OURS Symposium

Presenter: Andrew Wooldridge

Many environmental impacts are known to cause disturbances in the foraging phenomenon of honeybees known as waggle dancing. These include factors such as changes in food source, reorientation of the dance floor, and more (I'Anson Price et al, 2015). It’s also understood that when confronted with non-nestmate bees, defensive behavior is often displayed by the defender bees (Grume et al, 2021). While defender bees are distinct from foragers, the honeybee hive is exemplary of a superorganism and it’s unclear whether the activity of one affects the other. To study this, it’s necessary to set up an observational hive with cameras to record the bees’ activity. This study seeks to do just that by documenting and analyzing the data from the mornings of the first and third days of a 3-day experiment. The first day, a block was set up at the opening of the hive for 5 minutes beginning at 9am and then removed for 10 minutes. This process was then repeated twice more. On the third day, the process was repeated with a researcher facilitating the addition of 3 non-nestmate bees into the hive during the blocks. After counting the number of waggle dances which occurred throughout the manipulations on both days, it was discovered that much less waggle dancing occurred during the introduction of non-nestmates. While there were many limitations, the results of this study suggest a need for a more robust investigation to better understand the innerworkings of this dynamic system. The insights gained could substantially increase understanding of superorganisms.

Presenters: Matthew Marx, Amy Loeschner, Shreya Satheesh and Olateju Ojekunle

On land, elephants represent the most extreme example of Peto’s paradox; an unexpectedly absent correlation between body mass and cancer prevalence. The etiology of cancer ultimately occurs at a cellular level; damage to genetic material results in uncontrollable cell division. Only three species of Elephantidae have escaped extinction: Loxodonta africana (African bush elephant), Loxodonta cyclotis (African forest elephant), and Elephas maximus (Asian elephant). Comparative analysis of ~900 necropsy records of individuals in Elephantidae, with phylogenetic neighbors such as Procavia capensis (rock hyrax), could elucidate the answer to Peto’s Paradox and beget novel subjects of research in comparative oncology. Recently, the TP53 retrogene has been heralded for eliciting increased efficacy as a tumor suppressor gene in Elephantidae. Loxodonta and Elephas have been typically reported as having between 15 and 20 ‘redundant’ copies of TP53 which may lend credence to its proposed function as an evolutionary defense against cancer. Utilizing genomic data from the Ensembl and NCBI databases, comparative analysis of TP53 and other genes of interest (LIF6, telomerase controllers) in Elephantidae with evolutionary neighbors will be used in a bioinformatic approach. Together, with phylogenetic analysis using the R programming language, a clearer understanding of the exact mechanisms of purported neoplasia and malignancy resilience in Elephantidae will be illuminated.

Presenters: Geordana-Victoria Lallemand and Dona Ananickal

The increasing availability of cannabis, both through legalization and illicit means, has raised public health concerns about mental health and problematic cannabis use, particularly among Hispanic youth. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of use within this demographic, with males exhibiting a greater tendency towards frequent and problematic cannabis use. Studies have reported mixed results of negative outcomes associated with cannabis use between genders. Given the unique cultural context and changing cannabis laws, understanding the implications of cannabis use on mental health, this study investigates the relationship between cannabis use and mental health outcomes among young adult Latinos in Arizona, with a focus on symptoms of anxiety and depression as measured by the PHQ-4.

Presenter: Federica Sarselli

Zoonotic diseases, responsible for 75% of new infectious diseases, often stem from anthropogenic factors, particularly the $7-23 billion wildlife trade—an illegal activity ranking fourth globally. The 2003 monkeypox outbreak in the United States, linked to this trade, and the recent 2022 global outbreak, resulting in 112 deaths across 110 countries, underscore the urgent need for investigation.
This study critically examines wildlife trafficking's role in monkeypox's cross-species transmission dynamics. It aims to identify transmission modes and potential reservoir hosts within these networks, paving the way for targeted monitoring and control strategies. By unraveling the complexities of this disease system, we aim to inform interventions that effectively curb virus spread at the human-animal interface.

Acknowledging the varying mortality rates of monkeypox—ranging from 1/10 to 1/100 depending on the clade—our focus extends to understanding and addressing this critical public health challenge. We recognize the essential influence of social, political, and economic factors in central and western African countries, integral to comprehending and combating the disease's spread.

