NJRSF Abstracts, 1998

BIOCHEMISTRY

BOTANY

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

CHEMISTRY

COMPUTER SCIENCE

ENGINEERING

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

MATHEMATICS

MICROBIOLOGY

PHYSICS

WATER POLLUTION

ZOOLOGY

BIOCHEMISTRY

Who is my mother?: The Onion Genome Project

The purpose of the project is to determine to origin of the onion. It is hypothesized that the various species of the allium cepa are related genetically as well as by physical characteristics. DNA was extracted from the Red Onion, Yellow Onion, White Onion, Spanish Onion, Vadalia Onion, Shallots, Scallions, Leeks, and Garlic. The purity of the DNA was determined by running the samples through the spectrophotometer. Chromosome squashes were done however the results weren't very accurate. Electrophoresis gels were run on the DNA samples compared to Hindi III standard using methelyne blue, not ethidium bromide. The research is still ongoing so PCR is still to be run. PCR is to be run by Rutgers University. Using physical characteristics, a phylogeny tree was made and we know that the species are related genetically and can't be determined yet because the research is still ongoing.

Heme Binding of de Novo Proteins

This research screened a non-specifically designed protein library to determine if de novo (man-made) 4 helix bundle proteins have the ability to bind heme. The proteins used in this experiment were designed using the Binary Code strategy, which was developed to simplify the task of studying the properties of man-made proteins. Results showed that 53.5% of the proteins screened had the ability to bind heme. Therefore, heme affinity is indeed a characteristic of many de novo proteins; further screening for other properties is suggested.

A Study of Plant Enzyme Kinetics

Nitrate, the most abundant source of nitrogen for most plants, is first absorbed and reduced to nitrite. This nitrite is then transformed into ammonia ions needed for hundreds of essential organic nitrogen compounds. The first vital step of converting nitrates to nitrites involves the enzyme Nitrate Reductase (NR) and the oxidation of NADH. I investigated the different possibilities of an Ultraviolet/visible spectrometer to study this conversion. In Part One of my experiment, I attempted to prove a hypothesis based on known data, that though the presence of nitrate is sufficient for normal NR formation in the roots, light is an essential factor for NR synthesis in leaves. The results of Part One were inconclusive due to unsuitable laboratory conditions. In Part Two, I attempted to explore how the rate of conversion from nitrate to nitrite can be determined using UV/Visible spectroscopy. Three different methods were tested. The results enabled me to conclude that (1) it is not possible to monitor the rate of increase in nitrite itself, but that (2) it is still possible to determine the rate of increase in nitrite by using the intensity of a color reagent used to indicate nitrite presence, and that (3) it may also be possible to determine the rate of the conversion by finding the rate of NADH oxidation.

BOTANY

Pin Oak Leaf Size and Water Dependence

The purpose of this study was to find a growth pattern in pin oak leaves at different locations along Peter's Brook in Somerville. Five leaves from five trees were measured for length and width once a week for thirteen weeks. Daily precipitation was recorded (cm). Results indicated that leaves from the same tree when compared to each other had no specific growth pattern. The occurrence of a dry period showed that leaves on the tree closest to the brook continued to increase in length and width while those further away from the brook did not. No growth pattern was found for the leaves themselves but a connection between the weather and its effects on growth was realized.

Nutritional value of Corn

Sweet corn is the most commonly used corn today. Sweet corn endosperm contain dextrin, a sugar-like substance, with a lesser proportion of starch than the endosperm of other groups of corn. This doesn't mean that sweet corn will be better or worse than other types of corn, this just tells you that you will have more sugar in this corn than in any other corns. The reason this corn was tested and not other types of corn because sweet corn has no added preservatives or ingredient in it. To find the nutritional value of sweet corn, there are many tests that have to be used. The three tests that the corn went through were drying, grinding, and ashing. These tests were done at Rutgers University on Cook campus. The main problem was what tests would get done to the corn in order to find the nutritional value. Also would this project be done on time?

Low Frequency EMF Effects Upon Plant Germination

Electromagnetic fields (EMF) are present wherever electricity flows. Therefore, living things encounter EMF everyday. Electric and magnetic fields are not visible, but they are present in our surroundings, and can be measured in milligauss and gauss. The studies of EMF have been inconclusive and contradictive of each other. There has been little research performed on the effects of EMF upon plants, thus this needs to be investigated. In order to do this, electromagnetic fields could be produced by running current through a coil of wires. Because EMF is generated outward, perpendicular to the origin, a coil of wires could be placed on top of a container holding plant seed. This would then subject the seed to EMF. Previously, this study concluded that low frequency electromagnetic fields encouraged growth of the plants at levels below 600 milligauss. It was also determined that the plant type is insignificant. Studies were done to see if the indoleacetic acid and/or the calcium ion were a factor stimulated by the EMF. After completion of these experiments, one can determine whether or not indoleacetic acid, a growth hormone within the plants, and/or calcium chloride are the cause for the increased growth of plants exposed to EMF. There exists a dramatic statistical difference within the experiment using nonparametric tests, therefore the data is valuable and "solid."

Population Study of Mosses Along the Raritan River in Hunterdon County

The purpose of this study was to determine which species of mosses grew along the South Branch of the Raritan River in Hunterdon County, NJ and to estimate the frequency of each. Samples of moss were collected from four sites along the river over a period of 73 days. Nine species were found to grow along the river, the most common being Thuidium philiberti. It was found that these mosses concur with the Checklist of the Flora in Hunterdon County (Abraitys-1980).

Determining a dose response for a fatty acid herbacide on Bassica rapa

In this experiment, A Study of the Dose-Response of a Fatty Acid Herbicide, the dosages of a commercially available herbicide (Pelargonic acid) were changed to measure its effect on Brassica rapa. Sixteen (16) days after planting, when the plants began to bud, the herbicide was diluted according to the label. This full dose solution was applied, using small brushes, to the leaves, buds, and stems of eight plants. Another group of eight plants were treated with a solution at half of the suggested strength. Other sets of eight plants were treated at dilutions of 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, and 1/64 of the full dose. The plants were measured and photographed at intervals from February 22 to March 4, 1998. Within one hour of treatment, plants treated with full and half dosage began to wilt, and by the next day had shriveled and lost their color. The day after treatment most plants given 1/4 and 1/8 dosages also died, with several individual survivors sustaining sever damage. Plants given 1/64 dosage had growth rates similar to the control. It is concluded that the herbicide is effective on "tender" plants at recommended and slightly diluted dosages. The ineffectiveness of the highly diluted product shows the relative "safety" of this chemical as a herbicide. Dilution eliminates its herbicidal effect. Since Pelargonic acid, the active ingredient, occurs naturally, it is an environmentally good choice as a herbicide when used according to labeled directions.

The effect of high gravity on plants.

The purpose of this project is to see the effects of high gravitational fields on seed germination and development. I hypothesize that as the G forces increase the total root and shoot length will decrease. Presoaked corn seeds are planted in potting soil in little plastic cups and attached on to a centrifuge made from a bicycle wheel, which is spinning at a variable RPM. The G-force at the outer end of the centrifuge is about 4.8. Increasing and decreasing the RPM can calculate varied G forces. These seeds are germinated at 2, 3, 4, and 4.8 G respectively. The results indicate that a 2G, the seedlings are comparatively shorter than the seeds that were germinated at 1G. At 3G the results indicate that the total seed length is shorter that that of seeds germinated at both 1 and 2G. Thus forth, a pattern is established. However, it should be noted that seeds that were germinated at 4.8 G were extremely short with only about 50 percent success rate of germination. Therefore, it can be concluded that seeds can germinate at a high gravitational field. However, the total length of the seedling will be shorter that that of the seeds that are germinated in 1G. There also seems to be a maximum amount of G forces that the seeds can endure. These results suggest that seeds will not successfully germinate after they exceed about 4.8 G.

Effect(s) of Sound Frequency Manipulation on Paperwhites

This experiment began with the intention of discovering whether significant growth variations would result among flowering planes stimulated by different renditions of a selected musical piece. I decided that I would maximize and minimize certain sound frequencies to allow for observation of possible changes among the variables that would clearly be attributed to the disproportionate rendering of frequencies. Three marked groupings of paperwhite narcissus bulbs were placed within a "plant cradle" constructed out of acoustical-insulating foam and were "forced" to grow and bloom indoors under proper conditions. Bach's Brandenburg Concertos 4-6 were played to groups "A" and "B" for designated hour-long mouning and night periods. Using the graphic equalized on the CD player, I maximized higher sound frequencies for "A" and lower frequencies for "B". Group "C" recieved no music. A data log was kept, monitoring the plant growth (in centimenter) of individual shoots on thirty-four different occasions. Information on daily temperature, plant rotations procedures, and received water were also recorded. Photographs were taken on selected dates. After all bulbs had bloomed, I observed stem and flower samples from each group under microscopes. No observable changes on the cellular level were discerned between samples. At the end of the experiment, compiled information on plant growth was used to formulate various graphs. One of the more significant revelations of the graphs is a uniformity in growth pattern among the variables in comparison to the control. This indicates the possibility of sound waves interfering the circadian rhythm of the paperwhites.

