Download 6th Annual GS-LSAMP Phase II * NNJ

6 TH A NNUAL GS-LSAMP
P HASE II – NNJ-B2B
STEM RESEARCH
C ONFERENCE 10/3/2014
STEM Abstracts
STEM research is funded by The National Science Foundation.
Garden State –Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority
Participation/ North New Jersey –Bridge to Baccalaureate
10/3/2014
10/3/2014
6TH ANNUAL GS-LSAMP PHASE II –
NNJ-B2B STEM RESEARCH
CONFERENCE 10/3/2014
STEM Abstracts
Welcome back to an exciting 6th Annual Garden State LSAMP Stem Research Conference , with the program in
its second Phase of five year NSF funded programming
with approximately three thousand students spread out
among the 8 Alliance member team: Essex County
College, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Kean University,
Montclair State University, Rutgers –NB/ NWK &
William Paterson University of New Jersey.
Our LSAMP STEM graduates are in high demand
receiving multiple job offers, with excellent remuneration
even in these difficult economic times. Their success
demonstrates that there are attractive career paths for
undergraduates who choose to major in STEM (Science,
technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
The vitality and competitiveness of the New Jersey and
U.S. economy depends on a steady stream of scientific and
technological innovations with a steady stream of
graduates.
1
10/3/2014
Bergen County Community College
Developing a Parabolic Trough Solar Concentrator by Bending a Flat Mirrored Acrylic Sheet
Jonathan Aisoni, Sergio Flores, and Matt Misko
A technique of applying a bending moment to the end of a flat mirrored acrylic sheet was developed to
approximate a parabolic shape for a small trough solar concentrator (a.k.a. SunDog). A high quality focus
with minimum edge distortion, concentration ratio in excess of 40, and an unshielded receiver
temperature of 423 F was achieved.
Developing a Ground Based Stereo Computer Vision System for UAV Flight Tracking
Walter Berreta, Peter Lehrer, Fatima Villanueva
A stereo camera system was constructed from two off-the-shelf high-definition web cameras. A 4 x 4 ft
checkerboard pattern was built in the laboratory to calibrate the stereo vision system for lens distortion
and intrinsic camera properties. Using the Intel OpenCV library of functions in C and C++, customdesigned software was written to motion track user chosen colored objects to determine their 3D world
coordinates. A range of colors was studied for best tracking ability in an outdoor sunlit environment. This
capability will be interfaced with an autonomous computer ground station to allow for precision UAV
landing. In this study, preliminary distance determination performance was characterized.
Developing a Test Platform for a Full Scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Alex Arams, Jeyson Flores, Maria De Abreu Pineda, Dr. Joseph Sivo, Matt Tomko, AnaParra Vera,
Rouyun Wang.
In this study, a five foot vertical axis wind turbine and generator were constructed from a kit. A novel base
was designed, built and tested that allows for the full scale turbine to be attached to the roof rack of an
automobile so that overall efficiency at various simulated wind speeds could be ascertained. An
instrumentation panel was constructed for use with the test platform that allows for the measurement of
voltage, current, power, RPM and wind speed. A torque apparatus was also designed to isolate the
efficiency of the electrical generator. From the overall efficiency and generator efficiency, the power
coefficient of the wind turbine blades can be inferred. The full scale wind turbine, base and instrument
panel were tested on an automobile roof rack at speeds of 5, 10 and 15 mph. The turbine and test
platform enables future research studies of custom blade aerodynamic design and generator design
improvements.
Essex County College
The Enamel Gene in Birds
Ernest Dimbo, Essex County College LSAMP student
Dr. Robert Meredith, Montclair State University, Cell Biology and Molecular Biology, Montclair, NJ.
Due to the evolutionary journey over time, birds and other organisms have both physically and genetically
changed due to the mutation of genes and certain other factors. The absence of teeth in birds brought us
to the study of one of the six particular genes that are responsible for the formation of teeth in mammals;
the Enamel gene. For the sole reason of studying the Phylogenic tree of organisms to find the closest
relate to bird; being Dinosaurs, and due to the degradation of Dinosaurs DNA over millions of years, the
2
10/3/2014
next relate crocodile was the best scientific path to proceed from. Isolating the tissue samples from 4
different species of crocodiles, we used the binding buffer, wash buffer, and elution buffer to extract the
DNA. Using the spectrophotometer to test for the presence of DNA, and gel electrophoresis made of
Agarose, and stained DNA with sybr safe to differentiate the DNA strands by sizes. With the use of
Polymerase chain reaction that replicates DNA strands, forward and reverse primers put into two
separate tubes containing DNA, dNTPs, and ddNTPs in order to achieve Sanger sequencing, reproduction
of a particular segment of the gene was possible… and with the DNA sequence analyzer we were able to
obtain about 700 Nucleotides long for each of the four samples.With the information on the Nucleotides
of the four species of crocodiles, the segment of all four species exon 9 located on the enamel gene, were
analyzed, and found major similarities, with little or subtle differences observed. With the results, and the
use of the online databases Ensemble and NCBI, we obtained the same segment on three different bird
species and compared them to the four of the crocodiles and noticed shift mutations; large deletions and
insertion in the nucleotide that in turn code for the wrong amino acid which causes the gene in birds to be
nonfunctional.
A Comparison in the Geology of Four Cave Systems on the Island of Puerto
Rico
Nancy Padilla, Dr. Jeffrey Lee, Essex County College, Newark, NJ 07102
The geological components of the island of Puerto Rico are quite diverse,making some factors vary and
other factors similar at different locations. My purpose for conducting this observational experiment was
to be able to examine rocks found at each site and comparing them to those found at other sites. The
samples taken were located at different areas of elevation across the island and also occurred in different
climate conditions. For example, the rocks and photographs taken in the karst area on the northern side
of the island were below sea-level inside a cave in a forested area, and others are from a cave formed as a
hole inside a mountain in a forested area above sea-level. Some rocks and photographswere taken from
the desert region located on the southwest part of theisland directly at sea-level, and the last taken from
the mountainous region of the rainforest on the eastern side of the island. Despite suchdifferences, the
presence of limestone was noted in each area.
Monitoring & Analyzing Snow Parameters
Luis D. Rivera-Correa, Mathematics Dept., Dr. Nadia Lvov, & D. Kalantarov. Essex County College, 303
University Ave., Newark, N.J. 07102 USA
Greenland ice sheet has been facing gradual decrease of snow and ice amount over a set amount of time
and it is of crucial importance to the energy balance of the Earth. Therefore it is important to monitor the
gradual change in Greenland ice sheet through satellite images. The NASA MODIS instrument had been
watching the Earth for over a decade and The Light and Life Laboratory have developed an automatic
system to download, locate and analyze the information of Greenland from MODIS L1B data product.
Now we are continuing this task by applying our existing scheme to MODIS’s successor – the Suomi NPP
VIIRS instrument so that we can continue our monitoring using the high quality VIIRS data. This
information will be useful to derive important parameters like snow/ice coverage, albedo, heating rate
and run-off rate etc. and provide useful inputs to climate models such as General Circulation Model
(GCM) and help to better predict the climate change of the Earth.
Reproductive potential of Sphaeriid Bivales in the Presence of Predators
Carmen Cabrera, Essex CC LSAMP, Robert S. Prezant, PhD, and Rebecca Shell, College of Science and
Mathematics, Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair,
NJ 07043 USA
3
10/3/2014
Predator invasion has influenced freshwater organisms. When organisms feel threaten by the presence of
predation, they are more likely to respond (McDougall, Chapman and Prezant, 2006). These responses
typically occur in juveniles, which decreases the ability of a predator to utilize its prey. A predator induced
response happening in the utero in the vivparid snail Bellamya chinensis has resulted in significant
changes in the number of offspring, and shell size (Prezant et all, 2006). In this experiment, B. chinensis
were collected from Barbour’s pond in Paterson, NJ and brought to the laboratory. There were four
control tanks with 4 snails in each tank, and four experimental tanks with 4 snails in each tank. Snails were
placed in plastic cylindrical containers, one container per snail. When the predatory Bluegill ( Lepomis
macrochirus) was in the presence of the Adult Bellamya it did not have a significant effect on the brood
release of the snails. Very few young juveniles were released, but large numbers ready to come out were
being held in the uterus. According to previous experiments, the presence of a predator has a significant
effect on the time the snails deliver their offspring’s. With the presence of a predator, due to different
factors snails tend to deliver before their due date. However, a similar replica of this experiment suggests
that snails due date was unpredictable with the presence of a predator.
Sensor Lab
Luis Angamarca, Essex County College, Newark, NJ 07109
Mingshao Zhang , PhD, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, 07030
All educational laboratories today use DAQ systems, or complex sensors, to gather 3D range information.
The downside to using these sensors is that they are expensive to own since it requires a lot of
maintenance, which includes constant aligning and other calibrations to assure accuracy. A solution to this
problem occurred when Microsoft launched the Kinect for developers. Given access to the Kinect’s RGB-D
cameras through Microsoft’s code, my advisor has been pushing the Kinect towards a more accurate and
stable solution as a replacement for sensors. The Kinect’s cameras has better capabilities than DAQ
systems to gather better 3D range information by acting as a 3D scanner with the use of the correct
algorithms. A possible positive result to my advisor’s research can make it possible for more computer
science related hands on labs to be brought to teenagers in high schools since they’ll now be more
affordable. Therefore, making the Kinect the best solution for range sensors needed for educational
laboratories.
This research has been developing for several years on improving the accuracy of the Kinect. Although my
part of this project has already been done in a similar matter by my advisor, by going through the tedious
procedure of trial and error I am helping him save him some time and I am learning a lot along the way. As
an intern I was told to use the Kinect’s RGB-D cameras to as a sensor to gather range information from a
complex object. This procedure started off by recording the complex object moving, making it more
challenging. Afterwards, using several algorithms to test the Kinect’s capabilities. Along the way of
finishing these tasks I have realized that I have learned various essential programming and engineering
techniques that will come in handy in my future career.
Universal Range Data Acquisition Using Microsoft Kinect
Samy Amar, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Range Data Acquisition is a technique that is essential for many experiments conducted by engineers and
scientists. This method makes use of a sensor to collect data such as linear or angular position, velocity
and acceleration, distance, displacement, etc. These sensors, or DAQ measurement hardware which
utilizes programmable computer software, have a series of problems which hinder their implementation
in educational laboratories. For instance, many sophisticated sensors (e.g. laser scanners), like the DAQ
4
10/3/2014
hardware, are expensive. Also, DAQ sensors and peripheral devices require modifications for them to be
reused with different applications, and most experimental set-ups need to be calibrated before each
measurement. Because of this, the up-front costs of these devices tend to be higher than expected, and
its operation time becomes lengthy. For that reason, we have set an eye on the Microsoft Kinect. This lowcost range sensor was first design for the sole purpose of playing video games in the Xbox (videogame
console). However, Kinect has proven itself to be capable of being a cost-effective and versatile DAQ
alternative. Furthermore, its RGB-D camera is adept of providing high quality synchronized video with
both color and depth data. The camera has the ability to capture the three degrees of freedom where the
current DAQ systems can only capture the distance of the object with respect to itself. Nonetheless, Kinect
has satisfactory performance regarding sensitivity, accuracy, stability and reliability as well as low error
rates, cost and power consumption.
This device has several encouraging features besides being cost effective. These include the ability to be
programmed to identify and remember multiple objects (in conjunction with the appropriate software),
the ability to track these objects concurrently, and no requirement to be modified or customized for
measuring different applications. Due to these desirable aspects, Kinect is seen as a profitable and
versatile tool to be implemented in a wide variety of educational laboratories.
Synthesis of Amine Analogs for the Treatment of the Human African sleeping sickness
Robert Aslanian, Ph. D, Organic Chemistry Lab, Department of Chemistry, New Jersey City University,
Jersey City, NJ Sasikaran Perinpanayagam, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a “vector-born” pathogen that is transmitted into the human
blood by “Genus Glossina”. Due to the toxicity of some of the current treatments used to fight
trypanosomiasis and the unfavorable routes of administration of many of these compounds, it is desirable
to identify new compounds with improved properties and activity. We are preparing amine analogs of the
marketed anti-parasitic compound pentamide to address this issue. A safe, convenient drug that is
efficacious in inhibiting the infectious parasite would decrease the number of deaths and help to improve
the quality of life for the inhabitants of the areas plagued by this deadly disease.
Developing a Sleep Monitoring Smartphone App
Richard Wang & Yanzhi Ren, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ,
Denisse Mendoza, Gustavo Perez, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Clinical studies show that sleep is related to many serious diseases including diabetes, obesity and
depression. There are several devices that give users the opportunity to monitor their sleep behavior.
However, many of these devices have their flaws. They are invasive to users as they require the devices to
be worn as the user sleeps. While there are other alternatives that aren’t invasive to the body, such as
phone applications, these apps monitor body movement overnight using the on-board accelerometer of
the smartphone, limiting its use and effectiveness. The use of the accelerometer requires the phone to be
placed on the bed to collect acceleration data, and does not record sleep related activities such as cough
and snore.This research project works on developing a smartphone app that will be able to monitor sleep
behavior overnight and assess a report based on the collected data. The user can gain awareness of the
causes for their irregular sleep patterns such as the amount of snores, coughs, and body movement. This
app would be able to track sleep quality quantitatively over a long period of time, which helps healthcare
provider diagnose trends related to certain diseases and will display the information previously analyzed in
a way so that the user can be aware of his behavior overnight.
Analysis of how people collaborate and contribute information and ideas.
5
10/3/2014
Alicia Coleman, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Pinar Ozturk, PhD, Jeff Nickerson PhD, Information Systems, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken,
07030
WikiProjects are one of the many examples of online communities. Similar to every other online
community, each WikiProject consists of members with a variety of motivations, expertise and interest.
Analysis of these WikiProject member interactions on project pages may provide insights into the project
community and how the members collaborate on various topics. Primary methods of analysis include
systematically scraping WikiProject pages using Python programming language and utilizing R
programming language for analysis and visualization. Human analysis will involve analyzing the
relationships, expertise of members/non-members and how they work together.
Modeling Nonlinearities Micron Optical Gyroscopes using Matlab
Andrew Cannon, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Dmitiy Kalantarov, Department of Physics and Engineering Physics, Stevens Institute of Technology,
Hoboken, NJ 07030
The overall goal of the research is to analyze various nonlinearities such as Kerr effect and two-photon
absorption in silicon microring resonator coupled to waveguides in an add-drop configuration. My
research consisted with getting familiar the computer program Matlab and learning how to give values to
variables, both scalars and vectors as well as implementing “for” loops and “while” loops. Additionally, I
was able to generate figures and data pertinent to research involving modeling of nonlinear effects in
micro optical resonators.
Behavior of cells in electric magnetic fields for tissue engineering applications.
