mind wandering and spontaneous thoughts arise naturally as the brain strays from the task at hand and focuses on other experiences. Identifying neural predictors of the various dimensions of spontaneous thought may play an important role in clinical situations such as individuals with depression or anxiety disorders who may experience excessive rumination or worry. Previous studies have linked mind wandering (i.e., task-unrelated thought) with electroencephalography (EEG) patterns such as alpha waves and activity in other frequency bands. In this study, we will build upon prior work by coupling EEG recordings in healthy adults with measurements of multiple dimensions of thought beyond task-relatedness, such as afect, vividness, arousal, and subjective dynamics (e.g., freely moving versus constrained thought). We will analyze EEG recordings from participants as they focus on a visual fixation cross and allow their minds to wander naturally. Thought probes will periodically appear asking individuals to characterize their thoughts along multiple dimensions on continuous rating scales. The resulting EEG data will be preprocessed and transformed to the timefrequency domain, specifically focusing on activity in the one second just before the thought probe was introduced. We hypothesize that there will be distinct relationships between certain frequency bands (theta, alpha, beta1, beta2, and gamma) and changes in specific dimensions of thought. This study will lead to further research with simultaneous EEG-fMRI to include better temporal and spatial accuracy in identifying neural mechanisms of mind wandering and spontaneous thought. We ultimately aim to extend our approaches to clinical populations that present altered patterns of spontaneous thought.
56. The Impact Successful Psychopathy Has on Work Environment in Business, Healthcare, and Political Settings: A Systematic Literature Review
Gwyneth Rothman; Isabelle Schwartz
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Forensic Psychology
Lead Author: Gwyneth Rothman, Undergraduate Student, gr466@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: David DeMatteo, JD, PhD, dsd25@drexel.edu
Abstract: This systematic literature review seeks to examine if there are any similar trends regarding how successful psychopathy afects work environments in varying fields such as business, healthcare, and government/politics. Sources were included in this literature review if they were published between 1991 and the present, and if the sources found in each database showed up when both researchers typed in specific search words. All sources came from Google Scholar, PubMed, APA’s Psycinfo, and GR and IS’s university library database,
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Dragonsearch. All sources were last consulted or searched for between February 24, 2023, and April 21, 2023. The literature indicated more similarities than diferences within these three job fields. This literature review contains 41 studies with a total of 10,674 participants. It was found that psychopaths were prevalent in upper levels of management in all three areas of employment being examined, with all three showing that psychopathic employees have a negative impact on the work environment. Overall, results of these studies showed that while there are a lot of similarities, there was no common operational definition set, and no common measures of psychopathy between studies. The results showed that there is a need for a standardized test that is a combination of the tests available, yet is catered solely to successful psychopathy, to truly be able to minimize the negative efects corporate psychopaths have in the workplace.
57. Applying Public Health Eforts of Harm Reduction in Copenhagen to the Drug Overdose Epidemic in Philadelphia
Bella Ryan
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Public Health; Psychology; Neuroscience
Lead Author: Bella Ryan, Undergraduate Student, gcr45@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Jordan Hyatt, JD, PhD, jmh498@drexel.edu
Abstract: Substance use and misuse occurs around the world, but there are noticeably diferent outcomes and realities that substance use can elicit based on the environment an individual lives in. There are many attribute elements as to why these diferences occur - most notably are socioeconomic statuses, stigma & social attitudes, policies, and public health eforts. In the U.S., a culture of puritanism and individualism has overshadowed the urgent outcries to address drug use in urban communities. In Kensington, Philadelphia thousands of people die each year from preventable deaths caused by unintentional drug overdose, creating the largest cluster of drug overdose deaths in the city. Similar clusters pop up throughout almost every major American city, yet policies regarding harm reduction and public health interventions to mitigate the risk of overdose death continue to be blocked on the legislative level. In Copenhagen, Denmark, a sociopolitical culture of universalism supports the urban communities’ incentives for accessible harm reduction services that are designed to keep people alive and improve the conditions of using substance(s). Thousands of overdoses have been prevented because of harm reduction services in Copenhagen, such as through the world’s largest drug consumption room, Mændenes Hjem, and tens of thousands of infections that are typically acquired through needle sharing have also been prevented and appropriately treated. Along with these services, public health incentives to access social services that link drug users to housing, employment, healthcare, and counseling have also contributed to Copenhagen’s astounding approach to supporting the realities of drug use and misuse in an urban setting. Similar eforts have been proposed in Philadelphia where it is direly needed but has been pushed back by local jurisdiction. In order to preserve the lives and the safe living of thousands of Philadelphians, radical public health-based policies must be enacted.
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Lessons from harm reduction strategies and systemic public health initiatives used in Copenhagen must be applied to life in our city Philadelphia.
