Current Gravitational-Wave observatories mainly focus on gravitational wave(GW) detection at frequency bands below 10kHz, probing signals that are expected to arise from known astrophysical sources, leaving frequency ranges above 10kHz largely unexplored. GWs with frequencies beyond 10kHz correspond to Ultra-High-Frequency Gravitational Waves(UHF-GW) that are theorized to be sourced by various Beyond-the-Standard-Model(BSM) phenomena both in the early and late universe, providing an unique window to probe for new physics. The Axion Dark Matter eXperiment(ADMX) is a resonant cavity designed to search for axion dark matter, however, recent studies have shown that resonant cavities like ADMX have a possible sensitivity towards UHF-GW within the GHz range through GW-Electromagnetic coupling. In our research, we provide a detailed examination of ADMX’s experimental sensitivity with regards to the strain of UHF-GW generated by two hypothetical sources: primordial black hole(PBH) binaries and boson annihilation within boson clouds generated by black hole superradiance. We investigate various source parameters, such as GW strain amplitude, GW signal duration time, and the merging rate of PBH binaries, to determine ADMX’s detection capability for potential GW source candidates. Our work will provide ADMX with insights on the plausibility of monochromatic UHF-GW detections with current experimental parameters and serve as a motivation towards inquiries of alternative UHF-GW sources or imminent data analysis strategies depending on the outcome.

Vertical velocities are a fundamental component of ocean flow and are vital to characterizing global circulation. However, vertical velocities are small compared to horizontal velocities and are thus difficult to measure. Previous studies attempting to estimate them ignore the impacts of topography, mesoscale eddies, internal waves, and spatial variability. Novel estimates from the Argo float array allow for direct estimates of vertical velocities. This project will focus on comparing these new Argo estimates with vertical velocity observations from moorings in the Southern Ocean. The Southern Ocean is an important site of vertical volume transport for mass ocean circulation with global implications, particularly the Antarctic Circumpolar Current which dynamically links many of these interactions. We expect vertical velocity characterized by moorings to maintain coherency with Argo float estimates. Differences may occur, however, due to mismatches in spatial resolution between Argo-based estimates and mooring-based estimates, which rely on mass conservation across larger scales. In comparing novel Argo datasets to known mooring values, we gain a more complete understanding of vertical velocities in the Southern Ocean which have direct implications for data assimilation in models and parameterization of energy pathways.

Respiratory viruses are a major cause of mortality and morbidity in vulnerable populations. Together, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Human metapneumovirus (HMPV), are responsible for over â…“ of serious viral respiratory infections in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) recipients. Currently, no treatments are available for RSV or HMPV in immunocompromised adults. While monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) show promise as a treatment, challenges arise, including limited efficacy when administered post-infection. Our goal was to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of a newly discovered cross-neutralizing human mAb to RSV and HMPV. We aimed to investigate whether modifying the Fc domain of the antibody could increase its binding to Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) found on different types of immune cells. Activation of FcγRs initiates important cell processes such as clearance of virus-infected cells, also known as Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). This modification potentially makes the antibody a more effective treatment option for RSV and HMPV infections. To do this we looked at the binding kinetics and affinity of modified antibodies to human FcγRIIIa, FcγRIIa and FcγRIIb receptors using Bio-Layer Inferometry (BLI). Our data indicate that certain amino acid modifications or afucosylation of the Fc region can increase the antibody’s binding affinity to different human FcγRs. Since hamsters are an important preclinical model used to determine RSV and HMPV drug efficacy, it was important to examine the binding affinity of our human antibody to hamster FcγR’s. Our data indicate that the wild-type Fc region does bind to the homologous hamster receptors. Moreover, certain modifications in the Fc region led to increased binding to hamster FcγR’s. Together, these data indicate that modifications in the Fc region of human antibodies can increase their binding affinity to both human and hamster FcγRs. This increase in binding affinity could translate to enhanced potency in the preclinical hamster model and in humans.

Plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus) are seasonally reproducing teleost fish found along the Pacific Coast of North America. During the non-reproductive months (December-February), midshipman live offshore in deep waters. Between March and July, they migrate to the intertidal zone to reproduce. During the reproductive period, dominant (type I) males build and defend nests and hum to attract female mates. Unlike most vertebrates, courtship (humming to attract mates) and parental care (egg cleaning, nest defense) are both conducted only by type I males. These males therefore face energetic and temporal trade-offs between courtship to parental care within a single reproductive season. Our research investigates the neural mechanisms underlying the transition from courtship to paternal care in type I males during the reproductive period. We propose that this behavioral shift is regulated by steroid hormones (i.e. testosterone and estrogen) and neuropeptides (i.e. galanin). We are measuring hormone levels in blood and brain of midshipman fish across various conditions of courtship and parental care. We show the relationship between changes in steroid and neuropeptide levels in both blood and brain and changes in courtship and parental care behavior in type I males. Understanding these mechanisms in midshipman fish is crucial, as the steroid and neuropeptide pathways that regulate social behaviors share similar pathways across vertebrates. Therefore, studying this in teleost fish can provide valuable insights into the broader regulatory mechanisms of reproductive life-stage transitions in vertebrates.

Smartphone use among adolescents has dramatically increased in the past decade, with adolescents allocating more time inside on their screens and less time outside in nature. Given these shifts in behaviors, there has been a rise in concerns about the impact of smartphones on adolescents’ mental health. Studies on nature exposure have found that spending time in nature promotes human well-being; however, a limited body of research exists exploring how smartphone use impacts our ability to experience these physical and psychological benefits of nature exposure. To address this gap in the literature, we conducted a between-subjects experiment with college students at the University of Washington (N ~ 40) randomly allocated to one of two conditions to spend 20 minutes in nature: a smartphone condition and a no-smartphone condition. Participants self-reported on positive and negative affect and rumination before and after their experience in nature. After completing these scales, participants reported on their experience of Presence, a state of being in which the mind is highly aware but without active thought, by self-reporting on a recently validated 14-point scale and writing about it for further analysis using an interaction pattern approach. I anticipated that participants who feel more attached to their smartphones spend more time using them in nature and, in turn, are less likely to experience the emotional benefits of nature. If the findings reflect this, future research should explore how smartphones impact adolescents’ mental health and the extent to which smartphone-free time spent outside in nature can improve their well-being.