This research aims to develop nuanced strategies that tackle the disease while considering the broader socio-economic landscape. By bridging scientific inquiry with actionable insights, our findings hold promise in safeguarding public health and biodiversity. This comprehensive approach not only addresses the immediate threat of monkeypox but also lays the groundwork for mitigating future zoonotic disease outbreaks effectively.

Presenters: Tyson Jones, Tasha Do and Juniper Phillips

The brainstem locus coeruleus (LC) plays a pivotal role in regulating attention and arousal, acting as a central hub for processing salient stimuli. Studying the LC directly is challenging due to its small size and deep location within the brain. However, recent research suggests that measurements of prestimulus pupil diameter and stimulus-evoked pupil responses (SEPRs) may serve as indirect indices of LC activity, reflecting fluctuations in attention and arousal state. Specifically, prestimulus pupil size is proposed to indicate baseline LC activity, influencing the detection and processing of salient events. Similarly, SEPRs are thought to mirror the LC's response to stimuli, with stronger responses associated with enhanced stimulus processing. The P300 event-related potential has also been implicated in LC network activity, particularly in stimulus detection and categorization processes.

Murphy et al. (2011) investigated the relationship between these indices hypothesizing that intermediate prestimulus pupil size would correspond to larger SEPRs and P300 amplitudes, indicative of optimal arousal and attention. Conversely, smaller or larger pupil sizes were expected to be associated with reduced SEPRs and P300 amplitudes, reflecting diminished task engagement. Stronger SEPRs were predicted to correlate with larger P300 amplitudes, while weaker SEPRs would be linked to smaller amplitudes. Their study confirmed significant
correlations between these measures, supporting the proposed associations.

In our study, we aimed to replicate and extend Murphy et al.'s findings, particularly examining whether pupil dynamics and P300 responses diminish over time on task, reflecting reduced LC activity and waning attention. Twenty-two ASU students completed an auditory oddball task while their brainwaves and pupil dynamics were recorded. Our results replicated Murphy et al.'s findings, showing correlations between pupil dynamics and P300 responses. Moreover, we observed time-on-task effects, with SEPRs and P300 amplitudes decreasing, consistent with the expected decline in arousal during sustained attention tasks.

These findings not only validate previous research but also provide further evidence for the role of the LC in sustaining attention and arousal levels over time.

Presenters: Bryan Yavari, Nilofar Kolbehdari, Mercedes Portillo and Alexandria Rumschlag

The language of cancer needs to be improved in cancer-related communication across the entire cancer experience, from general preventative care through treatment, and remission. Communication can be streamlined among cancer healthcare providers, support systems, and cancer patients. After COVID-19, online cancer communication is becoming especially common, with little research into the implications of this new trend. Our objective is to identify how individuals communicate with their healthcare provider, use internet sources for cancer-related actions, and interpret the online information they find regarding cancer. Three surveys were administered via Prolific. Data was collected from a nationally representative sample of 600 participants (200 per condition). This sample includes prescreened participants from the public, individuals who have had cancer in the last five years, and individuals who are in remission from cancer. The surveys recorded responses using 15 Likert scale questions and five free-response questions. Our results suggest that 70% of participants find it easy to access cancer information online. We found that 35% of people agree that the cancer-related information that is available online can be confusing and difficult to understand, underscoring the importance of clear and jargon-free communication. The results from this study have the potential to strengthen cancer communication to the public, raising awareness of potential risks and early indicators. With the expanding use of the internet for telehealth, this project seeks to bridge the gaps in the post COVID-19 world to strengthen cancer communication, therefore improving the patient experience through a better understanding of risk, terminology, and support options.

Presenters: Abigayle Cole

According to the CDC, the current prevalence of definite or probable Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cases is 322,000 individuals in the US. Patients with SLE are known to suffer from multiple organs failing throughout the course of the disease, including the heart. C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the main acute inflammatory biomarkers that is associated with aiding in the diagnosis of heart failure (HF). The effects of SLE on patients with HF and how it skews the number of patients with an abnormal CRP reading when comparing those with and without an SLE diagnosis is understudied in current research. We hypothesize that patients who suffer from heart failure and SLE will obtain more abnormal CRP readings compared to patients who suffer from heart failure alone. This study was focused on data found using the All of Us Research database, along with publications about the large inflammatory response caused by SLE. The data obtained demonstrates a significant discrepancy between the number of patients that have an abnormal CRP level when comparing SLE with heart failure to heart failure solely. Our preliminary results show that 47.98% (344) of the studied cohort containing patients diagnosed with SLE and heart failure obtained an abnormal CRP reading. A separate cohort was created for patients diagnosed with heart failure and we found that only 23.54% (5,013) had an abnormal CRP reading. Our research aims to set a foundation for further research to be conducted as to why these discrepancies are occurring in relation to SLE.

