HBCU Conference Program-Post Conference-Edit

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Program Book
Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP)
2009 National Research Conference
Sustaining Progress and Forging New Pathways:
10th Anniversary of the HBCU-UP Research Conference
October 29—November 1, 2009
Washington, DC
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34517
THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION INSTITUTION.
2009 National Research Conference
Sustaining Progress and Forging New Pathways:
10th Anniversary of the HBCU-UP Research Program
October 29-November 1, 2009
Renaissance Washington DC Hotel
Washington, DC
Co-sponsored by
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Directorate for Education and Human Resources Programs
National Science Foundation
Directorate for Education & Human Resources
Division of Human Resource Development
www.hbcu-up.org
NSF Grant DUE #HRD-0646774
© AAAS 2009
ISBN 978-0-87168-731-9
Conference Program Cover Design: Sandra Audia and Stuart
Greenwell, AAAS, Office of Public Programs
Conference Program Design: Donna Behar, AAAS,
Education and Human Resources
Abstracts published in this program reflect the individual views of the authors
and not necessarily that of AAAS, its Council, Board of Directors, Officers, or the
views of the institutions with which the authors are affiliated. Presentation of
ideas, products, or publications at AAAS’ meetings or the reporting of them in
news accounts does not constitute endorsement by AAAS.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Conference ............................................................................................... 6
About the NSF HBCU-UP Program ...................................................................................... 7
About the AAAS ................................................................................................................. 8
Welcome Letters ................................................................................................................ 9
Wanda E. Ward, NSF
James H. Wyche, NSF
Alan I. Leshner, Shirley M. Malcom, Yolanda S. George, AAAS
Norman C. Francis, President, Xavier University of Louisiana
General Conference Information for Attendees ...................................................................14
Hotel Floor Plans & Key Rooms ..........................................................................................15
Conference Planners .........................................................................................................17
Advisory Board
NSF Staff
AAAS Staff & Consultants
Agenda and Room Locations..............................................................................................18
Speaker Biographies..........................................................................................................22
Judges .............................................................................................................................36
Packard Scholars...............................................................................................................39
Exhibitors ....................................................................................................................41-55
Abstracts ......................................................................................................................... A1
Abstract Index .............................................................................................................. A124
2009 HBCU-UP NATIONAL RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Conference Program
5
Overview of the Conference
About the Conference
The HBCU-UP National Research Conference highlights
This gathering of more than 700 students, faculty, and
administrators includes:
•
Oral and poster presentations by undergraduate students
about their research, and
•
A faculty workshop with oral and poster presentations by
faculty and program administrators about their programs
or research.
undergraduate student research and institutional strategies to
enhance the quality of undergraduate science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and research at
HBCUs. The conference is co-sponsored by the National Science
Foundation (NSF) HBCU-UP Program and the American
Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). NSF
In addition, exhibitors have the opportunity to promote:
recognizes and supports the important role that HBCUs play in
•
Undergraduate student research programs
increasing the numbers of underrepresented ethnic minorities that
•
Graduate school programs
are well prepared for participation and leadership at every level of
•
Fellowship opportunities
education and research in STEM.
•
Faculty research programs
6
Conference Program
About HBCU-UP
About the National Science Foundation (NSF)
The NSF HBCU-UP Program provides awards to enhance the
quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) education and research at Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as a means to broaden
participation in the Nation's STEM workforce. Support is available
for Implementation Projects (including Achieving Competitive
Excellence), Planning Grants, Education Research Projects, and
Targeted Infusion Projects.
Implementation Projects provide support to implement a
comprehensive institutional project to strengthen STEM education
and research. Proposed activities and strategies should: be the
result of an institutional STEM self-analysis; address institutional
and NSF goals; and have the potential to result in significant and
sustainable improvements in STEM program offerings. Typical
project implementation strategies include: curriculum
enhancement, faculty professional development, undergraduate
research, academic enrichment, student support services, infusion
of technology to enhance STEM instruction, collaborations with
research institutions and industry, and other activities that
enhance the quality of the undergraduate STEM education and
STEM teacher preparation programs. Proposers are encouraged to
analyze the strengths of the institution and design innovative
educational strategies, based on proven best practices, to place
the institution at the forefront of undergraduate STEM education.
The Achieving Competitive Excellence (ACE) or ACE
Implementation Projects track is intended for HBCUs pursuing
additional rounds of funding, and it seeks ambitious,
transformative, far-reaching proposals that promise paradigmshifting advances in STEM undergraduate education at the
institution.
Planning Grants provide support to undertake self-analysis of
the institution's undergraduate STEM programs to identify
components that need improvement or enhancement in order to
provide a high quality undergraduate STEM education. Planning
grants should also research existing activities and strategies that
could be implemented in a proposed project to improve the
quality of undergraduate STEM education at the institution.
Typical activities include: data collection and analysis, stakeholder
consultation, research of potential activities and strategies, site
visits to model programs, and writing a proposal for
Implementation Projects (including ACE), Education Research
Projects, and Targeted Infusion Projects.
Education Research Projects provide support to undertake a
three-year education research project that has the potential to
strengthen the STEM education and research programs at HBCUs.
Education Research Projects must be based on sound education
research methodologies and theories. Potential education
research topics include: retention, diffusion of innovations,
curricula enhancements, technology in education, STEM teacher
education, and the identification of successful models. This is not
a supplemental program - HBCUs do not need to have an
Implementation Project in order to submit ERP proposals.
Targeted Infusion Projects provide support to achieve a shortterm, well-defined goal to improve the quality of undergraduate
STEM education. Typically, projects are focused on one activity
within a single STEM department however interdisciplinary and
cross disciplinary projects are encouraged. Potential goals include:
specialized accreditation or certifications, establishing new
programs or concentrations, establishing collaborations between
STEM disciplines and teacher education programs, and updating
programs to reflect advances in the field and workforce
requirements. This is not a supplemental program. HBCUs do not
need to have an Implementation Project in order to submit a TIP
proposal.
Innovation through Institutional Integration (I3) projects
enable faculty, administrators and others in institutions to think
and act strategically about the creative integration of NSF-funded
awards, with particular emphasis on awards managed through
programs in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources
(EHR), but not limited to those awards. For Fiscal Year 2009,
proposals are being solicited in nine EHR programs that advance
I3 goals: CREST, GSE, HBCU-UP, ITEST, LSAMP, MSP, Noyce,
RDE, and TCUP.
HBCU-UP is a program of the National Science Foundation (NSF).
NSF is an independent federal agency created by Congress in
1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national
health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…”
With an annual budget of about $6.06 billion, NSF is the funding
source for approximately 20 percent of all federally supported
basic research conducted by America’s colleges and universities.
In many fields such as mathematics, computer science and the
social sciences, NSF is the major source of federal backing.
For more information visit ---http://nsf.gov/funding/
pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=5481&org=HRD&from=home
Conference Program
7
About AAAS
About AAAS
AAAS Mission
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
is the world’s largest general scientific society, and publisher of
the journal Science (www.sciencemag.org). AAAS was founded in
1848, and includes some 262 affiliated societies and academies of
science, serving 10 million individuals. Science has the largest
paid circulation of any peer-reviewed general science journal in
the world, with an estimated total readership of one million. The
non-profit AAAS (aaas.org) is open to all and fulfills its mission to
“advance science and serve society” through initiatives in science
policy; international programs; science education; and more. For
the latest research news, log onto EurekAlert!,
www.eurekalert.org, the premier science-news Web site, a service
of AAAS.
AAAS seeks to advance science, engineering, and innovation
throughout the world for the benefit of all people. Its motto is
“Advancing science, serving society.” to fulfill this mission, the
AAAS Board has set these strategic goals:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Membership and Programs
•
•
Open to all, AAAS membership includes a subscription to Science.
Four primary program areas fulfill the AAAS mission:
•
•
•
•
8
Enhance communication among scientists, engineers, and the
public
Promote and defend the integrity of science and its use
Strengthen support for the science and technology enterprise
Provide a voice for science on societal issues
Promote the responsible use of science in public policy
Strengthen and diversify the science and technology workforce
Foster education in science and technology for everyone
Increase public engagement with science and technology
Advance international cooperation in science
Visit the AAAS Web site at http://www.aaas.org/
Science and Policy
International Activities
Education and Human Resources
Project 2061
Conference Program
Welcome
Dear 2009 HBCU-UP Research Conference Participants:
On behalf of the Directorate for Education and Human Resources at the National
Science Foundation, I welcome you to the 2009 HBCU-UP National Research
Conference, being held in Washington, DC. The conference theme "Sustaining
Progress and Forging New Pathways: 10th Anniversary of the HBCU-UP Research
Conference" reflects the program's mission and the occasion of the tenth anniversary of
the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) and the
Research Conference.
Sustaining progress is a challenging goal as we consider the gains made in STEM
education and research in the past ten years in virtually every field. There have been
momentous discoveries that are transforming the science and engineering landscape and
that are opening new territory for exploration - territory that offers new opportunities to
you, the scientists and engineers of tomorrow's workforce.
Wanda E. Ward
To ensure America's legacy of leadership in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics, it is essential to have equitable participation of underrepresented
minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. NSF's commitment to broadening
participation is embedded in its strategic plan. You, the participants of this meeting, are at
the forefront of research and education which move the Nation towards a STEM workforce
that is reflective of its population.
Your presentations and interactions at this meeting contribute to your STEM education and
your preparation for graduate school and future employment.
Best wishes for a productive conference.
Wanda E. Ward
Acting Assistant Director
Directorate for Education and Human Resources
Conference Program
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Welcome
Dear Conference Participants:
On behalf of the National Science Foundation, Division of Human Resource
Development, I am pleased to welcome you to the 2009 HBCU-UP Research
Conference. The conference, which celebrates the tenth anniversary of the HBCU-UP
Research Conference, poses a number of important opportunities for students to
gain valuable experiences that may enhance access to careers in science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics professions. Giving presentations on
research activities and meeting with graduate school representatives help to
build communications skills as well as establish a network of professional
contacts and mentors.
James H. Wyche
In order to meet the National Science Foundation's mandate for sustaining our
Nation's competitive global research expertise in science and engineering, we
must better prepare students earlier and throughout the educational pipeline. We
must also encourage and stimulate curiosity, inquiry, and innovation in science
and education. We are poised to enhance the number of competitive scholars for
current and future global challenges that include but are not limited to climate
change, natural resource management, biofuel conversion, nanotechnology, the
study of basic science and engineering mechanisms that support and sustain life
on our planet, but also basic science literacy.
I am pleased to be a part of the 2009 HBCU-UP Research Conference, where
we can come together and share our experiences. The National Science
Foundation is proud to play its role as a key facilitator in identifying our Nation's
science and engineering needs and direction, and be a champion for broadening
participation, workforce development and global competitiveness.
Sincerely,
James H. Wyche
Division Director, Division of Human Resource Development
10
Conference Program
Welcome
Dear HBCU-UP Conference Participants:
On behalf of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), publisher of the
journal Science, we welcome you to the HBCU-UP National Research Conference. On the 10th
Anniversary of this conference, we congratulate the National Science Foundation (NSF) for its
continued support to strengthen the educational and research programs at Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We also applaud the efforts of faculty and administrators at
HBCUs who developed innovative educational initiatives to broaden participation of the U.S.
science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce.
We appreciate the continued support and efforts of the nearly 60 exhibitors at this Conference,
many of whom are grantees of the NSF Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate
(AGEP) or the Integrative Graduate Education Research Traineeship (IGERT) Programs. Through
their educational opportunities and resources, all of the exhibitors stand ready to assist faculty,
administrators, and students to meet the challenge set forth in the conference theme “Sustaining
Progress and Forging New Pathways.”
Alan I. Leshner
AAAS is delighted to co-sponsor this conference with the NSF HBCU-UP Programs because it
provides one of the few national venues for undergraduate students to practice and build their
scientific communications skills. This year we welcome the 360 undergraduate student
presenters at the Conference. We also welcome the 25 STEM PhD alumni of David and Lucile
Packard HBCU-UP Graduate Scholars Program who are joining us at the Conference this year, as
well as the current Scholars. You will hear more about the HBCU-UP Packard Scholars during the
Conference.
As a part of its mission to “advance science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world
for the benefit of all people,” AAAS provides a wide array of programs and resources. To find out
more about the internships, fellowships, and educational and career resources offered by AAAS,
we invited you to visit online at http://www.aaas.org/.
Shirley M. Malcom
We hope the contacts, strategies, and online resources that you discover at this Conference are
useful in helping you to meet your institutional or career goals.
Sincerely,
Alan I. Leshner, Chief Executive Officer, AAAS and Executive Publisher, Science
Shirley M. Malcom, Director, AAAS Education and Human Resources (EHR) Programs
Yolanda S. George, Deputy Director and Program Director, EHR
Yolanda S. George
Conference Program
11
Welcome
Dear HBCU-UP Conference Participants
On behalf of Xavier University of Louisiana and the Advisory Board of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation HBCU Scholars Program, I would like to welcome you to the HBCU-UP National
Research Conference. In 1992, the Packard Foundation initiated a program to support HBCU
graduates who were pursuing PhDs in the sciences, technology, mathematics, and engineering
(STEM). This Packard Scholars Program was designed to complement the Foundation’s existing
HBCU Science Program. To date, 72 of these Packard Scholars have earned STEM PhDs and 23
of them are participating in this 10th anniversary conference as speakers, judges, and role models. The achievements of these graduates have been an affirmation of the vision and the wisdom of David Packard.
Norman C. Francis
HBCUs play an important role in broadening the participation of America’s STEM PhD talent pool.
According to data collected by NSF, of the 866 PhDs awarded to African Americans in 2006, twohundred-and-fifty four (254) or one-third earned their baccalaureate degrees from HBCUs. Since
1992, of the 10,496 PhDs awarded to African Americans, 2,715 or 26% or a quarter earned their
baccalaureate degrees from HBCUs.
From reading the abstracts submitted by undergraduate students attending the conference, I
know you already have a good idea about how STEM research helps to solve the health, energy/
environmental, agricultural, technology, and security challenges of the 21st century that affect
local and global communities. However, I encourage the student attendees to network with conference speakers, exhibitors, and Packard HBCU Scholar role models to find out more about
STEM PhD graduate school opportunities, funding, and career opportunities in educational, government, and private sectors.
I wish you all the best in your STEM career path.
Norman C. Francis
President
Xavier University of Louisiana
12
Conference Program
General Information for All Attendees
Cell Phone Usage
Message Board
All cell phones MUST BE turned off before you enter session
rooms out of courtesy for speakers and session participants.
A message board will be displayed in the registration area. The
message board is a great location for attendees to post messages,
job openings, upcoming events, or announcements.
E-Mail Center
Four (4) computers will be available in the registration area for
attendees to receive and send emails during the conference.
PLEASE LIMIT YOUR SESSION TO 5 MINUTES.
Evaluation
Conference evaluation forms will be available at the registration
desk and at the banquet on Saturday. Please take advantage of
this opportunity to share with us your views and opinions
regarding the 2009 HBCU-UP National Research Conference.
No Smoking Rule
We ask that all persons who attend the meeting comply with the
non-smoking policy in the Renaissance Washington DC hotel.
Staff Room Location
The Staff Room is located directly adjacent to the registration
desk, across from the Renaissance Grand Ballroom.
Name Badge & Badge Replacement Fee
Name badges are to be worn AT ALL TIMES. Badges permit
attendees to enter ALL sessions, exhibition area, conference
meals, and e-mail center. THERE WILL BE A $20.00 CHARGE FOR
BADGE REPLACEMENT.
14
Conference Program
Hotel Floor Plans
Conference Program
15
Conference Planners
HBCU-UP National Research Conference Advisory Board
AAAS EHR HBCU-UP Conference Planners
Co-Chairs
Alan I. Leshner, AAAS CEO & Executive Publisher, Science
Larry Mattix
Associate Dean, School of Science and Technology, Norfolk State
University
Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR)
Programs
Shirley M. Malcom, Director
Yolanda S. George, Deputy Director
Sadanand Srivastava
Chair & Professor of Computer Science, Bowie State University
Members
Teresa Edwards
AAAS Committee on Opportunities in Science (COOS) Liaison,
Associate Professor, Georgia Gwinnett College
Adriane Ludwick
Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry, College of
Architecture, Environmental & Natural Sciences, Tuskegee
University
Camille A. McKayle
Interim Dean of Science and Mathematics and Associate Professor
of Mathematics, University of the Virgin Islands
Joe Omojola
Professor of Mathematics and Physics, Southern University at New
Orleans
Sandra (Sandy) Thomas
Executive Director, IGERT National Recruitment Program,
Institute for Broadening Participation
Nancy Greer-Williams
Former Dean, Liberal Arts/Social Sciences, University of Arkansas
for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
Senior Staff
Donna Behar
Cathy Ledec
Marty McGihon
Sabira Mohamed
Richard Weibl
Project Assistants
Estella Cardenas
Cursilla Fenwick
Brittany Taggart
Publications & News and Information
Sandra Audia
Stuart Greenwell
Edward Lempinen
Key National Science Foundation HBCU-UP Leadership
Directorate for Education and Human Resources (EHR),
Office of the Assistant Director
Cora Marrett, Assistant Director
Wanda E. Ward, Assistant Director (Acting)
Division of Human Resources Development (HRD)
James Wyche, Division Director
Marilyn J. Suiter, Program Director
Claudia Rankins, Program Director
Caesar Jackson, Program Director
Conference Program
17
Agenda
Karl Henry, Electronics Instructor &
Chair, Industrial Electronics, J.F.
Drake State Technical College, Preparing
T HURSDAY , O CTOBER 29, 2009
7:00amԟ9:00pm
Registration
GRAND BALLROOM FOYER
7:30amԟ9:00am
Breakfast
CONGRESSIONAL C FOYER
8:00am–8:30am
Overview of the Faculty &
Administrator Workshop
CONGRESSIONAL C
Two-Year College Electronic Technicians
Sarwan Dhir, Associate Professor,
Biotechnology and Director of Center
for Biotechnology, College of Agriculture,
Fort Valley State College, GA
12:15pmԟ1:30pm
Claudia Rankins and Caesar Jackson,
HBCU-UP Program Directors,
National Science Foundation (NSF)
8:30amԟ10:30am
Kathleen McCloud, Program Director,
NSF, Division of Physics
Yolanda George, Deputy Director
Education & Human Resources (EHR)
Programs, American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Mark Leddy and Linda Thurston, Program
Directors, NSF HRD, Research in
Disabilities Education
Lessons Learned about the Development & Management of Research
Collaborations
Jolene Jesse, NSF Program Director,
Research on Gender in Science and
Engineering
Moderator: Caesar Jackson, NSF
Tyrone D. Mitchell, Program Director,
Division of Chemistry, NSF
CONGRESSIONAL C
Speakers:
Carl E. Bonner, Professor of
Chemistry and Materials Science,
Center for Photonic Materials Research,
Norfolk State University, VA
Omar Torres, Associate Professor,
Department for Atmospheric and
Planetary Sciences, Center for
Atmospheric Sciences,
Hampton University, VA
Terezinha Galvao, Associate Professor,
Environmental Science and Study
Program, Remote Erosion Control at
Providence Canyon Park, Spelman
College, GA
10:30am–10:45am
Break
10:45am–12:15pm
Lessons Learned about Building
Technology Based Programs and
Curricula
Exhibitor Setup
RENAISSANCE WEST BALLROOM & FOYER
1:30pmԟ3:00pm
Small Group Sessions
(See faculty abstract section of
conference book)
A. Innovative STEM Curriculum in
Engineering
MEETING ROOMS 8/9
Elham Fini, Assistant Professor,
North Carolina A&T University, Civil
Engineering, Incorporating a Real World
Case Study into the Syllabus of a Senior
Construction Engineering Course
Earl Smith, Assistant Professor
Tuskegee University, Mechanical
Engineering, Using Multiple Teaching
Methods in Lectures
B. Innovative STEM Curriculum in Biology
MEETING ROOMS 12/13
Moderator: Claudia Rankins, Division of
Human Resource Development (HRD),
Bernard Singleton, Assistant Professor,
Dillard University, Biology Department,
Speakers:
Hang Chen, Assistant Professor,
Computer Science and Engineering
Department, Johnson C. Smith University, Promoting Minority Participation in
Computing
Conference Program
2:00pmԟ7:00pm
CONGRESSIONAL C
NSF
18
Lunch & Conversation with NSF
Program Officers
GRAND BALLROOM SOUTH
Accomplishing Research at the
Undergraduate School Level: Managing
Time and Students
Greg Engel, Assistant Professor,
University of Chicago, Chemistry,
The James Franck Institute, Quantum
Biology: Photosynthetic Design Principles
Agenda
C. STEM Educational Research
MEETING ROOM 16
Panel: Alternative PhDs Career Paths:
STEM PhD Alumni of the David and
Lucile Packard HBCU Graduate School
Programs
Shereen Abdel Kader, Assistant Professor
Teacher Education, Harris-Stowe State
University, Creativity and Innovation in
Mentoring Students
Moderator: Norman Francis, President,
Xavier University of Louisiana
James Moore III, Associate Professor,
Ohio State University and Todd Anthony,
Bell National Resource Center on the
African American Male, Online Learning
Discussants:
Krishna Foster, Associate Professor,
California State University, Los Angeles,
(Chemistry)
in STEM Courses at HBCUs
3:00pmԟ4:00pm
Ahmasi Harris, Senior Researcher, BAE
Systems (Applied Physics)
External Collaborations and Resources
for HBCUs
CONGRESSIONAL C
Cyntrica Eaton, Assistant Professor
Norfolk State, (Computer Sciences)
Gail Smith, Acting Assistant Provost,
City University of New York, Graduate
Center, NSF AGEP and HBCU-UP
James McGee, Dean, Kishwaukee College
(Applied Mathematics)
Collaborations
Kendra Taylor, Booz-Hamilton, Senior
Consultant, (Industrial Engineering)
Beverly Karplus Hartline, Associate
Provost for Research and Dean of Gradu
ate Studies, UDC, Professional Science
Johnalyn Lyles, Technology Transfer
Development Specialist, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National
Institutes of Health (NIH)
Master’s Programs
Ted Hodapp - Director, Education and
Diversity Programs, American Physical
Society
4:00pm
Closing of Faculty Workshop
5:00pmԟ5:45pm
Judges Orientation
CONGRESSIONAL C
Exhibitor Orientation
RENAISSANCE WEST BALLROOM
4:00pmԟ5:45pm
6:00pmԟ7:30pm
7:30pmԟ10:00pm
Faculty Poster Set-up
Closing Remarks:
Caesar Jackson, Program Director,
NSF HRD
Yolanda S. George, Deputy Director,
AAAS
F RIDAY , O CTOBER 30, 2009
7:00am-6:00pm
Faculty Poster Session
(Posters may remain up until
Saturday, October 31st at 1:00pm)
Registration
7:00am-7:45am
Dinner & Conference Opening
Plenary Session
GRAND BALLROOM
Oral Presentations 1 (Set-Up)
Poster Presentations 1 (Set-Up)
RENAISSANCE EAST BALLROOM &
CONGRESSIONAL A&B
7:00am-6:30pm
Judges Room/Sign-In
CONGRESSIONAL C
7:45am-9:45am
Networking Breakfast & Plenary Session
Grand Ballroom
Moderator: Shirley M. Malcom
Director, Education & Human Resource
Programs, AAAS
Speaker:
The Honorable Eddie Bernice Johnson
US Congress, 30th Congressional
District of Texas
Moderator: Alan I. Leshner, AAAS CEO
and Executive Publisher, Science
Speakers:
Wanda Ward, Acting Assistant Director,
Directorate for Education and Human
Resources, NSF
Conference Program
19
Agenda
Moderator: Caesar Jackson, Program
Director, NSF HRD
James Wyche, Division Director,
Division of Human Resource
Development (HRD), Directorate for
Education and Human Resources,
NSF
Speakers:
Allen Sessoms, President, University of
the District of Columbia
Beverly Karplus Hartline, Associate Provost for Research, UDC
9:45amԟ10:00pm
Break
10:00amԟ12:15pm
Poster Presentation - Session 1
Renaissance West Ballroom and
CONGRESSIONAL BALLROOMS A&B
10:00amԟ12:15pm
Oral Presentation - Session 1
Biological Sciences - MEETING ROOM 2
Ecology, Environmental & Earth
Sciences - MEETING ROOM 3
Technology & Engineering - MEETING
ROOM 4
Chemistry & Chemical Sciences MEETING ROOM 5
Computer Sciences & Information
Managements - MEETING ROOM 15
Mathematics & Statistics - MEETING
ROOM 9
Reflections from Former NSF HBCU
Program Directors
Camille A. McKayle, Dean
Division of Science and Mathematic,
University of the Virgin Islands
Marilyn Suiter, NSF HRD
Jessie DeAro, NSF HRD
1:30pmԟ4:00pm
Exhibits Open
3:30pmԟ4:00pm
Oral Presentations 2 (Set-up)
Judges Room/Sign-In
CONGRESSIONAL C
4:00pmԟ6:30pm
Poster Presentation - Session 2
RENAISSANCE WEST BALLROOM &
CONGRESSIONAL A&B
4:00pmԟ6:30pm
Oral Presentations - Session 2
Nanosciences - MEETING ROOM 8
10:00amԟ12:15pm
Ecology, Environmental & Earth
Sciences - MEETING ROOM 3
Concurrent Student & Faculty Session
Graduate School Funding Opportunities
ROOM 4
AUDITORIUM
Sandra Thomas - Executive Director
Institute for Broadening Participation &
Senior Administrator for the
IGERT National Recruitment Program
Chemistry & Chemical Sciences MEETING ROOM 5
Computer Sciences & Information
Managements - MEETING ROOM 15
Bernard Batson, Program Director,
College of Engineering, University of
South Florida
Mathematics & Statistics MEETING ROOM 9
Renetta G. Tull, Assistant Dean for
Graduate Student Development and
Director, PROMISE: AGEP
12:15pmԟ1:30pm
20
Conference Program
Social & Behavioral Sciences MEETING ROOM 8
Carmen Sidbury and Gisèle MullerParker Program Directors for the
Graduate Research Fellowship Program,
Division of Graduate Education, NSF
4:00pm–6:30pm
Concurrent Student/Faculty Session
Plenary Session and Lunch
GRAND BALLROOM
6:30pm– 9:00pm
Exhibits Open & Reception
RENAISSANCE AND GRAND BALLROOM ROOM
& FOYER
9:00pm–10:30pm
Talent Showcase Auditions
GRAND BALLROOM
Graduate School Funding Opportunities
(Repeat of the Morning Session)
AUDITORIUM
Agenda
S ATURDAY , O CTOBER 31, 2009
7:00am–5:00pm
Registration
7:00am–7:45am
Oral Presentations 3 (Set-Up)
CONGRESSIONAL A&B
Tiffany Bailey Lash, AAAS Science and
Technology Policy Fellow, National
Institutes of Health, GEM Alum
Karolyn Young, Systems Director, Launch
Directorate Advanced Programs Division,
The Aerospace Corporation, GEM Alum
10:30amԟNoon
Judges Room/Sign-In
CONGRESSIONAL C
Faculty, Educator, and Administrator
Session
MEETING ROOM 5
Dwayne Smith, Vice President for
Academic Affairs, Harris-Stowe State
University, Developing Effective Math &
7:00amԟ8:00am
Buffet Breakfast & Networking
GRAND BALLROOM
Science Summer Programs
8:00am–1:00pm
Exhibits Open for Conference Registrants
and Local Students and Faculty
RENAISSANCE BALLROOM
Michael Smith, Vice President, Digital
Media Studies and ICT Program
Chairman, University of Trinidad and
Tobago, Engineering Education Digital
8:00am– Noon
Poster Session 3
CONGRESSIONAL A&B
1:00pm
Exhibits Close
(Please remove all displays by 2:00 PM)
Oral Presentations 3
1:00pm–3:30pm
Networking Luncheon with the Packard
Scholars (by invitation)
Meeting Room 8/9
1:00pm–3:30pm
Judges Meeting & Lunch
(Determining Awardees)
CONGRESSIONAL C
1:00pm–6:30pm
Free time
6:30pm-9:00pm
Plenary Session & Awards Banquet
GRAND BALLROOM
8:00am – Noon
Ecology, Environmental &
Earth Sciences - MEETING ROOM 3
Library
ROOM 4
9:00am–2:30pm
GEM GRAD Lab
(Sponsored by Intel Foundation)
Meeting Room 16
Why Graduate School?
Moderators:
James H. Stith, Packard Scholars Advisor
Shirley M. Malcom, AAAS
Michelle Lezama, Executive Director, The
National GEM Consortium, GEM Alum
How to Apply to Graduate School
Global Research and Career
Opportunities
Renetta G. Tull, Assistant Dean, Graduate School Development, and Director,
PROMISE: AGEP
Sonya J. Snedecor, Associate Director,
Pharmerit North America, Health
Economics
Tim Turner, Program Director,
GRF Operations Center, American
Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
Romain Murenzi, Senior Scholar, AAAS
and former Minister, Science,
Technology, and Scientific Research,
Rwanda
Sandy Thomas and Chris Cash, Institution for Broadening Participation and
the IGERT National Recruitment Program
Poster and Oral Award Presentations,
Claudia Rankins and Caesar Jackson,
NSF
Voices from the Field
S. Keith Hargrove, Chairman of the
Industrial, Manufacturing and Informa
tion Engineering Department, Morgan
State University, GEM Alum
9:30pm-Midnight
Talent Showcase & Halloween Costume
Competition
RENAISSANCE BALLROOM
Conference Program
21
Speaker Biographies
Bernard Batson - Program Director, College of Engineering, University of South
Florida
Bernard Batson is Program Director, College
of Engineering University of South Florida.
Previously he coordinated the Sensory
Knowledge-based Interface Science (SKINS)
IGERT, University of South Florida. Batson also served for three
years as a Program Coordinator for the McNair Scholars Program/
Honors College at USF. In that capacity, he assisted faculty from
Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving
Institutions with the development of undergraduate research
mentoring programs modeled after USF’s successful Ronald
McNair Scholars Program. Batson has rendered graduate/medical
school and fellowship application assistance to McNair alumni and
other USF students. Prior to that appointment Batson served as
Coordinator of Multicultural Admissions, where he joined a unit
that spearheaded significant increase in the enrollment of minority
freshmen at the University.
Carl E. Bonner - Professor of Chemistry
and Materials Science, Norfolk State
University
Carl E. Bonner is Professor of Chemistry and
Material Science, Department of Chemistry
at Norfolk State University, VA. At the
University, he serves as the Director of the
Center for Photonic Materials Research, an NSF sponsored Center
for Research Excellence in Science and Technology and the
Associate Director for the Center for Materials Research. He
earned his B.S. and M.S. from Howard University in chemistry and
physical chemistry, respectively, and his PhD from the University
of Rochester.
Bonner’s research areas include optical characterization of
compound semiconductor materials and devices by room
temperature and low temperature photoluminescence and
luminescence excitation spectroscopy; high resolution and time
resolved UV-visible absorption and emission spectroscopy;
and fabrication and electrical and optical characterization of the
surface electron transfer properties of photo-electro-chemical
devices for solar energy conversion applications. He has raised
nearly $14 million dollars in research funds. Bonner has 38
refereed publication, and proceedings and book chapter and has
made more than 20 presentations at national and international
meetings
Chris Cash - IBP Outreach Coordinator,
Institute for Broadening Participation
Chris Cash is the Institute for Broadening
Participation, IBP Outreach Coordinator.
Cash seeks to attract students with strong
interest in interdisciplinary science into over
120 doctoral programs in universities and
colleges throughout the United States. Cash identifies and assists
promising students in locating and applying to graduate programs. She has worked for the last several years in the area of
marine fisheries education and outreach. She was formerly a
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Conference Program
marine officer and fellowship coordinator at a non-profit
educational organization, Island Institute, located on the coast of
Maine. In addition to her work with IBP, Cash recently worked
with The Lobster Conservancy, as project manager for their
education outreach and research projects.
Hang Chen - Assistant Professor, Johnson
C. Smith University, Computer Science
and Engineering Department
Hang Chen is an Assistant Professor and the
Chair of Computer Science and Engineering
Department at Johnson C. Smith University.
Her research focuses on wireless and mobile
communication, heterogeneous wireless networks, system
performance evaluation, and the broadening participation and
increasing retention of women and minorities students in
computing disciplines.
Hang received federal and private grants in research and
education from NSF, DHS, and Duke Energy Foundation.
Currently, Hang is the principal investigator and leads the Duke
Energy-funded JCSU Cultivating Women in Technology Program
and the coordinator at JCSU for NSF STARS Alliance program, NSF
HBCU-UP, and DHS the Center of Excellence for Natural Disasters,
Coastal Infrastructure and Emergency Management project. She
has been supervising undergraduate and graduate students in
these research projects. Her research papers have been published
in leading journals and international conferences. She also serves
as a member of Technical Program Committee and reviewer for
several international conferences.
Hang is recognized as one of “the 50 most influential women
2009” in the greater Charlotte Region by The Mecklenburg Times.
She is the winner of 2007-2008 JCSU Par Excellence Teaching
Award for her innovative teaching. She is also a recipient of
Charlotte Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Community Service
Award for 2007 and 2008.
Hang received her doctorate from the Computer Science and
Engineering Department University of Cincinnati in 2004.
Sarwan Dhir - Associate Professor and
Director of the Center for Biotechnology
at Fort Valley State University
Sarwan Dhir is an Associate Professor and
Director of the Center for Biotechnology at
Fort Valley State University. He received his
post-doctoral training at University of Illinois
at Urbana-Champaign and Monsanto Agricultural Company in St.
Louis in the area of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Since
2000, as a faculty member at Fort Valley, he played a leadership
role in the establishment of the Center for Biotechnology, and the
Plant Science-Biotechnology major program. His research and
teaching interests are in Plant Biotechnology, focusing on
developing genetic engineering technology for crops of
pharmaceutical value.
Speaker Biographies
He has received more than 8.5 million dollars from various
funding agencies and has been successfully directing NSF-funded
programs such as REU-Site in Biotechnology, HBCU-UP and SSTEM. Every year, he provides financial support to more than 80
students as scholarships in the amount of $3,500 for academic
year for 4-years. He has encouraged more than 400 students to
participate and present their research at national scientific
meetings, winning more than 80 awards. He is a winner of: the
2005 Presidential Award for Excellence in STEM Mentoring
(PAESMEM) from the President of the United States, the
Outstanding Mentoring Excellence Award from NSF HBCU-UP
program and the John W. Davidson Award for Outstanding
Teaching and Outstanding Million Dollar Grantsmanship Award
given by the FVSU Foundation.
Dhir has published more than 35 peer-reviewed articles and 45
popular articles in newspapers, magazines etc. He has delivered
numerous lectures and training programs as an invited speaker at
NSF, USDA, and several scientific societies. In his career, he has
carried out significant teaching and research in biotechnology and
has had major involvement in minority student programs.
Regarding the latter, his commitment to this area has resulted in
a significant number of minority students entering graduate/
professional schools as well as influencing these students in their
decision for post baccalaureate education and their career
choices.
Jessie A. DeAro - Program Director,
Education and Human Resources (EHR),
NSF
Jessie DeAro is currently Program Director
for the ADVANCE Program at the National
Science Foundation (NSF), a program to increase the
representation and advancement of women in academic science
and engineering careers. She joined NSF in 2003 to work with the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities-Undergraduate
Program (HBCU-UP) to enhance the science and engineering
education programs at HBCUs.
DeAro started her career in the Federal government at the U.S.
Department of Education (DoED) as a Presidential Management
Fellow (PMF) after receiving her doctorate in physical chemistry
from the University of California at Santa Barbara. At DoED she
worked within the Office of Postsecondary Education on capacity
building programs for Minority-Serving Institutions to enhance
their institutional infrastructure, financial management, and
education programs.
DeAro originally managed the newly established Developing
Hispanic-Serving Institutions program and served as the special
assistant to the Director of Institutional Development and
Undergraduate Education Services (IDUES). Before joining NSF
she worked with the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary
Education (FIPSE) as a science program officer supporting
innovation projects with the potential to significantly improve
postsecondary education outcomes.
Krishna Foster - Associate Professor,
California State University Los Angeles
Krishna Foster is Associate Professor in the
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry
at the California State University Los
Angeles and her research areas are physical
and atmospheric chemistry. She was
awarded a B.S. in chemistry from Spelman College in 1992 and a
Ph.D. in physical chemistry from the University of Colorado at
Boulder in 1998. Her dissertation investigated the interaction of
water films representative of polar stratospheric clouds with
hydrogen halides.
Her postdoctoral research employed both field and laboratory
based mass spectrometry techniques to examine the contribution
of sea-salt particles to the oxidizing capacity of the loweratmosphere. This work was conducted at the University of
California, Irvine in the laboratory of Dr. Barbara Finlayson-Pitts.
She joined the faculty of California State University, Los Angeles
(CSULA) in 2000 as an Assistant Professor and in 2006, she was
promoted with tenure.
Her current research focuses on characterizing the types,
formation rates, and product yields of polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon photooxidation products in matricies representative
of particulate matter. Another area of research in her laboratory is
the development of HPLC and mass spectrometry techniques for
the detection of reduced phosphorous oxyanions in natural
waters, which may help to elucidate how phosphorous was
incorporated into living-cells in ancient earth.
Foster has mentored a total of twenty-six high school,
undergraduate and Master’s students in directed research
experiences during the past seven years. Three Foster-group
alumnae are currently pursuing PhDs in the chemical and
biological sciences at respected institutions including the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Five have secured
positions in industry, or in professional schools.
Norman Francis - President, Xavier
University of Louisiana
The classic Xavier student is someone who
has heart, an appreciation for diligent work,
the determination to use his/her talents to
the fullest, and the courage to ask for help
when it is needed. Nobody has embodied
those qualities more so than Norman C. Francis, whose
administrative career at Xavier has spanned a half-century.
A 1952 graduate, Francis returned to his alma mater in 1957 –
following Loyola Law School and two years in the US Army to
begin his administrative career as dean of men. Since his
appointment as the University’s first lay president in 1968, Xavier
has more than tripled its enrollment, broadened its curriculum,
expanded its campus and received national attention for its award
winning academic initiatives. The tradition of academic excellence
is consistent with the dreams of its founder, Saint Katharine
Drexel and her Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament religious order.
Admired for his sharp mind, revered for his modesty, and praised
for his dedication, Francis enjoys a prestigious national reputation.
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Speaker Biographies
In December 2006, he received the nation’s highest civilian award
– The Presidential Medal of Freedom – from President George W.
Bush. Francis has served in an advisory role to five U.S.
presidents – including the historic National Commission on
Excellence in Education, whose findings, published in the
groundbreaking work A Nation at Risk, created a sense of urgency
for bringing about educational reform in the nation’s school
system.
He has served as chairman or board member for numerous
councils and foundations including the President’s Council for the
United Negro College Fund, American Association of Higher
Education, The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching and the Foundation for the Improvement in Education
and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Educational
Testing Service, and the Southern Education Foundation.
In 2007, the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education
appointed Dr. Francis to Chair the HBCU Capital Financing
Advisory Board, and in 2005, Governor Kathleen Blanco appointed
Francis to serve as Chairman of the Louisiana Recovery Authority,
helping to oversee the state’s recovery following Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita while leading the University’s own recovery and
rebuilding effort. He served in that capacity for 3 years. In New
Orleans, Francis serves as Chairman of the Board of Liberty Bank
and Trust, Co-Chair of the Committee for a Better New Orleans,
member of the Advisory Board of The Times-Picayune Publishing
Company and the Business Council of New Orleans, The Fleur de
lis Ambassadors Program, as well as many other local
organizations.
Norman C. Francis’ legacy as the first African American lay
president of Xavier is epitomized in his unwavering commitment
to educational and social equality, spiritual enlightenment, and
community service.
Terezinha Galvão - Associate Professor,
Environmental Science and Studies
Program, Spelman College
T. Cássia De Brito Galvão is an associate
professor in the Environmental Science and
Studies Program at Spelman College. Galvão
has a PhD and Master degrees in Civil
Engineering from Purdue University and two bachelor’s degrees in
Physics and Civil Engineering from Federal University of Minas
Gerais, Brazil. She has served in the field of environmental
geotechnology for 20 years as teacher, researcher, consultant and
community outreach. She has authored more than one hundred
publications, including books, CDs, book chapters and peerreviewed articles.
Currently, she serves as Vice-President of the International
Society of Environmental Geotechnology (ISEG), a multidisciplinary professional organization of technical and policy
experts who work on various aspects of sustainable development.
Since 1990, ISEG has organized 15 conferences in collaboration
with local institutions in Europe, North America, South America
and Asia that have generated international research partnerships
and regional development policy initiatives. She is also a member
of the director board of the Global Alliance for Disaster Reduction
(GADR) a worldwide consortium of about 50 professional
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organizations, public agencies and academic institutions that are
active in disaster prevention and management. GADR operates
programs in partnership with national agencies and UN
organizations.
Her main research areas are: geotechnical, chemical, and mineralogical properties of soils, thermodynamics of contaminant interactions with soils and clean-up techniques, recycling of waste
materials, waste disposition, mining waste disposition, raininduced landslides, erosion control, streambank erosion control,
bioengineering techniques applied to erosion control (RECP’s –
rolled erosion control products), polymers interactions with soils,
and modeling natural hazards and environmental justice with GIS/
Hazus/Feature Analyst.
Yolanda S. George, Deputy Director,
Education and Human Resources, AAAS
Yolanda Scott George is Deputy Director
and Program Director, Education and
Human Resources Programs, American
Association for the Advancement of Science
(AAAS). Her duties and responsibilities
include planning, development, management, implementation,
and evaluation of multi-year science, mathematics, and
technology (SMT) education and educational research projects.
She has served as Director of Development, Association of
Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), Washington, DC; Director,
Professional Development Program, University of California,
Berkeley, CA, a pre-college academic enrichment, university
retention, and pre-graduate school program in SMT for minorities
and women, and as a research biologist at Lawrence Livermore
Laboratory, Livermore, California involved in cell cycle studies
using flow cytometer and cell sorters.
George conducts evaluations, project and program reviews, and
evaluation workshops for both the National Institutes of Health
and National Science Foundation (NSF), as well as reviews SMT
proposals for private foundation and public agencies, including
Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Ford Foundation, and the
European Commission. She develops and coordinates conferences
and workshops related to SMT undergraduate reform and
recruitment and retention of minorities, women, and persons with
disabilities in SMT. She works with UNIFEM, UNESCO, and nongovernmental organizations on gender, science, and technology
initiatives related to college and university recruitment and
retention and women leadership in SMT.
Over the last 25 years, she has raised over $70 million for a
variety of SMT education initiatives for colleges and universities,
associations, and community-based groups. She currently serves
as principal investigator (PI) or co-PI on several NSF grants,
including the Vision and Change in Undergraduate Biology
Education: A View to the 21st Century Initiative; the Alliance for
Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP); National
Science Education Digital Library (NSDL) Biological Sciences
Pathways for biological sciences educators in undergraduate,
graduate and professional schools; Women's International
Scientific Cooperation Program (WISC); Historically Black Colleges
and Universities-Undergraduate Programs (HBCU-UP); and
Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI)
conferences. She serves on the board of the International Women
Speaker Biographies
in Science and Engineering Network (INWES); American Institute
of Biological Sciences (AIBS) Education Committee; Maria Mitchell
Women in Science Awards Committee; McNeill/Lehrer Productions
Online Science Reports Advisory Committee: Great Science for
Girls: Extension Services for Gender Equity in Science Advisory
Committee, Academy for Educational Development; and the South
Dakota Biomedical Research Network Advisory Committee.
a National Research Council (NRC) Fellowship at the National
Institutes of Standards and Technology (NIST) where he
investigated novel methods in standoff terahertz detection for
Homeland Security applications. Harris has over 15 peer-reviewed
publications and one pending patent. Currently, Ahmasi is a
Senior Research Scientist at BAE Systems in the Advanced
Technology Solutions Division in Washington D.C.
George has authored or co-authored over 50 papers, pamphlets,
and hands-on science manuals. She received her B.S. and M.S.
from Xavier University of Louisiana and Atlanta University in
Georgia, respectively.
Harris is married with two children, and is also a licensed minister
serving as the Director of Children’s Ministry at the People’s
Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland.
S. Keith Hargrove - Chairman, Industrial,
Manufacturing and Information
Engineering Department, Morgan State
University
S. Keith Hargrove serves as Chairperson
and Associate Professor of the Industrial,
Manufacturing and Information
He received his BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee
State University, as a General Motors Fellow, his MS from the
University of Missouri at Rolla, and his PhD in Industrial &
Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Iowa as a CIC
Fellow. Hargrove completed the Harvard Administrative
Fellowship Program in the Division of Engineering & Applied
Sciences at Harvard University, Cambridge, MA.
Hargrove previously served as Assistant to the Dean in the
College of Engineering at Tuskegee University, where he received
several awards for teaching and service, including the 2002 GEM
Alumni Award for Mentoring. His work experience includes several
national research laboratories, General Motors and General
Electric, and serves as a Site Director for a NSF Reconfigurable
Manufacturing Systems/Factory Testbed Laboratory at Morgan
State. He serves as Chair of the Baltimore Chapter of the Society
of Manufacturing Engineers as a Certified Manufacturing Engineer,
and Vice President of the Baltimore Chapter of the Institute of
Industrial Engineers. He is also a member of Black Professional
Men, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in which he is involved
in mentoring young Black males and working with the Baltimore
Public School System.
Ahmasi Harris - Senior Research
Scientist, Advanced Technology
Solutions Division, BAE Systems
Ahmasi Harris hails from Montgomery,
Alabama, and graduated with honors from
Morehouse College in 1998 with Bachelors
degrees in both Physics and Mathematics.
In 2003, he received his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering
with a concentration in Optical Science from the University of
Michigan. At Michigan, he earned his PhD in Applied Physics
where he conducted research using ultrafast laser spectroscopy to
study biologically relevant chemical reactions like vitamin D
formation. Afterwards, he pursued postdoctoral work at Michigan
State University, where he used laser control techniques for laser
remote detection of explosive materials. In 2007, Harris received
Beverly Karplus Hartline - Associate
Provost, Research & Dean of Graduate
Studies, University of the District of
Columbia
Beverly Karplus Hartline is Associate Provost
for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies
at the University of the District of Columbia.
Previously she has held teaching, research, management, policy,
and leadership positions in universities, in Department of Energy
laboratories, and at NASA. She is a strong advocate for
broadening participation in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics, having served from 2003 to 2009 on the Committee
on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering at the National
Science Foundation (chairperson in 2007).
From 1996 to 1998 as Assistant Director for Physical Science and
Engineering at the White House Office of Science and Technology
Policy she worked on science budgets, major research facilities,
and energy R&D policy, among other topics. Hartline has been
active in education, outreach, and international collaborations for
many years, championing student learning and the engagement
of students and faculty at all levels in forefront research. At
Delaware State University while she was Dean of Mathematics,
Natural Sciences, and Technology, this College initiated three new
PhD programs and three new Master’s degree programs, while
approximately doubling grant revenues. Hartline serves on
numerous government and university advisory and review
committees. Her PhD is in geophysics from the University of
Washington, and her bachelor’s degree is in chemistry and
physics from Reed College. Her biggest professional challenge to
date was to manage the construction of a $500-million, hightechnology, superconducting accelerator-based research facility in
Virginia—now one of the leading research facilities in the world.
Ted Hodapp - Director, Education and
Diversity Programs, American Physical
Society
Ted Hodapp is Director of Education and
Outreach for the American Physical Society.
He received his PhD in Quantum Optics and
Atomic Physics from the University of
Minnesota in 1988, and then joined the faculty of the Physics
Department at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. He
served as chair of the department, and chair of the Science
Division, and helped develop division and college strategic plans.
Hodapp also carried out research in optics and laser cooling, and
spent several years as a visiting scientist, first at NIST and then at
the 3M Corporation, where he designed devices for display
Conference Program
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Speaker Biographies
technologies, developed optical systems, and conducted research
on laser ablation of materials. Several patents resulted from that
work. In addition, Hodapp worked on research in physics
pedagogy, including looking at the effectiveness of video analysis,
computerized data-acquisition, and data analysis tools in a physics
curriculum. Before joining APS, Hodapp served for two years as
Program Director for the Division of Undergraduate Education of
the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Marcus Huggans - Recruiting and
Programming, National GEM Consortium
(GEM)
Marcus Huggans is a native of St. Louis,
Missouri. He was educated in the
University City and Lutheran Parochial
school systems. He graduated in 1991 from
Lutheran High School North.
Huggans completed his engineering studies at the University of
Missouri-Rolla. He received a BS degree in Electrical Engineering
in 1996, an MS in Engineering Management in 1997 and a PhD in
Engineering Management in 98. He was one of the first AfricanAmerican males to earn a PhD in this discipline from the
University. For his PhD dissertation, Huggans conducted a study
to determine if different Internet-based study aids helped
students of different learning styles under the advisors Dr.
Halvard E. Nystrom and Dr. Harvest L. Collier. The title of his
dissertation was “The Impact of Learning Styles Using Web-based
Asynchronous Distance Learning to Enhance Instruction by
Electrical Engineering Students.” His findings indicate that not
everyone thinks and learns in the same way and being aware of
the variations in learning styles can help professors improve their
teaching environment and students test scores. Huggans
conducted his research as a GEM fellow through the National
Consortium for Graduate Degrees for Minorities in Engineering
and Science Inc, sponsored by Texas Instruments.
Huggans has had a variety of job opportunities. He has worked
for 3M Company, AT&T Bell Laboratories, Department of JusticeFederal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Texas Instruments Inc
(TI). Huggans has also worked at the University of Missouri-Rolla
(UMR) as the Director of the Student Diversity and Academic
Support Program. Under his leadership, UMR has experienced
unprecedented growth in the recruitment of under-represented
minorities’ students in the areas of science and ngineering.
Currently, he works for the National GEM Consortium (GEM) under
the direction of Ms. Michele Lezama. At GEM, Huggans recruits
and conducts programming to encourage under-represented
minority students to pursue their graduate degrees in science,
technology, engineering, and applied mathematics (STEM) fields.
Caesar Jackson - Program Director,
Education and Human Resources (EHR),
NSF
Caesar R. Jackson is currently a Program
Director for the National Science Foundation
Education and Human Resources Directorate and the Dean of the
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College of Science and Technology at North Carolina Central
University (NCCU). He joined NCCU in August 2005 after being
employed at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University (NCA&T) for 13 years. At NCA&T, Jackson was Interim
Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2002 to 2005,
Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs in the
College from 1998 to 2000, Professor of Physics and Chairperson
of the Department of Physics from 1994 to 1998, and Assistant
Professor from 1992 to 1994. Before NCA&T, Jackson was a Staff
Engineer for the IBM Corporation, where he was employed from
1977 to 1992.
Jackson earned a Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Electrical
Engineering from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in
1977, a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering from the
University of Florida in 1980, and a Doctor of Philosophy in
Physics from North Carolina State University in 1992. He has been
engaged in nuclear physics research at Triangle Universities
Nuclear Laboratory in Durham, North Carolina, and at Thomas
Jefferson National Laboratory in Newport News, Virginia. He
continues to be involved in scholarly activities at the NCCU,
focusing on science education research and on issues associated
with increasing the number of minorities pursuing degrees and
careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Jolene Kay Jesse - Program Director,
Research on Gender in Science and
Engineering Program, Education and
Human Resources, NSF
Jolene Kay Jesse is a Program Director for
the Research on Gender in Science and
Engineering program in the Directorate for
Education and Human Resources (EHR) at the National Science
Foundation. The program funds and promotes research into education and workforce issues aimed at broadening the participation
of women and girls across the science and engineering fields. It
also funds efforts to diffuse research based innovations in gender
equitable teaching, pedagogy, and counseling to practitioner audiences.
Before coming to NSF, Jolene conducted research on science,
technology, engineering and math education and policy issues,
with special emphasis on the representation of women and underrepresented minorities in those fields, at the American Association
for the Advancement of Science.
Eddie Bernice Johnson - U.S. Congress
30th Congressional District of Texas
Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson is
serving her ninth term representing the
30th Congressional District of Texas. The
30th District is entirely within Dallas County
and encompasses a large portion of the city
of Dallas as well as the entire cities of DeSoto, Lancaster, Wilmer,
Hutchins, and Balch Springs. Portions of the cities Cedar Hill,
Duncanville, Glenn Heights, Ferris, and Ovilla are also in the
district. The Dallas portion of the district is home to the
downtown central business district and Arts District, as well as the
neighborhoods of Fair Park, Cadillac Heights, the Cedars, Uptown,
Speaker Biographies
Oak Lawn, Bachman Lake, Urban Park, Pleasant Grove, Joppa,
South Oak Cliff, Deep Ellum, Munger Place, Swiss Avenue, Lower
Greenville, Forest Hills, and West Dallas.
Dallas specialize in working with all federal departments and
agencies to assist citizens in solving a wide range of individual
problems.
Congresswoman Johnson has been a member of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since being sworn
into office in January 1993. In 2007, Congresswoman Johnson
was appointed by House Transportation and Infrastructure
Committee Chairman James L. Oberstar (D-MN) to serve as
Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Water Resources and
Environment during the 110th Congress. She continues to hold
that position in the 111th Congress. The Subcommittee on Water
Resources and Environment has jurisdiction over water
conservation, pollution control, infrastructure, and hazardous
waste cleanup. The subcommittee is also responsible for
reauthorizing the Clean Water Act. Congressman Johnson also
serves on the Subcommittee on Aviation and the Subcommittee
on Railroad, Pipelines, and Hazardous Materials.
Congresswoman Johnson counts among her greatest
accomplishments her son, Kirk, and her three grandsons, Kirk Jr.,
David, and James.
Congresswoman Johnson is also a member of the House
Committee on Science and Technology, where she ranks third in
seniority. From 2000 to 2002, she was the Ranking Member of
the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education. She
remains a senior member of that subcommittee also serves on the
Subcommittee on Energy and the Environment.
Congresswoman Johnson is currently a Senior Democratic Deputy
Whip; Chair of the Texas Democratic Delegation; Chair of the
House Metro Congestion Coalition; and Co-Chair for the TEX-21
Congressional Caucus, which is a forum to address Texas
transportation needs through the reauthorization of TEA-21. In
addition, Congresswoman Johnson served as Chair of the
Congressional Black Caucus during the 107th Congress.
Since coming to Congress, Congresswoman Johnson has earned
the reputation of being a stateswoman on U.S. foreign policy and
has worked to improve human rights around the globe. Her
acclaimed initiative “Women for World Peace” has been nationally
and internationally recognized.
Congresswoman Johnson studied nursing at St. Mary's College at
the University of Notre Dame and earned a bachelor's degree in
nursing from Texas Christian University in 1967. She received a
master's degree in Public Administration from Southern Methodist
University in 1976 and subsequently served as the chief
psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Dallas.
Congresswoman Johnson was elected to the Texas House of
Representatives in 1972 and became the first woman in Texas
history to lead a major Texas House committee, the Labor
Committee. As an advocate for workers, children, and families,
she was recognized and appointed by President Jimmy Carter to
serve as Regional Director of the Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare in 1977.
In 1986, she was elected a Texas state Senator, becoming the
first African-American female from the Dallas area to hold this
office since Reconstruction.
Congresswoman Johnson is widely recognized as one of the most
effective legislators in Congress. She is credited with originally
authoring and co-authoring more than 120 bills that were passed
by the House and Senate and signed into law by the
President. She also has a long-standing reputation for providing
excellent constituent services. Her district offices in downtown
Tom Juliano - Academic Programs
Manager, American Society for
Engineering Education (ASEE)
Tom Juliano serves as the Academic
Programs Manager at the American Society
for Engineering Education (ASEE). ASEE
administers a number of governmentsponsored merit-based award programs in the science and
engineering fields, and Juliano helps lead outreach and recruiting
efforts for those programs.
Juliano has a broad range of experiences in his engineering
background and a strong interest in the educational arena. He
obtained a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University
of Illinois at Chicago in 2001, and a PhD degree in Materials
Engineering at Drexel University in 2004. During his studies, he
helped found student societies, was a teaching assistant, and
served as a research mentor for a number of students. After
graduation, he spent two and a half years working at the U.S.
Army Research Laboratory and taught part-time before coming to
ASEE.
Tiffani Bailey Lash - American
Association for the Advancement of
Science (AAAS) Science and Technology
Policy Fellow, National Institutes of
Health
Tiffani Bailey Lash is an American
(AAAS) Science and Technology Policy Fellow at the National
Institutes of Health. She has expertise in higher education policies
and diversity initiatives. Prior to her appointment at the NIH,
Bailey Lash was selected as a Science and Technology Policy
fellow at the National Academies working with both The
Committee on Science, Engineering, and Public Policy (COSEPUP)
and Center for the Advancement in Engineering Education
(CASEE).
Bailey Lash completed her doctorate in Chemistry from North
Carolina State University. Her interdisciplinary research focus was
on modifying chemical and physical properties at the liquid/solid
interface to address optimizing surface chemistry applications. Her
undergraduate studies were conducted at Hampton University,
where she earned her BS in Chemistry. Bailey Lash has been
involved in science and technology research since the age of 7
and is passionate about the importance of educational programs
to keep students in the Science and Technology pipeline.
Conference Program
27
Speaker Biographies
Alan I. Leshner - Chief Executive Officer,
American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Alan I. Leshner has been Chief Executive
Officer of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS) and
Executive Publisher of the journal Science
since December 2001. AAAS was founded in 1848 and is the
world's largest, multi-disciplinary scientific and engineering
society.
Before coming to AAAS, Leshner was Director of the National
Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) from 1994-2001. One of the
scientific institutes of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, NIDA
supports over 85% of the world's research on the health aspects
of drug abuse and addiction.
Before becoming Director of NIDA, Leshner had been the Deputy
Director and Acting Director of the National Institute of Mental
Health (NIMH). He went to NIMH from the National Science
Foundation (NSF), where he held a variety of senior positions,
focusing on basic research in the biological, behavioral and social
sciences, science policy and science education.
Leshner went to NSF after 10 years at Bucknell University, where
he was Professor of Psychology. He has also held long-term
appointments at the Postgraduate Medical School in Budapest,
Hungary; at the Wisconsin Regional Primate Research Center; and
as a Fulbright Scholar at the Weizmann Institute of Science in
Israel. Leshner is the author of a major textbook on the
relationship between hormones and behavior, and has published
over 150 papers for both the scientific and lay communities on the
biology of behavior, science and technology policy, science
education, and public engagement with science.
Leshner received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from
Franklin and Marshall College, and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in
Physiological Psychology from Rutgers University. He also has
been awarded five honorary Doctor of Science degrees. Leshner
is an elected fellow of AAAS, the National Academy of Public
Administration, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and
many other professional societies. He is a member (and on the
governing Council) of the Institute of Medicine of the National
Academies of Science. The U.S. President appointed Leshner to
the National Science Board in 2004. He is a member of the
Advisory Committee to the Director of NIH, and represents AAAS
on the U.S. Commission for UNESCO.
Michele Lezama - Executive Director, The
National GEM
Michele Lezama is the Executive Director of
The National GEM Consortium, a 501c(3)
organization, founded at the University of
Notre Dame, dedicated to increasing the
number of under-represented individuals
who pursue and receive a masters or PhD in Engineering or
Science by providing full fellowships and holding informational
programming on the application and graduate school experience.
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Conference Program
Lezama began her post as Executive Director of GEM after serving
over 5 years as Executive Director of the National Society of Black
Engineers (NSBE), a 501 c(3) organization whose mission is to
increase representation in the science, technology, engineering
and math (STEM) fields, by providing programming, scholarships,
and career placement from pre-college students through
professionals. Under Lezama’s leadership, NSBE received the
2003 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics
and Engineering Mentoring awarded by the White House’s Office
of Science and Technology.
Prior to NSBE, Lezama was the Director of Satellite Scrambling
Operations at Home Box Office (HBO), a Time Warner Company,
and prior to HBO she served as the Associate Director of
Broadcast Operations and System Integration at Columbia
Broadcasting System (CBS). Lezama was involved in a number of
exciting technical and financial projects during her media career,
specifically the creation of on-line scheduling for on-air programs
and commercials, the build-out of the technical studio for CBS’
Late Night with David Letterman, and multi-plexing of the HBO
and Cinemax brands.
Prior to Lezama’s media career she was an engineer with IBM in
their Poughkeepsie, Manhattan and Brooklyn facilities. Lezama
also held co-op positions with Raytheon and Texas Instruments.
Lezama earned her BS in Industrial Engineering at Northeastern
University and both her MS in Industrial Engineering and MBA in
Finance and Accounting from Columbia University. Lezama was
inducted into Tau Beta Pi, Alpha Pi Mu and is an alumnus of
Robert Toigo Financial Services and The National GEM Consortium
fellowship programs.
Johnalyn Lyles - Technology
Development Specialist, National
Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases
Johnalyn Lyles is a technology development
specialist for the National Institute of
Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases. In this capacity and in accordance with policies, rules
and regulations for Federal technology transfer, she advises the
Institute’s scientists on the further development of new
inventions, drafts and negotiates collaborative agreements, and
manages the Institutes intellectual property portfolio of patents
and licenses. She received her PhD in Neuroharmacology at the
University of Maryland, Baltimore; her doctoral research focused
on the effects of 3, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA,
ecstasy), a popular drug of abuse, on brain development in
Sprague Dawley rats following in utero exposure. She received a
bachelor's in Chemistry, summa cum laude from Johnson C. Smith
University where she completed her undergraduate thesis in
medicinal chemistry on application of the reaction between indole
and sodium bisulfite to indoles substituted in the three-position.
After completing her graduate studies, Lyles conducted research
at the National Institute on Drug Abuse and also worked for the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in the Biotechnology Division
examining neurobiology-related technologies, including biological
products and methods in international and U.S. patent
applications. She is the 1997 David and Lucile Packard Scholar
and a 2006 National Academies Christine Mirzayan Science and
Speaker Biographies
Technology Policy Fellow with the Policy and Global Affairs
Committee on Science Technology and Law.
Camille A. McKayle - Dean, Division of
Science and Mathematics, University of
the Virgin Islands
Camille A. McKayle received her B.S. in
Mathematics from Bates College, Lewiston
ME, and went on to receive her PhD, also in
Mathematics, from Lehigh University, in
Bethlehem PA. She taught for three years at Lafayette College,
Easton PA, before moving to the Virgin Islands in 1996, where she
is Dean of Science and Mathematics and Associate Professor of
Mathematics at the University of the Virgin Islands.
McKayle served as Co-Principal Investigator and project director
for the NSF Historically Black College and University
Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP) project at the University of
the Virgin Islands (UVI), as well as a variety of other grant
projects at the university that aimed to strengthen the quality of
the preparation that UVI students in science and mathematics,
with an overall goal of increasing the number of students that
choose graduate study in a Science, Technology, Engineering or
Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
From Fall 2005 to Summer 2008, McKayle was at the National
Science Foundation, in the role of Program Officer for the
Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate
Program in the Division of Human Resource Development, in the
Directorate for Education and Human Resources.
McKayle has been quite active in a variety of outreach activities
aimed at increasing interest in science and mathematics for
students in grades 3 through 12. These activities include GEMS
(Girls Exploring Math Stuff ) for 6th grade girls, MathLab for
students in third through seventh grade, Science Awareness
Saturday Academies and Summer Science Enrichments
Academies. Through these activities, she tries to relay her love
and enjoyment of mathematics to elementary, middle, and high
school students. She has also participated as organizer and
presenter in workshops for mathematics teachers in the Virgin
Islands.
Shirley M. Malcom - Director, Education
and Human Resources Programs, AAAS
Shirley M. Malcom is Head of the
Resources Programs of the American
(AAAS). The directorate includes AAAS
programs in education, activities for underrepresented groups,
and public understanding of science and technology. Malcom
serves on several boards—including the Heinz Endowments, the
H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics and the
Environment and University Corporation for Atmospheric
Research—and is an honorary trustee of the American Museum of
Natural History. In 2006 she was named as co-chair (with Leon
Lederman) of the National Science Board Commission on 21st
Century Education in STEM .
In addition, Malcom serves as a Regent of Morgan State
University and as a trustee of Caltech. In addition, she has
chaired a number of national committees addressing education
reform and access to scientific and technical education, careers
and literacy. Malcom is a former trustee of the Carnegie
Corporation of New York. She is a fellow of the AAAS and the
American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She served on the
National Science Board, the policymaking body of the National
Science Foundation from 1994 to 1998; and from 1994-2001 she
served on the President's Committee of Advisors on Science and
Technology.
Malcom received her doctorate in Ecology from The Pennsylvania
State University; master's degree in Zoology from the University
of California, Los Angeles; and bachelor's degree with distinction
in Zoology from the University of Washington. She also holds 15
honorary degrees. In 2003 Malcom received the Public Welfare
Medal of the National Academy of Sciences, the highest award
given by the Academy.
Larry Mattix - Associate Dean, School of
Science and Technology, Norfolk State
University
Larry Mattix is Professor of Physics at Norfolk State University. In 2002, he became
the Associate Dean of the School of Science
and Technology. Mattix is the Project Director for the STARS Program (Science and Technology Academicians on the Road to Success), Norfolk State University’s HBCUUP
Implementation Project. He directs and coordinates the University’s graduate Title III activities in Materials Science and led the
development of the PhD Program in Materials Science and Engineering, which begins in the fall of 2007.
His area of research specialization is magnetic relaxation in solids
and the applications of magnetic resonance to structural polymers. His research and educational efforts have resulted in numerous publications and external federal, state, and private funding. Mattix has more than 30 years of experience in higher education. Before his appointment as Associate Dean, he served as
Director for the Center for Materials Research at Norfolk State
University for three years. He was Chairman of the Department of
Physics at Norfolk State University for three years. In 1985, Mattix
helped to found the Dozoretz National Institute for Mathematics
and Applied Science, a science honors program at Norfolk State
University. He served as its Director for more than 12 years.
He graduated from Clark-Atlanta University (then Clark College) in
Atlanta, Georgia, with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. He earned
MS and PhD degrees in Solid State and Materials Physics from the
University of Illinois in Urbana and the College of William and
Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, respectively. He is a member of
Alpha Kappa Mu honor Society, Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society,
and Sigma Xi Research Honor Society. Mattix was also an Alpha
Phi Alpha Fraternity Scholar, an Institute for Services to Education
Fellow, and a National Research Council (NRC) Postdoctoral Fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C.
Conference Program
29
Speaker Biographies
James McGee - Dean, Kishwaukee
College
James McGee is the Dean of the MESH
(Math/Education/Science/Health) division at
Kishwaukee College in Illinois. He holds a
BS in Mathematics from Jackson State
University, a Masters of Applied
Mathematics and PhD in Mathematics from Auburn University.
Prior to joining Kishwaukee College, McGee was the chair of the
Mathematics Department at Malcolm X, one of the community
colleges that are collectively known as the City Colleges of
Chicago. Other positions included a faculty positions at Illinois
Institute of Technology in Chicago and a fellowship with the
National Research Institute in Washington, D.C.
Romain Murenzi - Senior Scholar, AAAS
and former Minister, Science, Technolgy,
and Scientific Research, Rwanda
Romain Murenzi is a Senior Scholar at AAAS
and the former Minister, Science, Technolgy, and Scientific Research, Rwanda.
Murenzi returned to his country of birth to
be appointed Minister of Education, Science, Technology and Scientific Research in August 2001 and served in various policy positions in Rwanda until 2009. Murenzi has served as teaching assistant, visiting professor, adjunct professor, and associate professors in Universities in Belgium, France and as Chair and full professor of the Department of Physics at Clark Atlanta University.
Murenzi completed his initial education in Burundi with a Bachelor
of Science in Mathematics from the University of Burundi. His
teaching career started as a secondary school teacher (for three
years) and visiting teaching assistant in Mathematics at the University of Burundi. In 1985 he was awarded a Fellowship to the
Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, where he earned his
Master of Science in Physics in 1986 and his Doctorate of Philosophy in Physics in 1990.
His research focuses on wavelets application to multidimensional
signal process and he coauthored a book on "Two-dimensional
wavelets and their relatives," He has seventy published articles
and conference papers, including science and technology policy
papers. Murenzi is a board member or advisor for the Development Gateway Foundation, the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International, and Scientists Without Borders, the African Institute of
Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) in South Africa, and the Scientific
Board of the UNESCO International Basic Science Program. In
addition he is the Vice President for Africa, Third World Academy
of Science (TWAS).
Joe Omojola - Professor of Mathematics
and Physics, Southern University at New
Orleans
Joe Omojola is currently a Professor of
Mathematics and Physics at Southern University at New Orleans (SUNO). He is also
the Campus Coordinator for SUNO’s Louisi-
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Conference Program
ana Alliance for Minority Participation (LAMP), the Director of
SUNO’s component of the Graduate Alliance for Education in Louisiana (GAELA), and one of two managers for the Program for
Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Computer Technology
(PESMaCT). Between these programs, over half a million dollars
per year in grants funding is attracted to SUNO. Previously, Omojola served as the Dean of the College of Science and as the Chair
of the Department of Mathematics and Physics.
Results of Omojola’s mentoring work among the poorest minority
population are very impressive. For instance, five of Omojola’s
former students from SUNO and one from Dillard University are
currently in graduate schools in mathematics and physics. In
2006, Omojola was awarded The National Role Model Award for
his dedication and commitment to the education of minority and
women and for increasing opportunities for the same group, in
the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)
workforce. Additionally, Omojola was nominated for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).
Through grants and other related activities, Omojola has been
able to foster effective collaborations with public school teachers
from the New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS) system and faculty
members from other institutions. Omojola has been a model of
passion, commitment, and dedication to teaching, mentoring, and
research. The broader impact of Omojola’s work is seen in the
number of his students being drawn into mentoring and
teaching.
Claudia Rankins – Program Director,
Resources, National Science Foundation
Claudia Rankins is a Program Officer in the
Resources at the National Science
Foundation. She manages the Historically
Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program (HBCUUP) which provides awards to enhance the quality of undergraduate science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) education and research at HBCUs as a means to broaden
participation in the Nation’s STEM workforce.
Rankins is on leave from Hampton University, where she is an
endowed Professor of Physics and has held positions as Dean of
the School of Science, Assistant Dean for Research, and Chairman
of the Department of Physics. She also directed five summer
science programs for students ranging from middle school
through post baccalaureate studies.
Her formal education includes military training, certification as
translator and interpreter for German, French and English, a BS in
Mathematics with a minor in Political Science, an MS in Statistics,
an MS in Physics, and a PhD in Physics with an emphasis in
theoretical nuclear physics.
From 2001 to 2008, Rankins secured over $8 million in external
grants that supported pre-college activities as well as
undergraduate education and research in STEM - two areas she
champions. Her current research interests focus on the issues
faced by women of color in STEM disciplines in academia.
Speaker Biographies
Allen Sessoms - President, University of
Allen Lee Sessoms assumed the presidency
of the University of the District of Columbia
on September 1, 2008.
Prior to joining UDC he served as the ninth
president of Delaware State University from July 1, 2003 until
August 31, 2008. Under his leadership, Delaware State developed
its first ever doctoral programs and now offers five doctoral
degrees in applied mathematics and theoretical physics,
educational leadership, applied optics, applied chemistry and
molecular neuroscience. Through academic restructuring,
Sessoms laid the foundation to attract more adult learners and
enhance online distance learning options. Through strategic
planning, Sessoms positioned the University to growth to 10,000
graduate and undergraduate students by 2017.
Sessoms came to Delaware State University after serving at
Harvard University as a fellow and lecturer of Public Policy at the
Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs in the
institution’s John F. Kennedy School of Government from 20002003. At Belfer, Sessoms taught on Mexico and led research on
international relations, national security, science and technology,
and energy research and development. He also served as
president of Queens College, which is part of the City University of
New York, from 1995-2000.
From 1993-1995,he served as an executive vice president and
from 1994-1995 as vice president of Academic Affairs at the
University of Massachusetts, a five-campus, 60,000-student
university system. Sessoms served 14 years for the U.S. State
Department. He served as a senior technical advisor for the
department’s Bureau of Oceans & International Environmental
and Scientific Affairs in Washington D.C. from 1980-82. From
1982-1987, he was the director of the bureau’s Office of
Technology & Safeguards. From 1987-1989, he served as a
counselor for Scientific and Technological Affairs in the U.S.
Embassy, Paris, France. He moved on to the U.S. Embassy in
Mexico, where he held the post of minister-counselor of Political
Affairs from 1989-1991, and then was elevated to deputy chief
minister of missions (deputy ambassador) from 1991-1993. In the
latter post, he managed the largest U.S. diplomatic mission in the
world and coordinated the implementation of all U.S. policies
pertaining to Mexico.
After earning his doctoral degree, Sessoms held post-doctoral
positions at Brookhaven National Laboratory in New York and at
the CERN in Geneva, Switzerland. Subsequently he served on the
faculty of physics at Harvard University. He has published a
number of important papers in scientific journals.
After earning his undergraduate degree from Union College, N.Y.
in 1968, he completed a Master of Science Degree in Physics at
the University of Washington in 1969. He later earned a Master of
Philosophy Degree in 1971 and a Doctor of Science Degree in
Physics in 1972 at Yale University. In addition to his native
English, Sessoms also speaks Spanish, French and German.
Dwayne Smith - Vice President for
Academic Affairs, Harris-Stowe State
University
Dwayne Smith, a native of St. Louis, is the
vice president for academic affairs at Harris
Stowe State University. Smith attended
Truman State University (formerly
Northeast Missouri State University), where he earned his B.S.
degree in psychology in 1984, and his M.A. degree in education
administration in 1991. He went on to earn his PhD from the
University of Missouri-Columbia in educational leadership and
policy analysis with emphasis areas in multicultural education and
black studies. He also completed the management development
program at Harvard University. Smith is a founding board member
of Kirksville’s Habitat for Humanity, and has previously received
Truman’s Multicultural Alumni of the Year Award.
Gail Smith - Acting Assistant Provost,
Graduate Center, City University of New
York
Gail Smith received her BA from Montclair
State University, MA from Columbia
University, and PhD from New York
University, with a doctoral thesis entitled,
“The Importance of Miracle to the Religion of Plutarch of
Chaeroneia.” In addition to teaching at Brooklyn College and
conducting research in the area of Classical Studies, Smith has
served as Acting Assistant Provost at the Graduate Center,
providing leadership in University-wide diversity initiatives
designed to broaden the participation of under-represented
groups in the academy. She launched and directed the CUNY
Pipeline Program for Careers in College Teaching and Research
and, as Head of the Diversity Office at the Graduate Center
supervising a staff of seven, served as principal investigator and
program director of the NIH/Bridges to the Doctorate and the
NSF/AGEP Programs. Most recently, Smith was among the CUNY
faculty and administrators recognized for securing major
institutional grants in 2006.
Michael Smith - Vice President of Digital
Media Studies and ICT Program
Chairman, University of Trinidad and
Tobago
Michael Smith is the Vice President of
Digital Media Studies and ICT Program
Chairman at the University of Trinidad and
Tobago. He has developed seminal audio and image processing
systems for video content analysis and improved video search,
recommendation and visualization. As part of the Informedia
Video Library project at Carnegie Mellon University, he developed
and patented technology for video search and summarization,
which was licensed to Sonic Foundry and Sony. He has worked as
a visiting professor at the University of Texas in Austin,
Morehouse College, the University of Campinas, Brazil, the
University of California at Berkeley and he recently completed a
Fulbright fellowship at the University of Capetown, South Africa.
He is a digital media consultant to the NSF Broadening
Conference Program
31
Speaker Biographies
Participation in Computing Digital Library Project at U.C. Berkeley
and a program manager with the NSF HBCU Research Alliance for
graduate studies in computer science. Smith holds a PhD in
Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon
University, a Master's in Electrical Engineering from Stanford
University, and a Bachelor's degree from Tuskegee University and
North Carolina A&T State University.
Sonya J. Snedecor - Associate Director of
Health Economics, Pharmerit North
America
Sonya J. Snedecor is the Associate Director
of Health Economics at Pharmerit North
America, a contract research organization in
the Washington, D.C. area whose aim is to
understand the value of health care interventions. She holds a
B.A. in Mathematics from Hampton University and an M.S. and
PhD in Biomathematics from UCLA. Her graduate studies were
supported by grants from the Packard Foundation, the Office of
Naval Research, and the National Institute of General and Medical
Sciences. She has also completed post-doctoral fellowships in
Biostatistics and Pharmaceutical Economics, the latter as a UNCFMerck Science Initiative Fellow. Sonya utilizes her mathematical
training at Pharmerit by designing and conducting epidemiologic
and health economic evaluations for clients worldwide.
James H. Stith - Retired and former Vice
President, Physics Resources Center,
American Institute of Physics
James H. Stith is the former Vice President
of the Physics Resources Center for the
American Institute of Physics. He directed a
broad portfolio of programs and services
that included AIP’s Magazine Division, the Media and Government
Relations Division, the Education Division, the Center for the
History of Physics, the Statistical Research Division and the
Careers Division.
His Doctorate in physics was earned from The Pennsylvania State
University, and his Masters and Bachelors in physics were
received from Virginia State University. A physics education
researcher, his primary interests are in Program Evaluation, and
Teacher Preparation and Enhancement. Throughout his career, he
has been an advocate for programs that ensure ethnic and gender
diversity in the sciences.
Stith was formerly a Professor of Physics at The Ohio State
University and also spent 21 years on the faculty of the United
States Military Academy at West Point. He has also been a Visiting
Associate Professor at the United Air Force Academy, a Visiting
Scientist at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a Visiting
Scientist at the University of Washington, and an Associate
Engineer at the Radio Cooperation of America. He is a past
president of the American Association of Physics Teachers, past
president of the National Society of Black Physicists, a Fellow of
the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a
Fellow of the American Physical Society, a Chartered Fellow of the
National Society of Black Physicists, and a member of the Ohio
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Conference Program
Academy of Science. In 2004 he was named one of “50 Most
Important Blacks in Research Science” by the magazines Science
Spectrum and US Black Engineer & Information Technology.
Additionally, he serves on a number of national and international
Advisory Boards and has been awarded a Doctor of Humane
Letters by his alma mater, Virginia State University. In October
2005, he was named an Alumni Fellow, the highest honor given
by the Pennsylvania State University Alumni Association.
Sadanand Srivastava - Chair,
Department of Computer Science, Bowie
State University
Sadanand Srivastava is a Professor and
Chair of the Department of Computer
Science. He has been associated with the
Bowie State University (BSU) for the last 37
years. His teachings in India, Canada, and Iraq have provided him
with a global perspective in education. Srivastava has been
engaged in active research throughout his career. His work has
been published in national and international journals. His areas of
interest have been applied analysis, computational methods,
artificial intelligence, and user interface systems. Throughout his
tenure at BSU, Srivastava has been working on funded projects
with NASA, the Department of Defense, and NSF.
Srivastava is Project Director of the project BETTER (NSF:HBCUUP Program). He was Conference Chair for the 7th Annual HBCUUP Conference in Baltimore. Srivastava is the Institutional Director
of the Chesapeake Information-Based Aeronautics Consortium (a
NASA-funded project). He was PI of several funded research
projects, such as a multiyear (1998–2003) NSF infrastructure
grant (Project LEARN), a 3-year (1999–2002) NSF collaborative
grant (CERI), a NASA grant (Agent-Based Information Processing
Systems), and an NSA/UMBC grant (Document Ontology and
Agent Monitors). He was an institutional representative on MCTP
(an NSF-funded project for the Maryland Collaborative Teachers
Preparation program).
Srivastava was a member of the Board of Directors for MAITI
(Maryland Applied Information Technology Initiative) and was also
a member of the Advisory Board for GAANN (Graduate
Assistance in Areas of National Need).
Marilyn Suiter – Program Director,
Marilyn J. Suiter is a geologist and educator
with more than twenty-five years of experience. She is a Program Director in the Education and Human Resources Directorate
(EHR) at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Her responsibilities are in (geo) science education and diversity issues as they are
implemented in K-12, undergraduate, and graduate education.
Suiter recently completed a fifteen-month detail in the Budget
Division of the NSF Office of Budget, Finance and Award Management (BFA). The position involved NSF-wide performance activities including, but not limited to: The Government Performance
Speaker Biographies
and Results Act, OMB’s Program Assessment Rating Tool and
Budget-Performance integration activities in the President’s Management Agenda, with particular focus on the Advisory Committee
for GPRA Performance Assessment.
She has served as a program officer with the Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Program, and the
CREST/SBIR-IIP partnership, and manages the Cooperative Activity with Department of Energy Programs for Education and Human Resource Development. Suiter’s career has included positions
as Director of Education and Human Resources at the American
Geological Institute, Exploration Geologist for Cities Service Oil &
Gas, Geologist for the U.S. Geological Survey, and educator positions at American University and in the Philadelphia Public
Schools. Suiter is an AAAS Fellow. In addition to her wide-ranging
interests and experience in geosciences education and workforce
issues, she retains a special interest in activities in professional
societies and has held offices in the Association for Women Geoscientists, the Association for Women in Science, and the Geological Society of America.
Kendra Taylor - Senior Consultant,
Booz-Hamilton
Kendra C. Taylor is a Senior Consultant with
Booz Allen Hamilton. She has leveraged her
applied math background to study operations, improve processes and frame executive decisions. She has worked with clients
in local and federal government and not-for-profit organ-izations.
Her past projects include performing decision analytics and model
-ing for a government agency, market segmentation for a major
health-focused non-profit and strategic planning for a local
community re-development project.
Taylor completed her BS degree in mathematics from Hampton
University, and her MS and PhD in Industrial Engineering from the
Georgia Institute of Technology. She received the 2007 Power 30
Under 30 award in the Science and Technology category in 2007
and the Booz Allen Hamilton Involvement & Impact Award in
2008.
