Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
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Wireless, Bio-Implementable Strain Gauge for Continuous Bladder Monitoring
No full textThe pressure of the bladder is critical to treat the neurogenic bladder dysfunction in the patients with myelomeningocele, where loss of bladder control can cause kidney damage, urinary tract infections, and even death. The development of semi-invasive implantable bioelectronic devices that can sense bladder pressure opens the door for a new generation of urodynamics (UDS) tools; however, long-term biocompatibility needs to be confirmed. A foreign body response (FBR)- type of chronic inflammation may contribute to the worsening of bladder dysfunction and a slowed recovery. This study phenotypes the host inflammatory response by histological and immunohistochemical characterization of FBR markers in response to a wireless bio-implantable strain gauge for continuous bladder monitoring. Mononuclear cell infiltration was evaluated by using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, while Masson’s trichrome staining was used to evaluate collagen deposition and vascular change. IHC directed against inflammatory markers: CD68 for macrophages and myeloperoxidase (MPO) for neutrophils. This is in line with our results demonstrating the strain gauge\u27s potential for chronic implantation. Together, the results show the capabilities of the device toward chronic bladder pressure monitoring while also demonstrating that biocompatibility of the device, an important consideration for its clinical uses
YOlOv4 ML Image Detection for Melanoma Cancer Cell Counting Presenter
No full textMachine learning(ML) models are computer systems that are able to learn and adapt independently, using algorithms to analyze and draw inferences from patterns in data. Usage of ML models in biology has skyrocketed, especially in the drug discovery and pharmaceutical industries. Cell counting is an important part of the drug discovery process, crucial for assessing culture viability and determining proliferation rates post treatment. Human cell counters are prone to bias and error, leading to wasted time for accurate results. Additionally, drug compounds often interfere with commercially available biochemical cell assays used for assessing the above-mentioned metrics. In this project, we use the YOLOv4 machine learning model to automate cell counting via image object detection. The model was trained on images of mouse melanoma cell line B16F10, human uveal melanoma, 624.38, and 888.A2 melanoma cell lines post nanoparticle treatment, captured by the invitrogen M5000 Imaging System and Incucyte Imaging Software. Prior to training, the images were converted to jpg format and then cells were labeled either dead or alive using the labelImg python program. Using this model, we can count cells more effectively, resulting in a precise, cost-effective, time-saving, and bias-free alternative to manual counting
Stirling Engine Attribute Survey and Construction
No full textElectrical generation and building heating contributes ~25% of greenhouse gas emissions. Stirling engines are a quiet and efficient way to convert thermal energy into mechanical work, even utilizing the modest temperature differences found inside and outside buildings, in the range of 20 degrees C. We surveyed three major types, alpha, beta, and gamma, seeking preferences for specific applications. Building off prior research in house, there seems to be uniformity in the phase angle among all three. However, when we considered the energy conversion efficiency and multi-cylinder Stirling engines, the alpha configuration ranked far below the others while gamma edged out beta. Next an attempt was made to construct a Stirling engine from scratch using simple materials. Despite internet video examples, practical difficulties prevented immediate success. Excessive lash in mechanical linkages and friction in pistons had to be overcome. Initially, we started with a basic piston model using a syringe but soon attempted to use an existing engine’s piston to reduce friction, but both models failed. An appreciation for the fluid volumes and heat exchanger areas had to be gleaned from successful examples, the latter of which is ongoing with plans to increase heat exchange
Exploring the Probabilistic Nature of Voltage-Gated Ion Channels
No full textBiological cells rely on ion channels, which are complex protein structures to regulate movement of sodium, potassium, and calcium ions across the cell membrane. Some of these channels respond to voltage changes or bioelectric fields, allowing ion movement that alters concentration gradients inside and outside the cell membrane.