Wesley Rivera, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Hongjun Wang, PhD, Department of Chemical Biology & Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of
Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
The purpose of this research was to study the behavior of different cells in Electric magnetic fields for
tissue engineering applications. Different kinds of cells proliferate in certain electric magnetic conditions
such as different frequencies and amplitudes. We were planning to use a solenoid that would create an
oscillating electric field using a solenoid, but first the cells were needed to be prepared to start the
procedure. Therefore, we needed to prepare a dish for the cells to grow. We used electro-spinning in
order to create Nano fibers for the cells to settle in and be able to proliferate since the Nano fibers had
great mechanical strength and were biodegradable. The cells were then put in an incubator to grow
without the electro magnetism and examined them to see how they developed. The next step was to
build a machine that we can rest cells that were in these Nano fibers on a box with the solenoid inside the
box to expose them to the electromagnetism. We would use a voltage box to create a current through the
solenoid that would create and oscillating electromagnetic field using an AC current. The machine never
got around to be built due to certain parts being hard to obtain, but the future plans is to make 3
machines that will conduct these electromagnetic fields. Thus, giving us a chance to test out different cells
at the same time how they grow with different frequencies.
Optimizing the Mobility of the Omni-Bot
Biruk Gebre, PhD, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Romulo Quiliche, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Throughout the course of this seven week period, we were given the task to optimize the Omni-Bot. The
platform is essentially a four legged robot supported by basketballs as its means of mobility. Each leg
6
10/3/2014
consists of a four pronged claw constraining the basketball with spheres at the tip of each finger so the
point of contact from the basketballs and the claws itself, would be minimal. Initially, the Omni-Bot
presented multiple issues regarding its mobility, and contact points. The matter presented itself with
traction, lack of control, spheres collecting dust which inhibited movement, and its wheels (basketballs)
constantly fell out of place which led to it losing contact with its respective claws. Each researcher was
given the task to provide a potential solution to the Omni-Bot’s faults. The fix should have included a
design in which the design itself would support the claw and also utilize two Omni-Wheels to completely
fix traction.
Optimizing an OMNI-BOT using Solidworks
Samy Amar and Sarah Michelle Labrador, Essex County College, Newark , NJ, 07102
Biruk Gebre, PhD, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030
The OMNI-Bot that was presented was a prototype for a versatile omni-directional robot platform with a
small footprint in order to fit through standard doors. Its design enables it to maneuver in indoor and
urban outdoor environments with the help of a passive suspension system to drive over obstacles. Even
with an Arduino microchip as the processor and a basketball as its means of mobility (basketballs act as
wheels) for the OMNI-Bot for each leg, traction and contact points between the claws and the basketballs
proved to be problematic. The basketballs would fall out of place and lose some of its contact points with
the claws that support it and keep it in place, causing an inaccurate motion for that specific leg. The
spheres initially used to form contact points on the basketballs, which were placed within the upper and
lower portion of the claw, were productive until dust formed around the area, causing it to be ineffective
in the long run. Replacing these spheres were two OMNI-wheels for each area. Each researcher was given
the task to create a design using SolidWorks that would appropriately solve these problems while keeping
materials to a minimum. After each student’s design was created and explored, pros and cons were
discussed in regards to productivity and versatility for the OMNI-Bot. The final design was created through
an iterative design process that utilized rapid prototyping. Through this prototyping, 3D printing was the
main source to test the models made from CAD modeling over the time period.
Fairleigh Dickinson University
Inter-specific completion between the marbled crayfish (Procambarus fallax Marmokrebs) and
Australian Red Claw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus).
Johnny Estrella, David Hanna and Dr. Josh Stout,School of Natural Sciences, Fairly Dickinson University,
Teaneck New Jersey 07666
The marbled crayfish (Procambarus fallax Marmokrebs) and Australian Red Claw crayfish (Cherax
quadricarinatus) are commonly used aquaculture species that are potentially invasive when introduced
outside their native habitats. Both are tolerant of high densities of con-specifics. To test the tolerance of
these species to inter-specific competition, mixed populations were placed in three, 90L tanks, within a
recirculating aquaculture system. The tanks contained five large juveniles (~3g) of each species with a
large adult red claw (~20g) placed in one tank and a large adult marbled crayfish (~ 20g) placed in
another. The last tank contained only juveniles. The results indicate that these species are not suitable for
poly-culture due to the reduction or elimination of marbled crayfish by the red claw crayfish in all three
tanks. This may offer a possible biological control for areas of Europe where the marbled crayfish is
spreading “crayfish plague” (Aphanomyces astaci). Red claw crayfish have a lower cold tolerance than
marbled crayfish, and so could safely be used to reduce or eliminate marbled crayfish in areas with
moderately cold winters.
7
10/3/2014
Kean University
An Evaluation to Compare Software Product Line Decision Model and Feature Model
Dr. J. Jenny Li, Briana Gilbert, and Brian Vega, College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences,
Department of Computer Science, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
A key issue in defining a product line is specifying the allowable set of products that will be produced
using product line assets, i.e., the scope of the domain. This paper conducts an evaluation to compare two
different approaches for defining domain scope, decision model as defined in the Family-oriented
Abstraction, Specification, Translation (FAST) process and the feature model as defined in the FeatureOriented Domain Analysis (FODA) process. The comparison is based on applying the approaches to two
examples, one a textbook example and the other to a product line we maintain on an open source
website, in order to identify guidelines for improving the identification and representation of a software
family. Our conclusion is that decision model includes both commonality and variability definition at
software architecture level and thus it is more suitable for larger product line with a significant number of
commonality and variability.
SoftWare IMmunization (SWIM) for a phone system
Dr. J. Jenny Li, Dr. P. Morreale, German A. Montenegro, and Jasiya Tariq
College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, Department of Computer Science, Kean University,
Union, NJ 07083 USA
Software Immunization (SWIM)[COMPSAC2011] is an approach that combines static program analysis and
automatic testing to protect software from certain types of defects. We train the SWIM component to
detect intrusions by using existing data collected such as belief states and failure rates to distinguish
intrusions from internal malfunctions. Our analysis found that this detection method is effective for
defects such as the Cisco phone eaves drop issue. After the detection, preventive and reporting actions
can be carried out by the other components of SWIM.
Algorithmic Mechanisms for Reliable Internet-based Computing under Collusion
Dr. Miguel Mosteiro and Daniel Pareja. College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, Department of
Computer Science, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
In this work, using a game-theoretic approach, cost-sensitive mechanisms that lead to reliable Internetbased computing are designed. In particular, we consider Internet-based master-worker computations,
where a master processor assigns, across the Internet, a computational task to a set of potentially
untrusted worker processors and collects their responses. Workers may collude in order to increase their
benefit. We develop game-theoretic models that capture the nature of the problem, and we design
algorithmic mechanisms that, for each given set of cost and system parameters, achieve high reliability.
Additionally, we study two specific realistic system scenarios. These scenarios are a system of volunteer
computing like SETI (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence), a company that buys computing cycles from
computers in the Internet and sells them to its customers in the form of a task-computation service. We
show analytically various trade-offs between cost and reliability for both scenarios. Notably, under certain
conditions, non-redundant allocation yields the best trade-offs between cost and reliability. We also
evaluate empirically the mechanisms designed for mixed equilibria games.
8
10/3/2014
An Artistic Approach to Learn Mathematics.
Dr. Wolde Woubneh and Patrick Serpico College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, Department of
Mathematics, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
At a young age, students are exposed to mathematics through a scientific approach. This is because math
is perceived as a science. It is never really thought that math has an artistic component that would be
more appealing to young students. The purpose of this study is to show several artistic applications of
how math can be studied and to teach students that learning math through art can be enjoyable. I intend
to explore the literature reviewaArtistic mathematics on and show concrete examples of math can be
learned and taught via artistic approach.
The Fractals of Space-Filling Curves
Dr. Mahmoud Affouf and Everet Harnett College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, Department of
Mathematics, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
In this project we design a fast scheme to graph the Hilbert fractal curve, and discuss its topological
dimension.
New Jersey 2013 Gubernatorial Election Results
Dr. Wolde Woubneh and Panzy Harvey College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, Department of
Mathematics, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
The purpose of this research is to examine the 2013 gubernatorial election results in New Jersey. We will
look at the factors that contributed to a win for the current governor. We will explore how and why
people make decision to vote for the governor of New Jersey. We will use Statistical software and
statistical methodolgy principles to analyze tha available data from news reports and election results
data. We will look at the effect of race, political affiliation, age on the outcome of the election. We will
use graphs and charts of the data to describe the numerous factors contributea to the win in the 2013
gubernatorial election.
Using Ethnobotanical Indicators for in vitro Antimicrobial Screening of Medicinal Plant Leaves from the
Lowland Wet Forests of Costa Rica
Dr. Daniela Shebitz, Sana Baig, Katherine Andrade, Betsy DeLaCruz, Elvin Demereckas, Diego Morales,
and Alessa Vindas-Cruz College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, School of Biological Science,
Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
Traditional medicine remains the primary drug treatment for 80% of people in developing countries (WHO
2011). Globally, most communities do not have access to what we consider to be conventional medicines
and their health is inextricably linked to the availability of medicinal plant resources. The tropical wet
lowland forests of the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge (MNWLR) in the Northern Zone of Costa Rica
provide habitat to numerous medicinal plants, yet few have been documented. By virtue of its proximity
to the border, this biologically diverse area has a blending of Nicaraguan and Costa Rican cultures. The
objectives of this research were: (1) to document the commonly used medicinal plant species in the
MNWLR based on local knowledge and (2) to determine if extracts from these medicinal plants used to
treat infection would show antifungal and antibacterial properties in laboratory assays. Semi-structured,
open-ended interviews were conducted with seven people who were locally recognized for their
knowledge of medicinal plant use. Uses and preparations were discussed for 60 species. Fifteen of the
most commonly cited plants were gathered with the local informants from the forests or home gardens.
9
10/3/2014
Alcohol and aqueous extractions weremade of the plant parts that were specified (leaves, bark, rhizomes,
roots, fruit, seeds,sap, or flowers). Extracts were screened against gram-negative bacterium
Escherichiacoli, gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis, and fungus Candida albicans using triplicate disc
diffusion assays. Preliminary results do indicate that many of the plants used locally for medicine do
indeed have efficacy in-vitro.
Anti-bacterial and Anti-fungal activities of four Invasive species in New Jersey
Dr. Daniela Shebitz, Sana Baig, and Diego Morales College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, School
of Biological Science, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
Invasive plant species from New Jersey were selected according to accessibility for potential medicinal
use.These plants were extracted and screened for in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities. The
antibacterial and antifungal activity would be determined by the zone of inhibition of the plant extracts
against two bacterial strains; gram negative Escherichia coli and gram positive Bacillus subtilis as well as
the fungus Candida albicans.The extracts were created by using dried samples from each part of the
specimen collected; and shaking them for 24 hours in three different solutes; water, methanol and
ethanol. The samples where tested and measured against microorganism determined by the agar disc
diffusion method which would measure their zone of inhibition. Zone of inhibition of the extracts were
measured and compared with the zone of inhibition carried out by four control disc which consisted of a
blank disc, a water disc methanol disc and ethanol disc within the same agar sample.The results showed
inhibition of the bacterial growth and fungal growth which showed potential antibacterial and antifungal
properties against the tested organisms.Of four plants investigated both in roots and leaves, the extracts
of four plants (Alliaria petiolata, Fallopia japonica, Rosa multiflora, Artemisia vulgaris) demonstrated a
marked antibacterial activity against the microorganisms Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis and extracts
of two plants ( Fallopia japonica and Rosa multiflora) exhibited significant antifungal activity against
Candida albicans. These results may provide a basis for the isolation of compounds of biological interest
from these medicinal plants.
Bioinformatics of MiRNA as regulators of P53 gene
Dr. Rongsun Pu and Nishit Mody College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, School of Biological
Science, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
In the recent years, microRNAs (miRNAs) were identified as important components of the signaling that
mediate and regulate tumor suppression exerted by p53. Experimental and bioinformatics are the main
techniques applied to explain the mechanisms by which miRNAs participate in p53's function and how
they were identified through transduction. Although, some of the central miRNA-encoding genes that
mediate the effects of p53, such as the miR-34 and miR-200 families, have been identified, many
additional analyses remain to be performed to fully understand the connections between p53 and
miRNAs. Additional analyses remain to be performed to fully understand how miRNAs interact with p53
Understanding the role of small molecules in the readthrough of nonsense codons
Dr. Brian Teasdale, (Dr. Ellen Welch, PTC Therapeutics) and Angela Estevez College of Natural, Applied,
& Health Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
It is generally assumed that when readthrough at a premature termination codon occurs a near cognate
aminoacyl-tRNA has effectively out-competed the polypeptide release factors for access to the ribosomal
acceptor site (A site) that has translocated to a termination codon. Ataluren is a small molecular weight
compound that enables readthrough of nonsense codons in many cell types, in animal models of
nonsense mutation disease and in humans suffering from disease due to nonsense mutations. The goal of
10
10/3/2014
this research is to determine the identity of the amino acid that is incorporated at the site of the
nonsense codon as a result of compound treatment and understand the cis-acting sequences that
determine which amino acid(s) is inserted at the site of the premature stop codon and how these
sequences affect the response of different compounds. To determine which amino acids are inserted we
developed luciferase reporter (LUC) alleles that facilitate purification of protein fragments encompassing
these insertions. We prepared LUC constructs containing a nonsense codon at amino acid 20 or the wildtype sequence, a 5' triple hemagglutinin (HA) epitope sequence and 3’ Strep-Tactin and Flag epitope
sequences. Stable cell lines containing these constructs were prepared in 293H cells. Using these cell lines,
we optimized a protein purification method using the epitope tag sequences incorporated in the reporter
construct. Small scale purifications using the wild-type cell line were performed. A two-step purification
using a Strep-Tactin Sepharose column followed by a second purification using an anti-HA antibody
column was performed. The purification was optimized by monitoring luciferase activity at the different
steps of the purification process. The results using wild-type cells demonstrated that a protein of the
correct size was purified. Subsequently, the nonsense-containing cell line containing the UGA premature
stop codon will be treated with known nonsense suppression compound(s) and the full-length protein will
be purified using the method established above. The purified protein will be digested with trypsin and the
sequence determined using a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spec method previously established to
determine the identity of the amino acid inserted at the site of the premature stop codon. The results of
this work will be presented.
Interactive Multimedia Products as a result of Applications from a Student-run Environmental Center.
Dr. Paul Croft and Noni Hodges-Flakes College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, Department of
Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
Interactive products for environmental and sustainability sciences are vital to the development of an
operational consulting environment. As needed with any operational consulting environment,
communication with the community is also necessary. This research focuses on specific content related to
human interactions with the environment as well as hazards and awareness. Qualitative Data will be used
to assist with the development and testing of products. The results will be demonstrated and shared
across multimedia platforms through the pre-existing Keancast program.
Evaluation of Different Sources of Drinking Water
Dr. Juyoung Ha, Rafael Nunez, and William Jumbo, College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences,
Department of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
From time to time different techniques have being developed to treat the water that we consume. The
main purpose of these techniques is to purify the water for human consumption and satisfy daily needs.