Sandra Thomas - Executive Director of
the Institute for Broadening
Participation and Senior Administrator,
IGERT National Recruitment Program
Sandra H. Thomas is currently the
Executive Director of the Institute for
Broadening Participation and Senior
Administrator for the IGERT National Recruitment Program.
Previously Thomas was the Vice President for Programs at the
Island Institute, a small non-profit educational organization on the
coast of Maine. Prior to that, she developed and directed two
fellowship programs based at the University of Michigan. One
was sponsored by USAID for graduate students who served
overseas on two-year assignments and the other was a short term
interdisciplinary fellowship program supported by the MacArthur
Foundation. She has over twenty years of experience in the
administration of inter-disciplinary science and education projects.
Her experience includes all aspects of project manage-ment and
student recruitment and retention. She played a central role in
developing a successful multi-institutional IGERT proposal at the
University of Michigan in 1999 which was recently renewed.
Linda P. Thurston - Program Director
in the Research in Disability Education
(RDE), National Science Foundation
(NS)
Linda P. Thurston is a Program Director in
the Research in Disability Education (RDE)
program at the National Science
Foundation. Linda comes to the NSF from Kansas State University
where she is a professor of special education, assistant dean in
the College of Education, and Director of the Office of Educational
Innovation and Evaluation (OEIE). The evaluation center she
founded and directed has evaluated projects in many NSF
programs, such as STEP, IGERT, ADVANCE, GSE, EPSCoR, and GK
-12. She has been a PI on projects from DOE, HHS, and NSF.
Thurston has been a public school teacher, a clinical psychologist
working with children and families, a university professor and
administrator and an evaluator.
Renetta Tull - Assistant Dean, Graduate
Student Development and UMBC Director
of PROMISE: Maryland’s Alliance for
Graduate Education and the
Professoriate (AGEP)
Renetta Garrison Tull, PhD is the Assistant
Dean for Graduate Student Development
and Director, PROMISE: Maryland's Alliance for Graduate
Education (AGEP). PROMISE: Maryland's AGEP is an alliance of
the three public research universities in Maryland, led by UMBC,
dedicated to the increasing the number and diversity of PhD
graduates in the sciences and engineering who go on to academic
careers.
The alliance between UMBC, UMB, and UMCP encourages
interaction between the university communities. Each university
will develop its own set of activities in three areas: 1) cultivating
new graduate students; 2) building a supportive community
where students can excel; and 3) promoting professional
development. Although some of the activities will be on individual
campuses, one of the keys to the success of PROMISE: Maryland’s
AGEP is the development and implementation of activities that
promote successful recruitment, retention, graduation, and
professorial training that will involve and engage students from all
three campuses.
PROMISE uniquely serves the needs of graduate students across
three campuses through activities that range from retreats,
seminars, and conferences, to informal discussions during
breakfast. The services and programs of PROMISE are open to all
graduate students who are seeking or interested in obtaining the
PhD, regardless of discipline. The focus of the services and
programs is geared toward one of the goals of PROMISE: To
increase the numbers and diversity of Maryland's graduate
student population in sciences, technology, engineering, and math
(STEM) fields. The services and programs of PROMISE will always
reflect this goal. PROMISE seeks to increase diverse
Conference Program
33
Speaker Biographies
representation by designing programs that will successfully
cultivate new students from diverse ethnicities; and facilitate
retention, successful graduation through the PhD, and preparation
for the professoriate.
Wanda E. Ward - Acting Assistant
Director, Directorate for Education and
Human Resources, National Science
Foundation (NSF)
Wanda E. Ward is the Acting Assistant
Director for Education and Human
(NSF). Throughout her tenure at NSF, Ward has served in a
number of science and engineering policy, planning, and program
capacities in the Directorate for Education and Human Resources
(1992-1997; 2006-present), Office of the NSF Director (19971999); and Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic
Sciences (1999-2006). From 2001-2002 she was on assignment at
the Council on Competitiveness as Chief Advisor to the initiative,
BEST (Building Engineering and Science Talent), where she
provided leadership in the launch and development of this publicprivate partnership, established to carry out the implementation of
a national diversity initiative called for by the Congressional
Commission on the Advancement of Women and Minorities in
Science, Engineering and Technology Development.
Since joining the Foundation, Ward has also led or served on
several NSF and interagency task forces, working groups,
commissions and committees. These include: Co-Chair,
Subcommittee on Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences
(SBES), the President's National Science and Technology Council
(NSTC) Committee on Science (COS , 2004-2005); NSF
representative to the Interagency Working Group on the U.S.
Science and Technology Workforce of the Future, NSTC COS
(1997-1999); Executive Liaison to the Co-Vice Chair of the NSTC
former Committee on Education and Training (CET) and Executive
Secretary of the NSTC CET Subcommittee on Excellence in
Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Education (1994-1996).
Ward has forged international research and workforce
development collaborations in both developed and developing
nations, including in China, Europe and Africa. Since 2007, she
has served as a member of the International Social Science Council
(ISSC) Committee for Developing and Transition Economies
(CoDATE).
Prior to joining NSF, Ward served as tenured Associate Professor
of Psychology and Founding Director of the Center for Research
on Multi-Ethnic Education at the University of Oklahoma, Norman.
She took the B.A. in Psychology and the Afro-American Studies
Certificate from Princeton University and the Ph.D. in Psychology
from Stanford University.
Ward was awarded the Ford Foundation Fellowship, the 2005
American Psychological Association Presidential Citation, the 2006
Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Executive and the 2006
Richard T. Louttit Award.
34
Conference Program
Richard Weibl - Director, Center for
Careers in Science and Technology,
AAAS
Richard Weibl is Director of the AAAS Center
for Careers in Science and Technology
(www.aaas.org). He works with AAAS career
development programs to strengthen their
offerings and to create new opportunities to support the career
aspirations and development needs of future and current
scientists.
Weibl joined AAAS in 2005 after a tour of service in the U.S.
Peace Corps as an education and community development
volunteer based in the Northwest Province of South Africa. Before
the Peace Corps, Weibl served as U.S. editor for Science’s Next
Wave (www.sciencecareers.org) and as editor at Next Wave’s
Postdoc Network (now the National Postdoctoral Association,
www.nationalpostdoc.org). From November 1996 to June 2001,
he was manager of the national Preparing Future Faculty
(www.preparing-faculty.org) program and Director of Programs,
Education and Institutional Initiatives at the Association of
American Colleges and Universities and the Council of Graduate
Schools. Earlier, he served in research and administrative
positions at Antioch College, Ohio State University, Marquette
University, Longwood College, and University of Georgia. You can
contact Weibl at, Director, Center for Careers in Science and
Technology, AAAS, 1200 New York Ave., NW, Washington, DC
20005. Email: [email protected], www. aaascenterforcareers.org.
James Wyche - Division Director, Division
of Human Resource Development (HRD),
Resources (EHR), NSF
James H. Wyche received his undergraduate
degree from Cornell University in 1965 with
a B.S. degree in microbiology. He received
his PhD at Johns Hopkins in Biology in 1972. His thesis problem
was in the area of histidine amino acid biosynthesis and genetic
analyses using the microbe, Salmonella typhimurium. Upon receiving his PhD, he went to the University of California at Berkeley
as a postdoctoral fellow in the Biochemistry Department working
on the regulation of histidine biochemistry.
In 1973, his second postdoctoral appointment was at the University of California, San Diego working on problems related to cellular endocrinology in animal cells. His first academic position
(1974) at University of Missouri - Columbia was a joint appointment in the Departments of Biological Sciences (Arts & Sciences)
and Biochemistry (Medical School). He moved to Hunter College,
City University of New York to take a position in the Department
of Biology in 1981. During the course of a sabbatical leave in 1987
at Stanford Medical School, he left to take the position of Associate Dean of Biology and Medicine and Associate Professor of
Medical Science at Brown University. In 1991 he was appointed
Associate Provost and created with President Vartan Gregorian
the Leadership Alliance (www.theleadershipalliance.org) based at
Brown University with 23 member institutions to advance the
number of underrepresented students going into academe and
private industry, and to advance minority faculty development.
Speaker Biographies
From 1991 to 2001 he served as Executive Director of the Alliance
and its national programs as well as other international student
and faculty research initiatives in sixteen countries while conducting an active research program as Professor of Medical Science at
Brown. From 2001-02 he served as interim-president at Tougaloo
College, Jackson, MS and then Vice-Provost and Dean, College of
Arts & Science (2002-04) and Professor of Biology and Pharmacology (2002-2005) at the University of Miami. He moved to the
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center as Vice Provost
and Professor of Biochemistry from July 2005 - February 2007 and
left to create and head PanCagen, Inc. with six other scientists to
link their efforts for new drug development for pancreatic cancer.
Awareness Show, and occasionally guest hosts Public Access talk
shows. She is a corporate science fair judge, keynote and
commencement speaker. Her most rewarding activity has been
as a tutor and mentor with the Saturdays Towards Excellence
Program, tutoring math and science to Fairfax County Virginia
middle and high school students.
He has received grants from, consulted and served on panels for
the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation
and private foundations. He has been an active member of the
American Society for Cell Biology and the American Society for
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, having also served on their
national and international scientific committees. His current and
past research interests involved investigating basic mechanisms
regulating cell death or apoptosis in human cancer cells as a
model system for studying the effect of natural products and their
analogs on killing cancer cells.
Karolyn Young - Systems Director,
Launch Directorate Advanced Programs
Division,The Aerospace Corporation
Karolyn D. Young is the Systems Director of
the Launch Directorate Advanced Programs
Division at The Aerospace Corporation. The
division is responsible for launch vehicle
studies and analysis in support of all directorates and launch
integration for technology demonstration missions of The National
Reconnaissance Office (NRO). She applies launch system
expertise to future NRO space systems, evaluates emerging
launch technologies, and coordinates the efforts of program and
engineering support staff from a variety of disciplines.
Young holds BS and MS degrees in Aerospace Engineering, from
The University of Michigan. She has been a guest lecturer at
Univerisity of Michigan, College of Aerospace Engineering.
Young joined Aerospace as a summer intern, following her
freshman year at Michigan. Over the years, she has held
positions of increasing responsibility, supporting tasks ranging
from software tool development to orbit sustenance and
constellation coverage studies. As a mission planner, she
provided early orbit operations technical support (determining
spacecraft orbit and attitude maneuvers) for twelve NAVSTAR
Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) missions and other
classified missions.
Young is Vice-President of the GEM (Graduate Degrees for
Minorities in Engineering) Alumni Association; a member of The
National Society of Black Engineers, Washington D.C. Alumni
Chapter; an instructor at The Aerospace Institute; and a member
of the USRA Center for Nuclear Research Science Council. As a
member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), she is an actor and
voice-over professional. A volunteer and producer at Fairfax
Channel 10, Young works behind the scenes on the Disabilities
Conference Program
35
Judges
Shereen Abdel Kader
Khalilah Burton
Harris-Stowe State University
Education
J.F. Drake State Technical College
Natural Sciences
Oludurotimi Adetunji
Hang Chen
The Ohio State University
Physics
Adedoyin Adeyiga
Cheyney University of PA
Chemistry
Krishan Agrawal
Virginia State University
Mathematics
Godwin Ananaba
Clark Atlanta University
Molecular Cell Biology
Ali Ansari
Engineering
Adedayo Ariyibi
Tuskegee University
Veterinary Medicine/Biology
Oluwole Ariyo
Allen University
Biology
Ronald Banks
Manufacturing Systems
Cynthia Bauerle
HHMI
Biology
Pradeep Behera
University of The District of Columbia
Civil Engineering
Gregory Bogin
Colorado School of Mines
Physics/Mechanical Engineering
Ruby Broadway
Dillard University
Biology
Tony Bryant
Engineering
Lecretia Buckley
Jackson State University
Mathematics Education
Cynthia Burroughs
Philander Smith College
Biology
36
Conference Program
Johnson C. Smith University
Computer Science and Engineering
John Chikwem
Lincoln University
Biology
Morris Clarke
Winston-Salem State University
Pharmacology
Chekesha Clingman
Cyntrica Eaton
Norfolk State University
Computer Science
Lourdes Echegoyen
American Chemical Society
Chemistry
Maurice Edington
Florida A&M University
Physical Chemistry
Greg Engel
University of Chicago
Chemistry, Photosynthesis & Chemical Physics
Sayo Fakayode
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Biophysics/Public Health
Chemistry
Paul Cotae
Jacqueline Farr
The University of The District of Columbia
Digital Communications
Talladega College
Psychology
Vivian Counts
Masoud Feizi
Benedict College
Chemistry
Fort Valley State University
Computer and Mathematics
Susan Curtis
Juan E. Figueroa
Bennett College for Women
Chemistry
Physics and Engineering
Kessler Daniel
Enectali Figueroa-Feliciano
University of Pennsylvania
Cell and Developmental Biology
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Physics
Kimberly Davis
Elham Fini
Talladega College
Computer Science
North Carolina A&T State University
Engineering
Melinda Davis
Krishna Foster
Biological Sciences
California State University, Los Angeles
Physical and Environmental Chemistry
Saundra DeLauder
Terezinha Galvao
North Carolina Central University
Chemistry
Spelman College
Environmental Sciences
Nelly Delessy-Gassant
Matthew George, Jr.
Grambling State University
Computer Science
Howard University
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Sarwan Dhir
Jafar Gharavi Naeini
Plant Science
Physics
Freddie Dixon
Hadiyah-Nicole Green
University of the District of Columbia
Biology
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Physics
Mostafa Dokhanian
Kendra Greenlee
Alabama A&M University
Optics, Applied Physics
North Dakota State University
Physiology
Judges
Patrice Gregory
Marcus Jones
Camille McKayle
University of Maryland
Mechanical Engineering
J. Craig Venter Institute/NYU School of
Medicine
Microbiology/Genomics
Mathematics
Tamekia Jones
Biology
Muthukumaran Gunasekaran
Fisk University
Biology
Yahia Hamada
LeMoyne-Owen College
Chemistry
University of Florida/Children's Oncology
Group
Biostatistics
Murty Kambhampati
Hyoil Han
Computer Science
Southern University at New Orleans
Biology; Environmental Science
Alvin Kennedy
Katrina Harden Williams
Spelman College
Mathematics
Jill Harp
Winston Salem State University
Biology or Chemistry
Ahmasi Harris
BAE Systems
Applied Physics
Kelley Harris-Johnson
University of Wisconson-Madison
Plant Development & Developmental Biology
Carolyn Henderson
Drake State Technical College
Math
Karl Henry
J. F. Drake State Technical College
Technology and Engineering
DeMarc Hickson
Jackson State University/University of
Mississippi Medical Center
Biostatistics
Morgan State University
Chemistry
Kelvin Kirby
Prairie View A&M University
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Karmen Kizzie
Howard University
Education & Psychology
Ravindra Kumar
Shaw University
Physics
Jonathan Lambright
Savannah State University
Engineering
Jennifer Loros
Dartmouth Medical School
Genetics, Molecular biology
Johnalyn Lyles
NIH
Neuropharmacology
Arlene Maclin
Jonathan Hodge
NovaLink, Inc
Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics
Grand Valley State University
Mathematics
Wagdy Mahmoud
Patrick Inyangetor
Allen University
Biological Sciences
Richard Mason, Jr.
Johnny Johnson
Georgia Institute of Technology
Chemistry
Physiology
James McGee
Kayenda Johnson
Kishwaukee College
Mathematics
SA Technologies
Human Factors Engineering
Richard McGinnis
Joyelle Jones
Tougaloo College
Chemistry
Princeton University
Electrical Engineering
Ishara Mills
Eric Mintz
Chemistry
Rachel Mizzell
Texas Southern University
Business
Tracey Modeste
Biology & Marine Science
Renee Moore
University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine
Biostatistics
Timothy Moore
Physiological Psychology
Knashawn Morales
Biostatistics
Lycurgus Muldrow
Morehouse College
Molcular Biology
Krishna Kumar Nedunuri
Central State University
Gaston N'Guerekata
Mathematics
Moses Olobatuyi
Sociology
Joe Omojola
Mathematics, Physics, Engineering
Esther Ososanya
Cass Parker
Chemistry
Reginald Perry
Florida A&M Univeristy
Conference Program
37
Judges
Timothy Pinkston
Ernest Steele
Victor Wyatt
University of Southern California
Biology
USDA
Chemistry
Manu Platt
Julie Stenken
Biomedical Engineering
University of Arkansas
Analytical Chemistry
Ann Podleski
Mathematics
Robert Stolz
Raynetta Prevo
Jamil Talukder
Mathematics
Alabama State University
Mathematics
Biology
Mialy Rabe
Guoqing Tang
Shaw University
Biology
Mathematics
Jacqueline Roussseau
Colleen Taylor
NOAA/Office of Education
Environmental Sciences
Chemistry
April Savoy
Kendra Taylor
SA Technologies
Industrial Engineering/Comp. Science
Booz Allen Hamilton
Industrial Engineering
Maureen Scott
Doyle Temple
Biology
Hampton University
Physics
Naidu Seetala
Alicia Thomas
Grambling State University
Physics
Morehouse College
Computer Science
Muhammad Shafi
Illya Tietzel
Biology
Biology-Microbiology
Bernard Singleton
Anissa Vines
Dillard University
Biology
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Epidemiology
Aubrey Smith
Gordana Vlahovic
Montgomery College
Biochemistry
Earth Sciences
Dwyane Smith
Nicki Washington
Education
Howard University
Computer Science
Earl Smith
Alveda Williams
R&D Leader, Strategic Recruitment
Tuskegee University
Xueqing Song
Dow Chemical Company
Leyte Winfield
Chemistry
Spelman College
Organic Chemistry/Biomedical
Sadanand Srivastava
Angela Winstead
Bowie State University
Computer Science
38
Conference Program
Chemistry
Packard Scholars
Gregory Bogin
Joyelle Jones
Nicki Washington
Asst. Research Professor
Colorado School of Mines
Physics/Mechanical Engineering
Graduate Student
Electrical Engineering
Assistant Professor
Howard University
Computer Science
Travis Brown
Marcus Jones
Manager
Tufts University
Biology
Staff Scientist/Adjunct Assistant Professor
J. Craig Venter Institute/NYU School of
Medicine
Microbiology/Genomics
Alveda Williams
R&D Leader, Strategic Recruitment
Lecretia Buckley
Associate Professor
Jackson State University
Mathematics Education
Chekesha Clingman
Senior Scientific Program Manager
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Biophysics/Public Health
Cyntrica Eaton
Assistant Professor
Computer Science
Maurice Edington
Associate Professor
Florida A&M University
Physical Chemistry
Krishna Foster
Associate Professor
California State University, Los Angeles
Physical and Environmental Chemistry
Hadiyah-Nicole Green
Doctoral Graduate Student
The University of Alabama at Birmingham
Physics
Patrice Gregory
Phd Candidate
University of Maryland
Ahmasi Harris
Senior Research Scientist
BAE Systems
Applied Physics
Kelley Harris-Johnson
Research Associate
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Plant Development and Developmental
Biology
DeMarc Hickson
Assistant Professor
Jackson State University/University of
Mississippi Medical Center
Biostatistics
Tamekia Jones
Research Assistant Professor
University of Florida/Children's Oncology
Group
Dow Chemical Company
Victor Wyatt
Research Chemist
USDA
Chemistry
Brandon Lucas
NNIN/University of Michigan
Johnalyn Lyles
Technology Transfer Development Specialist
NIH
James McGee
Dean
Kishwaukee College
Mathematics
Renee Moore
Asst Professor of Biostatistics
Biostatistics
Knashawn Morales
Assistant Professor
Biostatistics
Manu Platt
Assistant Professor
Biomedical Engineering
April Savoy
Research Associate
SA Technologies
Industrial Engineering/Comp. Science
Sonya Snedecor
Associate Director Health Economics
Pharmerit North America
Health Economics
Kendra Taylor
Senior Consultant
Booz Allen Hamilton
Industrial Engineering
Anissa Vines
Research Assistant Professor
Epidemiology
Conference Program
39
Exhibitor Listing
T ABLE #
I NSTITUTION
Foyer #2
AAAS
Foyer #1
AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships
T ABLE #
I NSTITUTION
30
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure
Network (NNIN)
24
National Research Council of the National
Academies
51
NOAA/ Office of Education
11
Ohio State University
39
Rice University
31
American Society for Biochemistry and
Molecular Biology
5
American Society for Microbiology
16
Association of American Veterinary Medical
Colleges
55
Boston College
42
SOARS-UCAR
36
Carnegie Mellon University
19
South Carolina State University
9
CDC National Center for Environmental
Health
15
Stanford University
44
Columbia University School of Engineering
and Applied Science
41
Stony Brook University Center for Inclusive
Education
7
Cornell University
17
Texas A&M University - Graduate Studies
48
CUNY Graduate Center
29
The Pennsylvania State University
13
Dartmouth College
2
The University of Alabama
4
The University of Iowa
18
UCLA-Center for Embedded Networked
Sensing
46
University of Arkansas Graduate School
22
University of California San Diego & Scripps
Institution of Oceanography
35
University of California, Davis
14
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
21
University of Houston
12
University of Minnesota
3
University of Minnesota's Combined MD/
PhD Training Program
45
University of New Mexico
37
27
University of Pennsylvania
38
University of Pittsburgh
43
University of South Florida
53
University of Texas at Brownsville
25
University of Washington
34, 47
Washington University in St. Louis-School
of Medicine
Foyer #3
Department of Energy
40
Emory University School of Medicine, MD/
PhD Program
52
Environmental Protection Agency, National
Center for Environmental Research
23
Georgia Tech/MDITR
49
Hampton University
26
Harvard University
28
Indiana University
1
Indiana University, Bloomington
20
Iowa State University
10
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public
Health
33
Johns Hopkins University Arts & Science,
Engineering
54
Keck Graduate Institute of Applied
Life Sciences
8
50
MassNanoTech, University of Massachusetts
Amherst
6
Medical University of South Carolina
32
Montclair State University
Conference Program
41
Exhibitor Descriptions
Foyer #2
AAAS
1200 New York Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20005
Contact: Allison Pritchard
[email protected]
Science Careers, published by Science and AAAS, offers the key
resources you need to advance your career. Thousands of
searchable jobs from industry, academia, and government are
available online. The free website also offers Job Alert e-mails,
Career Advice, a Resume/CV Database and more. Be sure to visit
our Diversity portal on ScienceCareers.org.
Foyer #1
AAAS S&T Policy Fellowships
1200 New York Avenue NW
Contact: Vicky Ramirez-Rahamatali
[email protected]
APPLY YOUR SCIENCE TO SERVE SOCIETY
For 36 years, the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships
have provided scientists and engineers with a unique opportunity
to apply their knowledge and skills to national and international
issues in the federal policy realm, while learning first-hand how to
craft policy in Congress and implement policy in more than 15
federal agencies.
To learn more about the Fellowships, access
www.fellowships.aaas.org
To apply, applicants must:
Hold a doctoral degree in any scientific field or an MS in
engineering with three years of experience
Exhibit good communication skills and the ability to engage with
non-scientific audiences
Demonstrate problem-solving ability, flexibility, and leadership
Hold U.S. citizenship
Benefits:
Stipend of $73,000 to $95,000
Relocation Allowance up to $4,000
Health Insurance
Travel/Training up to $4,000 Fellowships begin September 1 and
end August 31. AAAS accepts online applications only by 15
December at www.fellowships.aaas.org
Table #31
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
9650 Rockville Pike
Bethesda, MD 20814
Contact: Weiyi Zhao
[email protected]
The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
(ASBMB) is a nonprofit scientific and educational organization with
over 12,000 members.
42
Conference Program
Founded in 1906, the Society is based in Bethesda, Maryland, on
the campus of the Federation of American Societies for
Experimental Biology. The Society's purpose is to advance the
science of biochemistry and molecular biology through publication
of scientific and educational journals: the Journal of Biological
Chemistry, Molecular & Cellular Proteomics, and the Journal of
Lipid Research, organization of scientific meetings, advocacy for
funding of basic research and education, support of science
education at all levels, and promoting the diversity of individuals
entering the scientific workforce.
Table #5
American Society for Microbiolgy
1752 N Street NW
Contact: Tiffani Fonseca
[email protected]
The American Society for Microbiology (ASM) is the largest
scientific society of individuals interested in the microbiological
sciences. The ASM Education Board offers a variety of programs
and opportunities for undergraduate students, graduate students
and postdoctoral scientists. ASM also offers intensive, interactive,
hands-on training professional development programs for
graduate and postdoctoral scientists, focusing on presentation and
career planning, scientific and grant writing, publishing, and
teaching strategies.
The Education Board programs and opportunities include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
ASM/CCID Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
ASM Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship
ASM Undergraduate Research Fellowship (URF)
ASM Microbiology Undergraduate Research Fellowship (MURF)
ASM Undergraduate Teaching Fellowship (UTF)
ASM Kadner Institute
ASM Scientific Writing and Publishing Institute
For more information on the fellowship programs, please visit
www.asm.org/students.
For more information on the Institutes, please visit
www.asmgap.org.
Table #16
Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
1101 Vermont Ave NW, Ste 301
Contact: Lisa Greenhill
[email protected]
The Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC)
provides leadership for and promotes excellence in academic
veterinary medicine to prepare the veterinary workforce with the
scientific knowledge and skills required to meet societal needs
through the protection of animal health, the relief of animal
suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of
public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.
AAVMC pursues its mission by providing leadership in:
• Advocating on behalf of academic veterinary medicine
• Serving as a catalyst and convener on issues of importance
to academic veterinary medicine
• Providing information, knowledge and solutions to support
members' work
• Building global partnerships and coalitions to advance our
collective goals.
Table #55
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
McGuinn 221
Chestnut Hill, MA 24670
Contact: Kathleen Kehrer
[email protected]
The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences is the oldest of Boston
College's seven graduate and professional. To date, there are
approximately 1,100 students enrolled within GSAS, and twentyfive percent are international students.
Comprised of 16 departments, the Graduate School offers
Doctoral and Master's degrees in the humanities, social and
natural sciences. All of our Doctoral programs are fully funded and
there are funding opportunities for some Master's programs.
Table #36
Carnegie Mellon University
533 Warner Hall
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Contact: Suzie Laurich-McIntyre
[email protected]
Carnegie Mellon is a research university with a proud heritage of
outstanding graduate and undergraduate education, and our
programs are ranked among the top in the country. All of our
seven colleges and schools offer Master's and Doctoral degrees
and several offer programs at locations around the world.
A cornerstone of our graduate education has been research with a
focus on advancing knowledge and finding meaningful solutions
to significant problems of society. This real-world, hands-on
approach has made Carnegie Mellon home to excellent faculty and
students in engineering, computer science, the natural sciences,
humanities and social sciences, business administration and the
fine arts.
This philosophy has also been the basis for interdisciplinary study
and research to an extent that is rarely found elsewhere. Carnegie
Mellon houses a myriad of interdisciplinary research facilities that
combine expertise in diverse fields to produce exciting new areas
of exploration.
Our commitment to diversity in our research and in our student
population truly makes Carnegie Mellon a unique place to carry
out your graduate education.
Table #9
CDC National Center for Environmental Health
4770 Buford Hwy NE MS F-61
Atlanta, GA 30341
Contact: Cory Moore
[email protected]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center
for Environmental health/Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease
Registry Collegiate Leaders in Environmental Health Summer
Internship Program The National Center for Environ-mental Health
(NCEH) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
is working to prevent illness, disability, and death from
interactions between people and the environment. We are
especially committed to safeguarding the health of populations
that are particularly vulnerable to certain environmental hazards children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
We seek to achieve our mission through science, service, and
leadership. We conduct research in the laboratory and in the field
to investigate the effects of the environment on health. We track
and evaluate environment-related health problems through
surveillance systems. We also help domestic and international
agencies and organizations prepare for and respond to natural,
technologic, humanitarian, and terrorism-related environmental
emergencies.
CDC offers a 10-week summer environmental internship entitled
Collegiate Leaders in Environmental Health (CLEH) at NCEH for
undergraduate students majoring in Environmental Studies,
Environmental Engineering, Ecology, or related fields who are
passionate about the environment, about human health, and
about the link between the two.
Interns will be placed in environmental health programs at the
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): National
Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (NCEH/ATSDR) at CDC's Chamblee Campus.
Over the course of the summer, interns will be exposed to a
broad overview of environmental public health issues at the
federal level.
Interns will participate in environmental health projects, interact
with federal officials and scientists, and visit important environmental health sites in Atlanta. Other activities may include 'brownbag' lunches with CDC staff, journal clubs, as well as attending
lectures from important environmental health leaders in the
Atlanta area. The internship program will provide a stipend for
living expenses ($500 per week). Information on this program
can be found at www.cdc.gov/nceh/cleh
Table #44
Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied
Science
500 West 120 Street
MC 4708
New York, NY 20027
Contact: Tiffany Simon
[email protected]
Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science
offers graduate degrees in applied physics, applied mathematics,
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biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering,
construction engineering management, engineering management
systems, engineering mechanics, computer engineering, computer
science, earth and environmental engineering, electrical engineering, financial engineering, industrial engineering, operations
research, materials science engineering, medical physics,
mechanical engineering, metallurgical engineering, mining
engineering, and solid-state science engineering.
Our academic programs allow students to advance knowledge in
classical engineering or applied science disciplines or delve into
new, exciting interdisciplinary fields. Degrees can be pursued on a
full-or part-time basis. Distance education and MS/MBA programs
are also available.
Table #7
Cornell University
350 Caldwell Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
Contact: Terry Plater
[email protected]
With 94 major fields and 16 minor fields of study, and with 15
different graduate degrees awarded, graduate study at Cornell
defies easy categorization. But despite our enormously diverse
academic offerings, a few common practices unify the Graduate
School experience.
Our faculty members are truly available to our students. The
Graduate School's unique organization into fields of study -- which
groups faculty by common academic interest, regardless of
college or department affiliation -- ensures that faculty and
students across the university can share ideas and work together
freely and without undue administrative barriers.
For more detailed information on the academic structure of the
Graduate School, degrees offered, and opportunities for study,
see the Graduate School Catalog http://
catalog.gradschool.cornell.edu. For information regarding research
centers and institutes, see the Catalog or the Cornell Centers and
Institutes Web site http://www.cornell.edu/academics/
centers.cfm.
Table #48
365 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016
Contact: Lorraine Towns
[email protected]
Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP) Program for
doctoral students. NSF/AGEP is a network of over 100 universities
dedicated to increasing minority doctoral degree production
Table #13
Dartmouth College
6062 Wentworth
Hanover, NH 37550
Contact: Sandra Spiegel
[email protected]
There are seventeen Dartmouth Graduate Programs in the Arts &
Sciences. The A.M. degree is awarded in Computer science, earth
sciences, health policy and clinical practice, and physics. The PhD
degree is awarded in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, cognitive
neuroscience, computer science earth sciences, engineering
sciences, experimental and molecular medicine, health policy and
clinical practice, mathematics, microbiology and immunology,
pharmacology and toxicology, physics and astronomy, physiology
and psychological and brain sciences.
All are small, selective and designed to provide more flexibility
than traditional PhD programs. Breadth within the discipline,
significant teaching experience, and a broadly conceived researchthesis project are the basic elements in each of the programs.
Foyer #3
Department of Energy
US Department of Energy, WDTS
1000 Independence Ave SW
202-586-9938
Contact: Tracey Edou
[email protected]
Department of Energy Opportunity for Students
Experiential learning opportunities are the foundation upon with
Department of Energy (DOE)'s science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives are built. The
Department's 17 national laboratories offer students and
educators an unparalleled opportunity to improve their
understanding of science and to develop their ability to reason
scientifically through direct experience.
Hands-on research experiences supported by senior scientist
mentors are designed to introduce students to world class
scientific content and research environments. Students engage in
science directly tied to societal challenges, such as energy and
climate change.
The Graduate Center is the doctorate-granting institution of the
City University of New York (CUNY). Students and faculty pursue
a joint enterprise of expanding boundaries of knowledge in over
30 doctoral programs in the humanities, natural and social
sciences.
Specifically, the Student Undergraduate Laboratory Internship
(SULI) program places undergraduate students majoring in
Science and Engineering in paid internships at Department of
Energy national laboratories.
The CUNY Graduate Center offers fellowship opportunities for
graduate students in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) fields through its NIH Bridges-to-theDoctorate Program for master's students and NSF Alliances for
The Faculty and Student Teams (FaST) Program is a cooperative
effort between the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science
and the National Science Foundation (NSF). The FaST program
supports a team comprised of one faculty member and 2 - 3
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Conference Program
undergraduate students. The program provides hands-on
research opportunities in DOE national laboratories during the
summer.
The PST program places pre-service STEM teachers in paid
internships in national laboratories. Students work with scientists
or engineers on projects related to the laboratories' research
programs. They also have the mentorship of a Master Teacher
who is currently working in K-12 education and is familiar with the
research environment of a specific National Laboratory.
In addition, the DOE Office of Science established a Graduate
Fellowship ( DOE SCGF) program to support outstanding students
to pursue graduate training in basic research in areas of physics,
biology, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, computational
sciences, and environmental sciences relevant to the Office of
Science and to encourage the development of the next generation
of scientific and technical talent in the U.S. The Fellowship award
provides partial tuition support, an annual stipend for living
expenses, and a research stipend for full-time graduate study and
thesis/dissertation research at a U.S. academic institution for
three years.
Table #40
Emory University School of Medicine, MD/PhD Program
1648 Pierce Drive, P374
Atlanta, GA 30322
1200 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
Mail Code 8723F
Washington DC, 20460
Phone: 202-343-9850
Fax: 202-233-0677
Contact: Georgette Boddie & Brandon Jones
[email protected] (GRO Undergraduate Fellowships)
[email protected] (STAR Graduate Fellowship)
EPA is continuing to offer undergraduate and graduate fellowships
to students in environmentally related fields of study. Students
conducting research in the physical and biological sciences, as
well as the social sciences and engineering, are eligible to apply
for these fellowships beginning in August of 2009. Minority
applicants are especially encouraged to apply since the number of
minority applicants has historically been low.
The application period for STAR Graduate fellowships ends
October 2009.
The application period for GRO Undergraduate fellowships ends
December 2009. Awards will be determined in May of 2010 for
2010-2011 academic year. See http://epa.gov/ncer/fellow/ for
more details.
Table #23
Georgia Tech/MDITR
Contact: Mary Horton
[email protected]
School of Chemistry
Atlanta, GA 30032-0400
Emory University's M.D./Ph.D. Program provides the opportunity
for exceptionally bright and dedicated students to acquire both
clinical and basic research training to pursue careers in academic
medicine. We seek individuals who are not content to learn what
is already known, but who are committed to addressing what is
not yet known. These physicians/scientists will contribute to
expanding the fields of science and medicine.
Contact: Keith Oden
[email protected]
The Program offers Ph.D. level training in the following schools:
• The Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• Georgia Tech/Emory University Biomedical Engineering
Department and the Georgia Institute of Technology
• The Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University
• Emory University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• Interdisciplinary graduate study in the biomedical sciences is
largely performed in the Graduate Division of Biological and
Biomedical Sciences.
This division of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences offers
interdisciplinary research training in the following life science
areas:
• Biochemistry, Cell and Developmental Biology
• Genetics and Molecular Biology
• Immunology and Molecular Pathogenesis
• Microbiology and Molecular Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Nutrition and Health Sciences
• Molecular and Systems Pharmacology
• Population Biology, Ecology and Evolution
The NSF Center on Materials and Devices for Information
Technology Research (CMDITR) consists of three lead
universities; Georgia Tech., University of Washington, and
University of Arizona. This cutting edge research center offers
opportunities for engineering and science students for paid
summer research, graduate school opportunities and funding for
graduate school.
Please visit: www.stc-mditr.org
Table #49
Hampton University
Department of Physics
Olin Engineering Bldg.
Hampton, VA 23668
Contact: Jan Mangana
[email protected]
Hampton University, a dynamic, progressive institution of higher
education, is a privately-endowed, non-profit, non-sectarian, coeducational, historically black university. It is located in
southeastern Virginia and boasts one of the loveliest campuses in
the nation, with a picturesque waterfront and historic buildings
and landmarks.
Table #52
Environmental Protection Agency
National Center for Environmental Research (NCER)
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Hampton University has grown into a comprehensive university
providing a broad range of technical, liberal arts, pre-professional,
professional, and graduate degree programs. We also offer
cultural entertainment and athletic events keep you in touch with
the other students and members of the Hampton University
family.
Table #26
Harvard University
Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
Holyoke Center 350
1350 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
http:// www.gsas.harvard.edu
Contact: Stephanie Parsons
[email protected]
The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences (GSAS) at Harvard
University, offers over 50 PhD programs in the Humanities, Social
Sciences, and Natural Sciences; including the School of
Engineering and Applied Sciences. We have a generous program
of financial assistance for those programs. We also offer some
AM, ME, SM degrees as well as the MFS.
More information can be found at www.gsas.harvard.edu.
Table #28
Indiana University
800 E. Atwater Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47405-3680
Contact: Joseph Boes
[email protected]
Indiana University School of Optometry was established in 1951
and since this time it has received national recognition for its
preeminence in optometric education. Our faculty are
internationally and nationally known. Students are able to
interact with faculty in several different settings i.e. class, lab,
research, and professional organizations.
Our mission is to protect, advance, and promote the vision,
eyecare and health of people worldwide by preparing individuals
for careers in optometry, the ophthalmic industry, and vision
science and by advancing knowledge through teaching, research,
and service.
This is accomplished by offering:
The Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) degree prepares students to
diagnose and treat optical defects and eye diseases by using
glasses, contact lenses, and medications.
The degrees of Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy
(PhD) in Vision Science are for optometry graduates and those in
other fields who wish to pursue vision research and teaching
careers.
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Conference Program
The Associate of Science (A.S.) in Optometric Technology
prepares students for careers as optometric technicians or
opticians.
The School of Optometry is located on the main campus of
Indiana University in Bloomington. Nestled among the rolling hills
of south central Indiana, Bloomington has been known for
offering big city excitement while maintaining a quaint Midwestern
charm. Bloomington's diverse and welcoming community will
make you feel right at home as you discover things you never
expected to find in Indiana. Bloomington offers unique shops,
incredible restaurants, art galleries, festivals, Indiana's largest
lake, the state's only national forest, oldest and largest winery, an
abundance of hiking, biking, canoeing and spelunking
opportunities, and the Little 500!
Table #1
Indiana University, Bloomington
Department of Biology
1000 Independence Ave SW
Myers Hall 150
Bloomington, IN 47405
Contact: Tracey Stohr
[email protected]
The Indiana University Department of Biology is home to
outstanding graduate programs, and is ranked #29 of 252 biology
graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report.
As a graduate student at IU, you will benefit from our
internationally respected faculty, extensive research facilities and
institutes, interdisciplinary research options, and collegial
atmosphere. Admission to our programs is competitive. We offer
Ph.D. degrees in Evolution, Ecology & Behavior; Microbiology;
Molecular, Cellular & Developmental Biology, and Plant Biology.
We also offer Master's degrees in Biotechnology, Microbiology and
Plant Biology.
The IU Biology Department has a strong commitment to diversity,
and we waive application fees for all traditionally
underrepresented minority students, but you must contact the
Graduate Office before submitting your application. We also have
competitive fellowships available for minority graduates of HBCUs
and McNair Scholars. Our department guarantees support for all
of our doctoral students in the form of assistantships and/or
fellowships for at least five years, and master's students are
supported for two years.
The application deadline is January 5, 2010 for domestic students
and December 1, 2009 for international students. Students are
encouraged to apply online at https://www.indiana.edu/
~grdforms/deptforms/onlineapp.htm.
For more information, please contact Tracey Stohr, Graduate
Recruiter at [email protected] or (812) 856-6303. Visit our
departmental website at http://www.bio.indiana.edu.
Table #20
Iowa State University
Graduate College
1137 Pearson Hall
Ames, IA 50011
Contact: Thelma Harding
[email protected]
Graduate study in one of more than 120 graduate programs at
Iowa State gives you one-on-one mentoring that focuses on your
needs and aspirations, together with all the resources of one of
the world's most respected research institutions, including:
World-class computing facilities across all major platforms
Network connections in all classrooms and residence-hall rooms
• More than 580 campus wide public wireless access points
• A comprehensive research library housing millions of books,
monographs, serials, and microform, film, and video units
•
•
Along with your major professor and study committee, you'll
collaborate in a student-friendly environment with faculty
members who are leaders in their fields. Whether in seminars,
research labs, studios, or internships, you'll learn in small dynamic
groups of peers and faculty.
For program-related requirements, consult the Graduate College's
website at www.grad-college.istate.edu.
comprehensive graduate education in 35 programs that span the
humanities, social and natural sciences, and engineering.
Graduate students work as junior investigators alongside worldrenowned Hopkins faculty members, and in so doing, they engage
in exciting original research and an intensity of academic
experience unlike any other.
Table #54
Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Sciences
535 Watson Drive
Office of Admissions
Claremont, CA 91711
Contact: Daniel Chatham
[email protected]
Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) is a standalone graduate institution
that combines applied life sciences, bioengineering, bioethics and
business management. KGI offers degree/certificate programs in:
Master of Bioscience (MBS), Postdoctoral Professional Masters
(PPM), PhD in Applied Life Sciences or Computational Biology,
Post-baccalaureate Premedical Certificate, etc.
KGI is uniquely positioned to develop leaders who will meet the
challenges and opportunities presented by this life sciences
industry, by incorporating valuable business training that will
prepare students to become successful in their field. KGI is a
member of The Claremont Colleges, located in Claremont,
California.
Table #10
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
2017 E. Monument Street
Baltimore, MD 21205
Contact: Kimberly Saunders
[email protected]
The Institute for NanoBioTechnology (INBT) at Johns Hopkins
University integrates research, education with outreach and
technology transfer. Through INBT, researchers from the schools
of engineering, medicine, public health, and arts and sciences
study diagnostics and therapeutics, human health and the
environment, and molecular and cellular dynamics.
Training opportunities through INBT include the National Science
Foundation funded IGERT (Integrative Graduate Education and
Research Traineeship), IRES (International Research Experience
for Students in Nanobiotechnology), and REU (Research
Experience for Undergraduates); and the National Institutes of
Health T32 postdoctoral fellowship in Nanotechnology for Cancer.
Table #33
Johns Hopkins University Arts & Science, Engineering
3400 N. Charles Street
Shriver Hall 28
Baltimore, MD 21218
Contact: Dennis McIver
[email protected]
The Schools of Arts and Sciences and Engineering, located on
Hopkins' Homewood campus in the vibrant city of Baltimore, offer
Table #8
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Building 3-138
Cambridge, MA 21930
Contact: Kenton Williams
[email protected]
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology is dedicated to
advancing knowledge and educating students in science,
technology, and other areas of scholarship that will best serve the
nation and the world in the 21st century. The Institute has more
than 900 faculty and 10,000 undergraduate and graduate
students. It is organized into five schools: Architecture and Urban
Planning; Engineering; Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences;
Sloan School of Management; and Science.
Table #50
MassNanoTech, University of Massachusetts Amherst
320 Lederle Graduate Research Tower
710 North Pleasant Street
Amherst, MA 10030
Contact: Michael Westort
[email protected]
The MassNanoTech Institute, an NSF-funded research institute for
nanotechnology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst,
coordinates research on nanoscale materials, devices and
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systems, collaborates with industry, advances nanotechnology
commercialization, educates students, and fosters outreach
activities.
Table #6
Medical University of South Carolina
173 Ashley Ave, BSB 102
MSC 501
Charleston, SC 29425
Contact: Cynthia Wright
[email protected]
As a free-standing academic health center, the Medical University
of South Carolina (MUSC) has a special mission to translate
advances in fundamental science to improvements in health care.
Students in our graduate programs learn to work at the interface
of the basic sciences and human health and disease. The College
of Graduate Studies at MUSC offers M.S., Ph.D., M.D./Ph.D.,
D.M.D./Ph.D., and Pharm.D./Ph.D. programs in the biomedical
sciences. Located in scenic Charleston, SC we offer competitive
stipends, paid health insurance and paid tuition for Ph.D.
students. We also have a robust Summer Undergraduate
Research Program that provides funding for undergraduates to
obtain research experience for 10 weeks in the summer.
Ph.D. students participate in an interdisciplinary first year
curriculum composed of comprehensive units, self-selected
laboratory rotations, and seminars to teach skills important for
successful scientific careers. Please visit our web site at:
www.musc.edu/grad for more information.
Table #32
Montclair State University
The Graduate School
Montclair, NJ 70430
Contact: Jennifer O'Sullivan
o'[email protected]
Montclair State University is a vibrant and fast growing institution.
The comprehensive academic programs are of the highest quality;
the activities and opportunities are wide-ranging. We have much
to offer with strong, dynamic graduate programs, and consider
MSU an accessible, friendly place to pursue and education.
Montclair State University offers doctoral degrees, master's
degrees, certificates and certification programs in nearly 100 fields
of study. Business Administration, Biology, Counseling, Education,
Child Advocacy, Chemistry, Communication Sciences and
Disorders, Fine Arts, Environmental Studies, Public Health
Theater, Music, English, And Spanish, are just a few of the many
graduate programs that Montclair State University has to offer.
Please visit our website www.montclair.edu/graduate for a
complete list of our programs.
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Conference Program
Table #30
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN)
University of Michigan Lurie Nanofabrication
1301 Beal Avenue, 1234EECS
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
Contact: Brandon Lucas
[email protected]
The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network is a group of
14 leading university nanotechnology facilities, offering user
access to state of the art equipment, technology, and support. In
addition, NNIN offers a broad array of nanotechnology education
programs for all ages. These include a large and effective
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program and a
Laboratory Experience for Faculty (LEF) program.
Table #24
National Research Council of the National Academies
500 5th Street NW
Keck 568
Contact: Dannetta Winstead
[email protected]
The National Research Council of the National Academies offers
Ford Foundation Diversity Fellowships for research-based study in
the sciences and humanities. Fellowships are offered at the
predoctoral, dissertation, and postdoctoral levels.
Qualified applicants must be U.S. citizens who are committed to a
career in teaching at the college or university level. These
Fellowships are portable and provide a generous stipend as well
as an institution allowance for predoctoral and postdoctoral
fellows.
Complete information, including instructions on how to apply
online, is available at: http://sites.nationalacademies.org/PGA/
FordFellowships/index.htm.
Questions may be directed to 202-334-2872 or [email protected].
Table #51
NOAA/ Office of Education, EPP
1315 East West Highway
Silver Spring, MD 209101
Contact: Chantell Haskins
[email protected]
NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Our reach
goes from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor
as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing
environment around them.
From daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate
monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and
supporting marine commerce, NOAA's products and services
support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of
America's gross domestic product. NOAA's dedicated scientists use
cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide
citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision
makers with reliable information they need when they need it.
NOAA's education program will improve the public's understanding
and appreciation of NOAA's mission and of the natural environment resulting in an educated constituency that can make
informed decisions and take appropriate actions.
Table #11
Ohio State University
Room 310H Lincoln Tower
1800 Cannon Dr
Columbus, OH 43210
Contact: Lakisha Mays
[email protected]
The Ohio State University is one of the world's best
comprehensive, public research universities, and it attracts highachieving faculty and graduate students with its state-of-the-art
facilities and abundant research opportunities. Ohio State's 10,000
graduate students have access to a large and dynamic university
environment, outstanding academic and professional development
resources, and the cultural and recreational opportunities of
Columbus, Ohio, one of the country's fastest-growing cities.
Table #39
Rice University
6100 Main Street
MS-641
Houston, TX 77005
Contact: Theresa Chatman
[email protected]
Situated in one of the nation's largest, most culturally diverse
cities, the Rice-Houston AGEP unites many of the city's research
and teaching universities and community colleges in the common
mission of significantly increasing the number of underrepresented minority students earning the Ph.D. and positioning
them to become leaders in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) fields.
Table #42
SOARS-UCAR
PO Box 3000
Boulder, CO 80026
Contact: Rebecca Haacker-Santos
[email protected]
SOARS, Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and
Science, is an undergraduate-to-graduate bridge program
designed to broaden participation in the atmospheric and related
sciences.
The program is built around research, mentoring and community.
SOARS participants, called proteges, spend up to four summers
doing research. SOARS offers comprehensive financial support for
summer research, as well as undergraduate and graduate school
funding. Over 90% of SOARS proteges have gone onto graduate
school, and many have entered the workforce with a MS or gone
on for their PhD.
SOARS invites students from many disciplines--including
meteorology, chemistry, physics, engineering, mathematics,
ecology, and the social sciences--to apply their expertise to
understanding the Earth's Atmosphere. In particular, SOARS seeks
to involve students from groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences, including Black or African-American,
American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic or Latino, female, first
-generation college students and students with disabilities.
SOARS welcomes lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender
students; students who have experienced, and worked to
overcome, educational or economic disadvantage and/or have
personal or family circumstances that may complicate their
continued progress in research careers.
Dates: The 10-week program starts at the end of May and
continues through mid-August.
Stipend: SOARS Proteges work 40 hours a week and earn a
competitive wage, which increases with each year of participation.
Housing and Transportation: Furnished apartments, and roundtrip airfare from anywhere within the United States and Puerto
Rico are provided. Proteges receive a regional bus pass that
meets local transportation needs.
Research and Writing: Proteges spend their first summer at NCAR
or partnering labs, such as NOAA, in Boulder, Colorado. They
participate in real research projects and take part in an eightweek scientific writing workshop. Proteges participate in seminars
with peers and scientists, get mentored by scientists and
professionals, explore career options, and learn about how to
apply to and succeed in graduate programs. At the end of each
summer, proteges present their research in a formal setting.
Conferences and School Funding: Proteges are funded to attend
national scientific conferences to present their summer research.
Successful proteges are also eligible to receive funding for
undergraduate and graduate education.
Table #19
Souther Carolina State University
300 College Street, NE
Orangeburg, SC 29115
Contact: Daniel M. Smith
[email protected]
The Physics Department of South Carolina State University is
recruiting students who have a serious interest in astronomy for
undergrad summer internships, and for graduate fellowships at
Clemson University. Eligible students have majors in physics,
astronomy, mathematics, computer science or engineering. The
goal of this NSF-funded South Carolina State/Clemson project is
to increase diversity in astronomy.
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Table #15
Stanford University
300 Pasteur Drive, Alway M-105
Stanford, CA 94305-5121
Contact: Tenea Nelson
[email protected]
The Biosciences Ph.D. Programs at Stanford provide an
outstanding opportunity for education and research with more
than 340 faculty members as well as outstanding postdoctoral
fellows, graduate students, and undergraduates. The opportunity
to affiliate with any Biosciences faculty member for dissertation
research is uniquely balanced by the Home Program concept,
where each student joins one of the 13 Biosciences programs in
the Schools of Medicine and Humanities & Sciences. Information
about faculty and research interests can be found at http://
biosciences.stanford.edu.
Cross-disciplinary research and training has always been a great
strength of the Biosciences programs at Stanford. All the science
and engineering departments are located close to one another on
a single campus, fostering interactions and collaborations not just
between groups formally in the biosciences, but also often
extending to chemistry, physics, psychology, computer sciences,
and/or chemical, electrical, material, and civil engineering.
Beyond the Stanford campus, the San Francisco Bay Area has an
extraordinarily broad and deep range of biological, biomedical,
and other scientific and technical knowledge and expertise.
Stanford University believes that a student body that is both
highly qualified and diverse in terms of gender, race, ethnicity,
culture, socioeconomic background, and work and life experiences
is essential to an optimal educational process and a more just and
healthy society. Stanford is an active proponent of diversity in all
its Schools and programs and at all levels of higher education.
The Biosciences Programs are committed to training students
from diverse backgrounds for careers in the biological and
biomedical sciences, and the promotion of diversity in education
through outreach and mentorship programs is a key facet of the
strategic plans of the Schools of Medicine and Humanities &
Sciences. For more information about Stanford Biosciences'
efforts and initiatives focused on enhancing diversity in graduate
education, visit http://med.stanford.edu/phd/diversity/.
In summary, Stanford's traditional freedom of inquiry and
entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with the freedom provided by the
Biosciences Programs for students to explore and move among
diverse academic fields and programs, provides an unsurpassed
opportunity to obtain the best possible graduate education. For
more information contact Dr. Tenea Nelson, Director of
Biosciences Diversity Programs, at [email protected].
Table #41
Stony Brook University Center for Inclusive Education
Melville Library E-1340
Stony Brook, NY 11794-3387
Contact: Beverly Campbell
[email protected]
50
Conference Program
Stony Brook is internationally recognized as a major research
university that has the finest graduate degree programs available.
The collaborative relationship between Stony Brook, Brookhaven
National Laboratory, and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory make the
University an ideal choice for students interested in a variety of
fields of study.
Stony Brook is the lead institution of the State University of New
York Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (SUNY
AGEP) which supports underrepresented minority students
pursuing doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) fields. The Graduate School also houses the
prestigious W. Burghardt Turner Fellowship for underrepresented
Students.
Table #17
Texas A&M University - Graduate Studies
302 Jack K. Williams Administration Building
College Station, TX 77843
Contact: Mark Musumba
[email protected]
Texas A&M University is a research-intensive flagship university
with 48,000-plus undergraduate and 9,600 graduate students
studying in over 250 degree programs in 10 colleges. Students
can join any of 800 student organizations and countless activities
from athletics and recreation to professional and community
service events.
But there's more than just numbers that make up the Aggie
experience. There's access to world-class research programs and
award-winning faculty. There are opportunities to learn in and out
of the classroom whether through technology or through one of
our branch campuses or international study centers.
At Texas A&M, students have a wealth of opportunity to pursue
their lifelong career goals. Many of Texas A&M’s degree programs
are ranked in the top 10 nationally. With numerous majors and
extracurricular activities to hone their skills in academics,
leadership and public service, a college experience at Texas A&M
results in highly sought-after graduates and solid world citizens.
The URL is http://ogs.tamu.edu/
Table #29
The Pennsylvania State University
Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences
101 Life Sciences Building
University Park, PA 16802-2123
Contact: Michael Radis
[email protected]
The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences at The Pennsylvania State
University is an umbrella unit for 11 interdisciplinary life sciences
programs/options including: Bioinformatics and Genomics, Cell
and Developmental Biology, Chemical Biology, Ecology, Genetics,
Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Molecular Medicine,
Molecular Toxicology, Neuroscience, Physiology, and Plant
Biology. These programs involve over 300 faculty and 315
graduate students. Programs are located at both the University
Park and Hershey College of Medicine campuses in central
Pennsylvania.
fosters creative and innovative thinking. Thus, they successfully
master a body of knowledge and ultimately contribute to it
through their own scholarship and research.
Students receive training and experience as college teachers,
rotations through several labs, and dual faculty mentorships as
well as receiving full funding for their education.
Typically, competitive students are able to finance their graduate
education through teach and research assistantships that offer
generous stipends. Other opportunities may include prestigious
Presidential Graduate Fellowships and the Dean's Graduate
Fellowships as well. Additional resources may include support for
those doing doctoral research abroad, students in the performing
arts and those completing their dissertations.
Table #2
The University of Alabama
712 Capstone Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487
Phone: 2050348-7007
http://www.ua.edu
Contact: Jimmy Williams
[email protected]
The University of Alabama is a major, comprehensive, studentcentered research university, enrolling about 3,900 graduate
students in more than 120 master's, educational specialist, and
doctoral programs. UA is ranked 43rd among all public universities
and colleges in the United States (U.S. News & World Report).
For more information regarding our degree programs, admissions,
fee waivers and crucial deadlines, please contact Joseph Henry at
our toll free number 1-800-553-IOWA or at 319-335-2138, as well
as via email at [email protected]. To learn more about
the Graduate College, its programs and fellowship opportunities,
please visit our web page at www.grad.uiowa.edu.
Table #18
UCLA-Center for Embedded Networked Sensing
3563 Boelter Hall/Box 951596
Los Angeles, CA 90095
Our distinguished graduate faculty members, as well as visiting
endowed professors and research fellows, provide graduate
students with an impressive array of opportunities to learn and
grow. UA is further enhanced by the diversity of backgrounds and
experiences of our graduate students. For more information about
UA's graduate programs, go to http://graduate.ua.edu. Also,
please see our ad in this program book.
Contact: Wesley Uehara
[email protected]
Table #4
The University of Iowa
For more information about our internship program or Center
please contact Wes Uehara at [email protected].
Office of Graduate Ethnic Inclusion
410 Gilmore Hall
Iowa City, IA
Contact: Joseph Henry
[email protected]
Located in Iowa City, The University of Iowa is a place that
celebrates excellence and diversity, offers choices, and
encourages exploration. It is only a 4-5 hour drive from 5 major
Midwest cities-Chicago, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Omaha, and St.
Louis.
In the Graduate College at The University of Iowa, nearly onequarter of its graduate programs are ranked in the top 10 of their
discipline among U.S. public institutions (U.S. News & World
Report, 2009). The University is home to 11 colleges and enrolled
30,561 students on a full-time basis for the 2008-2009 academic
year. The Graduate College currently has 5,254 graduates
students enrolled across 100+ graduate degree programs.
Students from underrepresented racial/ethnic groups make up
approximately 10% of our enrollment.
Iowa graduate students actively participate in a multi-faceted
university community. Most importantly, they work with faculty in
an atmosphere of academic freedom and intellectual verve that
The Center for Embedded Networked Sensing (CENS) is currently
recruiting undergraduates for our 2009 Summer@CENS Internship
Program. Our Center develops new technologies to monitor the
previously unobservable in both artificial and physical
environments.
Table #46
University of Arkansas Graduate School
119 Ozark Hall
1 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
Contact: Kendra Smith
[email protected]
The University of Arkansas is a nationally competitive, studentcentered research university serving Arkansas and the world.
More than 140 graduate and professional degree programs are
offered in the Dale Bumpers College of Agriculture, Food & Life
Sciences, the J. William Fulbright College of Arts & Sciences, the
Sam M. Walton College of Business, the College of Engineering,
and the School of Law.
The University of Arkansas Graduate School assists postbaccalaureate students with the opportunity to further their
educational goals through programs of study, teaching, and
research in an environment that promotes freedom of expression,
intellectual inquiry, and professional integrity.
Conference Program
51
Additionally, the Graduate School assists the development of
degree programs that are relevant and responsive to the needs of
its students and the student's communities - state, nation and
world - and the demands of technology, while maintaining a high
standard of excellence in graduate education.
Table #22
University of California San Diego & Scripps Institution of
Oceanography
CMBC, Scripps Inst. of Oceanography
UCSD
LaJolla, CA 92093-0202
Contact: Russell Chapman
[email protected]
Nestled by the Pacific Ocean, UC San Diego attracts those seeking
a next-generation approach to education and research. It is one
of the nation's premier institutions for higher education and
research. Its interdisciplinary ethos and tradition of innovation and
risk-taking underlie its research strength and ability to recruit top
scholars and students.
The Office of Graduate Studies, Student Affairs Unit (http://
gradschool.ucsd.edu) ensures that a diverse population of
students is recruited, admitted, educated, and graduated at the
University of California, San Diego. Special efforts are made to
insure that students from traditionally underrepresented
backgrounds are encouraged and supported in their educational
goals.
Scripps Institution of Oceanography (http://scripps.ucsd.edu) at
UCSD is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for
global science research, education, and public service in the
world. Research at Scripps encompasses physical, chemical,
biological, geological, and geophysical and atmospheric studies of
the earth as a system; and includes exciting undergraduate
research opportunities.
For more than a century, Scripps Institution of Oceanography has
been dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities.
Scripps’ excellence in scientific research is accompanied by its
leadership in education, with undergraduate and graduate courses
in a variety of marine and earth science disciplines.
While studying at Scripps, students from diverse backgrounds
(http://scrippsdiversity.ucsd.edu) have for their use some of the
nation’s most sophisticated and complete special laboratories and
facilities for oceanographic and earth science studies covering a
wide range of disciplines from biology and physiology to
geophysics and atmospheric sciences.
To meet the challenges of marine conservation, the Center for
Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (CMBC http://
cmbc.ucsd.edu) was established in May 2001.
The goals of CMBC are Investigation, Education, Integration,
Communication, and Application. CMBC facilitates highly
interdisciplinary PhD and Master of Advance Studies programs at
Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UCSD.
52
Conference Program
Table #35
University of California, Davis
250 Mark Hall
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616
Contact: Dominique Beaumonte
[email protected]
Graduate Studies at UC Davis includes a diverse and interactive
student body from around the world. Known for their state-of-theart research facilities, productive laboratories and progressive
spirit – UC Davis offers collaborative and interdisciplinary curricula
through graduate groups and designated emphasis options – with
nearly 90 dynamic degree programs. UC Davis master’s and
doctoral graduates become leaders in their fields – researchers,
teachers, politicians, mentors, and entrepreneurs. Graduates go
on to guide, define and enhance the creation of our social,
cultural and scientific fabric and well being.
UC Davis, set in a small traditional college town, is justly famous
for its outstanding and high-ranking programs in ecology, biology,
engineering, and agricultural sciences. In addition, its programs in
the social sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, and the arts
and humanities are also popular and highly prestigious.
Table #14
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
231 Albert Sabin Way
MSB Suite 2005
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0548
Contact: Laura Hildreth
[email protected]
The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine provides an
exciting and supportive environment for biomedical research
training. Our world renowned faculty consistently rank in the top
8% of faculty nationwide for sponsored funding in basic science
and clinical research - with over $300 million annually to support
cutting edge research, talented postdoctoral fellows and
promising graduate trainees. Our nationally ranked PhD and
masters programs are preparing the scientists of the 21st Century
to make unprecedented forward progress in understanding human
health and disease.
PhD Programs:
• Biomedical Sciences Flex Option (PhD)
• Biomedical Engineering (MS, PhD)
• Cancer and Cell Biology (PhD)
• Environmental Health
• Epidemiology (MS, PhD)
• Biostatistics (MS, PhD)
• Environmental & Occupational Hygiene (MS, PhD)
• Occupational & Environmental Medicine (MS, PhD)
• Environmental Genetics and Molecular Toxicology (PhD)
• Immunobiology (PhD)
• Molecular & Developmental Biology (PhD)
• Molecular, Cellular & Biochemical Pharmacolog (PhD)
• Molecular Genetics, Biochemistry & Microbiology (PhD)
• Nuroscience (PhD) Pathobiology & Molecular Medicine (PhD)
• Physician Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD)
• Systems Biology and Physiology (PhD)
Masters Only Programs:
• Medical Physics (MS)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Masters in Clinical and Translational Research (MS)
• Masters in Physiology (MS, a 1-yr MedPrep program)
Table #3
University of Minnesota's Combined MD/PhD Training
Program
Table #21
University of Houston
Contact: Nicholas Berg
[email protected]
214 Science & Research, Bldg 1
Houston, TX 77204-5008
Contact: Christina Chan
[email protected]
The University of Houston is one of the most ethnically diverse
research institutions in the U.S. located in the 4th largest city in
the country. We offer MS and PhD programs in most fields of
math, science, and engineering in addition to graduate programs
in the social sciences, humanities, technology, and education. UH
is also home to a number of professional schools including
optometry, pharmacy, social work, law, business, hotel and
restaurant management, and architecture. We invite students to
apply the UH-AGEP summer program to get a feel of what
research at UH is like.
Table #12
University of Minnesota
G254 Mayo MMC293
420 Delaware St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Contact: Jon Gottesman
[email protected]
The University of Minnesota is one of the most comprehensive
public universities in the United States and ranks among the most
prestigious (according to the Center for Measuring University
Performance). It is both the state land-grant university, with a
strong tradition of education and public service, and the state's
primary research center, with faculty of national and international
reputation. The University ranks among the top 10 public
institutions in NIH funding.
The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Programs at the University of
Minnesota offer training in six areas culminating in the Ph.D:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Biochemistry, Molecular Biology & Biophysics
Integrative Biology & Physiology
Microbiology, Immunology & Cancer Biology
Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology & Genetics
Neuroscience
Pharmacology
To find out more about these Biomedical Science Programs visit
http://orbs.umn.edu/hbcu-up and investigate our outstanding
multidisciplinary degrees that provide a broad core curriculum
designed to prepare students for careers in academia, industry,
government and research.
MMC 293, B681 Mayo
420 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
The overarching goal of the University of Minnesota's Combined
MD/PhD Program is to attract and challenge the most gifted
students to obtain exceptional training in medicine and a research
area of their choice, preparing them for leadership roles in
academic medicine. We have been competitively funded as a NIH
Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) since 1988, and reside
in the heart of the University of Minnesota's Twin Cities campus.
The University of Minnesota ranks among the top 10 public
research universities in both NIH funding and federal funding for
science and engineering.
Table #45
University of New Mexico
Center for High Tech Materials
1313 Goddard SE
Albuquerque, NM 87106-4343
Contact: Linda Bugge
[email protected]
The mission of the University of New Mexico is to serve as New
Mexico's flagship institution of higher learning through
demonstrated and growing excellence in teaching, research,
patient care, and community service.
The overarching vision of the Integrating Nanotechnology with
Cell Biology and Neuroscience IGERT Program is to develop a new
cadre of interdisciplinary scholars with excellent research skills,
prepared for the challenges of the 21st century brought by the
nanotechnology revolution.
The INCBN IGERT Program, offering a $30,000/year stipend, is
seeking outstanding PhD students who wish to lead in developing
applications of rapidly evolving nanotechnologies to cell biology
and neuroscience.
Table #37
130 Mason Farm Road
Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Contact: Pat Phelps
[email protected]
The Biological and Biomedical Sciences Program (BBSP) is a
unified mechanism by which prospective students apply for
graduate study at the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill.
Students interested in any of the 13 biomedical/ biological PhDdegree granting programs apply directly to BBSP, explore their
interests during the first year through coursework and laboratory
rotations, and then chose a PhD track at the end of the first year.
Conference Program
53
If you have specific interests you can focus right away on courses
and labs in one program, but if your interests are broad, you can
sample from multiple research areas.
For further information please visit the School of Arts and
Sciences web site: http://www.fas.pitt.edu/ or contact LorieJohnson-Osho, Ed.D. at [email protected] or 412-624-6088.
Table #27
Unversity of Pennsylvania
Table #43
University of South Florida
Nano/Bio Interface Center
3231 Walnut Street
Philadephia, PA 19103
College of Engineering
Tampa, FL 33620
Contact: James McGonigle
[email protected]
The Nano/Bio Interface Center is an interdisciplinary research
center in at the University of Pennsylvania. The research focus is
molecular function at the nanoscale. We offer summer research
experiences for undergraduate students and graduate studies in a
wide range of STEM disciplines.
Table #38
University of Pittsburgh
5141 Sennott Square
210 South Bouquet Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
Contact: Lorie Osho
[email protected]
The University of Pittsburgh is an internationally respected center
of learning and research. The School of Arts and Sciences offers
41 master's degrees, 30 doctoral, and five interdisciplinary
certificate programs in humanities, natural sciences, and social
sciences. Graduate programs in the School of Arts and Sciences
are designed to prepare students for careers in research and
teaching in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences.
Financial assistance for graduate students is provided in the form
of teaching and research appointments, fellowships, traineeships,
tuition scholarships, and loans.
The Hot Metal Bridge Program at the School of Arts and Sciences
is a new two-semester post-baccalaureate fellowship program for
students who will help us meet our diversity goals. We will
provide a two-term fellowship for Fall and Spring term 2010-2011
(including tuition and stipend) for up to nine fellows.
The three featured programs for academic year 2010-2011 are:
Psychology, Communication, and Mathematics. We are looking
for recent college graduates and "career-changers." We seek
unusual applicants who have completed an undergraduate
degree, who are highly motivated and show academic promise,
but who are not quite ready to apply to a doctoral program or
who do not fit the usual mold.
For example, we want students whose interests or majors shifted
towards the end of a four-year program; or students who have
been out in the world and developed interests that differ from
their degree; or students who missed the opportunity to develop
their lab or research experience; or students who want a chance
to focus and develop their interests before entering a PhD
program.
54
Conference Program
Contact: Bernard Batson
[email protected]
The University of South Florida located in Tampa, FL is one of the
nation's top 63 public research universities and one of 39
community-engaged, four-year public universities as designated
by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.
Signature research programs include: Alzheimer's Disease, Cancer
Biology, Drug Discovery, Nanomedicine, Bio-MEMS, Advanced
Materials, Environmental Biotechnology, Marine Science, and
Global Public Health.
Please visit our booth to meet our students and to learn about
PhD funding and summer research opportunities (Biostatistics,
Sustainable Energy Alternatives, Interdisciplinary Environmental
Research, and Computer Science) on our campus.
Table #53
University of Texas at Brownsville
Physics and Astronomy
UTB/TSC
Brownsville, TX 78520
Contact: Martha Casquette
[email protected]
In ten years the Department of Physics and Astronomy at UTB/
TSC has vaulted to the forefront of research in many areas of
physics.
Located at the tip of Texas near the Gulf of Mexico, the
Department houses the Center for Gravitational Wave Astronomy
where research focuses on using Albert Einstein's model of gravity
to get a better understanding of the universe. Scientists and
students in the department work in state-of-the-art facilities to
advance the frontiers of knowledge in laser science and
biophysics.
Departmental research ranges from spectacular astrophysical
collisions to forces binding biological molecules, including:
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•
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Gravitational-wave detection and data analysis
Theories of gravitation
Experimental physics
Biophysics and nanotechnology
Astronomy
Physics education
The department offers a bachelor and a master in physics. The
Ph.D. program is a collaboration with the University of Texas at
San Antonio (UTSA).
Table #25
University of Washington
Interdisciplinary PhD Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology
Molecular & Cellular Biology Program
Box 357275
Seattle, WA 98915-7275
Contact: Terry Duffey
[email protected]
Recognizing the need for highly trained scientists conversant
across disciplines, the University of Washington (UW), the Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), and the Institute
for Systems Biology (ISB) have collaborated to create an
interdisciplinary research program, the Molecular and Cellular
Biology Graduate Program (MCB).
For more than 15 years, MCB has combined the strengths of the
FHCRC together with ten UW biomedical research departments-from Biochemistry to Pharmacology--to foster an innovative and
flexible, education-training program for graduate students
interested in biomedical problems that cross disciplinary
boundaries. Recently, ISB has joined this collaborative effort.
Tables #34 and #47
Washington University in St. Louis-School of Medicine
Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences
Campus Box 8226
St. Louis, MO 63110-1093
Contact: Rochelle Smith
[email protected]
The Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences at Washington
University in St. Louis offers exceptional doctoral training at one
of the nation's preeminent biomedical research centers. The
Division consists of 12 doctoral training programs, 10 of which are
ranked among the nation's top 10.
A collaborative, interdisciplinary approach to research and
education is a hallmark of Washington University and the Division.
As a university-wide consortium, the Division transcends
departmental lines and removes traditional boundaries of scientific
fields. Faculty and graduate students regularly cross disciplines,
devising novel questions and approaches that might otherwise go
unexplored. The Division currently consists of 657 graduate
students and 415 faculty members from 33 university-wide
departments.
We are looking for promising students who are interested in
becoming a part of a diverse and dynamic institution and
program.
Conference Program
55
Abstracts
Student Abstracts for Oral Presentations........................................... A2
Biological Sciences ...................................................................... A2
Chemistry & Chemical Sciences ................................................. A10
Computer Sciences & Information Management ......................... A14
Ecology & Environmental Earth Sciences .................................... A18
Mathematics and Statistics ........................................................ A26
Nanoscience ............................................................................. A29
Social & Behavioral Sciences ..................................................... A31
Technology & Engineering......................................................... A34
Student Abstracts for Poster Presentations ..................................... A38
Biological Sciences .................................................................... A38
Chemistry & Chemical Sciences ................................................. A65
Computer Sciences & Information Management ......................... A71
Ecology & Environmental Earth Sciences .................................... A81
Mathematics and Statistics ........................................................ A99
Nanoscience ........................................................................... A101
Physics .................................................................................. A104
Social & Behavioral Sciences ................................................... A106
Technology & Engineering....................................................... A109
Faculty Abstracts for Oral Presentations ........................................ A116
Faculty Abstracts for Poster Presentations .................................... A120
Packard Scholar Abstracts ............................................................... A124
Conference Program
A1
Abstracts
Student Abstracts for Oral Presentation
B IOLOGICAL S CIENCES
OA #1
The Role of rpoE in Stationary Phase Mutagenesis in Bacillus
Subtilis
Turquoise Alexander, Fort Valley State University
Eduardo Robleto, School of Life Sciences, University of Nevada,
Las Vegas
Stationary phase mutagenesis is a phenomenon whereby random
mutations are generated in non-dividing cells. In order to
understand how these mutations arise, we use Bacillus subtilis, a
gram positive rod-shaped model organism. Transcription is one of
the major processes hypothesized to drive stationary phase
mutagenesis in this organism. We therefore examined the role of
rpoE, a gene that encodes for an RNA polymerase delta subunit
which is up regulated during stationary phase. To this end, we will
first generate a strain bearing a deletion in the rpoE gene. In
order to determine if this gene is important for mutagenesis, we
will examine the rate of mutations in this strain compared to wild
type by scoring for reversion to auxotrophy. If rpoE is significant
in this process, we will expect a difference between the rate of
mutations in the mutant strain and wild type. This project is a
step towards understanding stationary phase mutagenesis, a
process that has implications in evolution, drug resistance and
cancer formation. [This study was supported by USDA Capacity
Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Director, NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site
Programs, Center for Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University, Fort
Valley, GA 31030.]
OA #2
Repeated Dose Response in Prostate Cancer Cells Shows
Resistance Towards Dasatinib
Shamail Allen, Texas Southern University
Dr. Timothy J. McDonnell and Dr. Gary Gallick, The University of
Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, M.D.
Anderson Cancer Center
Increased activity of the Src family of protein tyrosine kinases
(SFK) is associated with progressive stages of prostatic cancer
tumors and is important in growth of bone metastases. As few
therapeutic treatments show efficacy against late stage prostate
cancers, determining if Src inhibitors in clinical trial affect this
process is very important. Data show a certain therapeutic
treatment on how effective it is as a Src inhibitor in prostate
cancer cells.
In this study we used Dasatinib, which is a small molecule SFK/
Abl kinase inhibitor. Dasatinib is highly used in patients with
chronic melogenous leukemia (CML). The drug Dasatinib is
named after inventor chemist, Jagabandh Das. We examined
effects of Dasatinib towards Src in an in vitro dose response,
using prostate cancer cells (PC3) and Lncap Cells. Dasatinib has
been shown to inhibit Src, which slows down the process of
proliferation, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer cells.
Dasatinib works by blocking Src's binding site where phosphate is
A2
Conference Program
normally regulated; therefore stopping the process of
phosphorylation of Src. However, many tumors that initially
respond to therapy become resistant.
As yet, we do not know if Dasatinib-resistant prostate cells exist.
Therefore, we repeatedly added Dasatinib to prostate cancer cells
and examined the effects. Our current research will be a more
relevant process of determining if repeated exposure to dasatinib
causes changes in cells that lead to resistance, or selects for preexisting resistant cells. There are certain answers that need to be
answered if prostate cancer cells do become resistant. If the
prostate cancer cells do become resistant we want to find out
certain mechanism of how and why the cells respond in this
matter. Currently, it can be concluded that Dasatinib is an
effective therapeutic treatment that inhibits Src but it may be
possible that cells will become resistant to treatment.
OA #3
The Effects of Diet and DPP-IV Inhibition
Candice Artis, Norfolk State University
Literature data indicates that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS)
in adipose tissue is linked to both hypertension and insulin
resistance in obesity and can contribute to type 2 diabetes. Local
vascular RAS is known to be associated to vascular dysfunction
and inflammation which leads to hypertension. The significance of
this study is to examine the effects of a high and low fat diet and
DPP-IV inhibition on the expression of the adipose tissue reninangiotensin system in mice. Sitagliptin, the DPP-IV inhibitor
utilized, was approved by the FDA in 2006, and is an active
inhibitor of the dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme. Sitagliptin controls
blood sugar levels by potentiating the secretion of insulin and
suppressing the release of glucagon by the pancreas. Recent
results support the localization of the angiotensin receptors,
rennin and angiotensin converting enzymes 1and 2 (ACE1 &
ACE2) in human and rodent adipose tissue. These results
demonstrate that adipocytes have comparable components
necessary for receptiveness to angiotensin II, which is involved in
the development of some forms of hypertension (Achard et al.,
2007), (Galvez-Preito et al., 2008).
This study examines the specific expression of eight different
components of RAS and the effects of DPP-IV inhibition in visceral
fat in obese and lean mice with insulin resistance. This study was
conducted over a twelve week period consisting of eight mice at
the age of 8 weeks old, which is the beginning of their young
adult cycle. Four mice were on a high fat, low carbohydrate diet
(60% kcal), and four mice on low fat (11% kcal), high
carbohydrate (35% sucrose) diet. This research determines that
diet and Sitagliptin induce changes in RAS components in adipose
tissue. Changes in RAS components have implications in both
hypertension and insulin resistance in obesity.
OA #4
Gene Expression Analysis of EVL Differentiation in Poky
Mutant Embryos
Marshall Bailey, Langston University
Daniel Wagner, Celine Santiago, and Cindy Fukazawa, Rice
University
Abstracts
The aim of our research is to understand the role of chuk/ikk1/
poky and related genes in the embryonic development the
zebrafish, Danio rerio. poky is a maternal mutation, which causes
the enveloping layer (EVL) of zebrafish embryos to fail. The EVL
of the zebrafish blastoderm consists of squamous epithelial cells
and becomes the "skin" of the early embryo. Mutation of the
homologue to CHUK in human beings causes squamous cell
carcinoma, a common skin cancer. By comparing the results of a
survey of different genes expressed in the EVL of wild-type
zebrafish to that of poky mutants, we will understand the role of
Chuk in the development of zebrafish and certain forms of skin
cancer.
We hypothesize that poky mutants express some genes
characteristic of EVL cells but lack the expression of others causes
EVL instability and eventual failure. We have identified a set of
genes that have specific expression in the EVL of wild type
embryos. These have been prioritized based on their expected
function giving preference to genes that function in cell adhesion.
Gene expression in wild type and poky mutant zebrafish embryos
will be compared via riboprobe in situ hybridization. Preliminary
data seems to indicate the poky mutation lacks several genes
involved with the ability to maintain cell adhesions and tight
junctions on a certain level which correlates with the poky mutant
phenotype. Future works include analysis to gauge the level of
expression of the target genes in wild-type and poky mutant in
situ hybridized embryos. [The OK-LAMP and National Science
Foundation Cooperative Agreement Number HRD-0450363 make
this work possible.]
OA #5
Does seasonal influenza vaccination induce cross-reactive
antibodies that inhibit the neuraminidase (NA) activity of
pandemic H1N1, 2009 virus?
Hilliary Bland, Mississippi Valley State University
The 2009 pandemic H1N1 virus has lead to 175,654 confirmed
laboratory cases and 1,247 deaths worldwide, as reported by the
World Health Organization. While there is a seasonal flu vaccine,
there is currently no vaccine approved for human use for
pandemic H1N1, 2009. Previous studies suggest that antibodies
directed against hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA), the
two large surface glycoproteins found on the influenza virus is
critical for protection against influenza (2,3,4,5).
Furthermore, evidence support a role for cross reactive serum
antibodies directed against NA in heterotypic immunity (6) and
age dependent development of specific antibodies to pandemic
H1N1 (1). The aims of our study were two-fold: 1- To determine
the levels of human serum antibodies that cross reacts with the
NA from pandemic H1N1 2009 and 2- Determine whether there
exists an age dependent development of cross reactive antibodies
to pandemic H1N1 2009; both of which may be a predictor of
immunity against infection in certain age groups. Sera collected
from two cohorts of human study subjects were tested for serum
antibodies specific for neuraminidase of either pandemic A/TN/1560/09 and as a control, A/Brisbane/59/02 or A/New
Caledonia/20/99 H1N1 seasonal viruses. Participants received
one dose of inactivated or live attenuated influenza vaccine during
the 2004-05, 2007-08, or 2008-09 influenza season.
What we found is that cross reactive antibodies are not
significantly boosted by seasonal influenza vaccination. However,
a trend suggests there is an increased proportion of elderly tend
to have cross reactive NA antibodies, and in higher titer. While
evidence indicates there is cross reactive NA antibodies present in
the US human population, seasonal vaccination is unlikely to offer
any protection against the 2009 pandemic strain.
OA #6
Natural Genetic Variation in Metabolic Rate and Activity in
White-Footed Mice (Peromyscus Leucopus) in Relation to
Genetic Variation in Reproductive Photoresponsiveness
Madelyn Crowell, Virginia State University
A naturally-variable life history trait with underlying physiological
variation is the photoperiodic response of many temperate zone
rodents, including white-footed mice (Peromyscus leucopus).
Male P. leucopus were obtained from a short photoperiod
responsive (R) line, artificially selected for reproductive
suppression in short-day conditions (SD; 8L:16D) and a nonresponsive (NR) line selected for reproductive maturity in SD.
Previous studies have found NR mice to consume significantly
more than R mice under SD conditions, without significant
difference in overall body mass.
In order to test for genetic variation in physiology related to food
intake, we quantified differences in the energy budgets of these
lines through respirometric measurements at thermoneutral
temperature. Consistent with previous work, NR mice in our
study consumed ~34% more food than R mice and there was no
significant difference in body mass. Further, the differences in
intake were found to be the result of greater basal metabolic rate
(BMR) in NR than R mice and NR mice were found to engage in
significantly more locomotor activity on a daily basis.
No significant difference in mass of major metabolic organs or dry
mass digestibility of food was found between lines. The increased
BMR and sustained metabolic rate in NR mice was correlated with
testis size, but not with major central organs. The genetic
difference in intake requirements between lines was great enough
to be reasonably attributable to selection on the natural genetic
variation in BMR and activity in the wild source population. These
findings would be consistent with differences in thyroid-related
hormone activity which recent findings suggest are important in
mediating the response to photoperiodic reproduction. [This study
was funded in part by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute William and Mary Science Education and Research Program.]