This research investigates the behavior of the voltage-gated ion channels in a single cardiac cell (Luo-Rudy, 1991). The model of the Cardiac Cell is represented by a nonlinear system of differential equations. One of the central equations incorporates voltage-dependent rate constants, α(alpha) and β(beta), to calculate the probability of a given channel being open over time. We focus on this equation and how the probabilistic nature of these constants impact the voltage-gated sodium ion channel and thus the cardiac function. This study revealed how small variations in voltage-dependent rate constants significantly influence sodium channel behavior, affecting cardiac excitability
Further, by simulating varying conditions to the action potential, like an increase in extracellular, we can better understand what causes heart muscle exhaustion and how modifications to+ mchannel behaviors can lead to abnormal heart function such as arrhythmias
Analyzing Quantum Exceptional Point Invisibility for Experimentally Realizable Triple-Gaussian Potentials
No full textFor general quantum systems, certain energies correspond to exceptional points (EPs) where unique, non-Hermitian dynamics occur. For example, within quantum scattering, they correspond to points of invisibility where particles can pass through any barrier unimpeded. We seek to identify experimentally realizable EPs for a quantum particle interacting with various potential barriers to further elucidate the complex theory involved and verify results. We primarily analyze the triple-Gaussian potential, a setup that can be experimentally realized via lasers, and compare it to the triple-rectangular potential that can be analytically solved with the Transfer Matrix Method (TMM). A key finding is that increasing the central Gaussian barrier merges EPs, acting as a quantum filter by selectively permitting certain energies to pass. Additionally, we discover EPs for the triple-delta potential, a theoretical setup consisting of three infinitesimally thin barriers. This project serves as a foundation for further EP analyses, including experimental verification of invisibility effects for ultracold atom experiments. Understanding these EPs has broad applications, including the development of highly sensitive quantum sensors for early earthquake detection, enhanced navigation systems for autonomous vehicles, noninvasive biosensing through “invisible” nanoparticles, and improved quantum error correction crucial for advancing quantum computing technologies
MEIS1 and HOXB13 Support Tumor Suppression By Regulating Decorin and Lumican
No full textProstate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in American men. While prostate cancer is very treatable, there remains a need for alternative treatments for those who are resistant to androgen based therapies. MEIS1 and HOXB13 regulation is associated with proteoglycans like decorin and lumican to promote a tumor suppressive phenotype. Therefore, this project aims to elucidate how the transcription factors HOXB13 and MEIS1 work together to act as tumor suppressors by regulating DCN and LUM to inhibit prostate cancer growth. To do this, cancer cell lines 22Rv1 were injected into immunocompromised mice to create xenografts. Then, protein and RNA were harvested from the xenograft tumors. The protein was quantified using BCA analyses before running on Western blots and the RNA was quantified through qPCR. When the cell lines were modulated to overexpress MEIS1, there was an abundance of DCN and LUM. However, when HOXB13 was knocked out the DCN and LUM levels dropped. Analysis of protein-protein interaction prediction through HADDOCK suggests MEIS1-HOXB13 interaction near the C-terminus of the MEIS1 protein. Overall, these results shed light on how MEIS1 and HOXB13 work together to modulate decorin and lumican, providing insight on more effective treatments
The Process of Land Development in Northern Illinois
No full textCemcon is a civil engineering consulting firm that specializes in subdivision design and has ongoing projects across northern Illinois. During the course of my internship, I have assisted in the development of subdivision plans through tasks like analyzing site drainage and overland flood routes, modeling channel cross sections, conducting cost analyses, completing time of concentration and curve number calculations, verifying existing pad depths, and calculating stage storage for ponds. Throughout this experience, I have seen and been directly involved in the process of transforming undeveloped land into subdivisions
Office Intern
No full textState Representative Barbara Hernandez aids her constituents by writing legislation, meeting their concerns, and organizing events. As her intern, I focus on helping to research legislation, resolving the issues of her constituents, and managing her social media. One of my main responsibilities is to answer phone calls, emails, and letters. Most of these express an issue that the constituent faces, which I then work to resolve by contacting agencies and providing them with the resources they need. I also spent a large portion of my time answering letters from incarcerated individuals, especially regarding Representative Hernandez\u27s HB5219. This specific bill altered truth-in-sentencing laws, eliminating mandatory minimums and allowing for those incarcerated to be released earlier if they had enough credits. Another of my responsibilities was to create social media graphics, captions, and posts for the Representative\u27s Facebook and Instagram pages. I also had the opportunity to attend a few events with her, one of the most interesting discussing the health of minorities in Aurora. My work helped increase her outreach, resolve the issues of her constituents, and develop possible legislation. The experience was impactful to my understanding of the issues that Illinois faces and how the legislative branch resolves them
Automated Removal of 3D Prints and System
No full text3D printers are Often not used as efficiently as possible since they require a human operator to reruwe 3D prints. Especially in multi-user 3D printing systems, there aren\u27t many human operators able to keep up with the rate of 3D prints. This project aims to solve these problems by using an automated removal system Of 3D prints from commercial printers. It uses a separate mechanical system to scrape prints from the build plate of 3D printers after prints finish. The project also includes an interactive user interface to upload and queue 3D prints to continuously print without downtime. For the prevention Of failures, the removal system employs a camera using a machine learning algorithm to detect print failures to automatically restart prints
Integrating Al into the World of Education (Entrepreneurship)
No full textThe Al Center supports students in Al development, research, learning, and collaboration. Many opportunities have been presented to the \u27MSA community thus far, such as the continuation of the Al Bytes sessions and Al competitions. My role as the entrepreneurship intern included compiling a list of Al tools, current Al internships and SIRS done by other students, and organizing competitions. First, we arranged a mini-Al Entrepreneurship competition where competitors presented their Al-focused solutions to UN sustainable development problems. This was a pilot for the PowerPitch Al Competition. In the PowerPitch Al Competition, students pitch an Al entrepreneurship idea through a Video submission and a final round of live presentations. Additionally, we are working on a Developer Hackathon competition with the Data Science Visualization Club. My contributions of assisting in making corporate decisions to the Al Center will ultimately facilitate the creation of a knowledgeable Al community at IMSA and eventually beyond