In order to provide safe potable water, the water has to go through different systems of filtration in order
to remove impurities and microorganisms that would be lethal for humans. However, concerns have
arisen regarding the amount and concentration of the various chemicals added on the processes. The
most common questions have evolved around whether the levels of chemicals in water after purification
are safe for consumption. Nonetheless, as an attempt to reduce these risks, The Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) has established health standards in order to prevent excessive amount of toxics on the
water. Despite the guidelines established by the EPA, public concerns about the toxicity of water still
remain. The objective behind this research is to compare the concentration of NaCL with the EPA
guidelines and whether or not specific microorganism found on the water are harmful. The research will
be performed on a lab where 3 different origins of water such as bottle water, filtered water and tap
water will be tested. With the results we will be able to observe which sources of water is following the
guidelines the most and what effects these chemicals have on human health.
11
10/3/2014
The Effect of Mandible Wear on Task Partitioning in Foraging Leafcutter Ants
Dr. Sylvio Codella and Theodore Thompson, College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, Department
of Environmental and Sustainability Sciences, Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
Expanding on our previously reported work on running speed determinants in leafcutter ants (ABS 49th
Conference, 2012), we measured the head width, mesosomal width, mesosomal length and mandibular
wear of Atta cephalotes workers carrying either leaf fragments or Allmendro tree flower petals (Dipteryx
oleifera; Fabaceae) on the grounds of Laguna del Largarto Lodge, San Carlos Canton, Alajuela Province,
Costa Rica. We had previously established that petal-carrying workers weighed more and ran faster than
leaf-carriers. Morphological data were gathered using a SPOT Insight digital imaging system. Although
ants carrying petals weighed significantly more than those carrying leaves, petal carriers were significantly
smaller in all three body size measurements. Petal-carrying ants also showed significantly less mandibular
wear than those carrying leaf fragments. Taken together, our results suggest that younger workers are
allocated to petal retrieval and transport. This may be due to the greater time and energy investments, as
well as greater risks, associated with leaf harvesting.
New Jersey Personal Responsibility Education Program (NJ PREP): Decreasing Pregnancy and Sexually
Transmitted Infections (STIs) in Teens
Dr. Consuelo Bonilla and Karen Grisales, College of Education, Physical Education, Recreation and
Health Department and College of Natural, Applied, & Health Sciences, School of Biological Science,
Kean University, Union, NJ 07083 USA
This study evaluated the longitudinal effectiveness of the program "Reducing the Risk - Building Skills to
Prevent Pregnancy, STD and HIV", an evidence based program designed to decrease adolescent
pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections in two New Jersey State identified, high risk municipalities.
During the 2012- 2013 academic year, the curriculum was implemented in health classes with ethnic
minority college research assistants co-facilitating the lessons with the health teachers. A cohort of 283
predominantly ninth grade students participated in the program. Participants completed baseline, postand 3- month follow-up surveys. The study used randomized control and intervention groups of students
in the two high schools in New Jersey. By the end of the 2012-13 academic year, 130 participants
completed the Reducing the Risk Knowledge Survey before and after the program. The average score
prior to the program was 61.2. After the program, the average score was 71.3. This change indicated that
the participants knowledge significantly increase at a .001 level. 91% percent of program participants who
reported being sexually inexperienced at baseline reported they've continued to delay initiation of sexual
intercourse after program completion. 95% percent of our program participants who reported being
sexually inexperienced at baseline reported they've continued to delay initiation of sexual intercourse 3
months after program completion. 39% percent of our program participants who reported being sexually
active at baseline reported abstaining from sexual activity during the 3 months following program
participation.
Montclair State University
A COMPUTATIONAL EVALUATION THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE STRUCTURE OF
α− and β−D-Glucopyanose in Vacuum
12
10/3/2014
Maryam Abdulsalam, Rabih Balilli and Marc L. Kasner Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey
The cyclic structures of α− and β−D-glucopyranose differ in energy by less than a kcal (~0.3 kcal at 298 K in
aqueous solution) and both the α− and β− conformers have several relatively stable rotamers in solution.
These rotamers are referred to as gg, gt, and tg according to the position of the –OH attached to the -CH2
at position C5 on the ring. While the axial versus equatorial orientation of the hydroxyl group at C1 gives
rise to the conformational energy, the energies of the gg, gt, and tg rotamers are based on the orientation
of the hydroxymethyl group at C5.Relaxed scans are a series of geometry optimizations carried out at 5°
intervals as the terminal –OH (of the –CH2OH group (the HOCC dihedral), the –CH2 – (the OCCO dihedral)
and the axial/equatorial –OH at C1 (the HOCO dihedral) are rotated. Scans of energy as the rotational
angles are changed show that only the orientation of hydroxymethyl substituent at C5 makes any
significant contribution to the energy. Rotation about the C-O bond, the HOCO dihedral for the hydroxyl
group at C1, shows a low-level variation in energy (~6 kcal range). Similarly, rotation about the C-O bond,
the HOCC dihedral in the hydroxymethyl group provides energy changes in the same range. However,
rotation about the C5-C6 bond (the OCCO dihedral) show double that range of energies (~12 kcal) and
prominent minima indicating the gg, gt, and tg rotamers. Additionally, comparisons of dihedral scans and
nformational energies of 2-hydroxymethyl 6- hydroxyl-tetrahydro-2H-pyran and 2-hydroxymethyltetrahydro-2H-pyran with 1,5-anhydro-D- glucitol and glucose indicate that the hydroxyl substituents on
the pyran ring make little contribution to the stability of the α−, β− conformers and the gg, gt, and tg
rotamers of glucose.Three-dimensional scans of energy versus the two dihedrals in in the hydroxymethyl
group (HOCC and OCCO) were done for both α− and β−D-glucopyranose to develop a potential energy
surface to confirm the geometries, energies and number of the low energy structures.
PROFLILING OF LIPIDS EXPRESSION ALONG THE ROSTRAL AND CAUDAL AXIS AFTER SPINAL
CORD INJURY: MATRIX ASSISSTED LASER DESORPTION/IONIZATION ANALYSIS
Amna T. Adam, Stephanie Devaux, Michel Salzet. Sponsored by MHIRT-Old Westbury at the Uiversity of
Lille 1
Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes alteration in lipid composition and migration of lipids between
the gray and white matter regions of spinal cord. Studying the prominent and regionspecificlipids in injured spinal cords can possibly lead to clinical understanding of the specific
role each class of lipid plays in the inflammation process after SCI. Utilization of Matrix
Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI)-TOF/TOF coupled with FlexImaging and
ClinProTools software for statistical analysis was imployed as a method to identify lipids that
demonstrate interesting behavior post SCI. Furthermore, shotgun analysis using Q Exactive
performed to possibly characterize interesting lipids.Using MALDI-Mass Spectrometry, the
region-specificity of lipid expression and alteration in injured spinal cord were identified
with progression of time. Rat tissues from 3, 7, 10 days post SCI were imaged in both
negative and positive mode and revealed that visualization of region- specific lipid is best
carried in the positive reflector mode. Shotgun analysis using Orbitrap allowed for
approximate characterization of the lipids with m/z ratio identified using MALDI imaging.
Taking all together the data suggests that in the positive reflector mode, there is a
difference in the expression in rostral and caudal region, and glycerophospholipids is
possibly the most prominent class of lipid in both gray and white matter region of spinal cord
post SC.
A Computational Evaluation the Factors Affecting the Structur of α− and β−D
Glucopyanose in Aqueous Solution
Rabih Balilli, Maryam Abdulsalam and Marc L. Kasner , Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, Montclair State University, Montclair, New Jersey
13
10/3/2014
Previous work has established the stable structures and energetics of α− and β−Dglucopyranose in the gas phase but some examination of the behavior of glucose in
aqueous solution is necessary to provide a more realistic picture. By starting with the
gas phase optimized geometries of α− and β−D-glucose, thermochemistry calculations
were done and gas phase conformational free energies ( G°) were calculated. The
geometry optimizations were done using 6-31G+(d,p), 6-31G++(d,p), 6-311G+(d,p) and
6-311++(d,p) basis sets with HF, DFT (B3LYP) and MP2 methods. The B3LYP/6311G++(d,p) gas phase optimized geometries were reoptimized with several solvent
models: IEF-PCM (Integral Equation Formalism of the Polarized Continuum Model) ,
CPCM (the Conductor-like Polarized Continuum Model, and SMD (the Solvation Model
based on electron Density). CPCM gave results most consistent with experimental
values and was used for examining the relationships between energy and
geometry.Two-dimensional scans of energy versus the H-O-C1-O dihedral, the H-O-C6C5 dihedral and the O-C6-C5-O dihedrals show results consistent with the gas phase
results: Only the orientation of hydroxymethyl substituent at C5 ring makes any
significant contribution to the energy. The stable rotamers seen in the gas phase (gg, gt,
and tg relating the orientation of the hydroxymethyl group at C5) are also seen the
solvated molecules but with different relative energies.Three-dimensional scans of
energy versus the two dihedrals in in the hydroxymethyl group (HOCC and OCCO) were
done for both α− and β−D-glucopyranose to develop a potential energy surface to
confirm the geometries of the low energy structures and establish consistency with the
gas phase results. These scans were also relaxed scans in which the geometry was
optimized at each 5° step using the B3LYP method with the 6-311G++(d,p) basis set and
the CPCM solvation model with water as the solvent.
Investigation of Hyperspectral Data Applications: Detection of Fake Vegetation
Kenneth Abad, Stefan Robila, PhD GS-LSAMP College of Science Mathematics,
Department of Computer Science, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
Hyperspectral images provide an innovative means for visualizing information about a scene or object
that exists outside of the visible spectrum. Certain objects leave behind unique “fingerprints” across the
electromagnetic spectrum called spectral signatures. They enable identification of the materials that
make up a scanned object. These spectral signatures are scanned and collected by sensors for further
processing. Among other capabilities, hyperspectral image data enable discrimination between real and
artificial leaves in a potted plant that are otherwise indistinguishable to the human eye and can detect
anomalies, pixels that are uniquely different from the dominate spectra. For example, if we were to view
real and artificial leaves through our normal vision, we can only see what is in front of us. We can not
distinguish the real leaves from the fake leaves. After scanning and processing through a hyperspectral
camera, however, the two types of leaves can be easily identified. This made possible due to the
chlorophyll in the real leaves have specific reflection spectra. The identified plants can be sorted into
different types of classification. Some forms of classification are by species, stress levels, health levels,
and plant diseases. In this project several hyperspectral images of different plants were collected using
an in house sensor camera. Next distinguishing features were investigated using visual analysis of the
images. The project continues with the investigation of methods to automatically identify these features.
Investigating the ability of human TRIM5α to bind to the HIV-1 core
Daniel Vieira and Felipe Diaz-Griffero, PhD College of Science and Mathematics, Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
14
10/3/2014
While some progress has been made in recent years, the development of an effective HIV vaccine remains
elusive. One alternative towards a vaccine is to understand the intermolecular binding of the restriction
factor: human TRIM5α (TRIM5αhu). Restriction factors are key proteins that are able to mount an immune
response to infection. TRIM5αhu is unique because it combats retroviruses, specifically. The murine
leukemia virus (MLV) is a retrovirus that TRIM5αhu is able to bind to and restrict infection. What we are
trying to achieve is in vitro capsid formation of MLV to perform a capsid-binding assay with TRIM5αhu.
TRIM5αhu is a protein of interest because the rhesus monkey TRIM5α (TRIM5αrh) does bind to HIV-1 to
inhibit infection despite being a very similar protein. If we can understand the endogenous restriction of
TRIM5αhu , we may be able to understand why TRIM5αhu is unable to bind and restrict HIV-1.
Understanding the mechanism of restriction can serve as a foundation for future studies of the TRIM5α hu
protein, and its interaction with HIV-1.
Observations on the Transition to Equilibrium of Hinged Bodies in a Flow
2
B. Chung, 1D.Castillo, 3G.P. Galdi
K. Soriano and 1A. Vaidya*
1
1
Complex Fluids Laboratory, Department of Mathematical Sciences,
Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA.
2
Center for Computational Fluid Dynamics School of Physics, Astronomy, and Computational Sciences
George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030.
3
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science
University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261.
This paper is focused on the problem of the terminal orientation of a rigid body in
a viscous flow. In case of symmetric bodies such as cylinders and spheroidal bodies,
it is known that in the stable terminal state, the long axis of the body aligns itself
perpendicular to the direction of the flow (defined as θ = 90° in our paper). This
property has been verified using theoretical, experimental and numerical studies. In
this article we experimentally examine the nature of the transition of spheroidal bodies
and cylinders of various aspect ratios from various initial states to their stable equilibrium. Specifically, we
show that the case of θ = 0° is a metastable state and that exists
a critical Reynolds number Rec, depending upon the geometry of the body, beyond
which the particle is forced to assume the more stable state. The critical point and
other dynamic aspects of the transition to equilibrium are also examined.
Investigation of the Oligomeric Structures of the Cryptochrome Proteins Using Fluorescence Detected
Denaturation Methods.
Researchers: Gindt. Yvonne, PhD, and Mengqi Li. College of Science and Mathematics, Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
Cryptochromes are blue light photoreceptors involved in numerous signaling functions in plants and
animals, including playing a major role in covering the extremes of the visible spectrum [2]. I have
selected AtCry1, as my model plant protein for investigation because Arabidopsis is one of the most
common model plant systems and we already know the genome. I plan to investigate conformational
changes of AtCry1, the signaling pathway in flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and FADH, and the stability
of the protein and protein dimer complex. Lastly, I will repeat these experiments with other types of
cryptochromes and compare the results. Under absorption of blue light, AtCry1 undergoes an equilibrium
dimerization reaction shown below:2 Cry1
(Cry1)2 This structural change with the cryptochrome
protein appears to be an important triggering event in control of the circadian rhythm. I would like to
15
10/3/2014
understand this dimerization reaction in order to understand the conformational changes AtCry1
undergoes when exposed to blue light.
Improved Computational Results for Computational Chemistry
Nashali Ferrara, MSU
The study of transition metal chemistry is of great interest to science and the chemical industry. More and
more, computations are used to investigate reaction mechanisms involving transition metals. Many
commonly used methods such as DFT/B3LYP fail to describe this chemistry, because these systems show
multi-reference character. This research focused on the optimization of first row transition metal systems
using a new calculation method called RPA, which stands for Random Phase Approximation. We present
benchmark results for transition metal hydride ions and show the improved performance of RPA.
Transition metals that were focused on included the elements Strontium, Titanium, Vanadium,
Chromium, Magnesium, Iron, Cobalt, and Nickel. It is challenging to perform calculations on these metal
atoms, more so then second or third row transition metals due to the fact that they show stronger multireference character.
Investigation of the Function of Small Molecule KL001 on the Redox Chemistry and Structure Formation
in crytochromes 1 from Vibrio choleae (VcCry1) and Arabidopsis thaliana (AtCry1)
Yvonnve Gindt, Ph.D, Quoc Huynh College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
Cryptochromes are a class of blue-light photoreceptors found in plants, animals and bacteria. They play a
major role in maintenance of the circadian clock. Some studies have shown that a small molecule KL001, a
carbazole molecule, appears to have a key function in helping modulate the circadian rhythm [1]. In this
proposal, I will determine the specific role that KL001 plays on the chemistry of cryptochrome protein.