Presenters: Beatrice Pasqual

Bilingual language acquisition requires figuring out the meanings of words across languages. A common approach for understanding word learning involves experimental methods that train participants on the meanings of pseudowords (PWs), artificial stimuli that sound like real words but are not. However, currently, there is no established protocol for generating PWs for experimental testing of bilingual word learning. Here, we present a protocol for the creation of bilingual PWs, generating the first bilingual set of PWs in English and Spanish for use in word learning studies with child and adult participants.

Our set was composed of 16 English and 16 Spanish PWs. Some items were pulled from the English PW set compiled in the NOUN Database (Horst & Hout, 2016), and others were generated via multilingual PW generators (Keuleers & Brysbaert, 2010; New et al., 2024). The selection process prioritized variability in both onset and offsets, ensuring a broad representation of phonotactic patterns present in natural language. All words were two-syllables in length, and we avoided verb endings, focusing on noun-like structures.

The PWs were phonetically transcribed using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to calculate their phonotactic probability (PP). English PWs exhibited a median phoneme probability of 0.229 and a biphone probability of 0.0094, while Spanish PW showed medians of 0.227 and 0.013, respectively. Additionally, cross-language analysis revealed lower medians. 
To assess the perception of these PWs by listeners, we designed a questionnaire. Participants will listen to each PW and rate its perceived language-likeness on a scale ranging from "definitely English" to "definitely Spanish." Attention checks have been integrated to ensure data reliability. We anticipate that PWs with high PP in English will be rated as more English-like, and those with higher PP in Spanish will be rated as more Spanish-like.

This research offers a novel set of PWs for use in experiments exploring bilingual word learning. These PWs, validated through PP analysis and participant perception, will provide researchers with a valuable tool to deepen insights into the mechanisms of language and cognition in bilingual contexts.

Presenters: Susan Brossman

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing inflammation of connective tissues primarily affecting women causing disability. Recent research suggests HLA-DRB1 was positively selected for in our ancestors, however today this gene may increase ancestral risk for autoimmunity. While the exact cause of the disease is unknown, the HLA-DRB1 gene is considered the most potent disease susceptibility gene, explaining 30-50% of the genetic risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Using the All of Us Research Database, co-ed cohorts were created with 182,229 subjects having a family history of Rheumatoid Arthritis and 28,338 subjects with a sero-positive diagnosis. A positive family history was indicated by a subject selecting yes on a survey form. A positive correlation between these cohorts found the 18-44 age group to have a higher chance of having a family history of the disease versus the 65+ age group which was found to have a lower report of a positive family history suggesting ancestry to be a factor in developing autoimmune disease. In the future, the plan is to compare the ancient genomes used by researchers in a recent study in Europe to modern day genomes in the US population using the All of Us Research Database to study ancestral risk involving this gene.

Presenters: Danielle Malleo, Austin Dellimagine, Juvelyn Hart, Christopher Le, Julianna Lopez, Alexis Morlock and George Sanner

The role of water in biomolecular systems is manifold: it functions as the universal solvent, ensuring that components such as globular proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites maintain their solubility while preserving their native structures through water-mediated hydrophobic interactions. In addition, it promotes fluctuations that enable conformational changes in proteins and enzymes that are essential for their function. The driving force for protein complex formation and the associated binding affinity can be quantified by the change in free energy, i.e., the binding free energy, which is comprised of the contributions of changes in enthalpy and entropy that are often opposite in sign value. An alternative decomposition of the binding free energy can be obtained through the distinction of direct interactions between the binding partners, and indirect, water/solvent-mediated interactions. Our project uses molecular dynamics simulations to analyze water-mediated interactions in the formation of homo-dimers of the enzyme Thymidylate Synthase. Thymidylate Synthase is responsible for the biosynthesis of the nucleotide thymidine, an essential ingredient of DNA replication; this makes the enzyme a critical target in chemotherapy treatments for several types of cancer. The simulations track the movements of water molecules as they move around the complex to generate data that correspond to changes in the solvation-free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the Thymidylate Synthase, which allows us to quantify the water-mediated interactions between the binding partners as a function of their separation distance. The simulations are performed using high-performance computing resources provided by ASU’s Research Computing Core Facility with the SOL cluster. Using the grid-based 3D-2PT method developed by the Heyden Lab at ASU, we can visualize local contributions to the solvation-free energy as three-dimensional maps to evaluate the behavior of water-mediated interactions that stabilize or destabilize the protein complex. Previous simulations from another group of online students focused on the Barnase-Barstar complex, which determined that despite its powerful interaction, the binding itself was not attributable to the presence of water but was primarily the result of the complex’s electrostatic interactions. We aim to utilize the results from the previous group to help us understand and determine the differences and/or similarities between water-mediated interactions with distinct protein complexes such as the Thymidylate Synthase and the Barnase-Barstar.

