Young Scholars Research Program
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The Young Scholars Reseach Program program offers students opportunities for exploration and discovery through tailored, cutting-edge research projects. Students receive mentorship in scholarly paper writing under the guidance of our dedicated faculty, resulting in the development and publication of professional research papers within their chosen fields.
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Publication Project 4: Gut Microbiome and Kidney Transplant(George Mason University, 2023-08) Cho, Minseo; Herdrich, Kyle; Jung, Isaac; Liu, Jiahui; Li, Meng-HaoBackground: The gut microbiota, comprising the entire population of microorganisms that colonize the colon, has evolved over time to establish a symbiotic relationship with the human body, yielding mutual benefits [1]. This microbiome plays a pivotal role in critical bodily functions, including biosynthesis, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production, gut regulation, and immune system function. Under normal circumstances, these gut bacteria are referred to as indigenous microbiota, performing their customary functions; however, in the presence of disturbances, detrimental or opportunistic bacteria emerge, known as pathobionts [2]. Imbalances within the gut microbiota have been associated with various diseases, including obesity, metabolic disorders, inflammatory bowel diseases, colorectal cancer, allergies, and autoimmune disorders [1]. Of particular concern is the impact of immunosuppressants and antibiotics administered after kidney transplant surgeries, as they disrupt the patients' gut microbiome, alter indigenous microbiota, and promote the proliferation of pathobionts, resulting in a condition known as dysbiosis. Dysbiosis, in turn, may facilitate the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) by modifying SCFA composition and generating elevated levels of toxins. Both AKI and pathobionts can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). If left untreated, CKD can escalate to infections and even rejection of the newly transplanted kidney by the recipient's immune system [2]. Objective: This project aims to 1) examine the degree of change occurred in the abundance and diversity of the gut microbiome, before and after kidney transplantation, and 2) identify treatments that support the microbiome in returning to its healthy, stable state.Publication Project 6: Kidney Sales and Trafficking(George Mason University, 2023-08) Lee, Crystal; Peng, Kenneth; Sajjad, Aryan; Yeum, Daniel; Wang, ZifuBackground: Over the past few decades, international health authorities and law enforcement agencies have taken substantial initiatives to counteract the illicit practice of organ trade. These endeavors reflect a collective commitment to address the pressing issue of organ trafficking, which preys on vulnerable individuals and undermines ethical medical practices. In the 1980s and onwards, the World Health Organization (WHO) has been instrumental in formulating guidelines for human organ transplantation, emphasizing the importance of voluntary donations, transparency, and ethical sourcing [1]. Notably, INTERPOL launched Operation Organs in 2016, targeting criminal networks engaged in organ trafficking and emphasizing cross-border cooperation [4]. Despite the concerted efforts to combat the illegal practice of organ trade, instances of such illicit activities persist. The illicit kidney trade remains a complex and multifaceted phenomenon involving various transnational actors, including sellers, buyers, brokers, and surgical facilities [5]. A notable characteristic of this trade is the intricate network that often facilitates the transactions. For instance, affluent buyers typically do not directly engage with financially disadvantaged sellers. Instead, kidneys procured from economically marginalized individuals are often passed through intermediaries, commonly referred to as brokers [5]. Subsequently, medical facilities responsible for the surgical procedures are identified, contacted, and engaged by these buyers. While the complex interrelationships among agents spanning various countries have been acknowledged, there has yet to be a quantitative methodology explored to systematically detect and analyze the structure of these transnational networks engaged in organ trade. Typically, these networks are presented and examined on a case-by-case basis through individual reports, news articles, and various media channels. Given the inherent difficulty in eradicating these illicit transactions and their intricate multi-agent nature, it becomes imperative to explore the underlying network dynamics and establish a robust spatiotemporal database to comprehensively study these operations. Objective: The study analyzed illegal kidney sales by generating a network of graphs using data of seller, buyer, and surgery countries and observed relationships among seller, buyer, and surgery countries.Publication Project 7: Viruses and Host Membranes(George Mason University, 2023-08) Jacob, Riya; Kefale, Mikael; Khanna, Jahnavi; Kim, Andrew Jacob; McLaughlin, Madison; Li, Meng-HaoBackground: Rabies is a zoonotic disease caused by an unsegmented RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus. It spreads between animals and humans through contact with mucosal membranes, abrasions, or