The Effects of Light Alteration on Circadian Rhythm in Plants

Recent studies have shown that Circadian Rhythms, or internal biological clocks, are sensitive to light, so that ordinary room lights can be used to synchronize the human Circadian system to a 24 hour day. To test this theory, we observed the effects of light on plant growth and development by exposing two different species of plants, Brassica juncea and Zinnia elegans, to different quantities of light. This, in turn, altered the Circadian Rhythms of the two plants. Because of the results of our chi-square tests (three out of four chi-square tests indicated that we must not reject the null hypothesis), we had to accept our null hypothesis and conclude that the altering of the Circadian Rhythms of the plants does not have a significant effect upon their growth and assimilation.

The Effects of Rainfall and Temperature on the Pyrenoid Count of Spirogyra aequinoctalis

The purpose of this study was to determine if rainfall and temperature affect the pyrenoid count in common green algae (Spirogyra aequinoctialis). Samples of Spirogyra were collected from Deer Pond two to three times a week during July and August, and examined with a light microscope. Pyrenoids were counted and the numbers averaged. The temperature (C*) at noon and the amount of rainfall (cm) were recorded. Spirogyra in Deer Pond died of suddenly in late July. This was probably due to fertilizer runoff and subsequent nitrogen buildup in the pond. Thus, the results are inconclusive.

An Analysis of Brewer Grains

The Brewer's Grains that are being analyzed are the grains that are left-over after the brewing of beer from Harvest Moon in downtown New Brunswick. Brewer's Grains are a mixture of hops, wheat, barley, and oats. The nutritional value of these grains were analyzed for crude protein, and minerals such as phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. The crude protein was analyzed using a Buchi crude protein machine. The minerals magnesium and calcium were analyzed using an atomic spectrophotometer. For the fiber analysis the grains were sent to the Northeast DHI Forage lab. We haven't received the results from the lab yet. The crude protein was over twenty percent, and the minerals averaged around .06 percent.

The Effects of Rock Salt Concentrations on Hemerocallis fulva, the Common Daylily: A Two Year Study

The effects of rock salt concentrations were observed on the plant Hemerocallis fulva (common daylily) in a controlled environment. Plants were taken from four roadside sites and exposed to four different concentrations of salt water for eight weeks. Results showed that plants initially shed leaves and continued to grow until repeated exposure to salt resulted in salt concentrations in the soil of approximately 10%. The plants disposed of excess salt through their leaves. In spite of this, eventually the plant dies. Leaf development halted and the plants died. It is possible that Hemerocallis fulva is a mesohalophyte, a plant that tolerates salt, but there is no documentation of this. It was found that salt negatively affects the plant at any concentration and appears to build up in the soil. Salt is toxic if the concentration in the soil is greater than 10%.

Effect of Boron on Pollen Tube Formation and Callose Deposits

A two-year study was conducted to investigate effects of acid precipitation, UV-B radiation, and boron on pollen germination and callose deposits of the Lilium sp. Samples were observed with light, scanning, and ultraviolet fluorescence microscopes. The light microscope was used for pollen counts to determine the percentage of pollen germination among the control and experimental groups. For the boron portion of the study, the light microscope was used to take photographs of random germinated pollen grains from the five control and experimental groups. The scanning-electron and ultraviolet fluorescence microscopes were used during the boron phase of the study for purely observational purposes. The data collected suggests that acid precipitation at pH levels lower than 4, UV-B radiation exposure greater than ten minutes, and boron concentrations of 31.25 ppm, 62.5 ppm, 250 ppm, and 1000 ppm inhibit germination. The experimental concentrations of boron seem to decrease the number of deposited callose plugs.

The Effects of Acidic and Basic Solutions on Radish Growth

The purpose of my research is to show whether radishes will grow significantly better in acidic or basic solutions. The solutions were made into a lower pH by sulfuric acid and raised by potash. I tested the radishes by comparing the weight of each of them to the control. Observations showed that the radishes in pH 5 grew the best, and the radishes in pH 8 grew the worst. The null hypothesis was rejected in only one case, when comparing the control to pH 8.

BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE

Learned Behavior As Affected by Observation

The purpose of this study was to see how learned behavior was affected by observation. Two groups of thirty people (ages 10-18 and 21-57) were timed while completing two different jigsaw puzzles. The first was done in a normal fashion, and the second under careful observation. One third of the adults and one half of the children did the first puzzle faster. It was found that many completed the puzzle faster when observation was not a factor.

The effects of "love" in Rats

My research has been based on the research group from McGill University, in Montreal. Led by Michael J. Meaney, this group "fined-tuned" a forty-year-old experiment, with lots of informational gaps, into a solid experiment. In this experiment, the research team compared the newborn rats from the same litter. Some, during the first three weeks of their lives, were removed from their mother daily for fifteen minutes. The remainder were allowed to stay. The result was that, once the "removed" rats were returned to their mothers, the mother rat spent about twice as much time licking and grooming the offspring. When the rats became adults, the rodents who received the "exuberant licking and grooming, [displayed] signs of a reduced responsiveness to stress...(Science March 14, 1997)." The way the scientists tested this, was that while restraining them to collect blood, the "removed" rats "...[exhibited] low concentrations of adrenacorticotropic hormone and corticosterone-two stress hormones...(Science)." Thus, the overwhelming amount of "love" given to these rats caused them to be better apt at handling stress. So, touch plays an important role in rat development. Likewise, in humans, "...exposure to touch provides crucial sensory support in the development of human infants. Researchers have noted significant gains in the hospital (Science)." This has lead me to focus my research on how the touch in a rats past effects its learning capabilities in the future. Thus, after the removal process, my experiment has two rats from each group (removed and not removed) run a simple maze pattern. I am therefore testing to see if that, since the rats' ability to handle stress is better; its ability to learn is also better.

Effects of Melatonin on the Courtship Behavior of Poecilia latipinna

Previous research has indicated that courtship behavior in Poeciliid fish increases near dusk. Melatonin, which peaks at nighttime, has been shown to regulate behavioral rhythms. Our study examines the possibility of the involvement of melatonin in the observed twilight increase in courtship. Fish were randomly assigned to on of three groups: melatonin-injected, vehicle-injected, or non-handled control (n=8). Fish were injected and observed at the same time every night for five nights. Melatonin did not influence social or courtship behaviors, but injection did. This finding reiterates the importance of multiple controls in scientific research.

The Efficacy of Audio Memorization in Adolescents

The purpose of this study was to determine whether adolescents or ten year olds have better listening skills. A survey was given to 6 classes of Immaculata High School students (14 to 18 years old). The same survey was given to 10 and 11 year olds at Eisenhower Middle School in Bridgewater. Results show that the 14 to 18 year olds scored a slightly higher percentage of correct answers than the 10 year olds. It was found that teenagers have better listening skills than fifth graders. However, further research is needed to confirm these conclusions.

The Learning Capabilities of the Latent Memory of Lumbricus terrestris

This experiment tests the learning capabilities of the common earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris. Whether or not learning occurs in protists, or in such simple metazoans as sponges and hydras, is uncertain. But at the stage of evolution represented by the earthworm, experiments indicate that this animal is capable of what psychologists call "latent memory," or the storing of impressions until a later time when they may be useful. In this experiment, worms would escape from a class tubing in the form of a "T". If the worms turned to the right at the top of the "T," they entered a dark moist chamber filled with damp earth and moss, a favorable environment for an earthworm. If they turned left, they encountered an electrical shock. After a series of twenty test trials the worms should learn to avoid the electrical shock.

Position and Viewer Choice

The purpose of this project was to determine if people prefer the image on the right to the image on the left in a "split screen" comparison. Two sets of panels were constructed to mimic a "split screen" comparison. Subjects were shown one set and asked to chose the better image. Subjects also answered questions about age, gender, and "handedness". Overall males (n=23) chose evenly between the right (49%) and the left (51%). Females (n=42) predominately chose the left (60% to 40%). This suggests that for teenage females, position of an image may have an impact on the decision of the "preferred" product. For teenage males factors other than position are probably more important in choosing a "preferred" product.

Effects of Caffeine and Ethanol on an Orb-Weaver Spider

The purpose of my experiment was to study and record the effects that a caffeine-concentrated mixture had on an orb-weaver (Nephilia clavipes) and web. I compared the web of the experimental spider with that of a control spicer that was not subjected to any caffeine mixture. The caffeine mixture consisted of 5 mg of pure caffeine and 250 mL of distilled water. Both spiders were housed in wooden framed boxes (50 cm x 50 cm x 9cm) and were fed 1 mealworm every third day. The measurements that were recorded were the number of radii, the length of radii, number of sections, number of points of attachment, and the average lengths of points of attachments. The experiment ran for 2 weeks (14 days) and the data showed that the presence of caffeine did not significantly affect the spider and its web when compared to the control spider's web.

