Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
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Real-time Rendering Optimization with Gaussian Splatting
No full textThree-dimensional Gaussian Splatting (3D GS) is a state-of-the-art rendering method designed to optimize computational efficiency in three-dimensional scene representation by using learnable Gaussians. Its predecessor, Neral Radiance Fields (NeRF), offers high accuracy but is computationally intensive. 3D GS reduces the required computational power by simplifying NeRF’s fivedimensional coordinate system into Gaussians that represent color and density. This research investigates the 3D GS’s tolerance to optimization by implementing and testing Knowledge Distillation and a custom Loss Function to refine Gaussian weight distributions during rendering. We compare these optimization implementations against baseline tests to evaluate their effect on rendering accuracy and computational efficiency. Our findings contribute to the broader discussion on optimizing three-dimensional rendering techniques and future advancements in machine learning-driven visualization
Role of commensal-specific γδ T-Cell Responses in Crohn’s Disease
No full textCrohn’s disease (CD) has evolved into a global health challenge, underscoring the need for new therapeutic strategies. The pathogenesis of CD is complex and multifactorial, involving gut epithelial barrier defects, dysregulated immune responses, and a dysbiotic microbiota. Prior studies show that Bifidobacterium longum, a common gut commensal, is depleted in CD patients, but its mechanisms in intestinal immune system regulation are still unclear. We have found that Bifidobacterium longum antigens can be recognized by T cell receptors expressed on T cells. We hypothesized that the loss of Bifidobacterium longum may lead to a loss of T cells in the gut of CD patients. Using flow cytometry, we analyzed T cell prevalence in inflamed and paired non-inflamed colonic tissues of CD patients. We found a significant reduction in T cells within UC-affected tissue, suggesting impaired T cellmediated immune regulation. We also found that T cells from the noninflamed CD colon can be activated in response to Bifidobacterium longum antigens, indicating a potential role in gut homeostasis. These results highlight the need to further investigate how microbial antigens shape T cell function, which may provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for CD
Use of Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy in HgCdTe Thin Film Characterization and Greenhouse Gas Detection in Hyperspectral Data
No full textThis paper explores the application of Fourier Transform (FT) and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in two domains: the characterization of Mercury-Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe) thin films for infrared imaging and the detection of greenhouse gases in hyperspectral data. FTIR is a popular method for characterization of many thin film materials, including HgCdTe, a material used for the most sensitive of IR detectors. Using novel advanced spectroscopy techniques and noise reduction methods, we employ FTIR in identifying composition and thickness uniformity in HgCdTe thin films grown via Molecular-Beam Epitaxy (MBE). As Hyperspectral IR data is invaluable in detecting greenhouse gas emissions, our utilization of both Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and noise reduction algorithms (e.g. contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE)) can enhance the accuracy of gas detection in hyperspectral data. Our work Closes the loop between material characterization and environmental monitoring through the combination of FTIR with data analysis techniques. Our approach not only validates FTIR\u27s efficacy in semiconductor characterization but also advances its utility in detecting greenhouse gases, offering a robust methodology for both material and environmental applications
The role of basal acetylcholine release on neuronal activity in the medial habenula
No full textNicotine is an addictive chemical that leads to tolerance and withdrawal and acts as an agonist for the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), a family of ligand-gated ion channels. When nicotine binds to nAChRs, the ligand-gated ion channels open and allow ions like calcium to enter the cell. Calcium can activate an assortment of downstream signaling processes, including further ionic currents via a calcium-gated ion channel (CaCC) called TMEM16A. Since this ion channel impacts neuron firing rate, we hypothesized that it may regulate the contribution of acetylcholine on cell firing. To test this, we used patch-clamp electrophysiology in acute slices of mouse brain and examined neuron firing rates in the medial habenula of the mice brains. Using Clampfit analysis, we were able to identify neuronal firing rates in these brain slices including changes elucidated by nAChR blockade. Here, we will present evidence that acetylcholine exhibits basal release into medial habenula neurons, and explain how TMEM16A feedback impacts resultant changes to neuron firing rates in nicotine-exposed animals
Creating the Girls in STEM Program with SciTech
No full textSciTech is a nonprofit interactive science museum in Batavia, Illinois that aims to build creativity and innovative engagement in STEM. This project focuses on creating and evaluating the success of a Girls in STEM program hosted at SciTech, which provides hands-on STEM experiences for preschool and elernentary school girls, a historically underrepresented community when it comes to STEM. Over the course of the project, research will assess participant engagement, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and develop new curriculum activities to increase the prograrn\u27s impact. A mixed-methods approach, including surveys, interviev.s, and data analysis, will be used to tæasure effectiveness and retention. The findings from this program Will support SciTech\u27s mission by informing curriculum development, strengthening funding proposals, and attracting more participants from a more diverse area of communities
