Do Income-Driven Differences Between Urban Neighborhoods Shape Prey Availability and Bat Foraging Activity?

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Elizabeth Hargis Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Victoria Bennett Environmental Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 7, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Urbanization alters habitat structure and resource availability, influencing wildlife distribution and behavior. In particular, invertebrates are affected by the differences in urban landscape that are caused by distinct socio-economic differences throughout urban areas. These changes in invertebrate abundance and diversity may affect bat populations that rely on these invertebrates as a food source. This study investigates how neighborhood income influences invertebrate diversity and bat foraging activity in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. We hypothesize that variations in landscape management and the income-driven use of pesticides can alter invertebrate diversity and subsequently bat activity. We conducted invertebrate sampling and acoustic bat monitoring across ten urban greenspaces; five high-income and five low-income neighborhoods in Tarrant County, TX, USA. We then quantified invertebrate and bat abundance and diversity using Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices and examined correlations between invertebrate diversity, bat activity, and household income. This study will help to understand the ecological consequences of socio-economic disparities in urban habitats, which can inform conservation strategies to enhance urban biodiversity and bat conservation efforts.

Assessing Soil Carbon Dynamics in Amended Urban Farms in Fort Worth Using Thermal Analysis

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Md Simoon Nice Environmental Sciences Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences Brendan L. Lavy Environmental Sciences
Advisor(s): Omar Harvey Geological Sciences Gehendra Kharel Environmental Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 4, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Fort Worth, the fastest-growing city in Texas, contains many vacant land plots suitable for urban agriculture—an opportunity to address local food deserts. However, unsustainable farming can degrade soil organic carbon and reduce productivity. This study assessed soil carbon dynamics in a food waste compost–amended urban farm in Fort Worth. Experimental plots, including compost-amended and control treatments (triplicated), were established and monitored monthly from January 2023 to July 2024. Thermo-gravimetric Analysis (TGA) was used to calculate the recalcitrance index (R50), indicating carbon stability. Results showed compost-treated soils had more stable carbon and structured lignin degradation. In contrast, untreated soils exhibited unstructured decomposition and faster carbon loss. Compost enhances soil health and carbon cycling, and future research should explore combining compost with cover crops to maximize carbon sequestration and microbial activity in urban farming systems.

Norfolk UST Risk Assesment

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Joshua Benford Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Esayas Gebremicael Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 1, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) pose a significant environmental hazard in Norfolk, Virginia, where factors such as weather, casing materials, and varying ground conditions contribute to potential leaks over time. Corrosion, exacerbated by Norfolk's coastal location and harsh soil conditions, is a primary cause of these leaks. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools can be utilized to develop a predictive model for identifying at-risk UST locations by integrating data from multiple sources, including UST records from the state of Virginia and other relevant datasets. This model would employ various spatial analysis techniques to generate maps and web applications, enabling field teams to validate its accuracy and support the City of Norfolk in mitigating risks associated with leaking USTs. The goal of this research is to produce valuable insights that help safeguard the health of Norfolk's residents and protect the delicate surrounding ecosystem, including the Atlantic Ocean, marshes, rivers, and Chesapeake Bay.

A Study of the Coll de Montllobar to Further Characterize Channelization as the Units Shift Through Transgressive-Regressive Sequences

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Samuel Knox Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): John Holbrook Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

The Tremp-Graus basin, located in Northern Spain, is a foreland piggyback basin that sits on the foot of Pyrenees Mountains. More specifically within the Montsec range, North of the Montsec thrust belt. The basin is a result of an east to west trending syncline area between the Boxial and Montsec Thrusts, North and South of Tremp, Spain, respectively. During the end of the Cretaceous period, syntectonic sedimentation began and carried throughout the Miocene. Thus, forming the basin that is structurally open in the west and open in the east, possibly due to structural events and quite possibly a shallow sea that protruded the area during the Ypresian (56 – 47.8 Ma). The sediments came from sources in the North, East, and the South in less quantities. The Pyrenees Mountains to the north are the main source of the sedimentation in the area as an influx of sediment occurred over time as the thrust sheets became proximal to the basin. The Boxial thrust supplied alluvial fans during the Maastrichtian in a localized setting (Arevalo, 2022; Busquests, 2022).
There is an overall transition from continental to deltaic sediments in the east to a western section that is mainly slope mudstones, thin-bedded turbidite wedges, proximal turbidites, channel-fills, distal turbidities and basin-plain deposits. This study will focus on a vertical section in the Coll del Montllobar Cliffs to help identify and differentiate channel characteristics as the rocks shift from continental/terrestrial deposits to marine influence deposits (tracking transgressive-regressive cycles) within the Upper Ager Group through the Lower Montanyana Group. The study will include at least five highly detailed measured sections, fluvial mapping conducted through drone footage and 3D modeling as well as possible point counting root density within the sections. In the conclusion of this study researchers will have a reliable Type Section as well as a basic understanding of how transgressive – regressive cycles alter channel behavior within the region, as well as the defining characteristics of the fluvial channels.