Presenters: Hynd Adi, Shashank Araokar and Alexander Pacheco

University students frequently encounter challenges in retaining the knowledge gained from prerequisite courses as they progress towards more advanced levels. This is especially true over long academic breaks. ASU’s Keep in School Shape (KiSS) program provides students with short daily activities via email or text, so that they can rehearse their previously learned skills. In this study, these activities, which consist of problems of varying levels, were used to assess metrics such as participation rates, answer choices, and the path students took through the activity. Additionally, students received optional hints, step-by-step solutions, and growth-oriented feedback. Leveraging data collected during the 2023 Winter Break for 514 students moving from Calculus 1 to Calculus 2, our group conducted thorough exploratory data analysis to glean insights into students' usage patterns, identify areas for program enhancement, and determine optimal strategies for communicating our findings to diverse audiences. We found that when students got a problem wrong, they used the optional hints and were much more likely to solve the problem successfully in the next attempt. When given a choice to attempt additional problems, a high percentage of students were very eager to attempt more problems. The results of our study suggest that the KiSS program provides a safe space for students to conveniently sharpen their skills and learn from constructive feedback. In the future, we hope to extend the versatile design of the KiSS program to other disciplines and courses.

Presenters: Maritza Ramirez, Haarika Atluri, Olivia Corrao, Bryan Llanes and Raida Shamim

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the bone marrow in which the myeloid stem cells undergo abnormal rates of proliferation and differentiation, leading to a buildup of immature white blood cells in the marrow. Among adult leukemias, AML is the most common, with around 80% of cases. Recent advances in treatment management have improved AML prognosis in younger patients, but it remains very poor in the elderly. Evolutionary parameters have been associated with the outcome of many cancers and precancers and offer an alternative to classic biomarkers of progression. In liquid cancers, including AML, evolutionary strategies can describe the correlation between cellular environments and malignant cells' mechanisms to induce further clonal proliferation. In this study, we aim to develop evolutionary biomarkers of AML progression using whole genome sequencing data from 50 diagnostic AML samples with patient outcomes. We estimate many evolutionary parameters using the MOBSTER software (e.g., clonal diversity, mutation rate, and selection strength). We hypothesize that there will be a negative correlation between estimates of clonal diversity, mutation rate, selection strength estimates, and time to clinical outcomes of AML. With this research, we aim to improve AML patient stratification and improve our understanding of AML progression.

Presenters: Shashank Araokar, Anna Plum, Dustin Hubbartt and Justin Kobrin

Observing exoplanet transits is one of the best methods we have to derive orbital parameters of these planets. However, over time, any observed ephemeris becomes stale and is necessary to update regularly to save future observation costs for advanced telescopes. In Spring 2024 as part of the Exoplanet Research Experience at ASU, we collaborated with NASA’s Exoplanet Watch, a citizen science project, to study the exoplanet Qatar-4 b. We obtained 59 nights of images for Qatar-4 b using the ground-based MicroObservatory telescope network managed by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA). We used Exoplanet Watch’s EXOPlanet Transit Interpretation Code (EXOTIC) Python Library to extract 17 significant light curves from the data set. Our study reduced the propagated uncertainty of Qatar-4b’s mid-transit time significantly compared to previous studies. This effort underscores the importance of citizen science participation in exoplanet research by demonstrating that repeated observations taken by smaller, ground-based telescopes can meaningfully assist space-borne telescopes in transit-time photometry and assist in the better scheduling of future observations.