the saliva of an infected animal, most commonly a dog. The rabies virus travels through the body's signal transmission pathways to reach the central nervous system and brain. Once it has entered the host, it attaches itself to nerve cells and begins to replicate. The virus then spreads throughout the body through neuronal pathways until it reaches the brain. The incubation period varies widely depending on the location of the bite and the severity of the infection. Once the virus reaches the brain, symptoms increase in severity, starting from flu-like symptoms to hydrophobia and delirium. The infected person enters the prodromal phase, during which they experience significant behavioral and physical changes, such as heightened aggression and pupil dilation. Progression to the "excited" or "furious" rabies phase leads to autonomic dysfunction and vicious, erratic behavior. The infected person may die in this phase or progress to the final stage, paralytic rabies, where they will eventually die. Objective: This project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of mechanisms for infectivity (attachment and entry) by defining the landscape of rabies virus research through bibliometric analysis.Publication Project 5: Regional and Seasonal Variation of Cyanotoxins(George Mason University, 2023-08) Aaravabhoomi, Hasika; Field, Daniel; Gibson, Adam; Schlueter, Matthew; Shah, Rohan; Baxter, PatrickBackground: Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) and their toxins thrive in warm, nutrient-rich freshwater conditions, and can produce harmful cyanotoxins. Typically, these cyanotoxins take the form of hepatotoxins, dermatoxins, or neurotoxins. Exposure to cyanotoxins can occur in various fashions, including skin-to-water contact, inhalation of fumes, ingestion of contaminated water, and indirect ingestion through contaminated water sources or aquatic animals [1]. Exposure to microcystins, a common hepatotoxin found in cyanobacteria blooms, has been linked to fatal liver damage in both humans and dogs [3]. Additional evidence connects cyanotoxin BMAA to neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS and Parkinson’s disease [5]. Minimal treatment options are widely available. Government bodies therefore focus their efforts on cyanobacterial toxicosis prevention, commonly issuing public safety alerts and advisory warnings around peak HAB exposure areas [3]. Objective: This research examines how HAB blooms and cyanobacteria outbreaks vary both regionally and seasonally across the United States from 2008-2018.Publication Project 1: Racial & Sex Disparities in Lupus & Transplant Outcomes(George Mason University, 2023-08) Endlaw, Shriya; Farhan, Hamza; Peng, Candice; Tan, Alexander; Koizumi, NaoruBackground: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with both high morbidity and mortality rates [1]. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and optional biopsy results are the basis for early diagnosis of SLE. The disease is well-known for its butterfly rash that appears mainly on women at child bearing ages, and patients should be treated with antimalarials with hydroxychloroquine presenting the best results; it has a higher rate of remission, fewer relapses and reduced damage in the course of the disease [2]. Although there has been significant progress made in regards to SLE, the number of SLE patients who face End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has increased from 1.6 to 4.9 million from 1982 to 2004 [3]. Patients with ESRD were tested to predict a 3-year allograft survival after transplantation. Graft has an 84% chance of 3-year survival if the patient didn’t need dialysis during the first week compared to 58% if dialysis was needed during the first post transplantation week. For those who had needed dialysis for the first week, if their maintenance immunosuppressive regimen contained prednisone, took hemodialysis, and was older than 50 years, their graft had a lower probability of survival [1]. Adding on, much advancement and findings regarding SLE has led to the discovery of correlation between the disease and minority populations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Lupus Registries found that people of color (African Americans, APIs, and Hispanics) are more susceptible to SLE. Studies show that psychosocial stressors are potential exacerbators of SLE which can activate the inflammatory pathways. Often exposed to racial discrimination, people of color experience a large source of stress which can cause many health disparities, which in turn, can lead to the further worsening of SLE [4]. It has also been studied that after a kidney transplant, many patients have gotten rid of their Lupus while others, specifically African Americans (AA) have gotten Lupus back with other symptoms [3]. Adding on, five years after a kidney transplant for Lupus Nephritis (LN) graft survival for AF is at 63%, while for non-AA the graft survival rate is at 78.3%. Further, AA of lower median household income (MHI) are more likely to experience quicker graft loss compared to AA of higher MHI. For non-AA, there was no significant trend between MHI and graft loss [5]. While LN significantly increased the risk of graft failure, rejection remained the primary driver of graft failure incidence. These results emphasized that these findings should not discourage patients with Lupus from considering a