Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy
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Application of Scale Factors for Enhanced Background Analysis for a search for the Doubly Charged Higgs Boson
No full textIn high-energy physics experiments, the accurate application of systematic scale factors is essential for refining analysis, specifically in the context of muon and electron identification. These scale factors are derived from empirical data to correct for various effects in the reconstruction and identification processes in the Monte Carlo simulation. We present a method for applying systematic scale factors, focusing on scale factors for the trigger, lepton identification, isolation, and reconstruction efficiencies. The process involves their integration into particle analysis workflows through parsing JSON files. By systematically incorporating these scale factors, we enhance the accuracy of our analysis, ensuring a more reliable simulation
Optimizing Fiji/ImageJ for Accurate Cell Counting and Differentiation Analysis of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs)
No full textThis study aims to develop a reliable and efficient methodology for accurately counting induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and their differentiated counterparts using Fiji (ImageJ), a widely used image-processing tool in cell and molecular biology. The primary objective is to optimize parameters such as thresholding, contrasts, and region-of-interest (ROI) identification within Fiji to distinguish between iPSCs and differentiated iPSCs. The methodology will address challenges on why current automated programs are unable to accurately count cells. Current limitations for counting include cell density, overlapping cells, and differences in cell morphology between iPSCs. Training machine learning using diverse images to accurately count cells can ensure accurate cell counts and quality control. The goal is to establish a consistent procedure that ensures precise and reproducible cell counts, contributing to more accurate analyses of iPSC differentiation and its potential applications in regenerative medicine. This experiment is crucial because accurate cell counting and differentiation analysis are essential for studying iPSCs and their applications in regenerative medicine. iPSCs have the potential to develop into various cell types, making them valuable for disease modeling, drug testing, and potential therapeutic applications
Tracing the Effects of Antiretroviral Induced Bone loss in People Living with HIV
No full textAntiretroviral therapy (ART) has significantly increased the lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH), but as this population ages, they face an elevated risk of osteoporosis, particularly among women. Bone loss is a well-documented consequence of ART, with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) being strongly associated with decreased bone mineral density (BMD). Tenofovir itself has poor oral bioavailability, necessitating the development of prodrugs, TDF and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF), with TDF exhibiting greater adverse effects on bone health. Notably, the mechanisms underlying TDF-associated bone loss are not exclusive to HIV infection, as evidence suggests these effects occur in noninfectious environments as well. This is particularly relevant given the expanding use of ART for HIV prevention through pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). To investigate the direct impact of TDF on bone health, we utilized a noninfectious C57BL/6 female mouse model to assess BMD changes over time. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were conducted at multiple time points to evaluate the progression of bone loss. Understanding the drug-specific effects of TDF on bone metabolism will provide valuable insights into optimizing ART regimens and mitigating long-term skeletal complications in both HIV-infected and at-risk populations
FAV Intake’s Effect on Kidney Filtration
No full textThis study analyzes the connections between reported diet, in terms of fruit and vegetable (FAV) and fat-content intake, observed serum carotenoid values, socioeconomic level, and kidney function in people with sickle cell disease. An adequate FAV intake and low fat consumption have beneficial impacts on kidney health. People with sickle cell disease are at much higher risk of medical complications and early mortality if they also develop kidney disease and the impact of a healthy diet may be particularly important in this patient group. This study examines the possible effect of FAV intake and fat content on kidney health. The self- reported FAV intake is compared with measured carotenoid values to validate the FAV intake and better understand if there is a knowledge gap between perceived and actual FAV intake. The study also contrasts the level of FAV and dietary fat content to the participants’ socioeconomic level. FAV intake and dietary fat content are then compared with measures of kidney function (urine albumin concentration and estimated glomerular filtration rate). This study analyzes 3 levels of data from 20 participants with sickle cell disease in the Chicago area. The data collected includes self-reported surveys of FAV and dietary fat intake completed by each participant, blood samples to measure carotenoid concentrations, individual and community-level socioeconomic distress, and measures of their kidney function
Qualitative Analysis of the acceptability of attention training as a potential treatment for individuals with Long-COVID brain fog
No full textLong-COVID is a condition where individuals continue to experience symptoms after recovering from the acute phase of COVID-19. A common symptom of long COVID is brain fog, a term which refers to cognitive impairments including problems with attention and memory. This project aims to address this gap and examine the acceptability of a potential attention intervention among people living with long COVID brain fog. In this study, we analyzed interviews conducted with individuals who have Long-COVID, and who were invited to participate in an intervention targeting brain fog symptoms. This research aims to improve the understanding of the subjective experiences and the needs of stakeholders in the Long-COVID community. This research project also has the goal of understanding what are the needs and expectations of the target population. De-identified transcriptions of the interviews serve as the primary data source. These interviews are systematically analyzed using qualitative data analysis (i.e., initial and axial coding), which allows for identifying and organizing key themes and patterns. All in all, these results establish high acceptability for the proposed treatment among individuals affected by Lon COVID
Vaginal absorption of surfactants and chemicals: a narrative review
No full textVaginally used products can contain toxic chemicals such as surfactants, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, metals, and others. Chronic dermal exposure to these chemicals can lead to adverse health effects, however the effects of vaginal exposure are unknown. The objective of this review is to evaluate if surfactants and other chemicals applied intravaginally can be absorbed systemically or negatively impact vaginal cells.