Presenter: Alaina Breakiron

Mutation of PTEN is detected in greater than 50% of endometrial cancer (EC) diagnosis effecting biological females from birth (BFFB) in the United States. EC rates are rising 1% each year among white BFFB, while African Americans and Hispanics BFFB rates are higher at 2-3% per year. PTEN, is the phosphate and TENsin homolog mutated by a deletion on chromosome ten. PTENp1, the intron free pseudogene on chromosome 9p13.3 has 98.6% homology with the PTEN gene but does not express the PTEN protein because of mutation-induced loss of the translation initiation codon. We hypothesize that PTEN and PTENp1 mutation phenotypes related to endometrial hyperplasia (EH), a precursor to EC, and EC are increasing due to female reproductive phenotypes and modern reproductive patterns. Reproduction enables allelic diversity which causes genetic mutations leading to better fitness or one of many disorders and diseases within our species. EH and EC are triggered by these harmful genetic mutations when BFFB displays certain genetic factors. Implementing an evolutionary medicine outlook to find the trigger of these mutations could lead to treatments to prevent EC and EH. Utilizing the ALL of US research databases to provide quantitative data, we will compare cohorts of BFFB based on demographics with certain epigenetic, genetic, and evolutionary factors such as long-term exposure to unopposed estrogen, low progesterone, obesity, ethnicity, age at maturity and fertility rates; so, we can establish the time frame or age at which preventative measures are most effective. Acting on the genes before methylation begins and PTEN mutates can prevent EC. Characterizing when this mutation occurs can result in preventative measures such as genetic profiling and gene therapy, being administered earlier to stop the PTEN mutation from occurring, preventing the development of endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer.

Presenters: Kaleb Sutton, Aloha Das and Hynd Adi

The locus coeruleus (LC) has been proposed as a significant regulator of task engagement via its modulatory effects on attention and arousal. Recent studies have suggested that pupillometry and electroencephalography may track not only fluctuations in task engagement but may index activity of the LC and LC-mediated networks. Specifically, optimal task engagement and task performance, intermediate prestimulus pupil size, strong stimulus-evoked pupil responses (SEPRs), and larger P300 event-related potentials have been proposed as indicators of intermediate (optimal) baseline LC activity. Murphy et al (2011) investigated the relationships between these indices in an auditory oddball task–the premise being that if these different outcomes are modulated by the same system, they should follow known patterns associated with LC activity. Murphy et al. (2011) found that prestimulus pupil diameter predicted performance such that intermediate prestimulus pupil sizes were associated with better performance. The SEPR was closely related to performance, wherein larger SEPR amplitudes were associated with poor performance. P300 amplitudes were also predictive of performance such that larger P300 amplitudes predicted better performance and smaller P300 amplitudes predicted poorer performance. 

The present study sought to replicate Murphy et al (2011) with an additional interest in time-on-task effects. 22 ASU students completed an auditory oddball task, wherein their performance, brainwaves, and pupil dynamics were measured. Response time, prestimulus pupil size, SEPR, and the P300 event-related potential were extracted. We investigated the relationships between response time and pupil dynamics, response time and P300 amplitude, and the effect of time-on-task on each variable. 

We replicated the findings that intermediate prestimulus pupil size predicted better performance compared to larger or smaller prestimulus pupil size. Larger SEPR and P300 amplitudes were associated with better performance. In addition, we found that SEPR amplitude and P300 amplitude decreased across time, coinciding with performance deterioration across time. 

These patterns are consistent with predictions of LC-mediated effects on task engagement and performance, arousal, and network activity. These findings reinforce those of Murphy et al. (2011) and serve to validate evidence of cohesive relationships between theories of LC function and the various methods used to investigate it.

Presenters: Lacie Alt and Lynae Andrade Galvez

In November of 2020, the Arizona legislature legalized the consumption of recreational cannabis for people ages 21 and over. Medical marijuana cards are available to adults 18 and over and caregivers of adolescents under 18. With shifting public attitudes and recent legalization, understanding cannabis consumption behaviors among demographic groups is crucial for effective public health interventions. This project is focused specifically on Latina young adults; a demographic group that frequently is overlooked in the literature. Little research focuses on this specific group, making this study vital for shaping effective interventions.