58. Evaluating the Diferences in Cortical Thickness in Adolescents with ADHD
Sanjna Srinivasan; Julia Dengler; Apoorva Kelkar
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroimaging
Lead Author: Sanjna Srinivasan, Undergraduate Student, ss5554@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: John Medaglia, PhD, jdm582@drexel.edu
Abstract: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that is not completely understood and is difcult to diferentiate. Neuroimaging methods, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), may aid in understanding the brains of patients with ADHD. Cortical thickness, the width of gray matter, is being explored as a diagnostic method for multiple psychiatric and neurological conditions. Cortical thickness can be derived from specific brain regions associated with certain symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and inattention. Resting-state functional fMRI scans were obtained from neurotypical controls (n=113) and from patients with ADHD (n=66) between the ages of 8-15. The following functional networks in the brain, each of which has been linked to impulsivity and inattention, served as the focus of the analysis: the default mode network (DMN), the salience network (SN), the dorsal attention network (DAN), and the frontoparietal control network (FPCN), which is further split into two networks FPCN-A and FPCN-B. Standard fMRI preprocessing was conducted to obtain the desired networks. T1weighted images from multiple subjects were used to create a scanner and diagnosis-specific template images using Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs), after which we created brain masks. We then produced template brain segmentation and cortical thickness maps After extracting the functional parcellation within the above networks from each subject’s data, we extracted the mean cortical thickness from each region of interest. We conducted an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to quantify the diference in mean cortical thickness between the neurotypical subjects and subjects with ADHD across the aforementioned networks. The preliminary analysis showed significant diferences for the following networks: SN, FPCN-A, FPCN-B, DMN, and DAN.
59. Efects of HD-tDCS Over Prefrontal and Parietal Cortex for Creative Thinking in a Real-World Object Use Task
Evangelia M. Touring; Taylor J. Orsini; Kent Hubert; Maria Mukhanova; Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD
Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Cognitive Neuroscience
Lead Author: Evangelia M. Touring, Undergraduate Student, et484@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Evangelia G. Chrysikou, PhD, ec856@drexel.edu
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Abstract: Cognitive neuroscience studies of creativity typically employ divergent thinking tasks that prioritize bottom-up processes to generate novel responses. However, real-world creative problem solving is also guided by top-down thinking that puts an emphasis on the goal to be achieved. Here, we used the Alternative Objects Task (AOT): a novel task designed to simulate real-world problem solving. Guided by functional neuroimaging findings, we employed high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) over the left frontopolar cortex, as well as the inferior parietal lobule (precuneus), to investigate causally the impact of transient changes in activity in these regions for problem solving performance on the AOT. Participants were presented with a series of goals and generated either a common or an uncommon object that could satisfy each, while undergoing either excitatory (anodal), inhibitory (cathodal), or sham 4 x 1 high-definition tDCS at 1.5 mA over either left frontopolar cortex or left inferior parietal cortex. Analyses of variance on the efect of tDCS on response fluency, reaction times, and semantic distance revealed significant interactions between task and stimulation type across measures, highlighting complementary prefrontal and parietal cortex contributions to creative thinking.
60. The Benefits of the Mediterranean Lifestyle on Women’s Health
Hannah Woodbury
Department of Biology; Health Sciences
Lead Author: Hannah Woodbury, Undergraduate Student, hcw35@drexel.edu
Faculty Advisor: Maria Chnaraki, PhD, mh439@drexel.edu
Abstract: The Mediterranean has been identified as a “blue zone” community: an area with longer life spans and less chronic disease. Aspects of the Mediterranean lifestyle benefit women’s health and encourage improvement in quality of life. In Greek culture, the aspects of social connection, diet, and movement correlate with less physical and mental ailments. Conditions that particularly afect women, such as PMDD, Postpartum depression, and heart disease in women have been neglected to be properly treated throughout medicinal history. Despite common treatments, like bedrest and medication, avenues such as recalibrated diet, movement, and social connection should be explored, all commonly used in the Mediterranean. The methods of research are synthesis of multiple data sources and observation of lifestyle. Focusing on the potential causes of these conditions instead of just the symptoms may lead to less prevalence. The applications are the education and integration of Mediterranean culture into other lives to help women’s quality of life improve. What separates the Mediterranean from other cultures is that collectivism is built into communities, schools, work, and households. Women are highly respected, and their communities are built around supporting their physical, mental and emotional health. Walking as one of the main forms of transportation, midday breaks, and strong community connections are the cultural norm. These structural diferences demonstrate their importance with lower chronic conditions and better quality of life. It illustrates the ways that women’s health is not supported in other cultures and identifies simple societal diferences in the Mediterranean that support and improve women and their health.
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61. Climate Change Mitigation for Boreal Forest Biodiversity Conservation
Brianna Zayas
Department of Biodiversity, Earth and Environmental Science; Conservation
Lead Author: Brianna Zayas,
Undergraduate Student, bnz24@drexel.edu
Abstract: Boreal forest biomes are incredibly important ecosystems. They are one of the largest biomes on Earth, and significant economically, and ecologically. They are a large source of timber resources, home to a diverse network of species, and one of the largest pools of living organic carbon. However, increased human activity in the biome and the increased threat of climate change has begun to change the ecosystem. As a result of these pressures, boreal forest management and wildlife conservation have become increasingly difcult. There are many predictions of the potential ecological response to these conditions. Specifically, an optimistic point of this discussion is that the more attention, research, and integrated interdisciplinary approaches focus on the complexity of boreal interactions and processes, the better equipped humans can be to conserve and restore these systems. The research of this project is a meta-analysis of the top boreal forest climate research during the last year. The project will compile key words from the search terms and abstracts of 200 papers relating to boreal climate threats and mitigation strategies. The frequency of these terms will be determined, presenting a broad idea of recent boreal climate research focuses. Thus, although the data is not exhaustive, it will be a synthesis of all researched sources, and will provide a starting point for future actions. The main climate threats discussed will represent the known issues to focus on, and what aspects of the ecosystem may need more research. The main climate mitigation strategies discussed will represent the known solutions, and what future climate policies should prioritize. As a result, the research will be useful to any climate researchers and conservationists. The project is focused in protecting biodiversity and mitigating threats to environmental systems.
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