OA #7
Mechanism of Anthrax Lethal Toxin and Nalp 1 b Interaction
in the Activation of Caspase-1
Erica Green, Allen University
Jakob von Moltke and Russell Vance, PhD, Allen University
Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is a bacterium that enters its host,
multiplies, releases toxins, and ultimately kills its host. Anthrax
lethal toxin consists of two parts: protective antigen (PA) and
lethal factor (LF). PA is the toxin component that binds to
receptors on macrophages and creates a pore through which LF,
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a protease, enters the host cell. The secretion of LF into the
cytosol in turn activates Nalp1b, which is then able to activate a
protease called Caspase-1. Active Caspase-1 triggers a pyroptosis
program, inducing a macrophage cell death. Two kinds of
macrophage cell lines were used in our study: iB6 (non-functional
Nalp1b) and i129 (functional Nalp1b). The mechanism of how
lethal toxin activates Nalp1b and induces cell death is unknown.
Since LF is a protease, I hypothesized that perhaps Nalp1b is
cleaved by LF.
Vitamin D levels. Based on current data, severity of Vitamin D
deficiency does not significantly affect bone and joint pain.
This hypothesis was tested by transducing iB6 cells with Flagtagged Nalp1b and treating them with lethal toxin. Western blot
was used to test for the cleavage of Nalp1b. A second goal of the
study and future work is to test whether LF alone, without the PA,
is sufficient to activate Nalp1b and induce cell death in
macrophages. In order to deliver LF to the host cell cytosol
without requiring the PA toxin component, a doxycycline (DOX)inducible HA-LF expression construct will be transduced into both
iB6 and i129 macrophages. After induction of LF expression with
DOX, cell death will be assessed by measuring cellular release of
lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). LF expression will also be measured
by western blot for the detection of HA-LF.
Hypothesis: Eagerly, I sought to learn research techniques and
how to apply knowledge learned through chemistry and biology
from Lemoyne-Owen College to Biomedical Research.
I was given the opportunity to work in the laboratory of Dr. K.U.
Malik, professor of pharmacology, in order to realize the above
stated objective. Dr. Malik placed me in an ongoing research
project, the aim of which, is to determine the expression of spleen
tyrosine kinase (SYK), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) &
vascular endothelial growth factor type 1 receptor (VEGFR 1), via
their phosphorylation, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells
(HUVEC), in response to angiotensin II, epidermal growth factor
(EGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by Western
Blot analysis.
Our results from flow cytometry and LDH assays show that we
succeeded in expressing a flag-tagged Nalp1b construct in
immortalized iB6 cells. [This study was supported, in part, by the
Amgen Scholars Research Program and generously from NIH,
CRI, BWF, and HFFF awarded to Russell Vance Ph.D., Department
of Molecular & Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley,
Berkeley California, 2006.]
OA #8
Analysis of Vitamin D Deficiency in Sickle Cell Patients
Related to Bone Pain
Ashley Griffin, LeMoyne-Owen College
Patricia Adams Graves, MD, Kimberly Lamar, PhD, MPH, Sidney
Govan, and Ashley Griffin
Sickle Cell Disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects red
blood cells. It yields crescent shaped red blood cells with a life of
fifteen days rather than one hundred twenty days of normal red
blood cells. Often, sickle cell disease causes chronic pain in the
bones and joints. Vitamin D Deficiency (VitDD) is very common
with patients who have sickle cell anemia. Vitamin D is mainly
absorbed through the skin from exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D
deficiency in adults can lead to osteoporosis, osteopenia, and
osteomalacia. Vitamin D is necessary for the formation and
growth of bones, absorption of calcium and phosphate, enhances
immune function, and improves muscle strength. Vitamin D
Deficiency decreases calcium and phosphate levels in the blood,
which makes maintaining healthy bones difficult.
The goal of this research was to find the correlation between
Vitamin D deficiency and bone pain in sickle cell patients.
Screenings of Vitamin D (25-OH) blood levels were performed
from sickle cell patients' blood workups. Pain intensity scores were
evaluated, on a 10-point Likert scale, from clinic visits and chart
reviews. 308 patients' Vitamin D (25-OH) levels and pain scores
were evaluated. Upon analysis of the Vitamin D levels and pain
scores, we discovered that the pain scores of the patients with
normal Vitamin D levels were higher than the levels of severe
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OA #9
The Expression of Spleen Tyrosine Kinase
George Harris, Lemoyne-Owen College
K. U. Malik, University of Tennessee Health Science Center
Proposal: Using the Western Blot technique including sodium
dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-Page), I
will study SYK, EGFR and VEGFR 1 phosphorylation in human
umbilical vein endothelial cells. Syk is an important kinase
involved in cell proliferation, migration and hypertrophy as well as
angiogenesis, all of which are contributable processes to the
development of hypertension.
Method / Control: The Scientific Method used to conduct this
research was Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel
Electrophoresis (SDS -Page) and by Western Blot analysis of
spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK), epidermal growth factor receptor
(EGFR) & vascular endothelial growth factor type 1 receptor
(VEGFR 1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).
Results / Conclusions: Some of the results found in SYK / EGF
expression and phosphyrlation were at high levels and some were
not; those in SYK / VEGF expression and phosphyrlation were also
at high levels and others were not. Due to the expression and
phosphyrlation of SYK being consistent and also the
inconsistencies of SYK expression and phosphyrlation the results
were not conclusive, and therefore the experiments are being
repeated on a new batch of human umbilical vein endothelial cells
(HUVEC) at this time.
In conclusion, I can now perform the Western Blot technique and
the sds-page procedure without being supervised as an
independent researcher.
OA #10
Astrocyte Immune Responses to Activation: Relevance to
Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration
Jamila Harris, Langston University
Kathleen Borgmann and Anuja Ghorpade, Department of Cell
Biology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science
Center
Astrocytes, also known as astroglia, are characteristic star-shaped
glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes perform
Abstracts
many roles in the CNS including biochemical maintenance of
endothelial cells that structure the blood-brain barrier, supply
nutrients to the nervous tissue, maintain extracellular ion balance,
and have a principal responsibility in the repair and scarring
method of the brain and spinal cord following traumatic
injures. In CNS diseases that involve inflammation, such as HIV-1
-associated nuerological disorder, astrocytes become activated
with virus and inflammatory products. It is thus important to
decipher the role and response mechanisms of astrocyte
activation in context of disease. Through astrocyte’s change in
morphology and production of inflammatory molecules, it is
possible to assay the astrocytic response to Interluekin-1 Beta (IL1β) activation, a model pro-inflammatory cytokine. We measured
monocyte chemotatic protein (MCP-1) production in activated
astrocytes using ELISA tests. Several lines of evidence show that
MCP-1 plays a significant role in inflammatory processes and in
HIV-1 disease. We also assayed changes in glial fibrillary acidic
protein (GFAP), an intermediate filament (IF) protein that is
specific for astrocytes. Increased expression of this protein is
evident in astrocytic activation and brain injury.
Our studies showed that MCP-1 was up regulated in activated
astrocytes along with enhanced expression of GFAP. These
studies will allow further evaluation of whether or not the
activation of astrocytes is contributing to inflammatory diseases
and other central nervous system diseases.
OA #11
Identification of an Antibiotic Producing Bacterium
April Haskell, Claflin University
Randall H. Harris, Claflin University
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections.
Antibiotic resistance is reaching an all time high because of the
limited options we have to treat certain pathogenic bacteria.
Previously in our laboratory, we isolated an antibiotic producing
bacterium (APB). The goal of this project was to identify the
genus and species of bacteria by comparing the sequence of its
16s rRNA gene to the GenBank database at the National Center
for Biotechnology Information.
Through cross-streaking, Gram negative and Gram positive
bacteria were tested to see which may be susceptible to the APB.
Micrococcus luteus was the only bacterium that was sensitive to
the APB. For the sequence comparison, the genomic DNA of the
APB was then isolated. Through the PCR process the 16s rRNA
gene was then amplified. The gene was electrophoresed through
an agarose gel, purified from the gel, and ligated to cloning
plasmid pSC-A. The ligation reaction was transformed into
Escherichia coli. Colonies containing the plasmid and the gene
were cream colored after incubation because the colonies did not
break down the X-gal. When plasmid was isolated from E. coli
only 3 of the 12 colonies contained the insert. The plasmids with
the 16s rRNA gene were sequenced. A BLAST search was done to
determine what the genus and species of the APB.
From analyzing the sequence it was found that APB was most
similar to Bacillus species. Bacillus species are known to produce
various antibiotics. This may be the beginning of a discovery of a
new antibiotic and a step forward in the fight against antibiotic
resistance. Future work includes purifying the antibiotic and
determining its structure.
OA #12
Cerebellar Development in Time & Space: EGL Sizes
Shenika Holmes, LeMoyne-Owen College
The cerebellum, which is the largest portion of the hindbrain, is a
vital brain region for motor planning and motor execution. The
cerebellum is responsible for the functioning of coordination,
movement synchronization, and the initiation and termination of
motor steps. From previous research, the role that the cerebellum
plays in motor skills development is not completely understood.
Developmental disorders with motor skill problems such as Autism
could be linked to the embryonic developmental stages of the
cerebellum’s External Granule Layer (EGL). The EGL is a layer of
cells in the cerebellum that produces granule neurons, which are
part of a circuit that relays information from the cerebellum to
other brain regions and the rest of the body to generate
movement. To better enhance the understanding of EGL
development, analysis of cell diameter was conducted in tissue
from embryonic mice at embryonic day (E) 15 and E18.
Approximately, 3.400 EGL cells stained with cresyl violet were
measured in C57BI/6(B6) and DBA2/J(D2) mice using a Zeiss
Axiovert 135 microscope and AnalySIS software. The cell sizes
were analyzed using a Chi-square analysis. The data showed that
there was a significant difference in the sizes of the EGL cells
between these two mouse strains at both ages. The EGL cells in
the D2 mice were slightly bigger. The cell size could predict the
granule neuron size. One effect of the larger cell size may be
differential efficiency of neuronal processing.
OA #13
HHV-8 in Prostate Cancer Initiation/Progression
Heran H. Kalyie, University of the District of Columbia
Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a significant public health problem
among men. Several risk factors for development of PCa have
been identified, including a number of infectious agents. Among
the notable ones is human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8), also known as
Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). HHV-8 is a new
tumor virus that causes a number of diseases such as Kaposi's
sarcoma (KS) in individuals undergoing prolonged immune
suppression. Interestingly, HHV-8 has also been detected in
semen of PCa patients, but the molecular link between HHV-8 and
PCa has not been established.
Hypothesis: A number of studies have shown that HHV-8 infection
of tissue culture cells induces transcriptional re-programming
towards a more angiogenic phenotype. Since many HHV-8associated disease states (including KS) appear to rely on a
sustained state of inflammation, and since PCa has also been
identified as an inflammation-driven disease, we hypothesized
that HHV-8 may induce inflammation in order to promote tumor
growth.
Rationale and Methods: Since angiogenesis is a hallmark of most
cancers including PCa, we sought to examine the effect of HHV-8
on the growth properties of androgen-sensitive as well as
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androgen-insensitive PCa cell lines. Our goal was to determine the
mechanism by which HHV-8 skews the endogenous cellular
processes towards a state that results in aggressive growth of
these cells. We used a recombinant HHV-8 that is labeled with a
green fluorescent protein (GFP), a reporter marker which allowed
us to track the virus in infected cells. We then assessed the effect
of virus infection on specific cellular genes.
Results: DU-145 and PC-3 cells were successfully infected with
HHV-8, leading to 100% enrichment of chronically infected
cultures. Furthermore, transfection of PCa cells with vFLIP, one of
the viral genes known to stimulate the transcription factor NF-kB,
resulted in generation of new cell lines that have a tendency to
grow faster in tissue culture compared to non-transfected cells.
Conclusion: Since NF-kB is implicated in a number of cancers
including PCa, our finding that HHV-8 can infect PCa cells, and the
fact that vFLIP is associated with a pro-growth phenotype in PCa
suggests that HHV-8 may promote the growth and survival of PCa
cells in a process mediated by one or more of its viral proteins.
OA #14
Cardiovascular Disease in Females: Role of Androgen
Brittany May, Tougaloo College
Licy L. Yanes, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Jane F. Reckelhoff, University of Mississippi Medical Center
There are differences between men and women in cardiovascular
disease (CVD). In men, there is a higher prevalence of CVD than
pre-menopausal women. In contrast, it has been found that
postmenopausal women have a higher prevalence CVD than men.
Recent data suggest that androgens play a role in the sex
difference in blood pressure between men and women. Whether
androgens promote CVD in women is unclear at the present time.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a disease in which high
levels of androgens in women are associated with hypertension
and renal injury.
In order to elucidate the role of hyperandrogenism in PCOS in
mediating CVD, the following experiment was performed.
Normotensive female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into
groups consisting of rats that were implanted with either
dihydrotestosterone pellets (DHT) or placebo pellets. Rats that
had DHT pellets implanted were used as models for PCOS. To
determine whether a western diet or a high salt diet may
exacerbate the increases in blood pressure present in PCOS, the
rats treated with DHT were challenged with the following diets.
Female rats + DHT + Western Diet (high fat) (n= 5), female rats
+ DHT + a high salt diet ( n=5), Female rats + DHT+ regular
diet (n=5). Also to evaluate the role of renin angiotensin system
in mediating increases in blood pressure in PCOS, a group of
females +DHT were treated with Enalapril, an angiotensin I
converting enzyme inhibitor, in their drinking water (n=5). After 4
weeks, the rats were placed in metabolic cages to collect urine for
determination of protein excretion , an index of renal injury.
Protein concentration was determined in the urine by the Bradford
method, using the commercial available kit (BioRad). Also at 4
weeks, rats were anesthetized and implanted with intra-aortic
transmitters to measure blood pressure by radiotelemetry. DHT
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rats had higher blood pressure than controls (placebo). Rats given
DHT also experienced more renal injury than the placebo rats.
Enalapril treatment decreased blood pressure. Western diet and
high salt diet failed to increase blood pressure and renal injury
further than with DHT alone. However, DHT rats had higher body
weight and food intake than control rats.DHT administration in
female rats increases blood pressure and renal injury that may be
mediated by activation of renin angiotensin system.
OA #15
The Role of AMPK in CD8 T-Cell Response to Antigens
Jeremiah S. Miller, SUNY College at Potsdam
C. Agyemfra-Kumi, R. Rao, Q. Li, and Protul A. Shrikant, Dept. of
Immunology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY
The Adenosine Mono Phosphate Kinase (AMPK) is activated by
low intracellular metabolic energy denoted by high ratio of
AMP:ATP levels. In T cells, the AMPK is also activated by antigen
stimulation of TCR induced CAMKK activity. The ability of AMPK to
regulate several cellular processes including cell cycle progression,
protein translation, autophagy/apoptosis and transcription,
empowers it with the unique ability to govern cell fate. The
pharmacological agent; metformin, is widely used by type 2
diabetic patients due to its ability to sensitize insulin resistant cells
for glucose uptake by AMPK activation.
In a recent study, metformin mediated AMPK activation was
shown to overcome the memory defect demonstrated by TRAF6
deficient CD8+ T cells by regulating fatty acid metabolism, but the
mechanism by which metformin can regulate antigen induced
CD8+ T cell responses remains uncharacterized. Based on our
observations generated by the use of rapamycin and the recent
report, we hypothesize that activation of AMPK with metformin
will inhibit antigen induced CD8+ T cell activation and effector
maturation due to its ability to inhibit mTOR activity.
To test this notion, we have employed naïve TCR transgenic
CD8+ T cell derived from OT-1 mice (H-2Kb/SIINFEKL) and
evaluate the ability of metformin to affect antigen induced CD8+ T
cell early activation (CD69, CD62L and CD127 (12 and 24h) and
evaluate their effector maturation by determining CD44 and IFNg
production (48 and 72h).
Our results show that AMPK activation by metformin enhances
CD69 and CD62L expression, but surprisingly reduces CD127
expression. At early time-points. Moreover, enhanced activation
of AMPK blocks mTOR activity, CD44 and IFNg expression in
antigen stimulated OT-1 cells at 48h. The AMPK mediated effects
of metformin suggest a critical role for AMPK activity in regulating
antigen induced CD8+ T cell effector and memory cell fate.
Further studies to demonstrate the ability of metformin to block IL
-12 induced robust CD8 effector maturation and promote memory
attributes (persistence at day 40, sensitivity to homeostatic
cytokines and antigen-recall responses) are planned. The
information obtained will enable judicious use of metformin to
maintain protective immune responses in type 2 diabetic patients.
Abstracts
OA #16
Cytokine Induced Microtubule Disassembly in Corneal
Endothelial Cells
Shabree Nichols, Langston University
Corneal transplantation is often used by ophthalmologist to treat
disorders such as keratoconus and Fuch's dystrophy. Since the
body's ultimate job is to protect itself, the introduction of foreign
tissue may be processed as a threat. The transplanted tissue may
be rejected. In this response, the recipient's T-cells initiate an
immune response involving release a variety of factors. A
prominent molecule released during immune rejection is Tumor
Necrosis Factor-alpha. This cytokine, in turn, can act upon TNFR1
and/or TNFR2 expressed on the transplanted endothelial cells
leading to activation of a stress kinase called p38 MAP kinase.
This kinase is known to bring about a variety of effects on
endothelial cells but a prominent early effect includes microtubule
disassembly, which is known to break down barrier integrity of the
endothelium. In this study, I have used paclitaxel, a known
microtubule stabilizing agent, to prevent the effects of TNF-alpha.
I have also used nocodazole as a test reagent to deliberately
induce microtubule disassembly. In our experiments, we found
that treatment with the designated drugs had the desired effects
with paclitaxel strengthening microtubules and nocodazole
causing disorganization of microtubules. In essence, paclitaxel
may be used by doctors in the future as a form of preventative
treatment for patients seeking corneal transplantation. The
findings of this work will be useful to develop therapeutic drugs to
prevent transplantation failure.
OA #17
Optimization of MgCl2 for Amplification in PCR
Stella Njenga, Allen University
Oluwole Ariyo, Allen University
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is one of the most powerful
techniques used in molecular biology. Magnesium chloride
(MgCl2), as a source of magnesium ion for PCR, has been shown
to influence the primer template annealing temperature, fidelity,
specificity, and yield. Standard PCR protocols typically call for a
final magnesium ion concentration of 1.5mM. Excess magnesium
can cause an increase in nonspecific product, while too little can
cause reduced yield. For this and other reasons, it is necessary to
optimize specific PCR applications with respect to this divalent
cation.
Therefore, the main objective of the experiment was to determine
the importance and optimization of MgCl2 concentration for
amplification of the target gene in Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR). Several standard PCR trials were performed, by gradually
increasing magnesium chloride from 0-250mM. No DNA
amplification was observed when no MgCl2 was added to the PCR
mixture. However, the DNA bands became visible as the MgCl2
concentration increases in PCR mixture. Smeariness and
unspecificity of bands were observed after 25 mM concentration
of the MgCl2. Precision and specificity of amplified DNA
fragments are disscused in relation to optimum concentration of
MgCl2.
OA #18
What is the purpose of finding the brain weight?
Violet Odom, LeMoyne-Owen College
The human and the mouse brain as a lot of common structures.
This is a strong reason why researchers choose mice to do
research on. The mice used in the lab are not regular mice; they
are Recombinant Inbred (RI) mice. RI mice are generated by
crossing two inbred strains and then followed by inbreeding for 20
generations.
If you can identify the genes, it helps you understand certain
kinds of disease. Changes in brain sizes are sometimes helpful in
identifying diseases such as: Autism, Schizophrenic, Behavior
Patterns, Immune Responses, and Brain Tumors.
The process consists of: 1.) Removing the brain from the skull
carefully, making sure the olfactory bulbs are not torn; 2.)
Weighing the brain; and 3.) Inserting the brain weight and the
identification for the brain into the perfusion system.
Finally, after the process is done make sure there's enough Paraformaldehyde in the container were the brain was place.
OA #19
Qiagen vs. Norgen DNA Mini Prep Kits
Lillian Oglesby, Fort Valley State University
Amanda Chapman and Diane Hohorst, Monsanto Company,
Mystic, CT
Sarwan Dhir, Fort Valley State University
OriRi is a difficult origin of replication to qualitatively assay
because it is single copy and most DNA prep kits can not isolate
enough DNA to visualize the DNA fragments. A Qiagen mini prep
kit is currently used for low copy plasmids but is not sensitive
enough to use for single copy plasmids and it is hard to see the
restriction enzyme digested with the OriRi replication in the
Qiagen kit.
This study aims to test low copy plasmids with OriV and single
copy plasmids with OriRi origins of replication isolated from
Agrobacterium with a new DNA prep kit called Norgen Low Copy
Plamisd Miniprep kit. The kit is supplied by The Norgen Biotek
Corporation and claimed to design for low copy plasmid
preparation and generating higher quality DNA preparations for
microfluidic quality checks.
Presently, we are using phi29 rolling circle amplification to allow
us to visualize bands. This adds over 18 hours to the QC process
and is very expensive, so we hope it will be better in the new kit.
Norgen states low copy plasmids are purified based on a spin
column chromatopography using Norgen's proprietary resin as the
separation matrix. The DNA is binded under high salt
concentrations then releases the bound DNA under low salt and
lightly alkali. Low Copy Plamisd Miniprep kit is tested to find out if
it would generate higher quality DNA than the control Qiagen kit
for low copy plasmids and can isolate enough DNA from single
copy plasmids to be visible with microfluidic screenings. [This
work was supported by National Science Foundation, HBCU-UP
and S-STEM Programs awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir at Fort Valley
State University.]
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OA #20
Functional Analysis of ERG: Role in Transdifferentiation
Benjamin Ozokwere, University of the District of Columbia
Taduru Sreenath, Center for Prostate Disease research (CPDR),
Department of Surgery USUHS
Prostate Cancer cells are known to metastasis to bone as the
cancer progresses to hormone independence or refractory stage.
Spreading and establishment of prostate cancer in bone
environment require multiple reciprocal modifications of bone
microenvironment and epithelial cell behaviors. Ets related gene
(ERG) is an oncogene, over-expressed in prostate cancer patients
due to rearrangement between androgen regulated TMPRSS2
promoter and ERG. Several reports suggest that ERG plays a
crucial role in proliferation of prostate tumor cells. Proliferating
tumor cells are believed to be de-differentiated cells that may
acquire stem/progenitor cell properties and may have potential to
differentiate (same lineage) or transdifferentiate (epithelial to
mesenchymal transition). The aim of this project was to
determine whether ERG influence transdifferentiation of prostate
cancer cells into bone cells. Towards this, we have grown prostate
cancer cells (VCaP) that express high levels of ERG, and
modulated the levels by knockdown approach using non-target
and ERG specific Si RNA and analyzed for the osteogenesis. We
hypothesized that if we grow ERGsi and ERGnt RNA treated VCaP
cells in osteogenesis media and the NT VCaP cells
transdifferentiate into bone cells while the Si cells do not, then
ERG may influence transdifferentiation.
Materials and Methods: VCaP cell line was purchased from
American Type culture Collection (Manassas VA, USA) and grown
DMEM media for 48-72 hours. Transfection: VCaP cells were
transfected with ERG SiRNA and NT siRNA and cultured in
separate 12 well dishes with VCaP media for 48 hours. The media
was then changed into an osteogenic media so we can test for
osteogenesis using 1% alizarin red reagent. The osteogenic media
was changed after every three days until desired time point.
When the cells were seen to be confluence, 6 wells were
harvested each of both Si and NT for western blot analysis to
evaluate the efficiency of the transfection.
Results and conclusions: VCaP cells treated with non-target siRNA
(control) have shown osteogenic phenotype as seen by the red
color development with 1% Alizerin Red staining. Surprisingly,
ERG siRNA treated VCaP cells failed to develop osteogenesis,
suggesting the prostate cancer cells (epithelial origin) exhibit
osteomimicry in the presence of osteogenesis media.
Future research: We will repeat the experiment in different cell
lines. For example, cell lines that express the gene of interest,
ERG (positive control), and cell lines that do not express the gene
(negative control).
OA #21
Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Gamma Tocotrienol
Francisco R. Saenz, University of the District of Columbia
Vitamin E compounds have been extensively studied for their
antioxidative properties. Tocotrienols and tocopherols are isomer
components of Vitamin E. Therapies based on Vitamin E and or its
components are use to decrease the risk of cancer
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development. Anomalies affecting the endoplasmic reticulum
(ER) induces a conserved cytoprotective response know as ERstress. The aggregation of unfolded proteins disrupts normal ER
function. The unfolded protein response restores normal cell
function by increasing the production of chaperon proteins (BiP,
CHOP) which aid in the refolding of proteins, the ubiquitouslytagged proteosomal degradation and subsequently several cellular
modifications, including apoptosis. Prolonged ER-stress has been
shown to induce apoptosis in multiple cell types. We and others
have demonstrated that Gamma tocotrienol (γ-T3) is known to
induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells. However, the mechanisms
are not fully understood.
Objective: In the present study we investigated the molecular
mechanisms involved in γ-T3-induced apoptosis in breast cancer
cells. Methods: MDA-MB 231 and MCF-7 mammary breast cancer
cells were cultured in DMEM media with 5% FBS. The cells were
treated with various concentrations of γ-T3 and collected at
different time intervals. Protein expression pattern of ER stress
related proteins were determined by Western Blotting. Cell
viability was determined using WST-1 assay. Localization of
CHOP10 was detected with immunoflourescense staining
techniques. Results: γ-T3 induces the expression of several ER
stress related proteins such as ATF-3 and CHOP10. Upregulation
of CHOP10 protein is evident in cells treated with higher
concentrations of g-T3 versus untreated cells. Cytoplasmic
CHOP10 migration to the nucleus increases with higher
concentrations of g-T3 as shown by previous studies. We will
continue our study detecting other ER stress related proteins such
as BiP, PERK, eif2α and IRE1α to better elucidate the molecular
mechanism of ER stress-induced apoptosis by γ-T3.
OA #22
Distinct Tumor Suppressor Effects of WT- versus DN Distinct
Tumor Suppressor Effects of WT- versus DN-Annexin A7
(ANXA7) Involve Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF8)
Henoke D. Shibeshi, University of the District of Columbia
Dr. Meera Srivastava, Dr. Ximena Leighton, and Dr. Yelizaveta
Torosyan
Objective: To check if the tumor suppression activity of ANXA7
involves FGF8 in prostate cancer (CaP) cell lines (LNCaP, DU145,
and PC3) and their normal counterpart (PrEC).
CaP is the most common non-cutaneous malignant neoplasm in
men in Western countries; it kills 30,000 men per year in the US.
Its progression involves activation of oncogenes and reduction of
vital tumor suppressor genes (TSG). ANXA7 is a calcium binding
protein that has been categorized as a TSG, whereas FGF8 (an
oncogene), is involved in CaP progression and cell proliferation.
We attempted to find out if ANXA7 affects the expression of FGF8
by Western blot analysis. For that, we used Prostate Epithelial cell
(PrEC), Androgen sensitive LNCaP, androgen resistant PC-3and
DU-145.Each transfected with -an empty virus, - a virus
containing wild type (WT)-ANXA7, - dominant negative(DN)ANXA7 and - P53(control) and their parental versions.
In the PrEC, expression of FGF8 was limited to the cells
transfected with the empty virus and the DN-ANXA7. The
observation in the DU-145 was the same as in the PrEC except
expression of FGF8 was not seen in the cells transfected with the
Abstracts
empty virus. No expression of FGF8 was observed in the LNCaP
and PC-3 cells.
Conclusion: While the possible links in the pathways of the ANXA7
and FGF8 have yet to be elucidated, our experimental results
indicate that the WT-ANXA7 induces the reduction of FGF8
thereby reducing cell proliferation and growth in cancerous cells.
It is consistent with the result in Tor. et al., 2009, that it
maintained protective effects in PrEC, but caused high cytotoxicity
in cancerous cells. Unlike in the case of P-53, a known TSG; in
this case the reduction is in a cell specific manner.
OA #23
Application of a Thermally Responsive Elastin-like
Polypeptide for Efficient Delivery of Paclitaxel in Breast
Cancer Cells
Channing Sly, Tougaloo College
Shama Moktan, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Drazen Raucher, University of Mississippi Medical Center
Today's goal with chemotherapy treatments is to increase
specificity while decreasing side effects. Current issues faced with
chemotherapy treatment of solid tumors are systemic toxicity due
to a lack of specific delivery of the drugs to the tumors.
Therefore, there is a need for targeted delivery of
chemotherapeutics to solid tumors. Paclitaxel, a widely used
anticancer drug, has potent antitumor activity against ovarian,
breast, and lung cancers.
However, due to its extremely poor aqueous solubility and severe
side effects, paclitaxel is limited as an effective anti-cancer agent.
To reduce drug toxicity and improve the therapeutic efficacy of
paclitaxel, the study describes a macromolecular carrier of the
antitumor drug that can be targeted specifically to the tumor site.
The design of the macromolecular carrier was based on an elastin
-like polypeptide (ELP) for the delivery of a paclitaxel prodrug for
the treatment of breast cancer.
This ELP based thermally responsive polypeptide consists of: (1)
the Synb1 peptide derived from the antimicrobial peptides of
perceine leukocytes to facilitate its cellular uptake (2) ELP to serve
as a macromolecular carrier to allow thermal targeting (3)
paclitaxel (PTX) prodrug to kill cancer cells. Unlike the
conventional drug, paclitaxel prodrug has a maleimide group for
conjugation with the c-terminus cysteine on ELP. There is also an
acid-sensitive linker for the intracellular release of the drug. The
breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was treated with SynB1-ELPpaclitaxel prodrug for 1 h at 37oC or 42oC. ELP-delivered
paclitaxel prodrug inhibits MCF-7 cell proliferation resulting in an
induction of apoptosis in a manner similar to the conventional
paclitaxel drug. The results of the study suggests that ELP as a
molecular carrier of paclitaxel has potential as a thermally
responsive targeted therapeutic for future treatment of breast
cancer.
Most studies report that the diagnosis of skin cancer has a
protective role against prostate cancer. Investigators believe that
increased levels of Vitamin D resulting from sun exposure may be
the reason for this phenomenon as Vitamin D has been linked to
decreased risk for prostate cancer. The purpose of this
investigation is to determine whether skin lesions due to sun
exposure will decrease the likelihood of a protein specific antigen
(PSA) recurrence in radical prostatectomy patients. Retrospective
studies were conducted from 1988 to 2007 using the Shared
Equal-Access Regional Cancer Hospital (SEARCH) database. The
database is a multi-center collection of men treated with radical
prostatectomy (RP) at the Durham, West LA, and Palo Alto
Veteran Affairs Medical Centers.
The study included 1,370 men. Sixty-three (4.6%) had sun
exposure related skin lesions diagnosed before a radical
prostatectomy. Univariate analysis was done using the Chisquared and Mann-Whitney U tests and a multivariate analysis
was done using Cox Proportional Hazards model adjusting for
age, PSA, body mass index (BMI), Gleason Score, stage, center,
year, and prostate weight. Of the 1,370 men included in the
study, 90% Caucasian men were of the population with sun
exposure related skin lesions, African Americans were 6.67% and
other races were 3.33%, RP patients with sun exposure related
skin lesions included in this study tended to be younger (mean
age of 62 vs. 60), have lower PSA values (median: 7.4 vs. 6.2)
and diagnosed in later years (median: 1998 vs. 2000). Among
Caucasians, men with sun exposure related skin lesions are
almost twice as likely to experience a PSA recurrence compared to
those without lesions (hazard ratio=1.81;95% CI=1.05-3.11;
p=0.03). From these results, we concluded that the diagnosis of
sun exposure related skin lesions in Caucasian men undergoing
RP is independently associated with increased risk for PSA
recurrence. Further studies are warranted to determine the
underlying reason for this association.
OA #25
Potential Target Gene of Mesodermal T. Factors
Nicole Whitfield, Allen University
Adrienne Maxwell and Sharon Amacher, University of California,
Berkeley
Sun Exposure and Prostate Cancer: An Investigation
T-box genes are a group of transcription factors that are
characterized by a conserved DNA binding domain, the T-box. Tbox genes play important roles in development, one of which is
regulating gastrulation, the formation of the germ layers. The Tbox genes no tail (ntl) and spadetail (spt) are important for
mesoderm formation. In zebrafish, ntl mutants form most of the
trunk mesoderm but completely lack the notochord (a
mesodermal derivative) as well as the tail. In spt mutants, trunk
muscle (a mesodermal derivative) is absent but the notochord
and the tail forms. In spt;ntl double mutants, neither the trunk
nor tail mesoderm develops. Ntl and Spt act as transcriptional
activators yet few of their target genes are known. A microarray
screen was used to identify transcripts that were down-regulated
when ntl, spt, or both were depleted, and 41 potential target
genes meeting stringent criteria were found. Several targets were
known to function in somitogenesis, including her15.
Prestina Smith, Bennett College for Women
Stephen J. Freedland and Lionel Banez, Duke University
Therefore, I hypothesis that ntl and spt will be sufficient for the
Her15 gene expression. This data suggests that her15 may be a
OA #24
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Abstracts
very interesting T-box gene target connecting Spt and Ntl function
in the developing mesoderm with initiation of the segmentation
clock. This project further characterize regulation of her15 by Tbox genes. This was done by generating a probe to locate her15
transcripts in whole embryos and analyzing expression of her15
transcripts when Ntl and Spt activity are depleted and
overexpressed. For future work I would be to characterize a her15
probe. [This study was supported, in part, by a grant from REU NSF awarded to Dr. Sharon Amacher PhD, Molecular and Cell
Biology, University of California Berkeley.]
OA #26
Molecular Markers and Their Application to Rust Resistance in
Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Megan Wilkerson, Fort Valley State University
K. Melmaiee, A. Todd and V. Kalavacharla, Department of
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dover, DE
The disease rust caused by the fungus Uromyces appendiculatus
is a prevalent disease in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).
The locus Ur-3 controls hypersensitive resistance (HR) to 44 of
the 89 rust races curetted in the United States. It is presumed
that an arrangement of complementary genes act as delegates in
a signal transduction pathway between R gene and the genes
responsible for physiological defense response. By mutagenesis, 3
mutants were developed that expressed the depletion for HR
response from seeds of Sierra, then was screened with a bean
rust race (53) normally incompatible HR response on Ur-3
genotypes. After selfing of the M1 generation, M2 plants were
screened with race 53 of bean rust which identified three
susceptible mutants. These mutants were later declared Δ1, Δ2 &
Δ3, further genetic analysis revealed Δ2 & Δ3 were siblings
however, the F1 generation from a cross of Δ1 & Δ3 expressed the
HR response, and the F2 generation segregated in a ratio of 9:7
(HR/uredinia formation) . Furthermore suggesting the two genes
are unlinked, later Δ1 was termed crg (for Complements
resistance gene). This research was focused on identifying
markers associated withUr-3 locus. From the previous studies the
scar marker SK14 was found to be linked with Ur-3 gene;
however at sequence level we need more reliable markers in
order to identify Ur-3 gene. In this research Amplified Fragment
Length Polymorphism (AFLP) technology was used to find
polymorphism among mutants and wild type genotypes. The SK14
marker is of particular interest because it co-segregates with Ur-3
in addition, genetic analysis revealed that Δ2, & Δ3 are siblings
(whom share the same hypersensitive response) and Δ1 may
contain a linked complementary gene for resistance (Ur3), which
was provided by the SCAR marker Sk14. [This work was
supported by National Science Foundation, HBCU-UP and S-STEM
Programs awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir at Fort Valley State
University.]
C HEMISTRY & C HEMICAL S CIENCES
OA #27
Studies on Crystal Structures of Two Polymers
Chezaray Anjorin, University of the District of Columbia
In an attempt to prepare potassium salt of maloantotrophenylstannate, two bis(triphenyltin)malonate were obtained,
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[(C6H5)3Sn]3[O2CCH2CO2]1.5 (1) and {[(C6H5)3SnO2CCH2CO2Sn
(C6H5)3] H2O}CH3CH2OH (2). The dicarboxylate group links the
triphenyltin groups into a linear infinite polymeric chain for both
complexes. All tin atoms in the two complexes have the common
trans-trigonal bipyramidal geometry with three phenyl groups in
the equatorial plane and two O atoms at axial position. Both short
and long tin-oxygen distances are observed for all tin atoms in the
complexes. In Complex 1, all carboxylate groups functions as
bridging bidentate ligand, this coordination mode gives infinite 3D
polymer network propagating along all three axes. In complex 2,
Sn1 is bonded to a carboxylate group and the O atom in water
(Sn1-O1 2.145(3) Å, Sn1-O3 2.341(3) Å, O1-Sn1-O3 173.97(12)o).
Only one of the carboxylates serves as a bidentate ligand. This
chelation permits the carbonyl group to coordinate axially to the
adjacent Sn2. Sn2 is also covalently bonded to the other
cayboxylate in malonate ligand (Sn2-O4 2.163(3) Å, Sn2-O5 2.353
(3) Å, O4-Sn2-O5 173.47(12)o). The existence of a water
molecule in the lattice stabilizes the crystal through hydrogen
bonding between O atom in the water molecule and the
uncoordinated carbonyl group in the malonato group. An ionic
compound was successful obtained when we replaced the sodium
hydroxide with an organic amine.
OA #28
Screening of Toy Samples and Children Products for Potential
Toxic Heavy Metals by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy
Ashley D. Bowens, Winston-Salem State University
O. Fakayode, Ejiroghene F. Arhagba, Shalesa Perry, David A.
Pollard, and Abdul Mohammed, Winston-Salem State University
Environmental exposure of children to heavy metals including Pb
and Cd has been implicated in low intelligent quotient, mental
disorder and various cancers diseases. Ingestion of toxic metals
from contaminated toys and soil samples are the two main
sources of children exposure to Pb. The possibility of children
exposure to Pb from toys has recently resulted in the recalled of
many toys from different stores in country. However, the levels of
Pb and other potential toxic heavy metals in many children
products are yet unknown. Additionally, the current Pb standard
in children products is voluntary, making the enforcement of Pb
regulatory standard a challenge. In this study, we report a
comprehensive screening of various classes of children products
for Pb, Cd, Cr, Co and Ni using a flame atomic absorption
spectroscopy (AAS).
Toy samples were collected randomly from two cities, Greensboro
and Winston-Salem in North-Carolina at different sampling
locations. A known weight of the toy samples was ashed in a
furnace at 5500C. The ash was dissolved with an analytical grade
metal free nitric acid, filtered into a volumetric flask and made up
to the mark with deionized water. The calibration curve for each
metal was constructed by preparing standard solutions of each
metal over a 2-10 ppm concentration range. The standard
solutions were subjected to metal analysis using AAS. The
calibration curves were constructed by plotting the absorbance of
the standard solution versus the concentration of metal. The toy
sample solutions were analyzed for metal using a flame AAS. The
constructed calibration curves were used to calculate the
concentration of metals in the toy samples. The overall average
concentrations of Pb (40.64 ± 27.76 ppm), Cd (4.53 ± 2.59 ppm),
Cr (8.39 ± 4.43ppm), Co (2.86 ±3.97ppm) and Ni (2.77 ±
2.66ppm) were obtained from toy samples. There was no
Abstracts
evidence of Pb contamination of toy samples because the levels of
Pb obtained from the toy analysis were significantly lower than
the current maximum permissible heavy metal standards in
children products. Thus, the toys are safe and poise no significant
health hazard to children. The future study includes screening of
more toy samples for Pb from various stores in the country. [This
study was supported by NSF-HBCU-UP Grant # HRD-0308747.]
OA #29
Radiolabeling Liposomes with Tc-99m
Kirk Braggs, Langston University
V. Awasthi, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy,
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Objective: Liposomes are a lipid-based drug delivery system and
are used as a vehicle for a few clinically used anticancer and
antifungal drugs. Knowing the distribution of liposomes after
administration may be of interest to determine whether the drug
has reached its intended destination in the body. Labeling
liposomes with a gamma ray emitting radionuclide, coupled with
non-invasive imaging can be particularly useful. Our objective was
to prepare liposomes capable of being labeled with technetium99m (Tc-99m).
Methods: Our first goal was to synthesize a lipid that can chelate
Tc-99m while structurally inside the lipid bilayer of liposomes. To
this effect we synthesized, Distearoylphosphatadylethanolamine
conjugated to 6-hydrazinonicotininate (DSPE- HYNIC). The
compound was monitored by TLC. Next, we prepared liposome
with distearoylphosphatidylcholine, DSPE-HYNIC, and cholesterol
(1:0.07:1, molar ratio). The liposomes were allowed to react with
Tc-99m as the pertechnetate, in the presence of stannous
chloride reductant and tricine as a co-ligand. Labeling efficiency
was monitored by gel exclusion chromatography with PD-10
column.
Results: We could successfully synthesize the chelating lipid
DSPEC-Hynic in high yields, 36%. The labeling efficiency of
liposomes containing this lipid ranged from 10-35%. After PD-10
column purification the labeled product yielded >95%
radioactivity associated with the liposomes.
Conclusion: Liposomes can be successfully labeled with Tc-99m.
More work needs to be performed for optimal conditions of
labeling in order to obtain higher labeling efficiency. Future work
will entail the use of this technique to follow in vivo distribution of
labeled liposomes with gamma camera imaging.
OA #30
Studies of Iron and Glycine in Aqueous Solutions
Jeremey Branch, LeMoyne-Owen College
Yahia Hamada, LeMoye-Owen College
Because glycine is a neurotransmitter and iron is a neurological
effector, we proposed that iron and glycine would interact in
aqueous solutions, but we did not know how. One of the aims of
this work is to determine the complexes formed between iron and
glycine under ambient conditions. Potentiometric titrations and
spectroscopic measurements were used to address this
hypothesis. It appeared that the one to one complex (which was
identified in literature before) along with two newly discovered
iron and glycine hydroxo complexes were formed. We were able
to measure the stability constants of these complexes. UV-Vis
Spectroscopy was also utilized to address this research point. The
UV-Vis further confirmed that there is a strong interaction
between iron and glycine.
OA #31
Extraction and Isolation of Pharmacologically Active
Compounds from the African Chew Stick
Marilyn Butler, Shaw University
Dr. Christopher Njue and Brandon Dever, Shaw University
Traditionally, African people have maintained oral hygiene by
using the African chew stick. The goal of this project is to identify
the active ingredients in the African chew stick. To promote the
extraction process, a well cleaned pencil sharpener was used to
shave off the African chew stick into thin semi powder
component. The semi-powder was immersed in methanol for 24
hrs. The mixture was filtered using a filter paper. The filtrate
was subjected to rotary evaporation after which a light yellow
liquid was obtained. Results on the chromatographic separation
and isolation of the different compounds present in the light
yellow liquid will be presented. Findings on the anti-microbial
effect of the light yellow liquid as well as each of the isolated
components will be discussed. Future research will involve study
of the stability of the isolated compounds in the pure form as well
as in aqueous media at ambient conditions.
OA #32
Biodegradation Rates of Polymers by Time Series
Experiments
Brandyce L. Coes, Claflin University
Dr. Ronald Holser and Alysa Hugine, USDA-ARS Toxicology and
Mycotoxin Research Unit, R.B. Russell Research Center, GA
The objective of this research is to estimate the rate of
degradation or breakdown for renewable polymers. The polymers
were prepared from glycerol, citric, and/or adipic acid blends by
condensation reactions. No catalysts or solvents were used in the
preparation of these polymers. Samples of cured polymers were
weighed and immersed in 50 mL volumes of either an acid, base,
or enzymatic solution. The experimental control was 50 mL of
distilled water. Samples were incubated at 37 C for 10 days. Subsamples were taken periodically for analysis of degradation
compounds.
Analysis was performed by gas chromatography after using a TMS
derivatizing agent for derivatization. Results included
concentration vs. time curves for the different incubation
conditions. The degradation rates increased with increasing
acidity. Corresponding rate constants were estimated from the
glycerol vs. time curves. Laboratory experiments demonstrated
that these polymers break down rapidly into their constituent
components; glycerine, citric acid, and adipic acid.
Conference Program
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Abstracts
OA #33
Synthesis and Bioactivity of Triphenylstannates
Raymond Devaughn, University of the District of Columbia
Xueqing Song, University of the District of Columbia
Triorganotins have been well established as having various
biological activities. However, their low solubilities in water may
have limited their effectiveness. On the other hand, ionic
triorganotin complexes may have improved solubilities due to their
partially ionic characteristics. The reaction of thiolactic acid with
triphenyltin hydroxide in the presence of an amine yields some
ionic triphenyltin complexes. The structures of the complexes are
characterized by Infrared, 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The
structures of the ionic triphenyltin complexes are confirmed by Xray crystallography. The ionic complexes consist of an anionic
moiety and a dialkylammonium as the counterion. The anionic
triphenyltin moieties has a distorted cis-trigonal bipyramid (TBP)
geometry with one sulfur and two carbon atoms occupying the
equatorial positions and an O atom and phenyl group occupying
the axial positions. Crystal structures show that the complexes
exist as a dimer formed via an extensive hydrogen-bonding
network between the carboxylate groups (OCO) from the
thiocarboxylatotriphenylstannate anions and the N atoms from the
dialkylammonium cations. A second acid, 3-mercaptopropionic
acid, is used as well with the same reaction. Studies on the ionic
triphenyltin complexes against E. coli will also be discussed and
compared with a non-ionic compound. Prelimanry toxicity results
on one of the ionic complexes indicate that the ionicity does not
increase its toxicity.
OA #34
Phthalocyanine-HSA Binding (Ionic-Strength Effects)
TiReJe' Dickson, Savannath State University
Cecil L. Jones and Ronald Hayes, Savannah State University
The discovery of light as a therapy in medicine dates back to
ancient Greece. In modern day the ability of localized light
combined with a light-activated drug (photosensitizer) had a
dramatic effect on tumor cells and led to the development of
photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT is currently an effective
treatment regimen for several types of solid tumors. Although the
technique has FDA approval for some cancers, it is still limited by
two key factors: (1) selectivity; photosensitizers tend to
accumulate in healthy tissues as will as malignant tissue; (2)poor
light absorption in the photo-therapeutic range (600-900 nm).
This work investigates the interaction between the photosensitizer
and a major blood protein, human serum albumin (HSA) to
address the problem of selectivity. Spectroscopic techniques were
employed to measure the affinity constants and thermodynamic
parameters (entropy and enthalpy changes) that govern receptordrug interactions. These measurements were made over the ionic
strength range of 0–0.2M.
Spectroscopic data was fitted using Chipman’s analysis and the
thermodynamic parameters were estimated with van’t Hoff
plots. The binding constant between tetrasulfonated zinc
phthalocyanine and HAS was calculated to be 1.5 (± 0.2) x 106 M
-1. Results show that the entropy becomes increasingly favorable
for HSA-ZnPcS4 interaction with increasing ionic strength. A
linear correlation between ∆H° and ionic strength was observed
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Conference Program
when the ionic strength was less than 0.10 M. Results indicate
that binding is enthalpically favorable for ionic strengths < 0.05
M. The effects of ionic strength and pH on binding affinities will
be investigated to assist in the synthesis of photosensitizers that
provide optimum interaction with HSA.
OA #35
Stability of Nanocrystalline NaY Zeolite in Aqueous Solutions
Jasmine Freeman, Fort Valley State University
Anton Petushkov and Sarah Larsen, Department of Chemistry,
University of Iowa
Scientific awareness of how zeolites, a very distinctive type of
microporous aluminosilicates, undergo dissolution in aqueous
solutions with various pH's is limited. Zeolites are threedimensional, crystalline compounds which are built from AlO4 and
SiO4 tetrahedra. A defining feature of zeolites is that their
frameworks are made up of 4-connected networks of atoms.
Zeolites are widely used in applications such as wastewater
stream treatment, radioactive waste immobilization, the acid
stimulation of petroleum reservoirs, and drug delivery. Recently,
nanocrystalline zeolites, zeolites with sizes of less than 100 nm,
have been investigated for their enhanced properties relative to
microcrystalline zeolites. This project focuses on the stability of
nanocrystalline NaY in aqueous solution with varied pH. It was
found that the zeolite nanocrystals were stable at pH 7.4 and did
not decompose within a days' time, but were much less stable at
acidic pH's. The stability of nanocrystalline NaY zeolites in
aqueous solutions is important as new applications for these
materials are being developed. [This work was supported by
National Science Foundation, HBCU-UP and S-STEM Programs
awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir at Fort Valley State University.]
OA #36
Synthesis of Amino Acid Monomers to Prepare Matrix
Metalloproteinase (MMPs) Binding Polymers
Edna S. Lampkin, Mississippi Valley State University
Rachel Beecham, Mississippi Valley State University
Michael D. Scott, Manas K. Haldar, and Sanku Mallik, North
Dakota State University
Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are over-expressed in a variety
of diseases, such as cancer, asthma, cardiovascular disease, and
other inflammatory diseases. These enzymes are responsible for
the degradation of the extracellular matrix under physiological pH.
MMPs are also the target for the diagnosis and treatment of these
diseases. We are interested in the preparation of fluorescent
polymers for the detection of these enzymes.
In this endeavor, we synthesized polymerizable monomers
starting from 4-vinylbenzoic acid and various amino acids. These
monomers were mixed with other monomers containing a
fluorophore, an inhibitor for MMPs and alcohol groups and
subsequently polymerized using AIBN as the initiator. Recognition
studies were conducted in 25 mM HEPES buffer (pH = 8.0)
employing recombinant MMPs. Our initial studies indicate than a
polymer prepared from the alanine-monomer is capable of
distinguishing the cancer-associated levels of MMP-9 from the
normal levels of this enzyme.
Abstracts
[This study was supported, in part, by a grant from NIH (1R01 CA
132034) awarded to Dr. Sanku Mallik, Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Department of Biochemistry, North
Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105.]
OA #37
Progress Towards the Development of Potential Pathogen
Biosensors
Charlee McLean, Morgan State University
Dr. Angela Winstead and Dr. Richard William, Morgan State
University
Cyanine dyes are used in various biological applications, such as
fluorescence labeling probe. Cy-5 dyes are currently being used to
detect pathogens but they exhibit fluorescent properties in the
670-710 nm region, this region is subjected to the interference of
other biological molecules and fluorescent probes. Replacement of
the Cy-5 dyes with Cy-7 dyes eliminates this problem because
they fluoresce in the near infra-red region. The objective of this
research is to synthesize water-soluble Cy-7 dyes that will be used
to detect pathogens; these dyes will fluoresce at a longer
wavelength than the Cy-5 dyes.
Initial studies have been conducted towards optimizing the
synthesis of various heptamethine dyes in an efficient time using
Microwave Assisted Organic Synthesis (MAOS). Five symmetric
dyes and one unsymmetric dye were successfully synthesized with
percentage yields ranging from 65% to 84%. The absorbance
spectra ranged in the 780-790 nm region and the 1HNMR spectra
for the dyes concluded that the dyes are significantly clean. The
synthesized symmetric carboxylic dye was converted to its NHSester by a reaction of the dye with N-hydroxy-succinmide and
DCC. The NHS' dye complex was used to covalently label the
protein streptavidin. An absorption spectra analysis was
conducted on the protein streptavidin and the protein-dye
complex. An 8:1 molar ratio of dye to protein molecule was
obtained.
The Cy-7 dyes were successfully synthesized using the
microwave, however without the sulfonate groups they are not
water soluble and cannot be used to synthesize biosensor.
Therefore, the synthesis of the indolenium sulfonate salt is
currently being investigated. Future works include the synthesis of
the indolenium sulfonate salt derivatives and using these
derivatives to synthesize water soluble Cy-7 dyes that will be used
to detect pathogens. [This study was supported, in part, by a
grant from NSF-RISE Program 0627276 awarded to Dr. Angela
Winstead *Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, Morgan State
University, Baltimore, MD 21251.]
OA #38
Determination of Microgram Quantities of Zn by Fluorescence
Spectroscopy
Denita Pleasant, Claflin University
Dr. Hossein Nanaie and Dr. Uruthira Kalapathy, Claflin University
Chlorin e6 (Ce6), a tetrapyrrolic compound, is an active
photosensitizing agent used in photodynamic therapy (PDT). An
analytical method to determine microgram quantities of zinc was
developed by using fluorescence emission of Ce6-zinc complex.
UV-Vis spectrum of Ce6 had a red shift at 400 nm and blue shift
at 640 nm due to the formation of Ce6-zinc complex. However,
fluorescence spectrum showed a blue shift in emission band which
was accompanied by an increase in the band intensity upon
complexation of Ce6 with zinc ion.
These shifts in the UV-Vis and fluorescence spectra confirmed the
presence of zinc ion in the coordination sphere of the chlorin
molecule. The presence of Zn ion in the chlorin ring intensifies
the fluorescence of the compound. Further, the fluorescence
intensity measured at 646nm with an excitation at 400 nm was
found to have a linear correlation with Zn concentration. Hence,
Ce6 can be used as a fluorescence probe to determine the
amount of zinc in an unknown sample. The applicability of the
method as well as the influence of pH on the fluorescence
intensity, and the sensitivity of the method will be evaluated.
OA #39
Investigation of the Binding Mechanism of Drug-Cyc
Whitney E. Stapleton, Winston-Salem State University
Sayo O. Fakayode and Abdul K. Mohammed, Winston-Salem State
University
Chiral analysis continues to be of significant interest in the
pharmaceutical industry and biomedical research due to
differences in the pharmacological properties of enantiomer
drugs. Additionally, accurate understanding of the binding
mechanism of chiral drugs on biological samples, including
proteins, enzymes, hormones and carbohydrates is critically
required for effective drug design, drug metabolism and drug
delivery to the targets. In this study, the possibility of the use of
cyclodextrins (CDs) (homochiral sugar macromolecules), analytical
spectroscopy and guest-host chemistry for the investigation of the
binding mechanism and enantiomeric discrimination of chiral
drugs were investigated. Specifically, Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR), UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy were employed
to evaluate the binding mechanisms including, the binding site(s),
binding constant, stoichiometry and spectral properties of
enantiomers of propranolol hydrochloride, tryptophan methyl
ester chloride and ephedrine drugs on a native beta-CD and a
modified methyl-beta-CD host. In general, the results of this study
indicate significant differences in the spectral properties of
enantomeric pair of chiral drug when they bind with CD hosts.
The results of FTIR analysis indicated that the drug-CD guest-host
complexation is primarily due to hydrogen bonding. Furthermore,
the calculated binding constants and stoichiometry from the
spectral data of guest-host complexes were chiral drugs and CD
dependent.
In conclusion, the use of CDs as chiral selectors in this study is
appealing because CDs are commercially available at affordable
cost and non-toxic, making chiral analysis relatively inexpensive.
Also, high sensitivity and selectively of fluorescence spectroscopy
allows investigation of chiral drugs at relatively low concentration,
reducing the sample size. The future study includes the
investigation of more chiral drugs of different structural, chemical
and therapeutic property and to investigate the influence
experimental conditions on the binding mechanism of drug-CD
complexes.
Conference Program
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Abstracts
[This study was supported by NSF-HBCU-UP Grant # HRD0308747.]
OA #40
Labeling of Proteins with Dylight Fluorescent Dyes
allows the use of CMMs at a wider concentrations range for chiral
analysis. Additionally, CMM has polar head groups and organic
tails, allowing analysis of highly hydrophobic drugs. The future
study includes analysis of more chiral drugs and comparative
chiral analysis using chiral ionic liquid as a chiral selector. [This
study was supported by NSF-HBCU-UP Grant # HRD-0308747.]
Polite D. Stewart, Jr., Southern University, Baton Rouge
The purpose of this research was to label standard proteins with
DyLight fluorescent dyes and quantify the degree of labeling. The
labeled protein was separated from the unbound dye using G-50
spin columns.
The results of this research show that labeling did occur;
however, the amount of labeling observed was low. Visualization
of the labeled protein samples on a gel was attempted but it was
not successful. The next step would be to visualize the labeled
secretory protein samples on a protein gel run a 2D SDS-PAGE gel
using the labeled protein standard, and determine the protein
concentration of the LNCaP secretory proteins.
OA #41
Chiral Drugs Analysis Using Chiral Molecular Micelle
Ashley M. Taylor, Winston-Salem State University
Sayo O. Fakayode and Abdul K. Mohammed, Winston-Salem State
University
Isiah M. Warner, Louisiana State University
Chiral molecules exist in two forms known as enantiomers. While
one enantiomeric form of a chiral drug may be useful for diseases
control and treatment, the other enantiomeric form may have no
therapeutic effect or may be toxic. Analytical techniques
including, the use of chromatography, capillary electrophoresis
and nuclear magnetic resonance using chiral selectors such as
chiral solvents, antibiotics, crown ether, and cyclodextrins have
well been developed for chiral analysis. However, some of these
methods have drawbacks, such as the slow analysis time, high
cost of instrumentation and poor sensitivity. In addition, some of
the currently available chiral selectors also suffer from poor
solubility and instability, limiting their utility for chiral
discrimination. In this study, the feasibility of the use of poly
(sodium N-Undecanoyl-L-leucylvalinate) (poly-L-SULV) and poly
(sodium N-Undecanoyl-L-leucylalanate) (poly-L-SULA) chiral
molecular micelles (CMMs) as potential chiral selectors for analysis
of chiral drugs was explored.
The spectral properties, binding constant and stoichiometry of
propranolol, tryptophan and ephedrine chiral drugs with poly-LSULV and poly-L-SULA guest-host complexes were investigated
using a UV-visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The result of
the spectral analysis shows notable differences in the spectral
behavior of enantiomers drug in a CMM environment.
Additionally, the result of the binding mechanism demonstrates
differences in the binding constants and stoichiometry of chiral
drugs with CMMs, indicating chiral discrimination ability of CMMs.
Generally, the binding constant and chiral discrimination ability of
CMMs obtained is guest-host dependent. However, the use of
poly-L-SULV as a chiral selector resulted in a better binding and
enantiomeric recognition of the enantiomer drugs. The use of
CMMs with enhanced stability and no critical micelle concentration
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Conference Program
OA #42
Hyaluronic Acid Derivatives for Cellular Encapsula
TaNeshia Washington, Benedict College
Chris Highley, Sasha Bakhru, and Stefan Zappe, Benedict College
Cellular encapsulation has been studied as a way to
immunoisolate implanted cells and, more recently, as a means of
expansion and phenotype maintenance of cell lines, such as
embryonic and neural stem cells. Polyelectrolytic materials are
often used for encapsulation via complex coacervation. Hyaluronic
acid (HA), a natural, mammalian biomaterial, has been shown to
positively affect cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation. It is
negatively charged, and can be modified using N-(3dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide (EDC) and Nhydroxysuccinimide (NHS) chemistry to link adipic acid
dihydrazide (ADH) to the backbone, replacing the hydroxyl groups
with amino groups to introduce positive charge. In this study, HA
is treated with sodium periodate to cleave the ring in D-glucuronic
acid and form dialdehyde residues, which are oxidized to create
additional carboxyl groups. An HA-derivative has been developed
with increased negative charge, which can be used in
encapsulation or further modified using EDC/NHS chemistry to link
ADH, creating positive charge. Similarly, the increased number of
carboxyl groups can allow the incorporation of bioactive molecules
while still maintaining an overall negative charge necessary for
polyelectrolytic complexation. Varying reaction conditions allows
for control over the amount of charge, and the engineering of the
material for specific applications. HA may thus be used as the
base material for cellular encapsulation, imparting both natural
and engineered properties to the system depending on a
controllable synthesis.
C OMPUTER S CIENCES & I NFORMATION
M ANAGEMENT
OA #43
Reseach to Improve Communication by Pedagogical Agents
Ruth Agada, Bowie State University
In this research, we aim to develop a new experimental approach
to investigating effective communication by animated virtual
characters through speech, head movements and facial
expressions. In addition, we will conduct experiments to gain new
insights into the optimum combination of voice and facial
expressions to enable pedagogical agents to provide a more
believable communication experience.
We contracted students and a professor in the performing arts
department at Bowie State University to act out stories that have
been written for this project. These stories were developed to
contain six basic emotions (fear, anger, disgust, happy, sad,
surprise) so that we can create a fully informed virtual storyteller.
Abstracts
Firstly, we videotaped the actors as they performed the stories
and then proceeded to analyze their head movements and facial
expressions. From our analysis we noted the facial expressions
and head movements used by the actor at each key time frame.
We created a set of facial expressions and head movement
animation sequences that mimic the various actions of the actor.
Secondly, we built a 3D animated virtual storyteller that closely
mimicked head movements and facial expressions similar to those
produced by human storytellers. Finally, the virtual storyteller was
tested in three head movement conditions (No Head Movement,
Head movements, and Head movements with Prominence
Movements) and two face emotion conditions (No Emotions,
Emotions) to yield six different possible conditions for each story.
The animated agent was tested under those conditions on a small
group of Bowie State university students. Each student watches
short clips of the agent under various conditions, and each tester
told to watch a specific clip and fill out questionnaire after
watching the clip.
Preliminary results showed that facial expressions and head
movements have great impact on student's impressions of and
engagement with the virtual storyteller. We hypothesize that
listener will be more attentive, have more positive impressions of
the storyteller and will recall and comprehend stories better as
animation conditions more closely approximate human
communication behaviors. Successful outcomes of this project will
provide a new procedure for developing more engaging and
natural dialogs and narrations by pedagogical agents, which are
expected to lead to more effective learning outcomes.[This work
is supported by NSF grant awarded to Dr. Jie Yan PhD.]
OA #44
Detection of Surface Discontinuities Using Image Processing
Nabil Ali, Central State University, OH
Detection of discontinuities of ground surfaces is useful in forensic
work and has defense applications. Burial of objects such as
improvised explosive device (IED) and land mines in the
subsurface medium has caused high a number of casualties in
different parts of the world. Detecting these devices is imperative
in saving the lives of people traveling or walking over these
surfaces. In this research, a strategy based on MATLAB image
processing toolbox is investigated to detect objects that are
buried in different types of terrain. The strategy is implemented
as following steps: detect the discontinuity of sensory hyper
spectrum signal using wavelet analysis; if an apparent
discontinuity is detected, translate the hyper spectral signal into
image; use the Canny method for detecting the edge of potential
buried objects; crop in the area that may include buried objects;
remove the noise; obtain the geometry configurations (size and
shape) of the buried object. Results indicate that the method is
promising and the algorithm, in the current version , takes
approximately 1-2 minutes for completion.
OA #45
Information Hiding Using Images
Leonard L. Curry Jr., Virginia State University
Shuhua Lai, Virginia State University
Information security is becoming a bigger issue everyday
commonly through emails and online transactions. Identity theft,
worms, and trojans plant themselves on personal computers all
over the world looking for information that was thought to be
secure. Spam blockers, anti-virus, malware, and adware software
has been developed to slow this process down. However, there
are new methods being devloped every day to try and crack into
computers with security.
In this research project, we try to design and implement a new
method to secure information by hiding it within an image in such
a way that no one will notice a change to the picture itself or even
suspect that there is hidden information in it. Only the intended
receiver can retrive the hidden information from the image
because a private key is needed in the decoding process.
Every pixel of an image contains three channels (Red, Green, and
Blue). Each channel is 8 bits long and the last bit has least
significance to the apprearance of the image. The message that
needs to be hidden into the image can be represented with a
series of bits. The basic idea of our research is to replace the least
significant bit of each channel with a bit of the given message.
Each bit of the message goes to a pixel randomly, and the
selection of the pixel is determined by a private key. The decoder
applies a similar process but is reversed to retrive the original
message using the same private key. The key we use is 128 bits
long, therefore it is very difficult to break. Only with the private
key, can the message be retrived. As a result the message can be
securly hidden and passed.
The main advantage of our method is that it is secure and
effective. It allows for an ordinary picture to be encoded with
information and look just the same afterwards. Without the
private key, and even the knowledge of knowing that picture is
encoded with information, even the toughest of expert crackers
will not be able to retrive the hidden information.
We have implemented and tested our method with some samples,
and excellent results have been achieved. In the future, we will
apply our method to videos so that much more information can be
hidden within a video.
OA #46
Encryption/Decryption of Images through Manipulation of
Pixels
Edward Jefferson, Virginia State University
Shuhua Lai, Virginia State University
Data security has become a prominent concern since the
emergence of computers, and even more so as a result of the
internet. The securing of data is usually achieved by manipulating
the contents of a file such that the file is unrecognizable. This is
called Encryption. The purpose of this research is to develop a
unique and powerful method of encryption to completely secure
an image file, and to completely reveal the image when
decrypted.
Image files contain small items of information called pixels. Each
pixel contains three numerical components to represent a color
(Red, Green, Blue). A long series of swapping of pixels is
performed with respect to each color component. In other words,
Conference Program
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Abstracts
a pixel's red component is swapped with another pixel's red
component and so on. All these pixels chosen for swapping are
randomly picked and these random numbers are derived from a
private key. Therefore the final destination of each pixel in the
image is determined by the private key, which consists of four
integer numbers and 128 bits long. At the completion of the
encryption process, the image is completely disguised and
unrecognizable. A similar process with the same key, but
reversed, can be used to return every pixel color component back
to its original location, regaining the image's integrity. The specific
image format subjected in this research is Portable Pixel Map
(PPM).
The main advantage of our method is that it is easy to implement,
fast, and efficient. For most images, it takes almost no time to
achieve the encryption and decryption using our method, yet the
encrypted information is very difficult to be broken because a long
key is employed and a long series of random numbers are used in
the encryption process. We have implemented and tested our
method with many examples, and good results have been
achieved.
Our method can be used for image/video decryption, information
hiding and other web security applications. Our future work is to
apply our method to information hiding so that not only the
information of an image is disguised, but extra information can be
hidden within the image as well.
OA #47
Robotic Vision Using Integrated Image Segmentation and
Machine Learning for Humanoid Soccer
Jonecia Keels, Spelman College
In order for healthcare robots to assist persons with disabilities,
they will require an accurate method for recognizing common
objects. We design and evaluate a method for object recognition
in the humanoid soccer domain by integrating an OpenCV image
segmentation algorithm with a Weka-based decision tree machine
learning algorithm. We evaluate both the blur and mean-shift
image segmentation algorithms for color-coded object recognition
for Nao humanoid soccer.
OA #48
Proactive Digital Forensics using Splunk and Attack Graphs
Christopher I.G. Lanclos, Mississippi Valley State
Louis P. Wilder, Computational Sciences and Engineering Division,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Anti-forensics has become a security issue in the world of digital
security. Anti-forensics is the removal of data to hide illegal
activity. Digital forensics, the counterpart of anti-forensics, is
being overrun by the constant growth of anti-forensics. Antiforensics tool are being developed or modified daily. This
research combines a unique search engine called Splunk with an
attack graph theory to monitor USB (Universal Serial Bus) activity.
The combination of these technologies will provide alert
notification and near real-time recording of an attack. Splunk is a
constant running database that has the capability to record almost
every action of a computer or network.
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Conference Program
In addition to recording the data, Splunk has the ability to
organize data in a way that is beneficial in predicting USB attacks
using attack graphs. Splunk's real-time capability gives digital
forensics an upper hand over anti-forensics. Likewise, proactive
digital forensics is the ability to record the activity of a computer
or network in real-time. This technique counters the use of antiforensics tools and/or techniques by documenting their activity.
The goal is to have the required evidence to seize and prosecute
hackers. We were able to implement Splunk and design
theoretical attack graphs. We have come to the conclusion that
the combination of Splunk and attack graphs is capable of
proactive forensics. This research is a step in the transformation
from retro-forensics to pro-active forensics.
OA #49
Visualization of the CReSIS Greenland Data Sets
Shaketia L. McCoy, Mississippi Valley State University
Jeff Wood, and Michael Austin, Elizabeth City State University
Frensha Slaughter, Alcorn State University
The Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) has been
compiling Greenland ice sheet thickness data since 1993. The
airborne program utilizes a 150 MHz radar echo sounder to
measure the ice thickness. The data is currently available on the
CReSIS web site in various formats including PDF, Matlab, and
plain text files. These formats are not usable in the classroom
environment as a visual representation of the ice depth for each
expedition.
During the Undergraduate Research Experience in Ocean, Marine
and Polar Science 2009 program, the Greenland Data Visualization
Team took the CReSIS data and created a 4-D visualization
consisting of depth, time, latitude, and longitude. This
visualization was created utilizing HTML, JavaScript, and PHP.
Microsoft Excel was used to filter the raw data downloaded from
the CReSIS site. The team then statistically analyzed the
Greenland ice sheet thickness data for calculated, missing, and
actual depth readings. The goal of this project was to present the
CReSIS data via the web in a visual format to elementary,
undergraduate, and graduate students for research and
education.
This visualization package and corresponding data will eventually
be migrated to the Elizabeth City State University Polar Grid High
Performance Computing System. The research that follows
involved converting plain text files to comma separated values to
be used by PHP and JavaScript to produce data visualizations in
Google Maps and HTML pages.
OA #50
Evaluating Knowledge-based Scoring Function for Drug
Discovery Case Study:DrugScore
Joseph Rush, Claflin University
Ananda Mondal, Claflin University
This research project is based on the evaluation of a knowledgebased scoring function. An experimental setup for evaluating
knowledge-based scoring function is developed. DrugScore
[Gohlke et al., 2000; Klebe et al., 2005], a knowledge-based
Abstracts
scoring function, has been tested to determine the goodness of
this scoring function or how well this scoring function can
differentiate ligands from decoys.
OA #52
To evaluate any scoring function, a docking tool is required to
dock the ligands with the target protein. In this study, publicly
available and widely used docking tools, Autodock version 4 [Huey
et al., 2007] is used to evaluate the goodness of scoring function.
To process the intermediate results, Open Babel, software for
molecular design is also used. Many Shell scripts and Perl scripts
are written to pre-process and post-process the data to make
these three software tools work together. To test the setup, three
target proteins namely- cox1, hsp90, and pr along with their
ligands and decoys from DUD database are used for experiment.
Reginald Taylor, Claflin University
The performance of a scoring function is measured by the docking
enrichment factor (EF). The docking enrichment factor reflects
the ability of the docking calculations to find true positive
throughout the background database compared to random
selection. Along with the EFs for three proteins cox1, hsp90, and
pr, the perfect EF is also plotted against top x% of the database.
Results show that enrichment factor for proteins cox1 and hsp90
are less than 1.0 in most of the cases, which indicates that
DrugScore does not do good enrichment for these two proteins.
On the other hand, for protein pr, value of enrichment is greater
than 1.0 in most of the cases, which indicates good enrichment.
Even though DrugScore produces better enrichment for protein
pr, it is still far away from the perfect enrichment. This indicates
that there is a scope of developing a better scoring function,
which is our future work.
OA #51
Interpreting the Signal Received Through Cognitive Radios
Nikema Smith, Grambling State University
Over the past few years, cognitive radios have been a major topic
in the world of research. After learning that communication is not
just defined as verbal and that there are other forms of
communication such as wireless networks, file transfers, and web
browsing, I sought other variations of communication. Cognitive
radios were designed to adapt their transmission/receive
parameters in order to decrease interference and allow for other
wireless devices to coexist. Its cognitive capability allows for us
to program it to our dynamic spectrum's needs thru wireless
communication.
After purchasing the USRP radio systems, loading them on our
Windows system, we realized that we did not have the suitable
technology to support the radios. Through research of the USRP I
resolved the support issue and loaded the GNU radio software (a
free software toolkit for learning about, building, and deploying
Software Defined Radios) on a Linux based system called Ubuntu
and using the Python language I am interpreting the data
received from the radios transmission through a graphical
interface.
Evaluating Empirical Scoring Function for Drug Discovery
Case Study: X-Score
This research project is based on the evaluation of an empirical
scoring function, X-Score, to determine the goodness of this
scoring function or how well this scoring function can differentiate
ligands from decoys. An experimental setup for evaluating
empirical scoring function is developed using the docking tools
Autodock version 4 [Huey et al., 2007]. Open Babel, software for
molecular design, is used to process the intermediate results.
Many Shell scripts and Perl scripts are written to pre-process and
post-process the data to make these three software tools work
together. To test the setup, three target proteins namely- cox1,
hsp90, and pr along with their ligands and decoys from DUD
database are used for experiment. In the present study,
enrichment factor (EF) is used to measure the performance of a
scoring function. Enrichment factor reflects the ability of the
docking calculations to find true positive throughout the
background database compared to random selection.
Enrichment factors for three proteins cox1, hsp90, and pr are
plotted against top x% of the database. It is clear from the results
that the value of enrichment factor for proteins cox1 and hsp90
oscillates around 1.0, which indicates that X-Score does not do
any enrichment for these two proteins. On the other hand, for
protein pr, value of enrichment is always greater than 1.0 and all
the ligands are in top 5% of the database, which indicates an
ideal enrichment for this protein.
Present study shows that the empirical scoring function, X-Score,
is biased to protein pr when tested for evaluating its performance.
It does not do good enrichment in case of other proteins. So, it
cannot be used as a universal scoring function. This indicates that
there is a scope of developing a better scoring function, which is
our future work.
OA #53
Configure Software Defined Radio for Clear Signal
Michael Terrell, Grambling State University
The presentation will be about coop research experiences that
include understanding software defined radio, game theory, and
how to apply game theory for efficient use of spectrum. Initially I
started with the basics of radio frequency. I progressed to
cognitive radio (Universal software defined radio) and an
experiment that was setup for signal transmission/reception. The
software defined radio is a fully reconfigurable radio that is able to
sense its environment and adapt accordingly. The environment for
a cognitive radio could possibly be a spectrum. It has the ability to
sense what areas are open and which areas are occupied for
optimum spectrum allocation. The experiment was able to
transmit/receive a signal and then convert it into the binary
format which will then become the input for the MATLAB program
and outputted as a signal in the digital/analog format. The
reception of the signal and its display graph using cognitive radio
was demonstrated. We will continue worling on efficient utilization
of spectrum using game models (work in progress).
Conference Program
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Abstracts
Note: The research was conducted at WPAFB, Dayton, OH with
the cooperation Mr. Reginald Cooper, PhD candidate at CMU
(coop at WPAFB) and the WPAFB staff.
E COLOGY & E NVIRONMENTAL E ARTH S CIENCES
OA #54
Localization of an antioxidant enzyme in Biomphalaria
Glabrata
Edith Alvarez, University of the District of Columbia
Stephenna Knight, Selamawit Mekonnen, Stephany Graves,
Milfred Standifer, Freddy Dixon, and Carolyn Cousin, University of
Western Blot Analysis has shown the presence of thoredoxin
peroxidase in the brain, ovatestes, hepatopancreas, and the
albumen gland of several strains of Biomphalaria glabrata snails.
LAC-A, a resistant strain, differs in several reproductive features
from NMRI, its susceptible parent. A clone that showed a 78%
similarity to thioredoxin peroxidase (TPx) in mice was found in B.
glabrata.
TPx is an antioxidant and a natural killer enzyme found to be
present in large amounts in LAC-A strain and relatively absent in
NMRI strain of B. glabrata snails. This enzyme may be
instrumental in the resistance phenotype displayed by the LAC-A
snails. Using immunocytochemistry at the electron microscopic
level, the organs of the snail mentioned above were extracted and
fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde and divided into a positive control,
negative control, and experimental group. TPx, the primary
antibody, and goat anti-mouse IgG, the secondary antibody, were
used with the experimental group. At the electron microscopic
level, gold particles were seen in the fundus of the ovatestis,
brain, and hepatopancreas of the experimental group. TPx was
not seen in the positive control not the negative control in the
same regions of these organs. The enzyme TPx is closely
associated with the two major organs ovatestis and brain. Funded
by NSF/HBCU-UP.
OA #55
The Carolina Bays
LaEsha Barnes, Mississippi Valley State University
Approximately 13,000 years ago, the Laurentide Ice Sheet's
retreat was interrupted by a return to glacial climatic conditions
that persisted for over 1,000 years. The events precipitating the
dramatic, millennial long climatic cooling, known as the Younger
Dryas (YD), remain both a mystery and the subject of debate. It
has recently been hypothesized that a fragmented comet or
asteroid might have simultaneously initiated the YD and formed
the Carolina Bays. However, Carbon 14 dating and pollen analysis
indicates an earlier genesis. While this research does indicate the
bays were formed during prior glacial epochs, the bays also
appear to be repositories of a significant amount of materiel
considered evidence of an extraterrestrial impact including carbon
and magnetic spherules and nanodiamonds.
To understand the processes that created the bays, it is helpful to
probe their interior structure. Analogous to the Gamburtsev
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mountain research, sedimentary core samples and a ground
penetrating RADAR survey were used to probe the interior of the
bay to collect evidence consistent with either the terrestrial or
extraterrestrial formation theory. Soil processing techniques were
used to extract carbon spherules and magnetic material from soil
samples taken from Sandra Kimbel Bay. Data charts were built to
represent the characteristics of the bay. The data charts were
then compared to previous studies conducted on the Carolina
Bays and their correlation to the Younger Dryas period. The soil
samples analyzed within the team's current research were taken
from Sandra Kimbel Bay in the year 2008.
Ample data was gathered from the team's expedition at Rocky
Hock Bay. Coring samples were taken from the center of the bay
as well as the rim of the bay. In the future, these samples will be
analyzed for markers such as carbon spherules, magnetic
spherules, glass-like carbon, and other materials that would
provide a more in-depth understanding of the Carolina Bays.
OA #56
The Effects of Si, N, and KCl in Cotton
Antoine Barr, Allen University
W. Park and B. T. Campbell, USDA, SC
Antoine Barr, Allen University
The purpose of this experiment was to determine the effects of
silicon and or nitrogen on plant growth of cotton and to determine
their effects among five cotton strains. For each of the five
strains, we rolled six seeds in a paper towel for a total of twenty
rolls in a hydroponic solution containing MS basal salt mixture
without nitrogen. After four days, we selected sixty uniform
seedlings per strain and measured root lengths. Furthermore,
seven seedlings per strain were rolled in a paper towel and placed
in high and low concentration solutions of nitrogen, silicon, and
potassium chloride. Potassium chloride served as a control. After
six days, root length, fresh weight, and dry weights were
measured for each strain-nutrient solution combination. Our data
showed the effects of nitrogen, silicon, and potassium chloride on
plant growth and also how plant growth is affected differently
among five different cotton strains.
OA #57
Biomphalaria glabrata: Variations in Reproduction
Lynda Biaou, University of the District of Columbia
Stephanie Graves, Freddie Dixon and Carolyn Cousin, University of
Biomphalaria glabrata is the intermediate host for the parasitic
flatworm Schistosoma mansoni. This organism is responsible for
the chronic and sometimes deadly condition known as
schistosomiasis. It affects about 200 million people worldwide and
is second only to malaria in its destructive impact on the human
society. There are several strains of B. glabrata that exist both in
the laboratory and in the wild. The M- line and NMRI snails are
two highly susceptible snail lines that have existed for many
decades; on the other hand LAC line is a recently discovered cell
line that is highly resistant to the invading miracidia. Another
resistant snail line, BS90 was imported to this laboratory from
Brazil. All four hermaphroditic snail lines will be used in this study.
Abstracts
These snails can either mate or self fertilize when another snail of
the same strain is unavailable. Previous observations in our
laboratory have indicated that significant differences exist
between the fecundity and gross anatomical reproductive features
between snail-lines that are consistently mated and those that are
routinely self-fertilized. Although genetic variations may be in
play, it has also been speculated that these differences might be
due to the reproductive pattern that the snails employed. The
objective of this study was to carefully examine a major
reproductive organ (the ovotestis) in these snail lines. This organ
is the site for the production of ova and spermatozoa. Both light
and electron microscopy were used to examine these organs in
the four snail types selected. It was observed that there were
considerable differences in the appearance of the ovotestis
between the mated and self-fertilized snails. Funded by the NSF/
HBCU-UP grant.
OA #58
Quantifying Reniform Nematodes Using Real Time
Quantitative PCR Markers
India Brown, Fort Valley State University
Ramesh Kentety, Alabama A&M University
The Rotylenchulus reniformis, ( reniform nematode) is considered
to be the most underrated nematode parasite of cotton. It is the
most economically damaging nematode pest on cotton in Alabama
with an estimated yield loss of 8% in 2002. It a serious parasite
for other crops including cowpea, soybean, pineapple, tea and
various vegetables. Genetic resistance to reniform nematode has
not been reported for any commercial cultivar of cotton, but it has
been found in G. longicalyx, though little is known about the
resistance mechanism.
The ability to determine the presence and numbers of reniform
nematodes in soil samples is the key to the effective management
of this pest. Presently, identification and quantification requires
extraction of nematodes from soil samples followed by
microscopic examination to estimate egg and vermiform numbers.
This may require a well-trained specialist as microscopic
identification of particular species in soil samples is compounded
by the presence of a large number of other plant parasites.
The objective of this research was to develop a quantification
method for real-time identification and quantification of reniform
nematodes from infected soil samples; and detect differences in
reniform nematode quantities among various soils of different
plant and nematode growth history. DNA was extracted from
infected soil samples of cotton plant Gossypium longicalyx and
tomato plant S. lycopersicum cv. Microtom. After DNA
extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and Real Time
Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) was performed on
each DNA sample. Finally a 1% Agarose Gel Using 1 x TBE was
ran at 80 volts for 70 min in order to separate and analyze the
DNA. Current techniques employed in identification and
quantification are time consuming and expensive when examining
a large number of samples required to adequately evaluate a field
for the presence of reniform nematodes. There is therefore the
need to explore techniques that can potentially increase the
efficiency and sensitivity of the process. The real-time PCR assay
described above is highly automated and therefore saves time. Up
to 96 samples can be analysed simultaneously without resorting
to post-PCR gel electrophoresis. [This study was supported by
USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants awarded to Dr.
Sarwan Dhir Ph.D. Associate Professor & Director, NSF HBCU-UP,
S-STEM & REU Site Programs , Center for Biotechnology, Fort
Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA 31030.]