GIS STUDIES AND GEOCHEMISTRY OF SELECTED CAMBRIAN IGNEOUS ROCK UNITS IN THE SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA AULACOGEN

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Michael Mbah Geological Sciences Esayas Gebremichael Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Hanson Geological Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 8, Position 3, 1:45-3:45

The Wichita Mountains in southwestern Oklahoma hold over a billion years of geological history, offering valuable insights into rift dynamics, magmatism, and basin evolution. These mountains are remnants of the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen, a failed rift that initially formed during the Cambrian period through crustal extension but was later uplifted due to tectonic inversion. The region features a diverse range of igneous and sedimentary rocks, including the Carlton Rhyolites, gabbroic anorthosites, and granites of the Wichita Granite Group, which reflect a complex magmatic history. Over time, major tectonic events such as the Pennsylvanian uplift during the formation of Pangea and subsequent Permian burial played a key role in shaping the area's present landscape. This study utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools to examine the spatial relationships, structural features, and lithological distribution of the Wichita Mountains. Using remote sensing, digital elevation models (DEMs), and geospatial analysis, this research provides a deeper understanding of the regions geological history and demonstrates the effectiveness of GIS technology in structural geology and regional mapping.

Quenched and disrupted dacitic to rhyolitic hyaloclastie complex emplaced at shallow levels beneath the seafloor in a Devonian submarine island-arc sequence in the northern Sierra Nevada, California

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Quinton Mindrup Geological Sciences Richard Hanson Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Hanson Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The Devonian Sierra Buttes Formation (SBF) occurs at the base of a thick succession of submarine Paleozoic island arc strata in the northern Sierra Nevada. Bulk eastward rotation of the succession has provided cross-sectional views of a variety of SBF volcaniclastic deposits, radiolarian chert and associated hypabyssal intrusions. The area of concern herein is centered on the prominent glaciated Sierra Buttes peaks, from which the formation takes its name. Coeval andesitic to rhyolitic hypabyssal intrusions form a complex assemblage making up much of the SBF in this area. The assemblage contains a large intrusive hyaloclastite complex within which dacitic-rhyolitic bodies are chaotically dispersed. The intrusions developed when ascending batches of magma were unable to penetrate thick sequences of unlithified sediment and instead intruded into and were quenched against them at shallow levels beneath seafloor.

Here we report results of detailed mapping of glaciated outcrops that occupy an area of ~ 245,000 m2 within the intrusive assemblage and consist mostly of dacite and rhyolite. The assemblage contains large amounts of massive fragmental material with clasts typically < 3 cm in length and ranging down to fine ash. Much of this material consists of angular, originally glassy hyaloclastite shards that formed by nonexplosive quench fragmentation of magma intruding into wet sediment. Ellipsoidal bodies, elongate tubes several meters in length with elliptical cross-sections, and irregular amoeboid bodies occur within the hyaloclastite matrix and are interpreted to represent parts of a branching, interconnected feeder system that supplied magma to the growing fragmental mass beneath the sea floor.

HYDROGEOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE SPATIOTEMPORAL EVOLUTION OF GROUNDWATER IN TEXAS AQUIFERS (1985-2014)

Type: Graduate
Author(s): ELVIS OWUSU Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): OMAR HARVEY Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 12, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