Speed Perception Among Various Levels of Driving Experience

The purpose of this study was to determine perception of speed at different levels of driving experience. A video was made from inside a car and different speeds were taped. A survey was prepared in which subjects with different levels of driving experience had to guess the speed of the car. Overall, beginning drivers (n=22) did the best (82% of answers correct) while experienced drivers (n=24) did the worst (62% of answers correct). Non-drivers (n=62) were consistently in the middle (about 76% of answers correct). It was found that beginning drivers probably pay more attention to driving while experienced drivers may consider this a routine process.

Changes in Humor Perceptions: Phase II

This study is an extension of a previous work researching the effects of age on the sense of humor. This study examined how age, sex and intellectual ability influenced what individuals considered funny in modern cartoons. Surveys of 40 cartoons were randomly distributed to 50 adults who were asked to rate them as demonstrating sarcasm, situational irony, satire or slapstick comedy. Based on these results, a second survey of 20 cartoons was developed and distributed to 140 individuals in the following groups: 21-35 year olds, 36-50 year olds, age 66 and above, adolescents in an average level course and in an honors course. Results indicated that, as age increased, female preference for sarcasm decreased. Male and female individual responses varied greatly in all adult age groups except in those over 66 years old. At all ages, adult males preferred cartoons that required least logical thought. Females seemed to enjoy humor in understanding a joke or in comprehending pre-existing incongruities. It was concluded that, while age and sex play a substantial role in what individuals viewed as funny, differences in intellectual ability among adolescents did not appear to strongly influence humor perception. Life experiences, cognitive abilities and accepted gender roles may have influenced these results.

Peer Pressure: The Strongest Influence to Begin Smoking for Teens and Adults

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence a person credits with their beginning to smoke. Surveys were distributed to adults at Somerset Hematology/Oncology in Somerset, NJ. Results of a previous study of teenagers were also used (Dowd, 1997). Adults and teenagers felt that the greatest influence to begin smoking was peer pressure. This factor was the strongest influence regardless of the age when a person began to smoke.

Effects of Radiation and Sugar Solution on Vanessa Cardui Butterflies

Researchers know that radiation experimented on objects especially living organisms somehow changes the object or living thing. I was curious how radiation would affect butterflies. Therefore, the objective of this experiment was to observe the rate of metamorphosis of the Vanessa Cardui butterfly altered by radiation. Two groups of variables were subjected to radiation three times a week. The first group was exposed to radiation for 5 minutes, and the second group was exposed for 10 minutes of radiation. The control and the two variable groups were weighed several times to see if a change was brought to the rate of metamorphosis. After the first two weeks of radiation, a change in the weight and behavior of the butterflies was noted. The statistical analysis calculated by the weight of butterflies, and it's revelation of a significant change in the rate of metamorphosis was proof to back up for my hypothesis. The radiation had significantly changed the rate of metamorphosis of the Painted Lady butterfly.

Chewing Gum: Memory Booster

The act of chewing gum is known to release tension and to increase concentration. The purpose of the experiment was to determine whether chewing sugarless gum enhanced the visual-spatial memory performance of an individual. Each of 50 subjects was instructed to play a modified version of the commercial board game "Concentration" (also known as "Memory") twice, once without chewing gum and once with gum. The number of trials needed to complete the game under the two conditions was recorded and compared to each other. So that no information gathered from a preceding game trial could possibly affect the results, the following steps were taken. Two different spatial arrangements of the cards were utilized. The order of chewing/non-chewing was reversed in 50% of the subjects. According to the analysis done on the average number of trials required each time, it was shown that a learning process did not occur since average number of trials did not improve as a result of playing a second time. By comparing averages, a 16% +/- 5% improvement was shown as a result of the act of chewing. Statistically, the results, based on the correlated T-test confidence level of 99.9%, demonstrated that chewing gum significantly enhanced the visual-spatial memory performance of the subjects.

The Effects of Sensory Cues on Memory Recall

Fifty-two students were given a simple memory task to determine whether olfactory cues were able to generate a substantial amount of short-term memory recall. Subjects were asked to read a vocabulary selection without being exposed to any unusual stimulus. Next, subjects were introduced to the scent of cinnamon while reading a similar selection, and were then given two minutes to write the vocabulary words that appeared in each section. Data analysis was completed using basic statistics, graphs, and the t-test. Results suggest that olfactory cues are not linked to short-term memory, and may possibly indicate that females respond to olfactory cues more positively than males.

Sugar Preferences among Musca domestica

The subject of our experiment is the housefly and its preferences among certain types of sweeteners. A population of approximately 300 houseflies were obtained and tested. These flies were placed in a container, where there were different types of sweeteners available to them. The choices offered to the flies were as follows: control (adhesive trap alone), pure sugar, aspartame, and saccharin. Any fly that landed on one of the pieces of cardboard with the adhesive trap and/or its corresponding sweetener stuck to the cardboard. The results of this experiment showed that the flies tested had no preference for any individual sweetener.

Sibling Rivalry Uncaged from a Prison of Dilemmas

My project investigates the influence of age-spacing and gender on sibling rivalry through the use of a prisoner's dilemma situation. A prisoner's dilemma situation is a theoretical tool used to predict the best move to make to maximize one's gain, but is influenced by the social relationship between two people. Based on research, I hypothesized: A) Siblings whose age difference is greater than or equal to four will share more than siblings with an age gap of less than or equal to three years. B) Siblings of the opposite gender will share more than siblings of the same gender. C) Pairs of female siblings will share more than pairs of male siblings. To investigate, a questionnaire was administered to students of various age groups. After analyzing the data for families of two siblings, using a chi-square distribution at the 95% confidence level, I was unable to reject any of the hypotheses. Although the $x sup 2$ value to show pairs of female siblings shared more than pairs of male siblings was not high enough to reject $H sub o$, the data showed this tendency.

Does Morality Give An Organism an Advantage in Natural Selection?

In this experiment, a scientific approach was taken to traditionally philosophical questions regarding ethics. An experiment was designed to demonstrate if an organism would have an advantage in natural selection if it subscribed to some moral code. For the purposes of this experiment, a moral code shall be a set of guidelines that a group of organisms hold to when dealing with the other organisms. Examples are do not steal from and do not kill other organisms. The experiment consisted of computer models of life forms in a virtual environment in which they compete for "foodicles", resource units/food necessary for survival. Three different tests were conducted: moral creatures alone, amoral creatures alone, and both at the same time. Success was based on length of time the entire group survived before starving to digital death. The results show that the moral creatures usually live longer than the amoral creatures.

CHEMISTRY

A Study of the Vibrational Energy Modes of Halogen Molecules

The purpose of this experiment is to use an infrared spectrophotometer to study the relationship between mass and the vibreational energy modes of the halogen molecules. Organic chemistry textbooks indicate that each compound should have it own scan, unique only to that substance and used to identify it. This led us to believe that there was a relationship between mass and vibrational energy modes and that we could ascertain this relationship. We proceeded by reacting Potassium Halogen (KF,KCl,...) salts with hypochlorite ions (ClO/sup-/) to release the halogens as diatomics, which were dissolved in a top layer of cyclohexane. Using the twin-cell method of scanning, we ran samples of each halogen. Initial results were inconclusive: therefore, we repeated the procedure at higher concentrations. These results yielded almost identical scans. To verify these results, samples of pure halogens were run. This third set of scans were almost identical to the second. Therefore, it is feasible to conclude that the halogens follow the laws of Simple Harmonic Motion and their vibrational modes are independent of the mass of the halogen atoms. levels.

Reactions between Aluminum Tetraphenylporphine and Neutral Ligands

Complexes between trivalent metals (e.g. $roman Fe sup 3+$, $roman Mn sup 3+$, $roman Ga sup 3+$) and porphyrin ligands are well known. Invariably they have structures in which a single anionic ligand is bonded to the metal on an axis perpendicular to the porphyrin plane. Adding neutral ligands to the complex leads to several different structures, depending on where these ligands are located. Due to difficulty of synthesis, aluminum porphyrins have received little study. Understanding the behavior of the porphyrin complexes of trivalent metals will be assisted by comparisons using the aluminum complex. Our work involves improving the methods for synthesizing aluminum porphyrins and then determining the structure(s) of the ligated species.

Aspirin Binders

This project will determine if a certain binder can be more effective that another. The methods used for this project was selected because many people use aspirin but not all use the same brand. Various brands were compared for the percent of aspirin in each tablet, composition of the binder, test for salicylic acid, and the rate of disintegration. The aspirin tablets I will use are regular Bayer, Alka-Seltzer, and CVS aspirin. Synthetic aspirin, acetylsalicylic acid, was first used in medicine in 1899. The adult dosage is the same for all brands, but the remainder of the tablet is made up of inert materials called binders. The only significant difference among the various brands of aspirin is in the composition of their binders.

