Tested whether native (L1) German speakers would judge deverbal nominals in German to be well-formed under different semantic readings. We more specifically focused on capturing if the nominal suffix “-ungâ€

This research explores the stability of ferroelectric phases in (Ba,Sr)TiO3 thin films on GdScO3 substrates. Investigating the interplay of temperature, composition, and strain-state, the study aims to simplify complexities by focusing on one substrate. Computational simulations, varying temperature, composition, and strain contribute to a temperature-composition phase diagram. The phase diagram reveals stable ferroelectric phases in specific regions, forming distinctive patterns. The significance lies in advancing understanding and control of BSTO, a pivotal ferroelectric material with diverse applications.

This study aims to evaluate the survival of melanoma cancer patients and the impacts of different risk factors using a comprehensive, population-based approach using R, investigated multiple data sources and help on the treatment choices of the melanoma based on data integration.

In an 11-year cycle, the Sun’s magnetic field undergoes a complete polarity flip. During each solar cycle, the Sun displays varying levels of activity, which are quantified by the number of sunspots. These sunspots are categorized using letters ( A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J). Our research investigates sunspot behavior during solar cycle minima and maxima for cycles 20 to 22. Analyzing extensive daily sunspot data, revealed that sunspots exhibit greater complexity during solar maxima years. Interestingly, sunspots categorized as F seem to be entirely absent during solar minimum. Further data analysis is necessary to comprehend this behavior and its interpretation and implications, in terms of local and global magnetic effects relating to solar activity. 

Digital learning technology has increased in relevance in education settings globally, particularly thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study documents findings from student interviews at Penn State and the University of Oxford on their technology use in music coursework. Results show that students have an increased use and value associated with learning technology in music coursework, particularly post-COVID-19. Further findings underscore the importance of accessible user interfaces and institutional-procured software.

Streptococci bacteria are a fundamental part of the human oral microbiome. Using a competitive mapping approach with ancient DNA from British populations dating 2100BCE-present, we found major shifts in streptococci communities occurred after the post-medieval period. While Streptococcus sp. DD04 now has reduced diversity, Streptococcus sanguinis remains abundant in healthy modern populations where it has acquired genes involved in membrane transport and stress response. These evolutionary histories provide important insights into humanity’s changing oral health. 

Speech production during interaction allows naturalistic examination of the different speech sound categories spoken languages may use. Spoken languages have different vowel systems that may affect speech perception and production, potentially resulting in speakers and their conversational partners experiencing challenges based on speech contrasts and the presence of competing speech. This study focuses on Dutch-English bilinguals, whose languages have broadly similar phonological systems; however, specific speech contrasts pose challenges for Dutch-English bilinguals’ perception and production.

Sonification is the use of sound to perceptualize given data. My data I collected was one full oscillation of the bay tide during the summer of 2023 for the full, halves, and new moon phases. I can compare the differences in the bay tides aurally and also compare these tides to the bay tide from 2003 to also aurally prove how much our tides have risen. Eventually the end goal for this project is to complete a composition utilizing the full moon oscillation as the tonal center for my piece and the other three oscillations as a selection of tones to choose for a melody or modulated section.

The purpose of the study was to determine associations between metabolic syndrome severity and cognitive performance, and the moderating effects of vascular health. In 48 older adults, MetS severity score was negatively correlated with reaction time (r=-0.379, p=0.010) and accuracy (r=-0.351, p=0.023) on a task of working memory. MetS severity was also positively correlated to arterial stiffness (r=0.501, p<0.001). The severity of MetS should be considered an important variable on cognitive decline in this population.

My project explores the connection between senators' use of Twitter/X as a form of communication and their electoral success. I am looking at Twitter/X data on incumbents from 2013-2015 and categorizing the incumbents into different styles of communicators based on their tweeting styles. I correlate that with the electoral results of the 2014 and 2016 elections to asses which styles of communication may be the most successful for incumbents and those seeking election to adopt.

In the HAWC observatory's third catalogue of very-high-energy gamma ray sources, three of the unassociated sources were observed overlapping with pulsars from the ANTF pulsar catalogue. These three sources were further analyzed, as the pulsar association is relevant to the study of gamma ray acceleration. A morphological and spectral analysis was conducted to determine changes in each source’s extension and level of emission. It was concluded that each source grew in intensity over time.

Ethylene Forming Enzyme (EFE) is a iron (II) and 2-oxoglutarate dependent enzyme that can produce the compound ethylene as well as trace amounts of 3-hydroxypropionate, a valuable chemical building block with potential to synthesize biodegradable plastics. Our project seeks to perform protein engineering of EFE by amino acid substitutions in the substrate binding pocket such that 3HP is the primary enzymatic product, and also modify the 2-oxoglutarate substrate to synthesize substituted alkenes through the enzyme.

NusG is a universally conserved transcription elongation factor that stimulates RNA polymerase pausing throughout the Bacillus subtilis genome. The 5’ leader of tenA, a gene involved in vitamin B1 (thiamine) metabolism, contains a NusG-dependent pause site within a thiamine-dependent riboswitch. To determine whether pausing regulates transcription of tenA, we conducted β-Galactosidase assays in the presence and absence of thiamine to measure the expression of tenA in wild-type and ∆nusG strains of B. subtilis.

Anthropogenic noise is an increasing source of pollution with unclear effects on wildlife. We complimented data from experimental manipulation of noise at bluebird nest boxes by quantifying distances to potential sources of noise (human structures) using ArcGIS. Using linear models in RStudio, we will test the association between distance to human structures with number of babies successfully raised. We will compare these results with the experimental results to better characterize anthropogenic noise effects on bluebirds.