Due to the increasing industrial activities, domestic and agricultural demands in Texas render groundwater resources under severe pressure. Texas growing population of 29.5 million in 2021 is projected to reach 51 million by 2070 placing increasing pressure on groundwater, a vital resource for agriculture, industry and municipal use.
This study assesses the hydrogeochemical evolution of Texas nine (9) major aquifers over three decades (1985-2014) and leveraged data from the Texas Water Development Board, Satellite (Landsat 8) dataset from Center for hydrometeorology and Remote sensing, Land use and land cover (Landsat 8/9) dataset from Multi Resolution Land Characteristics were analyzed.
Results indicate a transition in groundwater types across aquifers such as Ogallala, Seymour, Pecos Valley, Edwards Trinity and Edwards Balcones, but Hueco Mesilla Bolson, Carrizo Wilcox and Gulf Coast remain chemically stable with the Trinity aquifer showing a slight variation in its ionic composition. Rock-water interaction and evaporation are the primary mechanism that controls groundwater chemistry and its influence by the weathering of silicate minerals, carbonate dissolution and evaporite dissolution.
Precipitation rates and Land cover changes also play a significant role in the hydro geochemistry of groundwater. Precipitation acts a climate driver for groundwater chemistry, Low precipitation enhances rock-water interaction while high precipitation dilutes solutes and refreshes the aquifer. An increase in developed areas increases abstraction of groundwater which lowers the groundwater level and increases mineral dissolution. This study highlights how hydrogeochemical assessment and remote sensing together offer vital insights into groundwater evolution, supporting adaptive and sustainable water management in Texas.

Geochemistry of Ediacaran-Ordovician diabase, lamprophyre and phonolite dikes in southern Colorado, possibly related to rifting in the Southern Oklahoma Aulacogen

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Caleb Perkey Geological Sciences Richard Hanson Geological Sciences
Advisor(s): Richard Hanson Geological Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 6, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

The Southern Oklahoma aulacogen is a northwest-trending structure containing abundant igneous rocks representing the remains of a major Cambrian rift zone. Previous geologists have mapped numerous igneous intrusions in Colorado that follow the same trend, ranging from Ediacaran to Ordovician in age, and have speculated that these intrusions may be a part of the same rift. These intrusions include abundant igneous dikes of various compositions that originated from deeper magmatic bodies, filling fracture systems in older igneous rocks and Precambrian gneisses. This study involves the geochemical analysis of samples we collected from different dike types, including diabase, lamprophyre, phonolite, and nepheline syenite. The dikes include a prominent diabase dike swarm in the Gunnison area as well as abundant dikes of several types in the Wet Mountains and Front Range farther east. On the discrimination and REE diagrams, fifteen representative dike samples from both sample regions plot tightly together, indicating the clustered dikes share a petrogenetic history of E-MORB-type magma that interacted with intercontinental lithosphere.
We have not yet found diabase dikes in the Wet Mountains suitable for geochemical studies. However, five samples from NW- to NNW-trending diabase dikes in the Front Range, ~80 km north of the Wet Mountains, are among the fifteen diabase samples that cluster together on the geochemical diagrams. This raises the intriguing possibility that dikes related to Ediacaran-Ordovician intraplate magmatism in Colorado may be more extensive than previously thought.
Samples of four lamprophyre dikes in the Wet Mountains exhibit uniform patterns in REE diagrams and plot within the same field on the Winchester and Floyd (1977) classification diagram. Three dikes classified as trachytes by other workers cluster plot in the phonolite field on this diagram, suggesting some of these dikes were previously misclassified. These three dikes also show similar REE patterns with prominent negative anomalies, implying prolonged fractional crystallization.

Nutrition Support for Sepsis Induced Acute Kidney Injury in a Critical Care Setting: A Case Report

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Blayke Anderson Nutritional Sciences
Advisor(s): Ashley Mullins Nutritional Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 10, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Sepsis-induced acute kidney injury (S-AKI) is a critical illness that causes decreased kidney function due to infection. With a prevalence of 40-50% of patients in the intensive care unit developing S-AKI, the illness is strongly associated with a higher risk of mortality, longer hospital stays, and increased risk of kidney failure relapse. S-AKI complicates medical nutrition therapy due to altered protein metabolism, increased metabolic demands, fluid imbalances, increased malnutrition risk, and electrolyte imbalances. Goals of nutrition care include close monitoring and evaluation of fluid, meeting estimated protein needs, maintaining electrolyte and vitamin status, and achieving supplemental nutrition tolerance to optimize kidney recovery and prevent malnutrition. Various nutrition interventions, such as individualized protein needs and enteral nutrition (EN), play a role in managing this illness. Evidence-based guidelines for protein recommendations vary based on the type of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and range from 1.2-2.5 g/kg/day. Patients with declining renal function prior to RRT and at risk for chronic kidney disease have a range of 0.8-1.0 g/kg/day to preserve long-term kidney function. Literature indicates initiation of EN within 24 hours is preferred over parenteral nutrition (PN) if oral intake is not feasible to prevent malnutrition. While there are no standardized fluid intake guidelines for S-AKI, continuous multidisciplinary assessment and adjustment to fluid intake are necessary to prevent volume overload. This case report reviews the importance of proactive individualized nutrition interventions to aid in patient recovery including improved nutritional status and AKI resolution.