OA #59
Sequencing Plasmids from Avian Pathogenic E. Coli
Faith Bupe, Allen University
Dr. L. K. Nolan and Dr. K. A. Tivendale, Iowa State University
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) are E. coli that cause
colibacillosis in birds. Because of its effect on poultry as well as its
potential to cause disease in humans, there is an underlying need
to understand the virulence genes and mechanisms involved in
pathogenicity of APE. This can be achieved through sequencing of
the plasmid DNA found in many APEC strains. In this study,
plasmid DNA was purified and submitted for sequencing using
Roche's 454 Technology. The obtained contiguous sequences
were analyzed and aligned. Gaps between contigs were amplified
using PCR and closed by Sanger sequencing. So far, the study
suggests that a full sequence of one large plasmid, over 100 kb
from strain APEC 68 has been obtained. The full sequences of
two very small plasmids, one belonging APEC 50 and the other to
APEC 68, have also been completed. Some contigs still remain
that are yet to be assigned to their plasmids though most contain
error sequences.
OA #60
Identification of Putative Peroxisomal Division Proteins in
Arabidopsis
Brandon Crumsey, Fort Valley State University
Kyaw Aung and Jianping Hu, Michigan State University
Peroxisomes are valuable organelles that play many metabolic
roles in plants such as synthesis of plant hormones and
metabolism of hydrogen peroxide. To this end, we searched for
Arabidopsis proteins that could be linked to peroxisome division.
We chose six putative peroxisomal proteins showing sequences
similar to two established yeast peroxisomal proteins, Caf4p and
Mdv1p. The putative orthologs were chosen based on their
similarities with the WD-40 domain, an important motif for protein
-protein interaction in Caf4p and Mdv1p.
After obtaining the cDNA clone of these orthologs, gateway
cloning system was used to fuse them to a yellow fluorescent
protein to determine there localization to peroxisomes. After
about 48 hours of incubation on the bench, epifluorescence
pictures of the leaf cells were taken to determine protein
localization. Confocal images of the leaves confirmed the results,
which showed that two out of six proteins were localized to
peroxisomes, which are shown by the marker protein CFP-PTS1, a
peroxisome targeting signal.
As a result, we then proceeded to identify Arabidopsis knockout
mutants of the putative orthologs to study gene function. Seeds
of the mutants were ordered from the Arabidopsis Stock Center
and genomic DNA was isolated from leaves of two-week-old
plants. PCR was used to amplify the DNA and genotypes of each
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plant was recorded by examining the gel. The wild type plants
showed bands at about 1000 base pairs, while the mutant plants,
homozygous and heterozygous, showed bands at about 500-700
base pairs. A total of 28 homozygous plants for five genes were
identified, which were transplanted for further studies.
In summary, I identified two proteins that were localized to
peroxisomes and 28 homozygous mutants for these proteins.
Future research will be done on these mutants to observe the
peroxisomal and plant growth phenotypes. [This study was
supported by a grant from NSF awarded to Dr. Jianping Hu Ph.D.,
Associate Professor of the Plant Research Laboratory, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1312 and USDA Capacity
Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Director, NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site
Programs , Center for Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University,
Fort Valley, GA 31030.]
environmental pollution and/or dietary habits; of particular
interest are the quantified amounts of lead. A comparative study
of the levels of trace metals with the correlated demographics and
geographies of the sample sources will provide valuable
information to what urban areas are affected by trace metals and/
or what cultural groups are exposed more frequently to significant
levels of trace metals. Deciduous and adult teeth were gathered
from a variety of dental offices located in Austin, Texas,
cataloged, and prepared for sampling introduction into the
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS).
OA #61
Characterization of Organic Compounds in the Effluent Waste
Water Treatment Plants
The calculated concentrations of each target trace meta are as
followed: Aluminum ranged from 7.676 µg/g tooth to 653.2 µg/g
tooth, Titanium ranged from 5.992 mg/g tooth to 13.77 mg/g
tooth, Chromium ranged from 18.45 ng/g tooth to 3619 ng/g
tooth, Manganese ranged from 16.93 ng/g tooth to 1236 ng/g
tooth, and Copper ranged from 56.65 ng/g tooth to 312.6 ug/g
tooth. The ranges for the Lead (206), Lead 207, and Lead (208)
were 2.741ng/g tooth to 17.19 µg/g tooth, 39.53 ng/g tooth to
16.95 µg/g tooth, and 9.471 ng/g tooth to 17.41 µg/g tooth,
respectively. These data alone with the latest update will be
presented.
Zuri Dale, Space, Texas Southern University
Anthony Maye, Bobby Wilson, and Renard L. Thomas, Texas
Southern University
OA #63
Estimating the Distribution of CO2 in Indian Ocean
Given the number of pharmaceuticals, steroids, and other organic
compounds that make their way into wastewater, there is great
concern about how well wastewater treatment plants process raw
sewage into effluent that is returned to the ecosystem. The
importance of ensuring that wastewater effluent is sufficiently
treated is imperative to ensuring clean surface water.
This study was conducted to detect and characterize organic
compounds in the effluent of 69th Street waste water treatment
plant. Preliminary results show three estrogen contaminants were
detected in the effluent of 69th Street WTP at the ppb level.
There were also other numerous unidentified compounds present
in the sample. Fractions of the unknown compounds were
collected and characterized using several analytical methods.
Characterization of the unknown organic compounds will aide in
the development of new standards to measure the cleanliness of
wastewater effluent and minimize the adverse impact this water
has on the environment.
Future studies include exposing the fish gonad cells to the
contaminants that were found and determining the effects.
OA #62
Trace Metal Analysis of Primary Teeth as an Environmental
Indicator using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
Treven Dickerson, Texas Southern University
Claudette D. Johnson, Chelsea Harris, Christopher Stevenson,
Bobby Wilson, and Renard L. Thomas, Texas Southern University
Numerous independent studies have identified the existence of
trace metals sequestered within collected teeth of adults and
children. A quantification of these metals should serve as an
indicator of prolonged exposure to such materials due to
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Thaddeus Fairley, Mississippi Valley State University
Kadarice Joyce, Mississippi Valley State University
Candy Graves, Fayetteville State University
The distribution of CO2 parameters in the ocean is important for
understanding the fate of anthropogenic carbon emission and its
effects on global climate change. Among the four essential
parameters, pH, alkalinity (TA), pCO2, and total inorganic carbon
(Tco2), any two of them are sufficient to fully define the aquatic
CO2 system. Traditionally, each CO2 parameters has to be
determined using either field sampling or in situ sensors which are
inefficient.
As a result, temporal and spatial variations of CO2 system are
poorly understood. Recently, linear correlations between CO2
parameters and temperature, salinity, and concentrations of
dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate organic carbon
(POC) of various surface waters have been developed (Lohronze
and Cai 2006, Berryman et al. 2007, Small and Reid 2007, Yuan
2009). Since sea surface temperature (SST) can be determined
from satellite sensors, concentrations of DOC and POC can be
estimated from satellite data, and the satellite sensor for sea
surface salinity will be launched soon, these correlations will
enable estimation of global distribution of CO2 parameters from
satellite data. We have tested these linear equations by predicting
CO2 parameters from sea surface temperature and salinity along
cruise transects in the Indian Ocean. We have compared our
prediction with field measurements of CO2 parameters and
evaluated the potential of these linear equations for estimating
CO2 parameters. The final research paper presents our final
results, which shows which formula could possibly be future ways
of estimating the distribution of CO2.
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OA #64
An Exploration of the Natural History of the Scrub Oak GallMaker
Dorcas Falodun, Southern University at New Orleans
Selam Workenah and Murty S. Kambhampatim, Southern
University at New Orleans
Ray Marino, Forrest Lipp, and Richard T. Wilkens, Dowling College
Timothy Green, Brookhaven National Laboratory, NY
Galls are tumor-like structures or abnormal growths of plant tissue
that form in response to developing Cynipid wasp larvae and
other insects. This research focused on a Cynipid wasp,
Amphibolips ilicifoleae found only on the scrub oak, Quercus
ilicifolia. Nothing is known about the natural history of this gall
maker and its gall. We explored the growth rate, histology, and
morphology of the galls. In addition, we are beginning to
document the rate of mortality and the agents of mortality, which
are mostly parasitic wasps of the Chalcidoidea.
In order to measure growth rate, 20 bushes with incipient and
small galls were selected randomly from previously located galls.
We measured the size twice a week using a caliper, and checked
the gall’s condition, whether it had an exit hole and whether it
exhibited necrosis, sclerosis or both. To understand the cellular
morphology of gall cells, cross-sections of the galls and oak leaves
(for comparison) were observed under the microscope at 40X.
Ten cells were randomly chosen in each of 10 cross sections to
identify histological alterations relative to leaf cells. We measured
the difference in size (length and width) of mesophyll tissue. We
also measured the concentrations of chlorophyll a and b in leaves
and galls using a photometric technique. Growth rate of galls
showed a rapid development over the course of a single month,
especially elongation. The gall’s mesophyll tissue is much larger
(35-100 μm) than the leaf mesophyll tissue (3-8μm). The leaves
have greater chlorophyll concentration than the galls (235.0±23.0
and 126.0±11.0µgChl-a/gFwt.; 852.0±116 and 53.0±5.0µgChl-b/
gFwt in leaf and gall, respectively). By understanding the growth
rate, morphology and development of the gall, we can begin to
understand the life history traits that impact its success. Since the
gall provides food and protection, the physical makeup of the
plant is essential to understanding the dynamics of scrub oak gall
biology.
Studying the gall system is an avenue to elucidating important
biological concept such as plants and insects interaction. The
Ecology of plant and insect interaction is fundamental to
understanding community and agriculture. In this study, we are
beginning to understand the Biology and Natural history of the
galls. A major goal of this work is to develop testable hypotheses
for the future about the ecology, evolution and physiology of the
gall makers and their galls.
OA #65
The Effects of Pollution on Dolphins
of pollution affect dolphins. Through many years of research, one
form or another of pollution has been found to contribute to many
dolphins deaths. The three major kinds of pollution that have
been found to significantly contribute to dolphins deaths are;
chemical, noise, and marine debris.
This researcher created a survey to explore how each of these
three types of pollution affects dolphins. Although each kind of
pollution affects dolphins either independently or in an interactive
way, it is evident, as concluded by this study, that they all cause
injury or death in some way. For example, in an oil spill dolphins
may inhale oil fumes when they surface. The fumes would get
stuck in their lungs and cause damage to their airways. The
dolphins would panic causing them to surface more and thus
inhaling more vapor and oil, this would cause suffocation (Marine
Environment Protection, 2002). Another example, is when there is
marine debris in the form of plastic floating in the water, dolphins
often mistake it for prey. Plastic gets stuck in their intestine so
they always think they are full. As a result, they will stop eating
and starve to death (EPA, 2009).
This research focuses on how all the kinds of pollution combine to
affect different types of dolphins. There is evidence that all three
kinds of pollution affect each kind of dolphin. So by understanding
how pollution affects dolphins we can help to stop pollution
related deaths. In future studies, it would be advantageous to
study the three kinds of pollution together, since dolphins can be
affected by one kind of pollution then die from another. For
example, noise pollution can make a dolphin unable to use its
echolocation, thus making it harder for the dolphin to tell whether
marine debris is actually food. Another example, since dolphins
are often unable to use echolocation due to noise pollution they
could swim right into an oil spill. If it is understood how all forms
of pollution combine or interact to kill dolphins it will be easier to
control it. This is critical in saving the delicate ecosystem of our
planets oceans and rivers.
OA #66
Formal Synthesis of Laureatin from a 2-Methyleneoxetane
James Inyangetor, Allen University
Santosh Keshipeddy and Amy Howell, University of Connecticut
Natural products are chemical compounds, which usually have
pharmacological activity for use in drug discovery. Synthetic
analogs prepared in the laboratory also have shown distinctive
biological effects. Laureatin, a major metabolite of red marine
algae of the genus Laurencia nipponica has shown potent activity
as a mosquito larvicide. Two previous synthesis of laureatin
involved the formation of 8-memebered ring, followed by
cyclization of the oxetane ring. Our approach utilized 2-methylene
oxetane as our scaffold for the preperation of the cyclic ether of
laureatin. Research is ongoing.
Christina Graves, Harris-Stowe State University
Shereen Abdel Kader, Harris-Stowe State University
OA #67
The Impact of Environmental Water Pollution on Premetamorphic Tadpole Development
Dolphins all over the world face many threats to life. There is
evidence from research that pollution is one of the single biggest
killers of dolphins. This study aims to explore how different kinds
Cherelle J. Johnson, Norfolk State University
Lawrence O. Garnett, Thomas L. Christian, and Maureen Scott,
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Abstracts
Environmental water pollution has devastating effects on the
development and vitality of marine organisms. The importance of
this study is to investigate the influence of pharmaceutical and
agricultural water pollutants acting as developmental disrupters of
pre morphogenic tadpoles. This research determines
morphological disruptions in the development of marine species,
frogs, Rana sylvatica and Rana pipiens exposed to an estrogen
and nitrate polluted environment. A leading source of
pharmaceutical water pollution is waste containing birth control
pills, antidepressants and other compounds that are finding their
way into the nation's water ways. A major source of agricultural
water pollution is artificial fertilizers, pesticides and farmyard
waste polluting water through cultivation runoff. Previous studies
have examined the impact of estrogen and ammonium nitrate
pollution on the developmental patterns of marine organisms. It
is vital to understand the potential dangers of developmental
disruptors on marine organisms caused by environmental
pollutants.
This is a continuous study of the effects of environmental water
pollution. Rana pipiens tadpoles were placed in a polluted
ammonium nitrate environment and an unpolluted environment
on April 19, 2009. A similar study was conducted April 18, 2008 in
the same laboratory using estrogen as the pollutant. Rana
sylvatica tadpoles were placed in an estrogen polluted water
environment and an unpolluted environment. The aquatic
environments were monitored daily and the developmental stages
were recorded. The amount of beta estradiol and ammonium
nitrate used in this study was based on the Environmental
Protection Agency standards for human water consumption and
toxicity reports for marine species. The effects of estrogen and
ammonium nitrate water pollution were studied independently
and the data was correlated in this investigation. This research
determined ammonium nitrate and estrogen water pollution act as
developmental disruptors of Rana sylvatica and Rana pipiens
during the pre-metamorphosis stages of tadpole to frog
development. This research establishes the effects of
pharmaceutical and agricultural water pollution as developmental
disruptors on the metamorphosis of amphibians.
OA #68
Isolation of Compounds in Brazilian Propolis Active Against
the Honey Bee Pathogen Paenibacillis Larvae
Keeona Lawrence, Fort Valley State University
Jerry Cohen and Michael Wilson, University of Minnesota
Propolis, plant resins collected by honeybees, is collected from
specific botanical sources in different regions giving different
types a distinct color, aroma, and chemical composition. Among
other biological properties, propolis has exhibited antimicrobial
activity against several organisms including Paenibacillus larvae,
the causative organism of the honey bee disease American
Foulbrood (AFB). The long term goal of this study was to isolate
the chemical components of propolis which could be used as an
alternative treatment for AFB and other diseases. Brown propolis
from Mariana, Minas Gerais (Brazil) was extracted in 65%
isopropanoyl and filtered. This propolis solution was pH 2, 7, and
8.5 and partitioned against ethyl acetate.
A spectrophotometric assay of bacterial growth was conducted to
determine if any of the fractions inhibited P. larvae. It was
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postulated that only pH 2 organic fraction would likely inhibit
growth. Using solid phase extraction (SPE), two aromatic acid
reference compounds with different pKa's were used to
standardize the system with elution step gradients of KCl (10 mM,
15 mM, 25 mM, 35mM, 50 mM, 60 mM, 75 mM, 1 M). Acids were
detected by UV280nm; they were shown to separate as expected
by pKa. This SPE method was employed on the propolis extracts
and fractions collected. SPE fractions were assayed for inhibition
of P. larvae growth using the spectrophotmetric bacterial assay.
We found that the 10 mM fraction from the pH 2 ethyl acetate
extraction inhibited the P. larvae.
Future experiments will be directed towards analyzing active
fractions with LC/MS and LC/MS/M. [This study was supported by
USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants awarded to Dr.
S-STEM & REU Site Programs, Center for Biotechnology, Fort
OA #69
Human-induced Mammalian Mortality in the United States:
Are We Seriously Depleting our Ecosystems?
Michelle McCleary, Bowie State University
Steve Sheffield, PhD, Bowie State University
Mammalian species are important structural and functional
components of ecosystems. Widespread human activities, both
intentional and unintentional, have resulted in substantial
mammalian mortality across terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
Intentional mortality factors include predator control activities,
hunting, and trapping, whereas unintentional mortality factors
include roadkills and non-target deaths from predator control
activities.
The goal of this study was to examine intentional and
unintentional mortality factors for a wide diversity of medium- and
large-sized mammalian species in the United States. We
examined available databases for predator control activities,
hunting and trapping, roadkill, and hound hunting for these
species covering 1991-2008. Overall, intentional mortality factors
far exceeded unintentional mortality factors for mammals.
Predator control activities carried out by USDA Wildlife Services
results in the deaths of roughly 80,000-100,000 coyotes annually,
and relatively large numbers of gray wolves, mountain lions, and
black and grizzly bears are also killed though predator control
activities annually.
The number of non-target deaths from predator control activities
is substantial, impacting a wide range of carnivores, rodents,
lagomorphs, and other mammalian taxa. Furbearers continue to
be taken in substantial numbers through hunting and trapping
activities. Many different weapons, trap types, season lengths,
and bag limits are employed. Hunting and trapping mortality for
many mammalian species appear to be increasing annually.
The number of mammals recorded as roadkill, although
substantially lower than those for hunting and trapping, were
surprisingly high in some states. Annual and cumulative mortality
rates for each mortality factor are assessed and discussed in
relation to normal population densities and distributions of each
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species as well as possible ecological implications of widespread
removal of these species from ecosystems.
OA #71
A Long Forgotten Phosphatase Produced by a Nasty Bug
Results of this study demonstrate that humans can now be
considered the dominant selective force on mammals in the
United States. Individuals that can survive these selection
pressures may evolve to minimize these mortality factors.
Charlie Ponder, III, Fort Valley State University
Claudio F. Gonzalez, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science,
University of Florida
OA #70
Land Based Source of Pollution to Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico
Sarah Newton, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Mansour Mortazavi, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff
Tony Pait, David Whitall, Andrew Mason, and Dennis Apeti,
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), MD
Jobos Bay on the south coast of Puerto Rico is one of the many
treasures that Puerto Rico has to offer, with topography ranging
from bedrock hills near the watershed's northern boundary to the
coastal plain containing agricultural lands and residential areas, to
mangrove forests and coral reefs. Within the watershed is the
Jobos Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. A portion of the
watershed along with the waters of Jobos Bay, are part of a joint
Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) between NOAA,
the US Department of Agriculture, and the Jobos Bay National
Estuarine Research Reserve.
The goal of the CEAP in Jobos Bay is to assess the environmental
effects of implementing agricultural best management practices
(BMPs) on the environmental quality of the coastal waters and
associated coral reef ecosystem. As part of this project, NOAA is
developing baseline information on chemical contaminants in the
sediments within Jobos Bay.
The goals of my project this year were to assess organic chemical
contaminant concentrations in the sediments in Jobos Bay, and to
see how those contaminants varied spatially across the study
area. Sediment samples were collected by NOAA in May 2008.
Analysis of the data indicated the presence of a number of
sediment contaminants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and the pesticide DDT,
usually at low concentrations. PAHs, which typically occur in the
environment through the use of fossil fuels such as oil and
gasoline, were elevated at a site in the eastern portion of the
study area, and appeared to be associated with a boat yard or
marina area.
In general, concentrations of the contaminants including PAHs
and DDT were significantly higher in the eastern, more enclosed
portion of Jobos Bay, which may experience lower levels of
flushing to the Caribbean. One of the routes of transport to Jobos
Bay for a number of the chemical contaminants is runoff of
surface water, for example after a rainfall event, which carries the
contaminants into the surrounding waters.
The results of this assessment are enabling scientists to assess
the types and levels of contamination in the study area, and will
provide the means for assessing the environmental benefits of the
BMPs to Jobos Bay.
Francisella tularensis, the etiologic agent of tularemia, is a
facultative highly infectious intracellular pathogen. Its genome is
encoded into 4 main phosphatases (AcpA, AcpB, AcpC and Hap).
All of the phoshatase has been characterized except AcpB. pNPP, (p-Nitrophenyl Phosphate), is a substrate used to detect
phosphatase activity for enzyme AcpB (Acid phosphatase B). It
tends to turn a yellowish color when mixed with the enzyme. A UV
Prove Spectrometer measures p-NPP by detecting the
phosphatase being removed from the p-Nitrophenyl. It is
measured for approximately 30 minutes at 412 (nm). In one
milliliter, there is a stock solution that includes water (H20), buffer
(250mM Hepes), enzyme (AcpB), and p-NPP (substrate).
Unlike other substrates, p-NPP is a unique substrate, meaning it
does not need a dye to detect the phophotase being removed
from the enzyme. In order to find a comparison natural substrate
of AcpB, other substrates are tested. Malachite green is a dye
used to measure phosphotase activity of a designated enzyme. It
is prepared with water (H20), sulfuric acid (H2SO4), Ammonium
Molybdate, and 20% Tween. Each substrate was incubated for
approximately one hour before the malachite green was added
and being tested. The best substrates, with the highest optical
densities, are tested with various concentrations which ranges
between 100 (uM)-5000 (uM). If the concentration of a substrate
is increased, then the optical density should increase as well.
After noticing which substrate has the best Vmax (Maximum
Velocity) and Km (Michaelis-Menton constant), nine cofactors are
added to a selected substrate. After selecting the best cofactor, a
series of concentrations for that cofactor is tested to see which
would have a high optical density for the substrates and enzyme.
[This work was supported by National Science Foundation, HBCUUP and S-STEM Programs awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir at Fort
Valley State University.]
OA #72
Complexation of Mercury (II) by Peptide Ligands Containing
Cysteinyl and Histidyl Residues
Sade Rhodes, Winston-Salem State University
Dr. Maria Ngu-Schwemlein, Winston-Salem State University
Mercury toxicity is well documented and is a subject of increasing
interest concerning environmental pollutants and public health.
Clinical chelation therapy of mercury poisoning generally uses
thiol compounds such as dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA),
dimercaptopropane-sulfonic acid (DMPS), cysteine, and Nacetylcysteine. However, it had been showed that these drugs
are not as effective as they should be. For example, an increased
level of mercury in the brain was associated with post-exposure
treatment with N-acetylcysteine. These relatively small complexes
of mercury have been reported to enter the brain cells through
the amino acid transporters.
We hypothesize that peptide ligands containing cysteine will bind
mercury (II) and form larger complexes, which will evade
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transportation across the blood-brain barrier via amino acid
carriers. Therefore the purpose of this study is to evaluate the
binding affinities and associated thermodynamics parameters of
the interactions of di- and tri-peptides of cysteine with mercury
(II). The thermodynamic parameters and binding affinities were
conducted by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). Specific
mercury (II) interactions by these fluorogenic peptide ligands
were assessed by steady state fluorescence spectroscopy. SternVolmer formalism and the dependence of fluorescence intensity
on mercury (II) concentrations were also conducted.
These thiol S-donor peptide ligands show two sequential binding
for mercury (II). The stability constants for the first binding by
the dipeptide, D-Trp-Cys [(7.6 ± 0.6) x 1010 M-1] is about a 10 fold
greater than the clinical chelation drugs, DMSA [(2.7 ± 0.1) x 109
M-1] and DMPS [(2.0 ± 0.4) x 109 M-1]. Conversely, the bulkier
tripeptide, His-D-Trp-Cys, exhibited a lower binding affinity [(3.5 ±
0.1) x 108 M-1] for mercury (II) compared to these clinical
chelators. The stability constants for the first binding are largely
due to favorable contribution of the enthalpy term to the free
energy of complexation. As more mercury (II) ions are added,
this enthalpy contribution decreases and the free energy of the
second binding is compensated by the entropy term. The
dependency of the fluorescence intensity for these peptides on
mercury (II) concentration shows two different Stern-Volmer
plots, which corroborates the calorimetric data and supports the
formation of two types of stable complexes.
The results from this study show that small peptide ligands
containing thiol S-donor and imidazole N-donor ligating groups are
structurally attractive for the rational design of chelators for
mercury (II).
OA #73
Defense in Herbivores: The Role of Glucosinolates in
Arabidopsis
Tanisha Robinson, Norfolk State University
Malikah Abdullah-Israel, Norfolk State University
Martin de Vos, Cornell University
Glucosinolates, also referred to as mustard oil glucosides, are well
-studied secondary metabolites. Glucosinolates benefit plants by
warding off pathogens and insects. Arabidopsis has an effective
chemical defense that requires the hydrolysis of glucosinolates by
myrosinase, leading to the formation of the breakdown products
that deter herbivory. Glucosinolates are grouped into three
categories: aliphatic, aromatic, and indole glucosinolates.
The objective of this present study is to understand how indole
and aliphatic glucosinolates play a role in defense against
generalist herbivores. The use of Arabidopsis thaliana seeds were
used from the wildtype Col-0. Three mutant plants were
constructed; cyp79b2b3 (without indole glucosinolates), myb2829
(without aliphatic glucosinolates), and QKO (without indole and
aliphatic glucosinolates). Glucosinolate analysis was conducted to
confirm the relative concentration of glucosinolates in the wildtype
and mutant plants.
The project was tested using larval feeding trials. We used
different Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes, and wildtype Col-0,
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cyp79B2B3, myb2829, and QKO. In addition, larval performances
for the three generalist caterpillar were tested on each
Arabidopsis genotype.
Our data suggest that aliphatic glucosinolates play a major role in
defense against Spodoptera Exigua, manduca sexta, and
Trichoplusia ni. The growth of S. exigua was also negatively
impacted by indole glucosinolates. In conclusion, we show that
glucosinolates differently impact larval performances of generalist
insect herbivores.
OA #74
Effects of Ciprofloxacin Levels in Wastewater Treatment
Erica Smith, Langston University
Samuel DuPont and Dr. Peter Stroot, University of South Florida
The occurrence of high trace levels of antibiotics in our
wastewater treatment plants has been of growing concern of the
public. Continuous release of antibiotics into our environment
poses several serious risks such as development of antibiotic
resistant organisms, ecological and economical disturbances and
damaging health effect to humans and other organism over long
periods of exposure. One of the most commonly traced
antibiotics is Ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin belongs to the group
quinolone antibiotics which hinder bacterial DNA from duplicating
and unwinding. Ciprofloxacin is frequently prescribed to patients
suffering from bacterial infections such as a urinary tract infection.
Acinetobacter is a genus of bacteria regularly found in soil and
water that cause infections and are commonly resistant to
prescribed antibiotics. Out of the many species of Acinetobacter,
this particular project focused on A. calcoaceticus, A. lwoffii and
A. baumannii.
It was the goal of my research to compare the impact of different
levels of Ciprofloxacin on the three species of Acinteobacter and
observe how the growth of the Acinetobacter was being affected.
This was performed by collecting samples of pure cultures of
Acinetobacter species, measuring optical density of the different
dilute concentrations of Ciprofloxacin, performing fluorescence in
situ hybridization (FISH) and evaluating the results from FISH. In
A. calcoaceticus and A. lwoffii, dilute levels of Ciprofloxacin are
impacting the growth of cells as shown by OD data as well as the
average cellular concentration of precursor 16S rRNA as
demonstrated by mean fluorescence (F) data. A wider FDistribution has been observed for cells treated both at and below
the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) when compared to
the control.
Another result of antibiotic impact on evaluated cells can be seen
by a higher mean F, which relates to elevated precursor 16S rRNA
levels, within the impacted cells. Our results showed that dilute
levels of the antibiotic Ciprofloxacin impact cell growth and can be
observed by using FISH. A. baumannii has a higher MIC level than
the 1E-1 ug/mL that was tested in this particular project.
We were unaware of this until we noticed that the cells were not
being impacted in any of the dilute concentrations, especially the
MIC. Future work can be done on A.baumannii using the correct
MIC level to determine if cells are being impacted by the presence
of an antibiotic.
Abstracts
OA #75
Compare Procedures for Sterilizing Maize Kernals
Kelisha Thomas, Allen University
Dr. Anthony Glenn, USDA Russell Research Center
Maize is an important commodity worldwide for both human and
animal consumption as well as for biofuel production. Since maize
is commonly infected with fungi that can produce dangerous
mycotoxins, our objective was to test two different sterilization
techniques (bleach + heat compared to chlorine gas) to
determine which was most effective for reducing seed-borne fungi
in maize kernels. Data on infection frequency of treated kernels
indicated the chlorine gas sterilization method reduced fungal
colonization in cultivar "Stowell's evergreen" compared to the
other maize genotypes. The two sterilization methods were
equally effective among the other genotypes. The fungus most
frequently infecting kernels was Fusarium verticillioides. Fusarium
oxysporum, F. proliferatum, F. subglutinans, and Fusarium sp.
NRRL 25622 were also identified. Natural infection frequency of
kernels varied among maize genotypes. The comparable
effectiveness and ease of chlorine gas sterilization suggest that
additional experiments should be done to optimize the technique.
OA #76
Detection of Ochratoxins and Fumonisins
Yakia Voltz, Claflin University
Members of the Aspergillus section Nigri group, also known as
black-spored aspergilli, are important microorganisms in the
biotechnology industry. A black-spored aspergillus, Aspergillus
niger is widely used in commercial processes and has been
granted the GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status by the
FDA. Recently, it has been reported that some members of this
section are able to produce a wide range of chemical compounds
known as mycotoxins, including ochratoxins A and B, Fumonisins
B1, B2, and B3. Ochratoxin A and fumonisin B1 are mycotoxins
that have been associated with detrimental effects in humans and
animals, including cancer, depression of the immune system, and
birth defects. Due to the importance of this group of fungi, it is
relevant to develop methods for the identification of specific
mycotoxins produced within black-spored aspergilli group.
The main aim of this study was to determine whether 34 field
isolates from different environments in the United States were
able to produce ochratoxins A, B, fumonisins B1, B2 and B3 using
liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC MS/MS) as a
detection technique. The hypothesis was that all these 34 field
isolates were able to produce mycotoxins. Our results indicated
that 29% of the field isolates were able to produce ochratoxin A
and only 6% were able to produce ochratoxin B. From this, 80%
of the ochratoxigenic black-spored aspergilli were isolated from
peanut environment, perhaps suggesting a preference for this
type of substrate. The qualitative fumonisin analysis showed that
5% of the isolates produced moderate levels of fumonisin B3.
These results indicated that 100% of the positive isolates for
fumonisins come from maize environments. Our results indicated
that some field isolates from different environments were able to
produce ochratoxins and fumonisins. These isolates were
associated with two important crops: peanut and maize thus
indicating a potential risk for human health. Future research will
involve an extensive study for detecting mycotoxin production by
black spored aspergilli isolated in the United States.
OA #77
The Relationship Between Global Warming and Hurricanes'
Intensities and Frequencies
Lanikka Webb, Dillard University
Dr. J. Bernard Singleton and Tabitha Crandle, Dillard University
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the
Earth's near surface air and oceans since the mid-century and its
projected continuation. Man made climate changes may be
responsible for heating up tropical oceans, specifically, the two
bands on both sides of the equator where hurricanes develop. It
is believed that the atmosphere is warned up by mankind's
relentless pumping of carbon dioxide into the air. They are also
warming up the world's prime hurricane breeding grounds off the
coast of Africa.
Since 1995, the increasing of hurricanes has occurred mainly in
the Atlantic region. Hurricanes start when warm, moist air from
the ocean surface begins to rise rapidly, where it encounters
cooler air that causes the warm water vapor to condense and to
form storm clouds and drops of rain. The condensation also
releases latent heat, which warms the cool air above, causing it to
rise and make way for more warm humid air from the ocean
below. As this cycle continues, more warm moist air is drawn into
the developing storm and more heat is transferred from the
surface of the ocean to the atmosphere. This continuing heat
exchange creates a wind pattern that spirals around a relatively
calm center, or eye, like water swirling down a drain. Converging
winds near the surface of the water collide, pushing more water
vapor upward, increasing the circulation of warm air, and
accelerating the speed of the wind.
The purpose for this research is to look into these powerful
storms that are often created by counterclockwise winds that
surface off the coast of West Africa and even the Atlantic Ocean
itself. It would be interesting to know why these storms we call
hurricanes have become so more powerful over the last 15 years,
and is it possible that it is due to global warming, the natural
Earth climatic cycling, or both. During the research process, it has
been discovered that the Atlantic basin is very different than the
rest of the oceans of the Earth, and that it has seemed to become
warmer during the time of the recent global warming. And this
may be a possible reason. During this study it was determined
that there are a number of factors that may influence the recent
intensities and frequencies of hurricanes. One would be the
weather systems over the land of Africa, the age of the Earth and
the natural climatic cycling.
It is difficult at this point to determine how much influence global
warming has on the intensity and frequencies of hurrincanes.
There is a need to continue to monitor weather patterns and
changes in the Ocean temperatures. This requires a long term
study. [This study was supported by a grant from NSF/TESSE
awarded to Dr. Abdalla Darwish, DU- Director and The National
Weather Services.]
Conference Program
A25
Abstracts
OA #78
Martian Life Detection with Xylose Enantiomers
focus on the application of PCR to determine microbial community
profiles.
Arturo White, Fort Valley State University
Gaosen Zhang and Henry Sun, Desert Research Institute, Las
Vegas, NV
M ATHEMATICS & S TATISTICS
Ability of Martian soil to degrade carbohydrates, shown by the
Viking mission, has two interpretations. One possibility is that the
soil harbors living microorganisms. Alternatively, the soil is sterile
but chemically oxidizing, i.e. it is laden with photochemical
oxidants. It was shown by REU research last summer that these
two possibilities can be distinguished by the use of glucose
enantiomers. Life is selective: Earth organisms use D-glucose,
but ignore L-glucose. This stereo selectivity is absent in chemical
reactions. The goal of this project is to test if xylose, a five
carbon sugar, is also suitable for chiral life detection. Mixed
microbial cultures were raised from various soils (Jordan, the
Mojave Desert, and the Atacama Desert). Added D- and L-xylose
were monitored over time. Results show that terrestrial
microorganisms utilize only D-xylose, not L-xylose, confirming that
like glucose, xylose is a suitable substrate for Martian life
detection. [This work was supported by National Science
Foundation, HBCU-UP and S-STEM Programs awarded to Dr.
Sarwan Dhir at Fort Valley State University.]
OA #80
The Study of a Two Dimensional, Steady State Heat Equation:
An Analytical Solution vs. A Finite Difference Solution
Brandi M. Adams, Southern University at New Orleans
Dr. Joe Omojola, Southern University of New Orleans
The heat equation for a two-dimensional, steady-state condition
with no heat generation and constant thermal conductivity can be
expressed of the form
δ 2T
δ 2T
+
= 0
δx 2
δy 2
.
A rectangular plate of length, L, and width, W, with an arbitrary
Cartesian position on the plate denoted by (x,y) is the twodimensional figure for which the heat equation is solved.
An analytical solution and a finite difference solution are both
achieved. The general analytical solution of the form,
θ (x, y) = [C1 cos(λx) + C2 sin( λx)] ⋅ [C3e− λy + C4 e λy ]
OA #79
Microbial Community Analysis of the Gamma Forest Soil
Selam Workeneh, Southern University at New Orleans
Dr. Murty S. Kambhampati, Southern University at New Orleans
Shreya Shah and Dr. Vishal Shah, Dowling College
Dr. Timothy Green, Brookhaven National Laboratory
Management of any ecosystem requires information about the
flora and fauna present in the environment. While microorganisms
are very crucial for maintaining the balance in an ecosystem, no
information is available on the types and behaviors of
microorganisms in the soil of the Gamma Forest, which was a site
on Brookhaven National Laboratory campus exposed to 137Cs, 30
years ago.
In the first study of its kind, we analyzed the microbial
communities of the Gamma Forest based on BIOLOG® EcoPlates.
Based on vegetation types, soil samples were collected from 6
different zones and 6 different depths of each zone of the forest.
BIOLOG® EcoPlates were inoculated and incubated at 30°C for
48 h. The total bacterial community response to 31 different
substrates and a water control were recorded at 590 nm. The pH
and temperature of the soil varied between 4.5 to 7.0 and 20-27°
C, respectively. Comparing the concentration of aluminum and
iron, it is clear that as we go deeper into the soil, the
concentration of metal increases.
There is a high degree of negative correlation between the pH
and the metal concentration. The 32 m zone has high iron metal
concentration compared to that of other zones. As the depth
increased, the pH went down. The decrease in pH influences the
concentration of Iron and Aluminum. In conclusion, the BIOLOG®
data strongly suggest that the microbial community is dependent
on the pH and the metal concentrations. Future research will
A26
Conference Program
,
is achieved by using the method of separation of variables.
Boundary conditions, algebra, calculus, and trigonometry reveal
the constants in the general analytical solution yielding
θ ( x, y) =
2
π
∞
∑
[(−1)
n+1
]sin nπx sinh(nπy L)
+1
L sinh(nπW L)
+
where n ∈ Ζ
The general finite difference solution is achieved by setting up
symmetric nodal points on a rectangular plate of unit length. The
n=1
n
∂ 2T ∂x 2
value of the second derivatives,
and
m,n nodal point may be approximated as
∂T ∂x m +1/ 2,n − ∂T ∂x m−1/ 2,n
∂ 2T
≈
∂x 2 m,n
Δx
∂ 2T ∂y 2
, at the
∂T ∂y m +1/ 2,n − ∂T ∂y m−1/ 2,n
∂ 2T
≈
∂y 2 m,n
Δy
and
,
respectively, where the finite difference method is again applied
∂T ∂x
∂T ∂y
to approximate
and
temperature gradients. Using a
Δx = Δy
network for which
, the exact difference equation is
reduced to an approximate algebraic equation for interior and
exterior nodes. Interior nodes yield
2 (T m −1,n + T m ,n + 1 + T m ,n −1 ) +
2hΔx
⎛ hΔx
⎞
T∞ − 2⎜
+ 2 ⎟T m ,n = 0
k
⎝ k
⎠
,
while exterior
nodes yield
2 (T m −1,n + T m ,n +1 + T m ,n −1 ) +
2hΔx
⎛ hΔx
⎞
T∞ − 2⎜
+ 2 ⎟T m ,n = 0
k
⎝ k
⎠
T
where ∞ is the fixed temperature at the boundary of the
exterior node. The thermal conductivity of the material used for
the plate has a thermal conductivity, k, and h is the convection
heat transfer coefficient. Expressing the finite-difference
equations at each node leads to a system of linear equations that
can be solved using the matrix row reduction method. The Gauss
-Seidel iteration is another method explored to achieve a more
generalized formula for the temperature at each node.
Abstracts
After the equations for the analytical solution and the finite difference solution are established, a theoretical example is demonstrated comparing their numerical solutions. In conclusion, these
solutions are approximately equal.
enterocolitis disease. In this research, we have learned the theory
of the finite element method and we have written a onedimensional finite element code using the Matlab software. We
have shown convergence of the method by computing errors.
Further research includes calculating the margins of error within
these solutions as well as engineering an apparatus to test these
theoretical results.
OA #83
Renewable Energy Investments for Automotive Plants
OA #81
The Amazing Mathematical Beauty of the Lucas Numbers
Jorris Alford, Savannah State University
Mulatu Lemma and Craig Huling, Savannath State University
This paper examines some of the properties and patterns of the
Lucas numbers themselves, as well as investigates its close
relationship with the properties and patterns of the Fibonacci
numbers. Some important theorems dealing with the
mathematical concepts of the Lucas numbers will also be
investigated.
Method: We refer to different number theory books, different
number theory journals, Computers, and use our own creative
discover learning skills.
Results:
(1) We proved that there are fascinating and amazing
mathematical properties and patterns of the Lucas numbers.
(2) We proved that there are strong close relationship between
the properties and patterns of the Lucas numbers and
Fibonacci numbers.
(3) We demonstrated applications of Lucas Numbers in other
mathematics fields and Nature.
Conclusion: In this study some important properties and
applications of the Lucas numbers are investigated. We observed
that the Lucas numbers have many mathematical properties and
pattern that are worthy of exploration in today's mathematical
research territory. Lucas numbers can provide many worthwhile
mathematical tasks for undergraduate and graduate students as
these numbers can be the source of deep mathematical research
activities in the future. Our future mathematical research will be
to study more facts about these fascinating and amazing numbers
at higher level.
OA #82
Simulating the NEC Model with Finite Element Method
Shantay Branton, Allen University
P. Chidyagwai, T. Tullius, and B. Rivera, Rice University
Necrotizing enterocolitis is a significant and growing health
concern for prematurely born infants. It is a common form of
gastrointestinal disease, where the intestinal lining of a premature
infant becomes infected and undergoes necrosis. It is the most
common and serious gastrointestinal disorder among hospitalized
premature infants.
The aim of this research was to apply the finite element method
to a mathematical model of cell migration in the necrotizing
Melvin Bridges, Jr., Alabama University
Dr. Jorge Valenzuela, Alabama State University
Today renewable energy technology is becoming increasingly vital
for industries across the world. Renewable energy is generated
from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides and
geothermal heat which are all naturally replenished. This project
provides an economic analysis showing the net present value of
investing in renewable energy and green technology at an
automotive plant. The project calculates the expenses associated
with installation, maintenance, and production along with the
revenues generated by the energy production and finally the
incentives provided through Federal and State means. Final
economic analysis is based on an automotive plant’s annual
production, energy consumption, plant size, and geographic
location. At full production, the daily consumption of energy for an
automotive plant can peak to 50 MWh, however, all forms of
energy considered were compared at 1.5 MW to eliminate
variability. The project assumed a twenty year investment for the
three international car automotive manufactures in Alabama
which are Hyundai, Mercedes and Honda. Given the correct
conditions, the analysis shows that investment in solar energy is
not only directly profitable for manufacturers, but it can hold great
indirect or hidden profit for the environment and energy
consumers everywhere.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methods consisted of researching
data on the energy usage of each plant. We looked at the size of
the plant, the number of units produced per year, shifts worked
by employees, and green energy incentives. Together, the
information gave us a scale and helped us make assumptions in
deciding if this project was feasible and would save money for
automotive plants.
The primary tool used to determine if the project is feasible is the
Internal Rate of Return (IRR), a metric used to determine how
profitable an investment can be. The IRR indicates the quality and
measures the yield of the investment. We used it to compare the
profitability of alternate investments of equal risk.
The Net Present Value (NPV) of the project was also analyzed.
NPV is the total present value of a time series of cash flows. The
cash flows are discounted back to their present value then
summed accurately. The NPV appraise long term projects and
measures how much value an investment can add to a business
or investor.
Results & Discussion: The Net Capacity Factor of solar energy is
the most critical variable of the investment. Net Capacity Factor is
a measure of the sun exposure at a specific location. Sun
exposure is given as kwh per square meter per day. That can be
converted to a percentage to determine how much sunlight
actually travels from the Sun to the Earth.
Conference Program
A27
Abstracts
In summary, you see you can see that a 1.5 MW solar investment
in Birmingham, Al has the potential to produce 103 GW of energy
over 20 years and yield a profit of almost $2 million. The 14% IRR
is highly desirable and would do well when compared to other
investments.
OA #84
Mathematical Modeling of Human Arm Motion for
Optimization
Ericka M. Butler, Savannah State University
In much literature scientists have challenged to describe human
motion because of its extraordinary adaptability to many
applicable areas including the clinical study of locomotion,
ergonomics, and sporting activities. As one of these challenges,
this study mainly concerns on the development of mathematical
modeling of optimized human right arm motion.
Based on the understanding of biomechanical theories, especially
the biomechanical kinematics analysis for human segmental
factors, one collects the arm movement data in position from the
actual experiment. Initially obtained position-based 3-dimensional
vectors are converted to the angle-based data by using the
inverse dynamics theory. This process is required for examination
of various cost functions, which describe the distinct restriction of
the human movement. To implement the smoothness of human
motion, the discrete data is reestablished as differentiable
functions through the numerical interpolation methods. The
velocity and acceleration functions in angle changes are also
shown.
Various existent cost functions, such as energy efficiency,
musculoskeletal discomfort, fatigue, stress, etc. are examined
with the data. In order to find the most ideal combination of the
cost functions, we impose the weight to these functions so that it
can define well the most natural human motion.
The generated results then are expected to contribute to the
biomedical related areas as well as modeling of human motion
and optimized paths in mathematics. Furthermore, it may also
inspire the development of more efficient cost function, which
describe the human motion the best.
OA #85
The Classical Arithmetic & Geometric Sequences
Kelvin Frazier, Savannah State University
Earnest Baulkmon and Ezinne Igbonagwam, Savannah State
University
Hypothesis: The purpose of the study is to dig out some
important results and practical applications concerning the
arithmetic and geometric sequences. We deeply examine some of
the interesting properties and patterns of these two shining stars
of the classical number sequences. Some important theorems
dealing with the mathematical concepts of the two sequences will
be proved. We also investigate beautiful connections that exist
between these sequences and the seemingly unrelated
mathematical territories of perfect and triangular numbers.
Different impressive problem solving techniques will be shown.
A28
Conference Program
Real life application of arithmetic and geometric sequences will be
discussed.
Method: We refer to different calculus, real, and complex analysis
books. We used different calculus oriented journals, Computers,
and also use our own creative discover learning skills.
Results:
(1) We proved that there are fascinating and amazing
mathematical properties and patterns of these sequences.
(2) We proved that there are strong close relationship between
the properties and patterns of these sequences and perfect and
triangular numbers of number theory.
(3) We demonstrated with different examples that these
sequences are everywhere in applications.
Conclusion and Future Work: In this study some important
properties and applications of the arithmetic and geometric
sequences are investigated. We observed that these two
sequences have many mathematical properties and patterns that
are worthy of exploration in future mathematics research and in
many courses and mathematical contexts. These sequences have
amazing mathematical wealth to investigate and can be the
source of deep mathematical research activities for undergraduate
mathematics students and others in the future. We are excited
with this research and believe that our future mathematical
research will be based on these fascinating sequences.
Acknowledgment: Special thanks to our mentor Dr. Lemma for his
guidance and excellent advice. We would like to thank Drs.
Chetty, Jay, and Lambright for their great encouragement and
great support in the expansion of undergraduate research.
OA #86
A Modified Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test for Two Dependent
Samples
Rhecia Goodley, Savannah State University
Terry Woodford and Samuel Dolo, Savannah State University
There are situations where the estimation and testing of location
parameter is of primary or equal importance to scale inference
(for example, quality control). Unfortunately, the existing
common tests for comparing location parameters are parametric
in nature where the assumption of normality is of vital
importance. When it is suspected that the major assumption of
normality is not valid, a logical replacement test is a
nonparametric testing procedure that is useful in the same testing
situation.
We propose a new nonparametric test for the equality of the
medians of two populations. For the proposed test, let
X 1 , X 2 , X 3 ,..., X n
be the observations made on the members of the
Y1 , Y2 , Y3 ,..., Yn
first sample, and let
be the observations made on
the members of the second sample. We plan to use both the
signs and the ranks of the differences of the two samples to
define our test statistic, but only after the alignment of
observations in the first sample. The alignment of the
observations in the first sample is made by subtracting the
m = m1 − m2
difference of the medians of the two samples (
), and
m
then by subtracting
from each observation in the first sample.
Abstracts
We are interested in testing the null hypothesis that the two
medians are equal.
We applied the proposed test to real data set, as obtained from
Project EXCEL at Savannah State University Department of
Student Support Services. “Project EXCEL” is a federal funded
program designed to give incoming freshmen with remedial status
in Mathematics a three week summer collegiate academic
experience. Students who successfully complete the program are
placed in regular college algebra courses during the Fall semester,
while those who are unsuccessful remain in the remedial status.
Prior to their enrollment and prior to the program, the students
are administered the department exam called COMPASS. The
department claims that ‘Project EXCEL’ greatly improves the test
scores on the COMPASS exam. To test the department’s claim we
obtained a sample of pre-mathematics exam scores and postmathematics exam scores for ‘Project EXCEL’ three week 2008
summer course. We wish to determine whether there is
significant statistical difference between the pre-mathematics
exam scores and the post-mathematics exam scores on the
COMPASS. The proposed test statistic was found to be
x = min ( S+ , S− ) = S+ = 1
; where
S+ =
total number of the positive
S−
differences in the samples = 1 , and
= total number of the
negative differences in the samples = 11 . Furthermore a critical
value (table value) is calculated to be 2. Since the critical value is
greater than the test statistic value, we reject the null hypothesis,
Ho
. Thus, we conclude that there is enough evidence to support
the Department’s claim that ‘Project EXCEL’ does improve
students’ score on the COMPASS exam in Mathematics. We are
confident that the proposed test is easily understood by the
typical user of statistics. We hope that the proposed test would
one day be used as a vital evaluation instrument for statistical
analyses.
OA #87
Analysis of Waiting Lines
Keshia Hutton, Southern University at New Orleans
Whenever there is more than one user of a limited resource it
causes a delay. That is called a waiting line. Waiting lines form
because people or things arrive at the server faster than they can
be served. In this research the waiting line theory for La
Madeleine Bakery Cafe and Bistro, New Orleans LA, was studied
to determine the characteristics of the service line. The sample
size for the one hour duration of observation was 49. The average
time needed for each customer to be served is 2 minutes. Future
research includes observing the system for a longer period of time
to determine if the average utilization of the system changes.
N ANOSCIENCE
The affinity of silver cations for DNA bases has enabled the
creation of short oligonucleotide-encapsulated silver nanoclusters
without the formation of large nanoparticles. The goal of this
study is to understand how sequence of oligonucleotide influences
the stability of i-motif structures and how secondary structure of
DNA influences cluster formation. Absorption, thermal
denaturation and circular dichroism spectroscopy are used to
monitor thermal stability using absorbance at 265nm and 295nm,
both loop and stem sequences are also considered. The position
and intensity of the electronic transitions depend on the pH of the
solution, as the temperature increases the stacked DNA becomes
unstacked, because pH depends strongly on temperature.
Increasing the length of the cytosine repeats had a dramatic
effect on the Tm of the i-motif.
In this study we showed that, many cytosine oligonucleotides
could adopted conformation at acidic pH as shown by thermal
denaturation, because pH plays a crucial role on the stability of
such a structure.
OA #89
Lifetime and Intensity Responses to Laser Pump Power in
CdSe/ZnS Quantum dots
Samuel Henderson, Langston University, OK
Kevin Early, University of Massachusetts
Quantum dots are being researched for potential applications in
transistors, LEDs, diode lasers and medical imaging. Quantum
dots are known to "blink". The blinking, better known as
intermittency, stems from the excitation of quantum dot
electrons. This creates an electron-hole pair within the quantum
dot. The electron-hole pair travels around the quantum dot until it
recombines and causes the quantum dot to emit a photon. When
a quantum dot emits a photon (single photon event) it is said to
be charged or "off" in terms of the blinking analogy. When the
electron-hole pair is traveling around the quantum dot it is said
that the quantum dot is in the excited state. We understand that
the surrounding environment (in this case laser power) of a
quantum dot effects it's behavior. We are interested in how long
the quantum dot stays in the excited state (Lifetime), and how
bright it is while in the excited state (intensity) as we increase
laser pump power.
We hypothesize that quantum dot lifetimes and intensity will both
increase linearly as a function of laser pump power. We used a
power-ramp technique to test lifetime and intensity responses to
laser power. We were able to see an increase in intensity as laser
pump power was increased. This was an expected result.
However, an unexpected result occurred when we noticed that
intensity increases both linearly and non-linearly. This tells us that
not all quantum dots react the same way to environment
changes.
OA #88
Effect of DNA base sequences on Oligonucleotides
We were also able to see an increase in lifetimes as a function of
laser pump power. From our data, we were able to conclude that
as laser pump power increases the lifetimes and intensities of
quantum dots increase.
Oluwole Ariyo, Allen University
Bidisha Sengupta, Jeffrey T. Petty, Furman University
Oluwamuyiwa Abe, Allen University
Future research to be done can include chemical environment
studies and testing with different quantum dots and laser
wavelengths.
Conference Program
A29
Abstracts
OA #90
Synthesis and Characterization of Nearly Monodisperse
Nanocrystalline Zinc Oxide Semiconductor
Abdul-Rahman O. Raji, Morgan State University
Christopher B. Murray and Thomas Gordon; University of
Pennsylvania
Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a direct and wide band gap (3.37 eV)
semiconductor with a large exciton binding energy (60 meV) with
promising applications. Nanocrystalline ZnO in the range of 1 and
20 nm has been incorporated into novel technologies in
photocatalysis, solar energy conversion, and several other optical
and electronic applications. At small sizes, the band gap of ZnO
has been shown to widen as a result of quantum confinement,
and is thus referred to as a quantum dot.
Monodisperse quantum dots have tunable sizes, shapes and
surface moieties. By precisely directing the physical and chemical
properties of nanocrystals through controlled synthesis, one can
engineer nanocrystals which self-assemble into ordered solids.
The directed self-assembly of these "artificial atoms" allow them
assume the role of building blocks for a unique condensed matter.
We hereby present directed efforts toward systematic synthetic
routes for preparing nearly monodisperse spherical ZnO
nanocrystals. The synthetic method being explored is hightemperature and nonaqueous, which contrasts to the traditional
sol-gel synthetic method which typically results in particles that
lack shape and size uniformity. High temperature surfactantassisted reactions were performed utilizing oleic acid and 1,2dodecanediol as capping agents in a solvent system of 1octadecene/trioctylamine. After heating the reactants, a thermal
decomposition of the zinc organometallic precursor is followed by
nucleation and subsequent growth of nanoparticles. The samples
were characterized using TEM and XRD.
ZnO semiconductor nanocrystals of 7 nm and 10 nm in diameter
were synthesized with relative monodispersity, contributing
toward the effort to direct the formation of spherical ZnO
nanocrystals with a range of sizes. In addition, short-range local
ordering was observed in a nanocrystal self-assembly. This shows
the potential of a long-range nanocrystal superlattice. Finally, we
hope to learn more about the mechanisms for the nanocrystal
formation.
[This research was partially supported by the Nano/Bio Interface
Center, Univ. of Pennsylvania, through the NSF NSEC DRM0425780.]
OA #91
Diameter Selection of Carbon Nanotubes Using Smart BioSurfactant: Flavin Mononucleotide
Rahja' Mason Sharp, Savannah State University
Darlington C. Abanulo, Sang-Yong Ju, and Fotios
Papadimitrakopoulos, University of Connecticut
The separation of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs)
according to diameter is paramount for their use in a wide-variety
of high-end nanotechnology-based applications. The purpose of
the current study was to disperse, separate, and select a narrow
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range of diameters in SWNTs by using Flavin Mononucleotide
(FMN) and Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate (SDBS).
The first step was to set a protocol for the solution used, SWNTs,
a surfactant and water, 1:10:4, was the initial protocol. To
disperse the SWNTs a surfactant FMN was used. This solution was
placed in a cup horn sonicator for four hours, then removed and
placed in a centrifuge for two hours. The supernatant was then
removed and placed into four separate dialysis tubes and
centrifuged. Each dialysis tube had a filter with a distinct metric
weight cut off (MWCO); tubes with 3 000, 30 000, 50 000, and
100 000 MWCO filters were used. After the solution was
centrifuged another surfactant SDBS was used instead of FMN.
The wrapping sheath of FMN forms a charge transfer with the
underlying SWNTs and quenches its photoluminescence, this
prevents evaluation of the dispersion distribution. The
replacement of FMN, with a non specific surfactant (SDBS)
allowed the determination of the point when all the FMN had been
replaced from the remaining SWNTs; a UV-light test was used to
detect the remaining luminescence. Once this replacement was
completed the SWNTs in the solution were identified using other
tests, including: Photoluminescent Excitation, UV-Vis
Spectrometer, and a Photoluminescence Map.
The findings of this study indicate that Flavin Mononucleotide
imparts effective solubilization of SWNTs. FMN enables surfactant
exchange through an easy centrifugal dialysis process that is
industrially scalable. Additionally, SWNTs of narrow-diameter
distribution can be fully recovered post-solubilization in their
pristine nature (without FMN). Thus, they make viable candidates
for nanotechnology applications (nanobioimaging, nanoelectronics). The simplicity and versatility of this scheme makes it
a viable method for industrial scalability.
Future applications of the SWNTs identified using this method
may include combat jackets, electrical circuits, bridge suspensions
and fire protection.
OA #92
Impact of Metallic Catalysts on the Growth of CNTs
Reamonn Soto, Florida A&M University
The purpose of this study is to optimize techniques for
synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on silicon substrates
coated with multi-layer metallic catalyst utilizing a chemical vapor
deposition (CVD) process. The catalysts used for these
experiments are AlO3-Fe-Mo, and Al-Co-Mo. The feedstock was
acetylene (C2H2) in argon and hydrogen environments. The
substrates are simultaneously mounted vertically onto a slotted
sample holder, which ensures identical growth conditions for all
substrates. The CNTs are grown at different temperatures ranging
from 500 to 900 degrees Celsius by varying the fraction of
acetylene. CNTs are then characterized by using a modern
Raman and high resolution SEM microscopy.
The Raman results show that the CNTs grown at the high end of
temperature range contain high fractions of single-walled
nanotubes increased with the temperature.
Abstracts
OA #93
Coarsening and Aggregation of PS-coated Gold Nanoparticles
OA #95
Racial Disparities and Alcohol Use: EHDIC
Velencia Witherspoon, Florida A&M University
Natieka Green, Shaw University
Ruth G. Fesahazion, BSHS
Understanding the behavior of metal nanoparticles embedded in
polymer matrices under elevated temperature conditions is
important because of the prevalence of high temperature
processing conditions in industrial applications (injection molding)
as well as in research (thermal annealing). Changes to the
particle morphology under elevated temperature conditions can
occur via two major mechanisms, Ostwald ripening and diffusion
controlled coalescence. The objective of this project is to
understand the mechanism of particle growth of embedded
polymer functionalized gold nanoparticles.
Polystyrene coated gold nanocrystals were mixed with polystyrene
homopolymer and thermally annealed above the polymer glass
transition temperature. The size evolution of particles was
monitored using transmission electron microscopy. Particle size
distributions were compared to theoretical growth models in order
to discern the growth mechanism. The good agreement between
experimental data and the calculated based on the coalescence
growth model reveals that particle growth predominately occurs
through particle diffusion and coalescence.
S OCIAL & B EHAVIORAL S CIENCES
OA #94
Cancer Prevention through Education
Stephanie Graves, University of the District of Columbia
This is an extension of an ongoing study to obtain results from a
cancer control intervention that was conducted for African
American seniors, 55 years or older, in order to reduce the
disproportionate rate of cancer among this population in
Washington, D.C. In phase I, IRB approval was obtained and four
focus groups were conducted to determine their current
perceptions on cancer. In Phase II, a featured cancer activity was
conducted and a request for volunteers from each site to
participate in a one-year cancer control intervention was
implemented
Phase I cited that finding appropriate and affordable screenings
sites was difficult while a buddy system and a permanent
reminder (e.g. a calendar) were extremely helpful. During Phases
I and II, through education changes were seen in both diet and
exercise routines. Baseline data when compared to final data
indicated that 16% alcoholic beverage usage dropped to 5% and
fruit juice consumption increased from 18% to 40%. Exercise
routines increased considerably from less than twice per week at
baseline to five times per week.
In this pilot study it was determined that following the
suggestions of the Phase I focus groups brought about a
substantial change in the lifestyle of the participants Funded by
AAAS-MERCK grant, UDC-AES and the NSF/HBCU-UP grant.
In the United States, non-Hispanic Whites are more likely to be
current drinkers; however, African Americans suffer a greater
burden of alcohol related problems. Little is known about race
disparities in alcohol use among individuals who share similar
social and environmental conditions.
We compared 1,408 individuals from the Exploring Health
Disparities in Integrated Community-Southwest Baltimore (EHDICSWB) study with the 29,372 individuals from the 2003 National
Health Interview Survey (NHIS 2003) to determine if race
disparities in alcohol use were attenuated in EHDIC-SWB, which
accounts for confounding of race, socioeconomic status and
segregation. Current drinking was defined as consuming an
alcoholic beverage in the past and is still presently drinking.
Among current drinkers, binge drinking was defined as having five
or more drinks in one sitting at least once.
Former drinking was defined as consuming an alcoholic beverage
in the past but not presently. Never drinking, the control group,
was never having an alcoholic beverage. Using multivariable
logistic regression, we obtained adjusted odds ratios for the
association between race and alcohol use in both samples.
In the NHIS 2003 sample, there was a significant difference
between African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites in all three
categories of alcohol use: current drinking (OR=0.56, 95%
CI=0.49-0.64); former drinking (OR=0.84, 95% CI=0.72-0.99);
and binge drinking (OR=0.68, 95% CI= 0.58-0.79). However in
the EHDIC-SWB sample, we found no racial disparities between
African Americans and non-Hispanic Whites: current drinking
(OR=0.95, 95% CI=0.67-1.34); former drinking (OR=0.71; 95%
CI=0.50-1.01); and binge drinking (OR=1.02, 95% CI=0.771.35).
We concluded that among individuals living in a low-income urban
environment, race disparities in alcohol use were eliminated;
suggesting that future research efforts should focus more on the
socioeconomic factors and the social environment.
OA #96
Stimulant Effects of Adenosine Antagonist
Simone Janniere, Bennett College for Women
Patrick A. Randall and John D. Salamone, PhD, University of
Connecticut
Previous work has shown that adenosine antagonists are capable
of reversing many of the behavioral effects of dopamine (DA)
antagonists. However, several studies have shown that doses of
adenosine antagonists that are capable of attenuating the
response suppressing effects of DA antagonists on fixed ratio 5
(FR5) lever pressing failed to produce an increase in lever
pressing rate when administered in the absence of the DA
antagonist.
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This pattern of results could be related to the rate dependent
effects of stimulants, and that stimulant effects on operant
responding (i.e. elevations in response rates) were not observed
when adenosine antagonists were injected alone because the FR5
schedule produces a relatively high rate of lever pressing. The
present experiments were conducted to determine if the nonselective adenosine antagonist caffeine is capable of producing an
increase in lever pressing on a fixed interval schedule (FI 240s),
which generates a low rate of responding, and a decrease in lever
pressing using a FR20 schedule, which generates a high rate of
responding in rats. Rats were trained to press a lever for food
reinforcement using a tradition operant chamber, also known as a
Skinner Box. Rats were trained for several weeks prior to testing
to generate a steady baseline rate of responding. The doses of
Caffeine used were: 5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg and vehicle (saline)
administered intraperitoneally (IP). This was a within subjects
design so all animals received all doses of caffeine across 5 weeks
of testing. Because rats received all doses and vehicle, they acted
as their own controls. Caffeine produced increases in lever
pressing on a FI 240s schedule and decreases of lever pressing on
a FR 20 schedule.
This data gives support to the hypothesis that the stimulant
effects of caffeine are rate dependent. [This study was funded, in
part, by a grant from NIH, awarded to Dr. John Salamone Ph.D.,
Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT
2009.]
OA #97
The Effect of Physical Training and Nutrition Education on
Risk Factors of Chronic Disease
Candace Lee, Mississippi Valley State University
Dr. D. Terbizan, Dr. P. Hansen, Dr. B. Christensen, Dr. S. Stastny,
Dr. A. Brunt, and Dr. Y. Rhee, North Dakota State University
Dr. R. Beecham, Mississippi Valley State University
Resistance training and aerobic exercise is believed to have an
adverse effect on chronic diseases. Chronic diseases include
diabetes, obesity, hypertension, arthritis, high cholesterol and
cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease has been deemed the leading cause of
premature death among men and women around the world.
The purpose of this project was to determine the effects of
cardiovascular training, resistance training, and nutrition
education on risk factors of chronic disease. Nine middle age
women ranging between ages 36-55 performed resistance
training and 30 minutes of aerobic activity three days a week for
the duration of the study. This study only presents preliminary
results from an ongoing eight week study.
Over the course of the past four weeks, participants received
nutrional education and health related information in the form of
power point presentations. Initial pre-testing included cholesterol
check, one mile Rockport walk test, electrical impedance test
(weight and BMI) , circumference measurements of arm and
thigh, and three repetition maximum weight lift using the bench
press and leg press. Subjects also completed a three day food
diary which was evaluated by a registered dietitian and were
asked to wear an accelerometer for three days including one
weekend day to asses the amount of expenditure of calories and
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steps taken. At four weeks, post-testing was done to determine
the effects of the intervention.
After four weeks there were no significant changes in BMI and
weight. Circumference measurements at four weeks of the arm
and thigh increased an average of one cm showing a minor
increase in muscle mass. All subjects have increased strength on
bench and leg press averaging at least 10 lbs since baseline
testing. Evidence shows habitual performance of physical training
over an adequate amount of time will produce desired changes in
body composition, muscle size, and have effective means of
lowering the risk factors of chronic diseases. However, research
states that substantial changes will not be noted at four weeks.
OA #98
Predict Health Risk Behaviors among African Americans
Jamal McCoy, Virginia State University
The purpose of this study was to identify meaningful spiritual sets
of African American adolescents and to determine if these
classifications could be used to predict health risk behaviors.
Health risk behaviors were measured using the Youth Risk
Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) to monitor eight categories
of priority health risk behaviors among youth. The Duke University
Religious index measured spirituality. 500 African American
students at an HBCU were administered questionnaires to
investigate four hypotheses. First, there will be meaningful sets of
groups among students on the issue of spirituality. Second, there
will be significant differences between clusters in the areas of
alcohol use, marijuana use, risky sexual behavior and sadness and
depression. Third, there will be significant differences between the
group that is highest in spirituality and those that are lower in
spirituality in the areas of feelings of sadness and depression.
Fourth, there will not be significant differences between spiritual
groups on the issue of dietary behavior or physical activity. A
cluster analysis was performed to divide the sample into
spirituality clusters using SAS software (SAS Institute Inc., 2008).
Diagnostic statistics pointed to six clusters. Chi-Square analyses
and logistic regressions were used to examine the differences in
several risk behaviors between clusters. Logistic regressions were
used to investigate hypotheses 3 and 4. The chi-squared test
results indicated that hypothesis 2 was partially supported. There
were six variables that produced p-values less than 0.05.
Differences were noted for having consumed at least five drinks in
a row once within the past 30 days, ever having sexual
intercourse, having sex before the age of 17, and having more
than one sexual partner over the course of a lifetime.
There were meaningful clusters of spirituality found among
African American students, but despite these findings we did not
see as many differences in risk behaviors between the high
spirituality group and the other spirituality groups as we expected.
We believe that the risk behavior measure (YRBSS) might be
partially responsible for this.
Future research should use different populations to increase
generalizability of the study and should also use different health
risks measures.
Abstracts
OA #99
Overcoming Barriers to Improve Birth Outcomes
Jasmine Scott, LeMoyne-Owen College
Dr. Kimberly Lamar, The University of Tennessee Health Science
Center
Introduction: In 2004 the Tennessee state infant mortality rate
was 8.6 per 1,000 live births placing it 5th highest relative to
other states in the U.S. Memphis, Tennessee in 2004 ranked 1st
nationally with a rate of 12.8 overall and an alarming 17.4 for
Black infants. Low Birth Weight (LBW <2500 grams) and Preterm
delivery (<37 weeks gestation) are primary risk factors for infant
mortality (IM). However, low education levels and socioeconomic status, particularly among Black women, have shown to
contribute to higher rates of infant deaths and poor child health
outcomes. The Blues Project (BLUES), 3-year prospective cohort
study, was designed to be and efficient and cost-effective
alternative to current programs aimed a reducing infant mortality.
Objectives: The objective of this research was to examine the
impact of education and employment status during pregnancy on
the birth outcomes of women enrolled in BLUES. This research
also examined socio-demographic change in mothers from
enrollment (baseline) to 24 months post partum.
Methods: BLUES featured immediate access to quality prenatal
care services, a 36-session pre/postnatal education curriculum
delivered in a group setting, individualized case management, and
referrals to community resources. Each participant was assigned a
team of nurses, social workers and community liaisons who
collaborated with the clinic's obstetrician/gynecologist and
pediatric providers. BLUES followed mothers and infants from
onset of prenatal care to the child's 2nd birthday.
Results: Of 339 deliveries, 9% were premature, 8% LBW and
<1% IM. This was significantly less than the 15% preterm, 15%
LBW births and infant mortality of 16% for Black infants reported
by 2006 state and county level data. The risk of delivering a LBW
or premature baby was significantly lower for the BLUES group
than for the control group. BLUES mothers made significant sociodemographic changes from baseline. Employment increased from
16% to 60% (p<0.05), cutting the rate if unemployment virtually
in half. BLUES mothers completing at least high school or a GED
increased from 38% to 64% (p<0.05).
Conclusions: A clinic-based group visitation program with focus on
social support, health education, and access to services holds
promise for reducing LBW and preterm deliveries, and effecting
change in socio-demographic change among at-risk women.
Future research will examine stress and social support as risk
factors to poor child health outcomes.
OA #100
The Blues Project and the Role of Fathers
Terry Smith, LeMoyne-Owen College
Dr. Kimberly Lamar, Toni Hampton, and Anquinette HamptonCollins, The Urban Child Institute, University of Tennessee Health
Science Center
Background: The Blues Project is a not profit organization that
access in health care and social support to mother with babies.
The Blues Project started out just only dealing with mother who
have baby but found out throw study that suggests that if more
fathers are involve early in the child life it could help the high rate
of infant mortality in Memphis. With 11.5 of every 1,000 AfricanAmerican babies dying before reaching their first birthday.
Memphis black infant death rate is similar to that of some
developing countries. The main reason is teen pregnancy and
most of the fathers are not in relationship with the mother of their
baby.
The purpose of the Blues Project is to help families have full term,
healthy babies, provide education on parenting and assist parents
in developing their own support systems.
Methods: I conducted a "Fatherhood Survey" of fathers and/or
male caregivers of babies born to women who participated in the
Blues Project. Father and/or male caregiver contact information
was obtained from 113 mothers who actively participate in the
Blues Project. The survey examined male involvement,
relationship with mother, marriage and paternity idea role model
for the children.
Result: After gathering data from the survey I had some of the
father take, I learned that almost all of the fathers were not living
with both of their parent at the age of 15 and some of them had
little to no involvement with their fathers. The lack of a father
figure in their life has hurt them in making responsible deciding
when it comes to fatherhood. That could be why some of the
father have baby they cannot take care of or are not ready for.
Conclusion: Based on the data gathered, I concluded there was
no profound difference in the men who had fathers compared to
the men who did not have fathers growing up. Of the 113 women
participating in the Blues Project®, only 14 men were willing to
participate. The lack of participation in the survey indicated a lack
of male/father involvement.
OA #101
Black Females VOICES on the Road to the PhD
Shameka Thomas, Spelman College
Using Black Feminist Theory, this paper addresses the question of
the intersectionality of race and gender in the graduate school
experiences of Black women. More specifically, it examines
published graduate school reflections by prominent black female
scholars as well as email surveys with a number of black women
who are currently in PhD programs in the social sciences and
humanities.
Using qualitative methods and narratives, this study investigates
how black female graduate students navigate, identify, and cope
in academia while being both black and a woman. I found that
the main challenges that black women in graduate school have
faced are subtle aggression, white and male dominance in space
and discourse, constant questioning of their value in academia,
and issues of work-life balance.
The findings also indicate that black women in graduate school
are creative in coping with these challenges, which includes
finding ways to build their own communities of support, seek out
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mentors who "keep-it-real" and by challenging their colleagues to
see for who them for their personality, not just a representative of
their race. These findings offer important insights about the
obstacles that might be affecting black women's success and
retention in academia, and suggest ways of overcoming those
obstacles.
T ECHNOLOGY & E NGINEERING
OA #102
Analysis and Modeling of Low Impact Development (LID)
Assefa Assefa, University of the District of Columbia
Mithilesh Patel, University of the District of Columbia
Low Impact Development (LID) is a storm water management
strategy concerned with maintaining or restoring the natural
hydrologic functions of a site to achieve natural resource
protection objectives and fulfill environmental regulatory
requirements.
The objective of the research is to evaluate the performance of
LID in urban watershed through modeling of the system. The
system model was based on the analytical probabilistic technique
which uses the continuous simulation approach.
OA #103
The Design and Development of a Portable Potentiostat
Rashe Dean, Virginia State University
Omar Dancey, Emmanuel Denloye, and Gymama Slaughter,
A low power hand-held three-electrode potentiostat with a signal
processing block has been designed to be integrated with a
glucose biosensor for the determination of blood glucose levels in
vivo. The potentiostat has been built in the bicmos6hp process
technology, consuming only about uW of power and using a
voltage supply of 1.25.
This potentiostat calibrates the potential between the chemical
electrodes which is then transformed to a square wave, whose
frequency is proportional to the magnitude of sensor current. The
current from the glucose biosensor is then converted to a
amplitude shift keyed signal (ASK).
A frequency divider divides the resulting square wave frequency
by 128 so that it can be less much than the carrier frequency
(about 1 MHz). Doing this fixes the ASK envelope frequency to be
between 20 Hz and 20 kHz.
explanation is dark matter and Energy. These two entities do not
emit light and make up ninety percent of the gravitational mass
that holds our universe together. At Yale, we tried to prove the
existence of dark matter through an experiment called the Light
Shining Through Wall. We basically direct a laser through a
vacuum pipe where the photons are coupled to through a
magnetic field, the dark particles are directed through a wall and
coupled through another magnetic field, finally the new photons
should hit the detector. We used a charged coupling device.
We are still sorting through the results in hopes of finding
concrete evidence of dark matter. As this process depends on the
sensitivity of our detector, among other parameters, we are
looking at other alternatives. This experiment was in
collaboration with the Light Pseudoscalar or Scalar particle Search
(LIPSS).
OA #105
Robotic Eyes of Tomorrow
Victor M. Garcia, Virginia State University
The purpose of this project is to broaden my knowledge of
computer engineering, hardware and software integration, and
systems development. The primary piece of technology used was
an Internet Protocol (IP) camera with a mini web server that can
access the Internet. The research is based on the operation of a
network IP camera. Because the IP camera will be operated and
accessed remotely, no physical presence at the site interested
would be required in order to view live streaming video. The
camera system will be consisted of two apparatus: It will include
an embedded web server and a pan & tilt camera. The IP camera
will be composed of integrated circuits, microcontrollers, web
pages, and a portable web server.
What has been concluded from this research is that the IP
Camera needs to be connected to three main components before
it functions correctly; it needs to be connected to a mini web
server, a power supply and the Internet. As long as it has an IP
address assigned to it a remote access and live streaming video
maybe accessed from anywhere around the world. In future
research we plan to add a wireless capability that will allow
remote access by a Wi-Fi wireless Internet. This system would be
placed into an unmanned remote control robot providing teleoperated controls.
This research is intended to encourage engineering students to
conduct future research with regards to remote IP camera
technology and include wireless capabilities as part of hands on
experience and learning experience in computer engineering.
OA #104
Light Shining Through Wall Experiment with LIPSS
Jonathan Evans, South Carolina State University
In our ever going quest to understand the universe, science has
run into the possibility of there being more matter and energy
that is unseen than what is visible to our eyes. The short
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OA #106
Economic Development in Green Technology
from this work were compared with the available data from other
study.
Jeremy Gilmore, Southern University, Baton Rouge, LA
The world has become a place that faces a vast amount of
environmental and economic challenges. Economic and
environmental goals can be met through an environmental
sustainable agenda that concentrates on attracting and
developing the green economic sector. The green economic sector
includes all businesses that provide environmental goods and
services such as alternative sources of energy and pollution
prevention technology.
With financial markets down everywhere, the world needs a new
economic driver. Making green technology a main priority in the
economies of the world requires large investments targeted at
making clean, renewable energy sources cheaper and more
available than exhaustible ones on which we are dependent.
There are two steps to obtaining this goal: first by investing in
green technology infrastructure and second, by making the
economy more efficient and opening the door for new ways of
organizing activities and production. The governments must play
a stronger role in job creation by encouraging companies to invest
in green technology through tax breaks or economic incentives
will not only help create more jobs in the industry and contribute
to research and innovation, but also drive down prices of
implementing new technologies and ensure that emerging
technologies are compatible with their market demand.
Our current economic situation makes "going-green" extremely
complicated because it could mean liquidating jobs in exhaustible
industries. It will take years before a structural transition to a total
green economy takes place and current investments in green
technology should have short-term effects on other industries. By
investing now, there is room to create new jobs to replace the lost
in exhaustible industries, which allow an easier transition.
OA #107
FEM analysis of Hyperboloid Cooling Towers
Joshua Harris, Virginia State University
The cooling tower is a heat removal device used to transfer
process waste heat to the atmosphere. Using either evaporation
of water to remove process heat and cool the working fluid to
near wet-bulb air temperature or relying solely on air to cool the
working fluid to near the dry-bulb air temperature. They vary in
sizes from small roof top units to large structures that can be up
to 200 meters tall and 100 meters in diameter.
In this study, the structural response of a large-scale hyperbolic
cooling tower subjected to wind load was analyzed. Both shell
and beam elements were employed to construct the 3-D model of
the structure using a commercial FEM package. This project
represents the Finite Element modeling and structural analysis of
the cooling tower model using Strand7. The focus of the study
was to identify the stress concentrated region due to various wind
loading conditions. To verify the validity of the study, the results
OA #108
An Intelligent Cane for the Visually Impaired
Douglas Hilton, J. F. Drake State Technical College
Demetrius Brown, James Pleasure, and Karl W. Henry, J. F. Drake
State Technical College
This activity is to develop an “Intelligent Cane” for visuallyimpaired people. The cane provides tactile feedback, e.g., range
to objects, audible alarms and alerts, time and temperature
information, GPS coordinates, and emergency communication.
The cane will also provide visual and audible messages for sighted
people in close-proximity to the user, by the use of flashing LEDs
and audible devices, e.g., piezo-electrical alert and speech
synthesizer. These features can indicate distress or direct
attention to the handicapped individual. Ultimately the cane may
connect to a “Blue tooth” device and call E-911 service, using the
owner’s cell phone, and state a pre-recorded message, along with
GPS coordinates.
A standard cane is electronically-enhanced to provide these
features by using field programmable gate arrays (FPGA’s),
Peripheral Interface Controller (PIC) microcontrollers, and a serial
peripheral interconnect (SPI) bus, all controlled by software.
Our software uses a modular application program interface (API)
that allows for communication between one “master” and multiple
“slave” microcontrollers. The regulated power supply uses a
common radio-control car battery.
For our demo system, we used a piece of PVC pipe as a cane.
High-brightness LEDs are installed to provide visual alerts. A tiny
vibrator-motor is installed in the shaft as a tactile feedback device
– the blind person will actually be able to feel pulsations (like a
buzzer in a paging device). We envision using a programmable
series of pulses to send messages to the blind user (perhaps
Morse code). We installed a position-sensitive switch which
detects when the cane is in a horizontal position, which indicates
that the user has fallen or has dropped the cane. In either case
the cane will send out a series of audible alarms so that the user
can locate it, plus visual alarms so that nearby sighted-persons
will be alerted to the situation, and can render assistance. We
picture adding a multiplicity of other input and output devices, as
time allows.
Our demonstration unit is not self-contained as we would desire.
We will be unable to manufacture a system board before the
AAAS conference, but we will demonstrate basic “cane-dropped”
function.
In conclusion, the “Intelligent Cane” is an innovation that uses
cutting-edge of technology in electronic devices. The FPGA and
PIC microcontrollers are replacing out-dated digital and analog
systems because of their low-cost, compact design and low
voltage and current requirements. Our open software interface
allows others to extend this platform and add other capabilities,
e.g., to assist wheel-chair-bound persons, etc.
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[This activity was funded in part by a Historically Black Colleges
and Universities – Undergraduate Programs (HBCU-UP) grant
project #0625155. Dr. John Reutter is the Principal Investigator
and Mr. Karl W. Henry is a Co-Investigator.]
OA #109
Design of New Mechanisms for Leak Free Connectors
William George Humbert, IV, Bowie State University
It is important to have a device capable of connecting pipes
purely mechanically, with no application of welding, gluing, or
threads since these applications reduce the life of pipes due to the
creation of high stresses. Previously conducted analytical
research of proposed swaging mechanisms allowed the estimate
of evenly distributed compressive loads required to provide a leak
free connection. As a result the basic mechanical parameters and
operational principle of a swaging device providing even
compression along the surface of a squeezed pipe was designed.
This design was conducted using Pro/Engineer and optimized
using Pro/Mechanica. The prototype was built using rapid
prototype-building techniques on Z-450 and ZFlash 3D printers.
The principle of the device functioning will be explained and
illustrated virtually through computer simulation and as a real
model. During the course of design it became necessary to create
a backlash free gear, the concept of which has been developed as
well as the real model being built and tested. Such mechanisms
can successfully be used in numerous industrial applications and
increase the service time of devices using these gears. The
entirety of this work is protected by intellectual property
disclosures.
OA #110
Design of an Eight Bit Subtractor
Anya James, Grambling State University
Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) code is used to represent a decimal
number in electronic and computer systems. Each decimal digit is
represented by a four bit binary number. As a result, the
mathematical operations using decimal numbers are required to
be performed in BCD code. Conventionally, a BCD Adder circuit is
used as the basic operation unit to perform addition/subtraction.
In this project, an eight-bit BCD Subtractor circuit is designed as
an operation module for two-digit subtraction use. The circuit
should be able to provide both negative and positive numerical
results. The designed circuit is on the transistor level with the use
of basic electrical/electronic components. The logic design is
based on the Truth Table and the K-Map for Boolean expression
simplification. An algorithm is developed to execute the
subtraction operation.