kidney transplant [6]. Objective: The study investigated how the outcomes of kidney transplants differ by sex and race in the transplant recipients with SLE diagnosis.Publication Project 2: Optimal Immunosuppressive Regimen for Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients(George Mason University, 2023-08) Ashok, Keshav; Gottumukkala, Ananya; Panesar, Meher; Song, Jessika (Jiayao); Koizumi, NaoruBackground: The main obstacle to success is transplant rejection and managing the side effects of immunosuppressive medications. Induction and maintenance types of immunosuppressive medications are used in transplants. Induction therapy is used temporarily, only immediately following transplantation while maintenance immunosuppressive drugs are started and given long-term. Maintenance therapy can involve the use of antibodies or higher doses of medications. The standard triple medication regimen usually consists of the combination of a calcineurin inhibitor, an antiproliferative agent and a corticosteroid. These have been found to be more effective in balancing the risks of suppressed immune system with the benefit of organ transplant. However, the immunological risks (driven by age, preconditions, and other factors) of the child/pediatric patient should be considered, and the immunosuppressive therapy should be followed by therapeutic drug monitoring. [1] A study conducted by Feng, Ekong & Lobritto (2012) reported that immunosuppression came with many toxic effects. Some of these include renal dysfunction, infection, metabolic perturbation, and malignancy [2]. To add on, Blondet, Healy & Hsu (2017) reported that the 2 most common immunosuppressants, tacrolimus and cyclosporine, were both known to have long-term side effects in children, which included nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, infection, and malignancy. Patient survival rates for pediatric liver transplant recipients after the use of immunosuppressive agents were 94% after one year, 91% after five years, and 88% after 10 years [3]. They also found that the side effects of immunosuppressive medications were severe in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Some immunosuppressive agents, such as tacrolimus, antithymocyte globulin, basiliximab, and others, might cause side effects including sensitivity, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high blood pressure, acne, abdominal pain, discomfort, mood swings and more. While immunosuppressants help with preventing rejection, it may be a challenge for pediatric patients since their reactions to the medications may be critical. Objective: The study investigated how transplant outcomes (graft failure and patient mortality) vary by induction immunosuppressive therapy among pediatric liver transplant recipients.Publication Project 3: Geographical and Familial Factors in Engagement of Advance Directives(George Mason University, 2023-08) Li, Jessie; Liu, Tyler; Nokta, Nyla; Shah, Ahaan; Wang, Arthur; Inoue, MegumiBackground: Multiple studies have investigated the factors influencing the completion of Advance Care Planning (ACP) in the United States of America [1][2]. ACP involves preparing and discussing future medical care when the patient is incapacitated in some way so that they retain some autonomy of their decisions even when they are unable to communicate effectively [3][4]. Previous studies have compared rural and urban nursing home residents and found that rural nursing home residents were more likely to have advance directives in place and less likely to experience extended hospitalizations or intensive care stays compared to their urban counterparts [5]. Between urban and rural patients with Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment forms, orders for full treatment are less prevalent among rural patients, with a preference towards DNR and limited intervention [6]. However, the findings on rural vs. urban are not consistent. Another line of research has examined racial disparities, revealing that White/non-Hispanic residents were over twice as likely as Black residents to have documented advance directives, with county-facility characteristics accounting for a significant portion of this difference. Additionally, regional variations in Medicare spending have been linked to higher rates of ACP engagement [7][8]. Positive interactions, emotional support, and encouragement from family members play significant roles in motivating patients to undertake ACP [2][9] leading to more appropriate care during their end-of-life phase. Conversely, strained relationships characterized by criticism or lack of support may discourage individuals from engaging in ACP. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the influence of geographical and familial factors on advance directive (AD) engagement in the United States.Publication Ground-based Light Curve Follow-up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI-4064.