Impact of Next-Generation Synbiotic Supplementation on Body Weight and Metabolic Biomarkers in Individuals with Overweight or Obesity Post Antibiotics

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Melissa Fernandez Alonso Nutritional Sciences Genevieve Aiwonegbe Interdisciplinary Angela Berry Interdisciplinary Ashlyn Dooley Interdisciplinary Anne George Interdisciplinary Katie Harnen Nutritional Sciences Brooke Hodnick Interdisciplinary Jaidyn Hooper Nutritional Sciences Olivia Landis Nutritional Sciences Matthew Loritz Nutritional Sciences Sarah McKinley-Barnard Interdisciplinary Jessica Mrosla Nutritional Sciences Ryan Porter Interdisciplinary Timothy Ritter Interdisciplinary
Advisor(s): Elisa Marroquin Nutritional Sciences
Location: Third Floor, Table 4, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Background: Research in animals and humans indicate that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in modulating insulin resistance1,2, while animal studies have demonstrated the gut microbiome's direct involvement in regulating body weight3,4. Furthermore, antibiotic use may impair insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance in individuals with overweight and obesity5-9. However, no studies to date have evaluated the potential factors influencing this metabolic response.

Methods: This is a randomized clinical trial with a within- and between-subjects comparison. Seventy-five individuals aged 18-50 years (BMI 25.0-40.0 kg/m2), with no Diabetes Mellitus diagnosis, and no recent probiotic or antibiotic intake (3 months) were recruited. Participants were allocated to a synbiotic or placebo group for 12 weeks following a 3-day Vancomycin antibiotic intervention (500 mg every 8 hours). Body weight and fasting blood samples (glucose, insulin, HbA1c) were taken at the first (baseline), second (after antibiotic administration), and third visit (after synbiotic/placebo intervention). HOMA-IR was calculated from fasting insulin and glucose levels. Due to lack of normal distribution of independent variables, Mann-Whitney U tests were performed to evaluate within- and between-group changes over time.

Results: Compiled results for all participants were analyzed, although only 60 completed the study. It is important to highlight that the placebo group was significantly heavier at baseline (91.8 ± 18.1 kg) than the synbiotic group (82.8 ± 14.3 kg) (p=0.046), while the latter had a modest weight gain over time (~0.80 kg, p=.056). Neither fasting glucose nor HbA1C changed significantly between groups over time. HbA1c, insulin, and HOMA-IR slightly increased from baseline in all participants (p<.001 each), which could indicate a decreased insulin sensitivity over time, with no significant differences between groups.

Conclusion: Our unadjusted analysis demonstrates that providing a 12-week next-generation synbiotic supplementation posterior to a 3-day antibiotic intervention did not correct the commonly observed detrimental effect of antibiotics on insulin resistance. Furthermore, it seemed to lead to significant weight gain (~0.80 kg, p=.056).

Implications for future research: We are planning on re-running all our statistical analyses controlling for baseline sex and we are also planning on running an independent third group with synbiotic only for comparison purposes.

Funding Source: Pendulum® and TCU Dean’s Opportunity Grant

References
1. Sergeev IN, Aljutaily T, Walton G, Huarte E. Effects of Synbiotic Supplement on Human Gut Microbiota, Body Composition and Weight Loss in Obesity. Nutrients. Jan 15 2020;12(1)doi:10.3390/nu12010222
2. Wu Z, Zhang B, Chen F, et al. Fecal microbiota transplantation reverses insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes: A randomized, controlled, prospective study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. 2022;12:1089991. doi:10.3389/fcimb.2022.1089991
3. Ridaura VK, Faith JJ, Rey FE, et al. Gut microbiota from twins discordant for obesity modulate metabolism in mice. Science. Sep 6 2013;341(6150):1241214. doi:10.1126/science.1241214
4. Turnbaugh PJ, Ley RE, Mahowald MA, Magrini V, Mardis ER, Gordon JI. An obesity-associated gut microbiome with increased capacity for energy harvest. Nature. Dec 21 2006;444(7122):1027-31. doi:10.1038/nature05414
5. Del Fiol FS, Balcão VM, Barberato-Fillho S, Lopes LC, Bergamaschi CC. Obesity: A New Adverse Effect of Antibiotics? Front Pharmacol. 2018;9:1408. doi:10.3389/fphar.2018.01408
6. Klancic T, Laforest-Lapointe I, Wong J, et al. Concurrent Prebiotic Intake Reverses Insulin Resistance Induced by Early-Life Pulsed Antibiotic in Rats. Biomedicines. Jan 12 2021;9(1)doi:10.3390/biomedicines9010066
7. Park SJ, Park YJ, Chang J, et al. Association between antibiotics use and diabetes incidence in a nationally representative retrospective cohort among Koreans. Sci Rep. Nov 4 2021;11(1):21681. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-01125-5
8. Yuan J, Hu YJ, Zheng J, et al. Long-term use of antibiotics and risk of type 2 diabetes in women: a prospective cohort study. Int J Epidemiol. Oct 1 2020;49(5):1572-1581. doi:10.1093/ije/dyaa122
9. Zhou J, Lin Y, Liu Y, Chen K. Antibiotic exposure and risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. Dec 2021;28(46):65052-65061. doi:10.1007/s11356-021-16781-3