Electrical Current Derived from H2O

Name: Garrett Young Project Tittle: Electrical Current Derived from H20 Category: Chemistry Abstract: Cosmic radiation interacts with water molecules, electrically charging them negatively and positively. Electrodes, copper and aluminum, were partially submerged in non-quiescent water. Potential difference between electrodes caused a small amount of current to flow. The difference in potential was created through cosmic radiation charging water molecules flowing through the apparatus. Measurements of the current were measured with an ampere meter and potential with a voltmeter. The output current was found proportional to effective electrode area and the amount of water reacting. Maximum current was six milliamperes with a potential equaling six tenths of a volt. I conclude that the experimental results indicate the feasibility of this process to attain a usable current that could improve the efficiency of a factory or power plant that uses water.

Chemiluminescence: The Miracle of Cold Light

In this project, I tested the reaction of luminol and how it is affected by different ions. Previous testing showed that the most effective ions are nitrate ions. These increased both the light intensity of the reaction and the reaction time. These nitrate ions were then tested numerous times and measured with a light meter to see which reaction yielded the highest light intensity. The pHs of the solutions were also tested to see whether or not pH has any effect upon the reaction. The luminol seems to react best when in a basic solution.

Natural Indiglo Watch

Controlling a Chemiluminescent Clock Reaction Chemiluminescence defines scientific beauty and intrigue "when an energy-releasing reaction produces a molecule in an electronically excited state and that molecule, as it returns to the ground state, releases its energy as a photon of light." Clock reactions define kinetically precise series of steps leading to a final result. My experimentation verified that the induction time and other characteristics of a chemiluminescent clock reaction could be varied, controlled, and predicted. Initially, I recreated Bassam Shakhashiri's "Luminol Chemiluminescent Clock Reaction" and recorded the intensity of the illumination versus the time with a light sensor hooked up to Science Workshop on a computer. With this computer program I was able to graph the data and perform various functions. Next, I varied the amount of certain reactants, like hydrogen peroxide, DL-cysteine hydrochloride hydrate, and cupric sulfate, and recorded respective intensity vs. time. The last variations I made were with temperature, by performing the reaction at 58°C and 5°C. Only DL-cysteine hydrochloride hydrate is directly proportional to the induction time while all the other variables affect it inversely. Essentially, this project delineates that by knowing the kinetics, such chemiluminescent reactions can be controlled and predicted very precisely. This opens up the doors of opportunity to utilize the induction time, intensity of illumination, and reaction time of such chemistry in useful, real world instances, like warnings and timing.

Brand Name versus Generic: Which Softens Hands Better?

The public is constantly reminded in the media of the effectiveness of hand lotions. These particular products are the "name brands" that usually cost more than their generic counterparts. This research project set out to support or disclaim the hypothesis that "insignificant differences exist in the effectiveness of generic and usually higher-priced name-brand hand lotions." Based on a survey of 104 high school students, six name-brand and five generic lotions were selected for analysis. Four physical properties were selected as evaluative criteria when comparing the effectiveness of the respective lotions: 1. percent of solids; 2. acid/base characteristics (pH); 3. density; and 4. cost per milliliter. Three individuals participated in a subjective rating of the softness, cooling effect, fragrance, overall feeling on the skin, and perceived "effectiveness" of the eleven lotions. The above properties and the subjective ratings were then compared to observe whether any general agreement was evident between the ratings and the properties. From these comparisons, the following relationships were identified and conclusions reached: 1. effectiveness is inversely proportional to the percent of solids; 2. effectiveness is directly proportional to density. No particular relationships were revealed when cost per milliliter and the performance ratings were compared. Relatively high or low prices per milliliter were found to not contribute to more preferable or less preferable subjective ratings. Therefore, results of the analyses support the hypothesis that insignificant differences exist in the effectiveness of generic and name-brand hand lotions.

Optimal Calcium Absorption

Arsenazo III complexes specifically with calcium anions. In the presence of $Ca sup2+$, a solution of Arsenazo III in deionized water changes from a magenta color to a purple or blue hue dependent on the concentration of calcium as measured by a spectrophotometer. When a calcium supplement was dissolved in equal volumes of different beverages and the resultant solution was run through dialysis tubing with the beverage itself run in parallel as a control, the resultant shifts in the absorption curve of Arsenazo III ranged between 5 to 60 nanometers. Orange juice showed the greatest shift followed by diet and decaffeinated Pepsi®. Next most effective was water while tea, decaffeinated tea, and decaffeinated coffee allowed the least amount of calcium to pass through the dialysis tubing.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Sunscreen

The purpose of this experiment is to investigate the relative performance of 6 different sunscreens currently available. The sunscreens tested had different formulations, but claimed the same “sunscreen performance factor” (SPF). I attempted to analyze the relative effectiveness of these different chemical combinations in my experiment, as well as relate their performance to “standard” sunscreens. This was accomp;ished by evaluating the amount of product obtained when benzophenone in alcohol ssolution was exposed to UV light. Within the parameters of my experiment, I discovered that there were apparent differences in relative performance, between the samples tested, and in comparison with the “standard” sunscreen. These differences ranged from 48.9% to 4.7% below the “standard” tested.

An Oscillating Gas-Release Reaction

The purpose of my experiment was to determine whether the periodicity of the gas released in nitrite decomposition of ammonium: .EQ roman NH sub 4 sup + + roman NO sub 2 sup - -> roman N sub 2 + roman H sub 2 roman O .EN is due to varying chemical rates or to varying physical rates. In order to study the gas release quantitatively, I built an apparatus that was connected to an electronic barometer and a thermocouple which continuously recorded solution temperature and gas phase pressure on a computer. If the periodic gas evolution was somehow due to the periodic rate of the chemical reaction, then the temperature would rise synchronously with the periodic gas evolution. However, simultaneous plots of temperature and pressure versus time showed there was no correlation between the temperature and the periodic gas evolution. Other observations support the physical nature of the pressure observations. Through further examination, I discovered other factors which affect the periodicity of the reaction.

Analysis of Actual Fat Content in Fat-Free Food Products

A recent concern in the food industry has been the accuracy and integrity of food corporations' laboratory measurements of fat content in certain allegedly fat-free products. Since we had the available facilities to conduct impartial experiments; we selected this area of study. First, we researched the various techniques involved: adding solvent, extracting the aqueous layer from the product sample using a separatory funnel, drying and filtering the organic layer, and finally heating the resulting mixture to evaporate the solvent and water ultimately leaving us with the fat content. We collected data on numerous fat-free food products, from yogurt to salad dressing. We expected to find traces of fat in each food, since it is practically impossible for a food to be entirely fat-free. However, a few foods did exceed the FDA approved limit of 0.1 grams of fat per serving; such products are specified on our display. The benefits of our experiments were evident. First, we concluded that in certain cases, the fat content of food labels wasn't as accurate as consumers are often led to believe. Since the general public has a right to be aware of these products, we will publish our results in an online health magazine to inform them. In addition, we plan to present our findings to consumer services companies. Secondly, our project developed efficient techniques to illustrate the relevance of food chemistry to modern everyday living.

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Call Home

Call Home is a project designed to remotely initiate a phone chain in which an entire student body is called. A school administrator may set the program to call all the students in the program's database and notify them of either a snow day or a delayed opening. The administrator may initiate the phone chain by using a regular telephone to call the computer. The computer will then prompt the user to enter a numerical password and then to choose whether a snow day or delayed opening message will be delivered to the student body. The program not only calls students in a preset database, but also allows a user to directly input data into a user interface that reads and saves to Microsoft Access files. The database was created with our school in mind and therefore has information such as name and address, phone number, bus route, ID number, and grouping information such as grade level and research group. This program can be loaded onto a server located within the school where it can be connected to one or more phone lines. Once the administrator calls in, the server can place calls using multiple phone lines in order to inform the students at an increased rate. For example, a computer with one phone line can notify 200 students in one hour, while a computer with four lines can notify 200 students in 15 minutes.

Algorithmic Optimization via Evolutionary Computing

Optimization of algorithms in computer programming is an important by a difficult and time consuming subject. In this project an attempt was made to apply Evolutionary Computing, techniques which mimic the natural mutation and evolution of living beings, to improve math-based algorithms without human intervention. To accomplish this, a mutable assembly-type language was designed and implemented, along with tools to run programs written in it. Initially working programs were repeatedly mutated and tested, and survivors were selected by a Simulated Annealing algorithm. It was discovered that along with many duplicates of the original program, many alternative and superior algorithms were also generated.

The Boolean Algebra Emulator

In many electronics applications, a system is required to logically link together input and output components. The Boolean Algebra Emulator fills this need in a small self-contained package. Boolean algebra, the mathematical language in which the relationships between the inputs and outputs are defined, is a simple method of describing logical (true or false, 1 or 0) relationships between variables. To setup the Boolean Algebra Emulator, all the user must do is connect sensors to the input pins, the response equipment to the output pins, and enter Boolean expressions into the Boolean Algebra Emulator's built-in keypad. Numbers in these equations represent the Boolean (on or off) value of the input pin specified. For example, if an alarm connected to pin 3 is to sound if the door is opened (input pin 0 is low) and if either one of two electric eye systems connected to input pins 1 and 2 are triggered (input pin 1 or input pin 2 is high), then the equation NOT 0 AND (1 OR 2) would be entered for the output pin 3. All in all, this Boolean Algebra Emulator provides all the power necessary for complex digital applications in a small, self-contained environment.