Presenters: Safa Zaina, Juvelyn Hart, Abigail Griffith and Karrissa Cavanaugh

Studies have shown that the patch colors lizards may have on their underbellies suggest different behavioral patterns. Preferred communication methods in Sceloporus lizards may be identified by blue or white patches on the underbelly. This study investigates the differences in the nasal passage morphology between groups of Sceloporus lizards, with a specific emphasis on males to eliminate any influence of sexual dimorphism. We hypothesized that while the blue-bellied lizards generally communicate with their eyes, white-bellied lizards prefer olfactory communication. Morphological data was collected using CT scans in Alpaca in 3D Slicer, and R code was utilized to conduct two one factor t-tests and a quartile analysis to discover relationships between belly color and nasal passage size. The results show that species with blue underbelly patches had smaller nasal passages than the species with white underbelly patches. In many species of lizards, foraging ecology is influenced by the chemosensory behavior and morphology of the colored sections of their body. The difference in olfactory and visual acuity suggests that the white bellied lizards may have larger nasal passages to allow for intraspecies communication. Our research sheds light on the phylogenetic history that shapes sensory systems and signaling mechanisms. It contributes to a deeper understanding of different communication modalities in vertebrates, and ultimately paves the way for further investigations into the world of animal communication.

Presenter: Sarah Waterman

Ten million people die every year globally from cancer. It causes 1:6 deaths and is the leading cause of death worldwide. The most common treatments of cancer include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with each of these treatments having different levels of efficacy. Surgery is only effective on solid localized tumors. Radiation and chemotherapy, which are more generalized treatments, cause severe adverse side- effects, including fatigue, hair loss, mouth ulcers, anemia, nausea and more. While chemotherapy drugs are highly effective, they cannot be controlled as to whether they target healthy or malignant tumor cells. Gold Nanoparticle (AuNP) technologies have shown efficacy as a targeted drug delivery system, aiding in tumor reduction, inducing DNA damage, increasing antioxidant enzyme levels, upregulating caspase-3, caspase- 8, and caspase-9 production, inducing cell death, and increasing drug permeability to affected cancer cells. AuNPs are valuable because they have controllable size dispersity, biostability, biocompatibility, strong absorbing capacity, and can interact with biomolecules present inside the cell. Some challenges presented in the research includes toxicity levels and build up in the liver. This isn’t entirely shocking considering the function of the liver, but further research must be conducted to determine if the build-up is harmful, lasting, or can be avoided. There are a handful of AuNP technologies in early-stage clinical trials, but a clearer understanding of the effects on the liver and cost-risk analysis to the malignant tumor is needed to facilitate these technologies making their way bedside.

Presenters: Mariana Bustamante and Malli Swamy

Differences in morphology among species arise from a combination of genetic variation and selective pressures acting within their respective environments. Microhabitats might exert selective pressures that shape the morphology of organisms to suit the unique resource availability and environmental conditions within their localized habitats. We predict that there will be a difference in the jaws of arboreal and non-arboreal Sceloporus lizards. CT scans of male Sceloporus jaws were obtained from 35 species, which were provided by the Martins lab. We used 3D Slicer 5.4.0 to establish landmarks for seven different anatomical measurements, and the landmarks were then measured and analyzed using R. For statistical analysis, a one-factor t-test was conducted for each of the seven measurements, and a quartile analysis was also performed to visualize the differences between arboreal and non-arboreal species. Our results show a difference in the jaws of these two groups. A division between the morphology of arboreal and non arboreal lizards may be traced through their phylogenetic history. Differences in jaw length and lever mechanisms may be shaped by dietary preferences, as these traits impact bite force. At the same time, average monthly precipitation within arboreal microhabitats might also play a role in shaping these distinctions. Additionally, genetic factors could contribute to variation in jaw length and width, potentially influenced by factors such as sexual maturity or foraging behavior.

Presenters: George Sanner, Daniello Malleo, Juvelyn Hart, Julianna Lopez, Christopher Le, Alexis Morlock and Austin Dellimagine