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Howton, Cecilia; Plavchan, PeterThere have be 6,788 exo-planet candidates found by TESS alone, yet only 383 of them has been confirmed. We aimed to aid in the validation of these possible exo-planets, by checking for false positives (NEBs/EBs) and by using the transit method to analyze TOI 4064.01. Ultimately we did not receive a detection of a transit, possibly due to the dimness of the star or noise in our exposures.Publication Ground-Based Follow-Up Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI 3779.1(George Mason University, 2023-10) Olaiz, Estefanía; Plavchan, PeterThis study presents the identification of an eclipsing binary system consisting of a 1.618-day orbital period, as determined through follow-up observations of the TESS Object of Interest (TOI) 3779.01 (TIC 275527293). Leveraging data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) and ground-based observations from George Mason University's 16″ Dobsonian Strickland telescope in Fairfax, VA, Multi-Aperture Photometry using AstroImageJ (AIJ) was performed for photometric measurements, light curve plotting, and transit analysis. The resulting light curve and validation tests suggest TOI-3779.1 is likely an eclipsing binary system. All outcomes, including light curves, detrended data, and measurements, were submitted to ExoFOP (Exoplanet Follow-up Observation Program) for further examination and archiving.Publication Ground-based Light Curve Follow-up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI 3792.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Ellis, Abigael; Plavchan, PeterThe goal of this study was to further confirm, characterize, and classify TESS Object of Interest (TOI) 3792.01. This was done by analyzing the stellar light curve of this object. We remotely obtained ground based data from the Observatory at George Mason University. The data was visualized using the software AstroImageJ. Although the data was skewed due to a fluctuating thin cloud cover and an 8 hour uncertainty period when observed by TESS, we found that by using less obscured reference stars and the WIDTH_T1 Detrending Parameter, we were able to find data clear enough to work with. However, this data still retained a scatter percentage (RMS) of 1.8%. While comparing the estimated light curve to the data collected, we found that the RMS dropped suddenly to 1.28% during an 8 hour period. However, this is obviously still imperfect. Therefore, the results for this study are inconclusive but suggestive. Though no direct conclusion can be reached at this time, more data should be collected to compare to the current data in order to confirm TOI 3792.01 as a transit.Publication Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object ofinterest TOI 3576.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Suphian, Tayba; Plavchan, PeterTESS is a satellite dedicated to finding exoplanets that may be orbiting nearby stars. Since its launch, it has discovered more than 6000 TO Is, or Targets of lnterests. The goal of this study is to confirm that TOI-3576.01 is an exoplanet. We used multi-aperture photometry to analyze data and extract a light curve. Then, we analyzed the light curve in order to verify that there was a transit.Publication Analysis of the Exoplanet Host Star Candidacy of TOI 5938.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Harish, Harisudhan; Plavchan, PeterThis study aimed to confirm if there is an exoplanet for TOI 5938.01. This goal was accomplished by using AstroImageJ to run multi-aperture photometry to generate a light curve for the TOI and then analyzing the light curve for the results. Through the light curve generated, I was able to confirm that TOI 5938.01 has a planet. This result is important for future missions, as the list of known exoplanets will have expanded with my analysis.Publication Ground based light curve follow up confirmation of the planetary nature of TOI 3506.1(George Mason University, 2023-10) Kanigicherla, Aarushi; Plavchan, PeterThe Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission gathers data for thousands of candidate exoplanets and their host stars (Zhang et al., 2022). In this paper we present research on candidate exoplanet TOI 3506.01, which orbits host star TOI 3506.01. The goal of this paper is to provide a ground based follow up of the planetary nature of TOI 3506.01. We took 249 exposures with the GMU 0.8 m telescope and reduced them, then we conducted ground based multi aperture photometry using AstroImageJ to generate a light curve. In addition, we plotted residuals and the fluxes of our target stars and adjusted trends within the data. We confirmed the planetary nature of TOI 3506.01, due to the visible transit on the ground based light curve.Publication Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 4620.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Chen, Zirui; Plavchan, PeterThe Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a space telescope for NASA's Explorer program, designed to search for exoplanets using the transit method in an area 400 times larger than that covered by the Kepler mission. During its first two years in orbit, the TESS spacecraft concentrated its gaze on several hundred thousand specially chosen stars, looking for small dips in their light caused by orbiting planets passing between their host star and us. Because of the low spatial resolution of its cameras, TESS is expected to detect several false positives (FPs). It can identify as NEB (Nearby Eclipsing Binary), BEB (Blended Eclipsing Binary) or EB (Eclipsing Binary).We use AIJ(AstroImageJ) to find the TOI 4620.01 and create the lightcurve. We found that the brightness of the planet tends to decrease around the predicted time. After that we identify there is a transit.Publication Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 3877.