Our Solar System...In 3D

Many people have created two and three dimensional animated solar systems on the computer. These systems were designed to be more artistic than scientific. This project consists of a 3-Dimensional solar system that uses texture mapped planets in their real elliptical paths. By showing the solar system from many seperate cameras, this project displays each planet individualy along with its moons. The paths, scale and dimensions are all accuratley calculated from provided data. The solar system was constructed using 3DS MAX 2.0, a 3D modeling and animation program. For the elliptical paths, parametric equations in the form of [Acos(F(360/P)), Bsin(F(360/P))] were used: P stands for Period and F stands for Frames. The planets were mapped and animated with textures and data from space missions. By creating this solar system in 3D, the focus is on each individual planet.

GeoBasic

When designing software, an important task is designing the user interface. This can be a difficult and time-consuming task. The programmer must write the source code to create the interface, and revise it several times until it is perfect. Each revision takes several minutes or more, as the programmer must wait for the code to be completely recompiled, even if the change is as simple as only a one-word modification. Many revisions are necessary because the programmer cannot tell exactly what the interface will look like until the code is compiled. This requires the programmer to make many time consuming revisions just for minor tweaks. Because of these complications, user interface design is a difficult task. GeoBasic is a programming tool for programmers of the GEOS Operating System that greatly simplifies this task. Programmers simply need to click a few buttons to create their interface. Tweaking the appearance is done via just a few more clicks. After every action, the result is shown instantly. When the user is done, all that is needed is a few clicks and GeoBasic will create the necessary source code to compile the program. After a few minor modifications, the resultant code can then be compiled via the GEOS Software Development Kit (SDK). These modifications are necessary to give information necessary for the compiler to finish creating the application. Future versions of GeoBasic will be able to generate this code also. Even in its present unfinished form, GeoBasic greatly decreases the time needed to create user interfaces and enables programmers to spend their time on more difficult tasks. In fact, GeoBasic was actually used to create parts of its own interface!

An Autonomous Device-Controller and Data Recorder

When conducting an experiment requiring measurement, it is often desirable to automate the recording process. This is particularly true if data must be taken many times a second, or at inconvenient times of day. Currently, to do this, a scientist would have to purchase an expensive device (less precise ones cost on the order of $dollar$200-$dollar$300) which adds analog inputs to a computer. Because these devices rely on computers, a PC must be dedicated to the experiment, and cannot be used for anything else while it is underway. Also, because they transmit data immediately, without buffering it, the rate at which data can be gathered is limited by the speed of the PC's internal ports. Sometimes, a scientist also wants to set up some sort of feedback process or repeated task; for example, whenever a temperature rises above a certain point, to turn on a fan; or to stir a solution every hour. To do this, a separate circuit would have to be constructed, and, in some cases, it would of necessity be quite complex. This is difficult, and of course (for example) a chemist could not be expected to know electronics. A computer could control the experiment, but, again, an expensive interface device is needed, and to do anything useful, complex software may be required. I have designed and implemented the SVS. It is capable of recording data from an experiment in progress, and of storing that data in a part of its memory called a buffer. It is also capable of controlling external devices (such as the fan or stirring rod of the previous example), both periodically and in response to changing data conditions. The SVS is independent of any computer; it stores all the information and instructions it needs within itself. In fact, it is a small computer in its own right. It can be connected to a desktop PC to receive its instructions and to exchange information. A program on the PC could plot the results, or produce a list of when the fan was on, or put data into a spreadsheet. No special software is required on the PC, because the SVS uses standard protocols. However, a program to perform basic operations on the data is under development. The SVS is completely programmable, and thus is versatile enough for any task. Basic operations have preset configurations, and more complex things can be easily set up via a built-in library of commands.

The Contrast in Speed Between C++ and Java

C++ and Java are two widely used computer languages in our present age. Both languages have become so popular that they are threatening to overwhelm each other. The purpose of my research was to discover which language had a faster run-time speed, an exceedingly important aspect to both professional and personal computer users. Four programs were written in C++ and four programs were written in Java. Each program in C++ accomplished a similar task to its corresponding program in Java. All programs were then timed under constant variables 40 times. Upon analysis of the data, C++ was, indeed, much faster than Java.

Ronchi Rulings via PostScript Programming

Ronchi rulings (linear diffraction gratings) are used extensively in a wide variety of fields. Unfortunately they are extremely expensive and difficult to obtain. I have created a C++ program which allows anyone with a computer and a PostScript printer to develop custom designed ronchi rulings instantly, at a negligible cost. The program receives various input from the user with regard to the size and rule frequency of the ruling. It does all the necessary calculations, generates the appropriate PostScript code for the ruling, and saves it as a file on the hard drive. The user has the option to send this file to the printer and print out a good quality ronchi ruling on transparency paper.

Prescription Medicine Reminder and Organizer System

Medication, particularly prescription medicine, is vital to millions of people worldwide. Unfortunately, most people not only seem to forget what medicine to take at what time, but how much medicine and what to take it with. The Medical Organizer and Reminder system will not only alleviate all of those problems, but will be a more efficient system for one reason: it will be part of the pharmaceutical system. If this program were to successfully launch, there would be no need for faulty self-edited reminders that could be erroneously edited by patients themselves, or expensive devices programmed by businesses for rediculous fees. The Medical Organizer and Reminder system would be utilized by a small device that is regularly updated and edited by a pharmacist, ready to use with their medications. Therefore the system would be beneficial to prescription dependent patients for both its economic and medical advantages.

ENGINEERING

Water Wheels: Possible Energy Source for Modern Living.

The purpose of this study was to determine if a waterwheel is an efficient source of energy for a modern house. A model waterwheel was attached to a generator and then to light bulbs proportional to the amount of power the house would require. The light bulbs did not light when water was poured on the wheel because the RPM (Revolutions per Minute) were not high enough to produce sufficient amps. Although the model did not produce enough power, a full scale version should produce enough power. Further research would be useful to test this hypothesis.

An Olfactory Robot Using Chemiresistors

Polymers expand and contract when a smell is introduced to them. If carbon particles are added to the polymer, there is an electrical resistance of about 10,000 Ohms that develops, and as the polymer expands and contracts the resistance will change. These polymer/carbon particle substance, which are called chemiresistors, are doped on sockets and then mounted in a vacuum apparatus with 8 valves equidistantly set around the circumference of a tube. These valves open and close sequentially, and as they open there is an electric signal that is acquired from the chemiresistor. The 8 signals are then inputted into BASIC Stamp hardware and compared to each other by means of the BASIC computer program, which also controls the movement of the wheels and the opening and closing of the valves, then the whole apparatus, which is mounted on wheels moves in the direction of the valve with the greatest signal. This process happens repeatedly until the electrical signal acquired from the chemiresistor is at the maximum value and the robot has reached the substance.

Alternate Plans to Traffic Routing at the Flemington and Somerville Circles

This study provided a plan for the reconstruction of the Flemington and Somerville Circles to insure safety both in the circle and its vicinity. By studying previous plans and recent data, new plans were developed. For the Flemington Circle, two overpasses and additional roadways were implemented. For the Somerville Circle, three traffic lights and additional roadways were implemented. The plans for reconstruction of the circles provide safer and more efficient traffic flow for the area.

You Cannot Miss It

My project, You Can't Miss It, makes following directions as easy as pressing a button. The normal way of giving directions is by written means. Although this may be fine if you have a passenger who can read off the instructions and act as a navigator, it becomes very difficult if you are by yourself and have to read the directions and drive at same time. Something which is very dangerous and can easily get you lost. This is where You Can't Miss It comes into play. By using the latest in voice technology, the device audibly dictates directions, step by step, to the driver with the touch of a button. You Can't Miss It works by storing a person's voice using a special playback and record chip, which is capable of holding multiple voice, messages for up to 90 seconds. Each message represents a different step in the person's directions. The instructor will simply press a record button during each step that he is giving. On the other end, the driver will have the same ease of use. By pressing the "Start" button, he will be able to hear the first direction. Using other buttons, the driver also has the ability to play the same message, the next message, or the previous message. Provided that the person giving the directions was accurate in his dictation, the driver will easily be able to find his way to any destination.

A New Look at Flood Control in North Branch, NJ

The purpose of this research was to explore alternate flood control methods for the town of North Branch. The area around the town was examined and various means of flood control were applied. Cost and flood prevention were factored into the total effectiveness. Flooding in North Branch can be more effectively controlled in several ways but the cost may be larger than the money saved. It is possible to build floodwalls or levees around individual houses and on the banks of the river, the primary site of flooding. Further study, especially with regards to exact costs, is needed.