2025 Teaching LEADership in the Classroom: Leadership Theory, Activism, and UNSD Goals
Get PDFIMSA’s Leadership Education & Development (LEAD) program is a student-led course focused on developing leadership skills for sophomores. Students explore leadership theories, models,and global impact through the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and activism.Peer discussions, hands-on activities, and group work challenge students to think critically about leadership. Join us for an interactive experience packed with leadership activities perfect for the classroom
Understanding the Fake Photon Phenomenon in Dielectron Jets from Dark Photon Decays in Monte Carlo
No full textOne theory of dark matter predicts the existence of a dark sector, which is a theoretical complementary model to the Standard Model of particle physics. Within this model there must be a particle responsible for the dark analog to the electromagnetic force, which we would call the dark photon. The premise of our research is based upon electron jets that would form when the theoretical dark photon decays. A complication that we have faced is when the Monte Carlo simulation reconstructs one of the electrons as a photo, and we call these fake photons. Our goal is to understand when these fake photons occur so that we can reconstruct the electron pairs that caused them. This would increase our sensitivity to dark photons.In order to understand that process, we created a selector that can search simulated data for the related particles–the lost and reconstructed electron and the fake photon–and identify them. We compared these particles by creating histograms of all three of them. The histograms themselves compared the number of events vs pseudorapidity or transverse momentum. By analyzing these histograms, we hope to be able to attain a higher reconstruction efficiency for lepton jets of electrons
Effect of Kv11.1 K+ channel activator NS1643 on Desmoplakin and Plankophilin Expression and Localization in Triple Negative Breast Cancer Cells
No full textAfrican American and Hispanic women world-wide are more likely to exhibit a worse outcome from triple negative breast cancer (TBNC), which is why new therapeutics are desperately needed. Interestingly, their cells uniquely overexpress the potassium ion channel, Kv11.1, which affects mechanisms regulating cell proliferation and metastasis. A study by the Minshall lab showed that a drug called NS1643 activates Kv11.1 and reduces cell migration and enhanced interaction of β-Catenin with Adherens Junctions, Focal Adhesions, and Desmosomal Proteins. They showed that activation of Kv11.1 with the drug promoted dephosphorylation of Caveolin-1, a signal regular, resulting in β-catenin disassociation from Cav-1. Our evolving hypothesis is that NS1643-induced Cav-1 dephosphorylation in TNBC cells promotes the formation of cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesions dependent on β-catenin. We have analyzed cell movement and expression of both desmoplakin and plakophilin in TNBC cells by using ImageJ software. To further understand the impact of this drug, we conducted a TEER to assess the expression of Desmoplakin and Plakophilin in TNBCs treated with NS1643 and observed there was no effect on the expression for the two proteins after using the drug. Ongoing experiments will determine if this effect is dependent on βcatenin. NS1643 has promise in protecting women in the futur
Investigating the Changes in Flux Density of Methanol Masers in the Orion Nebula
No full textThe VLA Orion-A Large Survey (VOLS) collaboration used the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) telescope to observe a methanol maser in the Orion Nebula 20 times from April 3rd, 2022 to July 1st, 2022, corresponding to 20 different epochs of data. This study aimed to characterize this methanol maser in terms of flux density consistency, fast variability, and light wave polarization on both a short-term and long-term scale using these data, forming three objectives. The flux density was consistent for 17 epochs and inconsistent for 3 epochs based on the measurement errors, insinuating consistent calibration between pointings for most epochs. Within an epoch, the scans generally slightly differed in flux density over a 60-80 minute period, with mild evidence of fast variability in certain epochs. We saw no linear or circular polarization in any of the epochs. However, we saw many discrepancies in specific epochs such as offset pointing averages in epoch 2, an offset scan in epoch 3, negative sidelobes in a few epochs, and a software error in epoch 11. Through this study of many 2022 epochs, the maser’s behavior on a short time scale was analyzed more accurately than previous studies looking at epoch averages
The Time Value of Money
No full textIn the United States, most students graduate high school without taking a financial literacy course, as it is not a requirement for graduation in many states, including Illinois. This gap in education leaves many adults unprepared to manage their finances, which can lead to poor financial decisions, significant debt, and even bankruptcy. Financial literacy is crucial for navigating the complexities of personal finances, yet many individuals are never taught the fundamentals, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and understanding credit. This project is designed to address that gap by providing readers with a clear understanding of financial principles, specifically focusing on the time value of money. Through the creation and implementation of a financial literacy workshop, the goal is to empower individuals with the tools they need to make informed financial decisions. By mastering essential concepts like compound interest, individuals can not only build a solid financial foundation but also make smart long-term decisions that will help secure their financial future. This workshop aims to help participants develop the skills and confidence to manage their money effectively, ultimately improving their financial well-being and reducing the risk of financial hardship in the future