The role of water in biomolecular systems is manifold: it functions as the universal solvent, ensuring that components such as globular proteins, nucleic acids, and metabolites maintain their solubility while preserving their native structures through water-mediated hydrophobic interactions. In addition, it promotes fluctuations that enable conformational changes in proteins and enzymes that are essential for their function. The driving force for protein complex formation and the associated binding affinity can be quantified by the change in free energy, i.e., the binding free energy, which is comprised of the contributions of changes in enthalpy and entropy that are often opposite in sign value. An alternative decomposition of the binding free energy can be obtained through the distinction of direct interactions between the binding partners, and indirect, water/solvent-mediated interactions. Our project uses molecular dynamics simulations to analyze water-mediated interactions in the formation of homo-dimers of the enzyme Thymidylate Synthase. Thymidylate Synthase is responsible for the biosynthesis of the nucleotide thymidine, an essential ingredient of DNA replication; this makes the enzyme a critical target in chemotherapy treatments for several types of cancer. The simulations track the movements of water molecules as they move around the complex to generate data that correspond to changes in the solvation-free energy, enthalpy, and entropy of the Thymidylate Synthase, which allows us to quantify the water-mediated interactions between the binding partners as a function of their separation distance. The simulations are performed using high-performance computing resources provided by ASU’s Research Computing Core Facility with the SOL cluster. Using the grid-based 3D-2PT method developed by the Heyden Lab at ASU, we can visualize local contributions to the solvation-free energy as three-dimensional maps to evaluate the behavior of water-mediated interactions that stabilize or destabilize the protein complex. Previous simulations from another group of online students focused on the Barnase- Barstar complex, which determined that despite its powerful interaction, the binding itself was not attributable to the presence of water but was primarily the result of the complex’s electrostatic interactions. We aim to utilize the results from the previous group to help us understand and determine the differences and/or similarities between water-mediated interactions with distinct protein complexes such as the Thymidylate Synthase and the Barnase-Barstar.

Presenters: Camilo Riveros Alvarado, Sarah Lovorn and Dona Ananickal

After Arizona legalized recreational marijuana in 2020 (Adult use marijuana, n.d.), there was a notable increase in reported recreational use. Understanding public perception of risks and benefits of cannabis use is of importance for public health (Mariani et al., 2021), especially with emerging evidence that long-term cannabis use is correlated with negative health outcomes (Aldington et al., 2008). In Arizona, with a large (34%) and growing Latino population, it is especially important that we understand how Latino/a young adults perceive the benefits and harms of cannabis compared to other legal substances.

Presenters: Naomi Brown, Ariana Jording and Jason Torres

The decision to include gender as a relevant predictor of attention is often based on whether researchers have specific questions about gender. Examining the impact of gender on metrics of attention, such as task performance, pupil, and brain dynamics may provide a better understanding of individual differences in attention capabilities. However, prior research has produced mixed findings–some studies suggest notable gender-based differences in cognitive abilities, while others note negligible differences at best. 

Mean response time (RT) has been identified as an indicator of intensity of attention, and tends to slow with time on task, indicating a waning of attention. Similarly, prestimulus pupil diameter and the stimulus-evoked pupil response (SEPR) have been used to index intensity of attention and follow a similar decline with time on task. The P300 event related potential has been associated with the allocation of attentional resources. Its amplitude reflects the brain's response to the evaluation of stimulus significance and is largest when encountering rare, salient stimuli, making it a valuable tool in assessing attentional engagement. 

This present study integrated behavioral, psychophysiological, and neuro-electrical measurements to investigate gender-based differences in attention. 22 ASU students (16 M, 6 F) completed an auditory oddball task, wherein their behavioral performance, brainwaves, and pupil dynamics were recorded. RT, accuracy, prestimulus pupil size, stimulus-evoked pupil response (SEPR), and the P3 event-related potential were extracted and compared. 

We report gender-based differences in response time, pupil dynamics, and neural responses as well as time-on-task effects. This integrative approach is valuable as it provides a more comprehensive view of gender differences, and it helps shed light on how attention may be allocated differently across genders during tasks requiring sustained attention. We conclude that there is value in considering gender as a relevant predictor of attention. Future studies may delve into why such differences may present in this cognitive domain.

Presenters: Sana Basheer, Brittany Higgs, Laura Reichert, Zhaocheng Wu and Katerina Christhilf

Reading from multiple sources is a common yet cognitively complex academic task (Sabatini et al., 2019) that most high school students in the United States struggle to do so proficiently (NAEP, 2022). In the present study we sought to better understand the cognitive process involved in participants’ integration of information when reading multiple sources about a scientific topic. To accomplish this goal, we applied a secondary analysis of a dataset that included undergraduate students (n = 73) multiple document comprehension measures, individual differences (i.e., prior reading ability and prior knowledge), and their performance on written constructed responses while reading.