The structure and sequence of cryptochromes are very similar to DNA photolyase, an enzyme that uses
blue-light to repair UV-damaged DNA. For this study, I will work with a cryptochrome found in bacterium,
more specifically cryptochrome 1 from Vibrio cholerae (VcCry1). This protein appears to serve as a good
model for the plant cryptochromes based upon sequence homology. VcCry1 contains a cofactor called
flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which undergoes redox chemistry and may be important in the
signaling mechanism of the protein. The ultimate goal of this study is to investigate if the small molecule
KL001 actually binds to VcCry1 and modifies its oxidation/reduction chemistry. To do this, I will measure
the standard reduction potential of the FAD cryptochrome in the presence of KL001. Secondly, I will use
the same method to measure the standard redox potential of a crytocrome found in plants, specifically
from Arabidopsis thaliana (AtCry1). I will answer the question if the small molecule changes the chemistry
if the protein by changing the standard reduction potential of FAD bound to the protein.
The Computational Study of Glucose and the Cell Membrane Transport Protein GLUT1
Sandeep Suresh, Dr. Marc L. Kasner, Rabih Balilli, Maryam Abdulsalam, Robert Booth Department of
Chemistry and Biochemistry, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
Glucose is the primary source of energy for most biological entities. It is necessary that Glucose be inside
the cell to carry out important biological process such as respiration. The structure of Glucose has been
computationally studied in gas phase and in aqueous solution by our research group. Glucose cannot
move through the cell membrane without the assistance of a transporter protein. GLUT 1 is one of a
series of transport proteins in human systems. There have been no computational studies of the structure
of GLUT 1 and the binding mechanism between Glucose and GLUT 1. We are going to undertake a three
part computational study. Part 1 will be a molecular mechanics study of the structure of GLUT 1 and part
16
10/3/2014
2 will be a QM/MM (Quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics) of the Glucose binding site of GLUT 1.
Part 3 will be a computational study of the structure and energies associated with this binding process
and part 3 will be a molecular dynamics simulation of Glucose being transported through the cell
membrane by GLUT 1.
Neural Response of MePD in Males to Female Odors and the Role of Androgen Receptor
Researchers:Cynthia L. Jordan, PhD, Marc Breedlove, PhD, Nicholas Hobbs, PhD and Shakeera L. Walker,
College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State
University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
Rodents are able to communicate with one another through chemical signals in odors and pheromones.
The medial amygdala is a region in the brain where signals from the main and accessory olfactory systems
converge. As such, the medial amygdala, specifically its posterordorsal aspect (MePD), plays a major role
in the sexual behavior of rodents. The MePD is sexually dimorphic, supporting the notion that structural
differences in the brain may be related to behavior. Androgen receptor (AR) is present in brain regions
that regulate sexually differentiated behaviors. AR may play a role in the sexual differentiation of social
preferences and neural responses to odors. We hypothesized that the neural response of the male MePD
to opposite-sex odor is affected by the presence of AR. We also hypothesized that laterality exists in the
neural response of the MePD to female odors. We tested this hypothesis by exposing wildtype and
induced testicular feminization mutant (iTfm) mice to either urine from female mice or water and
measuring the neural response via cFos expression. We used iTfm mice to investigate AR’s role in
masculine responses because they lack a functional AR. Consistent differences in the behavior and neural
responses of iTfm versus wildtype males will reveal androgen receptor’s role in the neural response of the
MePD to female odors.
Particle Aggregation Patterns Under Thermal Convection
Eric Forgoston, PhD, Leo Hentschker, Siobhan Soltau, Ashwin Vaidya, PhD
College of Science and Mathematics, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Complex Fluids Laboratory,
Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043 USA
Fluids provide the optimal setting to explore natural patterns far from thermodynamic equilibrium. In this
presentation, we will discuss one such pattern formation phenomena. Experiments suggest that particles
randomly dispersed on a liquid surface tend to aggregate as the temperature of the liquid increases
beyond a critical value. The agglomeration radii increase monotonically with temperature up until the
point where all particles in the system form a single, large aggregate. The aggregation dynamics is related
to the convection cycle generated in the fluid. In our presentation we will discuss our experimental
observations and also scaling arguments correlating the aggregation patterns with temperature.
New Jersey City University
Facilitating the Reduction of Health Disparities through GIS in the State of Maryland
Jolanta Borowiec, Dinah Carter, Kimberly Mensah, Claudia Baquet, William W. Montgomery, PhD.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Geoscience and Geography, New
Jersey City University, NJ, 07035
The purpose of this project is to assist in the reduction of health disparities in the state of Maryland. In
urban areas in particular, citizens do not have the access to health services and other assets available in
more suburban and/or wealthier neighborhoods. Through the process of making GIS-based,
neighborhood assets maps for all 24 counties of Maryland, we are assisting citizens and researchers who
need up-to-date, readily available information concerning health care and other neighborhood asset,. The
maps created through GIS will grant the citizens a look into the different healthcare options available in
17
10/3/2014
their areas of residence, in addition to other resources such as senior citizen homes, pharmacies, parks,
barber shops, schools, and religious centers. Each county map of Maryland gives citizens the opportunity
to analyze the facilities that are in the area, giving the citizens a choice in services and knowledge of
where these resources are located and all the information that follows, including addresses, phone
numbers, and cities of location. This project has been supervised by Dr. William Montgomery and
completed for Dr. Claudia Baquet and the University of Maryland – Baltimore Medical School.
MedMon: an Android & IOS App Development for Patient Medication Monitoring System
Saurabh Rathod, Israel Betances, Thomas Liu, PhD.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Computer Science, New Jersey
University, Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
EHR (Electronic Health Record) is becoming the default trend to manage patient data in clinics and
hospitals. The data monitored about frequency and medication taking by patients will greatly enhance the
efficacy of treatment provided by healthcare professionals. The mobile App we developed, MedMon,
allows doctors to enter the patient’s medicine name, duration and a description into an mobile devices,
e.g. Tablet or smart phone of patients. The patient will be reminded of the time to take their medication,
using counting algorithms and background service capabilities. The application saves timestamps into a
file which enables the doctors to view patient’s intake frequency and dosage in real time. This will lead
and promote prompt follow-up and effective treatment decisions.
Thermoelectric Material for use on a Central Processing Unit
Aubrey Campbell and Alberto Pinkas, PhD.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Physics, New Jersey University,
Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
A large percentage of the energy consumed by society is converted into waste heat. Research is currently
being done on increasing the efficiency of energy consumption through the use of thermoelectric
materials. Although these materials are being designed, for the most part, for application in refrigeration,
automotive and other industrial processes, our study looked at their use on the central processing unit of
a desktop computer. The goal was to simulate the conversion of waste heat into an electrical current that
could lead to increased battery life. Simulating a thermocouple made with Bi 2Te3, with a hot temperature
of 368 K and a cold temperature of 318K, the maximum current was found to be 8.97 Amps with a
maximum voltage of 0.02 V, maximum output power of 0.045 W and an maximum efficiency of 0.81%.
Further research is needed to determine if the low efficiency is the result of the large temperature
variances required by the selected material.
Diagnosing KRAS Gene Mutations Using Molecular Beacons and SuperSelective Primers
Alix Duarte and Salvatore A.E. Marras, PhD.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Biology, New Jersey University,
Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the KRAS gene are common factors in colorectal, pancreatic
and lung cancer development. Different SNPs have different effect on tumor malignancy and treatment
responsiveness, therefore knowing the SNP present on each case, would help choosing the most
convenient treatment for each patient. Two RT-PCR assays were designed and tested to best detect the
most common KRAS mutations. Four molecular beacon probes were successfully used to find specific
SNPs while differentiating from the others. Multiplex assays were also possible and results were improved
18
10/3/2014
doing asymmetric RT-PCR. A second assay utilized SuperSelective primers, which were able to detect and
amplify one KRAS mutant cell in the background of at least 10,000 wild-type KRAS cells.
Using GIS to support Urban Forest Community and Health
Ashley Gutierrez, Ivan de La Grange, Jason Botcher, William Montgomery, PhD.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Geoscience and Geography, New
Jersey University, Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
This project is being performed in support of the Hudson County. Initiative: NJCU students and faculty are
assisting in the creation of a Shade Tree Inventory, which is the first established goal of the overall
initiative. We are using Leica mapping GPS receiver and collective important non-spatial attributes in
addition X, Y NAD State Plane coordinates. Examples of attributes being collected include: tree species,
age, health, and attributes that could interfere with community health and public safety (e.g. overgrown
or broken tree limbs.)Data collection has been collected in Bayonne; work continues in northern Hudson
County. To date, we have inventoried approximately 350 trees. We estimate a total of 14 percent
completed at this time. One example of the benefits of this type of inventory has to do with carbon
sequestration. For instance, we have identified a number of London Plane trees (Platanus acerifolia), that
have been identified in a New York City survey as having the capacity to sequester up to 80 kg of Carbon
per tree per year fully grown.
Organic Field-effect Transistor Fabrication using Hexatriacontane (C36H74) Dielectric Layer
Researchers:
Austin Matus, Bumjung Kim, Ph. D., Kevin Malley, and Mina Hanna.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry, New Jersey City
University, Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
Organic electronics give great promise in future electronics, such as flexible and transparent displays,
mainly attributed by their light weight, low cost and low energy processing capabilities. However, to
obtain high-performance carrier mobility, film morphology study is inevitable. The highest mobility was
achieved when transistor device was fabricated on single-crystal of rubrene and this proves the
importance of film morphology of organic semiconductor. Not only the film morphology of organic
semiconductors, but also the interfacial morphology with dielectric layer was critical to improve
performance of devices. Several studies have been reported device performance improvement by
adopting organic dielectric layers or modifying dielectric surface. These studies showed promising results
as organic dielectric layers give hydrophobic environment which prevents oxygen or water adsorption,
and serves as good Van der Waals substrate for organic semiconductors. Yet, all the dielectric layers
reported contain polymers or self-assembled monolayers, and dielectric layer using organic single
molecules is still unexplored. In this context, we will use hexatriacontane (C36H74) as a dielectric layer.
Hexatriacontane is a long-chain hydrocarbon molecule with great chemical inertness and hydrophobic
nature. Addition to that, hexatriacontane is well known as its high crystallinity on 2-D surface and
hexatriacontane crystalline film will be able to serve as a great Van der Waals substrate for organic
semiconductors, as well as a good dielectric layer. We will endeavor to study crystalline film of
hexatriacontane and use the film as dielectric layer for rubrene crystal field-effect transistors.
Self-assembled Monolayer Formation of Alkyl Phosphate on Tooth Enamel for Tooth Decay Prevention
Researchers:Bumjung Kim, Ph. D., Marcos Castillo, Shrushti Patel, Thomas Howard. The William J.
Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry, New Jersey City University, Jersey City,
NJ 07305 USA
19
10/3/2014
Tooth enamel is mainly composed (96 %) of hydroxyapatite (HA), which makes enamel the hardest tissue
in human body. However, enamel is susceptible to acids and it decalcifies under exposure of acids.
Decalcification, loss of calcium ions, of tooth enamel is mainly attributed by acids that are generated by
bacteria through fermenting carbohydrates. Enamel is non-regenerative tissue and successive
decalcification of enamel results in permanent dental caries through the exposure of dentin layer. Filling
dental caries with artificial materials, such as composite resins, amalgam, or metal alloys, has been widely
used to stop further aggravation of dental caries growth, but they only guarantee good adhesion on
dentin layer and they are not suitable for early stage dental caries enamel layer. In this context, we
suggest a way to prevent enamel decalcification by chemically modifying enamel surface with selfassembled monolayer (SAM) of alkyl phosphonic acid. Self-assembled monolayer technique, widely used
in surface chemistry and nanotechnology, modifies surface properties of metal, metal oxide or other
inorganic surfaces by chemically attaching a single layer of self-assembly molecules. Not limited by
nanotechnology but also in osteology and dentistry SAM technique is used for dissolution surfactant of HA
nanoparticles or adhesive of filling materials on dentin layer. Using this technique, we form hydrophobic
SAM on tooth enamel which will not only cover and protect the surface of enamel mechanically, but also
chemically prevent enamel from acid decalcification.
The Role of NMDA Receptors in Cancer
Researchers: Natalia Coleman, PhD., Katerin Llanos, Jan Osea, Romual Souverain, and Mina Youssef
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Biology, New Jersey University,
Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
Despite intensive research efforts and promising discoveries, cancer still is the leading cause of death in
the US. There is growing evidence of the importance of glutamate signal transduction in cancer. N-methylD-aspartic (NMDA) receptors are one of the three glutamate receptors found in the mammalian central
nervous system. While it is common knowledge that NMDA receptors are essential for spatial learning
and memory, little is known about its function in cancer. We previously showed that NMDA receptors are
expressed on human prostate, breast and lung cancer cells. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the
NMDA receptor antagonist memantine as a potential target for cancer treatment. The cancer cells growth
inhibition was determined by using a 3-(4,5-dimeththylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
(MTT) assay. Our findings indicate that memantine inhibits the growth of breast cancer cells.
Biological Assessments of the Elizabeth River and Arthur Kill Blueway, New Jersey:
A Citizen-Science Effort
Bill Surena, Mariam Katu Binti, John Grew, PhD & William Montgomery, PhD*
Departments of Biology and Geoscience* New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ 07305
During the summer of 2014, we conducted comparative biology assessments of the Elizabeth River at
John’s Cove, South Front Street, and the Ursino Dam area, justifying our goals from a citizen science
perspective. The purpose of our research was to gather data on water quality, local plants, and animal
inhabitants. In addition to water quality testing for pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, nitrates and
phosphates, we also documented these environment with visual assessments, mapping, environmental
journaling, videography and photography for the study and to raise awareness within the Elizabeth
community. Although the results and data collected indicated that the quality of the waters located at the
study sites fell within healthy parameters, additional monitoring and data gathering are required for a
successful, citizen scientist- driven research campaign to promote a sustainable environment. The
environment belongs to humans, and local plant and animal species alike, yet humans alone can affect
20
10/3/2014
change in these environments. Thus, community education and consistent involvement must be stressed.
An example of local stewardship is the effort to clean up local waterways of non-biodegradable materials
such as plastic bags. As our citizen-science database increases, yearly comparisons of water quality and
flora should be performed to monitor changes in the Elizabeth River environment. Equally important,
geographical and ecosystem comparisons should be performed to detect any effects that climate change
could have on this environment as time progresses. By taking these actions, we will promote healthy and
dynamic ecosystems for all living species, as well as creating cleaner and healthier atmospheres in which
communities are actively engaged.
yl)cyclopentene Optical Molecular Switch
Kamran Namjouyan and Kenneth Yamaguchi, PhD.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences, Chemistry Department, New Jersey City University,
Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
Properly functionalized dithienylethenes show promise for light-induced switching processes. Cis-trans
isomerization is known to compete with 6 π-electron ring closure, to prevent this competition, the ethane
segment is usually combined in a (perfluorinated) cyclopentene. The focus of our research was the
syntheses of perhydrocyclopentene, which is an open compound that can be altered. Further
functionalization of this compound is possible chloro groups positioned at the 5-position of the thiophene
rings. In this project, the title compound was synthesized, purified and verified by NMR spectroscopy. The
coupling of this dithienylethene system with disubstituted fluorene pinachol boronic acid ester will also
be presented.