An Optical Method for Satellite Communication

Valuable satellite information is many times lost because the satellite is tumbling and its antenna does not point toward earth. One possible solution to this problem is to place a corner cube on the satellite. A "corner cube" is three mirrors set mutually perpendicular to each other, which would reflect an incoming laser beam back parallel to the original beam and land on a fixed spot on earth. Since there is a great chance the laser beam will miss the corner cube while the satellite is tumbling, we propose using a set of eight corner cubes and bringing them together at a single vertex, the satellite. In this configuration, no matter what the orientation of the satellite is, there will always be a corner cube in position for reflecting the laser beam back to a fixed point on earth. In order to encode data, we attach a piezo disk onto each of the mirrors in the corner cube and vibrate these disks with AC voltage from an oscillator. When the modulated beam bounces off the vibrating mirrors, it goes back to the photodiode, where the light intensity of the vibrating beam in front of a slit is detected and converted into voltage. To encode information onto the reflected beam, we have built a box with push-buttons; one labeled "0" and the other labeled "1". Pressing the push-button labeled "0" would energize a 500 Hz oscillator. We graphed these "0"s and "1"s with a computer, using frequency to voltage converter. In this way, information is transferred from satellite to earth in this way.

Seeing Sounds for the Visually Impaired

An electronic device was developed for helping the visually impaired to navigate through their surroundings. This device called Seeing Sounds, utilizes the basic principles of echolation to detect objects. It emits, receives, and interprets ultrasonic signals, and then generates an audible sound to alert blind people of their surroundings. This audible sound can be easily heard with the help of an earphone worn by the subject. The results indicate that the device is able to successfully detect upcoming objects, however, it is not capable of differentiating the type of object. It is recommended that the device be used along with a cane for navigation.

The Audio Escape System

Fires cause chaos, confusion, and panic, especially when vision is hindered due to smoke. It is this type of situation that the sense of sound becomes vital to emergency action. Through the use of advanced technology we were able to create the Audio Escape System (AES). Through a series of speakers, the AES can get people to the nearest safe exit without sending them through a hazardous area. The device is run on the 9 Volt battery and is comprised of a series of mounted 8 W speakers. These speakers are controlled by a microcontroller that has been programmed to send off a sequence of consecutive sounds leading away from the fire. The speakers initiate the sound sequence as soon as any fire alarm goes off, providing a secure audio escape route.

The Geese Terrorizer 2000

Numbers of Canada geese have increased dramatically during the past 30 years. Now, these geese are causing serious health, economical, and public problems across North America. Attempts to deter them have been costly and troublesome. The Geese Terrorizer 2000 projects a loud, high pitched, noise while following a predetermined path around the playing field. The device deters the geese, restoring areas to their natural beauty.

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

The Removal of CO in the Atmosphere Using Soil

The purpose of this research project is to remove carbon monoxide (CO) from the atmosphere using different types of soils. To this, air samples and cultivated soils from different areas will be collected. The different soils that will be used are regular ground, potting, tropical, and desert soil. This experiment would be know as a "Soil-sink Experiment". The collection of air samples will be necessary, since CO is found in the atmosphere. The problem will be, can different soils remove CO from the atmosphere? The hypothesis will be: tropical soil will be able to remove CO from the atmosphere better that the regular ground, potting, and desert soil. Why, because the rate of CO removal depends on temperature as well as soil type.

Phytoplanktons: The cure for the future

As we look to our future, it is often saddening to think that we are experiencing just some of the effects of the Greenhouse Effect, that will be one day in full swing, causing mass chaos. But being optimistic, there's always a silver lining. That silver lining may one day be thanks to phytoplankton. Phytoplankton are the plants of the sea, being a form of a plant they carry certain common characteristics that land plants do. Photosynthesis being one of them, plants use carbon dioxide to grow and mature, in turn they give off valuable oxygen that almost every living thing needs. Like land plants, phytoplankton carry on the same process of using Carbon Dioxide, and giving off Oxygen. Adding minuscule amounts of Iron to areas populated with phytoplankton has means, decrease in atmospheric levels of Carbon Dioxide and increased levels of Oxygen. In testing four nutrients, Nitrate, Phosphorous, and Potassium, I found Phosphorous and Potassium coupled with iron, to be excellent nutrients to optimize the efficiency of planktonic blooms.

Effect of the Consumption of Different Strength Acids in Mealworms (Tenebrio)

In this experiment we have tried to prove our hypothesis, which was that the effect of different strength acids will cause differences in the mass of Tenebrio. We put 40 tenebrio in each of the five terrariums that we had. Each week we sprayed sulfuric acid on the oatmeal that the tenebrio ate. The acid pH levels varied anywhere from 3-7. During each week, we measured the mass of the Tenebrio. All differences were due to random chance and the null hypothesis can not be rejected.

Odor Identification Using Multiple Organic Polymer/Conductive Carbon Chemiresistors

One approach to smell sensing is based upon a fixed array of sensors, each of which responds differently to an odorant; the global pattern of responses then is characteristic of that odorant. I have built an electronic nose that operates in this manner. Individual sensor elements (chemiresistors, CR's) were fabricated using films of carbon black deposited within different polymer binders. When an odorant is introduced, the polymer swells, causing the carbon black particles to change their relative spacing, resulting in a measurable and reversible change in resistivity that depends on the odorant. To analyze the resistance changes of each CR, I built an apparatus that can read the relevant voltage responses of each sensor element when biased at constant current. Using two multiplexers working in sync, each CR channel is opened and closed sequentially in time, and the relevant voltage is recorded. Using four different sensors simultaneously, results indicate a characteristic fingerprint for a given odorant. Such a device may prove useful as a detector for a gas chromatograph. Other possible applications of this "electronic nose" are evident in the areas of forensics, food processing, pollutant identification, and medical diagnosis.

Water Level Fluctuations in the Raritan River and Peters Brook

The purpose of this study was to determine whether the water levels of the Raritan River and Peter's Brook, a tributary of the Raritan, were affected differently by a given amount of rainfall. Water levels were measured at eight sites, four each along the Raritan River and Peter's Brook. The sites were evaluated twice a week from late May through November 1997. For every centimeter of rainfall, the water levels of the Raritan River increased an average of 1.78 centimeters to Peter's Brook's 0.39 centimeters. It was found that two different water bodies can react differently to a given amount of rainfall. Further study would be required to determine the factor causing the difference.

Phytoextraction of Lead-Contaminated Soils using Mustard Plants

This is a test abstract.

Physical Features of Beach Sand as Related to Source

This study explored the possibility of a relationship in the texture, color and size of naturally occurring beach sand along the Atlantic coast of the United States. Sand was collected from twelve sites from Rhode Island to Florida. Results showed that there was a localized similarity in the color and shape of the samples. Particle size decreased from north to south. The factors which most likely affected the samples were erosion from rock formations, calcareous beach materials, and a partially glaciated coastline.

MATHEMATICS

Cracking the Uncrackable - A novel approach to cracking the worlds most popular cryptosystem.

The RSA public-key cryptosystem is at the heart of providing privacy and security in virtually every aspect of todays electronic communication. The security of the RSA cryptosystem is derived from the difficulty of factoring the large encryption modulus, which is computationally impractical. In this project, I explored the fundamental mathematics behind the RSA cryptosystem, and developed a new approach to deciphering an RSA encrypted message without access to the decryption key, and without having to factor any numbers. Step-by-step, I demonstrated my approach to cracking an RSA encrypted message with a message block size of 4 digits, encryption modulus size of 8 digits, and an encryption exponent of 3. To further validate my approach, I wrote a computer program that takes any plain text message, creates a ciphertext, and then uses my approach, as well as the RSA approach to decrypt the ciphertext and recover the message. My approach was found to be fairly efficient and the results were consistently accurate. My research also showed that simple changes, such as increasing the exponent size and increasing the message block size, in the RSA encryption procedure may make my approach inefficient. On the other hand, increasing the size of the modulus, which is the common RSA security measure, makes deciphering with my approach easier.

Dragon Curves and Spirals from Paper Folds

The purpose of my research was to experiment with paper folding and the patterns that can be created. Since it is impossible to fold a piece of paper in half more than six times I had to find a way to predict how any further iterations would result. By writing down the order of the folds on the folded paper I found a pattern and was able to predict what each iteration would look like. Four out of the eight fold-patterns turned out to be either a dragon curve or variation of this curve. When I marked the places on the dragon where the folds were made, a spiral was formed.