Nutrition Interventions for a Malnourished Patient with a Non-Healing Surgical Incision and History of Bariatric Surgery: A Case Report

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Isabell Franzia Nutritional Sciences
Advisor(s): Ashley Mullins Nutritional Sciences
Location: SecondFloor, Table 4, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Medical nutrition therapy is necessary for individuals at risk of impaired wound healing, such as those with malnutrition, poor circulation, or advanced age. During the acute inflammatory response from wounds, the body enters a catabolic state, increasing energy and protein needs. For those with malnutrition or at risk for malnutrition, calories should be provided at 30-35 kcal/kg body weight and protein at 1.25-1.5 g/kg body weight. Along with increased energy needs, the assessment and management of vitamins and minerals such as vitamins A, vitamin C, vitamin K, and zinc enhance the synthesis of fibroblasts needed for tissue formation. Early diagnosis and intervention for malnourished patients with chronic wounds are critical steps in providing effective patient care. Oral intake is monitored to ensure calorie and protein intake is adequate and oral nutrition supplements may be provided if indicated. For those unable to tolerate oral feeds, enteral nutrition is the next preferred method. If enteral nutrition is contraindicated then parenteral nutrition can be initiated to provide adequate calories and protein. This case report analyzes the care of a 74-year-old female with a non-healing surgical wound with a history of bariatric surgery who has been diagnosed with malnutrition.

The Risk of Essential Fatty Acid Deficiency on Parenteral Nutrition in Long-Term Hospital Stay: Case Report

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Olivia Gasvoda Nutritional Sciences
Advisor(s): Ashley Mullins Nutritional Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 14, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Essential fatty acid deficiency (EFAD) is a condition that can occur when the body does not have adequate fats from the diet. EFAD can develop in as quick as 10 days and can present with symptoms such as itchy and flaky skin, poor wound healing, elevated liver function tests, and increased susceptibility to infection. EFAD rarely occurs in individuals who eat a balanced diet with a variety of foods and fat sources and is seen most often in patients unable to eat by mouth or tolerate tube feedings. Patients with prolonged poor nutrition are at increased risk of EFAD due to insufficient fat intake. Risk factors of EFAD are inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatic insufficiency, extreme diet restriction, and long-term parenteral nutrition support with limited fat emulsion supplementation. Preventing EFAD through awareness and proactive measures is essential in medical nutrition therapy. Since clinical markers are challenging to assess in the acute care setting, physical signs and symptoms are used for identifying and treating EFAD. For patients on parenteral nutrition support with no fat, supplementing with 500 mL intralipids per week is recommended to prevent EFAD. This case report reviews the current nutritional guidelines related to EFAD and parenteral nutrition and highlights a patient at risk for EFAD due to her poor intake, who was receiving long-term parenteral nutrition with supplemental oral intake.

Nutritional Management of Necrotizing Pancreatitis: A Case Report

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Josephine Miller Nutritional Sciences
Advisor(s): Ashley Mullins Nutritional Sciences
Location: Basement, Table 7, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe acute inflammation of the pancreas that disrupts the release of pancreatic enzymes necessary for digestion and the production of insulin needed to stabilize blood glucose levels. Common complications associated with necrotizing pancreatitis include diet intolerance, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased oral intake, and hyperglycemia. If the patient cannot meet their estimated nutritional requirements via an oral diet, supplemental nutrition support, such as enteral nutrition (EN) through a feeding tube or parenteral nutrition intravenously through a peripheral or central line, must be considered to prevent malnutrition. When necessary, early initiation of supplemental nutrition support within 24-48 hours of admission is associated with shorter hospital stays. To improve diet tolerance and reduce symptoms while utilizing EN, patients with necrotizing pancreatitis may be fed elemental or semi-elemental formulas through a feeding tube placed in a post-pyloric position. Additionally, insulin therapy may be utilized in cases where patients experience hyperglycemia due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. The target blood glucose range for hospitalized patients is less than 180 mg/dL, or less than 140 mg/dL if there is no significant risk of hypoglycemia. Insulin therapy should be initiated when a patient experiences a blood glucose level greater than or equal to 180 mg/dL at least twice within a 24-hour period. This case report evaluates the management of EN intolerance and hyperglycemia when treating individuals with necrotizing pancreatitis.