Synthesis of Amine Analogs for the Treatment of the Human African Sleeping Sickness
Cleysi Anaya, Noemi Cruz, Diana Mejia, Sasikaran Perinpanayagam,
Robert Aslanian, PhD.
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry, New Jersey University,
Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
Human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) is a “vector-born” pathogen that is transmitted into the human
blood by the “genus Glossina,”. Due to the toxicity of some of the current treatments used to fight
trypanosomiasis and the unfavorable routes of administration of many of these compounds, it is desirable
to identify new compounds with improved properties and activity. We are preparing amine analogs of the
marketed anti-parasitic compound pentamide to address this issue. A safe, convenient drug that is
efficacious in inhibiting the infectious parasite would decrease the number of deaths and help to improve
the quality of life for the inhabitants of the areas plagued by this deadly disease.
Heavy Metal Concentrations in Community Garden Soils in Northern New Jersey: Preliminary Survey
Daniel Aguirre1, Renyline Bacani 2, Nurdan S Duzgoren-Aydin1, PhD, Jordan McAlinden1, Jeffrey
McKeon2
1
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Science, Department of Geoscience and Geography, New
Jersey City University, NJ07035 ,
2
Environmental Studies, Hudson County Community College, NJ 07306
21
10/3/2014
Urban community gardens or urban agriculture practices are becoming increasingly popular as a source of
locally grown foods in neighborhoods. This trend creates a new urban land-use pattern that may alter
exposure pathways of potentially toxic elements including heavy metals (such as As, Cu, Pb, and Zn). The
consumption of vegetables and fruits grown in such urban settings with potentially elevated heavy metal
contents may pose health risks. The heavy metals can be absorbed by the plants to various extents
depending on several factors including type of plants, elements and their chemical speciation as well as
physical and chemical characteristics of soils. Urban community gardens are often located on vacant lots
in neighborhoods with historically elevated concentrations of heavy metal, especially Pb, primarily
resulting from factors such as deteriorating housing and associated lead paint. To be able to assess the
health risk levels for individuals consuming locally grown food in urban settings, first step involves
determining heavy metal concentrations in garden soils. During this preliminary study, limited numbers
of garden soils from raised beds were collected in Weehawken, Northern New Jersey, and special
emphases were given to their pH and particle size distributions. Compared to pH (5.4 ±1.1) values of
Boonton Soil Series, representing corresponding background soil properties in New York and New Jersey
region, the garden soils are slightly more neutral to alkaline (7.0 ± 0.4). The garden soils are composed of
78% coarse- and medium-size particles (> 125 µm). In comparison, the background soil samples contain
16 % fine-sand and 20 % silt- and clay-size particles. Heavy metal concentrations in soils were determined
by utilizing a portable Niton XRF (pXRF) in fine-size fraction (< 63µm). Lead (52 - 364 µg/g.), Zn (140 - 317
µg/g) and Cu (52 -204 µg/g) concentrations in the garden soil varied significantly. However, the samples
from an area nearby the parking lot and/or surrounded by residential buildings, have consistently higher
levels of heavy metal concentrations (e.g., Pb 186 ± 90) compared to those from an open area (82 ±15
µg/g). While Pb concentrations in the garden soils are lower than 400 µg/g (EPA, action level for Pb in
residential soils), consumption of vegetables and fruits grown in such urban settings may pose health
risks, as the products may have the ability to bioaccumulate Pb and other potentially toxic elements.
Role of Glutamate Receptor Interacting Protein and Kinase Phosphorylation in CaMKII Targeting to
Inhibitory Synapses
Researchers: Reed C. Carroll, PhD., Giancarlo Perez, Anthony Torres
The William J. Maxwell College of Arts and Sciences, Biology Department, New Jersey City University,
Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
The activity of neurons is controlled by a balance of signals from other neurons at excitatory and
inhibitory synapses. This balance of excitatory and inhibitory signaling is essential for information
processing and neuroplasticity. Ca(2+)/calmodulin dependent protein kinase IIα (CaMKIIα) can play a
critical role in regulating the strength of both neuronal excitability and inhibition in response to different
synaptic stimuli. Following strong glutamatergic stimulation, activated NMDA-type receptors strengthen
excitatory synapses through CaMKII activation. With moderate NMDA activation, however, CaMKII
strengthens inhibitory synapses. While the functions of CaMKII at excitatory synapses are well studied, it
is not understood how CaMKII localizes to and regulates inhibitory synapses. This study first investigated
whether Glutamate Receptor Interacting Protein (GRIP), found at inhibitory synapses strengthened by
CaMKII, may act as a target to which activated CaMKII binds. HEK cell lines showed high levels of colocalization of transfected CaMKII/GRIP1 as did NMDA-treated neurons. Co-immunoprecipitation studies
in HEK cells provide evidence for a direct interaction of active CaMKII and GRIP1. Additionally, knockdown
of GRIP1 using si-RNA, reduced the ability of CaMKII to localize to inhibitory synapses. Further studies
examined whether the phosphorylation of CaMKII could influence its localization at inhibitory synapses.
Calcineurin reduces CaMKII phosphorylation. Cyclosporin A, an inhibitor of calcineurin, increased CaMKII
co-localization at inhibitory synapses. A co-IP using wildtype and mutant forms of CaMKII suggests that a
pseudophosphorylated mutant (T286D/T305D) interacted more strongly with GRIP. These results indicate
that the phosphorylated state of CaMKII may have a critical role in the synaptic localization of CaMKII.
22
10/3/2014
Identifying Candidate Reproductive Genes from Apomictic Pistils of Cenchrus ciliaris (Buffelgrass) Using
Genomic Methods
Victor Leon, Jermin Adrawy, and Terry L Kamps, Ph.D.
College of Arts and Sciences, Biology Department, New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ 07305 USA
Apomixis is a mechanism of clonal reproduction through seeds which occurs in a wide variety of plant
species. From a practical perspective, researchers are interested in apomixis to utilize it to rapidly fix
desirable genetic characters in cultivated plants. Apomixis is of interest from an evolutionary biology
perspective because it is an unusual mode of reproduction considered by some to be an evolutionary
dead end, despite the fact that it is a not uncommon process in several species of plants. Buffelgrass is
valuable as a forage grass and the existence of sexual and apomictic genotypes makes this species an
important resource for investigating the genetics and mechanisms determining modes of reproduction.
Apomictic reproduction in buffelgrass is through aposporus apomeiosis. BLASTx to the Uniprot database
was performed using 10318 sequences derived from a previously assembled expressed sequence tag
(EST) library constructed from young ovaries of obligate apomictic buffelgrass plants. A total of 32
candidate genes involved in general reproduction and apomixes were identified by Gene Ontology (GO)
results in combination with a syntenic cross species in silico mapping strategy. Among these were genes
involved in auxin signaling pathways, methionine biosynthesis, endoreduplication, and programmed cell
death. Additional candidates were identified by significant BLASTn hits to a Panicum maximum apomictic
pistil cDNA library. Future studies will include comparative expression assays of the identified candidate
genes and tBLASTx analysis of ESTs that failed to match known proteins in the Uniprot database.
Rutgers University-Newark
Preferential flow and Transport processes of Soil investigated by Geoelectrical methods
Melissa Belot1, Barbara Goldman1, Lee Slater1, Markus Wehrer1 2
1
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University, USA
2
Lehrstuhl Hydrogeologie,, Universität Jena, Germany
Preferential flow refers to the uneven and often rapid movement of water and solutes through porous
media, typically soil, characterized by regions of enhanced flux such that a small fraction of media
participates in most of the flow. The flow of water through the vadose zone will travel either uniform or
preferential flow. In preferential flow, water will flow certain paths, while other parts of the porous
medium are bypassed. A variety of chemicals, including nitrate, can pass through the soil and potentially
contaminate ground water. Nitrate comes from nitrogen, a plant nutrient supplied by inorganic fertilizer
and animal manure. Beneath agricultural lands, nitrate is the primary form of nitrogen, which is
transported with water. It is soluble in water and can easily pass through soil to the ground-water table.
Nitrate can persist in ground water for decades and accumulate to high levels as more nitrogen is applied
to the land surface every year. (Nolan 2014) In this research electrical resistivity tomography is used for
the characterization of flow heterogeneities. Geoelectrical methods can offer exceptional contingency to
detect soil water and solute movement, because soil water loaded with solute ions is usually the best
electrical conductor in the subsurface. This experiment uses electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) to
determine the fertilizer’s least resistant pathway through a block of undisturbed soil based on a lysimeter
infiltration experiment. We hypothesize that nitrate released by a fertilizer can be imaged by resistivity
measurements, because dissolved in soil water it reduces the resistivity of the core. Ultimately, this
23
10/3/2014
research aims for a better characterization of preferential flow and transport processes in agricultural
environment.
DOES THE CHOICE OF PROMOTER INFLUENCE THE RELEASE OF INCOMPLETELY SPLICED PRE-MRNA FROM THE GENE LOCUS?
Duwayne Campbell, Diana Vargas and Dr. Sanjay Tyagi Public Health Research Institute, Rutgers, the
State University of New Jersey, Newark, 07102 USA
The question of whether pre-mRNA splicing occurs cotranscriptionally or post-transcriptionally is still an
unresolved question. Initially, the more popular model was that splicing occurs immediately after an
intron and its surrounding exons are synthesized. The transcription and splicing enzymes create a complex
that removes the introns from the pre-mRNA as soon as they are synthesized, before releasing them from
the gene locus into the nucleoplasm. Additional modifications include adding a poly-A (multiple
Adenosine bases) tail to the 3’ end of mRNAs before they are released into the nucleoplasm. This also
occurs at the gene locus. This modification prepares the mRNA for export and ensures that translation is
correctly executed. However, recently it was shown that it is possible to uncouple transcription from
splicing within the cell. Studies conducted by Vargas et al show that post-transcriptional splicing does
occur; by using fluorescence marker, they noticed localized coupled signals, indicative of unspliced
mRNAs, away from the transcription site of the gene locus. Some of these transcripts are the result of
alternative splicing, where whole sections of both introns and axons are removed from the pre-mRNA
after release from the locus. Special proteins bind to pre-mRNA while it is being transcribed, disrupting
the splicing machinery. In these cases, post-transcriptional post-release splicing is later completed at the
speckles, which are nuclear sites where splicing factors are concentrated. Another study conducted by
Bhatt D. M. et al show that the pre-mRNA is not released from the transcription-splicing complex until all
introns are removed. They showed that even after the pre-mRNA has been completely synthesized, with
the poly-A chain, G-cap attached and other modification completed, it remains bounded to the gene locus
until all the introns are excised. Their investigation, contrary to Vargas’, studied a different set of introns
in a different set of gene. There are various factors that determine whether splicing happens
cotranscriptionally or post-transcriptionally, of which include interfering with the recognition of key
splicing signals at the splicing complex.
Connexin 43 Regulation in Primary Astrocytes Treated with Methamphetamine and Recombinant HIV-1
TAT.
Eliseo A. Eugenin, PhD, and Chisom Nwagbo.Public Health Research Institute (PHRI) and at the
International Center for Public Health, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey
Medical School—Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07103 USA.
A major indication of HIV infection is cognitive impairment and approximately 50-60% of the infected
population exhibit signs of cognitive decline and neuronal degeneration. Our laboratory identified gap
junction channels as a key contributor to the bystander damage that neurons experience due to the fact
that HIV does not directly infect neurons. However, the mechanism of how HIV alters the gap junction
channels of kinases associated with gap junction channels or comorbidities, such as drug abuse, is totally
unknown. A key component of HIV Central Nervous System toxicity is the release of HIV proteins
including HIV-TAT. The experiment was conducted in vitro with primary astrocytes with Recombinant
HIV-1 TAT or 10mM Methamphetamine treatment. This study concentrated on the kinases p38,
phosphorylated p38 and phosphorylated p44/p42 in response to presence of TAT or Methamphetamine
within the cell. Our hypothesis is that the expression of Connexin 43 will increase the most in the TAT
treated astrocytes and to a lesser extent in Methamphetamine treated astrocytes. Additionally, the
amount of phosphorylated kinases will increase. Phosphorylated p38 MAPK resulted in decreased
expression and Connexin 43 expression in the presence of TAT increased. Overall astrocytes treated with
Methamphetamine exhibited the most stress and protein expression compared to TAT treated astrocytes
and the control. The main conclusion is that gap junction channels respond to TAT and
24
10/3/2014
Methamphetamine by increasing the expression of proteins. A future study would be to examine which
factors play a large role in proliferating neuronal damage in response to HIV infection.
Analysis of Meteorological Factors that Affect the Variation of Radon in Soil
Albert Appouh and Dr. Alexander Gates,Newark College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Earth &
Environmental Sciences, Rutgers University: The State College of New Jersey, Newark, NJ 07102, USA.
Radon in soil gas at a site in northern New Jersey varied by as much as 7-fold in response to changing soil
moisture and meteorological conditions over a 6-month period. Large scale changes of up to 700%
occurred over the seasonal to annual basis in response to soil moisture. Dry soil produced decreased
radon (100-250 pCi/L) whereas wet to saturated conditions produced increased radon (600-750 pCi/L).
Extended rain events of several days increased soil radon by 200-300% over intervals of 2-3 weeks.
Individual rain events increased radon for periods of one to several hours by 12 - 99%. However, there
were rain events where the radon initially decreased by up to 30% but later increased by up to 26%
indicating lag time of 7 to 36hours from when the rain started to when the radon rose. Lag time was more
common when soil was moist to saturated. Radon response to other meteorological factors was less
pronounced and complicated by competing conditions. Wind generally decreased radon in soil by 12 to
50% with no lag time in response. Significant changes in barometric pressure also affected radon
concentrations. In pressure events that were not complicated by other factors, radon showed a marked
correlation with barometric pressure with r = 0.8262. Not only do these results have strong implications
for methods of radon measurement in homes, they also elucidate soil gas controls and processes in
response to changes in weather.