OA #111
Image Analysis of Carbon Foam for Modeling
Stefan Jenkins, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
To accurately model carbon foam explicit knowledge of real
samples of carbon foam is necessary. Extracting measurements
from carbon foam is usually established through the analysis of
images of the foam. Images are most efficiently obtained through
use of a scanning electron microscope. The purpose of this
research was to develop a method of extracting '3d' information
from a '2d' image of carbon foam and presenting it in a way that
the other researchers could use to make their models more exact.
To accomplish this, projection geometry was employed. A formula
was developed that could give the radius of a bubble in carbon
foam given certain measurements that could be obtained from the
image. The formula was successful. It allowed for information to
be extracted from many images of carbon foam, in turn allowing
other researchers in the project to refine their models. Further
research is focused on modifying the formula to account for nonspherical shapes and the error approximation involved.
OA #112
Design and implementation of a Continuously Variable
Transmission
Avery V. Martin, Florida A&M University
Carl A. Moore, PhD, Florida A&M University/Florida State
University College of Engineering
The job of a rotational transmission is to merely take a rotating
input and vary its velocity through means of gears and other
mechanisms in order to increase or decrease the output velocity.
My project director had given me a design of a transmission and
had asked me to improve the design and to then make it a reality.
Before making any modifications to the original design I had to
first gain an understanding of the mechanics involved within this
transmission and how these transmission are used in our world.
After grasping the concepts of basic transmission theory it was
time to look through part catalogs and order the components that
make up this transmission. Since most of the parts were to be
machined in house at the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering, I had
to also take a crash course in machining and using 3D modeling
software. This would enable me to provide drawings to the
machinist with the correct tolerances and fits for assembly. Today,
drawings are still being modified in the 3D modeling software
such that we can soon begin the machining process.
I would like to acknowledge one individual for their contribution to
this paper. Dr. Carl A. Moore-project director, I would know
nothing about this subject without the guidance and instruction of
this wise professor.
The National Instruments' NI Circuit Design Suite 10.1 software is
used to simulate, analyze, and troubleshoot the designed
subtractor circuit. The simulation results are displayed and verified
on the 7-Segment LED display. After completion of the design, a
prototype of the designed circuit is constructed on a circuit board
to demonstrate its performance experimentally. The final results,
including the cost analysis are discussed for future research.
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Abstracts
OA #113
Applications of Graphene in Optics
Brittany Maybin, Spelman College
Photonics is the science and technology of light, with an emphasis
on applications. At the heart of photonics are technologies for
generating light transmitting, amplifying, modulating and
detecting light, and particularly using light for practical purposes.
Recently, advances in photonics may be attributed to the
discovery of a unique material called graphene. Due to graphene's
unique physical properties, a new class of materials that are only
one atom thick have risen creating a cornucopia of new physics
and potential applications.
In this study, we aim to 1) isolate graphene using exfoliation from
graphite and 2) create a graphene switch to control the light
transmission between two optical fibers by manipulating the
charge carriers in graphene's band structure. We successfully
collected 5 samples of graphene using this method for our
experiment. In the future, we want to look into ways to control
the switching of the graphene.
OA #114
Cultured Limestone
Benjamin D. Moore, North Carolina A&T State University
Salah Hamer, North Carolina A&T Sate University
Dr. Elham Fini, North Carolina A&T State University
In the current market there is a need for strong lightweight
materials that is economical and that has the strength, durability
and aesthetics as that of raw materials from nature. The method
behind this research is to produce a Cultured Stone material
created identically to that of natural stones for the use on
buildings as a substitute for masonry, wall coverings, and flooring.
There is a need to decrease the mining of raw stone materials
while convenience and economy continue to be a goal sought
after.
The research involves the casting of cultured stone and
composites and the method of producing using fine aggregates,
coarse aggregates, pigments and resin. The method is used for
making stone to serve as a facing or finish on residential and
business structures, interior and exterior facing and decorations.
It will provide as a substitute for bricks and other outer covering
that are taken from natural materials.
The composites are cast in the Lab. Polylite 32166-20, Course
Aggregate, Crushed limestone size between 500 to 1000 micron,
(GeotexTXS), (CaCO3) Silica sand size between 300 to 600 micron
(SiO2), Fine aggregate Calcium Carbonate size between 10 to 25
micron (HOBERCARB- G325), (CaCO3) Pigments for coloring.(Oxides), Limestone Clay size between 2 to 25 micron were the
materials used during this process. Molds were designed and
made to be able to cast these composites in the lab. The cultured
stone being configured will be lighter, durable, and more
economical than the conventional covering such as granite, slate,
marble, and Limestone. Since limestone is naturally made from
nature under extreme pressure and a long duration of time these
methods of casting cultured stone will provide as a replacement.
Strong composites will allow for stronger and durable structures.
The cultured stone had extremely high strength measurements as
well as a natural finish after allowing the stones to sit in
weathering conditions.
Future tests must be conducted on the strength, ability to
withstand the elements, the thermal conductivity of the stone,
freeze and thawing conditions, excessive heat, capacity to retain
and deter moisture, and repair of the cultured stone. [This study
was conducted at the North Carolina A&T State University under
the direction of Graduate Student Salah Amer and Dr. Sameer
Hamoush.]
OA #115
Non-Destructive Test (NDT) Evaluation of Very High Strength
Concrete (VHSC) Dynamic Characteristic of Very High
Strength Concrete
Steven Sloan, North Carolina A&T University
Tony Nguyen, North Carolina A&T University
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT)
has been conducting research on Very High Strength Concrete
(VHSC) for the past 2 years. All the testing conducted under the
program have been destructive testing which includes
compression, flexural and flexural toughness tests. NC A&T has
extensive experience in the non-destructive test methods as well.
All the physical properties obtained by the destructive tests are
also compared with the non-destructive tests applied at NCAT.
Furthermore, seismic zones have created a need for buildings to
resist immense internal and external forces in multi-directions.
The NDT evaluation of VHSC can prove to be important toward
the construction of buildings subjected to seismic forces. This
study investigates the fundamental characteristic of VHSC;
including modulus of elasticity, the dynamic modulus of elasticity,
and dynamic Poison's ratio of VHSC using a sonometer based on
ASTM C215. The sonometer measures the vibration frequency and
intensity of specific specimen. For this study, the prismatic
specimens with VHSC were considered itself under room
temperature and included comprehensive frequency ranges
throughout the VHSC's. From the experimental study, the test
results provided the dynamic characteristic torsion and tensile
tests.
OA #116
Impact Of Urban Sprawling on Gulf Coast
Jeremy Swan, Southern University
Brownyn Dickson, Southern University
The Impact of Urban Sprawl on the Gulf Coast was research
conducted in order to explain the rapid and expansive growth of a
greater metropolitan area, conventionally suburbs over a large
area in the Gulf Coast region. Urban Forest was also explored and
describes dense widespread growth of trees and other plants
covering an area of a city and. Low density characters in contrast
to compact urban cores as well as the unplanned nature of urban
sprawl and the dependence of automobiles, were key features in
Conference Program
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Abstracts
sprawls investigated by means of this. Measuring urban sprawl is
a important topic and procedure which attempts to identify,
evaluate, and potentially improve measurements of urban sprawl
and several urban growth models along the full spectrum of
development.
OA #118
Effect of Cracks on Vibration Response Structures
This is done by giving acknowledgement of the successive
cumulative loss of agricultural lands and natural habitat to
spreading urbanization regardless of the density of the particular
development. The adverse effect of urban sprawl was highlighted
such as loss of suitable natural habitat, and restrictions placed on
those who populate larger urban areas. Water impact and
flooding also has a significant role in sprawling mainly in paved
and impervious surfaces because rain water is no longer able to
soak in the ground.
Since the mid-1800's, fatigue has been an important factor in
structural analysis; especially in the transportation industry. The
popular stress-strain curves that many engineers and scientist use
to make structural health predictions, display maximum tensile
stresses and yielding points that are based on static loading but
do not consider the dynamic cyclic loading that causes fatigue.
Yet, over 80% of all structural failures result from fatigue.
Because of this fact, the development of structural health
monitoring systems (systems that use sensors and data
acquisition devices to monitor fatigue and crack-propagation in
structures at all times) has become a part of cutting edge
technology.
As a result, it runs down the pavement taking along with it waste
from pets, asbestos residue, and even oil. Impact of cost of
business facilities is prevalent to urban sprawling because older
investments are abandoned as they become uncompetitive as
growth shifts elsewhere. Unique characteristics begin to become
loss within communities. These communities are no longer
distinguished for any reason. Next, traffic congestion leads to an
increase in spending for transportation within households.
Statistics obtained show that 1,997 acres of land are being lost by
the nation's coastal counties per day due to urban and other use
of land. Land lost in these places is two percent faster than that
of non coastal areas. In 2003, the population density of coastal
counties along the Gulf of Mexico region was 164 persons per
square mile, up 113 in 1980, and expected to increase to 175 in
2009. With the information that has been gathered, the final step
is to show the urban canopy cover and how it has changed over
time using GIS technology by providing aerial photos of the Urban
Forest illustrating change over time.
OA #117
Detecting Faces Using Correlation
Sean Turner, Virginia State University
This Engineering team has developed a computer system that can
track or even locate a human's face and match that three
dimensional object by comparing characteristics of their face to
other posing views of the face. Ideally a face detection system
should be able to take a new face and return a name identifying
that person.
Our approach to the problem is to ensure that the face detection
software separates the differences in a two dimensional images to
a geometric object that remains in motion. Using correlation to
compare each of the face to one another is the major method in
detecting a face. The system will be tested for accuracy several
times before ensuring the correct correlation methods were used
Creating a database software that is capable of containing face
images is important for security system that may need to
automatically track humans.
Designing this type of system to work effectively to track and
recognize the face images with the proper data is still an ongoing
research experiment. Errors in the systems could appear since a
picture of a two dimensional image taken of three dimensional
objects may have different light effects or even a slight change in
face positioning.
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Brodie Lee Whitehead, III, Virginia State University
Dr. Jahangir Ansari, Virginia State University
The purpose of this research is to utilize a structural health
monitoring system that is based on the detection of a structure's
natural frequency in order to examine the condition of the
structure with respect to fatigue and crack growth-rate. In this
study the effect of a crack on the vibration response of a thin
elastic shell is investigated. Impact excitation method is used to
identify the first five resonance frequencies and a commercial FEA
package is used to verify the validity of the set up for further
applications.
Student Abstracts for Poster Presentation
BIOLOGICAL
S CIENCES
1
The Genetic Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 in
Preterm Birth
Diana Adebambo, Norfolk State University & University of Iowa
Dr. Jeff Murray, University of Iowa
The significance of this study is to determine the role of Matrix
Metalloproteinase, also known as MMP9 in preterm births. Most
pregnancies undergo 40 weeks of gestation, babies born between
37 and 42 completed weeks of gestation are called full term.
Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation are called premature.
Proteins of the Matrix Metalloproteinase (MMP) family are involved
in the breakdown of extracellular matrix in normal physiological
process such as embryonic development, reproduction, and tissue
remodeling.
MMP-9 too early in the gestational period could lead to preterm
destruction of the matrix, and thus, preterm birth. This study
examines the genetic components of preterm births by
genotyping DNA from premature babies and their families. Single
Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were chosen from the MMP9
gene were used to compare the transmission of alleles in the
general population to the transmission in the preterm population.
The data was analyzed using Family Based Association Tests
(FBAT) in order to compare the transmission of alleles in the
general population to that of the population of interest.
Abstracts
Matrix Metalloproteinase -9 is a significant factor in preterm
births. This study determined that MMP9 was the most significant
in preterm babies whose mothers experienced spontaneous labor;
however it was significant factor in premature infants specifically
in early preterm infants. The future works are to investigate how
genes interact with the environment and to identify genes that
interact with the environment.
2
Lentiviral Gene Delivery to Fetal Mice Results in Broad
Transduction of Tissues
Tolani Adebanjo, Cheyney University of PA
David Stitelman, MD, Philip Zoltick, MD, Alan W. Flake, MD, and
Tim Brazelton, MD, PhD, Department of Surgery, Center for Fetal
Research, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Gene therapy allows new genes to be introduced into the cells of
an organism and holds great promise to treat genetically-based
diseases. A major challenge for gene therapy is efficient gene
delivery to target tissues. Compared to an adult, fetal
development is characterized by migrating and proliferating cell
populations, reduced barriers between organ compartments, and
a smaller organism size. Thus, we hypothesized that more
efficient gene transfer would occur during fetal development.
An HIV-based lentiviral construct, in which GFP expression was
driven by the constitutively-active CMV promoter, was packaged
in a vesicular stomatitis virus envelope and injected intravascularly into fetal mice on embryonic day 14. In mice sacrificed
after birth, strong GFP expression was observed in a broad range
of tissues including skeletal muscle, heart, kidney, liver, spleen
and brain. Within each organ, 40-80% of individual cells
expressed GFP, with the exception that in some brain regions the
frequency of GFP-positive cells was 10-20%. Such a broad and
efficient transduction exceeds that observed in mice transduced
after birth. In conclusion, our data indicates that administration of
gene therapeutics during the fetal period may be a clinically
advantageous strategy to treat a variety of diseases.
3
Subcellular Localization and Transcriptional Activity of ERG
Isoforms
Zainab Afzal, University of the District of Columbia
Research: University of the District of Columbia & Center for
Prostate Disease Research, Rockville, MD
Purpose: ERG is a transcription factor which belongs to the ETS
family. There are two different conserved domains in the ETS
family of proteins, the SAM-pointed domain and the DNA-binding
domain. ERG transcripts isolated from prostate tumors are
grouped into two types; Type I which contain both the SAMpointed domain and the DNA-binding domain and Type II which
contain only the SAM-pointed domain but lacks DNA-binding
domain. The aim of this project is firstly, to determine the
subcellular localization of the different isoforms of Type I: ERG;
ERG1, ERG2, Wt-ERG3, TM-ERG3, and Type II: TM-ERG8.
Secondly, to determine the transcriptional activity of the isoforms
by using a luiferase reporter construct under the control of mef2c
promoter that is activated by ERG.
Experimental Design: Plasmid vector DNAs of different ERG
isoforms was prepared by plasmid midi-prep. Prostate cancer cells
(LNCaP) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK-293) were
transfected with the expression vectors. Subcellular localization
was determined by immunofluoresence assay. Transcription
regulatory activity of ERG isoforms on the mef2c enhancer
construct was determined by luciferase activity.
Results and Conclusion: In both LNCaP and HEK-293 cells, the
Type I isoforms, ERG1, ERG2, WT-ERG3, and TMPRSS2-ERG3 by
IF were localized to the nucleus. In contrast, the Type II isoform
TMPRSS2-ERG8 was localized to the cytoplasm. Transcriptional
activity of wild type ERG3 was 2-fold greater than that of
TMPRSS2-ERG3 and about 5-fold greater than that of TMPRSS2ERG8.
4
Identifying Epitope Regions of H3-subtype Influenza A
Brittany Bazzle, Alabama A&M University
M. Deem and K. Pan, Rice University
H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2 are the three influenza A subtypes that
prevalently circulate among humans. Among these, H3N2 has
been the dominant subtype for most of the last ten years. The
major target in the H3N2 virus of the immune system are the
subtype H3 hemagglutinin (HA) and the subtype N2
neuraminidase (NA), responsible for the means of infection.
Since the humoral immune system primarily responds to the five
epitopes on the surface of the H3 HA, we have focused on the H3
HA of the H3N2 virus. The amino acid sequences of H3 HA
strains collected around the world has been examined. Available
data (until July 1st, 2009) was generated by downloading H3 HA
sequences from the NCBI database. The sequences were then
aligned using ClustalW2. From the aligned sequences entropy
values of sites 1 through 328 (k) were determined and saved to a
data file.
The data file was then run through MATLAB and plotted on a bar
graph showing which amino acids belonged to epitopes A through
E and which ones had not yet been identified as belonging to an
epitope. The latter is referred to as the "Outside" epitope. Sites
with an entropy above the threshold (0.1) and were classified as
being in the Outside were examined using the VMD (Visual
Molecular Dynamics). Out of the fifteen sites found in the Outside,
seven sites (49, 105, 106, 199, 222, 225 and 271) are added to
the surface map of H3 HA molecule. VMD surface mapping of H3
HA revealed site (residue) 119 to be in epitope B; the dominant
epitope tends to be either A or B. The new residues added
resulted in a better identification of the five epitopes of H3 HA.
However, because the dominant epitope tends to be either A or B,
as seen in previous vaccines, the residues that were added,
although one was found in epitope B, do not indicate a significant
change in vaccine design, to date. As noted in previous studies,
the epitopes of H3 HA are generally well defined and only minor
modifications are needed. However, surface mapping could once
again be updated after the end of the 2009 year and
improvement of vaccine efficacy for influenza H3N2 vaccines
could be possible. [This material is based upon work supported by
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Abstracts
the National Science Foundation and the Department of Defense
under NSF award No. PHY-0755008.]
5
Discovery of Genes for Maize Seed Development by
Transposon Mediated Mutagenesis
Brian Bell, University of Florida & Fort Valley State University, GA
Masa Suzuki, Shan Wu, and Don McCarty; University of Florida
A forward genetics strategy has been used to identify genes
involved in the formation of plant seeds today. One method used
to discover and identify genes and their functions linked to seed
formation is transposon mediated mutagenesis.
The research done here is on an empty pericarp mutant of maize
seeds. The candidate genes selected for study were found by
extracting flanking regions of Mu transposons by using
pyrosequencing. Of the 25 Mu insertions identified in the empty
pericarp mutant line (07S-1046) 11 loci that were likely to encode
genes were selected for confirmination by PCR of DNA from 3
sibling ears (07S-1046-02, 07S-1046-03, 07S-1046-04). All 11 of
these selected mutations were confirmed to be germinal
insertions.
Based on this preliminary analysis, an insertion in a cysteine
proteinase gene was tested for linkage to the empty pericarp
phenotype. PCR tests on DNA from 38 segregating progeny
showed that the presence of the mutant allele was not correlated
with the empty pericarp phenotype. Chi-square statistical analysis
indicated that the number of plants that were homozygous for the
cysteine proteinase insertion was less than predicted by
Mendelian segregation; whereas; the frequency of heterozygotes
was greater than expected. The biased segregation of the
cysteine proteinase mutation led to a hypothesis that this gene is
required for gametophyte function.
Further studies to test this hypothesis will determine whether the
cysteine proteinase mutation affects male or female gametophyte
function. In addition, other candidate genes will be tested for
linkage to the empty pericarp mutant in maize. [This study was
supported by USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants
awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D. Associate Professor & Director,
NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site Programs , Center for
Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
31030.]
6
Confirmation of High Definition Comparative Genomic
Hybridization (CGH) Results with PCR
Tiffany A. Bernier, University of the Virgin Islands & University of
Iowa
Dr. Peter Nagy, University of Iowa, The Interdisciplinary Summer
Undergraduate Research Program
This research aims at detecting copy number changes in a patient
that displays mild mental retardation, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and other
symptoms. We hypothesize that the patient has a copy number
variation in the form of a deletion or duplication. If there is a
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Conference Program
deletion then it will lead to the loss of genes that are important to
neural development. If there is a duplication then it will lead to
duplicate copies of genes that are important to neural
development.
Comparative Genomic Hybridization (CGH) was performed with a
385K low resolution CGH array. A 1.2Mb deletion on chromosome
five of the patient's DNA was identified. A 2.1M high resolution
CGH array was performed to have a more accurate determination
of the deletion's breakpoints. According to the Marie BaekvadHansen et al paper a 2.2Mb deletion on chromosome five lead to
the deletion of 15 genes that contributed to a patient having
congenital heart disease and mental retardation. Six of these
genes were similarly lost in this current study's patient. However,
congenital heart disease is not present in this study's patient. This
leads to the conclusion that the six genes lost in this study's
patient account for the presence of mental retardation. Currently
the breakpoints of the 1.2Mb deletion identified by this study are
in the process of being confirmed by PCR.
7
Effect of Novel Small Molecule Inhibitors of Id Proteins
Danaya Bethea, Clark Atlanta University
J. Chaudhary and Jason P. Carey, Clark Atlanta University
W. Garland, Angiogenex Inc., NY
The Id proteins (Id1, Id2, Id3 and Id4) are negative regulators of
differentiation that act by sequestering basic helix loop helix
(bHLH) transcription factors like E47. Ids are highly expressed
during embryonic development but in adult tissues their
expression is rare to absent. However, Id proteins are required for
tumor angiogenesis and are also highly expressed in many
cancers. This expression profile suggests that Inhibiting Id
function may be a viable approach to treat cancers at multiple
levels i.e. by blocking angiogenesis and limiting cancer cell
survival.
Recently we discovered small molecule inhibitors of Id protein
activity based on the interaction of Id proteins with their bHLH
partner E47. Two of these molecules AGX51 and AGX8 blocked
Id1-E47 interaction in a protein binding assay and induced cancer
cell apoptosis. However, the molecular mechanism action of
AGX8 and AGX51 in vitro and in vivo remains to be elucidated.
The present study was designed to investigate the effect of AGX8
and AGX51 on known Id1 target genes such as cyclin dependent
kinase inhibitor (CDKNI) p21.
The objective was to understand if the small molecules blocked Id
regulated genes that influence cell cycle and apoptosis. The
prostate cancer cells DU145, LNCaP and PC3 were treated with
AGX8 or AGX51 (in DMSO) or DMSO (control) for 24 hrs. Total
RNA from cells was reverse transcribed and used for PCR using
gene specific primers for p21, p53, MDM2 and beta actin
(control). The RT-PCR results indicated that AGX-8 (1um)
significantly increased p21 expression. The CDKNI p21, a tumor
suppressor is up-regulated by bHLH transcription factor E47 that
leads to a block in cell proliferation. Increased Id1 expression as
seen in many cancer cell lines sequesters E47 that results in loss
of p21 expression. That treatment with AGX8 was able upregulate p21 expression is the first and direct evidence that this
small molecule interferes with Id1 and allows E47 to induce p21
Abstracts
expression. Surprisingly, AGX8 also up-regulated the expression
of p53, a tumor suppressor but down-regulated the expression of
MDM2, a tumor promoter.
Collectively these results demonstrated that AGX8 is an effective antitumor drug. The results with AGX51 were not confirmatory since the
concentration used (1-10um) was lethal to cells. We are currently
performing FACS analysis to demonstrate the effect of AGX8 on cell
cycle and the effect of lower concentration of AGX51 (10nm-1uM) on
cell cycle genes.
8
qPCR Measurement of Telomere Length Changes
Victor N. Browne Jr., Morehouse College
As a consequence of DNA replication, chromosomes lose a small
amount of genetic information with each cell division, a process
known as the End Replication Problem. The telomere protects
genes near the ends of chromosomes from degradation by
providing long stretches of noncoding DNA, and prevents the DNA
from being recognized as highly toxic double strand breaks by
cellular DNA repair enzymesmechanisms. Higher levels of
telomere attrition are associated with many factors of aging, and
are found in several aging-related diseases. Telomere length
could therefore serve as a diagnostic measure of an organism's
biologic, as opposed to chronologic, age and be a more accurate
indicator of the general health status of an organism.
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in
men. In the past, chemotherapy served only a palliative role for
men with PCa. Although newer agents have shown encouraging
results, high susceptibility of patients to developing severe
toxicities from chemotherapy is the main factor that complicates
the use of chemotherapy in men with PCa. Persistent activation of
STAT3 is a feature of many malignancies including PCa. One
consequence of activated STAT3 in malignant cells is that they
depend on it for creating immunosuppressive microenvironment;
thus, STAT3 is an excellent molecular target for therapy.
Based on our recent findings demonstrating that
chemotherapeutic agents in low noncytotoxic concentrations block
immunosuppressive phenotype of tumor cells; we hypothesized
that nontoxic chemotherapy may interfere with STAT3 pathways
in PCa cells. To test this hypothesis, the effect of paclitaxel
(Taxol) on PCa was evaluated. PC3 and DU145 cells were treated
with different concentrations of paclitaxel (0, 1, 5, and 200 nM)
for 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Cell viability was assessed by Trypan
blue exclusion and revealed that the viability of cells decreased
from 97.4 ±0.1% in control to 67.9 ±11.2% in cells treated with
200nM of paclitaxel. PC3 cell proliferation was also reduced.
However, paclitaxel at 1nM and 5nM did not change cell viability.
To evaluate the level of active (i.e. phosphorylated) STAT3 in PC3
cells, we employed flow cytometry and revealed high levels of
pSTAT3 in non-treated PC3 cells (58.3±3.4%). Paclitaxel at 1 nM
did not change pSTAT3 expression, but at 5 nM resulted in up to
50% reduction in pSTAT3 levels in PC3 cells.
Here, we hypothesize that oxidative damage results in rapid
cellular telomere attrition. Telomere length was measured in a rat
neuroblastoma cell line and a human HeLa cancer cell line and
relative telomere length was determined using both qualitative
and quantitative methods. In the initial qualitative step, the
optimal PCR condition was determined using a gradient PCR
system and gel electrophoresis.
These findings demonstrate for the first time that chemotherapy
agents in low noncytotoxic concentrations may inhibit STAT3
activation in PCa.
A quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)
protocol for telomere length determination, first developed by
Hawthon et al.1, was adapted and modified for local use. This
method entails determining the ratio of the total telomeric DNA to
a single copy control gene of a known length. This is a rapid and
efficient way to analyze telomere length, and is suitable for
undergraduate students.
Conner B. Carter, III, Morehouse College and Emory University
George H. Jones, PhD, Emory University
This method will be used for a variety of purposes, including the
comparison of telomere lengths in diabetic and nondiabetic brain
cells, and comparison of lengths in neurons having undergone
severe oxidative stress.
The preliminary data suggests marked differences in telomere
length based on the type of cellular stress. We hypothesize that
this difference in telomere length will also be noted in cells
exposed to a hypoxic environment.
9
Regulation of STAT3 Expression by Low Nontoxic Doses of
Paclitaxel in Prostate Cancer Cells
10
Subcloning and Characterization of the Putative RNase J gene
of Streptomyces Coelicolor
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in mRNA
maturation and degradation in bacteria, as it has been shown to
be an important element in the regulation of gene expression.
Gene expression is the process by which information from a gene
is made into a functional protein. RNase J1 and J2 are two
endoribonucleases that have been characterized in Bacillus
subtilis.
To facilitate the biochemical characterization of a putative RNase J
homolog in Streptomyces coelicolor, we have subcloned this gene
from a Topo-TA Vector into pET19-B, a vector which encodes a
polyhistidine tag, which will facilitate protein purification. The
subclone was then sequenced to verify correct construct and
transformed into the E.coli overexpression strain, BL21 (DE3)
plysS. Over-expressing the protein and its subsequent purification
will allow an in-vitro assay, and characterization of the S.
coelicolor RNase J protein.
Ryan K. Burke, Tuskegee University & the University of Pittsburgh
Conference Program
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Abstracts
11
Antibacterial Property of Curcumin-Derived Compounds
Rose Marie Cooper, Langston University
C. King, P. Lagisetty, and S. Awasthi, University of Oklahoma Health
Sciences Center
Objective: Curcumin, a compound in turmeric (Curcuma longa), has
been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer
properties. However, it's efficacy in preclinical animal models has been
found to be limited by poor bioavailability. Thus, efforts are underway
to design synthetic curcumin analogs with improved pharmaceutical
properties. In this regard, we studied the antibacterial property of
three synthetic curcumin analogs- 3,5-Bis(2-fluorobenzylidene)-4piperidone (1), [3,5-Bis(2-fluorobenzylidene)-N-formyl-4-piperidone
(2) and 1,7-Bis-[3,5-bis(2-fluorobenzylidene)-4-oxo-piperidin-1-yl]1,4,7- triazaheptane-1,7-dione-1,4,7-triacetic acid (3).
Methods: Escherichia coli (19138, ATCC, VA) bacteria were grown
to an early log phase for 3h at 37 C in an incubator-shaker.
Approximately 6.8 x 106 CFU bacteria and 0.3-150µg of
compounds 1,2 or 3 were added in the wells of a Honeycomb-2
plate. The plate was incubated in an automated Bioscreen CMBR
machine for 17h. The optical density (OD) at 600 nm was
recorded every 15 min. The changes in OD were confirmed by
plating an aliquot of bacterial suspension on bacteriological agar.
Results: Compound 3 decreased the OD significantly at 3 h and
onwards in a concentration dependent manner. The bacterial
counts were lower by ~20-50 folds after 17h of treatment with
compound 3. Compound 1 showed only 2-4 folds decrease in the
bacterial counts. In contrast, compound 2 was not found to affect
the growth of E. coli.
Conclusions: Our results suggest that among three compounds
tested, compound 3 has a potential to be developed as an
antimicrobial agent. Future work is needed to test these
compounds in other bacteria and to elucidate the mechanism of
this phenomenon.
Grant Support: College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma
Health Science Center. Langston Integrated Network college
(LINC), Langston Oklahoma.
12
Improvement of Expression and Purification of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb)
Ezekiel Crenshaw, Cheyney University of PA
Heungbok Kim, Tom Terwilliger, and Chang-Yub, Los Alamos
National Laboratory, Bioscience Division B-9
Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTb) is the bacterium that causes
the disease Tuberculosis; which is characterized mainly as an
infection of the respiratory system. Since its founding in 2000, the
TB Structural Genomics Consortium's mission has been to solve
the protein structures of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in high
throughput method to give better chances of new drug
development for tuberculosis. In order to solve the structure of
MTb proteins, highly purified proteins are needed which is
achieved through protein purification processes. Highly purified
proteins are essential to determine the characteristics of the
function, structure, and interactions of the protein of interest.
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In order to purify proteins, we have to first be able to express the
protein which is typically done by fermentation. Once the proteins
are expressed through fermentation, they can be purified using
various techniques; however, for majority of cases, the target
proteins are not easily expressed or purified, and finding the
conditions to express and purify target proteins was the research
subject this summer.
We took two target proteins, Rv1023 and Rv0751c, which were
proteins that we had difficulty in expressing and purifying, and
were able to optimize expression conditions that favored both
proteins being expressed by changing agitation mode and finding
optimum temperature (30ºC and 25ºC) , and purified (Rv0751c)
by fully breaking cells by freezing them with Lysis Buffer and with
longer sonication.
13
Role of Cx43 Phosphorlylation in Atherogenesis
Kara Cromwell, Tuskegee University
Scott Johnstone, Brant E. Isakson, and Robert M. Berne,
Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia
Gap junctions allow communication between cells and regulate
cell cycle. These junctions are formed by the docking of two
adjacent hemichannels, which are composed of proteins called
connexins. We are interested in the role of vascular connexin 43
(Cx43) as a potential key factor in the initial stages of
atherogenesis, which is the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, a
first step in atherosclerosis. We believe that there is a correlation
between Cx43 and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle
cells (VSMC). Previous work from our lab demonstrated that
oxidized phospholipid (OxPL) species applied in vivo, decreased
Cx43 expression and enhanced proliferation of VSMC. Based on
these findings we were interested in setting up parameters to
examine the effects of inducing Cx43-/- VSMC containing Ser>Ala
substitutions at sites associated with atherogenesis after
introducing relevant OxPL's. Our hypothesis was that Cx43 and its
key phosphorylation sites play a significant role in advancing
VSMC to a proliferative state.
In order to test our hypothesis we needed to first develop and
confirm a method to isolate, transfect, and stall Cx43-/- VSMC.
We isolated Cx43-/- VSMC from carotid arteries of newborn C57/
Bl6 mice (Taconic) mice resulting from Cx43-/+ X Cx43-/+
crosses. We confirmed via western blot the presence of Cx43-/VSMC by using Cx43+/- and Cx43+/+ as positive controls.
In addition, we confirmed through immunofluoresence that we
only isolated VSMC. Next, we prepared plasmid DNA for Cx43,
Cx43-T (full length Cx43), S279A/282A and Cx43-S368A
serine>alanine substitutions using Maxi prep. We then determined
the most efficient way to transfect our plasmids into the Cx43-/VSMC. Lastly, after we were able to isolate and transfect our Cx43
-/- VSMC, we determined through flow cytometry, the best
conditions to use to stall our Cx43-/- VSMC, to mimic what
happens to cells in a quiescent state. Although this was an
ongoing project, we were able to develop and verify a reliable
method for isolating, transfecting, and stalling Cx43-/- VSMC,
important first steps in being able to test our overall hypothesis.
Future experimental aims include introducing relevant OxPL’s into
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our transfected Cx43-/- VSMC and examining the potential
relevance of this in cell proliferation. [This study was supported,
in part, by a grant from NIH awarded to, Summer Research and
Internship Program, University of Virginia University,
Charlottesville, VA.]
14
Defining mir-1271 in Benign Epithelial Cells of Tumor Bearing
Prostate Glands
Emelia Daka, University of the District of Columbia
Albert Dobi, Center for Prostate Disease Research, Rockville, MD
Purpose: miRNAs are the largest family of noncoding RNAs
involved in gene silencing. They regulate gene expression, and
are being transcribed by Poll II DNA-dependent polymerase. Due
to imperfect base pairing, each miRNA is proposed to have
hundreds of targets; hence, it was proposed that 30% of human
genes are regulated by miRNA. The function of miRNAs is largely
unexplored in prostate cancer.
Experimental Design: We have utilized in silico bioinformatic tools
towards defining of miRNA target sites within the ERG
protooncogene splice variant 8 (ERG8) 3’ untranslated region. We
assessed the expression of the recently identified mir-1271 in
benign and cancerous prostate cells and in various cell lines by RT
-PCR assay.
Results and Conclusion: We have identified mir-21 and mir-1271
target sites within the 3’ untranslated region of ERG8. Our data
revealed the first time that mir-1271 is expressed in benign
prostate epithelial cells adjacent to tumors as well as in the
benign prostate epithelium derived RC-165 cell line. Intriguingly,
normal prostate, prostate tumor cells and prostate tumor derived
cell lines did not express mir-1271 with the exception of Du-145.
Thus, mir-1271 expression is associated with the benign
epithelium of tumor bearing prostate gland. The evaluation of mir1271 as a field-effect indicator of adjacent tumor is warranted.
15
Peptoid Binding to Proteins from Cell Lysate
Sharde Davis, Philander Smith College
Column chromatography is a commonly used method in
bioseparation, including a stationary phase and mobile phase
involving liquid. Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography
(IMAC), is a stationary phase often used in column
chromatography. The column resin is made of microbeads coated
with metals, which bind with corresponding proteins tagged with
affinity towards a particular metal. Biofluids such as lysate are
flown through the column and the microbeads attract the proteins
out of the lysate.
The issue is that this method is not specific and efficient, and to
resolve the problem would be to replace the coating on the
microbeads with peptoids. The fact that peptoids are Nsubstituted glycines, which mimic peptides, have side chains that
can be manipulated to attach to any free amine, and helical in
shape create an ideal surface for protein binding. Improving the
IMAC method with peptoid coated micorbeads will make the
process both specific and efficient. The foundation of this research
was done by testing the binding potential of peptoids.
The analysis of various binding experiments showed that peptoids
do in fact have binding potential, but the validation process of
SDS-PAGE must be tailored or replaced in order to show absolute
quantified results of the peptoids binding potential.
16
Antimicrobial activity of herbal plant extracts on Escherichia
coli, Candida guilliermondii and Nocardia Asteroides
Kaylia Duncan, Fisk University
Vanessa Saunders, Pitchai Dharmalingam, and Muthuklumaran
Gunasekaran, Fisk University & Tennessee State University
Organic and aqueous solvent extracts of seven herbal plants,
basil, sage, spearmint, garlic, peppermint, jasmine and oregano
were investigated for antimicrobial activity on Escherichia coli,
Candida guilliermondii and Nocardia asteroides. The agar diffusion
(disc) method was used to assess the activity against the test
organisms. The different extracts (water, acetone, methanol and
ethanol) differed significantly in their antimicrobial activities with
the methanolic extract being most active, followed by ethanol and
aqueous extracts. The least active extract was the acetone. There
was no significant difference between the different test
microorganisms in their susceptibility to different extracts, with C.
guilliermondii being the most susceptible to aqueous extract.
There was not a significant difference in antimicrobial activity of
the test organisms between peppermint and oregano regardless
of the type of extracts.
We plan to characterize the active compounds and study the
physical and chemical properties. Some of these metabolites/
compounds will provide potential leads for the development of
new pharmaceutical compounds. [The authors wish to
acknowledge support from the U.S. Department of Education
( P120A060075), National Institute of Health (K01 GM080578)
National Science Foundation (Grant HRD 92-53037), NASA (Grant
NAG 2-6015) , Howard Hughes Medical Institute (Grant 71194527-802) and UNCF McBay Fellowship awarded to MG.]
17
Bisphenol-A Modulates the Expression of Estrogen Related
Receptor Gamma (ERRy) Target Genes in MCF-10A Normal
Mammary Epithelial Cells
Loubna Elhelu, University of the District of Columbia &
Georgetown University
Deepak Kumar, University of the District of Columbia
Leena Hilakivi-Clarke and Rebecca Riggins, Georgetown University
Medical Center
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. With
over 170,000 American women diagnosed in 2008, 70% of these
women have no known risk factors for this disease. Thus,
mechanistic studies focused on potential approaches to breast
cancer prevention are desperately needed. Bisphenol-A (BPA), an
endocrine disruptor, is an industrial chemical used in the
production of numerous consumer products, including baby
bottles (polystyrene and polycarbonate plastics) and the lining of
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Abstracts
food cans and other containers (epoxy resins). Polymeric BPA can
degrade to monomeric form, which can then leach into food
products, formula and water; thus, most human exposure to BPA
occurs via ingestion. The orphan nuclear receptor estrogenrelated receptor gamma (ERRγ) and its other family members are
critical transcriptional regulators of energy homeostasis, and
several ERRγ target genes are implicated in metabolic pathways
that directly influence obesity, INS resistance and breast cancer.
It is known that BPA can bind with high affinity and specificity to
ERRy.
The objective of this study is to identify the molecular
mechanisms of BPA-induced breast carcinogenesis by (1) studying
whether BPA modulates ERRy target genes and (2) Microarray
analysis of genes modulated by BPA in MCF-10A normal
mammary epithelial cells. Our data indicate that Bisphenol-A
(10nM) induces the expression of ERRy target genes HK2 and
PDK4 in MCF-10A cells. PDK4 and HK2 are essential enzymes of
glycolysis, dysregulation of which is implicated in diabetes, INS
resistance, and cancer.
In the next phase of the study, we will use microarray analysis to
study additional gene expression patterns modulated by BPA in
MCF-10A cells. The study of transcriptional regulation will help
identify target gene(s) and signaling pathway(s) that may be
involved in the development of BPA-linked mammary cancer.
18
Genetic Screen of Drosophila PPAR-γ Coactivator-1 Mutant
Lori Evans, Howard University
Nagelica Armstrong, Sanjay Nag, Renée Forde, Claudette P. Davis
and Atanu Duttaroy; Howard University, Department of Biology
Drosophila melanogaster gene CG9809 (dpgc-1) is located on the
third chromosome and is orthologous (has similar protein
function) to mammalian peroxisome proliferator-activated
receptor (PPAR)-γ coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). PGC-1α, a
transcriptional coactivator, has been extensively studied. PGC-1α
regulates energy metabolism, mitochondrial biogenesis, muscle
fiber switching, muscle wasting, thermal tolerance, fat
metabolism, and glucose metabolism. The purpose of our
research was to determine whether dpgc-1 functions as its
orthologue PGC-1α.
We have shown dpgc-1 overexpression extended median lifespan
by 33%. The transgenic flies had improved muscle strength as
old flies (80 days after eclosion) managed to climb vial walls.
dpgc-1 overexpression also resulted in heightened sensitivity to
oxidative stress. Our results suggest dpgc-1 has a multifaceted
role in Drosophila just as mammalian PGC-1 alpha. To highlight
the importance of dpgc-1, we generated a mutant.
Mutant generation occurred in three steps: (1) A P-element
insertion (P{EPgy2}EY05931) is found in the 5’UTR of dpgc-1. Pelement insertions, sequences of DNA (transposon), can be
excised (by transposase) to create a genetically modified fly.
dpgc-1 males were crossed with a fly line expressing the
transposase delta 2-3. Successful excision of the P-element
yielded transgenic flies containing white eyes. (2) Potential whiteeyed male mutants were crossed with a third chromosome
balancer stock TM3, Sb/TM6, Tb. (3) Over 300 potential mutant
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stock lines were obtained and designated dpgc-1/TM3, Sb or dpgc
-1/TM6, Tb. PCR analysis was performed on each line.
Thus far we have found one potential mutant designated dpgc1n106. To test the effect of mutating dpgc-1, we will determine
their lifespan, climbing ability and sensitivity to oxidative stress.
19
Sex-dependent differences in the Development of Angiotensin
II-Dependent Hypertension in Sprague-Dawley Rats During
High Salt Intake
Elizabeth Falodun, Southern University at New Orleans and Tulane
University School of Medicine (Tulane-LAMP Program)
Minolfa C. Prieto, Tulane University
High blood pressure is a huge health care issue in the United
States. It has been recognized as a multifactor trait resulting from
the effects of a combination of both environmental and genetic
factors. An excess of dietary salt is the most common
environmental factor that contributes to the pathogenesis of
hypertension. The kidneys play a central role in regulating blood
pressure.
In previous studies performed in Dr. Prieto’s lab, it was observed
that male Sprague Dawley rats chronically infused with Ang II
developed substantial proteinuria when they were fed with a high
salt diet using 8% NaCl. Because the progression of hypertension
and predisposition to develop kidney injury have been described
to be more severe in male than in female rats, in the present
study we will examine if there are sex-dependent differences in
the development and severity of hypertension and proteinuria
between male and female chronic Ang II-infused rats subjected to
high salt consumption.
Our hypothesis is that during Ang II-dependent hypertension a
high dietary salt intake by male Sprague-Dawley rats will lead to
more rapid and severe hypertension than in female rats due to a
greater development of kidney injury. The corollary of this
hypothesis is if high salt intake affects male and female Sprague
Dawley rats differently or similarly during the development of Ang
II dependent hypertension.
To address this hypothesis we will determine; 1.) if during basal
conditions and normal salt diet intake, age matched male and
female Sprague Dawley rats exhibit metabolic differences such as
body weight, food and water intake, and 2.) if during chronic Ang
II-infusion, the effects of high salt intake on blood pressure and
proteinuria are different between male and female SpragueDawley rats.
At the end of this study we found that the increases in systolic
blood pressure during high salt diet and chronic Ang II infusions
exhibit sexual dimorphism. We found out that proteinuria was
present in male and female rats fed a high salt diet without an
increase in SBP, which suggests that blood pressure effect is not
the only mechanism involved in the pathogenesis of kidney
damage when the rats are in these conditions.
Abstracts
20
The Role of ER-± vs ER-² on Estradiol-17²-induced
Sean Natasha Fling, Spelman College
Introduction: Uterine blood flow (UBF) increases exponentially
throughout gestation to meet the metabolic demands of the
growing fetus. The maternal vascular adaptation mechanisms
that account for these rises in UBF include vasodilatation and
angiogenesis (Magness, 1998). Insufficiency in vascular
adaptations is proposed to be a major cause of preeclampsia.
Estradiol-17β (E2β) is suggested to modulate uterine vascular
adaptations during gestation via its classic receptors ER-α and ERβ (Magness et al, 2005). Therefore, the purpose of the present
study was to investigate the role of the specific ER-subtypes ER-α
and/or ER-β in the regulation of uterine endothelial cell
proliferation.
Hypothesis: We tested the hypothesis that stimulation of ER-α
and/or ER-β with specific receptor agonists PPT and DPN (0.1 nM,
1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM, respectively) will differentially stimulate
proliferation of uterine artery endothelial cells (UAECs) isolated
from pregnant sheep.
Results: Treatment with the ER-α agonist MPP did not result in a
significant increase in proliferation (P=0.411; n=4); with
maximum response at 1.15 ± 0.06. In contrast, addition of the
ER-β agonist DPN resulted in significant increase in UAEC
proliferation (P<0.0001; n=4); with maximum response at 1.59 ±
0.05. Furthermore, the addition of the combination of PPT and
DPN resulted in significant proliferation (P<0.0001; n=4), but only
at the magnitude of DPN-only treatment. Pretreatment with the
ER-β antagonist PHTPP completely inhibited the UAEC
proliferation (P<0.0001; n=4) in response to both DPN and E2β
demonstrating ER specificity.
Results: Collectively, these results demonstrate that ER-β rather
than ER-α is the main ER that mediates E2β-induced proliferative
actions on UAECs. This suggests that E2β plays a role in uterine
angiogenesis during pregnancy through the ER-subtype ER-β.
These data may aid in a better understanding of pathologic/
impaired angiogenesis such as that observed in preeclampsia.
21
The Effect of Soluble Factors Released by Prostate
Robin Garrison, Tuskegee University
Robin Chelsie Garrison, Shamima Nasrin, and Marcia Martinez,
Tuskegee University, Tuskegee Institute
Successful tumor formation is accomplished when transformed
cells escape the process of immunoediting (1). Transformed cells
provide molecular cues that result in the modification of their
behavior and that of immune cells within the developing tumor
mass (1). This allows the transformed cell to escape destruction
by the immune system. Macrophages within a developing tumor
mass are identified as either one of two types. Type 1 tumor
associated macrophages (TAM1) which generate inflammatory
responses that may eventually lead to tumor regression, and type
2 macrophages (TAM2) which promote angiogenesis, favor tissue
remodeling and inhibit inflammatory responses (2).
We hypothesized that prostate cell lines at different stages of
cancer development release soluble factors that influence
monocyte to macrophage differentiation into either TAM1 or TAM2
cells. THP-1 cells (monocytes) were incubated in different
concentrations of conditioned media (CM) collected from the
prostate cell lines RC77N, RC77T, and DU145. Following
incubation THP-1 cells were monitored by light microscopy for
morphological changes and cells were collected and stained with
fluorescently conjugated anti-HLA I, anti-HLA II, anti-B7 and
F4/80 antibodies. Stained cells were analyzed by flow cytometry.
THP-1 cells incubated in CM collected from RC77N were found to
develop more pseudopods and uropods when compared with THP
-1 cells that were incubated in conditioned media collected from
RC77T and DU145 cells. When incubated in CM from RC77N, THP1 cells showed an increase in cell surface levels of HLA class I and
B7. However, no significant changes in the level of cell surface
HLA class II molecules were observed. THP-1 cells incubated in
CM collected from RC77T and DU145 did not show similar results.
Observations and analysis of the data collected supports the
prediction that prostate tumor cells at different stages of
maturation escape immunoediting and suppress the immune
responsiveness of THP-1 cells. Future studies will include
identifying the soluble factor/s released by the prostate cell lines
that mediate monocyte to macrophage differentiation and to
identify macrophages as either TAM1 or TAM2.
22
The Effects of Uncontrolled Streptozotocin Induced Type 1
Diabetes on the MG, LG, Soleus and the Sciatic Nerve in the
Laboratory Rat
Anthony Travis Gibson, Morehouse College
Dr. Valerie Haftel, Morehouse College & Morehouse School of
Medicine
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either has an unnatural
resistance to the hormone insulin or does not produce the
adequate amount of insulin. Insulin is the protein that is
responsible for the uptake and storage of glucose. This chemical
imbalance can have severe complications to health. Diabetic
neuropathy is a complication that results from prolonged diabetes.
A tingling, burning, or painful feeling in the arms and/or legs
usually characterized this neurological disorder. A current study is
using rats to determine the effects that Type 1 diabetes has on
the muscles and nerves of a laboratory rat.
The hypothesis was that if rats were positive for type 1 diabetes,
then they would have a delayed or altered reaction when
stimulated. The rats were given an injection of streptozotocin,
which is a toxin that attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, which
are responsible for insulin production. The rats were allowed to be
diabetic for 3 weeks or 6 weeks. The rats were kept in a
controlled environment with a 12hr light and dark cycle. When it
came time to test the rat, they were anesthetized and the left
soleus, LG, and MG were exposed for testing. Testing involved
pulling and releasing the muscle and vibrations of differing
frequencies ranging from 10Hz to 500Hz. Electrodes were placed
in the muscle while it was stimulated to record the reaction of the
nerves in the muscles. The electrical impulses captured by the
electrodes were then analyzed by a computer program and
reviewed to find a difference between the diabetic rats and the
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non diabetic rats. The data collected from the impulse tests
showed that the rats had a slightly altered reaction than non
diabetic rats. The reaction impulses were slightly weaker than
those of non diabetic rats.
This conclusion is not complete however. More data and analysis
is needed to fully answer the initial question. Future results will
include the analysis from dissected soleus, MG, and LG to
determine if there are any structural differences in the cells.
23
The Effect of Smoking History on Time from Surgery
Taliah F. Glenn, Bennett College for Women
Cigarette smoking has been associated with several cancers.
Prostate cancer incidence and mortality have been linked to
smoking history. However, the effect of smoking in disease
recurrence after primary treatment has not been evaluated.
Objectives: This study sought to determine the association
between smoking history and the time from surgery to
biochemical recurrence in patients with prostate cancer treated
with radical prostatectomy.
Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 777 men undergoing
radical prostatectomy from 3 different VA medical centers
between 1998-2008. Follow-up was conducted by PSA tests and
clinical visits. Comparisons of baseline patients’ characteristics
were done with chi-square and Kruskall-Wallis tests. Time to
biochemical recurrence after surgery was analyzed with KaplanMeier plot and rank-sum tests.
Results: Of 777 men, 47% were from Durham, 43% were from
West LA, and 10% were from Palo Alto. The prevalence of
smoking at surgery was 34%. Overall, nonsmokers were older,
had lower PSA levels and higher body-mass index at the time of
surgery (all P<0.05). Gleason score, prostate weight, percentage
of positive surgical margins, extracapsular extension and seminal
vesicle invasion were similar between smokers and nonsmokers.
Smokers were more likely to develop biochemical recurrence;
however, the difference did not reach statistical significance
(HR=1.14; P=0.368).
Conclusions: Although previous studies found prostate cancer to
be associated with smoking history, we found that after radical
prostatectomy the risk of biochemical recurrence is similar
between smokers and nonsmokers. Future studies are necessary
to further establish the role of smoking in prostate cancer.
24
Structural Properties of Vagina Connective Tissues
Yvonne Goudy-Bermudez, Allen University
Steven D. Abramowitch, PhD, University of Pittsburg
Yvonne I. Goudy-Bermudez, Allen University
The tissues around a woman's vagina acts as a support structure
holding the pelvic organs in place. In approximately 50% of
women over fifty, this support will fail, causing the organs to
prolapse into the vaginal canal -- a condition known as pelvic
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organ prolapse. (1) Previously, data on the structural integrity of
the vagina supportive tissue complex (VSTC) has been obtained in
Long-Evans rats. (2) However, future tissue engineering
approaches aim to employ allogeneic cells for which a Lewis rat
would be more appropriate. The objective of this study was to
characterize the structural properties of the VSTC in the Lewis Rat
model and compare that to historical data from the Long Evans
Rat model.
To accomplish this, a total of 11 female, 3-month old virgin Lewis
rats weighing approximately 200 grams were used for this project.
After euthanasia, the rats were dissected to isolate the pelvic
region below the L1 vertebra. Biomechanical structural testing
was done on the entire lower pelvic region with the hind limbs
disarticulated. The pelvises were kept moist with normal saline
and potted in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) to ensure
alignment and rigidity. The spine was then mounted in a
cylindrical clamp, which was fixed to the base of the testing
machine. A soft tissue clamp was used to clamp the distal 5mm of
the vagina, which was fixed to crosshead of the machine. The
testing protocol included an application or preload (0.15N) and
preconditioning at 25mm/min for 10 cycles. Uniaxial load failure
testing was performed after preconditioning at 25mm/min. All
load -elongation curves and modes of failure were then recorded.
The parameters describing the structural properties of the VSTC
included: linear stiffness (N/mm), ultimate load at failure (N),
ultimate elongation (mm) and energy absorbed to failure (N-mm).
A Students t-test was used to make comparisons to historically
obtained data from the Long Evans Rat with significance level set
at p<0.05.
Anatomically, the Lewis rats were identical to the Long Evans
except for being slightly smaller in size. The paravaginal
attachments appear to provide the primary resistance to
downward (through the pelvic outlet) displacement of the vagina
in both strains, as the point of failure corresponded with
disruption of these attachments. The linear stiffness was similar
3.3±1.0 N/mm (mean ±SD) vs. 2.9±0.9 N/mm, in the Lewis vs.
Long Evans rats, respectively. The same trend was observed for
the ultimate load (14.3±2.8 N vs. 13.2±1.1 N). The ultimate
elongation (8.2±2.1 mm vs. 8.9±2.0 mm), and the energy
absorbed (50.0±15.8 N-mm vs. 49.4±12.7 N-mm), respectively.
These results indicate that the paravaginal attachments in the
Lewis Rats do provide substantial support to the vagina with no
significant differences seen in the parameters analyzed. These
findings suggest that the Lewis Rat model will be an appropriate
substitute for evaluating the effect of tissue engineering
approaches that aim to treat the paravaginal attachments of the
vagina.
25
Recombinant Expression and Purification of Aβ40 and
Inhibition of Aβ Aggregation by Organometallic Compounds
Laswanique Gray, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Vijay Rangachari, University of Southern Mississippi
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease that most
commonly affects people age 65 or older. It is the most common
form of dementia. Because AD is a brain disease, the most
common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, and difficulty
Abstracts
doing daily activities at leisure or work. The cause of AD is
aggregation of a protein called amyloid beta (Aβ). Amyloid beta
contains between 40 and 42 amino acids.
Aβ starts as a single monomer then combines with another to
become an oligomer. Oligomers stick together forming protofibrils
which combine with each other forming fibrils. These fibrils stick
together forming aggregates and neuritic plaques in the cortices
of brain. At some point in the process of transitioning from a
monomer to a fibril, Aβ becomes toxic to neurons. As AD
develops, neurons die gradually causing increase in symptoms
and their severity and the brain gradually shrinks. Patients
eventually lose the ability to speak and to walk as the brain
shrinks. Currently there is no cure for AD therefore it is considered
a fatal disease. In this project we are trying to get purified Aβ40
monomers by recombinant expression, as well as testing the
inhibition of Aβ42 by Pt (II) / Ru (II) containing organometallic
compounds.
26
Isolation and Genomic Characterization of
Mycobacteriophage sp. Hope
Shalaina Griffin, Spelman College
We report the characterization of a novel bacterial virus isolated
from a soil sample collected from Arabia Mountain Heritage Park,
GA, in September 2008. Initial isolates were obtained by
enrichment, inoculating the samples with the host bacterium
Mycobacterium smegmatis. The purity of six phage isolates was
then determined by multiple dilution passages. One isolate, Hope,
was then selected for a more detailed analysis consisting of
genomic characterization. On a bacterial lawn Mycobacteriophage
Hope exhibits medium-sized clear plaques. Electron microscopy
using Phosphotungstic acid negative stainging revealed a thinwalled hexagonal capsid 60nm in diameter and a long flexible tail,
a trait characteristic of the siphoviridae family of
mycobacteriophages. RFLP analysis of isolated Hope genomic DNA
confirmed a unique phage compared to all other isolates in the lab
as well as control phage D29.
Hope DNA was submitted to the Los Alamos National Laboratory
(LANL) for DNA sequencing in December 2008, and the finished
sequence was returned in February 2009. The Hope genome is a
double-stranded linear molecule of 41,901 base pairs, which
contained 58-59 putative genes. BLAST analysis of individual
ORFs revealed strong similarity to previously characterized BPs
and Halo mycophages (100% and 99% identity at the nucleotide
level respectively), placing Hope in the G subcluster of
siphoviridae.
Comparison of Hope, BPs, and Halo genomes reveals a specific
rearrangement near the 3’ end involving a 440 bp module (gp57
in Hope). This particular module is highly conserved in G
subcluster isolates as well as mycobacteriophages from
subclusters F, G, I, and also in an un-clustered phage isolate.
While Hope genome contributes no new nucleotides sequence
information to the expanding mycobacteriophage database, it
represents a novel arrangement of G-type mycophage genomes.
bp module there are inverted repeats, which would allow for the
formation of a holiday junction recombination intermediate.
Hope_p42 corresponds to Rec E homologs found in only 3 other
isolates and Hope_p49 corresponds to Ruv C homologs in many
other isolates. The presence of a recombination mechanism within
Hope lends for further analysis of the addition and deletion of
genes within mycobacteriophages.
27
Canine Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Can Differentiate
Paul Gwengi, Cheyney University of PA
Little research has been done on canine MSCs (cMSC) in contrast
to the extensive research that has been done with mouse and
human MSCs.
There are a number of canine models for human diseases and the
study of cMSCs can contribute to our understanding of how well
MSCs work as cell therapy to treat these diseases. The aim of this
study was to determine the multipotent differentiation capacity of
cMSCs and to test for the specific cell surface markers that are
common on mouse and human MSCs. The multipotency of the
cMSCs was demonstrated by differentiating the cMSCs into
adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic cells. Lineage specific
differentiation was confirmed by staining cells with Oil Red O,
Alcian Blue and Alizarin Red S respectively. Cell surface markers
used to characterize MSCs were analyzed using flow cytometry.
This analysis served not only to characterize the expression of
marker molecules but as a test of the cross-reactivity of some
human- and mouse-specific antibodies to the canine cells. Canine
MSC reacted positively to the anti-dog CD90 and anti-human
CD105, both markers of MSCs, but were negative for the
hematopoietic markers tested with anti-dog CD4, CD8, CD34,
CD45 and anti-human CD18. There was no cross-reactivity with
either anti-mouse CD73 or CD105 antibodies.
The results indicated that canine MSCs are capable of
differentiating into adipocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoblasts.
cMSCs do not express markers characteristic of hematopoietic
cells but do express the well known MSC markers that have been
previously established in mouse and human MSCs.
28
Human Excision Repair Factors: Addgene Repository
Sarem Hailemariam, Shaw University
Addgene is a non-profit organization that was formed in January
2004. It enables scientists throughout the world to share
plasmids. The long term goal of our lab is to deposit all plasmids
that were constructed during the course of our work over the
years. We tried to prepare plasmid DNA for the human excision
repair factors.
The main goal of this project is to prepare DNA in an amount that
is enough for deposit to repository. This project particularly
focused on those that are expressed as recombinant proteins in
Further analysis of Hope suggests the presence of a Rec E
homologous recombination mechanism. On the outside of the 440
Conference Program
A47
Abstracts
E.coli. Fourteen plasmids were prepped and analyzed by Agarose
gel electrophoresis.
30
Application of the Golgi Two-Hybrid Assay to Study Protein
Interactions Involved in ER Associated Degradation (ERAD)
29
Effects on Ethanol and Ozone Exposure on Rat Alveo
Whitney Henry, Grambling State University
Bin Li and Jennifer Kohler, Internal Medicine, Division of
Translational Research, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Lateshia Hawkins, Johnson C. Smith University
Karen Bernd, Davidson College
Many Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrom (ARDS) patients have
been able to link their pulmonary complications with their history
of alcohol use. Research demonstrates that alcohol allows the
lung to become more susceptible to injury because the alcohol
disrupts the function of glutathione in the cell. Severe trauma in
ARDS patients have been linked to the patient having a prior
history of alcohol use (Moss 2000). There was more trauma or
injury to the lung because the ethanol alternates the function of
GSH (glutathione).
Glutathione is a tripeptide and acts as a sulfhydrl buffer. It
performs detoxification by reacting with hydrogen peroxide. The
tests and studies include glutathione because it is an anti-oxidant
that protects cells from free radicals and pollutants. The
measuring of the cell's 'protection' will help in determining how
much damage is done. When the cell is exposed to ethanol alone,
the ethanol alternates the functioning of GSH. Ozone is one of the
pollutants that GSH is fighting against. If the cells are being
exposed to ethanol and the GSH is getting altered then it will not
be able to efficiently protect the cells from the ozone damage,
which is allowing the lung to be in contact with damaging toxins.
Damaged cells can not be repaired because of the lack of GSH
and leads to cell death which can be measured (Stryer).
The goal of the research was to determine the effect that differing
ethanol exposures have on cells. Using this information it was
determined how much the GSH levels were decreased in order to
know how the amount of ethanol consumed affected the lung
cells. The concentrations 17.392 mM and 13.044 mM were
converted to .04% Blood Alcohol Content and .08 % Blood
Alcohol Content. These are the moderately drinking limit and the
legally drunk limit in the state of North Carolina. The goal was to
determine the effects of alcohol abuse on ozone exposed lung
(L2) cells. In order to do so, the experiment used ethanol
exposure while noting that the ethanol will not cause cell death.
Conclusions:
*Overall, the .04 EtOH exposed cells had a higher absorbance of
GSH.
*The average cell count of the .04 EtOH exposed cells was slightly
lower than the counts of cells that had .08 EtOH Exposure.
*.04 EtOH exposure did more damage to the cells and was more
harmful than an exposure of .08 EtOH.
*The GSH absorbance was higher because the cells that did
survive needed a higher GSH level to be able to protect against
the higher amount of damage.
*All results were consistent with the original hypothesis.
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In the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated degradation process
(ERAD), terminally misfolded or unassembled proteins in the early
secretory pathway are targeted, translocated to the cytoplasmic
ubiquitin conjugating machinery and later destroyed by 26S
proteasomes. The primary objective of this project is to apply the
Golgi Two-Hybrid assay, a modification of the traditional Yeast
Two-Hybrid assay, to elucidate the mechanism of the ERAD
process by studying protein interactions involved in this process.
The fundamental of this assay involves the reconstitution of the
modular Golgi-resident 1, 6 mannosyltransferase, Och1, which has
been genetically separated into two non-functional catalytic (Cat)
and localization (Loc) domains. In this project, the Golgi TwoHybrid assay was applied to test the negative controls that will be
used in studying the interaction between two ER resident
glycoproteins - OS9 and GRP94.
Recent studies indicate that GRP94, a molecular chaperone, may
be associated to the ER-lectin, OS9, which binds to ERAD
substrates. The three isoforms of OS9 were genetically fused to a
vector containing the non-functional catalytic domain of Och1 and
then transfected into ∆ Och1 MAT a yeast strain along with
plasmid constructs containing the Gal80-Loc and Hap5-Loc protein
fusions respectively. Gal80 and Hap5 are two transcriptional
factors that are not expected to interact with any of the isoforms
of OS9 and thus should not reconstitute Och1. These double
transformed yeast strains showed slower growth on Congo red
agar at 30°C as well as enhanced binding to fluorescein labeled
wheat germ agglutinin, which was analyzed by flow cytometry.
These results coincide with the hypothesis that the three variants
of OS9 do not interact with both Hap5 and Gal80, and that the
subsequent negative controls prepared are suitable for further
study of protein interactions between OS9 and other proteins
thought to be involved in ERAD. Our understanding of this control
surveillance process is imperative as accumulation of misfolded
proteins in the ER may induce ER stress. Sustained ER stress has
been implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as
Huntington, Parkinson and Alzheimer.
31
Activation of the EGFR After Spinal Cord Injury
Shaletha Holmes, Savannah State University
The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is activated by
members of the EGF ligand functional group. After spinal cord
injury, astrocytes act in response by moving to the site of injury
and forming the glial scar. There is a theory that the EGFR
activation in astrocytes has initiated this response. The effect of
EGFR activation on astrocytes is affected by astrocyte location in
reference to the spinal cord injury site at a particular time is
suggested by early studies.
Abstracts
Therefore, the EGFR pathway can have various effects on
astrocytes which can be either beneficial to or detrimental to
spinal cord injury. The activation of the EGFR pathway is
beneficial to the healing process of a spinal cord injury because
astrocytes support neurons and growth factors around the cell.
However, activation of the EGFR can also be detrimental because
astrocytes are producing nitric oxide that decreases the amount of
neurons and inhibits axon growth. Furthermore, the spatial and
temporal distribution of this receptor, as well as the types of cells
expressing the receptor is unknown after contusive spinal cord
injury.
In the procedure, tissue is taken from surgically induced spinal
cord injured mice. After contusive spinal cord injury, mice
undergo transcardial perfusion which is range from 6 to 24 hours
post injury, and 3, 7, 49 days post injury. Spinal cord tissue was
processed for immunohistochemistry and immunolabeled with
antibodies to identify the EGFR and phosphorylated EGFR
receptors. In addition, immunohistochemistry will colocalize EGFR
with antibodies against neuronal and astrocyte proteins to
determine which types of cells express the receptor.
Current data showed that EGFR and pEGFR were expressed from
six hours after injury until at least forty-nine days post injury.
From observations, the EGFR signal increases with time in the
tissue that is taken many days after spinal cord injury. So far,
observations have concluded that the receptor is activated well
after injury and remains activated.
32
Inducing Apoptotic Signals in Prostate Cancer Cells
Donyeil Hoy, Morehouse College
There is an expectancy of 1,479,350 new cancer cases in the year
2009. Of those new cancer cases, 766,130 are expected to be
males. Within those men, 1 in 4 will likely suffer from prostate
cancer, making prostate cancer the most prevalent cancer found
in males. The majority of those males are most likely to be African
American. With such health disparities in the U.S., it is becoming
increasingly necessary to design an agent capable of inhibiting the
proliferation of cancer. Studies show that the PI3K/Akt signaling
pathway may play a significant role in the cause of prostate
cancer (Morgan et al., 2009). Using a library of benzimidazolebased structures, which are known for their anti-proliferative
activities, it is believed that the phosphorylation of PDK1, found
within the PI3K/Akt pathway, can be inhibited by binding to PDK1
in the location where ATP would normally bind. This would then
induce proapoptotic behaviors in cancer cells by upregulating
molecules such as Bim and FasL.
The specific task of this research is to synthesize a library of
compounds with known anti-cancer activity that can be used as
ligands to inhibit PDK1. The compounds will be made using a
benzimidazole-based structure. Tests will be conducted for
binding affinities using pharmacophores designed in MOE.
Biological testing for half-maximal inhibitory concentration and
half-maximal lethal dosage values will be conducted as well.
33
Role of Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI-3K) for Prostate Tumor
Cell Proliferation
Jamilah Jenkins, Tuskegee University
Lynn Knowles and Jan Pilch, SURP University of Pittsburgh,
Department of Urology
Tumor cell proliferation is a hallmark of cancer. The present
study examines the effect of inhibitors targeting MAPK, PI-3K, JNK
and PKC-± on the proliferation of human prostate tumor cells.
LNCaP, DU145, C4-2, and PC-3 cells were grown in complete
medium and treated with inhibitors. Proliferation was monitored
using Trypan blue exclusion after 24-96 hours. Cell growth rates
varied among the tumor cell lines with DU145 cells increasing by
8 fold, followed by C4-2, PC-3 and LNCaP by 4, 3, and 2 fold,
respectively.
Treatment with PI-3K inhibitor, LY294002, repressed the
proliferation of DU145 cells by 79%, and completely abrogated
LNCaP, PC-3, and C4-2 cell growth. PI-3K inhibition led to a
rounded cell shape consistent with loss in the ability of these
prostate tumor cells to spread. Suppression of MAPK reduced
DU145 and PC-3 growth by 50% and 26%, respectively, but had
no effect on overall cell morphology. The PKC-± inhibitor had no
effect on proliferation, but induced an elongated cell shape
indicative of alterations in the cytoskeleton. Inhibition of JNK did
not inhibit the proliferation of prostate tumor cells.
Overall, the present study demonstrates a dominant role of the PI
-3K pathway in supporting the growth of LNCaP, DU145, C4-2,
and PC-3 tumor cell lines. Our results reflect the fact that overstimulation of PI-3K is common to malignant prostate tumors. In
contrast to other important growth signals, inhibition of PI-3K
cannot be compensated, which underscores the importance of this
pathway for prostate cancer growth.
34
Esterase Production in Candida tropicalsis and Candida
Parapsilosis
Shani Johnson, Fisk University
Brittini Woodford, Pitchay Dharmalingam, and Muthukumaran
Gunasekaran, Fisk University and School of Agriculture
and Consumer Sciences, Tennessee State University
Different species of Candida, in common, are opportunistic yeasts
that cause life-threatening systemic and skin infections in
immunocompromised patients. They are known to secrete various
enzymes to obtain the nutrients for the host. Since esterase [ES]
is useful in the diagnosis of various human diseases, we studied
the ES production in six Candida species commonly associated
with human. ES is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the ester bonds of
triacylglycerols to yield glycerol and fatty acids. Among the six
tested species of Candida, we found Candida tropocalis [CT] and
C. parapsilosis [CP] produced more ES than other species.
Therefore in the present investigation, we studied the ES in these
two organisms. The yeasts were grown in Sabouraud dextrose
broth at 25º C on a rotary shaker (100 rpm). At 24, 48, 72 and 96
hrs of inoculation, cells were separated from the media and the
intracellular and extracellular ES were measured from cell free
Conference Program
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Abstracts
homogenate and culture media, respectively. ES activity was
determined by the reduction of α-naphthyl acetate to α-naphthol.
The formation of α-naphthol was measured spectrophotometrically using the sample with the buffer solution as blank. The
influence of various factors such as growth, pH and temperature
on the production of extra and intracellular esterases (ES) has
been studied.
All experiments were conducted at least twice and the analyses
were carried out in triplicates. Both the organisms produced extra
and intracellular esterases in the media. However, the extracellular ES production was low compared to intracellular ES
production regardless of the organism. Although ES was produced
throughout the growth phase, maximum enzyme activity was
detected at 48 hours of growth. Optimum pH and temperature for
the ES activity in CK and CP were 9.5 and 20-30º C, respectively.
[The authors wish to acknowledge support from the U.S.
Department of Education ( P120A060075), Senior Faculty
Development Award ( National Institute of Health, K01
GM080578) National Science Foundation (Grants HRD 92-53037,
0927876), NASA (Grant NAG 2-6015) , Howard Hughes Medical
Institute (Grant 71194-527-802) and UNCF McBay Fellowship
awarded to MG.]
35
Expression of PTEN in CXCR4-Overexpressing Cells
Brittany Jones, Clark Atlanta University
Mortalities associated with prostate cancer are not a result of the
primary tumor, but from the mestastic spread of malignant cells
to vital organs. Metastasis is a complex, multistep process that
involves invasion, extravasation and metastatic colonization. The
mechanisms of metastasis, nor the primary molecules and
pathways involved, have not been fully elucidated. Activation of
the chemokine receptors results in a diverse array of biological
and biochemical functions, such as hematopoiesis, angiogenesis
and metastasis. Cancerous cells employ these receptors and their
chemokine ligands to promote metastasis and encourage cell
survival.
In prostate cancer, the CXCR4 chemokine receptor is
overexpressed on the cell surface, which directs metastatic cells
to tissues, outside of the prostate, where its ligand is
overexpressed. Loss of tumor suppressor function also correlates
with increased cancer malignancy. Mutations in the gene
Phosphate and Tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10
(PTEN) are critical in the development of many cancers, including
prostate cancer. PTEN is the second most mutated tumor
suppressor in human cancer, and it has also been shown that
PTEN is inactivated in metastatic prostate cancer cells.
Our aim (hypothesis) was to determine whether re-constituting
PTEN in CXCR4-overexpressing cells altered their morphology.
We analyzed an array of human prostate cancer and human
embryonic kidney cancer cells (control) for PTEN expression by
Western blot analysis and observed that PTEN was not expressed
in the aggressive, metastatic prostate cell lines.
We also analyzed the expression of CXCR4 by flow cytometry and
observed that CXCR4 was highly expressed in human metastatic
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prostate cancer cells. Upon reconstitution of PTEN in prostate
cancer cells by transfection, we noticed morphological changes,
from a mesenchymal phenotype to an epithelial phenotype,
compared to non-transfected cells.
We conclude that expression of PTEN caused a "reverse EMT",
from mesenchymal to epithelial morphology. In future studies,
we will investigate if PTEN expression suppresses cancer cell
migration in CXCR4-overexpressing cells.
36
Differences in NOS Isoform Expression in the Intrauterine
Growth Restricted Rat (IUGR) is Linked to an Increase in
Mean Arterial Pressure and Oxidative Stress
E. Jenae Jones, Tougaloo College
Danielle Trocquet and Bettye Sue Hennington, Tougaloo College
Norma Ojeda and Barbara T. Alexander, University of Mississippi
Medical Center
The Barker Hypothesis holds that there is an inverse association
between birthweight and blood pressure. Placental insufficiency in
the Sprague Dawley rat leads to low birth weight with
development of hypertension in adult male intrauterine growth
restriction (IUGR) offspring. Previous studies also suggest
oxidative stress is increased in the hypertensive male IUGR rat.
Alterations in the nitric oxide (NO) pathway can serve as a source
for oxidative stress when uncoupling of the enzyme responsible
for the production of NO, NO synthase, generates more oxygen
free radicals and less NO. In addition, a deficiency in NO
availability or NO production can lead to hypertension. However,
the source of oxidative stress in male IUGR rats is unknown; and
whether changes in NO production contribute to hypertension in
male IUGR rats is also unknown.
Thus, we hypothesize that uncoupling of NO synthase and/or
alterations in expression of the NO synthase isoforms decreases
production of NO contributing to hypertension in male IUGR rats.
Blood pressure was measured at 16 weeks of age in male control
and male IUGR rats followed by collection of tissues for analysis
of renal oxidative stress and renal expression of NO synthase
isoform expression. Mean arterial pressures (MAP) was
significantly increased in male IUGR rats as compared to male
control rats (143±2 vs. 119±3 mmHg, IUGR vs. control,
respectively). Renal basal superoxide production (48%) and renal
NADPH-oxidase dependant superoxide production (45%) as
determined by chemiluminescence were significantly elevated in
the kidneys of male IUGR compared to male control rats. Renal
protein expression of phosphorylated eNOS and phosphorylated
nNOS as determined by Western Blot was also altered in male
IUGR rats relative to male control. Thus, changes in NO synthase
production of NO may contribute to hypertension in male IUGR
rats. [This research is supported by NIH-NCRR USM-GR03656305-8S1, NIH-MHHD-1P20MD002725-01.]
37
Gamma-Tocotrienol Induces Autophagic Cell Death in MDAMB 231 Breast Cancer Cells
Habib Kedir, University of the District of Columbia
Abstracts
Francisco R. Saenz, Anh Thu Tran, Simeng Suy and Deepak
Kumar, Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biological and
Environmental Sciences, University of the District of Columbia
Vitamin E consists of four tocopherols and four tocotrienols (α, β,
γ and δ) both of which are present in various components of the
human diet. Tocotrienols possess several powerful anti-cancer,
cholesterol lowering, natriuretic and neuroprotective properties
that are often lacking in tocopherols. Tocotrienols are well
understudied as compared to tocopherols. Gamma Tocotrienols
(γ-T3) induces apoptosis in a variety of cancer cell lines including
breast cancer but not in normal cells. The molecular mechanisms
involved in γ-T3 action are not well understood. Autophagy is an
evolutionary conserved mechanism which is employed to engulf
and degrade long-lived proteins and organelles in response to
nutrient deprivation or cellular stressor agents. The initiation
stage of autophagy involves the formation of a double membrane
vacuole, the autophagsome, which confiscates cytoplasmic
proteins, mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and ribosomes.
These components are then transported during the maturation
stage of autophagy for eventual degradation by lysosomal
hydrolases following fusion with the lysosome. Autophagy has a
dual outcome as it is cytoprotective as well as it leads to cell
death depending on physiological conditions. Prolonged
autophagy often results in cell death. In mammalian cells, the
localization of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3
(LC3), a homolog of yeast Atg8, into autophagosomal membranes
has been accounted as an assertion for the occurrence of
autophagic vacuolization.
Here, we demonstrate that gamma-tocotrienol, primarily found in
palm oil, cereal grains and rice bran, is an autophagy inducing
agent in MDA-MB 231 human breast cancer cell line. Exposure of
MDA-MB 231 cells to 20 and 40 uM of gamma-tocotrienol for a
period of six hours, accompanied by a subsequent immunoblot
analysis, indicates an up-regulation of LC3B, suggesting that
gamma-tocotrienol induces autophagy in MDA-MB 231 cells.
Prolonged exposure (24h) with 40uM of gamma tocotrienol leads
to apoptosis as evident by caspase activation and PARP cleavage.
Further studies are underway to elucidate the mechanism of this
autophagic cell death induced by gamma tocotrienol.
38
HM-CSF Expression in CHO Cells
Nona Kelley, Langston University
Kathleen Borgmann and Anuja Ghorpade, University of North
Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth
Macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) was originally
discovered in serum, urine, and other biological fluids as a factor
that could stimulate the formation of macrophage colonies from
bone marrow hematopoietic progenenitor cells. The present study
uses a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell-line that is genetically
engineered to secrete human (h)M-CSF. The main objective is to
standardize the hM-CSF production from CHO/M-CSF cells in order
to use this recombinant product for in vitro differentiation of
monocytes into monocytes-derived macrophages (MDM).
Monocytes and macrophages are white blood cells found in the
immune system. MDM, an important target for HIV-1 infection,
will be the model for further studies on how the virus affects the
central nervous system (CNS). The standardization of the hM-CSF
production in CHO cells included assays for hM-CSF production
over time in order to evaluate peak production time window,
stability of the hM-CSF after freeze-thaw cycles and finally, to test
the effectiveness of the recombinant protein by differentiating
human monocytes into macrophages in vitro.
For these studies, cultured CHO cell supernatant samples were
collected at various time periods during cultivation and aliquots
were either frozen or stored at refrigeration. M-CSF ELISA test
were used to check peak production time window and stability
upon freeze-thaw. Primary human monocytes were cultured in the
presence of CHO cell supernatants tested for hM-CSF and
analyzed after six days to confirm differentiation.
These studies demonstrate that recombinant hM-CSF expressed
by CHO cells was capable of differentiating human monocytes into
macrophages; however stability studies that used freeze-thawing
significantly reduced M-CSF levels. These studies will enable the
laboratory to use the hM-CSF/CHO cells in future studies using
human MDM and HIV/AIDS.
39
A Comparative Study of Herbal Remedies and Antibiotics
against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus
Samantha Kincaid, Dillard University
Dr. Bernard Singleton, Lewins Walter, and Gabrielle High, Dillard
University
Western Medicine is widely considered the sole treatment for
illnesses. It is defined by the National Cancer Society as, "A
system in which medical doctors and other healthcare
professionals treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation,
or surgery." The problems with western medicine such as the use
of antibiotics would be the side effects and the growing resistance
of microbes. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, have been used
effectively for a far greater period of time with little to no side
effects.
The purpose of this study was to compare the antimicrobial
effects of herbs and an antibiotic on Escherichia coli and
Staphylococcus aureus. Those that were included in the study
were mint, onion, ginger, garlic, thyme, and the antibiotic
Ciprofloxacin 500mg. 10g of each herb and the antibiotic, Cipro,
were measured and pulverized. Once pulverized, some of the
herbs were mixed together two at a time while the others were
tested separately. The herbs and the antibiotic were diluted with 5
ml 0.9% saline solution. Filter paper discs were then saturated
with the solutions along with a control of saline solution. These
were plated on nutrient agar plates inoculated with E. coli or S.
aureus. The plates were then incubated for 48 hours.
The final experiment was done to compare garlic, the most
effective herb, with the antibiotic Cipro for the most activity on
nutrient agar plates against the bacteria. The results indicated
that garlic (allicin) had the greatest ability to fight the bacteria
compared to Cipro and all the other herbs in the study. Future
studies will include comparing other herbs with different
antibiotics against some other bacteria. [This Study was
supported, in part, by a grant from NSF/LAMP awarded to Dr.
Conference Program
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Abstracts
Abdalla Darwish, DU-Director, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA,
70122.]
40
The Effect of the YY1 TAT-REPO Domain Peptide on Cell
Growth and Apoptosis
Antionette Knox, Tuskegee University
Michael Atchison and Suchita Hodawadekar, University of
Pennsylvania
Polycomb Group (PcG) proteins are transcriptional repressors
implicated in a number of cancers including prostate, breast, and
hematopoietic malignancies. Previous studies have shown that
transcription factor YY1 can recruit PcG proteins to specific DNA
sites by virtue of a 25 amino acid domain called the REPO domain
(Frank et al 2006). The TAT-REPO domain of YY1 has a clear
effect in cell growth and apoptosis. We hypothesize that a REPO
domain peptide, fused to the TAT sequence to aid in cellular
uptake, would disrupt PcG function leading to inhibition of cell
growth by cancers dependent upon PcG function.
The effect of the TAT-REPO peptide was studied in comparison to
the control TAT peptide in a transformed Pro-B cell line. 38B9
cells were plated in 24-well plates and received various dosages
of TAT-REPO and TAT control peptide over the time span of three
days and viable cell counts were generated. We found that there
was a gradual decline in cell counts over 24-48 hours. However,
on day 3, we observed there was a dramatic decrease in the
numbers of viable cells in the highest dosages of TAT-REPO.
To determine if cell death was caused by apoptosis, a western
blot analysis was performed for caspase-3, a marker for
apoptosis. Indeed, we found a dose-dependent increase in levels
of caspase-3 in response to the TAT-REPO peptide, but not TAT
alone. Therefore we conclude that the YY1 REPO domain can
inhibit cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis.
41
Low Resolution Radiation Hybrid Mapping of Chromosome 1D
of Wheat
Chiquita Lee, Mississippi Valley State University
Rachel Beecham, Mississippi Valley State University
Anne Denton and Shahryar Kianian, North Dakota State University
Radiation hybrid mapping provides a tool by which to bridge the
gap between bin mapping and genome sequencing. This study
focuses on the radiation hybrid (RH) mapping of hexaploid bread
wheat chromosome 1D in a tetraploid durum wheat background.
Chromosome 1D of bread wheat was substituted into a durum
wheat population in the place of chromosome 1A. Durum 1D(1A)
wheat population was irradiated with gamma rays and crossed
with a normal durum population to produce the RH± population.