MICROBIOLOGY

Colony Transformation of E. coli

In this experiment, Escherichia Coli was transformed with a foreign gene. E. coli cells were rendered "competent" to uptake plasmid DNA, pAMP, which contains a gene for resistance to the antibiotic ampicillin. Transformants were detected by their antibiotic-resistant phenotype. Samples of E. coli cells were scraped off a nutrient Luria-Bertani (LB) agar plate and suspended in two tubes containing a solution of calcium chloride. Plasmid pAMP was added to one cell suspension, and both tubes were incubated at zero degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. Following a brief heat shock at 42 degrees Celsius, cooling, and addition of Luria-Bertani (LB) broth, samples of the cell suspensions were plated on two types of medium: LB agar and LB agar with ampicillin (LB/amp). The plates were incubated for 12 to 24 hours at 37 degrees Celsius and then checked for bacterial growth. Only cells that have been transformed by taking up the plasmid DNA with the ampicillin-resistance gene grew on the LB/amp plate. Subsequent division of a single antibiotic-resistance cell produced a colony of resistant clones. Thus, each colony seen on an ampicillin plate represented a single transformation event.

The Effect of Commercial Skin Lotions on Tissue Cultures of Skin Cells.

Many researchers have performed experiments to determine which brand of skin lotion is most effective, however none have observed these brand's direct effect on the cell's actual growth and structural appearance. By exposing individually established tissue cultures of 'normal' skin cells, to different brands and concentrations, this experiment observes the direct effect various lotions have on skin cells. It was found that sun block and cocoa butter lotion are the most beneficial to overall cellular health. Through further analysis, specific substances were identified as responsible for each lotion's effect. Although results appear consistent, further research would be useful to provide conclusive evidence.

Investigation into the Electrical Properties of Milk

Recent technical developments has suggested that the bacteriological state of milk can be determined by measuring the conductivity and capacitance of the milk. We also conducted a direct microscopic count of the organisms to compare the high quality milk and poor quality milk. Our findings revealed a positive correlation between the current of the milk and the breed count. We can conclusively state that as milk perishes, the bacterial count significantly changes as does the electrical properties of milk. Based on these findings, we were able to build a device, which is capable of determining the bacteriological state of the milk.

PHYSICS

Stellar Evolution

In my exploration of the skies I have researched the evolution of stars, tracking them from their earliest stages to their deaths. I found the most interesting stage to be the supernova. In my project I will explore the stages of Supernova and the contributing factors to this stage of Stellar Evolution. I also intend to define what exactly a supernova is. The ultimate question that remains to be answered, concerns the greatest star of all, the sun. Whether the sun could reach the supernova stage is a truly fascinating question. What effects would it have on a galaxy, solar system, and out world? Through my research I will answer this question. The use of periodicals, books, the Internet, and interviews, I will prove that the sun cannot be a supernova.

The Effect of Fluid Dynamics on Turbine Power

The first phase of this project was completed last year. By studying this mode, it is hoped to optimize the use of water through studying fluid dynamics. It was hypothesized that studying fluid dynamics would help design an efficient dam and by changing paddle positions and/or shape, will cause the number of revolutions to increase. A model dam was built and free flowing and dammed water flowing through an outlet studied. Methods were evaluated to measure the revolutions and the different types of materials to make the wheel. A turbine wheel was made from a stiff plastic, but that wasto heavy for the water to turn. Next, it was made out of a plastic cup bottom and that was too inaccurate in paddle size. Then the wheel was made out of a flexible but sturdy medal and that is currently holding. The wheel was secured to an axle and attached to a motor. The motor was connected with wires to a plotter and the chart of the voltage was made. The charts of voltage with the paddles at different angles were compared.

Construction of a Lorenzian Waterwheel

A system exhibits the phenomenon of chaos if its behavior becomes unpredictable when certain initial conditions are varied. The purpose of the first part of this research project was to construct a Lorenzian waterwheel as an example of a system that exhibits this phenomenon. The construction of the waterwheel was completed using a bicycle wheel, buckets, and other items. Visual evidence suggests that the wheel exhibits chaos theory because the behavior of the system changes as the flow rate of water is increased. Quantitative evidence is needed to confirm this observation. A method has been devised to gather quantitative data from the waterwheel as an upcoming second part of the project.

A Theory on Black Holes, Stars, and Galaxies

P>Black holes are the most elusive of all spatial phenomena. Many theories have been presented on these mysterious objects. A black hole is the result of a star, late in its life, collapsing in on itself. My theory incorporates some of the theories being discussed by the astronomical community today. It deals with black holes in relationship to stars and galaxies. Dark matter is a recent, innovative concept being researched by NASA's top scientists. The theory is that this matter that light passes through without being reflected, therefore making it invisible to any camera, telescope, or satellite, is what keeps gasses and other "light" matter in on concentrated region. Black holes are phenomena classified in this category. My theory is based on Stephen Hawking's theory that a massive black hole is at the center of each galaxy, drawing everything towards it, resulting in all celestial bodies in a galaxy staying together. According to his theory, it is this black hole that makes galaxies appear disk-like, and prevents all normal matter within it from "straying from the group." As the "Hubble Space Telescope's Deep Field" displays; there is a large bright spot at the center of each galaxy caused by a high concentration of stars in that particular area. My theory is that the black hole at the center of each galaxy draws these stars to it in order to "feed" off them. As the black hole gradually takes the star to strengthen its gravitational pull. My theory also states that the black hole has so many stars around it because it needs a lot of energy to hold an entire galaxy together.

Design and Testing of a Self-Heating Cup of Coffee

I have designed and constructed a self-heating can of coffee. The coffee can be heated through a chemical reaction: .EQ roman Mg + 2 roman H sub 2 roman O -> roman Mh(OH) sub 2 + roman H sub 2 .EN which releases 351 kJ/mole as heat. In the apparatus the Mg/Fe alloy reacts with the zesto detergent water and generates heat when the alloy is released from the plastic bottle. With a coffee temperature of 148.4\(de after 9 minutes, the can of coffee is ready to drink.

WATER POLLUTION

Ability of Brassica juncea to Remove Selenium from Water

In certain areas, the water supply has a naturally high abundance of the element selenium. High quantities of selenium are toxic to humans and wildlife. I hypothesized that Brassica juncea plants would remove selenium from a water supply. I have tested this by comparing the change in selenium concentrations of two tanks of 10L distilled water, each with 10 mg of selenium. One of the tanks was treated with Brassica juncea plants, the other was not. The results demonstrate that the selenium concentration in the tank treated with plants was significantly less than the control

Fluctuations Along the Passaic River

The purpose of this study was to see how levels of certain chemical properties vary along the Passaic River. Water from four strategic locations was sampled for dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, silica, total hardness, and the pH level. As the river flowed from its source, Basking Ridge, to its mouth, Paterson, levels of dissolved oxygen decreased, while levels of carbon dioxide, total hardness, and pH increased. Silica levels stayed relatively the same. Therefore, chemical levels did show some fluctuation from the source to the mouth. Further research is needed to determine the sources contributing to chemical fluctuations in the Passaic River.

The Effect of Acid Precipitation on the Photosynthetic Process of Brassica juncea: Phase II

Spinach plants were purchased at a supermarket and disrupted into one control group and four experimental groups. The experimental groups were sprayed with sulfuric acid solution which ranged from pH 3 to pH 6 and the control was sprayed with a pH level of 6.5. Photosynthetic ability of the chloroplast extracted from each groups were determined using a spectrophotometer. There seems to be an influence of photosynthetic ability when leaves were sprayed with pH level of pH 3 through 6.

Effect of varying pH on Bean and Marigold Growth

I began my project with the intention of discovering whether or not bean and marigold seeds were affected by acidity. The seeds were exposed to pHs of 4, 5, 6, and 7 (pH 4 is the highest acidity). Altogether, there were sixteen plants (two of each acidity). Both marigold and bean seeds were first soaked overnight in their respective acids. I hypothesized that the pH 7 (which serves as the control since water has this pH) bean and marigold seeds would be the first to break through the soil. In the first week, I found that the pH 4 marigold seeds were the first to break through their soils. In later weeks, the pH 5, 6, and 7 marigold seeds were the first to break through their soils. The beans' growths were much slower. As with the marigolds, the pH 4 bean seed was the first to come out of the soil. The pHs of 5, 7, and 6 then followed it bean seeds. During the fifth week, the marigolds began to wither a height of 16 cm. All of the bean plants have three leaves on the top. Some also have two leaves on the stem. I have realized from the pH 7 bean plants that beans normally have a longer life span than marigolds. In conclusion, the kidney bean seeds benefited from the acidic solutions, while the marigolds did not. The latter began to die during the third week.

Will Herbicidal-Contaminated Water affect the Life Cycle of Brassica rapa?

Recent studies have shown that herbicidal ingredients have contaminated the ground water. Triox, Weed-B-Gon, and Roundup, the herbicides used in this study, are widely used throughout New Jersey. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of various herbicides on the growth and development of Brassica rapa. The herbicides were diluted to 0.1% of their original concentration. Throughout the study, measurements including percent germination, cotyledon width, hypocotyl length, total height, and the number of brackets, were made. An analysis of the data based on the separate variance t-Test showed, with a high confidence level, that the herbicides had a negative effect on most of the item's measured.

What is Really in our Drinking Water?