We conducted a narrative review using the PubMed database. We included studies about vaginally administered chemicals in models representing vaginal exposure. We excluded reviews and studies that only evaluated ecosystem toxicity.
Our search yielded 3,131 articles and 13 papers met our inclusion criteria. We reviewed the absorption potential of 24 surfactants, chemicals, and metals. All of the surfactants reviewed were absorbed into vaginal cells, but effects were dependent on concentration and polarity. Nonoxynol-9 consistently inhibited cell growth, was cytotoxic to vaginal cells, and had a high irritation potency.
Many reviewed surfactants were found in commercial personal lubricants, including the cytotoxic surfactant nonoxynol-9. Given its irritation potential, we recommend against use of nonoxynol-9 in vaginally applied formulations. Only one study evaluated systemic absorption of surfactants and other chemicals, highlighting a large gap in research of vaginally applie formulations
Adversarial Attack Mitigation in Formation Control of Multi-Agent Systems
No full textApproximately 6.1 million car collisions occur annually, with 94% caused by human error. Autonomous Vehicles (AVs) in Multi-Agent Systems (MAS) aim to reduce such incidents. However, MAS, essential for AV coordination, are vulnerable to adversarial attacks due to their decentralized nature. A single compromised vehicle can trigger cascading deviations, leading to system failures. This research proposes a novel framework to enhance MAS resilience against adversarial attacks, ensuring stability in real-time operations like search-and-rescue and disaster relief. The study introduces a dynamic recalibration method that adjusts based on attack detection. When an attack is flagged, the compromised agent’s influence is reduced, and coupling dynamics adjust for unaffected agents. Unlike traditional methods, which isolate detected agents, this approach allows partial information flow to maintain system stability. The framework was validated through simulations of four AV agents in a square formation: one unaltered, one under attack without mitigation, and one with attack prevention. Residual-based detection flagged anomalies, and the mitigation strategy reduced cascading effects. Without prevention, the system suffered a 49% trajectory deviation, while the proposed framework limited deviation to 8%, ensuring stability under attack
Business Strategy and Automation in Startup Development
No full textVenture Point is a startup incubator based at the University of Chicago, dedicated to supporting early-stage companies through mentorship, market analysis, and technical development. This project explores key areas of business strategy, including marketing, product research, and operational automation. Over the course of the internship, efforts were focused on enhancing visibility through targeted Outreach, optimizing product offerings based on market trends, and improving efficiency through automation tools. Startups within the incubator benefited from increased engagement, refined product positioning, and streamlined communication systems. These initiatives contributed to a more scalable and competitive startup ecosystem, demonstrating the importance of integrating business strategy with technological solutions to drive growth and sustainability
Teaching Assistant for Fourth Grade Students
No full textOver the last few months, Grace McWayne Elementary School and ny mentor, Mrs. Sarah Barrett, have given me the opportunity to experience life as a teacher, specifically With fourth-grade students. During this time, I have learned a lot, including how to deal with issues as they arise, teaching students based on individual needs, and keeping a class controlled in an atypical environment. I have taught lessons, read to the class, and done many individual check-ups throughout ny time interning at this school. For a few weeks of this internship, I have gone and observed in other classrooms, including a second-grade class and a third through fifth-grade special education class. By doing this internship, I have learned many of the skills as well as experiences of an elementary school teacher and have enjoyed the process imrnensely
Quantum science and engineering: An emerging field where IMSA can have an impact
No full textIllinois’ $500 million investment in the future development of Quantum Computing and Microelectronics Park is a great opportunity for IMSA to get connected in this emerging field. This workshop will explore what is quantum, classroom examples, why it is important to IMSA, how we are engaged right now, and how we might create future opportunities for IMSA students and IMSA outreach