Navigating Nutrition and Complex Goals of Care in a Patient with Decompensated Cirrhosis: Case Report

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Wallace Ann Whatley Nutritional Sciences
Advisor(s): Ashley Mullins Nutritional Sciences
Location: FirstFloor, Table 2, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis is failure of the liver due to alcohol use, accompanied by complications such as portal hypertension, bleeding varices, ascites, and encephalopathy. Nutrition is vital in managing cirrhosis as the loss of hepatocytes from liver damage impairs gluconeogenesis, causing the body to use amino acids and fatty acids for energy, thereby increasing resting energy expenditure. Malnutrition is often diagnosed in patients with decompensated cirrhosis due to increased nutrition needs and comorbidities like altered mental status and ascites, which cause early satiety and negatively affect oral intake. Therefore, nutrition interventions to treat or prevent malnutrition are essential. Evidence indicates cirrhotic patients are at risk for malnutrition should eat three to five meals plus snacks to shorten fasting periods. If calorie and protein needs cannot be met through oral intake, initiating enteral nutrition may be appropriate. Enteral nutrition is preferred unless it is contraindicated, in which case parenteral nutrition would be utilized. Nocturnal enteral feeds may be permissible to shorten fasting periods if oral intake is tolerated but intake does not meet nutritional needs. Nutrient recommendation ranges for cirrhotic patients are 35 calories per kilogram and 1-2 grams of protein per kilogram, based on actual or estimated body weight. Vitamin and mineral supplementation may be needed for patients with a history of alcohol abuse, specifically thiamin, niacin, folate, magnesium, and zinc. This case report explores the complex nutrition needs and goals of care in a patient with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis and severe chronic protein-calorie malnutrition.

Studying the Influence of Structural Differences between GaOOH Microparticles on their Antibacterial Efficiency.

Type: Graduate
Author(s): John Brannon Physics & Astronomy Pavan Ahluwalia Physics & Astronomy Arabella Blom Physics & Astronomy Louise Hutchison Biology Dustin Johnson Physics & Astronomy Sriman Reddi Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Yuri Strzhemechny Physics & Astronomy Shauna McGillivray Biology
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Ga2O3, an ultrawide-bandgap semiconducting material, sees widespread use in optoelectronic, pharmaceutical, and other industrial applications. Additionally, as antibiotic resistance grows, interest rises in the antibacterial properties of Ga2O3 and other gallium-containing compounds. In many cases, GaOOH is a precursor to synthesis of Ga2O3 with similar physiochemical properties. For microparticles, surface effects become heavily amplified. In particular, the surface effects may significantly influence antibacterial action. We synthesize GaOOH and Ga2O3 microparticles via hydrothermal growth. We employ scanning electron microscopy to image samples and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to characterize the stoichiometry. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy is used by us to monitor bulk structural differences between the GaOOH precursor and Ga2O3. To monitor crystal defects we utilize photoluminescence spectroscopy. For antibacterial assays, we test our materials against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria using optical density measurement at 600 nm.

Quantifying Spatial Heterogeneity of Syncytial Cells using Alpha Shapes

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Anthony Gerg Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Dobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: FirstFloor, Table 6, Position 2, 1:45-3:45

We introduce a structural method used for quantifying the spatial heterogeneity(or clumpiness) of viral syncytial cells in a transfection bioassay. The solution lies in an inter-disciplinary process based on simplicial topology being applied to a biological system. Our method revolves around using topological theories including Delaunay tessellations and Voronoi graphs to signify cell-cell interaction probability. The main emphasis is the subset of Delaunay tessellation called Alpha shapes. By applying a filtration to the overall Delaunay tessellation, we can obtain unique Alpha Shapes that have cell-cell interactions removed. The emphasis of the filtration is to find the correct shape where there were no connection crossing syncytia, only between healthy neighborhoods of cells. The process allows for the associated alpha number to be assigned to the clumpiness. Alpha numbers can then be used to separate different bioassays, or quantify temporal changes found in a single viral transfection due to syncytia.