The purpose of my project was to determine if there were any chemical elements in the water that did not belong. The water samples were taken from various schools through out the state of New Jersey. The water was tested for chlorine, pH, nitrate, nitrite, and iron levels. I also conducted tests on the amount of calcium and magnesium in the water. Water quality test kits were purchased and these elements were tested for by following the directions. I have concluded that none of the water is one hundred percent pure. School A had low hardness and low pH. School B contained a low pH level. School C's water contained low hardness, low pH level, and the water contained nitrites. School D had a high level of hardness, danger of clogging the pipes, and a low pH level. Non of the schools' contained unsafe levels of chlorine. All of the schools' water lacked the presence of iron.

Hydrology Study

Tests were performed on a stream that runs into Cedar Brook Pond, close to Plainfield High School. it was decided to test this stream for inorganic or natural pollutants. Tests were performed for hardness, pH, phosphate, and total dissolved solids. The results showed that the hardness was constant at about 100 ppm, the pH stayed near 8, phosphate was always below normal, and the TDS ranged from 0 to 20 ppm.

The Amelioration of Acid Mine Drainage by an Electrochemical Method - A Two-Year Study

Acid mine drainage results from bacterially catalyzed oxidation of sulphide-rich mining wastes. The metal-rich water poses a threat to aquatic ecosystems occurring near operating and abandoned mining operations. Acid mine drainage can be effectively ameliorated using an electrochemical method by increasing pH to an acceptable level for aquatic organisms and removing large amounts of metal contaminants. One experimental was created with the electrochemical cell setup. The electrochemical setup consisted of a sulphide-pyrite block as the cathode, acidic leachate as the electrolyte, and scrap Fe as the sacrificial anode. The electrochemical cell setup was submerged in 6 liters of acidic leachate with copper wiring connecting the anode to the cathode. The acidic leachate had a pH of 2.5 with 1000ppm of Mn, Pb, Fe, and Cu. The sulphide-pyrite block submersed in the acidic leachate with no electrochemical setup served as the control. Results indicate that the iron anode electrochemical cell setup was effective at significantly increasing the pH and removing the metal contaminant.

ZOOLOGY

The Effects of Magnetic Fields on Planaria (Dugesia Tigrina) Regeneration

Recent studies have shown that living in the presence of magnetic fields can be a hazard to growth and development. However, traditional medicines advise the use of magnets to accelerate healing. This conflict was studied by placing transversally cut dugesia tigrina near setups of magnets of increasing magniude. The criteria used to measure the rate of regeneration was the number of days needed for the dugesia tigrina to reach eye pigmentation. Population sizes of the groups were also studied. The dugesia tigrina were monitored over a period of fourteen days. An analysis of the data showed that the presence of a magnetic field retarded the regeneration rate and the rate of population growth.

Annelid Sleep Inducers: Valerian Root vs. Melatonin

In the past decade, melatonin and valerian root have generated increased interest from the health-conscious and the media. Many people are unaware of the possible positive effects of products such as melatonin and valerian root . The purpose of this experiment was to measure the effects of melatonin and valerian root tea on Lumbriculus variegatus, a transparent annelid. Research done by others suggests that these products produce relaxing effects. Lumbriculus variegatus were submerged in the chambers of parafilm slides, and the pulse rate was counted using a microscope. The effects of distilled water, worm water, and various concentrations of melatonin and valerian tea on the pulsation rate in many of these annelids were recorded and compared. The statistical analysis of this data was based on null hypothesis rejection with a significance level based on a 99% confidence limit for both melatonin and valerian root as compared to distilled water. Melatonin and valerian root tea do reduce the pulse rate of Lumbriculus variegatus.

Ant Populations in Bound Brook, NJ

This study identified the species of ants in Bound Brook, New Jersey, in a one square mile area. Specimens were gathered by distributing honey in five different areas. Black Carpenter ants, Campontus pennsylvanicus, and Little Black ants, Monomorium minimum, were found. Black Carpenter ants were found in three places and Little Black ants inhabited two, with both found in two of the five areas. Since two species were found together it may be concluded that they are sympatric species. Further study of the social habits of ants and the way they respond to the other species would be necessary to strengthen this finding.

The Effects of Phloxine B and Uranine Concentrations on Fruit Flies

The purpose of the experiment was to test out which dye concentration combination call kill flies the most. 40 vials containing more or less 7 grams of fly food were used for the experiment. 10 were used for control while another 10 were added with .0075 gram of Phloxine B and .0025 gram of Uranine (Exp. 1). The third set of ten were added with .005 grams of Uranine (Exp. 2). The last set had .0025 grams of Phloxine B and .0075 grams of Uranine (Exp. 3). Water was mixed with the fly food and dyes. 9 or 10 living flies were also in each vile. After 3 days, the dye concentration of .005g Phloxine B and .005g of Uranine had the best result. It killed 73% of the flies compared to 42% in Exp. 3 and 51% in Exp. 1.

The Effects of Tranquilization on the Stressed Immune System (in Koi)

Tranquilizers are used to offset detrimental effects of stress such as inhibition of the immune system. Because the effects of tranquilization on fish health are relatively unknown, it is unclear whether anesthetizing a fish to prepare it for an aversive manipulation could actually cause more harm that good. Majithia et al. (1996) conducted an investigation to measure the effects of the tranquilizers on the immune system's ability to respond to a disease. Tranquilization did not appear to inhibit the competency of the koi immune system to respond to the disease and these preliminary data suggested that the tranquilizer eugenol may have enhanced immune functioning in koi. Because it was unclear whether the subjects in the Majithia et al. (1996) study had experienced stress prior to receiving the tranquilization, it is unclear whether the immune response to eugenol was due to the blocking of stress or whether this tranquilizer directly strengthened immune competency. If the latter were true, this anesthetic could be administered as a dietary supplement to enhance immune functioning in fish. The current study will be conducted to further understand the influence of eugenol on koi functioning and the potential use of this tranquilizer to buffer koi from stress-related immune deficiency or as an immuno-enhancer. By exposing the subjects to manipulations known to produce physiological stress in fish, I hope to determine if eugenol successfully prevents stress from inhibiting the immune system in koi. The results of this study should help interpretation of previous studies on tranquilization and immunity.

Vanessa Cardui and Preference of Odors

The purpose of this experiment is to prove that butterflies do have a preference to odors, and that feeding butterflies glucose, caffeine, and alcoho as both larvae and adults will influence their odor preference. The four odor variables tested were cucumber, spice, orange, and vinegar. While experimenting, I found that caffeine stunted the growth of butterfly chrysalises. However, the null hypothesis was proven in all of the 30 tests, except 2 tests with the alcohol group and 1 test with the glucose group.

The Eating Habits and Learning Capabiliites of Corvus brachyrhynchos (Common Crow)

The purpose of this experiment was to determine the eating habits and learning capabilities of Corvus brachyrhynchos (the common crow) in Belle Mead, New Jersey. Crows live in groups of 6-10 members; this study was based on one of these groups. First, crows were tested for food preference. Three feeders were set up with a different food on each (cracked corn, sunflower seeds, and ground beef). Over 130 observations of crow feedings were recorded. Crow favored ground beef 81.8% of the feedings, cracked corn 16.7% and sunflower seeds 1.5%. Second, crows were tested for feeding location preference. Three different feeders (ground feeder, standing feeder, and tree feeder) were set up, each containing ground beef. Over 110 observations of crow feedings were recorded. Crows favored the tree 60.7% of the feedings, the ground 24.8%, and the standing feeder 14.5%. Third, learning capabilities of crows were investigated by making food progressively more difficult to find. A variety of containers were used to cover meat and rocks, starting with two plastic bags then finishing with an opaque plastic container. A visual signal (blue heart) was placed on the container covering the meat, indicating that food was present. Crows were able to find the meat on a consistent basis. It was found that crows were in fact learning and seeking the food, not just randomly finding the food. It was concluded that crows prefer meat, favor secured feeding locations, and can learn to use a visual signal to find food under increasingly difficult circumstances.

The Effects of Radiation on the Reproduction of Fruit Flies

The subject of my experiment is the effect of radiation on the reproductive capabilities of female fruit flies. I have cultured them in four vials containing instant drosophila medium. In addition, nine flies, a random combination of males and females, were placed in each vial. One vial was left alone as the control, while the rest were radiated in a sterilization chamber in increments of 1 min, 3 min, and 5 min, respectively. After a period of 10 days, I discovered that the number of flies and larvae decreased proportionally to the time of radiation. This process was done twice, and the results show that radiation did dramatically reduce the number of flies and larvae produced.

Color Preferences in Common Wild Birds

This research sought to determine if common wild birds of New Jersey would demonstrate a pattern of color preference or avoidance in feeding. Eight colored trays of seed were placed in an area frequented by feeding birds. Birds were observed daily, with species and feeding dish noted. Results showed no obvious preference. However, the green tray had the most of its seeds consumed. It was found that birds will eat from any colored feeder as long as there is food to be eaten.