Development of a Behavioral Spatial-Insight Learning Task Investigating How Sleep Affects Navigation
Donald Ohioma, Itamar Lerner, & Mark A. Gluck Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience,
Rutgers University, Newark NJ, USA
Sleep acting as a catalyst in learning and cognitive function has been repeatedly demonstrated during the
last couple of years. Recent evidence posits that sleep, particularly Slow Wave Sleep (SWS), may have a
specific facilitative effect on temporal insight and spatial navigation. Temporal insight refers to the sudden
burst of constructive knowledge/ conclusion (an “Aha!” Moment) occurring during learning that requires
recognition of temporal relationships between stimuli. In sleep research, such temporal insight has been
tested using the Number Reduction Task (NRT). Spatial learning, in contrary, has been tested using virtual
navigation tasks. In the current study we developed a task that combines these previous tasks into a new
Spatial Insight Task (SIT). Our aim was to show that improvement in spatial navigation due to sleep can
occur, among other things, because of the same mechanism allowing temporal insight. In order to test
this theory, we developed a new type of behavioral task that utilizes a reductive rule mechanism similar
to that of the NRT.
Creating New Clone for chloramphenicol resistance by Plasmid Recombination and Expressing it in
Escherichia coli and later transferring into Bacillus subtilis.
Valerie Carabetta, PhD, David Dubnau, PhD, Jeanie Dubnau, PhD and Guoda Striskaite Rutgers Newark
College of Art and Science, Rutgers University, Department of Biological Science, Rutgers University,
Newark, NJ 07102 USA
Many bacteria take up environmental DNA in macromolecular form in a process known as transformation.
To accomplish this, cells must be in a physiological state called "competence." Dr. Dubnau's lab studies
this process of DNA uptake in the model organism Bacillus subtilis. He and his co-workers are attempting
to find out how this large molecule is transported across the cell membrane into the cell. They have
identified about 20 proteins associated with the cell membrane that are needed for transformation, and
25
10/3/2014
are exploring how these proteins do their jobs. Genetic competence could be defined as a physiological
state which enables bacterial culture to bind and take up DNA (transformation). In Bacillus subtilis,
competence develops only in a specific certain media and post exponentially. The competence regulatory
apparatus constitutes an elaborate signal transduction system that senses and interprets environmental
information and passes this information to the competence specific transcriptional machinery. Many
regulatory gene products include several histidine kinase and response regulator member of the bacterial
two-component signal transduction machinery, also number of known transcriptionally active proteins.
Almost all regulatory gene products play roles in the control of a various forms of post exponential
expression in addition to competence, e.g., sporulation, degradative enzyme production, motility, and
antibiotic production. In this project, we were making a new clone for chloramphenical resistance, which
was transformed into E. Coli and later successfully into Bacillus subtillis. We preceded cloning process by
cutting DNA with restriction enzymes (Blunt end cutters and sticky end cutters) which is necessary in
order to be able to clone a DNA insert into cloning or expression vector. It followed by vector preparation
where we digested of vector DNA using preferably two restriction enzymes. It followed by
Dephosphorylation of the ends using calf intestine phosphatase, which reduces the background of nonrecombinants due to self-ligation of the vector. Also purification of the digested vector by agarose
electrophoresis was done in order to remove residual nicked and super coiled vector DNA and the small
piece of DNA that was cut out by the digestion. My next step was insert preparation with digestion of
insert DNA using two restriction enzymes and purification of the digested insert, which ended with
ligation. After ligation was completed, new clone was successfully transformed into E.coli and later into
Bacillus sutillis with the new cloramphenical resistant gene in it, which now is sensitive to spectinpomysin.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 up-regulates the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin in THP1 derived
macrophages in vitro
Exilus, Smirnov, Gennaro Marila, MD, Guerrini, Valentina, Pine, Richard, PhD.College of Arts and
Sciences, Public Health Research institute, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102 USA
Tuberculosis (TB) remains one the most common infectious diseases worldwide with 8.6 million new
infections in 2012 (CDC). TB poses a serious threat for people living with HIV as they are more likely to
become infected with the disease than others, and because of the immune deficiency associated with
HIV, TB has become one of the leading causes of death among people living with HIV/AIDS. The current
treatment for tuberculosis involves a lengthy regimen of a variety of drugs lasting six to nine months. A
new and improved regimen consisting of novel and more effective therapeutic agents is in order. A
distinguishing characteristic of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection is the accumulation of lipid
droplets within the macrophage. This accumulation of lipid droplets is a requirement for Mtb growth.
Research has found that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D) curbs the accumulation of lipid droplets
thus halting the growth of Mtb. Additionally, vitamin D up-regulates the expression of human gene CAMP
that codes the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin. Cathelicidin has also been implicated in limiting Mtb
growth. Accordingly, it is imperative to deduce which mechanism of action is responsible for the slow
growth of Mtb in vitamin D treated macrophages. Our work focuses on the antimicrobial effects of
vitamin D. THP1 derived macrophages are treated with a fixed concentration of vitamin D and the
expression of CAMP gene is measured using qRT-PCR. The data indicates that there is a thousand fold
increase in CAMP expression compared to the housekeeping gene GAPDH. Future studies will determine
the interrelation between vitamin D effects on lipid droplet, catheliciding expression, and Mtb growth.
Phytoremediation of Zinc (Zn) using Poplar Deltoides Plants
Dr. Evert Elzinga, PhD, Webster Gray, Graduate and Tricia Defreitas,Undergraduate College of Arts and
Science, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Rutgers University – Newark NJ, 07112 USA
26
10/3/2014
Phytoremediation is the use of living plants for the removal of contamination from soil, sediments and
groundwater. Growing and harvesting plants on contaminated sites is an inexpensive and aesthetically
pleasing environmental ‘clean – up’ method to extract or stabilize low to moderate levels of ground
contamination. Phytoremediation is studied extensively and includes several different methods such as
phytoextraction, rhizofiltration, and phytostabilization. In this experiment, we studied the potential of
Poplar Deltoides for phytostabilization, which involves the reduction of the mobility of soil heavy metals
by plants. Poplar Deltoides plants of 7– 13 inches length were harvested from Liberty State Park in Jersey
City NJ, in the central portion of the park, which is closed off from the general public because of the
presence of soil metal pollutants. A portion of the collected plants were planted in pots containing soil
that had been spiked with the common metal pollutant Zinc (Zn), while the remaining plants were placed
in clean soil (Control Group). The plants were allowed to grow for three weeks, and then harvested along
with leaf litter deposited during the three week growing period. The plants were dried and partitioned
into leaves, stems, and roots, and then digested in nitric acid to extract the Zn. The extracts were analyzed
for the amount of extracted Zn using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). The results
demonstrate that addition of Zn leads to a strong increase in the amount of Zn stored in the roots of the
Poplar Deltoides plants, suggesting that the plants are effective at immobilizing and storing Zn pollutants
underground. However, increased Zn concentrations in the plant leaves and in the leaf litter of plants
grown on the Zn-polluted soils raise concerns about the potential of Zn migration after being deposited in
the leaf litter. Further work is needed to assess this risk, and the interaction of Poplar Deltoides with other
metal pollutants such as nickel, copper and lead.
Office Consumption
Khalil Claybon College of Arts and Sciences, Rutgers University, Newark NJ, 07102
Open source software is a useful cost-effective way for individuals to complete task for free. Because it is
open source, the software can be modified, enhanced, and adapted to meet each individual’s specific
needs. The software can be manipulated to do whatever you want it to do. Although there are a lot of
open source Business Operating Software, most of which focus on accounting, finances and things of that
nature. There are little to none which focus on smaller things needed to efficiently run your office. Simple
things such as tracking printer consumption, software/hardware incidents or a database to store
inventory information. The purpose of this project is to design a web based GUI application structure that
can be easily implemented and adapted to many different office situations, manipulate databases of
existing software to display the exact information you need in real-time, and track office inventory. A real
world example implementation of the application was development for the needs of the Essex County
College IT department. This example will be accompanied with tips on how to connect to the databases of
different software MySQL or SQL, best practices for creating SQL queries to read these databases, and
displaying the information needed within the web based GUI using various API’s to display your
information in various formats such as ‘Google Charts’ or tables, and a sample structure of the GUI using
HTML5 and CSS. With the ability to track inventory, retrieve data instantly and produce live consumption
reports all in one application, this application is very convenient can be adapted to fulfill the needs of
various individuals.
Aim High Academy: Earth Ecology Summer Research
Aim High Academy 2014 students, Lucianny Lantigua Academic Foundations Center and Biological
Sciences Department, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ, 07104
Aim High Academy is a precollege program in association with the Academic Foundation Center and
Biological Sciences department at Rutgers Newark University. Its mission is to expose minority students to
earth ecology research. This year the students focused on estimating the population sizes of red ear slider
27
10/3/2014
turtles in Branch Brook Park (urban) , Newark NJ and Nomahegan Park (suburban), Cranford, NJ. The
students also determined the water quality of South Mountain Reservation(suburban), Ken Lockwood
Gorge (suburban/ rural) and Lake Surprise (suburban) by the micro-invertebrates’ tolerance level. The
students collected dragonflies and damselflies to determine its diversity in all of the locations mentioned
above. The population sizes of the turtles, the water quality and the diversity of Odonata was influenced
by the classification of the locations of an urban and suburban site. Nomahegan Park had a higher
population of the red ear slider turtles. Ken Lockwood Gorge had the best water quality from all the
locations tested. There was a greater Odonata diversity in the suburban sites than the urban sites.
Watch what I do, not what I say I do: Computer-based “avatars” to assess behavioral inhibition, a
vulnerability factor for anxiety
Catherine E. Myers1,2, John A. Kostek1,2, Barbara Ekeh3, Rosanna Sanchez3, Annie Krusznis2, Noah
Weinflash2, Richard J. Servatius1,21=VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange NJ2=Stress and
Motivated Behavior Institute, Department of Neurology and Neurosciences, Rutgers-New Jersey
Medical School, Newark NJ 3=Honors College, Rutgers University, Newark NJ
Individual differences in personality can affect not only how we behave in daily social and non-social
interactions, but also determine vulnerability to various psychiatric disorders such as anxiety disorders
and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Various biological, genetic, and psychological/cognitive risk
factors have been identified, including behavioral inhibition (BI), a temperamental tendency to avoid or
withdraw from novel situations. BI is believed to be a relatively stable personality trait that is evident
from early childhood. Children and adults with high BI are at increased risk for later development of
anxiety disorders and PTSD. While BI can be assessed through direct observation of behavior in children,
in adults assessment of BI is usually based on self-report, e.g. questionnaires such as the Adult Measure
of Behavioral Inhibition (AMBI), which presents a series of behaviors and attitudes that represent
inhibited and non-inhibited responses, and asks the degree to which each statement accurately describes
the respondent’s typical behavior. While such questionnaires are useful, they are subject to all the
limitations of self-report, including demand characteristics and individual differences in self-awareness of
one’s own behaviors. As an alternative method for assessing BI, we have developed a computer-based
task, in which the participant creates and manipulates an “avatar” through a series of scenarios, in which
the avatar can meet and interact socially with different characters. At each choice point, the participant is
presented with three alternative actions that the avatar can take; some of these are simply “distractor”
questions related to the scenario (e.g. a choice between several possible food items for lunch) and some
ask questions specifically adapted from items on the AMBI (e.g. a choice between approaching and
interacting with a stranger vs. keeping to oneself). Participants are requested to choose the behavior that
they themselves would be most likely to make, if confronted with such a situation. Responses at the
choice points are scored similarly to the AMBI, with 2 points for each “inhibited” response, 0 points for
the “non-inhibited” response, and 1 point for a “neutral” response.
In preliminary work, we have collected data on the avatar game from a sample of healthy young adults
(n=57 college undergraduates), who were also administered the AMBI, with task order counterbalanced
across subjects. In this initial sample, there was a very strong positive correlation between BI as assessed
by the avatar game and by the AMBI self-report questionnaire (Pearson’s r>0.800, p<0.001). This suggests
that the avatar format is an effective way to assess BI in a healthy population. Future work will examine
this task in additional populations, including those who express PTSD symptoms, to determine whether
this format may be a more accurate way of assessing BI, and PTSD vulnerability, than self-report
questionnaire.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
William Rebolledo, Science Park High School Newark, NJ. Mentor: Zachary Schneider, Principal
Investigator: Barry Kreiswirth, Ph.DPublic Health Research Institute of New Jersey, Medical School,
Newark, New Jersey
28
10/3/2014
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative enterobacterium, and is a common cause of nosocomial
infections in the United States[1]. It has become an international problem as it has developed resistance
towards many beta-lactam antibiotics, the most concerning being a class of last resort drugs called
carbapenems. Carbapenems are used to combat Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL). Studies
have shown that the outer membrane proteins of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP),
ompk35 and ompk36 are linked towards the development of resistance in new strains[8]. The removal of
both outer membrane proteins presents high-level resistance. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
(KPC) is an enzyme also conferring high-level resistance. Sixty-six different strains of Klebsiella
pneumoniae underwent Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, followed by Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR), then agarose gel electrophoresis, and the strains were later sequenced. The goal of
Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae was to determine the correlation between
MIC results and the genetic makeup of Klebsiella pneumoniae with possible resistance mechanisms. The
MIC test was done in concentrations ranging from 2-256 µg/ml of meropenem. It was anticipated that the
strains without the ompk35 and ompk36 gene and with KPC would demonstrate the highest resistance.
Sequencing showed different strains possessed numerous different mutations, which was expected.
Assays were conducted to find specific mutations correlating with the same level of resistance to pinpoint
which mutation caused which level of resistance.
ROLE OF LIPIDS IN THE PATHOGENSIS OF ACCELERATED ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN HIV-INFECTED
INDIVIDUALS.
Camila Morocho, Science Park High School, Mentor& Principal Investigator: Eliseo Eugenin, Ph.D.,
Public Health Research Institute Center of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey.
Atherosclerosis is associated to be the cause of heart attacks, strokes, and peripheral vascular disease.
Atherosclerosis is triggered by “bad cholesterol” known as Low Density Lipoprotein that is taken up by
macrophages forming foam cells and induces SMC proliferation that result in occlusion of the
compromised vessel. 1 The collection of LDL by the cells on the walls of blood vessels creates a “bump” in
the artery wall known as plaque, blocking the artery and blood flow over time. HIV-infected individuals
are known to be at a higher risk to suffer from coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction when
compared to non- infected individuals.2Our studies were designed to examine the role of lipids in the
pathogenesis of accelerated Atherosclerosis in HIV-infected individuals. Thus, our hypothesis was that
HIV-infected cells would display higher levels of lipid build up than uninfected individuals.
WecultivatedTHP-1 macrophages and smooth muscle cells were infected them with HIV and treated them
with different kind of LDLs (Oxidized LDL, Acetylated LDL, and LDL) to quantify the degree of lipid loading
size of the lipid bodies and numbers per cells within the HIV-infected cells vs. the uninfected cells. We
observed that the pathogenesis of HIV-infected individuals was different when compared to the
uninfected individuals because the HIV infection increased the size and average number of lipid bodies
within the cells.
*Note: All of the HIV infection procedures were performed by Dr. Eliseo Eugenin.
Genotyping Porin Mutations Associated with Carbapenem Resistance.
Chinedum C. Nwaigwe, Saint Vincent Academy, Newark, NJ., Principal Investigator: Barry N. Kreiswirth,
Ph.D., Mentor: Zachary SchneiderPublic Health Research Institute Center of the New Jersey Medical
School, Newark, NJ.