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Pierson, Kevin; Helm, Ian; Plavchan, PeterContext Exoplanets have been a fairly recent topic of interest in the field of astronomy, only having been discovered for a few decades. However, despite the youth of their discovery, they’ve been a crucial part of astronomical studies; especially those orbiting their parent star in the “Goldilocks Zone”. These Earth-like planets could potentially serve as future homes for humanity, which is why they’re a huge topic of interest. Aims The goal of this investigation is to study data regarding the star Tess Object of Interest (TOI) 3877 to confirm suspicions that it is an exoplanet transiting in front of its star that is responsible for the dimming of its light levels. Methods The app AstroImageJ will be used to study and interpret the data of TOI_3877 by taking multiple images captured during the night of observation, sorting them based on shutter settings and exposure length, aligning them, and finally by cutting out outside noise to gather the light levels taken over the period of exposure and making a light curve graph.Publication Ground-based light curve follow-up validation observations of TESS object of interest TOI 3616.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Bhardwaj, Tanush; Plavchan, PeterTESS object of interest TOI 3616 was investigated using George Mason University’s ground-based telescope. The goal of this investigation is to provide follow-up research on TOI 3616.01. Using AstroImageJ, a light curve was generated to provide more insight into the flux data. Due to the large amount of exposures needed to be removed, the data remains inconclusive. However, the generated light curve may produce viable data for future analyses.Publication Ground-based Light Curve Follow-up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest TOI 5938.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Zeng, Alan; Plavchan, PeterThe Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has been extensively used to discover new exoplanet candidates. This ground-based follow-up aimed to provide further data and confirm the existence of TESS Object of Interest (TOI) 5938.01. This was done by using AstroImageJ to create and analyze the light curve. Observation data of TOI 5938.01 was obtained from George Mason University and was reduced and plate-solved using AstroImageJ. After generating a light curve using AstroImageJ, it is inconclusive whether or not there is a transit. This study aims to provide a foundation for future work that is necessary to determine if TOI 5938.01 has a transit or not.Publication Ground-Based Light Curve Follow-Up Validation Observations of TESS Object of Interest 5691.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Tong, Adam; Plavchan, Peter; Kriel, AidenContext. Transiting planets around host stars is crucial to understanding the formation and evolution of planetary systems. Through TESS, TOI-5691.01 was identified around a host star, TOI-5691. Aims. The focus of this paper is on validating the transiting method leading to the identification of TOI-5691.01. We present the characterization and possible confirmation of a transiting exoplanet around a host star Methods. Using the software Lightkurve, we create TESS light curves. Through transit photometry, we also created a ground-based light curve and performed analysis using the software AstroImageJ to validate the transit of our candidate exoplanet. Due to the limited scope of our research, we did not perform other detection methods such as radial velocity measurement using a high-resolution spectrograph, and false-positive analysis using Vespa.Publication Ground-Based Observations on TESS Exoplanet 5691.01(George Mason University, 2023-10) Seeda, Rishab; Plavchan, PeterOur study aimed to study and characterize data on Object of Interest 5691.01, an exoplanet detected by the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). We remotely obtained pre-reduced ground-based data of TOI 5691.01 from the George Mason University Observatory in Fairfax, Virginia. Using AstroImageJ software and Python collaboratories, we compiled a group of photos of our target exoplanet and detected its light pattern by creating charts that detail the exoplanet’s journey through its orbit. There is a certain period when the exoplanet passes in front of its star, allowing George Mason’s Observatory Telescope to intake light rays from the star that reflected off the exoplanet. The colors of these rays are altered by the biological makeup of the exoplanet and thus give us researchers an insight into the materials and makeover of the exoplanet. This is what we attempted to discover through our research.Publication Validation and Analysis of Exoplanetary Transit TOI594 4.01 Using Ground-based Observations(George Mason University, 2023-10) Wang, Hanxian; Plavchan, PeterThis study explores the realm of transiting exoplanets, focusing on the TESS mission. Using data from George Mason University, we calibrated the images in AstroImageJ using Dark and Flat frames to optimize image quality. We examined TOI5944-01, extracting a detailed light curve showing potential exoplanetary transits. AstroImageJ tools enabled initial analysis, with further modeling in Python's exoplanet package. Comparing our results with existing research offers fresh perspectives on exoplanet dimensions and orbits.