Analyzing a Mathematical Model for Virus Propagation of the Trachea

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Geoffrey Hennessy Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Hana Drobrovolny Physics & Astronomy
Location: FirstFloor, Table 4, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

In virology, mathematical models are often deployed to examine and test various behaviors of viruses. For example, one for the flu it is speculated that lethality is linked to the virus’s ability to propagate down the trachea, specifically in how ciliated cells push virus up through mucous layers in a process known as advection. We propose a model for this process, believing that this model can reveal links and critical points between lethality and advection. To solve this model, we utilize three techniques: Laplacian transform, non-linear analysis, and quasi-state analysis. We discuss the findings of each method.

Inflows or Outflows: Tracing the Path of Gaseous Arms in the LMC

Type: Graduate
Author(s): April Horton Physics & Astronomy Suraj Poudel Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Kat Barger Physics & Astronomy
Location: Third Floor, Table 6, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Our neighboring galaxies, the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and Small Magellanic Cloud (SMC), interact with each other as they move through the hot, outer region of the Milky Way. This interaction can pull and sweep away gas from the edges of the galaxies, forming large, stretched-out clouds of gas. The LMC has two gas filaments that resemble arms, which connect to a region where stars are formed, possibly hinting toward their origin or their final destination. In this study, we used radio observations and data from the Hubble Space Telescope to search for signs of these gas arms near the star-forming region. We find a continuous stream of gas that could be the arms located at least partially in front of the LMC. The positioning of these arms raises two competing questions: 1) Is the gas flow fueling new star formation in the LMC, or 2) Is gas from exploded stars in the LMC flowing out into these arms? While the inflow of gas makes sense for these gas flows, we also conducted simulations of outflows from the starburst region. Our results suggest that it is possible for debris from exploded stars to be swept into the arms. Future observations will help us better reconstruct the arms’ evolutionary history.

Star Clusters in the Milky Way: What are They and How Do We Use Them?

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Jonah Otto Physics & Astronomy Natalie Myers Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Peter Frinchaboy Physics & Astronomy
Location: Basement, Table 5, Position 2, 11:30-1:30

Star clusters are incredibly useful tools in the pursuit of understanding our Universe better. They can be used to discover how our Galaxy, the Milky Way, formed and evolved over time, delve into the secrets of how stars form and even track how the different chemistry around our Galaxy. However, determining whether a group of stars is truly a star cluster or just a group of stars is a difficult task. In this poster, we will go over what a star cluster is, how we determine membership of the star cluster and the current work we are doing to investigate galactic chemical abundance gradients using star clusters.

Turning Up the Heat on Cancer: Photothermal-Triggered Chemotherapy Delivery with Graphene Quantum Dots

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Ugur Topkiran Physics & Astronomy Ibrahim Bozkurt Computer Science
Advisor(s): Anton Naumov Physics & Astronomy
Location: FirstFloor, Table 6, Position 1, 1:45-3:45

Cancer remains a major global health challenge, with over 20 million new cases diagnosed annually. Conventional treatments like chemotherapy, while effective, often require high doses due to non-specific targeting, leading to severe side effects. To overcome these limitations, we developed a targeted drug delivery platform using graphene quantum dots (GQDs), which offer high biocompatibility, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence, and photothermal properties. In this study, hyaluronic acid-conjugated GQDs HA-GQDs and RGQDs, synthesized top down from reduced graphene oxide, are loaded with doxorubicin, paclitaxel, and gemcitabine, were tested in vitro using a custom-built, fully automated system for NIR laser irradiation and real-time spectral monitoring. Drug release was triggered by GQD-mediated photothermal heating and evaluated via MTT assays and fluorescence tracking. This work presents a novel, cost-effective nanocarbon-based drug delivery system integrating targeted therapy and photothermal control for enhanced cancer treatment.

Exploring the Origins of Diffuse Hydrogen Clouds Around the Andromeda Galaxy

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Johanna Vazquez Physics & Astronomy
Advisor(s): Kathleen Barger Physics & Astronomy

Between the Andromeda (M31) and Triangulum (M33) galaxies lies a population of neutral hydrogen clouds which have velocities in between M31 and M33. The origin of these clouds is unknown, and it is thought that they could represent (1) a tidal bridge that links M31 with one of its satellite galaxies, (2) an inflowing intergalactic medium stream, (3) halo gas condensations, or (4) tidally-stripped material from a population of satellite galaxies. To ascertain the origin(s) of these clouds, we embark on a UV absorption and radio-line study to constrain their chemical composition. We assessed the ionization state of the gas using photoionization modeling with Cloudy that we anchored using HI and ion column densities that we measured from our Green Bank Telescope and HST/COS datasets. Through this work, we resolve the properties of a single gaseous stream of M31 along multiple sightlines, aiding in our understanding of L* galaxy ecosystems.