The rise in antibiotic resistance in clinical settings as well as the decline in effective antibiotics to eradicate
infectious pathogens poses a major problem for physicians attempting to efficiently diagnose and treat
infected patients. The appearance of carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae, specifically carbapenem
resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, has made the analysis of their genetic makeup and the discovery of a
29
10/3/2014
new course of treatment imperative. The purpose of this study was to determine how much contribution
down-regulation and mutations of porinscontributes to carbapenem resistance. Major outer membrane
proteins (OMPs), OmpK35 and OmpK36, were amplified and sequenced from both directions. The effect
of mutations on minimal inhibitory concentrations was determined using sixty-six Klebsiella
pneumoniaeisolates. These strains were used in antimicrobial susceptibility tests using meropenem at
concentrations of 2 µg/ml, 16 µg/ml, and 32 µg/ml, 64 µg/ml 128 µg/ml, and 256 µg/ml.When
appropriate, the strains were grown on plates with a concentration of 4 µg/ml and 8 µg/ml. Specific
mutations, such as the AA89 stop mutation, 134-135 GD insertion, and IS5 insertion confer high resistance
to meropenem, especially in the presence of KPC. However, two strains with a high resistance genotype
were highly susceptible to meropenem due to an unknown mechanism. This study can lead to the
incorporation of a novel molecular beacon in clinical settings, which can effectively detect the presence of
ompK35 and ompK36 porin mutations in high-level resistance strains, thus gaining quicker treatment
regimens for patients.
Multi-Drug Resistance in Candida glabrata.
Chloé C. Segui, St. Vincent Academy, Newark, NJ. Principal Investigator: David Perlin, Ph. D., Mentor:
Cristina Jiménez-Ortigosa, Ph. D, Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School Newark,
NJ.
Candida glabrata has emerged as a common cause of life-threatening fungal infection at many centers in
the United States. Candida glabrata infections are a concern due to their high mortality rates and
development of resistance to azole and echinocandin antifungal agents. The echinocandin antifungals
(caspofungin, anidulafungin, and micafungin) have become a preferred front-line therapy against Candida
glabrata and other Candida species. These agents inhibit the cell wall synthesis. Echinocandin resistance
remains a rare event but appears to be on the rise in response to increasing clinical use. Mutations in two
FKS-related genes (FKS1 and FKS2) encoding B-(1,3)-D-glucan synthase enzymes have been linked to
echinocandin resistance in Candida glabrata. The aim of this study is to analyze several clinical strains
isolated from two different patients (Pt246 and Pt299) that failed antifungal therapy. Out of the four
isolates retrieved from the patients, two were found to have mutations within the FKS2 gene. The other
two isolates however, were free of mutation.
The relationship between DNA repair genes and echinocandin antifungal drug resistance in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Corally Valembrun, Saint Vincent Academy, Newark, NJ. Mentor: Kelley Healey, Ph.D. Principal
investigator: David Perlin, Ph.D, Public Health Research Institute of the Rutgers, New Jersey Medical
School Newark, NJ.
Candida species account for the most fungal infections both worldwide and in the U.S. Candida glabrata
is commonly resistant to azole antifungal drugs, therefore invasive infections are most often treated with
a new group of antifungals called echinocandins. One echinocandin drug currently being used is
caspofungin. The Perlin laboratory recently gathered information which states that down regulation of
DNA repair genes may increase the ability of Candida glabrata to become resistant to echinocandin
antifungals. Echinocandin resistance is clinically restricted to mutations within the genes (FKS1/FKS2) that
encode for the cell wall synthesis enzyme, beta-1, 3-glucan synthase. Using the model yeast organism
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the relationship between DNA repair genes and echinocandin resistance was
studied. Several S. cerevisiae DNA repair disruptants taken from a disruption library were utilized to study
echinocandin resistance. After it was determined that the correct genes were knocked out, caspofungin
plates were made and selection of Saccharomyces DNA repair disruptants was performed. Furthermore,
sequencing analysis of the FKS1/FKS2 genes was also performed to see if the mutants contained any
mutations in the drug target. All of the different methods used during the experiment determined which
DNA repair genes influence the rate of mutagenesis, and the information obtained throughout the
experiment will be used to study resistance in Candida glabrata. The DNA repair disruptants yielded
30
10/3/2014
greater frequencies of caspofungin-resistant mutants and nearly all of these mutants sequenced
contained an FKS1 mutation
Effect of Transcription Factors on Antibacterial Drugs.
Edith White, Science Park High School, Newark, NJ. Principal Investigator: Xilin Zhao, Ph.D. Mentor:
Muhammad Malik, Ph.D, Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School. Newark, NJ.
Dr. Zhao’s lab focuses its work on determining the stress response of bacteria due to antibiotic treatment.
I have studied the effect of rpoB (RNA polymerase) and uvrD (DNA helicase) mutations on bacterial
survival when exposed to drugs. Using 2 pairs of strains of Escherichia coli (E. coli): 1) KD 3487 (uvrD
mutant), and KD 3505 (wt), 2) KD 3552 (rpoB*35 mutant) and KD 3549 (wt). Four antibiotics were tested:
oxolinic acid (oxo), ampicillin (amp), kanamycin (kan) and ciprofloxacin (cip). The amount of stress
bacteria are able to withstand was determined by using both Concentration and Kinetic Killing assays.
Strain with rpoB*35 mutation for the various drugs showed no or little difference. However, Killing
Kinetics with kanamycin showed a protection at earlier time points. While uvrD mutant as expected was
sensitive to UV and quinolones, surprisingly it showed reduced sensitivity to ampicillin.
Effects of Phosphorylation on Two-Component Response Regulator Protein’s Transport to the
Mitochondria.
Faith Ogbennaya, Saint Vincent Academy Newark, NJ. Mentor: Mavrianos, M.S., Principal Investigator:
Neeraj Chauhan, Ph.D, Public Health Research, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ
Candida albicans is one of the most common human fungal pathogen. It is a diploid fungus that is part of
the human microbiota. C. albicans is typically found in the skin, oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract and
vaginal region as a commensal organism, but it becomes a major problem in immunocompromised
individuals. C. albicans uses two-component signal transduction to adapt to various types of
environmental stress. Currently, three histidine kinases (Slnl, Chkl, Nikl), one histidine phosphotransfer
(HPt) protein (Ypdl) and three response regulators (Sskl, Skn7, Srr1) have been characterized in C.
albicans. One of the focal points in the Chauhan lab is Srr1 (Stress Response Regulator 1), which is the
most recent response regulator to be identified and characterized in C. albicans. Since two-component
signaling is found in a variety of fungal pathogens, but absent from the human genome, it is an interesting
target for new antifungal drugs. Mitochondrial isolation and Western-blotting techniques were used to
determine whether phosphorylation of Srr1 is required for its transport to the mitochondria, or whether
there may be another protein in the mitochondria that phosphorylates Srr1. If Srr1 can be detected in the
mitochondria from point mutant D206A, then it can be implied that phosphorylation of Srr1 is not
required for its transport to the mitochondria, since D206A is unable to be phosphorylated. However, if
Srr1 cannot be detected from the D206A mitochondria, then it will be understood that phosphorylation of
Srr1 occurs in the cytoplasm, and is required for its transport to the mitochondria.
Characterization of a Unique Rat Monoclonal Antibody Binding Epitope, to use in HIV-1 Recombinant
Protein Purifications.
Katherine Maria Mendoza, Science Park High School, Newark, NJ., Mentor: William Honnen, Principal
Investigator: Abraham Pinter Ph.D,Public Health Research Institute, New Jersey Medical School,
Newark, NJ.
Current protein purification methodology requires a variety of different steps, many of which are
expensive to conduct and ineffective at purifying 100% of the protein at hand. The common medium for
purification is a nickel column that, despite binding with the protein of interest, still has an affinity for
31
10/3/2014
other unwanted proteins. The purpose of this project is to identify the minimal epitope in the K10A11
antibody by using COS 7 cells that have been introduced to mutated DNA. This minimal epitope will then
be used as a tag in recombinant proteins slated for vaccine trials. The use of this tag will allow for a single
step purification resulting in ultra-pure proteins preparations for use in immunizations. The need for very
pure immunogens is critical to understanding the immune response of the vaccines. Even small amounts
of contaminating proteins can make results of the vaccine candidates difficult to interpret.
Infusion Cloning and Expression Of SCF E3 Ligase In E. coli.,
Maisha Manzoor, Science Park High School, Newark, NJ., Chaoyang Xue, Ph.D., Mentor and Principal
Investigator,Public Health Research Institute, Newark, NJ.
The SCF (Skp1, Cullins, F-box proteins) E3 ubiquitin ligases-mediated ubiquitin-proteasome system is a
principal intracellular mechanism for controlled protein degradation in eukaryotes. It degrades the
protein labeled by ubiquitin. In immunodeficient individuals infected with Cryptococcus neoformans,
the fungal SCF complex targets substrates that elicit the host immune system. This can lead to the
development of deadly cryptococcosis. In order to identify the substrates that are targeted by the
SCF(Fbp1) complex, components of an in vitro ubiquitination system was developed, in which the genes
that make up the SCF (Skp1, Cu11, F-box) were cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli (E. coli). The
genes encoding these proteins were first cloned in an expression vector using infusion cloning. This
included the processes inoculation, purification, polymerase chain reaction, enzyme digestion and gel
electrophoresis. Single colonies containing the positive expression constructs were inoculated into LB
medium. The E.coli cultures were grown and the expression of Skp1, Cullins, and Fbp1 was induced by
isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). The induction of gene expression was detected by
sodium dodecyl sulfate(SDS)-Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and Coommassie Blue staining.
A deletion of the ClgR operon in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Ramani Maria Dayon, University High School, Newark NJ., Principle Investigator: Marila Gennaro, M.D.,
Mentor: Arnold Barton, Ph.D, Public Health Research Institute, Newark NJ
The goal of this project is to construct a plasmid which when transfected into Mycobacterium Tuberculosis
(TB) will allow for selection of a deletion of the clgR operon. The clgR operon consists of four genes that
have been implicated in the ability of the TB bacterium to escape the host’s ability to destroy the
bacterium. The plasmid was successfully constructed, introduced into TB cells, and the transfected cells
are currently growing.
Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
William Rebolledo, Science Park High School Newark, NJ. Mentor: Zachary Schneider, Principal
Investigator: Barry Kreiswirth, Ph.D, Public Health Research Institute of New Jersey, Medical School,
Newark, New Jersey
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a gram-negative enterobacterium, and is a common cause of nosocomial
infections in the United States[1]. It has become an international problem as it has developed resistance
towards many beta-lactam antibiotics, the most concerning being a class of last resort drugs called
carbapenems. Carbapenems are used to combat Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamases (ESBL). Studies
have shown that the outer membrane proteins of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP),
ompk35 and ompk36 are linked towards the development of resistance in new strains[8]. The removal of
both outer membrane proteins presents high-level resistance. Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase
(KPC) is an enzyme also conferring high-level resistance. Sixty-six different strains of Klebsiella
pneumoniae underwent Minimal Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assays, followed by Polymerase Chain
Reaction (PCR), then agarose gel electrophoresis, and the strains were later sequenced. The goal of
Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis of Klebsiella pneumoniae was to determine the correlation between
32
10/3/2014
MIC results and the genetic makeup of Klebsiella pneumoniae with possible resistance mechanisms. The
MIC test was done in concentrations ranging from 2-256 µg/ml of meropenem. It was anticipated that the
strains without the ompk35 and ompk36 gene and with KPC would demonstrate the highest resistance.
Sequencing showed different strains possessed numerous different mutations, which was expected.
Assays were conducted to find specific mutations correlating with the same level of resistance to pinpoint
which mutation caused which level of resistance.
William Patterson University of New Jersey
Genomic Investigations of Natural Product Rich Marine Cyanobacteria
Patrick Fardella Faculty mentor: Dr. Emily A. Monroe College of Science and Health, Department of
Biology, William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470
Marine cyanobacteria are major producers of unique bioactive molecules, both toxic and therapeutic,
with interesting chemical features. Historically, these molecules have been discovered using chemical
approaches, but genomic approaches have aided in the discovery of new bioactive molecules and
understanding the biosynthesis of the unique features found in cyanobacterial natural products. In this
study, we used various bioinformatics tools to investigate secondary metabolite pathways in a recently
sequenced marine cyanobacterium, Moorea producens JHB, and began comparative genomic
investigations. Using NCBI’s Conserved Domain Database (CDD), NRPSPredictor2, and the Geneious
software package we characterized the contigs and scaffolds related to the production of two new
molecules isolated from this strain. We then began comparative genomic analyses between two Moorea
species and other sequenced cyanobacteria using tools available on the Joint Genomes Institute
Integrated Microbial Genomes Expert Review (JGI IMG/ER). Together these tools helped identify other
genomes from different orders that were genetically similar to the Moorea species, which Clusters of
Orthologous Groups (COGs) they shared, and how many of each of these COGs were present.
Comparative analysis revealed one of the species share similarities mostly within the Oscillatoriales, the
order these cyanobacteria belong to, but the other species shares similarities to other cyanobacterial
orders suggesting greater genetic diversity. Genomic analysis has not only become a helpful tool in
characterizing natural products biosynthetic pathways, but it is also allowing full genome comparisons to
understand potential key differences between closely related species.
Designing conifer primers to amplify polymorphic sites for species-specific, real-time PCR
Ammar Ali Faculty mentor: Dr. Kendall Martin College of Science and Health, Department of Biology,
William Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470
In an attempt to determine the distribution of the roots under the ground of a coniferous forest site, we
are developing a method which can amplify sequences from conifers roots and distinguish species within
that mix of roots quantitatively. This method will prove to be very beneficial considering that phenotypicbased separation is difficult, tiresome, and sometimes inaccurate when dealing with similar roots. From
the results of our literature search we chose to differentiate these species using sequence differences in
the large subunit of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase (rbcl). Sequences of this gene were aligned
for a variety of conifers and angiosperms and from this we designed primers using standard criteria. The
four sets of primers produced PCR product for the conifers we are targeting, and all but one excluded the
angiosperm tested. We will follow up with the primers that anneal preferentially to conifer sequences,
and design real-time PCR, TaqMan probes that can be used to quantify the relative abundance of species
within the conifers in the root mix. This method will provide a much more efficient means to map roots
below-ground and extend an ongoing effort to model a forest in the Oregon Cascades.