Presenters: Mason Farmwald, Malli Swamy, Mariah Lee, Juvelyn Hart, Ilsa Rodriguez, Teagan Allen and Alexander Mangelsdorf

Although there is a known sex bias in cancer, sex chromosomes are typically excluded from genomic analyses because of unique analytical challenges associated with their sequence and regulation. Sex chromosome genes include tumor suppressors, epigenetic regulators, immune genes, and more which can impact cancer progression and drug response. A common resource used in cancer research is the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE), which contains 1019 human cancer cell lines across a multitude of tissues often used as model systems for studying the biology and treatment of cancer. In this study, we inferred the sex chromosome complement using the expression of genes on the X and Y chromosomes across these cell lines. We expected the expression of X and Y chromosome genes to match the expected sex chromosome complement given the reported sex of the patient (e.g., typically XX genotype in cell lines from female patients and XY for male patients). Instead, we found discordance between the reported sex of the patient and the inferred sex chromosome complement in approximately half of the samples. In future studies, we plan to repeat our analysis with gene expression profiles from primary tumor samples (TCGA) and normal adult tissues (GTex). Determining and comparing the sex chromosome complement in each of these settings is important for assessing how well cell line models recapitulate primary tumors and may reveal molecular underpinnings of sex differences in cancer.

Presenters: James Ball, Scott Montague and Kartavya Chauhan

This study presents an in-depth analysis of sky surface brightness (Sky-SB) as observed by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). The sky-SB is the diffuse light present in all astronomical images that does not include discrete stars and galaxies. It is a combination of light from zodiacal dust (dust within our Solar System), the Milky Way, and distant, unresolved galaxies. Therefore, by measuring and studying the sky-SB, we can learn more about our Solar System, the Milky Way, and the universe as a whole. We leverage a comprehensive dataset of 140,000 Hubble images that spans a broad spectrum of ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. We also utilized a Python-based data processing pipeline, which facilitated the quantification of the sky-SB with high accuracy for all 140,000 images. The pipeline ignores discrete light sources during the estimation of the sky-SB, ensuring that the measured sky-SB does not contain contamination from stars and galaxies. Significant findings include changes in the sky-SB across different wavelengths, with notable impacts from zodiacal light at lower ecliptic latitudes. This work helps establish the Hubble Space Telescope as a prime instrument for measuring the sky-SB.

Presenters: Walker Mellon, Bryan Yavari, Amber Serna, Mihir Waknis and Juvelyn Hart

Current AI technology is capable of quickly providing information, but often provides information that is not related, too broad, or out of scope.This project involves developing an LLM chat bot that is equipped to provide accurate information regarding rare skin cancers. Rather than suggesting a diagnosis, the chat bot will provide the necessary information needed for the physician to make an informed decision after diagnosis. The target audience is primarily physicians in a clinical setting, however a tool like this could potentially be of use for educational or research purposes as well. Our team currently has a working prototype of the AI model that uses Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) to obtain scientific information from published, peer-reviewed papers. Leveraging this technology will empower dermatologists and researchers to make evidence-based decisions through the minimization of bias by making the retrieval of information for underrepresented groups easier and more efficient.

Presenter: Harrison Lo

The reputation of Arizona as a territory was regarded as hostile and untamed by White Americans at the turn of the 20th century, with reports of Native American attacks and inhospitable environment being the two most pressing concerns. However, over time, the reputation of the territory lessened, and Arizona was eventually admitted into the Union as the 48th State. The research question posed is how did Arizona as a territory shed its reputation in the process of becoming a state? This project was examining Tempe’s Arizona Historical Society archives, mainly drawing from George Hochderffer Collection and the Tussey Ranger Collection to examine the roles that the Arizona National Guard and the Arizona Rangers had in enforcing justice and White Arizonan settler interests. Hochderffer was an esteemed Flagstaff citizen, and founded the first National Guard Company in Flagstaff called I Company, and examined his correspondence, National Guard logs, and photos of the National Guard to illuminate on how a National Guard Company functioned at the time. Other research used was the collection titled Tussey Ranger Collection, which was a collection of manuscripts collected by Edgar Tussey, a school teacher who kept records of the Arizona Rangers, and Joseph Miller’s Arizona Rangers, a second hand source of Arizona Ranger accounts. Comparing their actions in Arizona around the formation of these units help illustrate what White Arizonans had a vested interest in protecting and enforcing. While the correspondence of I Company emphasized a social club for white Arizonans with military activities and balls, I Company notably participated in the strikebreaking along with the Arizona Rangers in Clifton-Morenci in 1903, against striking Hispanic and Chinese workers. Ultimately the state sponsored military actions of these organizations at the time helped defend and promote a settler culture of White Arizonan Business interests. Future examinations of other National Guard Companies at the time might help shed light on their actions as well.