The objective was to develop a low resolution RH map of
chromosome 1D using CarthaGene software. CarthaGene analysis
was performed on a 15Krad 1D(1A) population of 94 lines with six
1D-specific markers, three single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
and three retrotransposons junction (RET) markers. Marker
scores were loaded, marker information was complied, and
markers were group using various commands of the software.
The markers were ordered in terms of relative position. The LOD
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score of 3.0 was used to ensure the accuracy of the map. The
final map resulted in 72.5 cR. To produce a RH map with a higher
resolution, more markers are needed
42
Do Myeloid Progenitor Cells Contribute to Skeletal Muscle
through Satellite Cell Dependent or Independent Pathway?
Denis O. Madende, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania
Jeremy Traas, Ted Hofmann, Archana Bora, and Tim Brazelton,
Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania
Bone marrow (BM) contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) that
maintain hematopoiesis throughout adult life. HSCs generate
progenitor cells including Myeloid Progenitor Cells (MPCs) and
Lymphoid Progenitor Cells that subsequently differentiate into
mature blood cell types. Recent research in animals and humans
indicates that adult BM-derived HSCs can contribute to nonhematopoietic cells of different tissues such as epithelial cells of
the gastrointestinal tract, liver hepatocytes, neuronal cells in the
brain, and heart- and skeletal-muscle myocytes. Thus, it appears
that BM contains stem and progenitor cells with a differentiation
capability that exceeds hematopoiesis, a process also referred to
as plasticity. These findings create novel strategies in regenerative
medicine that can be used in treatment of such diseases as
muscle dystrophy.
Studies have suggested that regeneration of non-hematopoietic
cell lineages can occur through heterotypic cell fusion with
hematopoietic cells of the myeloid lineage, i.e. the MPCs.
Skeletal muscle is maintained and repaired by the proliferation of
satellite cells, the stem cells of skeletal muscle. Here we test the
hypothesis that the contribution of MPCs to skeletal muscle
progresses through a satellite cell-like state using a double
transgenic mouse line in which a gene associated with satellite
cells, myf5, drives the expression of a LacZ reporter gene and a in
which the green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene is
constitutively expressed.
Specifically, 10,000 MPCs or 1,000 satellite cells from an 8-12
week old GFP(+)/Myf5LacZ(+) donor mouse were isolated by
FACS and injected into the irradiated and Notexin-injured tibialis
anterior muscle of an 8-12 week old, Rag1-/- recipient mouse.
The recipient's leg was irradiated to minimize the regenerative
response of recipient's endogenous satellite cells. Injection of
Notexin, a myotoxin, destroys a patch of skeletal muscle and
creates a strong need for muscle regeneration. After 4 weeks,
the muscles were harvested, fixed, sectioned, mounted on slides,
(some slides stained using primary and secondary antibodies),
and then analyzed by confocal microscopy for the presence of
GFP-expressing myofibers. Some slides were stained using LacZ/
X-gal staining to determine (by use of bright field microscope) the
presence of Myf5LacZ(+) satellite cells. The presence of
numerous GFP-expressing myofibers demonstrated that both
satellite cells and MPC's contributed to damaged skeletal muscle
in vivo. However, while thousands of Myf5LacZ(+) cells were
observed in skeletal muscle that received satellite cells, no
Myf5LacZ(+) satellite cells present in skeletal muscles that
received MPCs, indicating that MPCs contribute to skeletal muscle
by a satellite cell independent pathway.
Abstracts
43
The Effect of the Polo-like kinase1 Inhibitor BI 2
Raphael A. Malbrue, Tuskegee University & Purdue University
The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the Plk1
inhibitor BI 2536 on the growth and transformation properties of
polyploid hepatocytes expressing the Hepatitis B virus (HBV) X
protein (pX). Earlier studies have shown that inhibition of Plk1
suppresses oncogenic transformation mediated by pX [1].
However, those studies have not examined whether Plk1
inhibition arrests growth. Plk1 regulates entry and progression
through mitosis and has been shown to be over-expressed in a
wide array of human cancers [2]. Importantly, BI 2536 induces
mitotic arrest by inhibiting the enzymatic activity of Plk1 and is
currently being tested in clinical trials for cancer treatment [3].
The experimental design involves the assessment of BI2536 on
the proliferation potential of pX-expressing hepatocytes during
various stages of growth leading to oncogenic transformation.
The cellular model has been previously described [1]. Briefly, pXexpressing polyploid hepatocytes are isolated by fluorescent
activated cell sorting (FACS). These sorted polyploid cells are recultured and called passage 0 (P0). Passage 1 is generated
starting with 30,000 cells from day-6 P0 cultures. Likewise, P2 is
from 30,000 cells of P1, and so on. Each passage (P1-P5) is
generated from the previous passage after 6 days of growth. P0P2 cultures are precancerous, non-transformed. P3-P5 cultures
are transformed [1]. Cells from consecutive P0-P5 cultures were
counted each day using a hemocytometer. Cells were untreated
(control) or in parallel treated with 500nM BI 2536.
The results show that treatment with BI2536 inhibited the
proliferation of both precancerous (P0-P2) and transformed (P3P5) cultures of pX-expressing polyploid hepatocytes. In
conclusion, The Plk1 inhibitor BI2536 inhibited the proliferation of
the pX-expressing P0-P5 cultures. These results suggest that
BI2536 can be an effective treatment to prevent precancerous
liver cancer growth in chronic HBV patients and a potential
effective treatment of HBV-HCC patients.
44
Fitting P-glycoprotein Transport Kinetics
Esteban Martinez, Drexel University
Dr. Joseph Bentz, and Annie Albin Lumen, Drexel University
Thuy T. Tran, GlaxoSmithKline
Dr. Poulomi Acharya, University of California, San Francisco
P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a human multi-drug resistant membrane
transporter is found in many tissues in the human body including
the kidneys, liver, and blood-brain barrier. This membrane protein
is an ATP-dependent drug pump, which is part of the ATPbinding cassette (ABC) gene family and is extensively studied by
the pharmaceutical industry because of its ability to make our
cells resistant to many drugs. Kinetic analysis of P-gp is being
done in order to understand the structure and functions of this
protein.
cells and are transfected with hMDR1 or human P-glycoprotein
gene, which are constitutively expressed. Once the confluent
monolayer of cells is established, radiolabeled drug is placed on
the donor side and the amount of drug transported to the receiver
side is measured. A stable cell line is essential for this
experimentation in order to get constant results. In order to
compare the change in the MDCKII-hMDR1 cell line, two different
data sets were used; one from Tran et. al. (2005) and another
from Acharya et al. (2006, 2008). A global optimization package
based upon the Particle Swarm algorithm was used in order to fit
all of the data templates derived from the P-gp experimentation.
Initial results show that data sets from both Tran et. al. (2005)
and Acharya et al. (2006, 2008) fit well together. This shows that
both datasets are similar to one another thus showing that there
is stability within P-gp and the MDCKII-hMDR1 cell line. There are
still ongoing experiments that will be expanded to other drugs and
concentrations to determine if the model is stable for other drugs.
45
Analysis of Urinary Proteins From Animals Fed a High Salt
Diet
Justice Mason, Fort Valley State University
Ransom Ward and Cynthia A. Jackson, Tuskegee University
The average American consumes a high salt diet of 9 - 12 grams
of salt a day. The kidney is the major organ in the body that is
responsible for maintaining sodium and water homeostasis in
response to the high salt diet. In order to excrete the excess
sodium, there is an increase in the renal transport and regulatory
proteins. The purpose of this study was to determine if similar
alterations occurs in urinary proteins in response to a high salt
diet. Twenty-four hour urine samples from C57BL10 mice fed
either a normal salt (0.3%NaCl) or a high salt diet (8.0%NaCl) for
seven days were used in this study— 5.3 ¼g of total protein from
each sample were analyzed on a 12% SDS-PAGE. Bands were
visualized with Coomassie Blue stain and qualitative analyzed
using Kodak ID image analysis software. Preliminary analysis
revealed that there are more visible bands in the urine of animals
fed a chronic high salt diet than in urine of animals fed a normal
salt intake. In addition, some bands were present or absent in
the HS urine when compared with the protein bands in the NS
urine.
Although further evaluation is needed, this data suggest that
alterations in urinary protein excretion do occur in response to a
chronic high salt intake. The analysis of urinary proteins could
provide a noninvasive method of evaluating physiological as well
as the pathophysiological status of the kidney during a high salt
intake.
[This study was supported, in part, by a grant from NIH
3R01DK37097-19S1 and NSF; USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCUUP grants awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D. Associate Professor
& Director, NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site Programs , Center
for Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
31030.]
The experimental system we currently use is a confluent
monolayer of MDCKII-hMDR1 cells that over express P-gp. These
cells are derived from the proximal tubules of tumor canine kidney
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Abstracts
46
Characterization of the Conserved Amino Residues Involved
in the Interactions Between Ash2L and RbBP5, Key
Components of the MLL1 Core Complex
Uchenna Mbawuike, Syracuse University
Valarie Vought, Anamika Patel and Michael S. Cosgrove, Syracuse
University
Retinoblastoma binding protein-5 (RBbP5) is part of a protein
sub-complex that includes WDR5 and Ash2L (WRA), which
together forms a complex with the Mixed Lineage Leukemia
protein-1 (MLL1) (Dou et al, 2006). MLL1 is a member of SET 1
family histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4) methyltransferases and is
frequently rearranged in acute leukemia's (Tkachuk et al 1992).
The MLL1 core complex is required for di- and trimethylation of
H3K4 and the regulation of HOX genes during hematopoiesis and
development (Milne et al, 2002). This methylation is important
for allowing transcription of target genes to occur within cells.
Despite the role of MLL1 in human development and leukemia,
relatively little is known about how the proteins of the MLL1 core
complex interact with each other. Such knowledge will be useful
for understanding how MLL1 works and for the development of
drugs that may be useful in the treatment of leukemia. In my
project, I have been working to determine the molecular surfaces
involved in the interaction between RbBP5 and Ash2L. Conserved
residues in RbBP5 have been mutated, and the variant proteins
purified by ion exchange chromatography and confirmed by
western blotting. In future work, the variant proteins will be
tested for their ability to interact with Ash2L using analytical
ultracentrifugation, native gel electrophoresis, and enzymatic
assays.
47
Regulation of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by the AntiCancer Drug, SHetA2
Sheree McDaniel, Langston University
D. Benbrook, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal of gynecologic malignancies.
Despite aggressive surgery and chemotherapy, 5 year survival
after diagnosis is only about 30%. Hence new drugs are needed
to treat ovarian cancer.
Objective: A novel drug SHetA2 inhibits cancer growth by inducing
apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation. Our goal was to further
understand the molecular mechanism of SHetA2 by investigating
its effects on the Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER). The hypothesis is
that SHetA2 induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by the
binding of glutathione.
Methods: Cancer cells were treated with SHetA2 and its analog,
SHetC2 which is unable to bind glutathione. After treatment, the
protein was extracted and Western Blots were performed using a
variety of ER specific antibodies.
Results: Cancer cells that were treated with SHetA2 and SHetC2
exhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress at different time intervals.
ER stress biomarker proteins, Protein disulfide (PDI), BiP, and
Ero1-Lα were all induced at 16 hours of treatment. Inositol-
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requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α) was induced at 4 hours of
treatment.
Conclusion: Since SHetC2 exhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress
as well as SHetA2, we propose that SHetA2 induces endoplasmic
reticulum stress independent of glutathione. [Funding was
provided by The Jeffrey Benbrook Memorial Fund and LINC.]
48
Localization Of Leishmania Parasite Proteins During Infection
Within Mouse Macrophages
Alyssa Moore, Fort Valley State University
Blaise Ndjamen and Peter Kima, University of Florida
Leishmania are single-celled parasites that cause leishmaniasis.
Leishmania cells have two morphological forms: promastigotes in
the sandfly vector, and amastigotes in the human and animal
hosts. Leishmania parasites are able to persist within
macrophages. It is believed that when Leishmania infects a
macrophage it produces proteins that might enable survival within
the host cell.
Using the IVIAT technology, the genes expressed only during
infection have been identified, cloned, and the corresponding
proteins were purified. The proteins were then used to produce
antibodies in the mouse. The antibodies from the mouse are now
being used to detect parasite proteins within the infected
macrophages. Mouse macrophages are grown, plated, and an
experimental infection is performed. The infection is stopped at
several time points and an immuno-fluorescence assay is used to
stain the macrophages, parasitophorus vacuoles (PV), parasites,
and parasite proteins. Through microscopic analysis the rate of
infection, parasite load, and presence of the proteins produced
can be assessed.
We observed that in vivo induced proteins are produced within
the parasite at six hours post infection. They are released in the
PV lumen at forty-eight hours, and past the PV membrane at
seventy-two hours of infection. This analysis will help to
determine if it is actually the proteins that the parasite produces
during infection that are enabling its survival. [This study was
NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site Programs, Center for
31030.]
49
Dietary Manipulations Can Alter Brain Receptors
Shari Morganfield, Clark Atlanta University
Anntonisha Bias, Department of Psychology, Clark Atlanta
Unversity and Timothy Moore, PhD, Departments of Psychology
and Biological Sciences, Clark Atlanta University
A series of experiments were conducted to explore the effects of a
soy-based versus a soy-free diet on the behavior and physiology
of male Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Soy products
contain phytoestrogens which are diphenolic, nonsteroidal
compounds. Previous investigations from our lab have
demonstrated that dietary phytoestrogens can exert changes in
Abstracts
vasopressin receptor expression in the brain, alter blood hormone
levels of testosterone and influence intermale aggression in
hamsters.
assess the cytotoxicity after the treatment periods. Expression of
apoptosis related proteins was assessed by Western Blotting using
specific antibodies.
The current experiments were conducted to measure changes in
estrogen receptors in several brain regions and to analyze
agonistic behavior in a stressful psychosocial conflict paradigm.
In Experiment 1, hamsters given a soy-based or a soy-free diet
were compared to measure the expression of estrogen-alpha (ERα) and estrogen-beta (ER-β) receptors. Immunohistochemical
analyses revealed an overall higher level of ER-β binding in
comparison to ER-α. Moreover, there appeared to be a higher
expression of estrogen receptors in animals on the soy-free diet
(p<0.05). In Experiment 2, subordinate behavior was analyzed in
a novel psychosocial conflict paradigm in which the subordinate
animal had to simultaneously choose to avoid two noxious stimuli:
1) the possibility of a shock; or 2) the exposure to a previously
dominant opponent.
Results & Conclusion: A time and dose dependent decrease in
cell proliferation was observed following the treatment. Based on
our results, novel triorganotin derivatives exert cytotoxic effects
on breast cancer cells at very low doses. Comparative analysis of
various derivatives suggests higher anti-proliferative activity of
CA11 and CA32 as compared with the parent compound.
Apoptotic effects of triorganotin compounds using cellular
biomarkers such as poly ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage and
caspase activation will be discussed. This study was supported
by AAAS/MERCK Undergraduate Science Research program and
HBCU-UP grant from the National Science Foundation.
The results suggest that a soy-free diet decreased physiological
and psychological measures associated with stress. For example,
subordinate hamsters on the soy-free diet displayed decreased
levels of fecal removal (p<0.05) and less time and activity
displaying a fear response. In sum, these experiments
demonstrate that manipulating the diet can have neurobehavioral
consequences and researchers should consider diet as a factor in
behavioral paradigms. [This Research was supported by the HBCU
UP STEM Program and a Henry C. McBay Faculty Research
Fellowship.]
50
Anticancer Activity of Novel Ionic Triorganotin Derivatives
against MDA-MB 231 Breast Cancer Cells
51
Antibody Response to Influenza A Viruses
Carolyne Ochieng, Cheyney University of PA
Christina Mergenthaler and Andrew Caton, PhD; The Wistar
Institute, Philadelphia, PA
Influenza A is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory
tract and lungs. Influenza viruses are RNA viruses with
segmented genome of which each gene is carried by a different
gene segments. Influenza A virus kills ~36,000 people per year in
USA and occurs between early winter and early spring.
Laboratory of Andrew Caton, PhD is a component of Wistar
institute which aims to illuminate the mechanisms that govern the
immune system's ability to react against viruses and other
pathogens, and to prevent responses against "self" - the human
body's own tissues.
Achal Neupane, University of the District of Columbia
Deepak Kumar, Chezaray Anjorin, Xueqing Song and Anh Thu
Tran, Cancer Research Laboratory, Department of Biological &
Environmental Sciences and Chemistry and Physics, University of
The goal of this project was to study the responses of antibodies
against four influenza A viruses; PR8, RV6, Swine and J1. RV6,
Swine and J1 differ from PR8 by 1 amino acid (99.9% similarity),
20 amino acids, and more than 100 amino acids, respectively.
Despite several attempts of early diagnosis and chemotherapy,
breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths in
United States claiming almost 40610 lives per year. Breast cancer
is more common in white women than in African American women
but the survival rate for 5 years for African American women is
comparatively less which is 77% than 90 % for white women.
Higher concentration of estrogen secretion has also been
associated with the risk factors of breast cancer.
These viruses resemble the different viruses that circulate in
people and that can have varying numbers of amino acid
differences, and we wanted to examine how these difference
affect the ability of antibodies to bind to different viruses using
different techniques. ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent
Assay) was used to determine whether a particular antibody is
present in a blood sample and ELISPOT (ELISPOT-Enzyme-linked
Immunospot assay) was used for enumeration of B cells secreting
specific antibody.
In recent studies, metal-based anticancer drugs are found to be
very effective in the death of cancer cells proving it as a very
useful cancer chemotherapeutic. In this study we have
synthesized ionic triorganotin compounds with increased solubility
due to their partially ionic characteristic and tested their anticancer activity using MDA-MB 231 breast cancer cells.
Methods: Three compounds (1) Triphenyltin Hydroxide[parent
compound] (2) CA11 and (3) CA 32 derivatives were tested.
MDA-MB 231 cells were plated in 96-wellplate and treated with
varying concentration (1ng to 100ug) of various triorganotin
derivatives for 24, 48 and 72 hours. A combination of trypan blue
dye exclusion and WST-1 cell proliferation reagent was used to
The data collected from both ELISA and ELISPOT showed that
antibodies made in response to the PR8 virus were most reactive
with PR8 virus, and antibodies produced in response to the Swine
virus were most reactive with Swine. However, the assays did
differ in their ability to detect cross-reactivity with other viruses,
because the ELISA results showed more cross-reaction whereas
ELISPOT results were more specific to the immunizing virus. This
program was sponsored by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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Abstracts
52
Creation of a Preadipocyte Cell Line expressing a Green
Fluorescent Protein downstream of the ERK Pathway and Its
Purification by Flow Cytometry
Christina Onunu, Johnson C. Smith University & East Carolina
University
Dr. Douglas A. Weidner, Carlyle Rogers, and Barbara Davis;
Dr. Jacques Robidoux , East Carolina University
Adipose tissue expansion leads to obesity that is often associated
with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The nature of the link
is uncertain, but a defect in adipogenesis is among the proposed
hypotheses. The ERK MAP Kinase pathway serves a pivotal role in
cell proliferation and differentiation by repressing or activating
numerous transcription factors. Most notably, ERK activates C/
EBP² and represses PPAR³. Since these transcription factors are
part of the adipogenesis program, it led to conflicting reports on
the role of ERK in the process of adipogenesis.
We hypothesized that the ERK-driven GFP preadipocyte cell line
will permit to test the hypothesis that ERK is involved in
adipogenesis.
To achieve our goal we generated three cell lines: a negative
control that has the green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene without
a promoter, a positive control that has the GFP under the
cytomegalovirus promoter, and an experimental cell line with the
GFP gene under the control of ELK1 a transcription factor that
binds to the SRE element only when phosphorylated by ERK. Our
results show that ERK is phosphorylated and activated.
In addition our results suggest that the sustained phase of ERK
activation is dependent on the EGF receptor. Our SRE cell line
permitted the isolation of a subpopulation of cells that is GFP
positive. However, because there is an important overlap
between the auto-fluorescence of the cells and the lower
spectrum of GFP fluorescence, we could not purify GFP negative
cells with certainty. Also, because we used serum containing
medium all the conditions tested leaded to GFP positive cells
which do not permit to test our hypothesis at this point.
However, we will reconduct these experiments in reduced serum
conditions.
53
Molecular Dynamics Simulations α-Synuclein Mutants and
SDS Micelles
Desmond R. Parker, Talladega College
Hongyi Yang and James C. Patterson, The University of Alabama
at Birmingham
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the second most common neurological
disorder. The pathology of PD includes the loss of dopaminergic
neurons, which ultimately leads to motor skills dysfunction. There
are three familial α-synuclein (αS) mutations that are related to
familial early-onset PD. So studies of their structures, physical
properties and time-dependent interaction with lipids can give
more insight into the nature of PD. Atomistic molecular dynamics
(MD) simulations of extended wild-type (WT) and the three
mutant αS were performed in the presence of sodium dodecyl
sulfate (SDS) micelles and water. Changes in protein secondary
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Conference Program
structures and protein-SDS interactions were monitored and
quantified.
When compared to the WT αS, all three mutants lost helicity, but
of the three the A53T mutant was the least affected. The
presence of the SDS micelles stabilized the α-helical structures in
the WT and mutants, which is consistent with experimental
results. Also, the exposure of the hydrophobic residues to
solvent was consistent with expected results. Moreover, there
are significant steric interactions between the protein and the
SDS, especially among its basic or hydrophobic residues.
Interestingly, when compared to simulations with a more compact
αS structure in SDS micelles, the extended WT structure did not
initiate formation of large micelles.
[This study was supported by the Talladega College Ronald E.
McNair Program and the Laboratory of Dr. James Patterson,
Chemistry Department at the University of Alabama at
Birmingham, AL.]
54
Determining The Regulatory Function of Kaiso on Cell
Migration as an Indicator of Metastasis in Prostate Cancer
Zachery Phillips, Tuskegee University
Qian Wu , Alan Wells, and Clayton Yates, Tuskegee University
DNA methylation plays an essential role in maintaining cellular
function, and changes in methylation patterns may contribute to
the development of cancer. It is presumed that methylated DNA
sequences recruit repressor machinery to actively shut down gene
expression. Kaiso is a transcriptional repressor expressed in
human prostate tumors that can bind to methylated CpG islands
and sequence specific sites to suppress transcription of genes
leading to the mesenchymal phenotype (Lopes et al, 2008).
However, how Kaiso regulates prostate cancer progression has
not been determined.
In our study, the contribution of Kaiso to epigenetic silencing was
probed in an aggressive prostate cancer cell line (DU-145) upon
treatment by the pro-metastasis signal EGF or its countervailing
signaling through the CXCR3 receptor. EGF treatments localized
Kaiso in the nucleus and increased cell migration in prostate
cancer cell line (DU-145). The activation of CXCR3, an
antagonistic chemokine receptor, also affected the localization of
Kaiso, driving it into the nucleus, and increased the cell motility
even more than that of EGF treatment. RNA- knockdown of Kaiso
for 48hrs decreased CXCR3 expression but increased E-cadherin
expression in DU-145 cells.
This data suggests that when prostate cancer cells are treated
with EGF, Kaiso is shuttled into the nucleus, where it is believed
to repress the function on synthesizing E-cadherin. Additionally,
our study also indicates that Kaiso might regulate CXCR3,
contributing to control prostate cancer cell migration. Further
investigation of Kaiso could lead to understanding of molecular
machinery of transcription regulation in prostate cancer
progression and metastasis.
Abstracts
55
Effects of Nutritional Supplementation on Growth of Human
Lung Epithelial Cells, Osteoblasts and Mechanistic Analysis of
Cardiovascular Dysfunction in Microgravity
palmitic acid (PA) and ethyl palmitate (EP), MS studies of TQ and
AH, as well as UV spectroscopy studies of the bioactive chemical
of NS.
Jamail Plumber, Space, Engineering & Science Internship
Program,Texas Southern University
Dianne Hammond, Bioanalytical Core Lab EASI, JSC, NASA
Dr. Alamelu Sundaresan, Texas Southern University, NASA,
Johnson Space Center
57
IP3R -mediated Ca2+ Release In Early Gastrulation
Many space missions have shown that prolonged space flight may
increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Alterations of the
vascular endothelium together with a decreased release of
endothelin-1 may entail post-flight health hazards for astronauts.
In our study, Placental induced growth factor (PlGf) gene
expression was up regulated in modeled microgravity (MMG).
This is a cardiovascular mediator and a negative regulator of
VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) and is now clinically
considered a more specific biomarker than C-reactive protein for
predicting stroke and heart attacks. It can also be detected in
early onset and progressive stages of cardiovascular dysfunction.
This newly described molecular marker of inflammation is the best
indicator yet of trouble for people who suffer chest pain serious
enough to bring them to emergency rooms, according to German
cardiologists. The role of PlGf in microgravity, experiments was
performed to assess expression in hind limb unloaded mouse and
compare with those of 1g controls.
56
FTIR Spectroscopy Investigation of Nigella-sativa
Ahmed Radwan, Winston-Salem State University
Jafar Naeini, Siham Rahhal, John Yi, Patrick Lawson, and Aisha
Hilliard, Winston-Salem State University
Natural products, Nigella-sativa or black seeds in particular, are
very promising alternative for eradicating cancer, especially in
minority populations and women's within health disparities. The
knowledge of the relative concentrations of the bioactive
chemicals of Nigella-sativa (NS) is important for its effective use
as anticancer drug. We have used Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) spectroscopy to characterize NS and its bioactive
chemicals, thymoquinone (TQ), linoleic acid (LA), oleic acid (OA),
ethyl linoleate (EL), ethyl oleate (EO), and alpha-hederin (AH).
Comparisons of the spectra of NS oil, NS paste and their
constituents provide means to estimate the relative
concentrations of the bioactive chemicals in this natural product.
This is in particular important in case of AH where mass
spectrometry (MS) data is lacking. The high sensitivity of FTIR
spectroscopy offers an alternative method to detect very small
concentration of a heavy molecule such as AH. Furthermore, the
highly specific FTIR technique also provides a mean for
distinguishing between the fatty acids and their ethyl esters, in
both NS oil and paste. To quantify the relative concentrations of
the bioactive chemicals of NS, we employ a multivariate technique
that uses least-squares linear combination fit of the six basis
spectra of TQ, LA, OA, EL, EO, and AH. We have found the
relative concentrations of TQ and AH increase by about x2.5 in NS
paste, compared with those in NS oil. Our future work will
involves FTIR investigation of two additional compounds of NS,
Vinay Ramsay, Virginia State University
Ca2+ is critical for proper development among vertebrates.
Intracellular Ca2+ stores regulate a wide variety of developmental
functions, including cell division and migration. These intracellular
stores may be functionally defined based on the channel that
mediates their release, thus the IP3R releases Ca2+ from the
IP3R -mediated store and the RyR releases Ca2+ from the RyRmediated store. The IP3R-mediated store has been implicated in
early developmental events, including egg activation and
cleavage.
The present study evaluates the involvement of each of the the
IP3R -mediated store in zebrafish midline development at early
gastrulation. Zebrafish embryos were incubated in modulators of
ER Ca2+ for one hour at 50% epiboly and allowed to develop
until 48 hrs post fertilization. Embryos were euthanized, fixed, and
the full body lengths were measured. Inhibition of IP3R-mediated
release with 2-APB resulted in a decrease in embryo lengths,
while activation of the IP3R with methacholine (MeCh) had no
effect on embryo length. MeCh was, however, able to reverse the
shortening observed with 2-APB. These data suggest a
requirement for the the IP3R mediated store in early gastrulation
in the zebrafish.
58
A Cross-Linking Approach to Capture Proteins
Davetta Robinson, Benedict College
Hasimranjit Chahal, F. Wayne Outten, and Davetta S. Robinson,
Benedict College
Iron-sulfur (Fe-S) clusters are cofactors utilized for multiple
metabolic pathways, such as the TCA cycle and respiration. Fe-S
clusters have their own in vivo biosynthetic pathway where
individual iron and sulfur atoms are assembled de novo on a Fe-S
scaffold protein prior to transfer to target apo-enzymes. In the
SufABCDSE pathway of Fe-S cluster assembly, found in bacteria
and the chloroplast of photosynthetic organisms, the SufBCD
protein complex is the Fe-S scaffold. SufA accepts Fe-S clusters
from SufBCD. We sought to identify which target apo-enzymes
(or other proteins) SufA might interact with in vivo.
To accomplish this we labeled SufA with a photo-activated crosslinker (Mts-Atf-Biotin). This reagent allows us to mix labeled SufA
with whole-cell lysates and activate the cross-linker using UV-light
exposure. Any proteins that stably or transiently interact with
SufA will be covalently cross-linked to SufA. We can then probe
for these interacting proteins by Western blot with StreptavidinHorse Radish Peroxidase, which will detect the presence of the
Biotin portion of the cross-linker.
The first trials with this strategy indicated that SufA may interact
transiently with other proteins in the cell lysate. Next we will
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Abstracts
optimize the method and attempt to identify the proteins that
interact with SufA.
59
The Role of Tumor Necrosis Factor in Acute Colitis
Yolanda Safford, Spelman College
Crohn's Disease (CD) is a chronic condition, mediated by the
effector responses of the T helper (Th)-1 and Th-17 cells that
causes the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to become
inflamed. Due to the relapsing and recurring inflammation of the
colon, patients with CD have an increased risk of developing colon
cancer. It is estimated that as many as 500,000 Americans have
Crohn's Disease, 20% of those affected are adolescents and
young adults. Although there is no known cure for Crohn's
Disease, pharmacologics that suppress the immune response,
particularly those mediated by tumor necrosis factor (TNF), have
proven to be effective.
TNF is a monocyte-derived cytokine, located at chromosome 6 in
humans (31.65Mb) and chromosome 17 in mice (34.81Mb), that
is released in the presence of endotoxins. The receptors for TNF
are on several mononuclear cells, in the synovial membrane, as
well as the peripheral, and synovial, blood. There are also soluble
receptors that are shed from the mononuclear cells. This cytokine
acts as a key mediator in the local inflammatory immune
response, where it initiates a cascade of cytokines and increases
vascular permeability, thereby recruiting macrophages and
neutrophils to the site of infection. High levels of TNF are
associated with the development and progression of intestinal
inflammation in Crohn's disease. TNF has also been implicated as
a positive factor for the development of some forms of cancer,
including colitis associated colon cancer. Currently, the only
approved drugs for treatment of Crohn's Disease are agents that
block TNF or its receptors. Therefore, in chronic colitis TNF plays
a deleterious.
The aim of this project was to study the role of TNF and other
local (colon) and systemic (spleen) levels of cytokines in different
strains of mice subjected to acute colitis. We hypothesized that
animals with increased inflammation will have greater levels of
pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, both locally
and systemically. By studying the cytokine production in tangent
with the inflammation seen in various strains, we hoped to
elucidate the mechanism by which TNF is protective in
trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) induced colitis.
The haptenating agent, TNBS, is used in mice as a model to
replicate Crohn's Disease. It elicits a similar cytokine (Th1/Th17
CD 4+ T cell mediated) and histopathologic (transmural,
pancolonic, granulomatous) profile as the human disease. In this
model, TNBS was administered intra-rectally to cause acute colitis
in the experimental mice. In the control, or SHAM, mice, a
mixture of ethanol and olive oil was intra-rectally injected into the
mice. Seven days after the injection, the mice were sacrificed and
the colons were removed and tested for cytokine and IgA levels.
After months of research, it was concluded that TNF plays a
protective role in TNBS colitis, based on the fact that the lack of
TNF results in the following: severe inflammation, decreased IgA
levels, and a thinner mucosal layer in the colon. Future Research
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will involve repeating the acute TNBS colitis experiments to
analyze the leukocyte population via Flow Cytometry Analysis,
identifying cytokine levels using Real-Time PCR, and analyzing
cytokine protein levels using Western Blot.
60
Sensitization of Cisplatin-Resistant Human Cervical Cancer
Cells by Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins
Sarita Sharp, Benedict College & University of North Texas Health
and Science Center
Qiang Zeng, Soumya Krishnamurthy, and Alakananda Basu,
University of North Texas Health and Science Center
Introduction: Cisplatin is an important anticancer drug for the
treatment of several cancers, including cervical cancer. Over time
cancer cells treated with cisplatin therapy may become resistant.
Most anticancer drugs destroy cancer cells by inducing apoptosis
and a failure to undergo apoptosis results in drug resistance.
There is a family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs), which
inhibit apoptosis and cause resistance to anticancer drugs, such
as cisplatin. These inhibitors have been shown to degrade
caspases-3 activity. However, the mechanism of IAP in the
cervical cancer cells treated with cisplatin is not clear.
Objective: The goal of the present study is to examine if depletion
of IAPs, such as X-linked IAP (XIAP) and cellular IAP-1 (cIAP1)
sensitize cisplatin-resistant human cervical cancer cells to
cisplatin.
Methods: Our laboratory has developed cisplatin-resistant, human
cervical cancer, HeLa cells (HeLa/CP). XIAP and cIAP1 were
depleted by treating cells with siRNA against these IAPs. Cells
treated with control siRNA or siRNA against XIAP and cIAP1 were
treated with and without cisplatin. The levels of IAPs were
determined by western blot analysis. Apoptosis was measured by
monitoring the cleavage of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP).
Results: Knockdown of XIAP and cIAP increased sensitivity of
HeLa/CP cells to cisplatin.
Conclusion: XIAP and cIAP are both important factors in cisplatininduced apoptosis. Thus, they are important targets for cisplatin
therapy in cisplatin resistant cervical cancers.
61
Preparation and Characterization of Hydrogels
Candace Shelton, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Dipti Singh and Sarah Morgan, University of Southern Mississippi
The purpose of this research was to design and develop hydrogels
by freeze-thaw process based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and
gelatin. The ideal goal of the project is to obtain ideal material for
biomedical application, specifically wound dressing and drug
release devices.
Hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked polymer networks
which can imbibe large amount of water, but are insoluble [1].
The network combines homopolymer or copolymer and are
insoluble due to presence of chemical cross-links. Otto Wichterle
and Drahoslav Lim are responsible for the discovery of the first
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hydrogel in 1954 [2]. Hydrogels were the beginning of a new and
widely studied topic because of their properties and broad
applications in field of biomedical.
Hydrogels are soft and rubber-like properties they cause less
irritation to surrounding tissues. They have a low interfacial
tension which makes them increasingly biocompatible. They can
respond to external stimuli such as: temperature, pH and electric
field.
Hydrogels are used in many applications including contact lenses,
wound dressing material, drug release devices, diapers, and many
other capacities.
For our current project we have selected polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)
and gelatin because of their characteristic properties. PVA has
been widely used with other natural polymers because it is
popular for forming films. PVA is readily soluble in water. PVA’s
hydrophilic nature allows it to possess outstanding water retention
properties [3]. Gelatin is a denatured and biodegradable protein
and is typically isolated from bovine and porcine skin or bone by
acid or base extraction [3]. Gelatin is made up of single-strained
molecules and has been used in several biomedical applications
because it is biocompatible and its ease of gelation by
temperature changes [3]. Gelatin was chemically cross-linked
using glutaraldehyde. Glutaraldehyde is a colorless liquid chemical
frequently used in biochemistry applications as an amine-reactive
homobifunctional cross-linker [4]. Cross-linking works by joining
adjacent chains of a polymer and creates covalent bonds [5].
Chemical covalent cross-links are stable mechanically and
thermally, so once formed are difficult to break [5]. These
hydrogels are formed by combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and
Gelatin in an aqueous solution.
62
Regulation of Gene Expression by Dietary Folate
Santanna Small, Tuskegee University & University of Pittsburgh
Prostate cancer is the result of the growth of cancerous cells
within the prostate gland. It is considered an adenocarcinoma
because the cancer arises in a glandular tissue. According to the
American Cancer Society for the year 2009 there will nearly be
200,000 new cases of prostate cancer and almost 30,000 deaths
from this disease. Almost every man will get prostate cancer if he
lives long enough. In fact, according to autopsy studies of men
who died in a cancer unrelated manner, 30% of men in their 30's
have undiagnosed, invasive prostate cancer and the frequency
increases with age.
Despite almost every man getting prostate cancer, only 1 in 6 will
die from the disease. These men die from Androgen Independent
Prostate Cancer which currently has no cure. Our aim is to try to
identify markers associated with the aggressive disease so that
we can identify and determine how to treat these patients. Using
Oncomine, which is a database of patient information derived
from gene expression microarrays, we found that Homocysteineinducible endoplasmic reticulum stress-inducible ubiquitin-like
domain member 1 (HERPUD1) is down regulated in aggressive
prostate cancer.
We hypothesize that because low levels of folate cause an
increase in homocysteine, and we know that folate levels are
related to prostate cancer that folate might regulate expression of
HERPUD1. We will present results describing our testing of this
hypothesis utilizing real-time PCR analysis of prostate cancer cells.
From our study it appears that homocysteine was able to
accomplish activation of the HERPUD1 promoter within an hour
of treatment. While it took decitabine five days within the same
cell line.
This novel finding implies that ER stress might actively contribute
to DNA Methylation. Also, look at more patient tumor samples.
63
VIGNA: Variations in Nod C Gene
Milfred Standifer, University of the District of Columbia
The occurrence of cross nodulation is a significant finding that
warrants genetic analysis. Preliminary work on the effect of
biosolid application on cowpea bradyrhizobial had shown that two
(73-3 and 73-28 from biosolid treatment of 73 tons/ha) cowpea
bradyrhizobial isolates were able to effectively nodulate both
cowpea and soybeans. Ultrastructures of nodules from two
isolates was similar in the morphology, number and distribution of
bacteroids, when compared to the nodules from USDA 6 and
USDA 3456.
Transmission electron microscopy was used to compare the
nodules from the two isolates with known standards that routinely
nodulate Vigna unguiculata and Glycine max. Genomic DNA from
these two isolates was amplified using random primers as well as
specific nod C primers. PCR-based fingerprint analysis showed
that these two cowpea isolates are distinctly different from the
Bradyrhizobium japonicum that nodulates only soybeans and the
Bradyrhizobium sp. that nodulates cowpeas.
Further genetic analysis of these bacterial strains also showed
significant sequence variations within the nod C nodulation gene.
We concluded that these two unique isolates are genetically
dissimilar to the bradyrhizobium reference strains.
64
Determining the DNA Binding Activity of Neural Zinc Finger
Factor 1e by Fluorescence Anisotropy
Tiffany Strickland, Morgan State University
The zinc finger family is a family of protein motifs that bind to zinc
in order to stabilize their structure. Neural zinc finger factor 1
(NZF-1) has six zinc binding domains and binds specifically to the
β-retinoic acid response element (β-RARE) DNA sequence. NZF-1e
is a single domain fragment that is a part of NZF-1. The purpose
of this research is to determine the DNA binding activity of the
single domain fragment NZF-1e using the fluorescence anisotropy
technique. Plasmid containing the NZF-1e gene was transformed
into BL21 (DE3) or BL21 (DE3) plysS competent bacteria.
A bacterial colony was then transferred onto LB-Ampicillin +
100µM zinc chloride media. Protein synthesis was induced with 1
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mM IPTG. The bacterial cells were lysed, and then the bacterial
supernatant was purified by cation exchange chromatography
using SP Sepharose as the matrix. The NZF-1e peptide was
further purified using reverse phase high pressure liquid
chromatography (HPLC), dried down and stored in an anaerobic
chamber. The purified NZF-1e peptide was tested using a UV/Vis
Spectrometer to determine the concentration of protein and
quantify the amount of functional protein present. NZF-1e was
titrated into an oligonucleotide solution that contained the β-RARE
sequence and the anisotropy was measured. A dissociation
constant in the low micromolar range was determined
demonstrating that there was weak binding of NZF-1e to β-RARE
DNA. Additional fluorescence anisotropy studies were performed
using a random DNA sequence that did not contain the β-RARE
binding site and no binding was observed.
Thus, NZF-1e binds weakly to β-RARE DNA, but the observed
binding is still sequence specific. These experiments showed that
fluorescence anisotropy can be used to quantitate and compare
DNA binding of individual zinc fingers within NZF-1.
[Supported by HBCU-UP - NSF HRD 0506066 and NIH/MARC
U*STAR 2T34GM007977-23A2.]
65
Functional Analysis of ERG
Tseday Zewdu Tegegn, University of the District of Columbia and
Center for Prostate Disease Research, Rockville, MD
Gyorgy Petrovics, PhD and Ahmed Mohamed, MD, PhD,
Center for Prostate Disease Research, Rockville, MD
Abstract Purpose: Project A: ERG is a proto oncogene that is
found overexpressed in most prostate cancer cases. Our goal was
to study the role of ERG in prostate cancer in regulating cellular
functions and the expressions of other genes, using cell line
models. Project B: It has been shown that ERG suppresses the
expression of cell differentiation markers, including PSA. Our goal
was to explore if patients with ERG overexpression in their
prostate tumor may have a lower serum PSA level compared to
patients with ERG negative prostate tumors. Overall, by studying
ERG we aim to find better diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic
approaches.
Experimental Design: Project A: Overexpressing ERG in BPH1 cell
line and knocking down ERG in VCaP and NCI-H660 cell lines.
Performing Western blot analysis for protein expression and
functional assays to study the pattern of cell proliferation,
migration etc. Project B: Statistical analysis for correlation
between serum PSA level < 4ug/ml and ERG expression measured
in urine specimens.
Results and Conclusion: Project A: ERG knockdown affects the cell
growth and morphology in VCaP cell line, where as ERG
knockdown in NCI-H660 cell line doesn't show significant change.
ERG1 overexpression in BPH1 cells showed an increased cell
migration as compared to the control BPH1 cells. Project B: Data
analysis shows that patients with < 4ng/ml serum PSA have more
frequency ERG positive prostate cancer (79% and 67%) than
patients with >4 ng/ml serum PSA (56% and 52%). Potential
clinical application is discussed.
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66
Drosophila Melanogaster as a Model
Rhea Thompson, Drexel University
CHARGE syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder resulting
from mutations in the CHD7 gene on chromosome 8. CHD7 is a
chromatin remodeling transcription factor that regulates gene
expression of several tissues during development. The acronym
CHARGE reflects the various symptoms expressed in patients:
Coloboma, Heart defects, Atresia, Retardation of growth and
development, Genital hypoplasia, and Ear anomalies.
The Drosophila melanogaster homolog of CHD7 is kismet (kis).
We developed a Drosophila melanogaster model for CHARGE that
enabled us to study the etiology of the disease for potential future
interventions. Our CHARGE model flies were produced by the
Gal4 UAS system, which was used to knockdown the Kismet
protein expression in a tissue specific, and time specific fashion
during development. We used this system to specifically reduce
Kismet protein expression in both the entire nervous system of
the fly, as well as specific populations of neurons.
Key symptoms of CHARGE patients studied in our model were
motor function, neuronal development, and learning and memory.
The effects of reducing Kismet protein on motor function could be
evaluated through climbing assays. Wild type flies, when gently
tapped to the bottom of a vial will immediately orient themselves
and climb up the vial. Climbing assays showed an inability for
kismet mutant flies to climb in a set amount of time compared to
the control flies. This data suggests that kismet gene function is
vital for proper neural development and/or motor function. To test
whether kismet mutants were having a neuronal defect in
association with the behavioral defect seen with the climbing
assay, we analyzed developing brain tissue that was mutant for
kismet in a specific population of neurons, the dorsal cluster
neurons (DCNs). Major abnormalities in axonal and cell migration
were observed in these developing brains. This suggests that
kismet regulates neuron morphology, axonal migration and path
finding.
The fruit fly homolog to CHD7, kismet, was used as a model for
investigation of the etiology of CHARGE Syndrome. Initial data
suggests similar defects in Drosophila and humans. CHARGE
syndrome is a developmental disorder, therefore, further research
is designed to study the effects of kismet knockdown after the
developmental stages, particularly in adult brains. Furthermore,
we will study the effects of kismet knockdown in other areas of
the brain, such as the neurons responsible for learning and
memory.
67
Functional Characterization of Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)
Surfactant Protein B
Ruth Tilus, Savannah State University
Annalaura Mancia, Danforth A. Newton and Darlene L. Middleton,
Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Science Center, Medical
University of South Carolina, Hollings Marine Laboratory
John E. Baatz, Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of
South Carolina
Abstracts
Lung surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins that is
essential for maintaining a large surface area for efficient oxygen/
carbon dioxide exchange in the respiratory system of all
mammals. The proteins in lung surfactant that function to reduce
surface tension are surfactant protein B (SP-B) and surfactant
protein C (SP-C). SP-B is our major focus due to its cardinal role in
adjusting alveolar surface tension and preventing lung collapse.
Black Universities and Colleges-Undergraduate Program (HBCUUP) at Johnson C. Smith University.
Our lab has previously found that the amino acid sequence of
mature dolphin SP-B exhibits significant differences from
terrestrial mammals, including changes in charge, substitution and
even added or deleted sequences. Because of dolphin’s ability to
survive lung collapse and extreme pressures encountered during
deep dives, the dolphin respiratory system could be an important
model for human lung therapy research.
Preety Upadhyay, University of the District of Columbia & Center
for Prostate Disease Research, Rockville, MD
Albert Dobi, Center for Prostate Disease Research, Rockville, MD
Understanding the structure and function of dolphin SP-B can lead
to important advancements in treatment for lung collapse and
respiratory distress syndrome in humans.
The long term goal of this project is to determine if the variation
observed between dolphin and land mammals in SP- B primary
sequence produces an altered secondary structure and/or
function. The hypothesis to be tested is that unique and enhanced
surface-active properties of dolphin SP-B, relative to human SP-B,
can be examined designing vectors for and production of
recombinant dolphin SP-B mutants. This will be accomplished by
generating constructs with wild type and mutant forms of dolphins
SP-B constructs in bacteria, with mutations focusing on the amino
acid residues of the dolphin N-terminus that differs significantly
from land mammalian SP-B.
68
Canine Leishmaniasis and American Trypanosomiasis
Shanesha Tripp, Johnson C. Smith University
Christopher Kinlaw, R.N. Sharma, D. Stone, J. P. Dubey, and
Alexa C. Rosypal, Johnson C. Smith University, St. George's
University, Grenada, West Indies; United States Department of
Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Animal and Natural
Resources Institute, Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory,
Beltsville, MD
Canine leishmaniasis and American trypanosomiasis (AT) are
caused by related hemoflagellated parasites, Leishmania spp. and
Trypanosoma cruzi, which share several common host species.
Dogs are reservoirs for human infections with both pathogens.
We determined the prevalence of antibodies to Leishmania spp.
and T. cruzi in dogs from Grenada, West Indies. We examined 70
dog sera using the qualitative immunochromatographic dipstick
tests (ICT) based on recombinant antigens specific for visceral
leishmaniasis and AT. Antibodies to visceralizing Leishmania were
not detected in Grenadian dogs by ICT. Using the canine dipsticks
for AT, antibodies to T. cruzi were determined in 3 (0.4%) of the
70 dogs.
Results from this study indicate that dogs in Grenada are exposed
to T. cruzi at a low rate, but not to visceralizing Leishmania
parasites. The work of S.T. was supported in part the Historically
69
ERG is a Transcriptional Repressor of Probasin Promoter
(ARR2PB)
Purpose: ARR2PB is a modified version of the probasin gene
promoter harboring two androgen responsive elements. It was
used for expressing ERG in vivo in all recent transgenic mouse
models. However, ERG transgenic mice failed to develop frank
carcinoma. We postulated that ERG interferes with the ARR2PB
promoter, thus, ARR2PB promoter may not be suitable for
studying ERG in transgenic models. Therefore, the main purpose
of our experiments was to assess the ERG transcriptional
regulatory role on ARR2PB by employing two independent
approaches: 1) by the bioinformatic definition of ETS binding site
and 2) by assessing if ERG acts as repressor or activator for the
probasin promoter in prostate cancer cells.
Experimental Design: The presence of ETS family binding site in
ARR2PB was confirmed by the MatInspector software from the
Genomatix GmbH. Transcriptional regulatory role of ERG on
probasin promoter was determined by using Firefly luciferase
reporter gene activity.
Results and Conclusion: ERG (ETS family) binding site with
strikingly high matrix similarity was confirmed within the ARR2PB
by bioinformatics approach. ERG acts as a repressor of ARR2PB in
LNCaP cells that do not express endogenous ERG. As expected in
VCaP cells which express high levels of ERG, heterologous
expression of ERG did not further ERG-mediated repression of
ARR2PB. Our findings suggest that ERG may indeed acts as a
repressor of ARR2PB. Thus, ERG binding site should be eliminated
from the ARR2PB sequence in ERG transgenic mice constructs.
70
A Functional Study of the SPATA7 Gene
Brandy A. Vincent, Dillard University & Baylor College of Medicine
Leber's Congenital Amaurosis (LCA) comprises a set of inherited,
early-onset retinal dystrophies characterized as a clinically and
genetically heterogeneous disease. To date, there are 14 diseasecausing mutations that have an effect on retinal development,
Photoreceptors and on the physiology of retinal pigment epithelial
cell infrastructure. Identifying all genes associated with LCA, full
compliments are ascertained giving way to the development of
sufficient treatments to this disease.
Identified in Dr. Chen's lab, the SPATA7 is a new LCA gene with
an unknown molecular function. Searching for its potential
function, two parallel approaches are performed to identify
SPATA7 interacting patterns. The first is a Cell-based assay,
named BiFC. Employing protein-fragment complementation, cells
expressing SPATA7 are fused with the N-terminal fragment of YFP
(yellow fluorescence protein) and transfected with a gene
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expression library cDNAs fused with C-terminal YFP. Through
physical protein interaction, the YFP terminals are brought in
proximity, reconstituting activity, and creating a combined
fluorescence. Fluorescent positive cells, sorted out PCR assays,
are used to amplify the candidate interacting genes.
The second method uses the IP Mass Spec approach. A stable
human cell line expressing FLAG tagged SPATA7 is established
and protein complex associated with Spata7 and isolated by IP is
performed after the disruption of cells detergent (Triton X-100, NP
-40), which is preceded by the lysate collection. The antimSPATA7 antibody in complex with SPATA7 and all of its
associated proteins are drawn together forming a purified protein
complex. This complex is subjected to Mass Spec analysis.
Subsequently, co-immuno-precipitation (Co-IP) and Western Blot
are performed to confirm the specific interacting or associating
proteins of SPATA7.
assay. In addition, immunocytochemistry analysis was performed
on the cells to show the effects of sterols supplementation on
caspase expression. Total RNA was isolated from the
supplemented and non-supplemented cells. RT-PCR was
performed to measure the expression of apoptotic and tumor
promoter genes.
Our results indicate a minimized level of cholesterol in the
membranes of phytosterol treated cultures and a reduction in the
rate of invasiveness in phytosterol treated cells in comparison to
the cholesterol treated cells. Decrease in the expression of antiapoptotic genes and an increase in the expression of proapoptotic caspase-3 was observed.
Therefore, we conclude that phytosterol treatment may have the
potential to diminish membrane cholesterol and enhance the
effectiveness of prostate cancer chemotherapy.
The main goal of my research is to clone the mass spec candidate
genes into the pDEST-FLAG mammalian expression vector, and
express within mammalian cells. After the confirmed expression
of mass spec candidate genes, the SPATA7 is then introduced into
cells and a Co-IP and Western Blot are performed to confirm the
protein-protein interaction and association with SPATA7. In
validating the interaction, we were successful in authenticating
the expression of three mass spec candidate genes within the
mammalian cells through Western Blot and Co-IP.
[This study was supported by CCRTD at CAU and grants from
NIH-GM08247, NIH-5P20MD002285-02 and NSF-HRD-0630456.]
71
Nanomaterial Delivered Sterols Modulate Apoptosis and
Invasiveness in Prostate Cancer Cells
B cells are lymphocytes produced in the bone marrow that play a
critically important role in the immune system. It is their
responsibility to create antibodies against antigens to combat
pathogenic challenges. If these B cells are impaired it weakens
the protection by the immune system and increases likelihood that
a pathogen will cause severe infection. These impaired B cell
populations predominate in the elderly as well as young children
and lead to decreased immunoresponsiveness in the elderly and
under developed immunities in children. Understanding the
reasons for these differences in immune function is important for
vaccine design and antiviral therapy. B cell populations can be
defined by inhibitory/ homing receptors and adhesion molecules
such as FITC LAIR, CD21 APC, FcRL4 PE, and CD22 PE Cy5.
Wambul S. Wandu, Clark Atlanta University
Godwin O. Ifere and Godwin A. Ananaba, Clark Atlanta University
Anani Amouzou, Georgia Perimeter College
The replacement of cholesterol via phytosterol supplementation at
the cellular level may reverse the effects of cholesterol induced
proliferation. The enhancement of cellular phytosterol may
increase its chemotherapeutic potential in prostate cancer cells.
We hypothesize that phytosterols reduce cell proliferation by
replacing the cholesterol on the membranes, which is known to
promote cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. Information
supporting the replacement of membrane cholesterol is
insufficient.
Thus the reduction of in vitro cholesterol absorption by
phytosterol supplementation in prostate cancer cells may result in
the following: a decrease in membrane cholesterol and an
increase in phytosterol concentration thus reversing cell
invasiveness, the inhibition of the expression of anti-apoptotic
genes Bcl-xL, Bcl-2, and PCGEM1, and an enhancement in the
expression of pro-apoptotic caspase-3. The supplementation of
cultured androgen-independent prostate cancer cell lines PC-3
and DU145 with cholesterol and phytosterol was facilitated by βcyclodextrin, acting as a molecular vehicle.
The cells were incubated for 72 h at 37ºC, the cells were then
harvested and their membranes isolated by density gradient
centrifugation. Following the extraction of membrane lipids with
chloroform/methanol, cholesterol was estimated by an enzymatic
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72
Investigation of Inhibitory/Homing Receptor and Adhesion
Molecules on Impaired B Cells in Aged Individuals as
Compared to Young
Yaminah Watson, Cheyney University of PA
We examined whether these particular inhibitory/homing
receptors and adhesion molecules can show an increase in
impaired B cells in aged individuals as compared to young. Using
multi-color flow cytometry, we can simultaneously phenotype and
define inhibitory marker expression on peripheral blood B cells in
aged and young individuals. Detection of up to 18 fluorochrome
labeled antibodies at one time gave the ability to detect all of
these markers on specific B cell subsets.
Using this technique we tested each receptor on blood samples of
infected children from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia,
healthy adults, and healthy elderly people. By gating B cells
populations through several B cell markers and each inhibitory
receptor we calculated the percent B cell population of each
sample as well as expression of each inhibitory marker. When the
data was analyzed although all receptors were expressed in
varying amounts, significantly higher FcRL4 was expressed on B
cell populations in aged individuals. Although these receptors
have not been directly linked to B cells function in this analysis,
Abstracts
our data shows FcRL4 and possible several other markers can be
used to further analyze impaired B cells.
73
Hyperglycemia Associated with Diabetic Retinopathy Does
Not Acutely Affect the Growth Rate or Viability of
Immortalized Rat Muller Glial (rMC-1) Cells
Jessica White, Morgan State University
Phylicia Brooks, Barisere Bodo, and Ernest C. Steele Jr., PhD, Morgan
State University
One of the devastating systemic complications of diabetes is
diabetic retinopathy (DR), progressive blindness resulting from
retinal degeneration. DR is the leading cause of blindness in
working aged adults in the US. We do not currently have a
precise understanding of the cellular and molecular events leading
to DR nor an effective treatment. It is therefore imperative to
obtain a better understanding of the early cellular and molecular
events in DR. Although loss of vision in DR is attributed primarily
to the dysfunction and death of specific retinal neurons and
vascular cells, it has been proposed that loss of critical support
functions provided by the macroglial Müller cells in the retina
might precede and thus contribute to these events. A recent
report presented controversial evidence that acute hyperglycemia
directly causes apoptosis in retinal Müller glial cells.
In the present study, we independently tested the hypothesis that
hyperglycemia acutely and directly induces cell death of retinal
Müller cells. The growth rate of immortalized rat Müller cells (rMC
-1) was quantitatively compared over a 72 hour time course using
three different media: 1) euglycemic/normosmolar 2)
hyperglycemic/hyperosmolar 3) euglycemic/hyperosmolar control.
We monitored cell viability effects of these media conditions on
cells over the same time course with trypan blue exclusion assays.
In contrast to the previous report, we observed no differences in
cell growth or viability.
Our data do not support the simple hypothesis that Müller cell
death is an acute and direct result of hyperglycemia contributing
to the development of DR. However, our data do not preclude
nor discourage the notion that hyperglycemia may alter the
expression or function of specific molecules within Müller cells
which are important to normal retinal functioning and thus
contribute to the development of DR. Future efforts will explore
this possibility and attempt to correlate any identified Müller cell
changes with neuronal and vascular consequences. This ongoing
work will contribute significantly to our understanding of the early
cellular and molecular events of DR and ultimately to the
development of effective strategies for preventing the devastating
loss of vision associated with this disease. [This study was
supported, in part, by: NSF-HRD 0506066 (MSU HBCU-UP),
NIGMS 5R25GM58904 (MSU MBRS-RISE,) NCRR RCMI
G12RR171581, and NEI 5R21EY018346.]
74
Role of Kaiso in Chemotherapy Resistance
Satoyia White, Fort Valley State University
Clayton Yates, Jacqueline Jones, and Iziegbe Garuba, Tuskegee
University
Kaiso is a bimodal transcription factor that localizes predominantly
to the nucleus. Kaiso has nucleocytoplasmic behavior and it has
been shown to target many genes involved in metastasis such as
the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) and the
retinoblastoma gene (RB1). The purpose of this experiment was
to determine if the sensitivity of the breast cancer cells to
chemotherapy drugs would increase if kaiso is knocked out. We
also wanted to know if cancer cells that are resistant to
chemotherapy drugs would alter kaiso localization. siRNA
transfection was performed and then the cells were treated with
15ng and 30ng of etoposide or 100nm of taxol for twenty-four
hours. The cells were then examined via flow cytometry.
The data obtained from the flow suggested that if kaiso is
knocked out and then the cells are treated with the drug there will
be more cell death versus just treating the cells with the drug
without knocking out kaiso. Immunofluoresence was then used to
measure protein localization.
The results indicated that when the cells were treated with the
chemotherapy drug the kaiso shifted to the cytoplasm. This
suggests that kaiso protein plays a role in the breast cancer cells
being resistant to the chemotherapy drug.
In summary, our data indicated that kaiso plays a role in cell cycle
arrest and Kaiso knock-out combined chemotherapy increased
apoptosis. [This study was supported by USDA Capacity Building/
NSF HBCU-UP grants awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D. Associate
Professor & Director, NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site
Programs, Center for Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University,
Fort Valley, GA 31030.]
75
In vitro Transcription and Translation of Egr-1 (Early growth
response 1)
Valerie Williams, Johnson C. Smith University
Shaw M. Akula , Lia Walker, Ossie Dyson, and Patrick Ford, Brody
School of Medicine at East Carolina University
Egr-1 (Early growth response 1) is a transcription factor that is a
primary promoter of cell growth, differentiation, and survival. In
general Egr-1 expression has been reported to be elevated in
cancer cells, therefore contributing to their increased survival rate.
The role of Egr-1 in cancer development needs a greater
understanding at a molecular level.
Initially efforts were to subclone the gene encoding Egr-1 into a
mammalian expression vector (pCDNA3.1), however the results of
creating that particular eukaryotic expression system did not
materialize. Thus, adjustments in our approach were made to
verify the expression of Egr-1 by in vitro transcription and
translation (IVT).
We hypothesized to successfully transcribe and translate the gene
encoding Egr-1 in vitro, if the respective gene in pGEM-TEasy
vector was in-frame. We performed the in vitro transcription and
translation of vector encoding Egr-1 (Egr-1/pGEM-TEasy) using
the Rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. The IVT experiment of Egr-
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1/pGEM-T Plasmid showed the predicted molecular weight of the
protein at ~78KDa.
The knowledge gained from this study will not only enable
verification of Egr-1 expression, but will also help to determine its
biological functioning through various functional tests, such as its
role in Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)
pathogenesis.
[This study was supported, in part by a grant from NIH/NIBIB
awarded to Dr. Shaw M. Akula, BVSc, MVSc, PhD., Associate
Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology at the
Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville,
NC 27834.]
76
Linkage Mapping of Mandibular Length in Recombinant
Congenic Mice
Derek Wilson, Jr., Fort Valley State University
Research Mentors: In Kyu Han and Seung Pyo Han; University of
Wisconsin-Madison
Researchers have exploited the genetic structure of recombinant
congenic mouse strains by performing a reciprocal intercross of
the strains HcB-8 and HcB-23. It was found that on a short region
of chromosome 4 there lies a quantitative trait locus (QTL)
affecting femoral size, ellipticity, and strength. Ece1, encoding
endothelin converting enzyme 1, is within this QTL and is a strong
candidate gene.
Previous work by others has also shown that endothelin signaling
is necessary for normal growth of the mandible during embryonic
development. In this experiment we used the F2 generation to
explore the correlation between the Ece1 gene and the
mandibular size of the mice.
We hypothesized that Ece1 is the gene responsible for the femoral
traits, therefore significant linkage of mandibular length to the
same chromosome 4 region will be found, and that other QTLs
affecting femoral size and strength will also affect mandibular
length. Using QTL Cartographer, we analyzed 93 of the 603 mice
in the F2 generation and found QTLs on chromosome 1, 3, and 6.
These coincide with QTLs affecting the femur, but we did not find
a QTL on chromosome 4, rejecting one of our hypotheses. One
great limitation due to time constraints is that only about 15% of
the entire cross was analyzed so the final data may differ from
what is reported here.
Work to complete analysis of mandibular length of the cross is in
progress. [This work was supported by National Science
Foundation, HBCU-UP and S-STEM Programs awarded to Dr.
Sarwan Dhir at Fort Valley State University.]
77
Analysis of SNP Markers on African American DNA Samples
for Human Identification Application
Cherelle Wright, Claflin University
Dr. Jianguo Chen, Claflin University
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The role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the
development of human identification and DNA technology will be
very useful with more research for these applications. Even
though the current technology uses short tandem repeats (STRs),
SNPs have 3 advantages over STRs and other DNA forensic
technologies: they are more accurate in typing, they provide short
recognition sequences, and they have a low mutation rate (Kidd
et al).
With developing a new technology using SNPs, it will illustrate
these advantages of SNPs in human identification.
The hypothesis of this research is by testing various SNP markers
on a variety of populations along with using Real-Time
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR); then this will provide the much
needed approach to developing a new technology in forensics. So
the main point of the investigation is to develop a SNP panel for
human identification applications. In a previous experiment
conducted by Claflin Graduate, Driguneswar Pinnamaneni, 21 SNP
markers were tested on 4 populations using Real-Time PCR:
Chinese, Japanese, South East Asian, and Caucasian. Among the
21 probes that were tested, 6 demonstrated considerable
variations with the 4 populations and could possibly be used for a
SNP panel.
This research project is a continuation to the previous work done
with the 4 major populations of the world. During this project, 10
SNP markers were randomly selected and tested on 25 African
American DNA samples. The tests were run by using 7500 RealTime PCR thermocycler, where the results could be previewed in
an amplification plot before the samples were done. When the
results were finished, the amplification plot of each sample was
recorded and generated into a table. The identification of each
allele in each sample was determined to be homozygous or
heterozygous for the SNP markers. To accomplish the goal of the
project, more testing with the African American population, other
populations, and other SNP markers is required. From the data
using the 10 probes, most showed a high heterozygosity among
the 25 African American samples.
Further experimentation will be conducted to test more SNP
markers on this particular population as well as the calculation of
the allele frequencies of each marker used. The calculated allele
frequencies will supply statistical analysis in order to classify the
best markers in this population. All information from this research
project will be used for SNP human identification application.
78
Combination Effect of Docetaxel with R-ICM-I-136 on CWR
Cells
Fiteh Yelekal, University of the District of Columbia
Simeng Suy, Georgetown Research Center
Deepak Kumar, University of the District of Columbia
Metastatic prostate carcinoma is associated with high mortality.
The metastatic lesions are composed of a heterogeneous
population of androgen-sensitive and androgen-resistant tumor
cells. Chemotherapeutic agents such as Docetaxel & Doxorubicin,
used singly, which primarily target cells with high rates of
proliferation, have resulted in response rates of <10% in patients
with advanced prostate carcinoma.
Abstracts
Doc is already approved for the treatment of metastatic PCa and
is a known radiosensitizer and a significant apoptotic and
antitumor activities against hormone-dependent and hormoneindependent prostate tumor models. Because Docetaxel has an
established benefit in the treatment of prostate cancer we have
been interested in the effect of a combination of R-ICM-I-136
(Sodium channel blocker) and Docetaxel on cell viability in a
representative prostate cell line. Voltage gated sodium channels
are systems of a cell which maintain the cell's internal and
external pH environment by taking up Na ions and giving out
K.Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are functionally expressed
in highly metastatic cancer cells (breast, prostate, & lung). These
channels do not regulate cellular multiplication or migration, their
inhibition by the specific blocker impairs both the extracellular
activity and cell invasiveness leading to the inhibition of colony
growth and cell spreading. R-ICM-I-136 is a sodium channel
blocker drug. We were particularly interested combining R-ICM-I136 with Docetaxel to find out if the sodium channel blocker
sensitize Docetaxel and produce an increased cell death.
The effect of Docetaxel on cell viability was studied on CWR cells.
The apoptotic effect of Doc was examined by WST-1[(4iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)- 5-(2, 4-disulfophenyl)-2Htetrazolium, sodium salt). The assay is based on cleavage of
tetrazolium salt to formazan by metabolically active cells and
increased absorbance at 450nm correlates with the number of
viable cells. Approximately 1*10^4 cells were seeded per well in a
96-well plate. For combination treatment of Docetaxel and R-ICMI-136, cells were pretreated with the desired concentration of RICM-I-136 for 24h followed by Docetaxel in continuous presence
of R-ICM-I-136 in serum free media for 24, 48, 72 and 96hrs. At
the selected time point after treatment WST-1 was added to each
well containing 100ul medium. The plate was then incubated for 1
hr at 37ºC and read at an absorbance of 450 and a reference
wavelength of 650nm by a Vmax microtiter plate
reader (Molecular Devices, Sunnydale, CA)
We demonstrated that R-ICM-I-136 treatment on CWR cell line
caused an increase in the number of apoptotic cells compared
with control groups. Cells treated at 5uM R-ICM-I-136 and 5nM
Docetaxel, pretreated with R-ICM-I-136 were observed to show
significant change in the number of cell death at 24 h.
Generally R-ICM-I-136 as a single agent and with combination of
Doc showed cell death on CWR cell lines. Higher concentration of
the drug may be needed to achieve a therapeutic dose. Future
investigation are necessary to elucidate the effectors of the R-ICM
-I-136 + Docetaxel-induced cell death pathway and to further
develop a prostate targeted and clinically viable formulation of
these molecules.
Curcumin has a bright fluorescence yellow, it can be used as a
sensor. We are investigating the use of Curcumin as a visual
colorimetric sensor for biologically important anions such as
fluoride, acetate, dihydrogen phosphate, chloride and anions with
environmental impact such as cyanide.
The study involves UV-vis spectrophotometric titration of
curcumin solutions with standard solutions of the anions in
acetonitrile or water to determine the stoichiometric ratio of the
sensor to the anions, and to quantitate the anion in samples with
various concentrations.
We have found that the interaction between the Curcumin
compound and the anion caused the formation of a new peak at
560 nm and the decrease of the former peak at 418 nm. The
intensity of the peak changes because it corresponds to the
concentration of the anion. Also a visual color change was
observed as the concentration of the anions increased. Curcumin
has a stronger interaction with anions such as fluoride,
dihydrogen phosphate, and cyanide; therefore proving to be a
selective sensor for certain anions. We also plan to investigate
certain anions such as cyanide in the present of water.
80
Synthesis and Characterization of Potential Antica
Darien Campbell, Savannah State University
Dr. Adegboye Adeyemo, Savannah State University
The reaction of pentafluorobenzaldehyde with pyrrole in refluxing
acetic acid produces tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porpholactone.
Traditionally, tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porpholactone was
obtained from the reaction of tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin
in refluxing acetic acid and with AgNO3. In the current study the
traditional method was modified to produce tetra
(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin.
After refluxing pentaflourobenzaldehyde and pyrrole in proponic
acid for 12hrs, a saturated solution of lithium acetate was added
to the cooled reaction mixture to precipitate the crude product.
The dried crude product was then dissolved in chloroform and
passed through wet alumina column. Complete evaporation of the
eluent produced the pure porphyrin product. Meso-tetra
(pentaflourophenyl) porphyrin was isolated in pure form (yield:
25%). Pholactone derivative was also prepared. This modified
method may be more efficient for the synthesis of tetra
(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin. Additionally, the reaction of metal
acetate salts with tetra (pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin leads to the
formation of the desired metallporphyrin products regardless of
the solvent and at room temperature.
C HEMISTRY & C HEMICAL S CIENCES
79
Characterization Of Curcumin As Anion Sensor
Ghea Barden, Morgan State University
Dr. Yousef Hijji and Dr. Alvin Kennedy, Morgan State University
Curcumin (I), C21H20O6, is the curcuminoid used for many
Indian curry spices; it is also used as food coloring. Since
81
Exploration of Biological Applications of DLC Thin Films
Iyeasha Cole, Shaw University
Diamond-like carbon (DLC) thin films are metastable, amorphous
material, containg a mixture of sp2, sp3, and sometimes sp1
coordinated carbon atoms in a disordered network. At Shaw
University, the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
(PECVD) technique is used to grow DLC films. In this process a
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mixture of Hydrogen (H2) and Methane (CH4) reactant gases of
appropriate flow rate ratios are allowed to flow into an evacuated
(0.093 Torr or less) deposition chamber onto a clean substrate. A
radio- frequency- generated electric field creates in the chamber a
plasma of the reactant gases that leads to deposition of DLC films
on various substrates. DLC film characteristics include: extreme
hardness, low friction coefficient, high optical transparency over a
wide spectral range, high chemical inertness.
82
Determining Temperature Differences between Emulsion
Daryl Cunningham, Morgan State University
Christopher Njue, PhD, Marilyn Butler, and Helen Asemota, Shaw
University
Traditionally, African people have maintained oral hygiene by
using the African chew stick. The goal of this project is to identify
the active ingredients in the African chew stick. To promote the
extraction process, a well cleaned pencil sharpener was used to
shave off the African chew stick into thin semi powder
component. The semi powder was then immersed in an
extraction solvent. Extracts using organic solvents such as
methanol were compared with extracts using an aqueous media.
In either case, the resulting extracts were subjected to
chromatographic separation, isolation of different compounds
present in the extract and chemical as well as physicochemical
characterization.
This research focuses on how microwave heating is used to
determine the temperature differences between polar and nonpolar substances using the substances of ethylene glycol, water,
and hexane. The purpose of this research is to use these
measurements to identify the underlying heating mechanisms of
these multiphase layered systems especially in the non-polar
region.
Results obtained from these experiments as well as findings on
the anti-microbial effect of the compounds obtained via organic
extraction and those obtained via aqueous extraction will be
presented. Future research will involve study of the stability of
the isolated compounds in the pure form as well as in aqueous
media at ambient conditions.
The controls of each substance were first investigated during this
experiment. 20-mL of each substance were separately placed into
a lined digestion vessel, covered and placed into the microwave. A
fiber optic probe was placed in a thermowell at its interface and
another was placed in a thermowell well submerged in the
solution. The fiber optic probes were connected to a multichannel
instrument that recorded changing temperatures.
84
Green Chemistry Synthesis of Quinazoline and its derivatives
as Potential Anti-Cancer drugs for Prostate Cancer
The substances were then separately heated for 10 minutes in a
MDS 2000 Microwave. Data was recorded and graphed
approximately every second. Uniform amounts of water/hexane
and ethylene glycol/hexane mixtures were then investigated. 20mL of the polar solution and 20-mL of the non-polar solution were
placed in a lined digestion vessel, covered, and placed in the
microwave. A fiber optic probe was placed into a thermowell that
was well submerged in each phase. The vessels were heated for
10 minutes in the MDS 2000 Microwave. Data also was recorded
and graphed approximately every second. Data from this
experiment has shown that in water/hexane mixtures, water heats
up faster than hexane at a rate of about a 20 degree difference
while in the ethylene glycol/hexane mixture, the ethylene glycol
heats up faster than hexane at about a 40 degree difference.
In conclusion, the polar phases always heated faster than the non
-polar phase during microwave heating. Ethylene glycol had a
significantly higher heating rate than water when mixed with
hexane. Because hexane is less dense than both polar phases, it
is located on the top layer of the two layered system and is
heated through conduction and convection while the polar phases
of water and ethylene glycol were heated by microwave radiation.
In the future research, I will use the knowledge of the underlying
heating mechanisms of these non-polar and polar solutions in
order to identify and better understand the underlying heating
mechanisms of emulsions.
83
Extraction and Isolation of Pharmacologically Active
Compounds from the African Chew Stick
Charis J. Dorsey, Spelman College
Dr. Nripendra K. Bose, Spelman College
Quinazoline is a compound composed of two fused six-membered
rings, a benzene ring and a pyrimidine ring(C8H6N2). Medicinally
it has been used in various areas especially as anti-malarial
agents and as well as for the use of cancer treatment. Studies
have shown that when Quinazoline is used in drugs, it can inhibit
EGFR tyrosine kinase by binding to adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
kinase, thus preventing activation of the Ras signal and malignant
cells.
EGFR's, which belong to a protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) family,
catalyze the transportation of phosphate groups from ATP to the
tyrosine residue located in a protein substrate. When over
expression of the EGFR occurs it can cause receptors to activate
without ligands or phosphorylation of some proteins, in which the
signal for cell division is produced. Which results in the over
proliferation of cells that leads to inappropriate activation of antiapoptotic Ras signal transduction cascade and uncontrolled
proliferation.
In this study an attempt will be made to synthesize Quinazoline
which will be tested as EGFR inhibitors for tyrosine kinase, which
in turn can be used in anti-cancer drugs to treat prostate cancer
cells. Using green chemistry methods, a reaction of
Anthranilonitrile and 4-methoxybenzonitrile was exposed to the
CEM Microwave in a solvent less condition by the modified
Niementowski reaction. The end products made were
characterized using various analytical methods such as TLC, IR
Spectroscopy, and testing the melting point. The microwave
induced reactions were carried on in a CEM Discover Microwave
and all chemicals were obtained from Aldrich. Samples were
exposed to irradiation at the microwave's highest power (50W) for
1 minute with various temperatures. Samples were also exposed
Brandon Dever, Shaw University
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Abstracts
to irradiation at the highest power with varying molar ratios of 1
to 1, 1.1 to 1, 1.3 to 1, 1 to 1.1 and 1 to 1.3 respectively.
Microwave studies on the 4-amino-2phenylquinazolines yielded
the best results at 1 to 1.3, at Room Temperature, and at 130ºC.
The end products were isolated by extraction. Melting Point, TLC,
and IR spectra were used for characterization. Almost all of the
Infrared Spectra for 4-amino-2-(4-methoxy) phenylquinazoline
indicated incompletion of the reaction(except at 130ºC,Room
Temperature, and with a 1 to 1.3 molar variation) because of the
presence of characteristic nitiriles around 2260-2220 cm-¹. The
peaks are evident in the IR spectra of the starting products. Thin
Layer Chromatography was done to verify the identities of the
compounds. Melting point analysis showed that a higher yield was
given at room temperature without the use of a catalyst.
In the near future, an attempt will be made to synthesize more
Quinazoline so that more derivatives may be yielded. Once the
proper conditions for the synthesis of various substituted
Quinazolines have been developed they may later be tested for
anti-cancer agents in the yeast cell cultures that will be
developed. These cell cultures will be developed in-vitro inside of
Spelman College's Cancer Biology lab.
Afterwards methods such as gel eltrophoresis, mutagenesis, and
Western Immunoblot will be conducted to determine the presence
of the cancer cells. Once the proper cell culturing has been
conducted the Quinazoline drug that was designed in the former
portion of the research will be inserted to detect the effectiveness
of Quinazoline to operate in Anti-Cancer drugs for Prostate cancer
cells.
85
Effect of Nanoclay Percent Loadings on Polymerization
Brittany Fisher, Morgan State University
Dr. Alvin P. Kennedy, Morgan State University
The focus of this research is to determine the effect of nanoclay
percent loadings on thermal properties and polymerization
processes that occur in real time. With the addition of nanoclay
as a filler to form a nanocomposite, it is possible that the inclusion
of the nanoclay facilitates the formation of the polymer network,
which stems from the molecular geometry of the curing agent and
its interaction with the epoxy and nanoclay.
In addition, this research queries whether the addition of
Nanomer I.28E to a thermoset composed of Epoxy Resin 825 and
4,4-diaminodiphenylsulfone (4,4’DDS) will affect the glass
transition temperature (Tg), polymerization exotherm, and the
extent of reaction of the nanocomposite at various cure times.
Prior research states that the addition of nanoclay to thermosets
can either decrease or increase the Tg of the resulting
nanocomposite, depending on the stoichiometric ratio. Higher Tgs
result in materials with greater strength and higher resistance to
heat.
In this experiment, a Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) will
be used to show how curing of the nanocomposite under a
nitrogen atmosphere at the ideal stoichiometric ratio (2:1) and at
100 degrees Celsius, yields a higher Tg, higher polymerization
exotherm, and a greater extent of reaction when compared to the
curing of the thermoset at the same stoichiometric ratio.
Results of this research have determined that the average Tg,
polymerization exotherm, and extent of cure for the Epon
825/4,4’DDS thermoset and nanocomposite are comparable for
the full cure; however, there is a decrease in the final Tg of the
residual cure for the nanocomposite in comparison to the residual
cure of the thermoset. Future research will include additional
testing of the thermoset and nanocomposite at other
stoichiometric ratios, longer cure times, and various percent
loadings of the nanoclay.
86
Environmental Impacts on Nuclear Reprocessing Solvents
April Gillens, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State
University
Julianna Fessenden, Los Alamos National Laboratory, NM
Nuclear tests have been employed ever since the first nuclear
explosion in Alamogordo, NM during the mid-1940s. Nuclear
weapons pose a threat to civil society and result in extensive
biological (medical) damages. For this reason, treaties banning
nuclear tests and weapons have been employed since the 1960s
to cease proliferation of weapons. However, as nuclear tests
continue in secrecy and actinides, such as plutonium and
uranium, are eligible for theft, nuclear forensics is needed to
prevent weapons proliferation.
In this study, solvents [tributyl phosphate (TBP), dodecane,
decanol] used in reprocessing spent nuclear fuel are analyzed
using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, which provides
indisputable evidence in identifying the operation in which
solvents were used. Solvent samples are observed under variable
conditions in the laboratory for different time periods. It is
assumed that their carbon isotope values (δ13C) will become more
positive (shift heavy) with time.
It is found that the solvents are hygroscopic. TBP leaves the most
robust signature compared to the other solvents studied and the
isotope values for all solvents under all conditions become more
positive with time.
This study serves as primary research in understanding how
solvents behave under variable conditions in the laboratory. The
substrate materials used to contain the samples were small tin
cups.
A great enhancement to this study is to coat solvents onto
laboratory objects (i.e. bench top, glass vials, kimwipes, etc.) to
define solvent signatures in a real-life scenario. However,
methods must be derived so that solvents may be extracted from
substrate material without disturbing its evidence.
87
Membrane Osmometry and Polymer Weight Determination
Sophie Le, South Carolina State University
This report includes an introduction to membrane osmometry. It
defines the utilization of osmotic pressure to determine polymer
molecular weight. Through the osmotic pressure measurements of
stepped concentrated solutions, the number average molecular
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weight is obtained. By applying van't Hoff's law for sufficiently
dilute solutions, this value is acquired through the osmotic
pressure and concentration ratio. This ratio is independent of
concentration and will therefore increase as the concentration is
increased. By comparing the plot of this ratio versus the
concentration and the plot of the square root of the ratio to the
concentration, the correct molecular weight can be projected.
Errors in the measurements will reflect in the subsequent plots.
The experiment proved that proper calibration, conditioning of the
membrane, and degassing solvents for air bubble removal also
attribute to the accuracy of the measurements.
In lieu of polymer chemistry, molecular weight determination has
become a strenuous task. There are several applications, but they
each have their own specified limits. As polymers increase in their
molecular weight, the best method to measure them is meticulous
and not always accurate. Essentially, what works for lower
molecular weights, will not work equivalently for those of larger
value. One particular technique of resolving a polymer's molecular
weight is through the measurement of osmotic pressure.
The objectives of this specific project are to understand the
process of membrane osmometry, as well as learn to operate the
equipment. The Gonotec Osmomat 090 Osmometer operates
through the function of membrane osmometry. Through the
extrapolation of osmotic pressure and concentration ratios, the
molecular weight of the measured polymer solution can be
attained.
The first step that needs to be completed prior to the preparation
of the osmometer is the conditioning of the semi-permeable
membrane. After the membrane has been conditioned properly,
the osmometer cell has to be prepared. Approximately 20mL of
the desired solvent is added to the lower cell half of the
measurement cell via a glass syringe. The next step is to close the
pressure measurement cell. The next step is to install the semipermeable membrane. Once this is performed, the osmometer is
ready for calibration. After being properly calibrated,
measurements may be conducted with the provided (stepped)
polymer concentrations.
Based on the results of the polyacrylic acid and polymethyl
acrylate measurements, the osmometer is deemed operable and
properly functioning. The plots obtained from the ethanolconditioned membrane and polyacrylic acid polymer solution
verified the importance of properly calibrating the equipment. As
the cell constant is too high, the values acquired from the
measurements will be inaccurate, lending to negative values or
values that deviate substantially from the actual molecular weight.