33
10/3/2014
Role of adrenal corticosterone on mediating inflammatory pain behavior in BTBR T +tf/J:
a mouse model for idiopathic Autism Spectrum Disorder
Rebecca Atencio, Erin Connor
Faculty mentors: N Schanz, Jeung Woon Lee College of Science and Health, Department of Biology,
William Paterson University, Wayne NJ 07470 USA
BTBR T+tf/J (BTBRs) display repetitive behaviors, abnormal social interaction and insensitivity to pain that
are major symptoms of autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors (ASD). The adrenal glands secrete
norepinephrine, which mediate nociception and stress. It may be a key component in the reduced pain
response seen in BTBRs and ASD children. The Formalin test, an animal model for inflammatory pain, is
characterized by an increased number of paw licks/shakes. We hypothesized that adrenalectomized BTBRs
(BTBR-ADX) would have a higher formalin pain response.Five groups of mice were tested for formalin
behavior: a) C57BL/6J-Naïve (n=21), b) C57BL/6J-ADX (n=8), c) BTBR-Naïve (n=15), d) BTBR-ADX (n=41) and
e) BTBR-Touch (n=17). The formalin was injected into their left hindpaw and the number of paw
licks/shakes was counted every five minutes. C57BL6/J-naïve displayed classic biphasic flinch behavior
(phase I=84.67+4.12; phase II=111.86+10.33), while BTBR-Naive behavior decreased in phase II (phase
II=32.60+3.23). The BTBR-ADX had an increased phase II response (36.68+5.58) compared to the BTBRNaïve. BTBR-Touch showed a lower phase II response than both BTBR-Naïve and BTBR-ADX (phase
II=23.94+3.26). BTBR-Touch had a decreased body weight of 2.68% and BTBR-ADX had a decrease of
5.89%.The BTBR-Naïve mice strain was used to model the reduced pain response seen in ASD children. The
adrenalectomy did not significantly affect the formalin behavior in BTBRs. Therefore, the reduced pain
responses of ASD children may be related to other pain-inhibitory pathways such as Proopiomelanocorticotropin pathway.
Effect of High Light on a Non-toxic Sub-strain of the
Florida Red Tide Algae, Karenia brevis
Unnati Chauhan, Stephanie Costa and Daniel Lupo
Faculty mentor: Dr. Emily Monroe College of Science and Health, Department of Biology, William
Paterson University, Wayne NJ 07470 USA
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) of Karenia brevis in the Gulf of Mexico have detrimental ecological and
economic impacts caused by a suite of neurotoxins, the brevetoxins. However, little is known about the
molecular biology governing their biosynthesis. Previous work on a non-toxic sub-strain (NTB) of Karenia
brevis points to a possible link between chloroplast physiology and toxicity. To test the hypothesis that
high light intensity could induce toxicity in NTB, 26 1-Liter cultures were grown to mid-log phase in control
light intensity (~ 60 μmol photons m-2s-1 ), then nine random cultures were exposed to a high light (HL)
treatment (~ 100 μmol photons m-2s-1 ) while the remaining cultures stayed in control conditions. Samples
for cell counts, brevetoxin and gene expression were taken at T0 (prior to HL treatment), T24 (24 hours
post HL treatment) and T120 (5 days post HL treatment). Growth curve analysis showed that the switch to
the HL treatment caused a rapid death of cultures while growth continued in the control group. Analysis
of brevetoxin samples and gene expression are currently underway. The data collected will provide better
insight to the effects of high light treatment on toxicity as well as the molecular mechanisms involved.
This experiment will be repeated for the toxic strain of Karenia brevis. Developing a better understanding
of biosynthetic pathways involved in brevetoxin production will play a pivotal role in management of
future algal bloom
34
10/3/2014
A Tale of two submerged cities: Modern sharks in an ancient forest, ancient sharks in a modern forest.
An observable model of sea level change.
Daniel Pagano and Ralph Scimeca Faculty mentors: Dr. Martin A. Becker, Harry M. Maisch IV College of
Science and Health, Department of Environmental Sciences,William Paterson University, Wayne, New
Jersey 07470 USA
The study of modern and fossil sharks along the Gulf Coastal Plain of Alabama provide a methodology by
which sea level change can be analyzed. Recent research documented a submerged ancient cypress forest
(50,000 years old) inhabited by modern sharks located approximately 10-kilometers off the Alabama coast
at a depth of 20-meters. By comparison, a modern hardwood forest located approximately 150 kilometers
from the present Alabama shoreline contains an assemblage of abundant fossil shark teeth. These shark
teeth occur in middle Eocene (40 million years ago) shallow marine sediments of Monroe, Choctaw,
Covington Counties, in south-central Alabama. The 160-kilometer separation between these field
localities provides current and observable sea level rise and fall across this region. By raising awareness of
the eventual fluctuation of sea level, it becomes evident of humans mistreatment of the coastal
environment with the ongoing development of endangered areas. Integrating these models, students are
able to utilize real world data in the study of sea level change and global warming all within the
foundation of classroom instruction and lesson development.
A New Approach to Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Decorated With Metal Complexes and
Nanoparticles
Benjamin Onyechi, Qiaxian Johnson and Swetha Matam
Faculty advisor: Dr. Bhanu P. S. Chauhan College of Science and Health, Department of Chemistry,
Engineered Nanomaterials Laboratory, William Paterson University, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ
07470
The requirement to produce more effective design strategies for nanomaterials has risen due to ever
increasing demand for efficiency, higher degree of organizational control, material recovery, and the
ability to fill more niche tasks. By incorporating functionalities which are able to attach to metal
nanoparticles and metal complexes provide a very fruitful avenue to property control such as
hydrophobicity, recyclability, and stability to name a few.1 Using this strategy one can generate stable,
yet, highly active and recoverable catalytic nano sized metal complexed within such frame works. 2 In
recent years, we have shown that carbon nanotubes can be covalently attached to such materials for the
added benefit of electrical conductivity, reinforcing, and two dimensional morphology control. 3,4 In this
work, we will present a one pot process through the use of a diaminosilane to produce sol-gel
polymerized materials which incorporate metal nanoparticles and complexes from their corresponding
metal precursors. In the cases where we produce metal nanoparticles, weakly stabilized metal complexes
are used as precursors to produce corresponding nanoparticles in one pot. In this process no extra
reducing agent is required since stabilizing agent also works as reducing agent. These materials formed
nanogels with metal nanoparticles impregnated within via the cross-linking of the attached Si-OH moiety.
In the second step, these generated nanocomposites are covalently linked with carbon nanotubes via a
reaction of Si-OH groups with OH functionalized carbon nanotubes. A detailed analysis of these new and
novel nanocomposites as well as preliminary studies of their stability using FT-IR, NMR, TEM, SEM/EDX,
and UV-Vis spectrometry will also be presented.
--------------------------------------------------------------------[1] Corriu, R. Organosilicon Chemistry and Nanoscience. Journal of Organometallic Chemistry 2003; 686:
32-41
35
10/3/2014
[2] Wu, Jeng-Yue. Preparation and Structural Characterization of Novel Nanohybrids by Cationic 3D Silica
Nanoparticles Sandwiched between 2D Anionic Montmorillonite Clay through Electrostatic Attraction.
Journal of Physical Chemistry C 2009;113:13036-13044
[3] Spitalsky, Zdenko. Carbon nanotube–polymer composites: Chemistry, processing,mechanical and
electrical properties. Progress in Polymer Science 2010;35:357–401
[4] Chauhan, B.P.S., and Johnson, Q,“Cross-linked carbon nanotubes with alkoxy silyl moieties” 248th ACS
National Meeting, San Francisco, Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry, 2014, abs. no. 219.
Transplantation of islet of Langerhans cells reverses diabetic hyperglycemia
in mice with diabetes mellitus type-1
Neal Joshi, Alec DeGraaf and Noor Eldabagh
Faculty mentor: Dr. Jeung Woon Lee College of Science and Health, Department of Biology, William
Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470
Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease destroying pancreatic beta cells causing
hyperglycemia. If T1DM is not treated, the patient will eventually develop painful diabetic neuropathy.
T1DM is commonly treated daily injections of synthetic insulin. Recent advances in cell biology makes
possible to harvest and transplant pancreatic cells. This study examined the reversal of diabetic
hyperglycemia by: a) xenotransplantation of rat pancreatic islet cells into a diabetic mice, and b)
histological examination of the transplanted tissues in the recipient. C57 (n=37) mice were injected with
streptozotocin for 4 days, and those with a blood glucose ≥350mg/dl were used in the study. Islet cells
were isolated from Sprague Dawley rats and cultured overnight (via collagenase). Mice were transplanted
(n=20) with the rat islet cells under the kidney capsule. Control mice were injected with culture media
(n=17). Body weights were taken daily and glucose levels were taken on days 1, 7, 14, 17, and 21. Mice
were perfused and the kidneys were removed for presence of grafted islets. The average pre-diabetic
glucose level was 204±5.5mg/dl. STZ injection increased the glucose level to 520±15.1mg/dl. In the
control group, there was a significant increase from the post-STZ glucose on days 7, 14, 21 (p<0.01), nonsignificant on day 1 and 21 (p>0.05). In the transplanted group, day 1, 7, 14, 17, and 21 were significantly
lower than post-STZ glucose levels (p<0.01). Islet transplantation may be a viable method for reversing
the hyperglycemia associated with T1DM.
Characteristics of an Atmospheric Pressure Helium Plasma Jet
Joyce June and Dr. Kevin Martus, PhD. College of Science and Health, Department of Physics, William
Paterson University, Wayne, NJ 07470 USA
Recent work has demonstrated an increased rate of wound healing and tail regeneration of tadpoles,
Xenopus laevis, whose tails were amputated and then indirectly exposed to a discharge plasma. The
atmospheric pressure plasma jet, produced using a source consisting of a quartz tube with a single
powered electrode, was studied. The power supply delivered to the source a 15kV potential with a
frequency of 18kHz to the electrode. Emission spectroscopy in the wavelength range above 500-800nm
indicated that the Helium emissions were extremely weak. Analysis of the discharge in the axial direction
indicated that below 500nm the spectrum was dominated by gas impurities, specifically molecular
Nitrogen, N2, and the Hydroxyl radical, OH. The discharge was self-sustaining for gas flow rates above
25sccm. For all emission features studied the intensity of the discharge was a maximum at the 25sccm
cutoff and decreased with an increase in gas flow rate until 50sccm where the intensity remained
constant up through 150sccm. At flow rates of 50sccm the radial emissions from inside the tube were
from OH and N2+ and outside the tube the emissions were from neutral N 2. The most intense emissions
were not due to the primary gas in the system, Helium, but from ambient of N 2 and OH that were
presumably from water vapors in the atmosphere. The tube end was a demarcation plane where a
36
10/3/2014
transition between the ionic species of the discharge and the neutral species of the flowing glow region
occurred.
Plasma Treatment Accelerates Tail Regeneration in Tadpole, Xenopus laevis
Adonis Rivie and Williams Manzo
Faculty mentors: Kevin Martus and Jaishri Menon College of Science and Health, Department of
Biology, William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ
Atmospheric pressure plasma has found large application in regenerative medicine. Presently, we
investigated the effect of plasma on wound healing and tail regeneration of tadpoles, Xenopus laevis
especially role of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Tail amputation was carried out by removing 40% of the
tail and the amputated region was immediately exposed to helium plasma (generated inside a quartz tube
with a single electrode powered by an AC voltage (15kHz) having peak-to-peak voltages of 18kV) for 40
seconds. Here we report faster rate of growth of the regenerating tail following plasma exposure. By
comparing results on in situ staining for ROS, nitric oxide (NO) and mitochondria between
experimental and control groups, there is increased ROS (hydrogen peroxide and superoxide but not
NO) production at 2h, 4h, 12 h and 24 h post amputation at the wound site in plasma treated tadpoles.
However, these ROS species were not derived from mitochondria evident from double immunostaining.
Growth of the blastema (5 days post amputation) in experimental group was higher than control with
increased ROS, NO and catalase in plasma exposed group compared to control. Microscopically, in plasma
treated tadpoles, cells of wound and blastemic epithelium showed blebbing of plasma membrane,
increased cellular lipid droplets, hypertrophy of the cells, increased mitochondrial density, and reduced
intercellular connections.These findings demonstrate that some of the free radicals might be acting as
signalling molecules and these tadpoles possess sophisticated mechanisms to respond to stress of plasma
and yet hastening the dynamics of wound healing and tail regeneration.
Genotypic Analysis of native Ammophila breviligulata beachgrass populations along New Jersey coastal
shore
Alison Caceres. Faculty advisors: Dr. David Slaymaker, Dr. Carey Waldburger. Department of Biology,
William Paterson University of New Jersey, Wayne, NJ
New Jersey’s coastal dunes provide both natural scenery and structural support for the shore’s coastal
communities. Therefore, millions of dollars have been spent on dune nourishment and upkeep. However,
in October of 2012 these dunes were subject to immense damage due to the level 3 tropical storm
Hurricane Sandy. Ammophila breviligulata is a species of beach grass residing along the shores of New
Jersey that had a huge role in the redevelopment and stabilization of the damaged coastal dunes after
Hurricane Sandy. Dune restoration projects currently involve this beachgrass species specifically and are
progressively focusing on maintaining their genetic diversity. For our study, we collected 150 samples
of A. breviligulata from each of two native populations at Island Beach State Park, New Jersey. We then
used a series of six unique intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) primers optimized for this beach grass
species to observe and record each of the levels of genetic diversity throughout the chosen dune systems.
The results of this ongoing project will benefit not only the scientific dune restoration efforts for the
affected Atlantic Ocean shores in our area but also provide great information that can be useful to further
beach grass biology.
Reconstructing seawater Sr/Ca through the late Phanerozoic from fossil shark teeth
37
10/3/2014
Bryan Gonzalez and Dr. Michael Griffiths William Paterson University, College of Science and Health,
Department of Earth and Environmental Science, Wayne, NJ 07470 USA
Constraining past seawater Sr/Ca ratios is an important and challenging task to scientists, because the
chemical evolution of these two cations is fundamentally tied to various geologic and biogeochemical
processes related to plate tectonics, weathering, diagenesis, and the carbon cycle. On geologic timescales,
shifts in seawater Sr/Ca (Sr/Casw) are thought to reflect variations in either the sources of Sr and Ca—
which include riverine inputs via weathering, hydrothermal circulation, and calcium carbonate
dissolution—or the output flux via carbonate sedimentation. By improving our understanding of
seawater Sr/Ca evolution, we can thus potentially gain a deeper understanding of how these processes
(controlling these fluxes) have operated on geologic timescales. Ancestral sharks are unique in that they
have a globally robust and continuous fossil record since the late Cretaceous. This fossil record is
comprised largely of teeth due to: 1) rapid and continuous replacement throughout an animal’s lifetime;
and 2), their dense, biogenic apatite composition which is highly resistant to chemical and physical
erosion. Over the past decade, marine biogenic apatite— specifically enameloid (comprising the dense
crown tissue) in modern and fossil shark teeth—has exhibited some success in providing a new tool for
reconstructing the evolution of the world’s oceans. This is largely due to the fact that enameloid has been
shown to accurately preserve the aqueous conditions of the seawater (i.e. isotope and elemental
composition) at the time of tooth formation. Preliminary results of this study demonstrate that the
Sr/Casw has overall declined since the late Cretaceous (~75 million years ago), a finding that is echoed in
other marine fossil assemblages. Whilst this work is still in its infancy, we tentatively interpret the decline
Sr/Casw to be a regionally (and potentially global) coherent signal, and as such, provides a new record of Sr
and Ca flux to the paleo-ocean.
38