Introductory Notes as Motor Preparatory Motor Gestures Underlying Zebra Finch Song

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Soseh Asadoorian Psychology Kevin Bien Psychology Andrew Magee Psychology Dimitri McLain Psychology Samantha Shah Chemistry & Biochemistry Emily Sugg Psychology
Advisor(s): Brenton Cooper Psychology
Location: Basement, Table 4, Position 3, 11:30-1:30

Humans produce complex and learned behaviors like speech, playing musical instruments, and sports through exceptional motor abilities. These learned actions need specific motor planning and preparation. Researchers use songbirds in part because they produce a stereotyped motor sequence whenever they engage in singing behavior. Further, Zebra Finches learn their song through vocal production learning, similar to human speech acquisition; they mimic their adult male tutor's song and reproduce a similar version in adulthood. This motor learning process leads to the generation and execution of a highly skilled and stereotyped motor program production. Before the song, Zebra finches sing a sequence of introductory notes that are short-duration, non-stereotyped sounds. Previous work has speculated that these introductory notes are a form of motor preparation, but an experimental test of this hypothesis has not been conducted. This study casually examines the role of introductory notes as a motor preparation phase to help transition to executing the main song motor sequence. To distinguish motor preparation from song execution, we reasoned that presenting an external stimulus would delay preparation but not execution. We used air pressure recording to identify introductory notes and triggered white-noise playback during the introductory note performance in six birds and found that the external stimulus led to a delay, which can lead to interruption of the typical song motor pattern (e.g., abnormal pauses). Whereas the same stimulus presented during the song either caused an abnormal early termination of the motor program or did not affect the song (continuation), but it did not delay the execution of the song's motor gestures. Our findings suggest that introductory notes are flexible and modifiable by external stimuli, which is consistent with the hypothesis that they function as a preparatory motor gesture for the upcoming stereotyped song.
Understanding motor planning can provide insight into neurological, behavioral, speech, and motor disorders that are characterized by deficits in neuromuscular preparation.

I Think Your House is Haunted: Associations Between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Existential Isolation

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Tiffany Bui Psychology Kayla Rabb Psychology
Advisor(s): Cathy Cox Psychology
Location: Basement, Table 8, Position 1, 11:30-1:30

Existential isolation can be described as the experience of feeling alone in one’s experience of the world; that no one shares your experience or comes close to understanding it (Pinel et al., 2017). Research on existential isolation remains novel, however current findings among those chronically existentially isolated has found significant associations with a host of negative affective outcomes, including increased loneliness (Pinel et al., 2017), death thought accessibility (Helm et al., 2019), depression and anxiety (Constantino et al., 2019), and reduced self-esteem and self-worth (Helm et al., 2018). Finally, there is novel and consistent evidence that existential isolation is related to insecure attachment, specifically avoidant attachment (Helm et al., 2020).

Recent literature has found that adverse early life experiences are one of the factors that can proactively influence adult well-being, resulting in consequences such as anxiety and depressive disorders, and suicidal ideation (Hays-Grudo and Morris, 2020). Additional work has also shown that childhood abuse was uniquely associated with greater loneliness among young adults (Landry et al., 2022) but the impact of early life experiences on loneliness can be impacted by a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, age, gender, socioeconomic factors, and epigenetic factors (Southwick et al., 2014). While loneliness is inherently a part of the feeling of existentially isolated, existential isolation itself is distinct in theoretically meaningful ways that this study aims to investigate through the lenses of adverse childhood experiences and childhood uncertainty. This present study aims to qualitatively examine the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and existential isolation among adult individuals. Our findings across two studies established a positive association between individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences and existential isolation.

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Tiffany Bui Psychology
Advisor(s): Cathy Cox Psychology

Redefining Success: What Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Value in Life

Type: Graduate
Author(s): Renee castillo Psychology Kevin Knight Psychology Thomas Sease Psychology
Advisor(s): Thomas Sease Psychology
Location: SecondFloor, Table 7, Position 2, 1:45-3:45