Since there were only two points to look at on the ethanol-run,
the toluene-conditioned membrane was treated differently. As this
was the case, the molecular weights obtained for both runs were
of positive value, but of a 25% margin of error. As the
experimental runs were progressed, the measurements obtained
improved. The reliability of the produced results increased, as the
possibility for error decreased.
The research is an ongoing effort. When a reproducible, precise
molecular weight is obtained from a known polymer, further
research can be conducted with other unknown polymers.
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88
The Symmetry Change in Sol Gel Material
Jennifer Leach, Virginia State University
Jessica B, Nacole K, & Aprint P, Virginia State University
[Co(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenathroline)(H2O)4]2+, [Co(DMP)]2+,
undergoes a change in symmetry from octahedral to tetrahedral
complex upon introduction to sol-gel. The complex binds to inner
pore walls under increasing pH conditions which in turn increases
the Lewis base properties of the interior surface silanol/silonate
groups. The 2,9-dimethyl groups of the 2,9dimethylphenathroline ligand cause the distorted tetrahedral
binding geometry. A titration was performed with the sol-gel/
metal complex doped material. Increased base addition relative to
metal concentration was examined to see its effect on increased
loading and material structure. A literature procedure was
modeled and initial data indicated similar saturation curve profiles.
A 6,6-dimethyl-2,2-dipyridyl ligand was used in place of 2,9dimethylphenathroline to examine similarities in binding behavior.
It was thought that a similar surface binding behavior would occur
because of the presence of the 2,9-dimethyl groups. The spectral
data are compared for these two structurally similar surface
adducts.
89
Progress Towards the Development of Potential Pathogen
Biosensors
Charlee McLean, Morgan State University
Dr. Angela Winstead and Dr. Richard Williams, Morgan State
University
Cyanine dyes are used in various biological applications, such as
fluorescence labeling probe. Cy-5 dyes are currently being used to
detect pathogens but they exhibit fluorescent properties in the
670-710 nm region, this region is subjected to the interference of
other biological molecules and fluorescent probes. Replacement of
the Cy-5 dyes with Cy-7 dyes eliminates this problem because
they fluoresce in the near infra-red region. The objective of this
research is to synthesize water-soluble Cy-7 dyes that will be used
to detect pathogens; these dyes will fluoresce at a longer
wavelength than the Cy-5 dyes.
Initial studies have been conducted towards optimizing the
synthesis of various heptamethine dyes in an efficient time using
Microwave Assisted Organic Synthesis (MAOS). Five symmetric
dyes and one unsymmetric dye were successfully synthesized with
percentage yields ranging from 65% to 84%. The absorbance
spectra ranged in the 780-790 nm region and the 1HNMR spectra
for the dyes concluded that the dyes are significantly clean. The
synthesized symmetric carboxylic dye was converted to its NHSester by a reaction of the dye with N-hydroxy-succinmide and
DCC. The NHS dye complex was used to covalently label the
protein streptavidin. An absorption spectra analysis was
conducted on the protein streptavidin and the protein-dye
complex. An 8:1 molar ratio of dye to protein molecule was
obtained.
The Cy-7 dyes were successfully synthesized using the
microwave, however without the sulfonate groups they are not
water soluble and cannot be used to synthesize biosensor.
Abstracts
Therefore, the synthesis of the indolenium sulfonate salt is
currently being investigated. Future works include the synthesis of
the indolenium sulfonate salt derivatives and using these
derivatives to synthesize water soluble Cy-7 dyes that will be used
to detect pathogens. [This study was supported, in part, by a
grant from NSF-RISE Program 0627276 awarded to Dr. Angela
Winstead *Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, Morgan State
University, Baltimore, MD 21251.]
90
Spectroscopic and Potentiometric Studies of Iron and
Tyrosine in Aqueous Solutions
Samila Meriwether, LeMoyne-Owen College
Yahia Hamada, LeMoyne-Owen College
Tyrosine is an important neurotransmitter. Iron is a known
neurological effector. The purpose of this research is to study the
interactions between Tyrosine and Iron in aqueous solutions at
25°C ± 0.1°C using Potentiometric titrations and UV-Vis
Spectroscopy to mimic the chemistry of the brain in vitro. From
the potentiometeric titrations, we can determine how many
protons are released from the Tyrosine and Iron solutions. After
titrating Iron:Tyrosine in various molar ratios (1:1.16, 1:2.5 and
1:3.8 ratio), we discovered that there were three protons released
in the solution which indicates the interaction to Iron and
Tyrosine. In addition, we have observed changes in the UV-Vis
Spectroscopy pattern between that of the free Iron and that of
Iron and Tyrosine complex. In the future, we will measure the
stability constants using least square refinement method as seen
in the literature [Hamada et al Journal of Coordination Chemistry
Vol. 62 2009].
91
Synthesis of CB2 Receptor Selective Ligands
Andrew Morrison, Savannah State University
Karla-Sue Marriott, Savannah State University
The active components of marijuana and their derivatives are
classified as cannabinoids. To date two cannabinoid receptors
have been discovered and cloned, CB1 and CB2. The CB1
receptors are primarily located in the central nervous system and
activation of this receptor is responsible for the psychoactive
effects of cannabinoids. The CB2 receptor which is located almost
exclusively in tissues of the immune system, hematopoietic cells,
spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes was identified and cloned in
1993.
This project involves the synthesis of a series of CB2 receptor
selective cannabimimetic ligands. We expect to contribute to the
development of a therapeutic pharmacophore for the treatment of
autoimmune diseases associated with long-term space flight. In
long-term space flights astronauts are exposed to deep-space
radiation, microgravity, infectious agents from other crew
members and microbial contamination, all of which have
significant impact on the body's immune system and may
contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases or allergic
reactions. The CB2 cannabinoid receptor which is located almost
exclusively in tissues of the immune system, spleen, tonsils and
lymph nodes is highly suggestive of a CB2 receptor mediated
immunomodulatory effect.
Our immediate goals are to develop and refine synthetic pathways
for the efficient production of CB2 receptor selective ligands as
potential immunotherapeutic agents.
Methods and Results: The proposed synthetic pathway entails the
preparation of a benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid in quantitative yield
from the corresponding commercially available hydroxycoumarin.
Hydroxycoumarin is methylated and subsequently brominated at
position-3 to yield methoxybromocoumarin. The bromocoumarin
undergoes rearrangement in the presence of base to give a
quantitative yield of the benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid.
Benzofuran-2-carboxylic acid is converted to the acyl chloride
using phosphorous pentachloride and then reacted with piperidine
to produce the corresponding amide as the condensation product.
Friedel-Crafts acylation with napthoyl chloride in the presence of a
mild lewis acid catalyst, dimethylaluminum chloride produces the
final target molecule.
Conclusion: We are in the process of developing a synthetic
pathway to potentially novel CB2 receptor selective ligands.
92
The Ion-Exchange Mechanism(s) Revisited - Understanding
the Incorporation of Charged Substances into Human Hair
Jahmelia Outlaw, North Carolina Central University
Saundra F. DeLauder, Ph.D., Marcus M. Moye, and Genese Culp,
Hair as a biological matrix presents a longer window of detection
when compared to other biological matrices such as blood or
urine. In order to understand the mechanism of drug
incorporation, models have been developed and are under study.
In a previous study, dimethyldiazodianiline (DMADA) was
incorporated into various hair types and shown to be a suitable
surrogate for in vitro radiotracer studies.
In this study, it was hypothesized that DMADA may also prove to
be a suitable surrogate for assessing hair permeability through the
exposure of virgin hair to active ingredients in common hair care
preparations at a concentration of 100 mM (sodium hydroxide,
urea, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid, guanidine hydrochloride, and
sodium carbonate, respectively) for 2 hours followed by
neutralization and DMADA incorporation. DMADA incorporation
into hair was determined using Beer's Law, measuring dye
incorporation at lambda max (510 nm) for all hair treatments and
compared to untreated hair as the control. DMADA incorporation
was shown to be a function of base strength and was therefore
aligned with the ion-exchange mechanism proposed by Kidwell
and Blank. DMADA was also shown to be a suitable surrogate for
hair permeability studies.
Future studies will focus on micro-spectroscopic analysis of hair
fibers using IR, Raman and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
These imaging techniques allow one to follow changes in specific
functional group as a function of chemical treatment.
Conference Program
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Abstracts
93
Cyanine Dye Conjugates for Live Cell Imaging
Stanley Oyaghire, Morgan State University
Dr. Angela Winstead, Morgan State University
Dr. Bruce Armitage, Carnegie Mellon University
Cyanine dyes have become widely used in the fields of Biology
and Biotechnology, where they are applied in areas such as flow
cytometry and cell microscopy. Non-symmetrical cyanines are
widely used as stains for nucleic acids because of their
fluorogenicity. Such applications derive from the ability of these
dyes to show significantly improved fluorescence in
conformationally restricted environments such as DNA
intercalation sites.
Constantin et. al synthesized Dimethyl Indole Red(DIR), an
example of a non-symmetric dye that suppresses non-specific
binding to nucleic acids and proteins. While these dyes introduce
specificity, they permit only imaging of "fixed"cells as their
substituents cause electrostatic repulsion against the phosphate
backbone of the cell membrane. Also, synthesis of these dyes
using conventional techniques is known to yield a mixture of both
the symmetric and non-symmetric products.
Herein, we have synthesized a derivative of DIR with ester groups
that induce permeability across the cell membrane. Conjugation of
DIR to a specific RNA aptamer caused a significant increase in dye
fluorescence by restricting rotation about the trimethine bridge.
Synthetic steps involved the quaternization of both heterocycles,
followed by synthesis of the hemicyanine, and finally, the
condensation of the hemicyanine with the complimentary
quaternized heterocycle to obtain the target dye. A mixture of
both the symmetric and non-symmetric dyes was obtained, but
preliminary results, based on synthesis of other non-symmetric
dyes using MAOS, show a preference for the non-symmetric
products. Such methods would be employed in synthesizing the
target dye. We also intend to increase the conjugation of the dye,
extending its emission spectrum to the near infra-red (NIR)
region. Such modification would suppress background
interference from fluorescent proteins within the cell. The
quaternization of the intermediate heterocycles, which posed a
considerable challenge with conventional methods, would also be
explored with MAOS. [This study was supported, in part, by a
grant from NSF awarded to Dr. Bruce Armitage, Department of
Chemistry, Carngie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213.]
94
Decaffeination of Coffee by Activated Charcoal
Ekundayo Platt, Savannah State University
Jovian Lazare, Savannah State University
The objective of this research is to study the effectiveness of
activated charcoal in reducing caffeine in regular coffee. The
common decaffeination process involves the use of volatile
organic solvents in extracting caffeine from coffee. The use of
organic solvents is expensive, and may result in complicated
issues such as environmental pollution, solvent recycling, and
health concerns.
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Conference Program
In this study, we used activated charcoal as adsorption carrier to
reduce (if not completely eliminate) the caffeine content in regular
coffee. Activated charcoal has been frequently used in organic
laboratories in decoloring solutions and removing trace impurities.
It is known that activated charcoal has a high surface area, which
enables high absorption ability towards a variety of compounds.
We hypothesized that the activated charcoal can effectively
absorb caffeine from aqueous solutions, leading the decaffeination
of coffee. We investigated the decaffeination effect by varying the
charcoal/coffee ratio, the adsorption temperature, and the
absorption time. The regular coffee without addition of charcoal
was used as control. The caffeine concentration in coffee was
quantified by the HPLC analysis (monitored at 254 nm).
This study demonstrated that charcoal can effectively remove
caffeine from regular coffee, and the amount of charcoal,
adsorption temperature and time can be optimized to achieve the
best decaffeination. We have shown the possibility of using
charcoal instead of organic solvents for an effective and "green"
reduction of caffeine in coffee. In future, the use of different
types of charcoal can be explored.
95
Diels Alder Reactions in Water
Morgan Price, Spelman College
Organic compounds are not favored to react in water due to their
low solubility. However, there have been recent developments
and findings that water can sometimes be a solvent used in
organic synthesis. We want to explore the option of using water
as a viable solvent because of its eco-friendly behavior.
Exclusively, our interest is exploring a Diels-Alder reaction of furan
and maleic anhydride in water. We have tried both microwave
synthesis and the manual heat of a water bath. We want to prove
which method will give us the highest completion necessary of the
reaction, in order to receive the preferred product.
Our experiment is still in continuation. This study will serve as an
example of green chemistry to be introduced in organic chemistry.
96
Characterization of Polysaccharides
Ebony Thompson, Drexel University
Electrospinning is a method whereby polymer solutions are
discharged from an electrospinner to produce micro-porous,
fibrous mats. These mats are used in various biomedical and
health applications. The mats should be uniform in appearance,
without masses of polymer gathered in the pores, which are
detrimental to the mats performance. The effectuality of the mats
is confined by seven major parameters: conductivity, distance
from nozzle to collector, viscosity of tested solution, initial polymer
concentration, initial jet/orifice diameter, perturbation frequency,
and solvent vapor pressure. These parameters affect the
electrospinnability of the solution (how well the solution
electrospins), as well as the fiber morphology of the mats
(structure of the fiber; whether smooth or rough).
Abstracts
The purpose of this project is to characterize various polymeric
solutions and correlate polymer concentration in solution to
conductivity. Several solutions containing different concentrations
of cationic, anionic and neutral polysaccharides were made in
various solvents and their conductivities were tested with an
Oakton© conductivity meter.
Results primarily demonstrated that the solutions with higher
concentrations of ionic polymer were more conductive. This
information will next be correlated to the solutions
electrospinnability to elucidate the significant role conductivity
plays in electrospinning ionic polymer solutions.
97
Progress Toward the Synthesis of Cyano Cyanine Dye
Deveine Toney, Morgan State University
Angela Winstead, Morgan State University
Cyanine dyes can be used in many different areas such as
nonlinear optics, chemotherapy, and live cell imaging. These dyes
have the capability to detect cancer at its earliest stages.
However, in some cases, cyanine dyes used in these studies tend
to photobleach in light. The addition of an α-cyano group to the
cyanine dyes can improve the photostability of the dye1.
Incorporating an α-cyano group causes synthetic challenges due
to electron withdrawal. Previous studies utilized the reflux
method to make α-cyano cyanine dyes which reacted for 36 hour
in a sealed tube with a 53% yield. Microwave assisted organic
synthesis (MAOS) was used in our research to determine whether
this method is more effective than the reflux method.
The main purpose of this research is to synthesize cyano cyanine
dyes using MAOS. Methybenzothiazole acetonitrile was treated
with iodoethane to synthesize the salt precursors for cyano
cyanine dyes. The synthesis were conducted at temperatures
ranging from 120˚C-170˚C, hold times ranging from 20 minutes
to 90 minutes, and mole ratios ranging from 1:3.5-1:4. A 125°C
temperature, 90 minute hold time and a 1:3.5 mole ratio gave a
maximum of 43% yield. H1 NMR data confirmed the synthesis of
the target product. When using the reflux method, a 53% yield
was obtained while a 43% yield was obtained using MAOS.
Although the percent yield when using the reflux method is
slightly higher than MAOS, the time it takes to synthesize the
product decreased significantly.
C OMPUTER S CIENCES & I NFORMATION
M ANAGEMENT
98
Visually Effective Information Visualization of Large Scale
Data in Transportation
Brad Bailey, Virginia State University
Dr. Giti Javidi, Virginia State University
The importance of information visualization is increasingly being
recognized as an essential element of “Context Sensitive Design”
which places visualization as an important research area in
information management. Researchers attest to the emergence
of visualization as a core research area in computer and
information science, transportation system planning, engineering
design, public involvement, and system evaluation.
Information visualization is becoming a powerful new tool to help
transportation engineers support for design and construction
projects that are critical to improving public infrastructure. While
rapidly becoming a viable technology within the transportation
field, there is much to be done about the effective application of
visualization in its various forms due to the increasingly large
volume of data. Therefore, this study will present a systematic
approach to investigate the current visualization techniques and
adapt the most feasible approach to visualize and analyze very
large volume of actual highway accident data to help enhance
highway safety. Visual representations of the data will take
advantage of the human eye to allow us to see, explore, and
understand and interpret large amounts of transportation data at
once and make recommendations for improvements accordingly.
This study will also provide a review of the current and future
application of visualization in transportation technologies and their
integration within the overall notion of context-sensitive design
and public involvement. The use of computer image generation
technologies within the transportation field will aid the user
communities to visualize better the essential elements of
transportation data.
99
Using Vision To Make Robots More Versatile
Alvin Barton, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Jessie Walker, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
This research was conducted to develop a system that could
recognize thresholds such as corners and doorways, or sharp drop
-off like the edge of a staircase, and measure the proximity and
disparity of those thresholds to the robotic agent using only vision
to allow the robot to be more aware of its surroundings and
secure.
This research was conducted with a human controlled mobile tank
style robotic agent equipped with flippers that would enable it to
climb staircases and deal with other obstructions. The raw data is
collected purely through an optical sensor that is able to generate
a very dense point cloud that can be used to produce a three
dimensional image of its surroundings. Using filtered data from
the point cloud we attempted to created an algorithm with the
ability to specifically detect those edges or lines that would
represent a corner or entrance to a corridor and falling edges that
would exhibit themselves as a danger to the robot, cargo, or
people. When this algorithm was combined with other programs
used to control the movements of the robot, it proved to enable
the robot to almost exclusively recognize the lines it was designed
to.
We hope to perfect and apply this to fully autonomous versions of
the robot in the future in order to aid in its navigation and
versatility. In a broader scope this research would also serve as
an example to society that important safety issues in close or
direct human-computer interaction can be satisfied.
Conference Program
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Abstracts
100
Information Visualization: The Visual Display of Quantitative
Data
Glenn Burton, Virginia State University
Information visualization involves creating a visual representation
of abstract information and allowing manipulation of this
representation to facilitate exploration and insight. Information
visualization systems support visual information seeking by
providing both overviews of large amounts of complex data and
the means to zoom, filter, and gain details on demand. Data
graphics visually display measured quantities by means of
combined use of points, lines, a coordinate system, numbers,
symbols, words, shading and color.
In this study we demonstrate the use of visualization techniques
to help people discover meaning in the massive amount of data.
This study will provide examples using several large volume data
generated during sporting events to demonstrate a) the methods
for analyzing and communicating statistical information and b) the
power of well-designed data graphics. The rational for using
sporting data is that there has been little substantial application of
information visualization to sports statistics. Information
visualization can contribute to the three major, high revenue
sports (American football, baseball, and basketball) in the United
States.
While researching, it was decided to use stats of different teams
for an entire football season. There will be large volume of data
used because of the length of the season which is sixteen games
long and yardage accumulated throughout the season.
This study will compare and contrast the stats of different teams
through out the regular season. In comparing the data it will
show how team stats affect the win and loss standings of each
team and it determines whether the team could make it to the
playoffs to compete for the championship.
101
Prepositioning of Emergency Supplies: A Strategy for
Effective Disaster Response
Perpetue Cadet, Johnson C. Smith University
Brittany Bounthon and Dr. Soumia Ichoua, Johnson C. Smith
University
In this project, we consider the problem of pre-positioning of
emergency supplies that takes place prior to a disaster onset. The
goal is to assure a good disaster response. In this problem, a set
of distribution centers must be placed to cover the demand in
emergency supplies of populations located in a given geographical
area.
Two linear programming models are used to formulate the
problem. Decisions variables include the number and locations of
the distribution centers; and whether the demand of each
population is covered or not. In the first model, the objective
function maximizes the total demand covered. In the second
model, the objective function minimizes total costs to establish
the distribution centers in order to cover at least a certain
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Conference Program
percentage of total demand. The two models are solved using the
excel solver. Tests were performed on small problems using
populations representing the most populated cities in six states
and/or territories.
In the first model, it was found that two distribution centers
would cover the total demand. In the second model, it was found
that more distribution centers would increase the total demand
covered but at larger costs. In the future, we plan to use the
commercial optimization software Cplex to solve larger problems
representing the fifty states and to account for more real-life
conditions.
[This study was supported by a grant from The Department of
Homeland Security awarded to Jackson State University and the
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to establish the Center
for Natural Disasters, Coastal Infrastructure, and Emergency
Management.]
102
Informatics to Improve Clinical Brain Magnetic Resonance
Spectroscopy
Kenta Caldwell, Langston University & University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center
D. H. Wu, PhD, Department of Radiological Sciences, University of
Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Objective: Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) Imaging is a
clinical imaging technique that radiologists use to gain information
about biological chemicals in the body, in this case the brain. In
this particular project, MRS images from brain cancer patients
were collected from several research papers for an informatics
meta-analysis; furthermore, from these sources, a Meta-analysis
will be conducted for brain tumors. The primary goal of this
project was to standardize information from different sources and
to provide standardized information to differentiate between
different glioma grades.
Methods: Our lab has developed specialized software to extract
metabolite information from several MRS images. We used
specialized informatics software designed in the lab to go through
all of the relevant articles, which are available in PubMed, to
extract metabolite information from several MRS images in goal to
create standardized information to many different types of brain
tumors.
Result: Informatics Methodology provides better information for
clinicians to evaluate our clinical MRS exams.
Conclusions: We created Confidence intervals for Brain Glioma
MRS Data. This information was useful in improving our clinical
services as it was able to provide us with the baseline
expectations from the literature which will help us compare our
results with these baselines.
103
Parallel Algorithms and High Performance Computing with
Multi-Core Machines
Cedric Carter, North Carolina A&T State University and Indiana
University
Abstracts
Over the last decades, communication technologies have grown
exponentially for computer systems. One reason of this
occurrence is to process large chucks of data, Gigabytes,
Terabytes, and Petabytes of data in a short amount of time. One
technique used for this process is to develop programs in parallel
with using MPI. MPI, Message Passing Interface, is a library
specification for message-passing, proposed as a standard by a
broadly based committee of vendors, implementers, and users.
For technical computing, MPI has displaced most other messagepassing systems. For a comparison of MPI and PVM, see "Why are
PVM and MPI So Different", by William Gropp and Ewing Lusk
(The Fourth European PVM - MPI Users' Group Meeting).
One application or process a programmer can develop is to
multiply two square matrices. More commonly, to program a
matrix multiplication application, you will have to use a threenested loop. But what if a person wanted to multiply huge data
sets that may include multiplying two square matrices that have
one-thousand elements or one-million elements? One can imagine
the process my take some time to compute. There are solutions
to answer that question; one answer is to use Fox's Algorithm.
The fox's algorithm is a matrix multiply algorithm that uses a sub
matrix block cyclic data distribution. The algorithm itself divides
and separates the matrix into sub matrices and loads the sub
matrices into process on a multi processed computer and
multiplies the two matrices in parallel. Parallelism is having two
are more process running at the same time. This technique
reduces the time to compute and multiply matrices.
104
Improved Classification of Segments of E. coli DNA into
Promoter and Non-Promoter Categories
Sara Rebeca Danaher, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix,
VI
Stuart Ketcham, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Croix, VI
Marc Boumedine, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, VI
Promoters are the sections of DNA to which RNA polymerase first
binds before starting transcription of each gene. Promoters are
critically important, because they vary from gene to gene and
influence the regulation of genes, that is, influence which genes
will be turned on and which will be turned off at any given time.
The most accurate method of identifying promoters is via
biological experiments, but biological experiments can be
prolonged and expensive. As a result, researchers would like to
find a more efficient method to recognize promoters, for example,
inductive machine learning classification.
In general, this process uses three methods, in the following
sequence: feature extraction from a "training set" of data,
classifier building using one of many possible algorithms, and
classifier testing using a "testing set" of data.
Another research group has applied this approach to the
classification of segments of E. coli DNA, previously known to be
either promoters or not promoters, into promoter and nonepromoter categories. The segments known to not be promoters
served as control segments. The features previously used for
classification were the frequencies of occurrence of the 16 types
of dinucleotides in each DNA segment. Using a neural network
classification algorithm, 78% of the sequences were classified
correctly.
The goal of the present study is to test the hypothesis that by
using the same methods, but replacing the neural network with
other classification algorithms, one could obtain a greater
percentage of correctly classified DNA segments. In our research,
using either the inductive machine learning C4.5 decision tree
algorithm or naive Bayes algorithm implemented in WEKA, led to
a result of correct classification rates of 82% or 84%,
respectively.
These results are slight improvements over previous classification
rates and suggest inductive machine learning could effectively
assist biologists to more rapidly identify previously unknown
promoters in the future. Future studies will compare use of
different classification algorithms provided by WEKA and examine
other DNA data sets. [This work was partially funded by NSF
HBCU-UP Grant # HRD -0506096 awarded to the University of the
Virgin Islands.]
105
Shibboleth Federation Technologies
Jan Durand, Grambling State University
Security is an essential aspect to consider in the provision of
resources over a network (e.g. the Internet). As such, security is
usually provided in the form of some security credential, namely a
password which is used to protect unauthorized access to
accounts. This security mechanism is implemented by basically all
service providers on the web including gmail.com, facebook.com,
hotmail.com and yahoo.com. This password scheme does help to
protect users accounts however, password management can
become a problem when dealing with multiple accounts,
sometimes all having different passwords. Single Sign-On systems
(Shibboleth) offer a solution to this password problem by allowing
an authoratative entity (identity provider) to assert a user's
identity to inquiring service providers. Essentially, this allows a
user to login only once to an identity provider and be able to
access the multitude of their accounts without having to re-supply
login credentials i.e. a username and password.
As part of my internship I used the Shibboleth Single Sign-On
system, an open-source, standards-based system which supports
inter- and intra-organizational access of resources via federationbased trust and user attribute exchange, to create an identity
provider and service provider. I also documented the setup
process and experimented with communication between the two
entities addressing such topics as attribute exchange, using PKI as
an authentication method, and using a discovery service. In
addition, I modified the Twiki web application to use Shibboleth
authentication, and I modified a certificate authority to accept
Shibboleth authentication and issue a short-term X.509 certificate
based on the user attributes received from the identity provider.
106
Implementation of Binary Trees Using Binary Codes
Pervis Fly, Jackson State University
Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan, Jackson State University
Conference Program
A73
Abstracts
The depth of a binary tree is typically determined using recursion,
which involves traversing the tree to find the depth of the left
subtree and the right subtree and adding 1 (the depth of the root
node) to the largest depth of the two subtrees. The run-time
complexity for such a tree traversal is O(n) where n is the number
of nodes in the tree.
Our proposed implementation for binary trees has a O(1) run-time
complexity to determine the depth of the tree as well as ancestordescendant relationships. We use binary codes (0 and 1) to
identify each node of the tree. The root node of the tree is
assigned the code 0. Child nodes are assigned a code that
corresponds to the code of the parent node concatenated with a
binary value of 0 if that value is not taken or with a value of 1 if
the value 0 is taken.
Thus, the child nodes of root node 0 will have binary codes of 00
and 01 respectively and the child nodes of 00 will have binary
codes of 000 and 001 respectively. With this implementation, the
depth of the binary tree is simply the maximum number of digits
found in the bottommost leaf node of the tree. If the bottommost
leaf node has a value of 001011, then the depth of the tree is six,
the number of digits that this code holds. For any two nodes I and
J, if the binary code of node I is the same as the leftmost digits of
the binary code of node J, then node J is said to be a descendant
of node I. For example, if 00001 and 0000101 are the binary
codes of two nodes I and J respectively, since the binary code of
node I (00001) is the same as the 5 leftmost digits of the binary
code of node J, node J is said to be a descendant of node I. The
programming language used for this implementation is C++.
We also determine the maximum number of nodes that can be
automatically created before the program aborts. We created a
chain of nodes, where in there is only one child for each node. In
this case, the depth of the tree equals the number of nodes in the
tree. When each node is assigned a name (Node1, Node2, etc.),
the number of nodes created before the program aborted in 27.23
seconds is 33,550. However, when each node is not assigned a
name, this number increases to 76,450 and the tree is created in
14.45 seconds.
As future work, we will extend our implementation to trees with
more than two children per node (e.g., file directories) and to
directed acyclic graphs (e.g., phylogenetic trees).
107
Study of Radio Communication Devices in CubeSats
Lerond Freeman, South Carolina State University
CubeSats offer a unique opportunity to get small satellite payloads
into space. They are extremely popular as an educational tool at
universities and are becoming more used by government
agencies. A standardized deployment system allows multiple
CubeSats to be launched together, piggy-backing on a rocket
which is launching larger spacecraft. This provides a cheap, rapid
opportunity to deploy flight hardware into low earth orbit (LEO).
Number of factors (environment and others) affect this
deployment process and must be addressed to ensure an effective
deployment.
propagation distance, antenna pointing, and sky noise, during a
typical satellite pass. Conventional approaches to radio design can
result in reliable communication, but also serves as a limitation
due to the dynamic link. Conventional radios do not take
advantage of the times when extra signal power is available thus
causing a constant small data rate. Developing a radio that would
detect and adapt to changing channel conditions, fully exploiting
the dynamic channel, will increase the data rate significantly when
that extra signal power is available. The result would be an
improvement in the efficiency of small satellite radios.
Experimentation took place to produce the results expected from
implementing an adaptive radio on a CubeSat. Using a software
called Satellite Tool Kit (STK), the team was able to create files
that took user input such as orbital latitude/inclination, ground
station latitude, altitude, and elevation angle. STK then produced
the results which showed how many times the satellite passed the
ground station and the changes in data such as altitude and
elevation angle during those passes.
The file was imported into excel then Matlab to be used to
perform further calculations and create graphs and scenario files
to be implemented with the hardware. The scenario file was
loaded into the adaptive transmitter which communicated to the
adaptive receiver. The results showed a significant increase in the
rate that data was transferred. This experience helped me a lot
to broaden my understanding of satellite communication and
application software programs.
108
Reducing Power Consumption of LAN Networking Devices
Sean Golash, University of the District of Columbia
Nicca Lewis, University of the District of Columbia
As the ever-growing demand for more efficient products rises, we
need to look at the energy consumption of everyday networking
usage. "Green Computing" is the study and practice of using
computing resources efficiently. The goal is to reduce the use of
hazardous materials and maximize energy efficiency during the
lifecycle of a computing resource, as well as to promote of
recycling and biodegradation of waste products. Networking is
one of the most crucial points for energy saving, for it is in the
highest demand. If we can reduce the amount of energy
expended by everyday networking devices such as Network
Interface Cards, Routers, Firewalls, and so forth, we can help
reduce the amount of carbon emissions and the usage of fossil
fuels, and extend the life of the components used.
We measured the energy used during HTTP transfers, FTP
transfers, streaming, and scanning using several applications for
each. We ran three tests for each application and averaged the
results. To establish a baseline showing how much energy was
being consumed without any other applications running, we
installed a "clean system." Specifically, we installed XP
Professional, Vista Business, and Windows Server 2003 without
changing any settings, with the one exception of disabling the
UAC (User Access Control) in Vista, to prevent interference with
our test results. We were thus able to compare the energy
usage of the three operating systems as well as that of the
various applications.
The LEO-to-ground radio link is highly dynamic. This is due to the
large changes, relative to a stationary ground station, in signal
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Conference Program
Abstracts
From the empirical results obtained, the following is deduced: The
amount of energy used when transferring files or watching
streaming video based on the averages of the data collected is
between 2.0 ~ 4.0 Watts. FTP transfers consume the most
energy. WS_FTP uses between 4.0 ~ 5.5 Watts and CuteFTP only
uses approximately 3 Watts. The wireless scanner consistently
used the least energy.
The amount of energy being used varies with how quickly the
data is transferred and the OS. Windows Vista uses far more
energy than XP, except in wireless scanning.
In the next stage we will be taking a different approach towards
producing web traffic with things such as auto loading pages after
X number of seconds (using META tags), having various media
types in the pages (flash, audio, pictures, etc.).
The total amount of energy used to run and maintain a network
will be further looked into. We will be monitoring traffic as it flows
from the servers to the clients. We will have a fixed size network
and run the tests first with no internet connection and then again
with an internet connection.
109
IFP SIAP: Instrument Flight Procedure Standard Instrument
Approach Procedures
Rochelle Howard, Langston University
Julie Morgan, Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma City, OK
In today's fast paced society, traveling by air is one of the most
popular ways to commute long distances. The Federal Aviation
Administration's (FAA) mission is to provide the most secure and
reliable aerospace system in the world. This mission is able to
become a reality through strategically set up departments. Within
the National Aeronautical Navigation Services (AeroNav Services),
the Production Integration Team aids in the design, development
and maintenance of application/software services. These software
are used in the standard development, evaluation, and
certification of airspace systems, as well as instrument flight
procedures (IFP).
Among the existing software is the standard instrument approach
procedure (SIAP). Along with 6 other data specific software, SIAP
can be accessed through web services within the FAA. Due to
changes in criteria, releases have to be planned and tested to the
software. As with any product it must be properly tested before it
is released to its users.
To ensure releases meet user needs and does not impact
production the software goes through two different phases of
testing: Alpha testing and Beta testing. Alpha testing is done by
the project manager (PM) and select members of his team, and
Beta testing is done by users who are familiar with the software.
Proper testing is extremely important. For example, if pilots use
improperly tested software it could potentially result in a plane
crash.
The ultimate goal of testing is to produce a product with the
highest level of customer satisfaction (safety). Testers, both
Alpha and Beta, follow a test script that is made by the PM to test
the software. A test script is a step by step "script" that testers
use when they test the software for anything that conflicts with
the specified criteria change. The PM composes a variety of test
scripts that way every different change is tested. Each test script
can either reveal that everything is in working condition, pass, or
there is a defect, fail. If it passes it is recorded and testers move
on with the next text script, if it does not it is recorded and is
reworked and retested.
Out of the thirty test scripts completed, twenty nine ended with a
passing result. The one that failed has to now be reworked and
retested. Future work will comprise of properly testing the failed
test script and any other test scripts that may fail in future
testing.
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Hurricane Visualization Project
Iris Jones, Johnson C. Smith University
Hurricane Charley originated from a tropical wave and developed
into a tropical depression. The depression strengthened to a
tropical storm in the eastern Caribbean, and became a hurricane
on the August 11 near the coast of Jamaica. The hurricane turned
northeastward and accelerated toward the southwest coast of
Florida as it began to intensify rapidly; making landfall with
maximum winds near 150 M.P.H. Hurricane Charley unexpectedly
strengthened to a category 4 storm as it made landfall in Florida
on August 13, 2004. Miscommunication of the storm’s severity
resulted in billions in damage, as Charley rapidly intensified into
the most powerful storm to hit Florida since 1992.
Research addressed the question, "How can we visualize the
Multivariate Time-Varying data and reveal data relations on 3D
space?" Research included review of relevant multivariate timevarying visualization papers, development of a program to access
and manipulate the scientific data, and the production of
preliminary visualization results. The project consisted of
visualizing natural disasters, specifically data from a simulation of
Hurricane Charley in 2004. The experimental design model
included 81 variables, such as wind direction/pressure,
temperature, and speed. This project also involved time-varying
data, factoring in 3-D data changes occurring over time.
Results consisted of acquired skills in utilization of visualization
tools and visualization techniques. Future work will concentrate on
using statistical methods with current MVTV visualization
techniques to extract interesting features of the data (rapid
intensification) of Hurricane Charley.
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Estimating the Distribution of CO2 in the Indian Ocean
Kadarice Joyce, Mississippi Valley State University
Thaddeus Fairely, Mississippi Valley State University
The distribution of CO2 parameters in the ocean is important for
understanding the fate of anthropogenic carbon emission and its
effects on global climate change. Among the four essential
parameters, pH, alkalinity (TA), pCO2, and total inorganic carbon
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(Tco2), any two of them are sufficient to fully define the aquatic
CO2 system. Traditionally, each CO2 parameters has to be
determined using either field sampling or in situ sensors which are
inefficient. As a result, temporal and spatial variations of CO2
system are poorly understood. Recently, linear correlations
between CO2 parameters and temperature, salinity, and
concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and particulate
organic carbon (POC) of various surface waters have been
developed (Lohronze and Cai 2006, Berryman et al. 2007, Small
and Reid 2007, Yuan 2009).
Since sea surface temperature (SST) can be determined from
satellite sensors, concentrations of DOC and POC can be
estimated from satellite data, and the satellite sensor for sea
surface salinity will be launched soon, these correlations will
enable estimation of global distribution of CO2 parameters from
satellite data.
We have tested these linear equations by predicting CO2
parameters from sea surface temperature and salinity along cruise
transects in the Indian Ocean. We have compared our prediction
with field measurements of CO2 parameters and evaluated the
potential of these linear equations for estimating CO2 parameters.
The final research paper presents our final results, which shows
which formula could possibly be future ways of estimating the
distribution of CO2.
112
Probability of Connectivity and Coverage in a Grid Network of
Wireless Nodes
Michael Matthews, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan, Jackson State University
We present a simulation based analysis on the probability of
connectivity between any two grid points in a grid network of
wireless nodes. The probability of connectivity (pconn) is evaluated
as a function of the node density, transmission range per node,
grid block length and the dimensions of the grid.
The simulation methodology used to determine the pconn value for
a pair of grid points is as follows: We distribute a given number of
wireless nodes, each operating with a fixed transmission range,
over a grid network of specific block length. We run the Dijkstra
shortest path algorithm to determine a path between the two grid
points through zero, one or more of the deployed wireless nodes
as intermediate nodes. We say the iteration is “Successful” if we
can find a path between the two grid points. We again
redistribute the wireless nodes and run the Dijkstra algorithm to
find a path between the same pair of grid points. This procedure
is repeated for 1000 iterations and the pconn value is the number
of successful iterations divided by 1000.
We introduce a scale called the Probability of Connectivity Grading
(PCG) Scale to illustrate and analyze the probability of
connectivity observed in the simulations. The PCG Scale ranks the
connectivity of a network into three classes depending on the
pconn value observed: Grades A (pconn ≥ 0.9), B (0.4 ≤ pconn < 0.9)
and C (pconn < 0.4). For fixed values of node density, we identify
the minimum transmission per node required for a particular
grade of connectivity. Similarly, for fixed values of transmission
range per node, we identify the minimum number of nodes
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required to obtain a particular grade of connectivity in a grid
network. The proposed PCG scale, the simulation methodology
and the results presented can be useful for any wireless service
provider in the telecommunication industry.
As an extension to the above research, we also compute the
probability of coverage in grid-based wireless sensor networks.
For grid networks of different block lengths (but the same total
area), we identify the minimum number of sensors required to be
uniform-randomly distributed to probabilistically cover each grid
block.
All of the above research was conducted as part of the Summer
2009 REU program at Jackson State University. Dr. Natarajan
Meghanathan was the principal mentor of the student Mr. Michael
Matthews for all of these research activities.
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Ares Risk and Knowledge Management
Gabrielle Meeks, Mississippi Valley State University
Risk and Knowledge Management help improve design and
planning of vehicles under the Constellation program. As the Ares
rockets are designed, there is a need evaluate the risks associated
with the design, building and launch of the vehicles. A description
of each risk and the threat it poses to the Ares rockets is stored in
the Integrated Risk Management Application (IRMA) database.
This database also includes a mitigation plan for resolving the risk
and a schedule for when the resolution should be reached. Each
mitigation plan is analyzed to ensure that it is being executed as
scheduled.
Although each risk stored in IRMA does not have a plan for
improvement, mitigation plans are also developed for these risks.
Knowledge Management (KM) involves capturing and
disseminating information that is generated through exchanges
between team members at the completion of milestones or
activities. Like Risk Management, this information is used for
process improvement, issue resolution, and informed decisionmaking. I developed a prototype for the Ares Knowledge
Management Website which will serve as a means for
communicating this information for Ares team members and
others. The Ares KM Website site will allow access to and
understanding of the tools, techniques, and documentation
relative to KM.
114
Simulation of an Air Traffic Environment
Jalissa Miles, Bowie State University
Dr. Darsana Josyula, Fassil Molla, Michelle Snowden, and James
Unterreiner, Bowie State University,
Our research project involves the creation of an air traffic control
(ATC) environment as a self-regulated learning system capable of
using metacognition to determine when to switch between or
develop new landing strategies in order to be effective in a
dynamic environment. The simulator has two major components,
the ATC which monitors all air traffic within a specified radar
range and directs aircraft toward available approach paths, and
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the aircraft themselves which fly toward the ATC location once
they are spawned. The application utilizes a client/server
architecture over a TCP/IP connection with each plane acting as a
client and the ATC as the server. The graphical user interface
represents a 10,000 by 10,000 unit square with the ATC at its
center and its radar range represented as a square surrounding it.
The aircraft are spawned randomly in any region outside the
ATC's radar range and each flight is assigned a unique ID upon
initial contact with the ATC after spawning.
The aircraft's initial flight path is determined using the ATC's
location as its initial goal. All aircraft outside of the ATC's radar
range fly under their own guidance until they cross into the area
at which point they begin to circle until the ATC assigns a landing
path and communicates these instructions. Currently, there are
three landing strategies applied through a GUI interface that the
user may utilize: nearest terminal, free terminal, and queued
terminal. Nearest terminal strategy is once a plane crosses the
radar region it is then sent to the closest approach path; all other
planes must circle until the path becomes available again. Free
terminal strategy sends the plane to the closest path that is not in
use, but if all paths are in use planes must circle until a path
becomes unoccupied. Queued terminal strategy is when the ATC
queues up to 5 planes for one approach path and they all
approach together. To ensure the safety of each plane the ATC
calculates an appropriate speed so each plane can keep a safe
distance. In addition, we are adding to the simulator various
supervised-learning algorithms including a back propagation
neural network and the data mining algorithms in the open-source
Weka API. Now that we have the testbed created we will be
testing the effectiveness of these and other learning algorithms as
well as our metacognitive component's ability to monitor for
expectation violations and recommend actions the ATC should
take to improve its efficiency.
115
Enhancing a Computer's Performance via the Hardware
Stephanie Moore, Alabama State University
Following a short narration of the history of large scale
computation, and architectural classification of the various
currently available parallel machines, there was a study about
new approaches that must be taken independent from the
breakthroughs in present device technology, but rather on
imaginative application of skills of computer architect.
In this study we resorted to a series of design techniques to
overcome present limitations that are fastly approaching the limits
of optical resolution. Obvious approaches under study are related
to the hardware design including pipelining and parallelism. For
the purpose of speeding up the fetch-decode-execute cycle,
instruction-level-parallelism and instruction-level-pipelining were
studied. Vectorization and super-pipelining, a combination of
super-scalar and pipelining, in addition to VLIW were studied.
116
Privacy Risks by Selecting Online Vendors: An Investigation
Octavia Nelson, Talladega College
Syed Raza and Dr. Leonard Cole, Talladega College
The Internet has become popular for numerous activities such as
looking for information, romance, connecting with friends and
family, banking, and especially online shopping. Online shopping
is easy and less time consuming. It is hypothesized that, using
online vendors may open shoppers to privacy risks and raise
concerns on the protection of personal information.
Privacy is the ability of an individual or group to seclude one's
self, or information, about themselves and thereby reveal their
information selectively. Consumers are willing to give their name,
address, telephone number, and credit card number during online
purchasing, which may lead to privacy risks and concerns for
consumers.
This study investigated privacy risks that affect consumers when
using online vendors. This research utilized three strategies to
determine selected groups of individuals' knowledge on privacy
risks associated with online shopping.
The strategies were: 1) A survey of staff, faculty, and students
eighteen years of age or older was conducted; 2) A comparison
of four different online vendors' privacy policies were analyze to
determine whether the information stated could easily be
understood; 3) A table was developed to show different privacy
risks associated with purchasing from online vendors.
This investigation resulted in the development of a table depicting
four online vendors' privacy policies. The information collected has
not been shared with consumers to determine whether it will
affect the way they shop online.
Future research includes sharing the information with consumers
and getting their responses. It is anticipated that a non-profit
online privacy agent will be established to aid associated with
online shopping. [This study was supported by NSF/HBCU-Up
Grant# HRD-0811157, Talladega College, Talladega, AL 35160.]
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Algorithmic Programming on Linux Inside of Windows
Ve' Lita Parker, Alabama State University
Timothy Holland, Alabama State University
There is a superabundance of programming languages
pedagogically needed in an academic environment to provide
hands-on experience to demonstrate and investigate the
properties and morphology of various algorithms. However,
software to compile (or interpret) these languages can be
exorbitantly expensive and may not work on the same machine or
operating system.
One possible solution is to use the open source programming
languages under the Linux operating system or the Cygwin sudooperating system provided by cygwin.com. Linux is an open
source version of UNIX whereas Cygwin is an emulation of Linux
under the Microsoft's NT file system (NTFS). On most academic
computers, it would not be feasible to install Linux and Windows
on the same machine under different partitions of the hard drive
as a dual boot option for selecting the operating system to load.
The method used to install of Linux onto windows will be through
the usages of a virtual machine that can be access from a
windows icon on the desktop. This method will allow the
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preservation of the host machine's partition where the virtual
operating system will be a single file on the host machine. When
the virtual machine is no longer needed, it can be simply removed
by deleting the file. In this demonstration the specific virtual
operating system will be installed on windows from a Live Ubuntu
9.04 CD using an interface from windows called VirtualBox
(www.virtualbox.org). After the minimalistic Ubuntu OS is
installed, the programming languages can be subsequently
installed using the apt-get download facility. It is beyond the
preview of this project to download all the programming, markup,
and scripting languages provided by Ubuntu. This project will
focus on a subset of major languages such as Latex, C++, Java,
Scheme, Cobol, FORTRAN, Ada, and Perl.
The end result is a machine that can not only run all of windows'
programs but can run all the open source application provided by
Linux. The functionality of the downloaded languages will be
tested by writing a simple 'Hello World' code for each language
which will be compiled and executed. In conclusion, most
programming languages that can be purchased are provided free
by the Free Software Foundation and the Open Source Initiative
organization which includes Linux. Future research involves using
one machine to distributed the compilers on all the machines on
the local network.
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Software-enabled Control of Autonomous Vehicles
Tavaris Payton, Talladega College
Dr. Jeff Gray, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Robots offer vital capabilities for the advancement of life and
finding solutions to its burdens, as well as living the luxuries of life
itself. They have been used in military, surgical, and more basic
operations, such as operating a vehicle or a cellular device.
Currently, commercial and industrial robots are in widespread use
performing jobs cheaper and more accurately than humans.
Robots are also employed for jobs that are too dirty, dangerous,
or tedious to be suitable for humans.
This research focused on software-enabled control of autonomous
robots, which perform desired tasks in unstructured environments
without continuous human guidance. The specific focus of this
research is to design software program that can allow a robot to
navigate through various obstacles and challenges to reach a
goal, similar to the goal of the DARPA Grand Challenge. This
research also motivates the desire for autonomous vehicles and
describes a solution toward automated navigation through an
obstacle course.
In preparation for this project, several preliminary projects and
experiments were performed on the robot in order to become
familiar with the robot's capabilities, and the languages needed to
program it. During the experimentation stages of programming
the robot, the most beneficial project was the self parking car.
This program was designed to tell a robot when it had enough
space to park itself in a parallel position. Various programming
methods were investigated from this particular task which helped
to develop the programming strategies needed to design the
obstacle avoidance algorithm. [This study was supported by NSF/
HBCU-Up Grant# HRD-0811157, Talladega College, Talladega, AL
35160.]
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Running X-Score with Autodock Output
Laboni Sarker, Claflin University
To find the binding affinity between a protein and a ligand using X
-Score, the ligand has to be docked with the target protein.
In this project, docking tools Autodock version-4 has been used
to find the docking pose. Inputs to Autodock are a protein and a
ligand with atom and bond information. Output from Autodock is
the docked ligand without hydrogen and bond information. On the
other hand, inputs to X-Score are a protein and a docked ligand
with hydrogen and bond information. So, Autodock output cannot
be used as the input to X-Score directly. This project presents the
details of how to resolve this problem by adding hydrogen and
bond information back to the docked ligand.
Three software packages namely- Autodock, Open Babel, and XScore are used in this project. Target protein Cox-1 and 25
ligands from DUD (Database of Useful Decoys) database are used
for experiment. A Perl Script is developed to process the output of
Autodock so that it can be used as the input to X-Score.
The experimental setup, developed in the present work, can be
used to identify candidate drug molecules from ZINC database if a
target protein for a disease is known. The setup can also be used
to check the performance of a newly developed scoring function.
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Metadata and Ontologies for Describing Learning Resources
Denita Snow, Winston-Salem State University
Dr. Darina Dicheva, Winston-Salem State University
One of the recent trends in the Internet today is its
transformation from an information space into a social space
termed Social Web, or Web 2.0. Examples of Social Web sites
include Facebook, collaborative tagging systems, internet forums,
message boards, weblogs, podcasts, pictures and video. The
purpose of the Social Web is to enhance creativity, information
sharing, and what is most important, collaboration among users.
Social Web is an open global distributed data sharing network
similar to today's Web, except instead of linking only documents,
the Social Web will link people, organizations, and concepts.
Another recent web development is the Semantic Web. The term
"Semantic Web" encompasses ideas, standards, technologies and
efforts to build a new web architecture that enhances content
with formal semantics (well-defined meaning), which enables
better navigation, access, sharing and combining information on
the web. The vision of the Semantic Web is to extend principles of
the Web from documents to data, by making it accessible using
the general Web architecture, and make data related to one
another just as documents are already, and to create a common
framework that allows data to be shared and reused across
application, enterprise, and community boundaries, to be
processed automatically by tools as well as manually, including
revealing possible new relationships among pieces of data.
In this presentation, aside from exploring the Social Web and the
Semantic Web, I will also focus on one of the enabling
technologies for the Semantic Web, RDF (Resource Description
Framework) and its components, FOAF (Friend of a Friend) and
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Dublin Core. I will discuss my research in employing Social Web
and Semantic Web technologies to describe resources in
LinkedCourse, a Web 2.0 based educational bookmarking site
being developed in the Intelligent Information Systems research
group at WSSU.
I will discuss how I used the JENA framework to support a backend RDF store using a MySQL database by collecting Dublin Core
and FOAF element information through the LinkedCourse
interface, and extracted the element information using ARQ, a
query engine for Jena that supports the SPARQL RDF Query
language.
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Developing a ROS Package for the iRobot Create
Gheric Speiginer, Hampton University
ROS is a Robotic Operating System currently in development by
Willow Garage that continues to gain support and popularity.
IRobot Create is a widely used platform for robotics research in
academia. During my Summer 2009 REU at Brown University, my
task involved the development of an Open Source ROS package
that would provide the necessary tools and functionality for using
the iRobot Create within the ROS environment.
The iRobot Create package includes a Controller API that
simplifies the development of ROS nodes that communicate with
the iRobot Create, and also includes a number of nodes that serve
as demos/examples.
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Developing Educational Demos on the Chiara Robot
Julian Strothers, Hampton University
Chutima Boonthum, Hampton University
Tekkotsu was developed at Carnegie Mellon University by Dr.
Touretzky and his graduate student Ethan Tira-Thompson.
Tekkotsu is a robotic programming language that abstracts from
the lower level commands (such as, turn left servo 90 degrees)
and focuses more on Behavioral robotic programming.
Tekkotsu uses C++ as its basis and is fairly comfortable to use if
you have a background in C++. Tekkotsu already has drivers for
the I-Robot Create, the Chiara, Regis, Qwerkbot, and probably the
most popular the Sony Aibo. We worked on some demos for the
IJCAI competition in Pasedena, California.
We also had training in the hardware side of Robotics. Another
portion of our work was devoted to debugging and fixing
hardware issues on the Chiara.
The Chiara is a robot developed by Dr. Touretzky for educational
purposes. The Chiara has six legs, one arm with three degrees of
freedom, a camera and an IR range finder. The added exposure
led to a spark in our own creative insight and desire to continue
pursuing education and a career in robotics.
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The Freedmen's Bureau Project
Howard Sueing, Howard University
Introduction: The purpose of this research was to successfully
research and implement, a combination of innovative technologies
which would serve as a source of data preservation, retrieval, and
query functionality for the information obtained from the records
of The Freedman's Bureau Project. The completion of a new web
application will serve as this technological structure of
communication between a database of records and the user.
Background: The Freedman's Bureau was established on March 3,
18 65 by the federal government to assists in the transitioning of
former slaves to free citizens. The Bureau was responsible for the
rationing of food and clothes as well as the education of this
population. An extended responsibility was to establish and
enforce legal contracts such as marriage certificates, labor
agreements, and military pensions.
On November 6, 2000 President William J. Clinton signed The
Freedmen's Bureau Preservation Act of 2000 which was
established to ensure the accessibility of the information obtained
from the Freedman's Bureau and the preservation of the existing
records.
Methods: A web application is being completed using technologies
from the .NET framework. The front-end, user-interface comprises
of standard HTML elements with various ASP.NET Ajax
implemented components, to provide contemporary functionality.
The back-end code is programmed in C# and calls upon SQL
stored procedures to carry out parameter driven queries on the
MS database of Freedman's Bureau record information.
Conclusion: Previously, data bank records and marriage
certificates were stored in .grd (gridded data formatted) files.
These files contain scalar data values on a regular rectangular
grid, either in (x, y) or (longitude, latitude) space. Through
observation it was deduced that this information could be better
queried and stored in a database. With the above approach
future record information can be added.
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Exploring the Use of Honeypots on a University Campus
Fariba Tebyanian, South Carolina State University
A company or organization which is not able to protect their
network, is at risk of lose or unauthorized use of their information.
The main goal is to use Honeypots strategies to secure network
and detect unauthorized use of information on a university
campus network.
Computer network security is based on passive defense
techniques, using software and tools such as firewall and
Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
The basic idea of Honeypot has been in use for a long time, but
the technology of Honeypot is still being more developed. A
Honeypot system does not take constant human supervision to
block and capture attackers; it acts like a trap set to detect efforts
of unauthorized use of information system. This report uses
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Honeyd as a Honeypot software and its suitable operating system
Linux to simulating hosts on an internal network. We learned how
to install and run Honeyd on Linux, but we are still working on
understanding how to use and configure Honyed in our campus.
In this research we used three different private and one sample
configuration file in Honeyd application. After running Honeyd on
the computer, we checked the virtual network with ping and
Nmap command. We had ping to the IP addresses of the router
and host in virtual network. Nmap found the open or closed ports
and TCP/IP fingerprint (as shown in Appendix), but it could not
recognize exact Operating System (OS) matches for host. In some
cases it just guessed some similar Operating Systems. We
checked router-telnet.pl script by telnet command. It did run but
it was not accepting username and password as User Access
Verification.
As the result, the Honeyd was not run successfully on the
network. We also changed the configuration file (different
templates and scripts, with and without route entry) still Nmap
could not recognize the OS.
Conclusion: Windows based Honeypots are easy to download and
install on the computer as product application. This application
does not require a high level of skill. Honeybot and KFSensor give
very little information about network traffic or eventual attacks.
Honeypots based on Linux as a research application like Honeyd
still is freely available as open source, but it needs good skill and
experience of using Linux. We learned how to install and run
Honeyd on Linux, but faced difficulties with the use of Honeyd
and its configuration file.
125
Security Companion Bot
Aaron Thomas, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Jessie Walker, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
This project explores using a companion robot for young children.
The robot serves the dual role of both friend/nanny for young
children. The CRT-FK (Companion Robot Toy-For Kids), is an
interactive robotic toy designed to protect children from potential
hazards within their community, social networks. The robotic toy
acts as medium to navigate a heterogeneous environment safely.
The security companion bot will recognize shape to help the child
with his/her cognitive skills. It will also have a built-in voice
speaker. This built-in speaker will allow the robot to communicate
with the lonely child.
As for security, the robot will have also have a built-in database
so that the robot would be able to notify/alert homeowners of any
strange activity.
Security Companion Bot will be a great addition to have in your
home, especially if your child is the only child and the parent is
away from home.
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126
Fingerprint Recognition
Michael Westbrook, Virginia State University
Vandy Jones,Terrell Jones, and Dr. Eshan Sheybani, Virginia State
University
The purpose of this project is to develop a fingerprint recognition
using correlation, that could possibly be used for security
purposes. This is important because such an application can be
widely used in Homeland security. Correlation indicates the
strength and direction of a relationship between two variables.
Fingerprints are raised layers of skin on each finger. These ridges
form patterns that are unique to each individual. By documenting
the fingerprints of different people, it is possible to identify a
person by comparing his fingerprint to a fingerprint database and
finding a match.
In order to achieve this we made a program that is able to find
the correlation between two fingerprints/images. Writing a
program to achieve this was quite difficult in that the two pictures
could have slight differences that could throw everything off, even
though they might in actuality be the same. Also, when fingerprint
images are entered into the program they must be the same size.
This method of correlation has some advantages and
disadvantages compared to other methods. Some advantages it
has is that it is easy to implement and easy to understand
because the main thing you are worrying about is correlation.
Some disadvantages is that it is not very reliable because slight
dissimilarities in the two pictures could possibly give you a bad
correlation altogether. Another method is that which compares
actual patterns (whorl, loop, arch, and delta) in the fingerprints to
one another, as well as their minutiae (major features of a
fingerprint).
This method has an edge on the correlation based method in that
it is more reliable in that it compares many actual details in the
fingerprints, whereas the correlation method compares how close
every piece in the pictures is. Such a method as this is great for
future research.
127
Study and Application of Enterprise Asset Management
Samuele Whaley, South Carolina State University
In capital-intensive industries such as utilities, process discrete
manufacturing, healthcare as well as real estate, physical assets
(buildings, infrastructure and equipment) form a significant
proportion of the total assets of the organization. These industries
face the harsh realities of operating in highly competitive markets
and dealing with high value assets and equipment where each
failure is disruptive and costly. At the same time, they must also
adhere to stringent occupational and environmental safety
regulations.
It is thus important for organizations to maximize the return on
investment from their asset base. Enterprise Asset Management
(EAM) is a paradigm employed to achieve that goal. When the
entire asset portfolio of the organization is considered, EAM takes
over. As business and market requirements are dynamic, the
output specifications for the organization's assets change
constantly (e.g., increase in output capacity due to new
customers). EAM provides the framework for capital and labor
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allocation decision processes across the competing categories of
equipment addition/ reduction, replacement, over-hauling,
redundancy setup and maintenance budgets in order to meet
business needs.
Enterprise asset management (EAM) means the whole life optimal
management of the physical assets of an organization to
maximize value. It covers such things as the design, construction,
commissioning, operations, maintenance and decommissioning/
replacement of plant, equipment and facilities. 'Enterprise' refers
to the management of the assets across departments, locations,
facilities and, in some cases, business units. In recent years,
stringent industry-specific environmental health and occupational
safety regulations are being enforced by government oversight
agencies, with industrial owners and operators responsible for
compliance. Asset registers, risk registers, work planning and
scheduling, life cycle costing and systematic methods for problem
identification, root cause analysis and continuous improvement
are increasingly seen as prerequesites for a robust asset
management system.
Software solutions to support this business paradigm have been in
use since the 1970s. A key software for the power generation
sector in this area is the package "IBM Maximo". IBM Maximo is a
computerized asset maintenance system that provides asset
management, work management, materials management, and
purchasing capabilities to help companies maximize productivity
and extend the life of their revenue-generating assets. With this
package, different applications branch off from it and the one that
was used for the project was SOTI MobiControl.
This application was then implemented onto mobile inventory
devices especially the Intermec CK3 mobile devices through an
application agent called Syclo Mobile Agent. It was performance
tested after the agent was installed and shipped to different
warehouses. This project achieved these important objectives.
128
Implementing the Tabu Search Algorithm to the Airport
Troi Williams, University of the Virgin Islands
Dr. Marc Boumedine, University of the Virgin Islands
With more and more passengers flying around the world, the
increase in airport activity and expansion of these airports, and
the demand for faster accommodation of arriving, and incoming,
aircraft, airport managers, with the help of researchers, have
searched for algorithms and mathematical models to solve gate
assignment problems at various-sized airports. This research
studies the Airport Gate Assignment Problem and proposes a
solution based on the popular Tabu Search Algorithm.
The solution has been implemented in C++ using the Cyril E. King
Airport (IATA: STT, ICAO: TIST, FAA LID: STT), U.S. Virgin
Islands as a model with two specific constraints: 1) the aircraft
must be gated at its general boarding gate, and 2) the aircraft
must be gated at the first available gate or, if none are available,
the gate with the least waiting time, while still complying with the
first constraint; the concepts and constraints were obtained in
interviews with an air traffic controller and the airport’s manager.
Presently, five experiments have been conducted. The flight data
for each experiment were gathered from an online flight and
airport information website and includes 75 scenarios (the amount
of hours of commercially-scheduled aircraft activity at the airport)
and 225 flights (arriving and departing). Also, only scheduledcommercial flights and a few random, unscheduled flights were
used in these experiments. Cargo flights, on the other hand, were
not included because they are not gated at the airport's terminal.
In each experiment, the algorithm found the optimal gate
assignment for each flight in a small amount of time (under a
second for each) with minimal to no delay.
The results show that with the increase of number of flights, there
will also be an increase in the program's running time by n, or
linearly. In the future this algorithm will be expanded and tested
with more traffic, gates, and complex constraints to analyze its
efficiency against other algorithms and the amount of time it will
take to gate s aircraft, with k gates, and c constraints, where all
three variables will be any finite number. The major specifications
of the testing system includes a 3.0GHz quad-core (4-core)
processor, a 2GB memory module (RAM) operating at 800MHz,
and a 320GB Hard Drive Disk spinning at 7,200 R.P.M.
E COLOGY & E NVIRONMENTAL E ARTH S CIENCES
129
Effect of Male Genotype on Female Lifespan in Three
Populations of Beetles
Kenyeda Adams, Spelman College
Jonelle Belle and Aditi Pai, PhD, Spelman College
Populations may vary in their mating behavior traits because of
natural selection or genetic drift or a combination of the two. We
examined the mating behaviors and its fitness consequences in
three insecticide resistant populations of the red flour beetle
Tribolium castaneum. Beetle strains used in this have some form
of resistance to the insecticides Malathion (M), Pyrethrin (P), or
Lindane (L) respectively.
In a previous study we predicted that female mate choice would
be adaptive and therefore females would prefer same-strain
males with the resistance to pesticide found in their environment,
when given a choice between same- strain and different- strain
males. We found no evidence that females preferred same strain
males. We found that genetic background of males and females
influenced various aspects of mating behaviors.
In the L strain we found particularly interesting results. The L
females avoided the L males frequently in both the mating
behavior assay as well as the pheromone assay. In the present
study, we predicted that the male ejaculate may have some
adverse effect on the on the female lifespan, which might explain
female avoidance of these males. We prepared 180 tubes with a
male and female in each one of all possible combinations of male
and female genetic backgrounds (M, L, and P).
We then monitored the life span of the male and female beetles,
noting how many of the beetles died on a weekly basis. We also
monitored the offspring count from each pair for a month.
We found that females that were paired with the Lindane males
had a shorter life span than the females that were paired with the
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other males, but they produced the highest amount of offspring.
We inferred that there maybe a co-evolutionary conflict between
the sexes in this beetle.
130
Soil Erosion in Providence Canyon Park
Ridwaana Allen, Spelman College
Frances Roberts-Gregory, Spelman College
Soil erosion is one of the main sources of pollution in the United
States and other countries in the world. Globally, it is responsible
for a loss of about 15 billion tons/year of fertile soil and
economical losses of about US $400 billion/year. The process of
soil disaggregation, soil transportation and soil deposition due to
erosion create a wide range of direct and indirect impacts on
water bodies, air and adjacent environment and human health. In
this study, it is proposed to investigate possible uses of Remote
Sensing imagery, which is a leading environmental monitoring
technique.
Herein, satellite and aerial imagery have been processed using
ArcGIS™ Feature Analyst (FA) extension. FA uses information
such as color, texture, and topographic data to extract features
like buildings, roads and rivers from an image. The extraction of
erosion features is based on a training process where some
selected features are used to identify patterns of the features of
interest. FA uses these patterns to locate areas that have similar
characteristics. The study area comprises the Providence Canyon
Park, Lumpkin, GA and its surrounding areas in a total of about
1,003 acres. This site has a great number of ravines and gully
erosional areas, some of them reaching the depth of 150 ft.
For this project, 1-meter resolution 3.75-minute color infrared
(CIR) GeoTiff images were used. Additionally, 1-meter resolution
digital elevation maps were developed using ArcGIS™ by digitizing
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) high-resolution elevation contour
of the area. Topographic and CIR images were used in the
training process of Feature Analyst.
The results of this phase indicate that the average depth of
erosion is about 200ft. The identification and extraction of
different erosion features in this phase was highly effective. The
level of precision shown by these preliminary results indicate that
Feature Analyst in combination with ArcGIS™ well-known
capabilities can be an effective tool in identifying new erosion
formations as well as monitor changes in old ones. Future studies
will include the comparison of our results with traditional erosion
calculations (de Brito Galvao, 2008).
[This study was supported by a grant from NSF awarded for
“Advancing Spelman College’s Participating in Informatics
Research and Education- ASPIRE Project” to Dr J. Butler, Provost
for Spelman College, Atlanta, GA 30314.]
been attracting the attention of researchers since the XIX century.
The Venus flytrap is a marvel of plant electrical, mechanical and
biochemical engineering.
The rapid closure of the Venus flytrap upper leaf in about 0.1 s is
one of the fastest movements in the plant kingdom. We found
that the electrical stimulus between a midrib and a lobe closes the
Venus flytrap upper leaf without mechanical stimulation of trigger
hairs. The Venus flytrap can accumulate small subthreshold
charges, and when the threshold value is reached, the trap closes.
In this research we investigated the electrical properties of the
upper leaf of the Venus flytrap and proposed the equivalent
electrical circuit in agreement with the experimental data. A 8°C
charge for a small trap or a 9°C charge for a large trap is
transmitted between a lobe and midrib from the external
capacitor, the trap starts to close at room temperature. The Venus
flytrap can accumulate small subthreshold charges and when the
threshold value is reached, the trap closes.
The cumulative character of electrical stimuli points to the
existence of short-term electrical memory in the Venus flytrap. We
also found sensory memory in the Venus flytrap. When one
sustained mechanical stimulus was applied to only one trigger
hair, the trap closed in a few seconds. Prolonged pressing of the
trigger hair generates two electrical signals, which stimulate the
trap of Dionaea muscipula to close. Mimosa pudica is a
thigmonastic plant that reacts in response to stressors such as
electrostimulation, wound, wind, vibration, touch, drought,
change of illumination, and hot or cold stimuli. Mimosa pudica
reacts to stimulation by closure of leaves and descent of petiole.
The propagation of action potentials is a signaling mechanism in
M. pudica. The action potentials that occur in plants have many
of the same properties as action potentials that occur in animals
including the all-or-nothing law, threshold potential, and
refractory period. Tactile stimulation of M. pudica induces
transmission of an action potential that stops at the base of a
single pinna with no further transmission occurring, leaving
leaflets from neighboring pinnae unfolded. Effects of ion-channel
inhibitors, aquaporins, and uncouplers on the kinetics of signal
transduction and mechanoresponses in M. pudica are discussed.
132
Biodiesel From Canola Seeds Grown in Bertie County –
(Biodiesel Generation from Used Cooking Oil)
TeShima Brennen, Shaw University
Dr. Deva Sharma and Jason Gilchrist, Shaw University
The state of North Carolina has set a goal of generating 20%
liquid fuels in NC by the year 2015. This joint project between
Shaw University and Bertie County Schools System (BCSS) will
contribute towards this goal by generating Biodiesel from used
cooking oil.
Talitha Ashby, Oakwood University
Dr. Alexander Volkov, Oakwood University
The used cooking oil, collected from the cafeterias of Shaw
University and BCSS, is converted to Biodiesel using the Bio Pro
380, a system purchased from the Utah Biodiesel Supply Co. The
Bio Pro 380 makes Biodiesel in batches of 50 gallon, 75 gallon and
100 gallon.
The electrical signaling, memory and rapid closure of the
carnivorous plant Dionaea muscipula Ellis (Venus flytrap) have
The Biodiesel generated at our Windsor, North Carolina location
has been tested in local, as well as highway driving, in Bertie
131
Molecular Electronics of Venus flytrap and Mimosa Pudica
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County School System busses, as as well as in diesel cars. The
Biodiesel is generated at a cost of about $1/gallon, excluding the
cost of labor provided by eager students, and it meets National
Biodiesel Standards.
133
Analysis of Switchgrass Ubiquitin Promoter for use in
Transformation
Porscha Bumpus, Fort Valley State University
Research Mentor: Jason N. Burris, Department of Plant Sciences,
University of Tennessee
Transient gene expression assays are often used to screen
promoters before stable transformation. We analyzed a novel
switchgrass ubiquitin promoter, Pvub1, for the use in
transformation and to compare its effectiveness to the maize
promoter, ZmUbi-1. A functionality analysis was performed to
determine the capability of PvUb1 as a promoter for use in
transient gene expression. A visual assay was performed on the
bombarded two-month old callus produced from inflorescences of
Alamo 2 switchgrass using B-glucuronidase, (GUS), as an enzyme
from the bacterium E-Coli that produces a blue color in the
presence of X-Gluc solution (5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indoyl
glucuronide), allowing us to determine if the promoter is
functional. Gus expression was observed in callus bombarded with
both Pvub1 and ZmUbi-1.
We were unable to determine if Pvub1 performed better than
ZmUbi-1. However, results demonstrated that the novel promoter,
PvUbi1, isolated from switchgrass, can be used to drive the
expression of Gus and is functional for use in transient gene
expression assays.
134
Testing for the Presence of Escherichia coli, a Coliform, in
Drinking Water Coolers on a College Campus in New Orleans
Audreanna Cameron, Dillard University
Dr. J. Bernard Singleton and Thandi Harris, Dillard University
The purpose of this experiment was to determine the presence of
Escherichia coli, a coliform, in the water of the water coolers on a
college campus in New Orleans. If E. coli is present then it is a
very high likelihood that there are pathogens present in the cooler
water. Using sterile 50ml conical tubes, water was collected from
ten different water sample sites to be analyzed for coliform
contamination. The coliform was isolated from water samples
using a filtration method and then placed in MacConkey and EMB
(eosin methylene blue) agar plates, then incubated for 24 hours.
MacConkey agar inhibits the growth of gram-positive organisms
by the presence of crystal violet and bile salts on the other hand it
is very specific in permitting the growth of lactose fermenting
gram-negative bacteria such as E. coli. EMB agar also permits the
growth of lactose fermenting bacteria such as E. Coli.
Growth was observed after 24 hours of incubation, colonies that
grew on the EMB agar plates tended to consist of small circular
concave colonies which were dark to pale light pink. Colonies
observed on the MacConkey agar plates were small in size,
circular in shape and pale pink in color. Gram stains and
microscopic examinations were performed to confirm the findings.
Sterile water was filtered, plated, and incubated as the control
and there was no growth. All the evidence indicate the presence
of E. coli. E. coli confirms the presence of fecal contamination in
which there is a high probability of the presence of pathogens.
This contamination could have come from the handling or storage
of the water after reaching the site of usage or the origin.
More samples will be collected and tested from the origin of this
water to determine the source of contamination. [This Study was
supported, in part, by a grant from NSF/LAMP awarded to Dr.
Abdalla Darwish, DU-Director, Dillard University, New Orleans, LA,
70122.]
135
Airborne Microbial Concentration Assessment
Kiara Dillard, Dillard University
Bernard Singleton, D.V.M., M.S., Brandon Carter, and Lawrance
Mullen; Dillard University
The environment in New Orleans post Hurricane Katrina is a
concern. Nearly the entire city was under as much as 10 feet of
water for weeks. Broken sections in the sewer lines contaminated
the waters. Mold is growing everywhere in all of the once flooded
buildings. Dead bodies were present.
It is hypothesized that there are higher concentrations of airborne
microbes inside versus outside areas in selected communities that
can potentially pose a risk to the residents of New Orleans that
are returning to the city. Infectious cases have already been
reported that were associated with Katrina affected areas.
Sampling and testing the air have shown the presence of high
concentrations of bacteria and fungi.
Now it is necessary to determine what communities have unsafe
levels of airborne microbes. Liquid impinger apparatuses were
used to collect samples in several different communities with
different levels of destruction in the Greater New Orleans area.
The impingers were filled with 20 ml of sterile water and attached
to a vacuum pump that ran for 90 minutes. Impinger samples
were split to compare culturing, microscopic, and molecular
analyses.
The data from the culturing of colony forming units as well as the
DAPI staining indicated that the concentrations are higher inside
the buildings than they are outside. Also, the data collected
showed that areas that had the most flood waters had the highest
concentration of contaminants. The short and long term effects
on the health of individuals working in and returning to the areas
are of a concern.
There is a need to continue to monitor the concentration of
microbes present as well as the relevant cases that may develop
even after remediation. Also, there is a need to determine what
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specific airborne pathogens are present as well as their
significance. Broad range PCR amplification has been conducted
on the microbes cultured through collaboration with the University
of Colorado at Boulder Department of Civil, Environmental, and
Architectural Engineering. All microbes cultured are currently in
sequencing phase.
136
Could Potassium Ion Provide the Needed Disease Resistance
in Plant Production?
Kaylia Duncan, Fisk University
Donta Busch, Stephen Lewis, Vanessa Saunders, Shenai
Thompson, Pitchai Dharmalingam, and Muthuklumaran
Gunasekaran; Fisk University and Tennessee State University
Potassium, an essential plant nutrient plays many important roles
for normal plant growth and development. Potassium has an
impact on a number of physiological and biochemical processes
that have link to resistance to phytopathogens. The cross-link
between signaling pathways when plants are exposed to a
combination of abiotic and biotic stress factors is lacking.
The focus of this investigation was on the relationship between
the supra and suboptimal potassium status of basil (Ocimum
basilicum) and mint (Mentha longifolia) and their susceptibility to
pathogens. Potassium was supplied from 0 to 10 mM
concentration constantly at each irrigation.
The results of the experiments indicated a reduction in shoot
height, inter-node length, number of nodes, epidermal cell size,
percent ion leaked and shoot fresh and dry weight with decreased
K supply. The response was opposite with an increase in K supply.
The plants were susceptible to disease at suboptimal supply of K
and less susceptible to disease at supra-optimal supply of K.
This study on K-disease interactions can be expected to make an
important contribution to reducing the input of chemicals in food
production, thereby supporting efforts to achieve an economically
and environmentally sustainable production of crops. The
evidence generated from this study on potassium disease
interaction may help to explain the biotic and abiotic interaction.
[The authors wish to acknowledge support from the U.S.
Department of Education (P120A060075), National Institute of
Health (K01 GM080578) National Science Foundation (Grant HRD
92-53037), NASA (Grant NAG 2-6015) , Howard Hughes Medical
Institute (Grant 71194-527-802) and UNCF McBay Fellowship
awarded to MG.]
137
Photoacclimation of Polyphenol Antioxidant Products
Araceli Espinoza, Philander Smith College
Phenylpropanoids and flavonoids play important structural roles in
plants, as well as in defense against a variety of biotic and abiotic
stresses including high levels of visible and UV radiation, low
temperatures, ozone, and pathogens. These conditions predispose
plants to oxidative stress which has been shown to induce the
production of phenolic compounds with antioxidant properties.
Physiological studies of plant stress responses suggest that certain
classes of phenolics may serve a primary role as antioxidants in
plants.
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To test this idea, we examined changes in phenylpropanoid
metabolism during high light acclimation in tomato (Solanum
lycopersicum). Analysis of tomato leaves by HPLC revealed a set
of major phenylpropanoid metabolites, which were identified
based on their retention times, UV spectra, and mass spectra. A
comparison of phenylpropanoid profiles in plants grown under low
light and high light revealed dramatic differences in both
phenylpropanoid composition and content. In low light-grown
leaves, the major phenylpropanoid is 4-O-caffeoylglucaric acid
(CGLUC), with lesser amounts of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and the
flavonol rutin. In contrast, leaves grown under high light show a
nearly 5-fold increase in CGA and rutin but little change in CGLUC
content. The antioxidant activity of leaves measured by the ABTS
decolorization (TEAC) assay showed a similar dramatic increase in
antioxidant activity in the high light samples when compared to
low light. Histochemical localization of phenylpropanoids and
flavonoids with DPBA revealed significant accumulation of these
compounds in palisade mesophyll cells, where high light stress is
expected to be most severe. At the subcellular level, polyphenols
appear to accumulate in the vacuoles, cytoplasm, and ER of
photosynthetic cells, as well as the nucleus of trichomes and other
specialized epidermal cells.
These areas of accumulation are consistent with a role in
protection against photooxidative stress. These data support the
idea that phenolic compounds serve a primary role in antioxidant
defense and act as protective scavengers of reactive oxygen
species during periods of stress. A future challenge will be to
identify and eventually manipulate the expression of major
phenylpropanoid biosynthetic and regulatory genes that control
the photoregulation of the synthesis of these phenolic
compounds.
138
Developmental Changes in the Manduca Sexta
Haleigh Eubanks, Mississippi Valley State University
Scott D. Kirkton, Union College, NY
Wah-Keat Lee, Argonne National Laboratory, IL
Kendra J. Greenlee, North Dakota State University
Rachel Venn Beecham, Mississippi Valley State University
Some insects, such as grasshoppers, are able to tolerate very low
levels of oxygen by increasing tidal volume and breathing
frequency. Tobacco hornworm caterpillars (Manduca sexta) also
tolerate extreme hypoxia across the juvenile stages (< 5 kPa
PO2). However, the mechanism of ventilation is unknown in
caterpillars, because they do not show abdominal pumping in
normal air and lack air sacs.
Preliminary data showed that caterpillars exhibit rhythmic body
contractions in hypoxia. To test the hypothesis that tracheal
compression and ventilatory movements are used to drive gas
through the tracheal system in hypoxia, we used synchrotron xray imaging in conjunction with high-speed respirometry to
document tracheal system movements as they correlate with
external body contractions and CO2 emission in these caterpillars.
We found that caterpillars do not show tracheal system
compressions in normal air and CO2 emission is not correlated
with any particular body movement. However, in hypoxia,
tracheae rhythmically compress, and the tracheal compressions
are highly correlated with both external body movements and
Abstracts
carbon dioxide emission peaks. Interestingly, the youngest
caterpillars do not exhibit abdominal pumping and show no
tracheal system compression in hypoxia.
In addition, breathing frequency was not correlated with body
mass. To determine whether larger caterpillars have
proportionally larger tracheal system volumes, we measured body
mass and body volume across instars for several caterpillars.
Body volume scaled directly with body mass, suggesting that
there is no extra investment in tracheal system structures with
size throughout juvenile development in caterpillars. This finding
is in contrast to the findings from beetles and grasshoppers, in
which larger animals invest more of their body to tracheal
structures.
139
Lung Exposure Levels to PM 2.5 During Natural Gas Burning
in Household Environments
Algernon C. Finley, III, North Carolina Central University
John J. Bang, PhD, Lauren Lawrence, Yolanda Banks Anderson,
Phd, and Saundra F. DeLauder, PhD, North Carolina Central
University
Research has shown that people spend over 80% of their time in
indoor settings. The focus of this investigation is to assess the
level of exposure to PM 2.5 (particulate matters with aerodynamic
diameter equal to or less than 2. 5µm) during natural gas burning
in the kitchen ovens. Several monitoring instruments including Q
-Trak (humidity, temperature, CO, and CO2), P-Trak (ultrafine
particulate matter, PM 0.1), and SidePak (PM 2.5 measurement)
were utilized. A unit of Nanoparticle Surface Area Monitor
(NSAM) was also used for estimation of the surface areas of the
particles deposited in lung alveoli regions. An electric classifier
attached to a water-based condensation particle counter (SMPS as
a unit name from TSI, Inc.) for nanoa (CPC) was added to see
any correlation between PM 2.5 and smaller particles.
Measurements were taken at intervals in the kitchen and dining
rooms (using two sets of instruments) with varying sampling
intervals between 10 and 30 seconds.
Results showed that the PM 2.5 level of exposure was not
increased during natural gas burning in indoor settings while the
level of UPM was more than 100 folds increased compared to the
levels of UPM exposed in a typical busy traffic intersections during
rush hours.
Results from this study supports that the current National Ambient
Air Quality Standard providing a guideline for clean air
environment is not suitable for UPM exposure assessment that is
needed for the new nanotechnology era.
140
Biologically Closed Electrical Circuits in Mimosa
Justin C. Foster, Oakwood University
Dr. Alexander Volkov, Oakwood University
Plants can react to mechanical stimuli by using mechanosensitive
channels. These channels are found in the cells of various types of
organisms: animal, plant, fungal, and bacterial. They are ideal
transducers of physiologically relevant mechanical forces.
Mechanosensory ion channels in plants are activated by
mechanical stress and transduce the sensed information into
electrical signals. The bioelectrochemical systems in plants not
only regulate stress responses, but photosynthetic processes as
well. Mimosa pudica is a thigmonastic plant that reacts in
response to stressors such as electrostimulation, wound, wind,
vibration, touch, drought, change of illumination, and hot or cold
stimuli. Mimosa pudica reacts to stimulation by closure of leaves
and descent of petiole.
The anatomy of M. pudica is unique and contributes to the
bioelectrochemical response mechanism of the plant. The
propagation of action potentials is a signaling mechanism in M.
pudica. The action potentials that occur in plants have many of
the same properties as action potentials that occur in animals
including the all-or-nothing law, threshold potential, and
refractory period. Tactile stimulation of M. pudica induces
transmission of an action potential that stops at the base of a
single pinna with no further transmission occurring, leaving
leaflets from neighboring pinnae unfolded. Effects of ion-channel
inhibitors, aquaporins, and uncouplers on the kinetics of signal
transduction and mechanoresponses in M. pudica are presented.
In the study reported, we analyzed the biologically closed
electrical circuits in Mimosa pudica through electrostimulation of
the pulvinus and petiole using a charged capacitor. We then
evaluated an equivalent electrical scheme of the electrical signal
transduction inside this plant. Biologically closed electrical circuits
operate over large distances in biological tissues. The activation of
such circuits can lead to various physiological and biophysical
responses. Here we analyze biologically closed electrical circuits of
the sensitive plant Mimosa pudica using electrostimulation of a
pulvinus or petiole by charged capacitors and evaluate the
equivalent electrical scheme of electrical signal transduction inside
this plant.
