Downloaded From: http://opticalengineering.spiedigitallibrary.org/ on 10/05/2015 Terms of Use: http://spiedigitallibrary.org/ss/TermsOfUse.aspx Abstract. We describe the experimental implementation of a virtual optical beam propagator system. This virtual propagator system allows the experimental study of beam propagation without physically moving any element. The approach uses a Fresnel diffraction algorithm (usually called the angular spectrum method) and its implementation on a spatial light modulator. We discuss the limits of the technique and provide a detailed description of the experimental procedures. Experimental results are included where we design a hologram capable of producing two patterns at two different distances, and we can change the effective plane of observation by changing the encoded propagation instead of by moving any element on the experimental system.

Human adenoviruses are non‐enveloped, double stranded DNA viruses responsible for many upper‐respiratory infections and eye infections. It is composed of a spherical capsid that surrounds the viral genome. The trimeric fiber protein, exposed on the capsid exterior, is unique to adenoviruses and facilitates the attachment to the host cell via interactions between the knob domain and cell surface proteins. After entry into the host the virus is carried to the nucleus, where the capsid disassociates and the DNA passes through the nuclear pore. The adenovirus is of particular interest for the role it may play in targeted gene therapy as a vector.Further study of the virus' structure, specifically the knob domain located on the fiber protein, may allow for genetic alterations to specific cell surface proteins and to circumvent neutralizing antibodies. In addition, knowledge of the structural details provides ways to disrupt their assembly and disassembly, thereby interfering with their natural lifecycle and associated infections. The structural details can also be used to re‐target the adenoviruses to the cells of interest and deliver specific genes, thus making it a useful delivery vehicle. The El Capitan SMART (Students Modeling A Research Topic) Team modeled the fiber protein using 3D printing technology. Supported by a grant from the HHMI Pre‐College Program

According to the Collaborative on Health and the Environment, asthma is estimated to affect 300 million people worldwide. Asthma is the leading cause of hospitalization in children. G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCR) are a large family of transmembrane proteins that cells use to communicate with the environment. Beta‐2‐adrenergic receptor (B2AR) is a member of this family and binds to the small hormone adrenaline. The G‐protein relays the message to relax the muscles in the lungs and to open airways. In the case of a person with asthma, this interaction causes the lungs to constrict and airways to close. Our hypothesis will model the interaction of B2AR and GalphaS. These components move inward surrounding the ligand binding site, forming a "toggle switch" for receptor activation. By getting a better understanding of the structural changes following G protein binding, improved therapeutics can be developed to target the active receptor. People afflicted with respiratory diseases will be able to take a breath of fresh air. The El Capitan High School SMART (Students Modeling a Research Topic) Team is a partnership between a researcher and a group of students who used current data to create a physical model of B2AR interacting with GalphaS using 3D printing technology. Supported by a grant from the HHMI Pre‐College Program.

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