Vitamin D deficiency, a global health issue, may impact lactation by modulating mammary inflammation and lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of vitamin D supplementation on exclusive breastfeeding prevalence during early infancy. We found that the relative prevalence of non-exclusive breastfeeding was lower in early infancy among mothers receiving vitamin D supplements during pregnancy and lactation compared to placebo, but results were inconsistent across supplementation dosage groups.

Insight into the kinetics of RNA folding can facilitate an understanding of the differences between thermodynamically predicted structures and those formed within the cell. Consequently, a fluorescence-detected stopped-flow instrument was used to record fluorescence of RNA duplex formation over millisecond intervals of time as a function of RNA concentration and sequence in different solutions. Analysis of kobs revealed that the kinetics of duplex formation are altered under in vivo-like conditions.

The ability of fish fins to display plastic responses has only been reported in the internal skeleton, or endoskeleton, and it is unclear whether the other half of the fin skeleton, the dermal skeleton, can respond in a plastic manner. Here, we test whether plasticity in the dermal fin skeleton can be induced in zebrafish through feeding trials that required altered movement in the water column. We find that the dermal skeleton is capable of plastic response. This shows that swimming in juveniles can affect the patterning of fins and might contribute to the evolution of fin skeletal diversity.in a plastic manner. Here, we test whether plasticity in the dermal fin skeleton can be induced in zebrafish through feeding trials that required altered movement in the water column. We find that the dermal skeleton is capable of plastic response. This shows that swimming in juveniles can affect the patterning offins and might contribute to the evolution of fin skeleal diversity.

Per – and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals that have produced since the late 1930's. that have been used in various household and industrial products. The PFAS molecules have a fluorinated carbon chain with various functional groups that give them unique properties well-suited for use in non-stick, stain resistant, and waterproof materials. Additionally, they have been granted the nickname name 'forever' and 'legacy' chemicals due to their slow degradability and persistence in the environment. Despite several of the PFAS compounds being discounted and removed from products in the early 2000's, they are still found in the environment, as well as in the blood of wildlife and humans. Exposure to PFAS may vary depending on occupation and use of items known to contain PFAS. Multiple studies have emphasized the dangers of PFAS exposure, as they bioaccumulate in the environment, animals, and humans. Current research shows increased risk of cancers, infertility, reduced fetal growth, and decreased immune response, prompting a need for further public education and awareness. Because it can be difficult to know how best to reduce exposure to PFAS, we are developing a PFAS Footprint Calculator took that will help families and individuals to understand their exposure to PFAS-containing household and consumer products. Users will enter the number and type of products, such as textiles, cosmetics, and food packing into the footprint tool, and based on a literature review on the amount of PFAS in each product type, the tool will estimate a user’s PFAS footprint. Results of the literature review show that PFAS concentrations vary amongst different companies, states, and products; with production and manufacturing contributing to the variation from item to item. The results of the tool will help the user to identify ways to limit their exposure to PFAS, thereby reducing exposure risk to themselves and their families. Preliminary data collection indicates that textiles and cookware could be major contributors to PFAS exposure. The tool will also serve to educate and raise awareness regarding PFAS-containing products, thereby serving to help improve public health.

As a leader in the supply chain, Panama is a melting pot where numerous cultures coexist, trade, and conduct business. Panama is a key player in the global supply chain because of its diversity, which improves trade connectivity in the Panama Canal and on a worldwide scale. During a week-long embedded travel abroad program, we immersed ourselves in the culture and visited multiple logistics companies to gain valuable insight into Panamanian supply chain operations.

The Theobroma cacao tree, used to make chocolate, struggles with diseases: a problem that could be alleviated through breeding for new varieties. As a tropical tree crop, its long time to maturity and limited geographic range restrict breeding efforts. Genetic engineering could be a faster approach, although current protocols using the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method have low efficiencies. This project aims to optimize the existing protocol by comparing ptxD and SulR to nptII as selectable marker genes for transformed cells.

The widening gap between managers and employees results from the absence of strategies for adapting to evolving workplace values and lack of emphasis on managerial neuroplasticity. This study introduces plasticity, which aids managers with navigating contemporary work environments and enhancing internal branding. This study culminated in the original Plasticity Model, which measures managerial plasticity, and the Internal Branding Plasticity Model (IBPM), which tests relationships between internal branding, plasticity, employee engagement, job satisfaction, and employee loyalty.

From the expanse of the universe to the cell that brings all life to earth, oneness is what we come together for. We sow the seeds of solidarity for a world we imagine and propagate the change, within and beyond us. We stand tall as a kindled conscience that aches at the sound of violence and pushes us in being kindred spirits in practicing radical empathy. Here's celebrating our togetherness- One World.

Algal symbionts are critical for the well-being of coral reefs. Dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae establish a nutritional photosymbiosis with corals. Unfortunately, increasing marine heat waves break down symbioses between corals and Symbiodiniaceae. Therefore, surveys of Symbiodiniaceae diversity and evolutionary history are crucial to understand coral reef resilience. Traditional genetic markers uncovered the vast genetic diversity of Symbiodiniaceae but have limitations. We aim to establish novel genomic markers (UCEs) to study symbiont diversity and evolution.  

This research poster investigates changes in the structural ensemble of FoxO1, a crucial transcription factor implicated in various cellular processes. Utilizing novel carbon direct-detect NMR techniques, we analyze how the post-translational modification of acetylation influences FoxO1's conformational dynamics. Our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between FoxO1's structure and function, providing valuable insights into its regulatory mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for diseases such as cancer and metabolic disorders.