The electrical properties of the Mimosa pudica were investigated
and an equivalent electrical circuit of the starter of motor cells in
the pulvinus was proposed in agreement with the experimental
data.
[This research was supported by a NSF HBCU-UP grant awarded
to Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL.]
141
Phytochemical Screening of the North Carolina Southern
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)
Desma Freen, Shaw University
Helen Asemota, PhD, Shaw University
Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), of North Carolina, also
called evergreen magnolia, bull-bay, big-laurel, or large-flower
magnolia, has large fragrant white flowers and evergreen leaves
that make it one of the most splendid of forest trees and a very
popular ornamental that has been planted around the world.
Samples from this plant were screened for various phytochemicals
with a view to developing value added products from this
promising plant.
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Results indicate that the plant contains relatively high levels of
Resins, Tannins, Steroids, as well as Steroidal Terpenes, Cardiac
glycosides, Carbohydrates, but no Flavonoids, Alkaloids, and
Antraquinone was detected. This information is useful for
commercial application.
142
Biodiesel from Canola Seeds Grown in Bertie County
Jason Gilchrist, Shaw University
Dr. Deva Sharma and TeShima Brennen, Shaw University
In our quest for locally grown alternative energy sources, we have
imitated a project to grow canola seeds in Bertie County, one of
the most economically challenged counties in North Carolina.
On October 1, 2008, we planted 10 acres of canola seeds on a
Bertie County farm owned by Mr. Charles Hardin. From October
2008 to June 2009, we monitored the progress of the canola crop
from planting to harvesting. In the first week of June 2009, about
200,000 pounds of canola seeds were harvested.
We are in the process of purchasing a seed press to extract oil
from the canola seeds, which contain about 40% oil by weight.
The extracted oil will be converted to Bio-diesel using the Bio Pro
380 located in Windsor, NC. The resulting Bio-diesel will be tested
to insure that it meets National Biodiesel Standards.
This project provides hands-on experience to Agri-science high
school students of Bertie County and Shaw University students.
[Partially Funded by NSF (HBCU-UP) and DOE (MSEIP) grants.]
143
The Functional Morphology of Unionid Mussel Shells
Rayon Golding, Southern University at New Orleans
Dr. Kenneth Brown and Wesley Daniel, Louisiana State University
Freshwater mussels are highly endangered. Some species have
smooth shells, others thick shells with ornamentation. Smooth
shelled species are predicted to occur in soft sediment, while thick
shelled species are predicted to occur in sandy sediment in the
mid-western states (Watters 1994).Thin shells keep mussels from
sinking in mud, while thick, bumpy shells limit dislodgement in
sand (Watters 1994). We compared smooth vs. ornamental
shelled mussels in terms of their habitat distribution, movement
patterns and substrate selection.
Our hypothesis was that smooth shelled species would prefer mud
in the field and lab, and move more in the lab. We used two
smooth shelled, and two ornamental shelled mussels: Lampsilis s.
claibornensis and Lampsilis teres are smooth shelled while,
Quadrilla refulgens and Plectomerus dombeyanus are rough
shelled. A 3,029 L raceway was marked with a 5x5 cm grid and
used to determine mussel movement. Ten gallon tanks with
divided sediment were used to determine sediment preference of
mussels. In each case mussels were left for 24hrs. Sediment
preference was also determined from field data collected in
Louisiana's Florida parishes.
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Raceway results indicated that mussel species, not shell
morphology determined movement. Only L. claibornensis moved
more than other species. Habitat selection data from the field
indicated all species except L. claibornensis were more prevalent
in silt, and the laboratory sediment selection experiment indicated
little movement between sediments. We conclude that shell
morphology is relatively unimportant, and that all mussels instead
simply prefer stable sediments. [The project was supported by
Grant Number P20RR016456 from the National Center For
Research Resources. The content is solely the responsibility of the
authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of
the National Center For Research Resources or the National
Institutes of Health. I would also like to thank Zach Rowaltfor his
help in the field collecting mussels.]
Future research: More species of smooth and ornamented species
will be added to the study. Movement experiments will be
modified to include the effect of depth on mussel movement.
L. claibornensis.
144
Coronal Mass Ejections' Effect on the Magnetotail
Jahnieka Griffin, Hampton University
Joshua Ridenour and Dr. Bill Patterson, Hampton University
Coronal mass ejections send particles from the Sun to Earth's
magnetosphere producing a current sheet within the magnetotail
on the z-axis. According to the equation, the width h is
proportional to the magnitude of the magnetic field of the
ejections in the x direction. The purpose of this experiment was
to collect data from Geotail and Polar satellites to show when the
magnetic field in the x direction would fluctuate, which shows that
an ejection has occurred. The Community Coordinated Modeling
Center (CCMC) was used to compare and validate the movement
of the current sheet. Results showed that the data from the
experiment corresponds to CCMC's data. It, also, showed that the
positive and negative flux of the current sheet is proportional to
the location of the Earth's dipole.
http://ccmc.gsfc.nasa.gov/cgi-bin/run_idl3d.cgi
145
Long Term Storage Effect on Winter Canola Seed with
Respect to Nitrogen and Seeding Rates in Canola
Megan Harris, Alabama A&M University
Sampson Hopkinson, Alabama A&M University
Most of the canola grown in the USA is for the production of oil on
a commercial basis. Limited studies have been done on the
production of its seed for replanting and establishment of a
profitable crop, especially for small farmers. Agronomic practices
and environmental factors (moisture , temperature, nitrogen,
sowing and seeding rates) do influence quality of seeds.
Therefore, seed and laboratory studies were conducted to
determine the influence of long term storage on the quality (vigor
and viability) of winter canola seed with respect to nitrogen and
seeding rates in canola. The quality of harvested and stored seeds
was evaluated by using standard germination and germination
index (speed of germination) using methods approved by the
Abstracts
Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA). In 1999 the average
speed of germination was 62% compared to the average of 14%
while the average standard germination was 94% compared to
46% in 2009.
also to damage and cause danger to fish colonies at Italy's coast.
It was therefore hypothesized that the Gulf menhaden fish of
Louisiana's coast might be infected with the harmful microbes,
Pfiesteria piscicida and Mycobacterium marinum.
These results showed that long term storage significantly reduced
the quality of canola seed. The germination percentage and
germination index in 2009 decreased by 51% and 77%
respectively. Even though there was significant reduction in the
total seeds that had normal germination and the rate at which
those seeds germinated in 2009, nitrogen and seeding rates did
not influence the deterioration of the canola seed quality. Based
on results of this study long term storage is not recommend if
winter canola is expected to retain or maintain its viability and
vigor. [This study was supported by the Department of Physical
and Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Alabama
Agricultural and Mechanical University.]
In order to test this hypothesis, Gulf menhaden fish were caught
at Oysterbay, which is close to Chauvin Louisiana at Louisiana's
southern coast. The fish were frozen and tissue samples were
extracted for isolating microbes on nutrient agar plates. Microbial
colonies were analyzed with colony PCR for the presence of
Pfiesteria piscicida. Colony PCR and acid fast stains were used to
detect Mycobacterium marinum. A lab strain of Mycobacterium
marinum served as a positive control for both, PCR and acid fast
stains. Negative controls of the colony PCR contained specific
primers such as, taq polymerase, dNTPs, MgCL2, buffer, and
water but no DNA template.
146
Horizontal Gene Transfer Analysis in Cyanobacteria
Kelvin Harry, University of the Virgin Islands and University of
Georgia
Dr. Fenglou Mao, University of Georgia
This research focuses on the analysis of potential Horizontal Gene
Transfer (HGT) events within the cyanobacteria species. HGT
events can signal possible connection between seemingly
unrelated families. Using 14 genomes collected from various
cyanobacteria that live in diverse habitats including some from
saltwater, freshwater and hot spring environments, embedded
quartet analysis was done to determine possible HGT events.
The hypothesis for this research is that, though species of
cyanobacteria may be diverse, they will share relationships
evidenced by quartet analysis. This information will then be
displayed in a histogram-like image to show probable HGT events.
Upon analysis, this data concludes that there are large possibilities
that HGT events may have occurred in previous generations of
cyanobacteria. The data also shows that as more genomes are
added, the possibilities of HGT events increase substantially. This
method of analysis may be used later to compare genomes from
cyanobacteria with other bacteria types to observe possible
relationships between them. I would like to thank, The Ying XU
lab, and the University of Georgia for providing facilities for this
research.
[Special thanks to Dr Maria Poptova and Dr Fenglou Mao for
guidance in completing this project. This work was supported by
National Science Foundation NSF DBI-0646315.]
147
Pfiesteria and Mycobacteria in Gulf Menhaden Fish
Demetria Henry, Southern University at New Orleans
The Gulf Menhaden fish is an ecologically importance fish by
limiting excessive algal growth. Hurricanes in the recent past
changed the microbial communities in Louisiana's estuaries.
Pfiesteria piscicida can be a lethal fish microbe and is influenced
by storms. Another microbe, Mycobacterium marinum was found
Experiments were done in triplicate. Results of the acid fast stain
procedures were documented as photomicrographs. Results of
PCRs were documented as pictures of agarose gel electrophoresis.
Microbes isolated from the Gulf Menhaden tested positive for
Pfiesteria piscicida in one out of three colony PCRs.
Mycobacterium marinum was not detected in neither the acid fast
stain nor the colony PCR procedures. The data are suggesting
that Mycobacterium marinum was not present in the caught Gulf
Menhaden fish from Louisiana's coast. On the other hand, colony
PCR indicated the presence of Pfiesteria piscicida infecting the
caught Gulf Menhaden fish.
Future research is necessary to confirm or exclude the presence
of Pfiesteria piscicida more conclusively, by sampling more fish
and by employing a second independent method for detection of
Pfiesteria piscicida in Gulf Menhaden. The prospect of having a
local Pfiesteria piscicida infestation of coastal waters that can
change the ecology and affect different fish is important to
deserve future research efforts.
[This work was supported by stipends of PESMaCT - HRD0102620 (National Science Foundation) for Demetria Henry. I.T.
was sponsored by stipends of MSEIP grant - P120A050086 (US
Department of Education).]
148
Variation In Heavy Metal Concentrations In Soil, Mutualistic
Fungi And Quercus Rubra (Red Oak) Along An Urbanization
Gradient
Keena Hudson, Fort Valley State University, GA
Jim Lewis, Fordham University, NY
Increasing urbanization is associated with increases in pollution.
Some studies suggest that increases in heavy metal pollution
leads to increased heavy metal concentrations in the soil. Other
studies suggest that increased heavy metal concentrations in soils
may lead to increased heavy metal concentrations in trees. These
patterns suggest that trees and mycorrhizal fungi may exhibit
increased heavy metal concentrations associated with
urbanization. However, few studies have examined whether
increasing urbanization is associated with parallel increases of
heavy metal concentrations in soil, fungi, and trees.
In this study, we tested:
Conference Program
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Abstracts
1.) Does heavy metal concentrations in the soil vary with
urbanization?
2.) Does heavy metal concentrations in symbiotic fungi vary with
urbanization?
3.) Does heavy metal concentrations vary in red oak leaves with
urbanization?
4.) Does variation in heavy metal concentrations in the soil, fungi
and leaves appear to be linked?
There was no direct correlation between the concentrations the
data establish there was a correlation between the unweighted
average and TWA. There was no difference between the two
averages as assessed by the Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. This
study illustrated an unweighted average of exposure values
obtained at child's age one and seven can be used to accurately
assess child's cumulative exposure.
In order to address these questions, soil, fungi and trees from six
locations (New York Botanical Garden, Van Cortland park, Tibbetts
Brook Park, the Louis Calder Center, Teatown Lake Reservation
and the Black Rock Forest Preserve) were examined.
150
Louisiana's Trachinocephalus myops and Pathogenic Microbes
These locations varied in human population density from very
densely populated to very sparsely populated and a total of 35
different elements were examined.Results suggest that only some
elements varied with urbanization, and that the relative effects of
urbanization on the concentration of elements varied among soil,
fungi and leaves.
The results also suggest that leaf concentrations of some
elements co-varied with soil and fungal concentrations, but that
these patterns were not necessarily linked to variation in
urbanization. Further research, including a larger number of study
sites and manipulative studies to examine the relative effects of
changes in soil concentrations of the 35 elements on
concentrations in fungi and red oak trees, are necessary to
corroborate the patterns observed in this study and to suggest
mechanisms to explain these patterns. [This study was supported
by USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants awarded to Dr.
S-STEM & REU Site Programs , Center for Biotechnology, Fort
149
Estimating Children's Cumulative Exposure
Brittany Johnson, Norfolk State University
Tiina Reponen, University of Cincinnati
Asthma and allergies continue to be major health issues in
America, leading to lost time and work and decreased quality of
life. The major objective of this investigation was to demonstrate
a correlation between childhood exposure to two microbial
products, endotoxin and Î²-glucan. Endotoxin is a biological toxin
in the outer membrane of some bacteria and Î²-glucan is a
polysaccharide of D-glucose monomers that is linked by glycosidic
bonds in fungal cell wall.
The Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study assessed
the levels of the components in the home environment of over
700 children at age one. For a subgroup of children, n=99, the
home evaluation was repeated at age seven. The levels in homes
were determined for dust samples collected from the child's
primary activity room by vacuuming for 8 minutes. Over 50% of
the families had moved at least once.
Raquel Johnson, Southern University at New Orleans
Illya Tietzel,Southern University at New Orleans
Scientist have found more microbes in Louisiana’s coastal water
threatening local fish after devastating hurricanes. Pathogenic fish
microbes are Mycobacterium marinum and Streptococcus iniae.
The latter was found to infect Trachinocephalus myop. These
pathogenic bacteria can cause symptoms including dorsal rigidity,
erratic swimming behavior and death in fish. In humans, skin
infections can cause granuloma.
It was hypothesized that the fish Trachinocephalus myops of
Louisiana’s gulf may be infected with Streptococcus iniae and
Mycobacterium marinum. To test this hypothesis, fish were
caught at Oysterbay, which is on Louisiana’s southern coast and
microbial isolates were analyzed with different techniques. The
photographic comparison between unknown fish and Trachinocephalus myops, which is a Blunt nose Lizard fish, led to the
determination that the unknown fish was of the species Trachinocephalus myops. Tissue samples were taken for isolating
microbes on nutrient agar plates. Microbial colonies were analyzed
with colony PCR for the presence of Streptococcus iniae. Colony
PCR and acid fast stains were used to detect Mycobacterium
marinum. A lab strain of this pathogen served as positive control
for all procedures. Negative control of the colony PCR contained
specific primers, taq polymerase, dNTPs, MgCl2, buffer, water but
no DNA template. Experiment was done in triplicates.
Results of PCRs were documented as pictures of agarose gel
electrophoresis. Microbes isolated from Trachinocephalus myops
tested positive for Streptococcus iniae in one of three colonies
PCRs. Mycobacterium marinum tested once positive on agarose
gel results of PCR samples. Acid fast stains appeared to be
negative. It is concluded, that both microbes might be present at
low levels of infections in the Trachinocephalus myops which was
caught on Louisiana’s Gulf Coast. Although the fish has been
found to have no economic importance, the spread of Mycobacterium marinum and Streptococcus iniae by this animal might
be dangerous for other fish species and humans. Testing for
catalase will be done to confirm Streptococcus iniae as a member
of streptococci. More fish specimen will be analyzed to confirm
the presence of these microbes. Other PCR primers and conditions
will be tested to increase sensitivity of the assay. This work was
supported by stipends of LS-LAMP for R. Johnson. I.T. was
sponsored by stipends of MSEIP grant - P120A050086 (US
Department of Education).
The 54 children who moved were: those that moved only once
n=38 and those that moved more than once n=17. An arithmetic
average was calculated from endotoxin and Î²-glucan
concentrations; then a time-weighted average was calculated
accounting for the time at age one and seven addresses.
A88
Conference Program
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151
The Effects of Soil Tillage on Selected Soil’s Activities
Lauren A. Lindsey, Tuskegee University
Agriculture practices like tillage impacts biological, biochemical,
chemical, physical properties such as soil pH, enzyme activity, and
organic carbon content in the soil, and also affects soil quality.
Unlike air and water quality, whose are standard are set by
regulation, soil quality still remain vague and undefined due to the
difficulty of defining what soil quality represent, and most current
parameter are time consuming and reliable. Since Enzymes
respond to changes in soil management faster than other soil
variables, they may be a useful indicator of soil health.
The purpose of this study is to measure and determine the effects
of soil tillage on selected soil’s parameter to establish soil quality.
The soil parameters used in this study were: soil pH, percent
organic carbon content, and Enzyme (Phosphatase) activity. The
Enzyme group Phosphatase has been proposed as enzyme
detector for such assay. Phosphatases are extracellular enzymes
that catalyze the hydrolysis of organic phosphates to inorganic
orthophosphates thus are an important link between biologically
unavailable phosphorus and available P, soil systems, and Early
Work has found that Phosphatase has a high correlation with Soil
Organic matter, therefore, it could be used to measure soil health.
The objective of this study is (1) to evaluate soil’s Phosphatase
activities under different tillage conditions (No Till and
Conventional Tillage); (2) to determine the effects of soil tillage
on the soil enzyme activity, pH and soil organic carbon; and (3)
To determine whether there is any correlation between soil
enzyme activity and soil organic carbon and pH. Soil samples
from field sites in Southern Alabama, under no tillage and
conventional tillage, were compared to a control by examining
selected soil enzyme activities and other physiochemical
parameter such as soil pH and organic carbon content.
Phosphomonoesterase activity was determined using the assay
method Bowman and Tabatabai (1978). The results are pending.
152
Sensitivity of Bipolaris Species to the Fungicides Tilt and
Quadris
Kiara Little, Fort Valley State University
Deborah Samac, University of Minnesota
Fungal brown spot caused by Bipolaris oryzae has become a
limiting factor in production of wild rice. The fungus causes
purple to brown lesions on the leaves of plants. The objective of
this study was to determine how sensitive Bipolaris is to the
fungicides used for its control, Tilt and Quadris. Twenty six
isolates of B. oryzae were used for testing their sensitivity to
different fungicides at different concentrations. The radial growth
and percent spore germination of each isolate was used to
determine the fungicide sensitivity. The 10ug/ml Tilt plates had a
reduced amount of growth, while the control plates had an
increased amount of growth. The concentration of Tilt giving 50%
inhibition (ED50) varied among isolates from 0.1ug/ml to 6885ug/
ml.
According to sufficient data gathered, the ED50 for Quadris varied
from3.5ug/ml to 27ug/ml. No isolates showed resistance to either
of the fungicides. Degenerate primers were designed to amplify
the cytochrome b (cyt-b) gene which is the molecular target of
Quadris. Products were obtained from both cDNA and DNA. [This
study was supported by USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCU-UP
grants awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D. Associate Professor &
Director, NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site Programs, Center for
31030.]
153
An Overview of White Clover Trifolium repens Arb
Alshae Logan, Shaw University
Monica Cheatham and Mialy Rabe; Shaw University
Infestation of white clover weed Trifolium repens is a major
problem in most urban lawns of NC in the early spring and early
summer as it competes with turf grass growth. This study is a
survey of the existing types of arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi (AMF)
spores and AMF root colonization of Trifolium repens. The types
of turf grasses and other weeds growing with the white clover
were also identified. The sites are spread within 10 miles radius of
downtown Raleigh, NC. Ten white clover root samples and ten soil
samples (150g) were randomly collected from 10 different (1x1m)
flat section of lawns growing with at least 2 (<75%) different
types of turf grasses or weeds. Soils were collected at 0-10cm
depths. Soils were tested for macronutrients (N, P, K Ca, and Mg),
pH, organic matter contents, moisture at the NC Division of
Agriculture. Site 1 had <5% annual bluegrass (Poa annua), 85%
white clover (Trifolium repens) ; 10% plantain(Plantago
sparsiflora); site 2 had 85% white clover, 15%buffalograss
(Buchloe dactyloides); site 3 had 0.5% plantain 0.55% wild
geranium (Geranium manculatum ), 85% white clover, 15%
bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon); Site 4 had 75% white clover,
10%plantain, 5% dandelion(Taraxacum officinale), 10% annual
bluegrass; Site 5 had 90%white clover; 5% plantain; 5% tall
fescue (Festuca arundinacea); Site 6 had 80% white clover, 10%
wild geranium, 5% bermudagrass, 5% plantain; site 7 had 75%
white clover, 24% centipedegrass (Erernicgkia ioguyriudes), 1%
dandelions; site 8 had 90% white clover, 5% tall fescue, 5%
morning glory (Ipomoea leptophylla); site 9 had 85% white
clover, 5% dandelions, 10% plantain; site 10 had 90% white
clover, 10% bermudagrass.
The soil samples were air-dried at room temperature (23°C),
stored at 4°C for wet sieving (spore extraction); AM percent root
colonization from bioassay plant culture were counted under the
light microscope. Ten roots from representative samples were
cleared with heated KOH (90°C), 30% HCl and stained with
trypan blue, then cut in 1cm and set on a glass slide for
observation and counting for % root colonization under the light
microscope.
During summer 2009, site 1 and 2 showed <5% root colonization
(hyphae infection); <5-20%> % colonization in site 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9, 10. There was total 0.055% spore number in all 10 soil
samples investigated. We found Glomus clarum as the only
species extracted. We expect to see more spores and have higher
root colonization during the Fall where the AM Fungi usually
sporulate in the south.
Conference Program
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Abstracts
154
Egg Deposition of Laboratory-Reared Anopheles Arabiensis
of mixed alcohol was produced with 715 psig, 280 oC, using Mo
(CO)6 as a catalyst.
Matthew Love, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Megan Fritz and Jim Miller, Michigan State University
The demonstrated results have implications in the development of
next-generation hydrogenation reaction systems that would lead
to the production of biofuels and other chemicals, thus reducing
the carbon footprint in the transportation sector.
Anopheles gambiae and Anopheles arabiensis are the most
efficient vectors of malaria in Sub-Saharan Africa, where 1.7
million children die annually of this disease [11]. These two
mosquitoes are sister species, and their ovipositional behavior is
often assumed to be identical.
In the lab, a dark, wet ovipositional resource contrasted with a
white cage floor is preferred by An. gambiae [12]. Feral An.
gambiae prefer to oviposit on dark wet soil and in open pools of
fresh water. However, An. gambiae will accept vegetation if
preferred ovipositional sites are unavailable [13]. Ovipositional site
preference by An. arabiensis is under-studied.
Therefore, this study aimed to understand the importance of
color, contrast, and presence of foliage at the ovipositional sites of
this mosquito. Oviposition of An. arabiensis is different from An.
gambiae; An. arabiensis oviposited equally in light and dark petri
dishes of water. Egg deposition slightly increased as stem density
increased, and soil ovipositional resources were unavailable.
In conclusion, An. arabiensis are ovipositionally flexible, depositing
their eggs anywhere water is present.
155
Catalytic Conversion of Glycerol into Mixed Alcohols
Roderick McDowell, Tougaloo College
Rukiya Umoja and George Armstrong, Tougaloo College
Mouzhgun Anjom and Devinder Mahajan, Brookhaven National
Laboratory, NY
Catalytic hydrogenation reactions are pervasive throughout our
economy, from production of margarine as food, liquid fuels for
transportation. Due to the rapid depletion of natural resources,
the production of alternative energy sources is vital. As such, the
biodiesel industry is seeking novel ways to utilize its main byproduct, glycerol. The conversion of glycerol to higher-valued
products achieved by catalytic transformation presents a more
resourceful way to hydrogenate glycerol.
Although this process is a viable method, it requires the
development of highly efficient catalysts that operate at low
pressures and temperatures. We analyzed several metal catalysts
that are capable of producing mixed alcohols (C1-C5). The
catalysts include Mo(CO)6, RhCl3(H20)3, Ruthenium on Alumina,
CoCl2, and Mo(CO)6 + S2. All of the reactions were conducted in
a 300 mL batch Parr reactor fitted with gas inlet/outlet and a
liquid outlet for sampling under inert H2 or N2 at 500-715 psig
under 250-280°C. The gas chromatography was used to confirm
the identity of all products. Initially, Mo(CO)6 was used as a
catalyst at 715 psig pressure and 280 oC temperature. The
alcohols detected were methanol (C1), ethanol (C2), propanol
(C3), butanol (C4), and pentanol (C5).
156
Progeny Analysis of Transgenic Tobacco Using Glufosinate
Ammonium as a Selection Agent
Mia L. Nash, Fort Valley State University
H.S. Moon and C. N. Stewart, University of Tennessee
The purpose of this research study was to analyze progeny of
transgenic tobacco plants with glufosinate ammonium as the
selection agent. Glufosinate ammonium is an herbicide commonly
used in plant biotechnology. It is a broad-spectrum contact
herbicide and is often used to select transgenic events containing
bar gene during tissue culture process in plant biotechnology. T2
seeds from transgenic tobacco plants that were generated via
Agrobacterium-mediated method were plated and selected on MS
media containing glufosinate ammonium. Germination frequency
of transgenic tobacco event seeds was lower than non-transgenic
tobacco seeds. Only seeds expressing the selectable marker bar
gene survived and grew into seedlings.
The expected transgenic ratio for T2 seeds were 83.3%.
Transgenic frequency of transgenic tobacco events varied among
transgenic tobacco plants and ranged from 33% to 100%. T2
generation seeds from transgenic tobacco events 5481-1, 4, 7, 8,
9, 12, 5492-4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 5512-1, 3,4, 5, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14,
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 21 were used for progeny analysis. Nontransgenic tobacco was used as a control. 5512 events were
transformed tobacco with the pCinHo vector containing a sitespecific recombinase and glufosinate ammonium resistant bar
gene, while 5481 and 5492 events contained the bar gene in the
absence of the site-specific recombinase. PCR analysis confirmed
tobacco plants were transgenic.
157
Identification of Solanum Habrochaites Introgression Lines
that Quantitatively Influence Tomato Ripening
Daniel Ogbefho, Fort Valley State University
Valeriano Dal Cin and Harry J. Klee, University of Florida
Early ripening of fruits is an important trait with high value to
farmers, therefore an important target for breeders. We are
developing early ripening tomato varieties by screening a
population of introgression lines that resulted from a cross
between tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and the wild relative S.
habrochaites.
In our first experiment, a total of 0.17% C1, 0.88% C2, 0.12%
C3, 0.1% C4 and 0.25% C5 were detected. The greatest amount
A90
Conference Program
Abstracts
We previously identified several lines, among which LA3958
resulted the best in several seasons. Nevertheless, since these
lines are near isogenic some further backcrosses were necessary
to isolate an isogenic line (3958-18-8) and to narrow down the
location of the locus responsible for the phenotype. Plants of this
line and of the same commercial variety (LA4024), which was
used for the development of the lines, were grown in a
greenhouse at the University of Florida in Gainesville and fruit
production monitored daily.
Cumulative yield indicated that the line produced 50% of the total
yield 1 week earlier than the control. A series of CAPS markers
located in different positions of the 12 chromosomes of tomato
were developed and used to screen this line and several other
lines to validate the position of the locus. The locus is at the
bottom of chromosome 9 and does not map to any previous
identified locus. [This study was supported by National Science
Foundation (NSF) grant DBI-0501778 awarded to Dr. Harry Klee
and by USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants awarded to
Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D. Associate Professor & Director, NSF HBCUUP, S-STEM & REU Site Programs , Center for Biotechnology, Fort
158
Identification of Pteris Gittata (Chinese brake fern) cDNAs for
Genes with a Potential Role in Phosphate Transport
Charles Okonkwo, Fort Valley State University
Bala Rathinasabapathi and Harry J. Klee, University of Florida
Phosphate is a major nutrient for plant growth as it is needed for
the synthesis of crucial metabolites ATP, DNA and phospholipids.
When plants are exposed to arsenate, they experience phosphate
deficiency because arsenate enters through phosphate
transporters because of structural similarities between arsenate
and phosphate.
Unlike other plants, Chinese brake fern Pteris vittata exhibits an
ability to tolerate and accumulate arsenic in its tissues and does
not exhibit phosphate deficiency symptoms when stressed with
arsenate. This suggested that the fern may have special
transporters of phosphate that are insensitive for competition with
arsenate.
Our objectives were to identify P. vittata cDNAs for genes
important for phosphate transport. We transformed a P. vittata
expression cDNA library in the vector pTriplEx2 into Escherichia
coli XL1 Blue and selected on modified minimal medium with
greatly lower than optimal levels of phosphate. Seven
recombinants were identified by their abilities to make colonies on
the low phosphate medium. Plasmid DNA prepared from these
recombinant clones (named LP clones) will be sequenced to
identify the fern cDNAs that confer an advantage to E. coli to
grow on low phosphorus medium.
This research has important implications for crop biotechnology
because cDNAs for more efficient phosphate transporters can be
used to improve crops for their phosphate uptake. [This work was
supported by National Science Foundation, HBCU-UP and S-STEM
Programs awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir at Fort Valley State
University.]
159
The Characterization of Two Diverse Magnetotactic Bacteria:
LEMS and MMS-1
Ulysses Pickard, Fort Valley State University
Paul Howse and Dennis Bazylinski, University of Nevada
Magnetotactic bacteria (MTB) are a diverse group of prokaryotes
that biomineralize membrane-bound magnetic crystals known as
magnetosomes. The magnetosomes are aligned within the cell
and consist of either magnetite (Fe3O4) or greigite (Fe3S4). The
biomineralization of magnetosomes consists of several processes
including: invagination of the cytoplasmic membrane, iron uptake
into the cell and then into the magnetosome membrane vesicle,
and crystallization of the mineral phase inside the vesicle. Mam
genes control magnetosome biomineralization with most of the
genes present in an island called a magnetosome island. Many of
the mam genes are conserved between different species of MTB.
The genes that are in the island have suggested that they play a
significant role in the organization of the magnetosomes and how
they align within the cell.
The focus of this investigation is to determine if certain conserved
mam genes are found in two isolated and metabolically diverse
magnetotactic spirillums LEMS and MMS-1. [This study was
31030.]
160
Ocean Acidification Impacts on Larval Shell Formation by
Argopecten irradians (Bay Scallop) of New England
Melissa Pinnard, Morgan State University
Dr. Daniel McCorkle and Dr. Anne Cohen, Woods Hole
Oceanographic Institution, MA
Ongchao Zhang, Morgan State University
Bay scallops bring in millions of dollars in revenue to New England
commercial fishermen each year and any negative impact on
shellfish growth would affect them adversely. Increasing levels in
atmospheric carbon dioxide lead to decrease of the carbonate ion
concentration in the ocean. This may negatively impact the larval
shell formation of the bay scallop because these organisms
require an environment saturated with carbonate and calcium ions
to form their shells.
In this study the sensitivity of larval shell formation in Argopecten
Irradians (bay scallops) to changes in surface water saturation (Ω)
(CO-23 ion concentration) was investigated by manipulating CO2
concentration in sea water on a laboratory scale. Fertilized bay
scallop eggs were obtained two hours post-fertilization and were
grown under four different CO2 concentrations: 380 (control), 560,
840 and 2280 ppm for 72 hours and then harvested. The effects
of elevated CO2 on shell formation were quantified by measuring
hinge length as well as the number of larvae recovered.
The initial study shows that elevated CO2 has a negative impact
on both the shell formation and the survival rate: at 560 ppm CO2,
less than half as many larvae as in the control (380ppm)
Conference Program
A91
Abstracts
successfully made shells, and by 2280 ppm almost none did;
increasing CO2 also resulted in decreasing shell size (hinge
length). Possible future work would involve growing out the larvae
for a longer period of time as well as seeing the effects that
feeding this larvae would have on shell formation.
161
Studies on Tan Leaf Blotch of Magnolia-a Heretofore
Unreported Leaf Disease
Michelle Ramos, Howard University
Tan blotches, appearing as irregularly shaped necrotic areas, have
been observed occasionally on older leaves of some southern
magnolia (Magnolia grandifolia) trees on the campus of Howard
University. This leaf disease appears to be uncommon and
previously unreported. In order to determine whether a fungus or
fungi may be associated with the blotches, either as the primary
pathogen or as a secondary invader, this investigation was
undertaken.
Infected leaves of similar age were collected from two campus
trees. As a control, as well as to determine whether fungal
endophytes might normally be present in magnolia leaves, similar
age uninfected leaves were also collected. Leaves were first
washed in running tap water for 3 hours, immersed in 95%
alcohol for one minute, subsequently immersed in 15% Clorox for
5 minutes, and rinsed several times in sterile distilled water.
Blotch areas from infected leaves were excised, minced under
aseptic condition and tissue pieces were plated onto a potatodextrose agar (PDA) medium. Excised portions from uninfected
leaves were similarly treated. Culture plates were incubated in
the dark at 26◦C and examined for evidence of fungal growth
after 24 and 48 hours. Fungal colonies that emerged from tissue
pieces were selected on the basis of color and growth
characteristics and were subcultured on new PDA plates in order
to establish axenic cultures. Six culturally different fungal colonies
were isolated from tissue pieces of the infected leaves.
Fungal colonies did not emerge from tissue pieces of the
uninfected leaves. Attempts have been made to identify those
fungi isolated from the infected leaves. However, since
sporulation has not occurred, thus far, in the culture plates and on
the medium used, their identities remain unknown. Further
studies employing several other kinds of media will be necessary
to establish the identities of the fungi isolated.
This investigation has been conducted in the laboratories of the
Department of Biology under the supervision of Dr. Lafayette
Frederick. Appreciation is expressed to the HUSEM Program for
the support of the study.
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Defining the Species in the Singulares Group of Casearia
Genus
Ashley Rich, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Andre Heath, University of Southern Mississippi
found in the Flacoutiaceae family. Herbarium specimen were
collected and recorded into a spreadsheet in Microsoft Excel. The
latest name, collector and number, collection date, country,
province, elevation, leaf length, leaf width, length: width ratio,
petiole length, leaf color, number of secondary veins, midvein,
sepal length, whether it has a fruit, length, or sterile, fruit
diameter, fruit wall thickness, and stipule appearance was
recorded for each specimen.
Of the 373 recorded only 164 were considered useful based on
the average length of petioles, presence of stipules, full leaves
(where both length and width could be recorded), and margins
(whether it was entire or serrate). The leaves were grouped
based on these four characteristics.
It was determined that the informal group Singulares has four
species. Species one was classified as having short petiole, long
leaves, and serrate margins; species two was classified as having
short petioles and short leaves; species three was classified as
having long petioles, long leaves, and serrate margins; and
species four was classified as having long petioles, long leaves,
and entire margins. The research determined that there are four
species in the Singulares group of the Casearia genus.
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RAPD PCR Analysis of Temporal & Spatial Dynamics of Viral
Communities in Lake Matoaka and Its Watershed
Aria P. Roadcloud, Virginia State University
Kimberly A. Javier, Daniel Kiernan, Dana M. Hardbower, Dustin R.
Glasner, Brent J. Callaway, Jess Dolman, Ashley Butluand, and
Kurt E. Williamson, College of William & Mary
Lake Matoaka of Williamsburg, Virginia, has become a prominent
place for monitoring temporal and spatial changes in the viral
community structure of the lake. In this study, water samples
from the Lake’s northern inlet, midway pier, and southern spillway
and soil samples collected 50 meters from the midway pier were
taken monthly starting from April 2009 to August 2009. Water
samples were filtered through a series membranes of pore sizes
of 5, 1, and 0.22 µm. Viruses in the filtrate were concentrated by
tangential flow filtration. Viruses were extracted from soil
samples using sonication.
Extracts were filtered (0.22 µm), and viruses were concentrated
by ultracentrifugation. Virus particles were used directly from the
water and soil samples, and used as template for Random
Amplification of Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction
(RAPD PCR). RAPD PCR products were separated by gel
electrophoresis resulting in distinct banding pattern profiles.
Variation in DNA profile between samples is recognized as
variation in viral population. At this moment methods for
receiving banding patterns from the soil samples are continuously
being revised, however, we did receive banding patterns for the
viral concentrates from the water samples and we are also testing
additional primers as well. This investigation, upon its
completion, is expected to reveal temporal and spatial dynamics
in viral population in Lake Matoaka water and watershed.
The objective of this research is to determine the features of the
species of the informal group Singulares of the genus Casearia
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164
Remotely Monitoring Erosion at Providence Canyon Park
Frances Roberts-Gregory, Spelman College
Ridwaana Allen and Terezinha Cassia Galvao, PhD, Spelman
College
for a loss of about 15 billion ton/year of fertile soil and economical
losses of about US$400 billion/year. The process of soil
disaggregation, soil transportation and soil deposition due to
water bodies, air and adjacent environment and human health.
In this study, it is proposed to investigate possible uses of Remote
Sensing imagery, which is a leading environmental monitoring
technique. Herein, satellite and aerial imagery have been
processed using ArcGIS™ Feature Analyst (FA) extension. FA uses
information such as color, texture, and topographic data to
extract features like buildings, roads and rivers from an image.
The extraction of erosion features is based on a training process
where some selected features are used to identify patterns of the
features of interest. FA uses these patterns to locate areas that
have similar characteristics. The study area comprises the
Providence Canyon Park, Lumpking, GA and its surrounding areas
in a total of about 1,003 acres.
This site has a great number of ravines and gully erosional areas,
some of them reaching the depth of 150 ft. For this project, 1meter resolution 3.75-minute color infrared (CIR) GeoTiff images
were used. Additionally, 1-meter resolution digital elevation maps
were developed using ArcGIS by digitizing U.S. Geological Survey
(USGS) high-resolution elevation contour of the area. Topographic
and CIR images were used in the training process of Feature
Analyst.
The results of this phase indicate that the average depth of
erosion is about 200ft. The identification and extraction of
different erosion features in this phase was highly effective. The
level of precision shown by these preliminary results indicate that
Feature Analyst in combination with ArcGIS well-known
capabilities can be an effective tool in identifying new erosion
formations as well as monitor changes in old ones. Future studies
will include the comparison of our results with traditional erosion
calculations (de Brito Galvao, 2008).
[This study was supported by a grant from NSF awarded for
"Advancing Spelman College's Participating in Informatics
Research and Education- ASPIRE Project" to Dr J. Butler, Provost
for Spelman College, Atlanta, GA 30314.]
165
The Effect of Banded Coral Shrimp on Blue Tang
Kiara Scatliffe, University of the Virgin Islands
Monogenean trematodes are a common fish ectoparasite that
damage the fishes’ skin and make them more susceptible to
disease (Thoney and Hargis 1991). Reef fish are known to visit
“cleaning stations”, where cleaner fishes or shrimps may remove
harmful parasites and other debris. While cleaner fish have been
shown to reduce parasite loads on fish, the role of different
cleaner shrimp species is not well studied (Becker and Grutter
2004). Banded coral shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) are commonly
referred to as cleaner shrimp, but exactly what they are removing
has never been documented.
We tested the hypothesis that banded coral shrimps reduce
parasite loads and mean parasite length on their primary host
fish, blue tang (Acanthurus coeruleus). Blue tang were housed in
a semi-natural aquarium where they were constantly exposed to
the infective stages of the parasite. The control treatment
contained 14 blue tang and the experimental treatment contained
14 blue tang and 25 banded coral shrimp.
After two weeks, each fish was placed in a freshwater bath for 3
minutes to dislodge parasites. Parasites were preserved in
ethanol, counted and photographed under a microscope. Parasite
loads on fish with access to banded coral shrimp (mean=190
monogeneans/fish) were not significantly different from fish in the
control treatment (mean=167; two-tailed t-test, p=0.696). The
length of 30 monogenean parasites was measured from each fish
using the software program NIH Image J. Mean parasite length
was only slightly smaller on fish that had access to the banded
coral shrimp (2.39mm, vs. 2.58mm on control fish), but this
difference was very highly significant (two-tailed t-test,
p=0.0005). Because the parasite loads were not reduced on fish
with access to cleaners, and we never observed any interactions
between the fish and shrimp, we question whether the reduction
in parasite size is due to the presence of the shrimp.
These data contrast with work we did last summer, in which
Pederson cleaner shrimp significantly reduced both the parasite
load and mean parasite length on the host fish. We concluded
that not all cleaners are effective at doing the same job and if the
banded coral shrimp has a positive effect on fish as a cleaner then
that remains to be quantified.
166
Analyzing Possible Resistance Mechanisms of Fusarium
Verticillioides to Nitric Oxide
Naml Shabazz, Fort Valley State University
Thomas Baldwin and Anthony E. Glenn, University of Georgia
Nitric Oxide (NO) has been recently shown to regulate pathogen
defense in planta. It has also known that pathogenic fungi
produce flavohemoglobin that detoxify NO. Recent articles have
shown sensitivity of Candida albicans to NO and microarray data
revealed the induction of flavohemoglobin genes such as YHB1.
(Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of
California-San Francisco, San Francisco CA; Betham S. Hromatka,
Suzanne M. Noble, and Alexander D. Johnson.) BLAST comparison
of YHB1 to the F. verticillioides genome reveals to homologus
genes denoted NOO1 and NOO2 . Double-jointed PCR was
performed to create a gene knock-out cassette with hygromycin
resistance. The construct was transformed into F. verticillioides
protoplasts and selected for on hygromycin.
No true transformants were found. No seed sterilization was done
to determine the sensitivity of maize seedling pathogens. The
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hybrid line B73, the inbred line W23 and Silver Queen cultivar
were tested.
[This study was supported by USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCUUP grants awarded to Dr. Sarwan Dhir Ph.D. Associate Professor
& Director, NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site Programs, Center
for Biotechnology, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, GA
31030.]
167
Educational Outreach with the National Phenology Network
Brittney Sherman, Savannah State University
Eugene R. Mesco, PhD, Savannah State University
The USA National Phenology Network (NPN, http://
www.usanpn.org/) is a national partnership which includes
universities, government agencies, non-governmental
organizations, private citizens and others. Its mission is to monitor
climate change through the observation and collection of data
concerning phenology events. Phenology is the study of periodic
plant and animal life cycle events and how these are influenced by
seasonal and inter-annual variations in climate.
This project will develop an outreach to schools in the Savannah
Chatham County district. The main emphasis will be on the
development of targeted protocols for phenology data collection
by area students. In order to encourage synergistic interactions,
the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) for K-12 education will
be reviewed, and grade appropriate methodologies will be
developed. This will include the identification of relevant species
in the coastal Georgia region which are included in the list of
subjects currently under study.
Field guides for the species selected for study will be produced,
and distributed to selected classes who have indicated an interest
in participation. Student research efforts will be directed at
identification of local species from the national list of
approximately 200 species. Local species field guides and data
collection protocols will be developed with the faculty mentor.
The major materials cost of the project will be printing of the field
guides. This research was supported by the NSF funded HBCU-UP
and PSLSAMP programs.
168
Effects of Chronic Environmental Arsenic on the Response to
Acute Inflammation
Yasmeen Shumate, Langston University
J. Thorpe, B. Disch, A. Weingardner, A. Buchanan, D. Luu, S.
Shenoy, T. Dandajena, and M. Ihnat, University of Oklahoma
Health Sciences Center
Objective: Microarray data from our laboratory has suggested
that environmental levels of arsenic result in a general
downregulation of inflammatory gene expression. The overall goal
of this project was to determine whether inflammatory signaling is
impaired by chronic exposure to environmental levels of arsenic.
Methods: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) were
exposed to 0.75 and 7.5 ppb sodium arsenite for 14 days followed
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by a 1 hour challenge with LPS, IL-1β and TNFα. Whole cell
lysates were collected and western blot analysis of inflammatory
markers (VCAM-1, ICAM-1, IκB, pSTAT3) were measured.
Results: It was shown that exposure to arsenic alone resulted in
an increase in the expression of inflammatory markers. In
contrast, the acute induction of the same markers in response to
LPS, TNFα and IL-1β was attenuated after arsenic exposure. In
general, 7.5 ppb arsenic resulted in a more substantial change in
expression as compared to 0.75 ppb arsenic.
Conclusions: We conclude that chronic exposure to
environmental levels of arsenic below the drinking water standard
of 10 ppb result in significant alterations in inflammatory signaling
and could affect the response to microbial insult and chronic
inflammatory syndromes.
169
Detection of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
Spencer Sims, Oakwood University
Dr. Kenneth LaiHing, AnnaMay Joseph, and Raquel McNeil,
Oakwood University
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) are
prescribed drugs and chemicals marketed for direct use by the
consumer that have intended end uses primarily on the human
body. They include antibiotics, prescription drugs, toiletries,
preservatives and disinfectants. PPCPs have been known to enter
the environment for over 20 years and have been identified as
low-level aquatic pollutants in the last fifteen years.
Water treatment plants collect sewage water, that carries waste
produced from our everyday activities, and remove litter, garbage,
toxins, PPCPs and harmful bacteria. However, they do not remove
all of the pharmaceutical drugs and other industrial waste from
the treated water. Trace amounts of these contaminants are left
in the water. Over time these trace amounts eventually
accumulate within aquatic and animal life. Exposure to Volatile
Organic Chemicals (VOCs) that industries use to manufacture
PPCPs and PPCPs can cause various health effects in humans and
aquatic life. Additionally, continued exposure to these compounds
may reduce the potency of these drugs for the treatment of
ailments.
Several water samples from North Alabama were analyzed to
determine the presence, and approximate quantity, of organic
chemicals in treated wastewater from different wastewater
treatment plants and the Tennessee river. The organic material
was extracted using solid-liquid extraction and concentrated prior
to analysis. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
was used for separation and detection of organic contaminants
in the various water samples.
Some of the compounds detected in the Tennessee River/
Huntsville water treatment plants were compounds found in
personal care products, pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other
industrial products. These included Toluene, 2-butoxyethanol,
Diethyl Phthalate, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, o-Xylene, p-Xylene,
Tributoxy Ethyl Phosphate, and 2,6-Ditertbutyl-p-benzoquinone.
Further research will involve the analysis of other compounds
detected and determination of concentration levels for these
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chemicals to determine if they pose a significant threat to
humans, aquatic organisms or the environment.
[This research was funded by a NSF HBCU-UP grant to Oakwood
University, Huntsville, AL 35896.]
170
Role of Switchgrass Fibers in Removing Metals
Bryan Smith, Central State University
Dominique Judkins and Krishna Kumar Nedunuri, Central State
University
Marvin Thrash, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio
There occurs in nature, heavy metals in concentrations that are
below harmful levels. In some watershed regions internationally,
heavy metal concentrations can exceed designated levels and
become harmful and potentially lethal when consumed by a
person. The potential of natural switch grass nanofibers in
removing heavy metals from simulated industrial water is
investigated.
Two heavy metals were used for the experiments: Lead (Pb) and
Cadmium (Cd). Aqueous samples of Pb and Cd (40 ppm, 50 ppm,
and 100 ppm) were prepared by adding the anhydrous compound
of Cd and the aqueous solution of Pb, respectively, to specified
quantities of water. The switchgrass used in these experiments
were prepared using two separated methods. The first method
used the raw switchgrass after it was blended via a commercial
grade blender. The second method of preparation used the
switchgrass after it was treated over night with 0.5% NaOH. The
switchgrass that was prepared with the second method was
shredded in the same blender. After the switchgrass samples
were prepared, they were added to the aqueous solutions of Pb
and Cd. After the samples were prepared, they were allowed to sit
overnight. The next day, the solution was filtered from the
switchgrass and kept in vials.
The heavy metal samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption
(AA) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICPMS). The switchgrass treated with NaOH removed 75 to 99% of
Cd depending on the initial concentration of the cadmium. The
three samples of treated switchgrass that contained cadmium at
an initial concentration of 100 ppb (1 to 1000 dilution for analysis)
had an average final Cd reduction of 97.7%.
The samples of switchgrass that had cadmium at a concentration
of 40 ppb had an average reduction of 86%. The samples of
untreated switchgrass saw reductions in the Cd concentration
ranging from 40.7 to 96.4%. The untreated samples with an initial
concentration of 40 ppb saw the greatest reduction in Cd
concentrations with an average reduction of 96%. The untreated
samples with an initial concentration of 100 ppb saw the smallest
reduction in Cd with an average reduction value of 43.5%.
The results from our study suggests that nanofibers using natural
switchgrass can be potential filters for removing toxic heavy
metals. Furture research will attempt to scale up these studies to
industrial water filtration.
171
Use of Isoxaflutole in Enhancing GFP Visualization in
Transformed Cassava Explants and Whole Plants
Renisha Thompson, Fort Valley State University
Sareena Sahab, Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, St. Louis,
MO
The effect of the herbicide isoxaflutole (IFT) on control 60444
cassava plants and GFP transgenic cassava lines (60444)
generated through FEC system of transformation. Control 60444
plants were tested in 0 (control), 1,3,5 ,7, and 10 mg/L to see
which concentration would be more suitable for the GFP
transgenic lines and to see if this herbicide would work with
cassava.
This experiment resulted in the loss of pigmentation in the leaves,
from green to white. Although there was some lost in
pigmentation we found that this did not effect the tissue growth.
Before the IFT experiment, GFP expression, ranging from none to
high, was detected using a dissecting microscope in which GFP
was hard to be seen. After the IFT experiment, GFP was easily
seen in expression ranging from low to high, but still not
expressed in the plant that had no GFP. After transferring the
plants from IFT containing medium back to medium without IFT,
the growth of pigment containing tissues continued without any
damage to the tissue growth.
The effect of the bleaching can be reversible. This chemical
makes it easier for the analysis of GFP expression to be seen
without chlorophyll dominating the plant tissues. [This study was
31030.]
172
Making Scents of Tomato Flavor Glycosides
Mario Turner, Fort Valley State University
Melissa Hamner and Harry J. Klee, University of Florida
Many of the volatile compounds that contribute to tomato flavor
have been found to be glycosylated, inhibiting their volatility and
changing their solubility. Little is known about the role they serve
and the enzymes responsible for their synthesis.
The family 1 class of glycosyltransferases conjugates small
molecules, including flavor compounds. Candidate tomato volatile
glycosyltransferases were identified using homology searches to
Arabidopsis glycosyltransferase protein sequences. One of these
candidates was found to have activity on 2-phenylethanol. 2phenylethanol has also been shown to be highly glycosylated in
fruit, especially in a high 2-phenylethanol-producing tomato, IL8-2
-1. As much a 75% of the total 2-phenyl ethanol pool may be
found in the glycosylated form.
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Quantification of volatile flavor molecule glycosides indicate that
these conjugates increase throughout tomato fruit development.
This pattern suggests that glucosides may not just be storage
molecules for later release of aroma volatiles as has been
observed with floral fragrance glycosides.
These results indicate the importance of understanding
glycosylation of flavor volatiles, as redirecting volatiles from this
fate potentially could greatly improve tomato flavor. [This study
was supported by USDA Capacity Building/NSF HBCU-UP grants
NSF HBCU-UP, S-STEM & REU Site Programs , Center for
31030.]
173
A Comparative Research of the Effects of Alpha and
Ultraviolet Radiation on the Growth of Aspergillus Niger in a
Simulated Aerospace Environment
Emma White, J. F. Drake State Technical College
Khalilah Burton and John Reutter; J. F. Drake State Technical
College, Irradiation Center of Alabama A&M University
In the course of recent studies regarding radiation and fungi, it
became of great interest to study the effects of radiation on fungi
and its aid in future food production for astronauts. Previous
studies have shown that under certain circumstances, fungal
growth will amplify when exposed to radiation. Aspergillus niger is
a common fungus from the genus Aspergillus. It is noted to be
harmful to plants, but not to humans when exposed in small
amounts. Aspergillus niger is used in the industrial field for the
production of glucose and high fructose corn syrup, which are
high energy molecules used by living organic organisms.
With the use of varying levels of ultra violet and alpha radiation
we compared the growth of Aspergillus niger in a normal climate
to separate climates influenced by each type of radiation.
The prediction of our research was the amplified growth of
Aspergillus niger under the influence of radiation due to the
chemical characteristics of fungus with darker pigments.
Aspergillus niger is black in color, indicating large amounts of the
pigment melanin. Melanin, when exposed to levels of ionized
radiation such as ultraviolet or alpha radiation, becomes a photoprotectant which allows the organism to undergo ultrafast internal
conversion of energy into heat.
The purpose of our research is to prove that Aspergillus niger will
use the energy , that was converted, into food for its growth. The
fungus was exposed to varied levels of ultra violet and alpha
radiation ranging from 60mSv to 160mSv via a vacuumed
environment. Fungal spores exposed to higher levels of radiation
showed an increase in growth.
Therefore, the hypothesis was supported. The extreme level of
dosage mimics that of an aerospace environment. Growth at
these rates may lead to new research with food being produced in
space by fungus for astronauts.
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[This study was supported, in part, by a grant NSF awarded to
John Reutter, Ph.D., Director of Grants and Accreditation, J.F.
Drake State Technical College, Huntsville, AL 2009.]
174
Mitogenic Response in AML 12 Mouse Hepatocytes Exposed to
Pentachlorophenol
Trobar Williams, Grambling State University
W.C. Dorsey, Grambling State University
Pentachlorophenol is an organochlorine fungicide that has been
extensively used in the United States to protect wood products.
Anthropogenic use of agricultural, domestic, and industrial
applications have caused PCP-contaminants to enter the
environment and infiltrate the food chain. PCP is highly toxic to
wildlife species and humans causing injury to major organs
including the lung, liver, kidneys, heart, and brain.
Recent Investigations in our laboratory have shown that PCP
exerts both cytotoxic and mitogenic effects in human liver
carcinoma (HepG2) cells, and in primary culture of catfish
hepatocytes. We have µg/PCP mL previously demonstrated that
the cytotoxic effects of PCP caused a 48 hr-LC50 of 16 + 2.0 µg/
mL in AML 12 mouse hepatocytes.
In the present study, we hypothesized that low exposure will
trigger a mitogenic response in AML 12 mouse hepatocytes. To
test this hypothesis, we performed the MTT assay for cell viability
in PCP-treated and control cells. Data obtained from this
experiment indicated a mitogenic response with respect to PCP
toxicity. Upon 48 hrs of exposure, mitogenicity at lower levels of
PCP was computed to be 186 + .02%, 194 + .05%, 199 + .05%,
235 + .06, 143 + .05, and 142 + .04% at 1.95 µg/PCP mL, 3.90
µg/PCP mL, 7.80µg/PCP mL, 15.6 µg/PCP mL, 31.2 µg/PCP mL,
and 62.5 µg/PCP mL, respectively.
These results indicate that PCP toxic effects are similar across cell
lines.
175
The Characterization and Classification of Airborn Pathogens
Akilah Witherspoon, Howard University
Exiguobacterium genera are a group of alkaliphilic, non-sporeforming Gram-positive bacilli that has been isolated to the regions
of the Antarctic and from the Hamta glacier of the Himalayan
mountain ranges of India. Twenty isolates of Exiguobacterium
were obtained from the ambient air flow covering a collection
period from August 2008 to February 2009. All the isolates
demonstrated phenotypic switching from orange to yellow
pigmented colonies on nutrient enriched agar, and blood agar
plates.
The isolates demonstrated virulence due to their hydrolytic
enzymes. They produced DNase, Lipase, hemolysin, bile esculin,
gelatinase. They also had the ability to degrade complex
carbohydrates and exhibited growth in the presence of NaCl. The
25 isolates were susceptible and resistant to various classes of
antibiotics. A significant fraction of the Gram-positive bacteria
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identified have the potential for impacts on human respiratory
health as well as other human disease conditions.
In addition, this research provides critical insight into the
background, characterization, identification, and distribution of
airborne microbials and may assist in distinguishing between
normal airborne pathogens.
M ATHEMATICS & S TATISTICS
176
Modeling the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Population for Effective Disease Management
Crystal Bennett, North Carolina A&T State University
Dr. Graham Hickling and Dr. Suzanne Lenhart, University
Tennessee Knoxville
Hypothesis: If a temporal spatial model of the tick population in
Fair Field Glade is developed can it be modified with a Four-Poster
feeder arrangement that will minimize feeder cost and maximize
reduction in Ehrlichia outbreaks in the area?
Methods: A discrete time model was designed first to represent
the complex three-host life cycle of the Lone Star Tick. This model
tracks the flow of individuals among each of seven life stages. For
the spatial model we used an 10x8 grid and placed our discrete
model into each grid position. From there a random a strategic
arrangement of feeders would effect the tick population
depending on feeder proximity. The model runs for 2 years.
We assumed:
1. A tick is not "fed" unless it survives the complete feeding
process.
2. Over the course of a month, fed larvae and fed nymphs either
molt and survive to the next stage, or they die. Fed adults can
survive for more than a month.
3. All engorged females lay eggs at the beginning of April, and
52% of those eggs hatch 2 months later.
4. Survival rates remain constant throughout the year, whereas
host-finding rates change based on month.
5. Since the eggs hatch in April, t=1 is April.
6. The population at the beginning of each year consists of: eggs,
unfed adults, and unfed nymphs. All modeling runs began with
the following initial conditions (chosen to match unpublished data
provided by M. Rosen): 25,000 eggs, 150 unfed nymphs, and 60
unfed adults.
7. The tick population within each grid square is independent of
deer/deer movement since the deer population is assumed to be
constant across the grid.
We ran three scenarios and one special case through our model
and scenario number two was the most cost effective. Scenario 2
has thirteen feeders located over the forested areas of FairField
Glade. The tick load was 55% less than the control scenario of
zero feeders. Cost of feeder maintenance is $26,000.00 and of
Ehrlichia cases is $45,000.00.
In total, the cost of this scenario is $71,000.00 which is $5,000
less than their current arrangement. The best scenario is an
intermediate one too few feeders is cheap to maintain but results
in high cost associated with disease among the residents, whereas
an excessive number of feeders reduces tick numbers but at
exorbitant maintenance costs.
Future optimization work would hope to determine the most
effective arrangement of 4-poster feeders in the 80 grid squares
given all possible scenarios. More complex integer programming
would be required to analyze the cost-disease trade off at this
level.
177
Computational Solutions of Newton’s Laws of Motion
Shawn Bordeaux, Talladega College
Anthony Skjellum, University of Alabama at Birmingham
The purpose of this project was to create a computer program
that could be used by high school students as a homework
checker for physics problems involving Newton's Laws of Motion. I
have created a program for Newton's second law that generates
given data by the student and displays the answer on the screen.
This program is very simply worked and can be used as a valuable
study tool.
The methods included the use of the computer, internet and
Cgywin Software. The computer program was developed and
sample problems were calculated.
It is concluded that computer programming is a valuable tool in
the better understanding of not only physics but any type of
problem involving calculations. [This study was supported by the
University of Alabama at Birmingham Alabama Louis Stokes
Alliance for Minority Participants, Birmingham, Alabama.]
178
Examination of Yearly Variability in the Scheffer Index
Torrance Caldwell, Clark Atlanta University
Charlie Carll, Forest Products Laboratory, Madison, WI
Scheffer (1971) developed a measurement term, which he termed
the climate index value, for expressing the relative risk of decay,
attributable to the climate at a given locality, for wood exposed
outdoors and not in contact with the ground. The index value is
calculated as:
Dec
∑
[( Φ − 35 )( Ω − 3 )] / 30
Index =
The index value is essentially an expression for the number of
days during a year when precipitation occurs during which
temperatures are also high.
Objective: The purpose of this work is to identify year-to-year
variations in Scheffer Index values over a recent 40-year period
for slightly over 150 locations in the conterminous United States.
Jan
Methodology: Data for each of 164 locations in the United Sates
was obtained from the National Climatic Data Center
(www.ncdc.noaa.gov). The data focused on were: mean monthly
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temperature, and the number of days in each month with
measurable precipitation (precipitation of ≥ 0.01 inches water
equivalent).
Results: Year-to-year variation in the Scheffer Index over the
period 1969-2008 was appreciable at each of the 164 locations
investigated. The standard deviation of the year-to-year
variations were plotted as a function of the 40-year mean value
for each location. The figure indicates that at virtually all
locations, the standard deviation exceeded 5 points on the
Scheffer Index scale
Discussion: The Scheffer Index value is dependent on a series of
monthly average temperatures and days per month with
measurable precipitation. Yearly sums of monthly average
temperatures, modified in the manner used to calculate the
Index, can serve as an indicator regarding the degree to which
temperature conditions at a given location are conducive to decay
propagation.
Conclusions: The Scheffer Index value was found, over the most
recent 40-year period, to have appreciable year-to-year variation
for the overwhelming majority of locations investigated. This
variation was generally greater than for most weather
parameters.
179
Primitive Weird Numbers of the Form 2kpq
Zina Dore, University of the Virgin Islands
Dr. Douglas Iannucci, Summer Undergraduate Research
Experiences S.U.R.E, University of the Virgin Islands
A weird number is a natural number n that is abundant but not
pseudoperfect. There are infinitely many weird numbers, because
the product of a weird and a prime number, greater the weird
number, will produce a weird number. So from the few weird
numbers known infinitely many weird numbers can be produced.
A primitive weird number is not the product of another weird
number.
In our research we worked on finding primitive weird numbers of
the form 2kpq. Our focus was finding primitive weird numbers
when k is exceptionally large. We employed the use of the
computer programming software Mathematica and UBasic. Our
research was successful as we have found the largest weird
numbers known.
180
Computations for Congruences in Modular Forms
homotopic if one can be deformed, without breaking, into the
other.
These classes then hold specific conditions that are of concern to
mathematicians. In particular, if the dimension n is greater than
the dimension k in the definition, the resulting classes yield very
eccentric values, some stable and some mysterious. Among these
stable values, there are layers of patterns, which have not fully
been understood. The second layer of patterns among these
stable values is what this research will aid in understanding. The
fore mentioned layers of patterns are linked theoretically to the
theory of modular forms, which is utilized to aid in the
understanding of these patterns. One can utilize computations of
homologies of chain complexes to view and analyze patterns that
may give insight to the second layer of patterns. However, these
computations are extremely difficult to execute, meaning that
computer programs, such as SAGE and MAGMA, are employed to
perform the computations explicitly.
Through MAGMA, computer codes are written to compute the
congruences and yield the necessary data. The hope is that these
computations will give a particularly detailed understanding of
these patterns that might open new doors for recognizing and
comprehending the patterns of more intricate layers of patterns
that exist in these stable values. The resulting data showed
surprising trends among the congruences in modular forms,
prompting the idea of further work in non-ideal primes for other
congruences in the future.
181
Exploring the Number e
Brittany M. Lewis, Savannah State University
Spyros Andreou, Savannah State University
The number e is a very important number in mathematics and is
equal to 2.718281828459045…. . The discovery of the number e
led to many discoveries in the sciences and technological
developments the humankind enjoys today. While most people
are more familiar with the number π, many are unfamiliar with
the number e. One of those discoveries is the famous Euler
identity eiπ + 1 = 0 involving all five important mathematical
numbers (e, π, i, 1, 0) in mathematics.
In this work, the number e will be explored showing its history,
some applications like compound interest, some of its properties
and its approximations. Some identities will be proven in
approximating the number e as well as the graphing tool MATLAB
will be utilized to graph certain functions like (1 + 1/x)x → e as x
→ ∞ involving the number e. [This study was supported by the
NSF-PSLSAMP/ HBCU-UP program.]
Calvin Foster, Clark Atlanta University & Massachusetts Institute
of Technology
In the field of topology, the homotopy groups of spheres is a very
intriguing, yet mysterious topic. Essentially, the concept of the
topic speaks to take larger spheres and wrap them, in a sense,
around smaller spheres through what is considered a continuous
mapping, Sn ïƒ Sk, where k is the dimension of the target
mapping, and n is the dimension of the source mapping. One can
consider any two loops, or closed paths, in a topological space as
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182
Can You Hear Me Now? A Look at Hearing Loss
Jaleesa Longmire, Alabama State University
The purpose of this research is to investigate the possibility that
cellular phones and other audible electronic devices have an effect
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of causing hearing loss. In particular, there is an increase in the
number of hearing loss cases among youths and young adults. In
doing this project, the process requires a great deal of research in
the areas of statistics. This research is dated from the year 2000
to present day and sheds to light on the reason there is a need to
ask the question: "Can you hear me now?"
the Sclumberger array, so we can get better approximation of the
depth to the bedrock.
Materials and Methods:
Ebelechukwu Nwafor, Cheyney University of PA
Constantine Daskalakis and Andrel Jocelyn, Thomas Jefferson
University, PA
Survey composed for this project
• Alabama State University Students
• Excel Spreadsheet
• Classes were visited and students answered a questionaire.
• Results were tallied and presented in several charts, graphs
and tables.
Conclusions: This process is ongoing; the final results of this
research will come after the data from the hearing test is
compiled. With the gathering of research, data has publicized that
hearing loss is occurring more and more in the youth and young
adults than the elderly because the younger people tend to use
and abuse technology. Studies show that listening to music at
unsafe levels on iPods/MP3players, CD players, and stereos (with
earplugs) and having your cell phone at its maximum level (or
using Bluetooth technology) can destroy your hearing. Further
studies will help determine the probability of hearing loss. This will
be done by hearing testing and use of surveys.
Future Research: The completion of this project will start the
beginning of setting up a hearing clinic on Alabama State
University's campus to accompany the surveys that were taken by
ASU's students. With anticipation and interest, the presence of
this poster will encourage others to follow up on more research
pertaining to hearing loss due to audible devices.
Expectantly, during the coming semesters, the study will be
extended to include the faculty and staff of Alabama State
University. Furthermore, a model will be developed by which
gender and age can determine the probability of hearing loss.
183
Application of Electrical Resistivity in Limpopo, South Africa
Komi Messan, North Carolina A&T State University
A number of geophysical methods (gravity, seismic refraction,
electromagnetics, and electrical resistivity) were conducted in an
area of Limpopo, South Africa to characterize the subsurface in
regard to its mining potential and determine the depth to the
bedrock. This research focuses on the use of the electrical
resistivity. We used the Wenner and the Schlumberger array
methods to collect the resistivity data, which were then,
processed using the res2inv and res1inv software.
The results show that we were working on a non-homogenous
surface. We find three main layers from the surface to the
bedrock, which are interpreted to reflect the distance from the
surface to the bedrock. Modeling of the data is presented in both
pseudo-section of 2-D model and a Sclumberger sounding curve
of 1-D model and illustrate our interpreted results. For futur
research, we would consider using a 2-D or even 3-D model for
184
Linear Regression Analysis of the Impact of Gender
Obesity is an epidemic in the United States affecting mainly low
income and minority groups. Based on the data from the center of
disease control, 35.7% of African Americans are obese, 23.7% of
white are obese, and 28.7% of Hispanics are obese. Obesity is as
a result of high calorie intake with little physical activity and can
also be caused by genetic factors. Obesity is measured using Body
Mass Index (BMI) which is a combination of weight and height.
Data for this analysis was collected from the clinic community
intervention program (CCIP). The CCIP was established at
Thomas Jefferson University as a community-based program,
which helps low-income urban minority living with obesity in the
Philadelphia region to control their obesity. The analysis looks at
the association of BMI change with age, gender, and length of
follow up in the control group of the CCIP. Participants in the
study were left without any intervention (e.g. lifestyle training) for
approximately 9 months after which their BMI, height, and length
of follow up were recorded. Linear regression was used to
investigate these relationships. Age was categorized into four
groups: 18-24 yrs, 25-34yrs, 35-44yrs, 45 -55 yrs. The age of
patients was calculated by finding the difference from his or her
date of birth to their baseline measurement. The length of follow
up was also categorized into two groups: 6 -9 months, and 10-12
months. All analysis was conducted using the statistical software,
STATA 9.1.
Results from this analysis shows that there were no association
between these characteristics (gender, length of follow up, and
age) and BMI change.
185
A Mathematical Model of AIDS Incidences Reported for the
African-American Male in the U.S.
Muziwi Nyamapfene, Harris-Stowe State University
A mathematical model was constructed to depict the growth of
AIDS incidences for the African-American male population in the
United States. The HIV/AIDS problem among the AfricanAmerican male population in the U.S. remains the most severe of
all U.S. subpopulations. Reported statistics from the Center for
Disease and Prevention Control (CDC) were collected and used to
create a scatter plot on a spreadsheet database to reveal any
trends, and the model used the method of least-squares criterion
describe the data.
Understanding the statistics revealed there are policies
implemented that determine the identification of AIDS victims. For
instance, in 1993 the government health agency refined the
definition of AIDS to include identification of any three of a list of
twenty-four clinical conditions a person has contracted while
exhibiting a minimal abnormal drop in TD+4 (white blood) cell
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count. A person with HIV is not considered to have AIDS until
they exhibit these illnesses.
The expanded definition coincided with a shift in the trend in
cases being reported. From 1993 to 2007 the data are decreasing
exponentially, leveling-off around 10,000 new cases per year,
whereas prior to 1993 they increased linearly. The research also
used techniques to model trends of other subpopulations in the
U.S. to compare trends. It would be interesting to compare the
prevalence of some of the 24 clinical conditions for AIDS among
different U.S. subpopulations and other parts of the world to
better understand trend factors.
186
Exploring Knots!
Anneishia Patterson, Bennett College for Women
Robyn Johnson, Dr. Hyunju Oh, and Dr. Byong Lee; Bennett
College for Women
The major purposes of this research are to find invariants of knots
which can be applied to represent DNA molecule and to graph of
knots by MAPLE.
In this presentation, we will report the following results from our
summer research: First, we found invariants of Conway-Alexander
polynomials up to 49 nine-crossing knots and Jones polynomials
up to 7 seven-crossing knots and more knots which are not
distinguished by Conway-Alexander polynomials by skein
relations, and Alexander polynomials up to 49 nine-crossings by
using MAPLE which are computed by skein relations, and then we
determined the best invariant among them. Second, we
discovered functions to draw 3-D graphs that visualize these knots
determined by simulations using MAPLE. Third, we graphed knots
by using MAPLE and generalized patterns of equations for the
knots.
We conclude the Jones polynomials are the best invariant among
them from our research. In future research, we will study Bracket
polynomials invariant, graph more knots, find equations of knots
using MAPLE, and compute Conway-Alexander, Jones and
Alexander polynomials more than nine-crossing knots.
187
An Application of Cellular Automata to Study Classroom
Organization
Brooke Presley, Harris-Stowe State University
Cellular Automata (CA) is a way to model complex phenomena in
a simple way. More specifically, CA, models a world in which
space is represented as a uniform grid, time advances by steps,
and the "laws" of the world are represented by a uniform set of
rules which compute each cell's state from its own previous state
and those of its close neighbors. (Zbiec 2003) The idea of CA
dates back to the 1950's with Von Neumann and Ulam (J.V.
Neumann 1966). John Conway (Gardner 1970) and Stephen
Wolfram (Wolfram 1986) contributed to the widespread interest in
CA. Models using CA have been used in physical and natural
sciences, economics and sociology. This study applies CA to the
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field of education, specifically to classroom organization. My
hypothesis was that CA can be used to explain certain
phenomenon in classroom settings, leading to better seating
arrangements or placement in groups for students in a classroom.
The simulated classroom consisted of 16 students in a 4 by 4 grid,
starting with 25 percent motivated and 75 percent unmotivated.
There were four different beginning configurations of students
considered in a classroom, and two options to define neighbors on
the border of the grid. Chosen transition rules were based on
education theory and classroom experience. In the beginning, I
incorporated Wolfram and Conway's rules to fit my models and
noticed similarly that certain rules created organized patterns
within my setting, and other rules created chaotic patterns. After
further investigation, I narrowed my model to consider only two
states for each student, motivated and unmotivated, with each
student having 4 neighbors. Some beginning configurations did
increase the percent of motivated students for most of the
transition rules, while others did not.
There was not sufficient evidence to support or contradict my
hypothesis. For future research, I plan to consider models with
more than two states, transition rules that use a probabilistic
model, conduction of in-class research and technology to simulate
more involved situations.
188
Self-Contact in Ternary Planar Fractal Trees
Bolanle O. Salaam, Howard University
David A. Brown, Ithaca College
We establish the properties of ternary fractal trees in planar form.
Previous research explores ternary trees in three dimensions, as
well as binary trees in both planar and three dimensions. We
extend popular results concerning binary planar trees into the
three-branch case, namely, the method for determining the
location of any tip of the fractal tree in the r-theta plane. We also
explore the structure of the resulting canopies, prove the
relationship between angle measure and scaling ratio used in the
Iterated Function System, discuss dimension for any given ternary
planar fractal tree, and suggest a generalization for determining
the location of any branch tip in an n-ary tree.
A fractal tree can be loosely defined as an image which when a
portion is observed at any magnification appears to be a scaled
down version of the larger image. This property is called selfsimilarity and can be found in nature (i.e. some types of plants,
snowflakes, etc.) Fractal trees are used largely for their similarity
to actual trees in nature, and are therefore popularly used as tree
models in computer graphics. The fractal trees created in this
research are obtained recursively by symmetric tertiary branching.
A truck of length one divides into three branches of a predetermined scale r. The left and right branches of the tree each
make an angle theta > 0 with the center branch. Each new
branch formed then follows the same rule.
To determine the value of the scaling ratio r, given some angle
theta, required for minimal tip-to-tip self-contact in a symmetric
fractal tree, we only need to examine the point where the rightmost portion of the left branch comes into contact with the left
most portion of the center branch on the bisector between these
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two branches. If self-contact occurs at this portion of the tree, it
will also occur identically with the center and right branches. Our
program, written in Mathematica, then approximates the scaling
ratio needed for the tree to have tip-to-tip self-contact.
In addition, further examination will be conducted to test which
nanoparticle conjugate offers the best combination of magnetic
transportability and decreased cytotoxicity.
[This research was supported by a HBCU-UP grant from NSF to
Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL 35896]
N ANOSCIENCE
189
Preparation and Characterization of Gold, Platinum, and
Silver
Joshua Anthony, Oakwood University
Dr. Kenneth LaiHing, Oakwood University
Victoria Poole, Purdue University
Nanoparticle technology is accelerating advances throughout most
science related fields, but especially in the medical research area
of drug delivery. Nanoparticles offer the potential of site-specific
drug delivery and increased drug solubility. These components
will allow particular medications to be administered in lower
dosage levels, thereby limiting possible side-effects. This also
proves to be an economic benefit in drug synthesis which
translates into a less expensive product for the consumer.
Previous studies for the use of nanoparticles in drug delivery have
been conducted separately with iron (Fe) and gold (Au). The
benefits of iron nanoparticles are that they can be transported
through the body via magnetism. However, in an aqueous
solution, iron reacts to form iron oxides making it extremely
cytotoxic. Conversely, gold is a relatively inert element which
displays almost no cytoxicity; but it cannot be manipulated as it
lacks the magnetic properties of iron.
The present study was undertaken to harness the properties of
these two elements into one nanoparticle conjugate. Derivatized
with thiols, the nanoparticles undergo material characterization as
a drug-delivery agent. Two other metals, platinum (Pt) and silver
(Ag), were also incorporated in this study because of their
unreactive nature.
Preparation and characterization of three nanoparticle conjugates
were examined. Iron nanoparticles were used as cores while
gold, platinum, and silver were separately used as shell/coatings
to produce three (gold-iron, platinum-iron, silver-iron) unreactive
nanoparticle conjugates with magnetic properties.
Characterization with UV/vis spectroscopy and Atomic Force
Microscopy (AFM) showed the conjugates to be properly prepared
and within a 50-90nm range. Furthermore, each conjugate was
characterized with the addition of a thiol group. This thiol group
will serve as a template to attach pharmaceutical compounds in
future research.
With this phase of study completed, research will continue to
further improve upon targeted delivery techniques. This can be
accomplished by the combination of our current nanoparticle
conjugates with compounds that exhibit affinity for our delivery
target.
190
Synthesis of Silver Nano-Particles with Chitosan A
Adetimilehin Ariyo, Morgan State University
Dr. Yongchao Zhang, Morgan State University
Nano-particles are tiny clusters of atoms of approximately 1 to
100 nm. Properties of metal nano-particles are different from
those of bulk materials made from the same atoms. However,
Size and shape handling of nano-particles has increased important
interest because of its possible applications in optics, electronics,
magnetic media, and catalysis.
In this work, it is our intention to compare silver nano-particles
synthesized with and without a reducing agent in the presence of
chitosan as a stabilizing polymer. Among the method of
synthesizing silver nano-particles are reduction of silver nitrate by
reducing agents (Sodium borohydride and one percent Trisodium
citrate), and silver diamine hydroxide as a silver precursor in the
synthesis of silver colloid. Both method- with and without
reducing agent- UV spectra are compared. Silver diamine
hydroxide [Ag(NH3)2OH] solution is made by adding silver nitrate
and excess aqueous ammonia at room temperature as nonreducing agent method into which chitosan- a polysarrcharide
known for its biocompatibility and biodegradability- was
introduced as a stabilizing polymer. Furthermore, silver nitrate
was added to reducing agents-sodium borohydride and one
percent Trisodium citrate - as well as chitosan at room
temperature. Each of the reducing agents was individually used.
Sodium borohydride reaction has no color change, however; after
a week gray-like particles precipitate were formed and citrate of
sodium reaction with silver nitrate turns yellow after a day.
It is the aim of this work to determine and investigate the
optimum condition for making silver nano-particle with chitosan as
a stabilizing polymer, including its characterization using UV-vis
spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and so on. Both
methods shows a presumably absorption peak characteristics at
approximately 570 nm, results from other methods of
characterization are pending. The stabilizing effect of chitosan at
different concentrations will be investigated. The resulting nanoparticles will eventually be used for electro-conduction in lyotropic
liquid crystalline phases formed by exposing lipids to solvent
(usually water) under controlled conditions.
191
Fabrication of Silicon Nanocrystals in Aluminum and Silicon
Dioxide Interface by Femtosecond Laser Irradiation
Shavonne Cullers, Spelman College
Research: Georgia Institute of Technology, Lorraine; Lorraine,
France
Lorraine Advisor: Paul Voss
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Mentor: David Chapron/ GA Tech SURE Program, GA Tech
Lorraine: Lorraine, France
193
Suspended Nanotube Devices by Transfer Printing
The hypothesis for this project is that Silicon-nanocrystals (nc-Si's)
can be fabricated by driving the reaction of SiO2 and aluminum
with a femtosecond Ti-Sapphire laser. The first experiment was
run while observing various changes in the position of the sample,
position of the lens, continuity of the laser, and type of lens.
Hydrochloric acid was applied to the sample after irradiation to
remove any aluminum and thereafter, the RAMAN method was
used to determine if there were any nc-Si's present. The results of
the RAMAN showed that there were no nc-Si's present in our
initial experiment, so the experimental alignment was adjusted to
include a non-linear optics set-up that would output a second
harmonic generation, infrared light. The purpose of this beam
translation was to increase the energy absorption of the sample,
providing the excess energy needed to produce nc-Si's.
Saba Hamidi Vadeghani, South Carolina State University &
Columbia University
Vikram Deshpande, Mitsuhide Takekoshi, and Philip Kim;
Columbia University
Once the experiment was run again and the RAMAN method was
performed on the sample, the results again showed that no ncSi's had been formed. We hypothesize that these results may
partially be due to the face that the laser irradiation was not
strong enough to drive the reaction. Future research should
include using different irradiation alignment or method.
192
The Study of Nanoparticles/Nanorobotics and HIV
Jarrett L. David, Morehouse College & University of Iowa
HIV, human immunodeficiency virus can possibly lead to acquired
immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It impacts the health of
people's daily life. Scientists have begun to explore
nanotechnology for developing innovative solutions. Among many
nanomedicine applications, silver nanoparticles have proven to be
toxic to bacteria, fungi, algae, and viruses. However, one of the
disadvantages of using silver nanoparticles is that it is also toxic
to normal cells. How to avoid or reduce this negative side-effect
must be seriously considered before clinical trials.
In addition, based on recent reports, nanorobots have been
introduced in cancer therapy. Nanorobots can be applied in
chemotherapy to combat cancer through superior chemical
dosage administration. A similar approach is taken to enable
nanorobots to deliver anti-HIV drugs.
In this preliminary study of nanorobotic principles a hybrid
method is proposed, by combining the use of Rnase L and Tre
enzymes with nanorobots, we believe that we will be able to
develop more effective drug therapies which may possibly lead to
a cure for this devastating virus. As of now the fabrication of
these devices is still in the development processes, once finalized
we believe that they will hold great promise.
In using nanorobots we hope to be able to develop more effective
drug therapy methods for HIV patients. In doing so we hope to
extend the patient's life and possibly cure this virus that is not just
a burden all over the world.
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Carbon nanotubes are one-dimensional cylindrical molecules. Over
the last two decades, there has been much excitement about
nanotubes and their potential applications, due to their superior
electrical, thermal and mechanical properties. We use carbon
nanotubes to study the properties of one-dimensional electron
gases.
The study of these electron systems requires very clean media. To
achieve this, we used the novel method of transfer printing on
metal leads to make electrical contact to individual nanotubes,
which were grown using chemical vapor deposition in a resist-free
manner and a suspended geometry. Then the nanotubes were
characterized using Rayleigh scattering spectroscopy. We
investigated the use of gold, palladium and graphite leads. We
produced suspended devices and decreased the contact
resistance to ~100 kΩ through successive annealing steps. In this
regime, the Coulomb blockade phenomenon in nanotube quantum
dots becomes accessible.
We are working towards further lowering the contact resistance to
reach the Kondo and Fabry-Perot regimes where more interesting
physics becomes accessible.
194
Gold Nanoparticle/Synthetic Functional Polymer Nanoparticle
Candace James, Clark Atlanta University & Ithemba Labs
Functional nanostructures have a wide variety of applications
including being utilized as the active component in
nanobiosensors. An effective approach for preparing functional
nanostructures is by a method known as electrospinning.
In this study, nanostructures embedded with gold nanoparticles
were prepared by electrospinning. Gold nanoparticles were
prepared by two methods. The first method for the preparation of
the gold nanoparticles was by a technique known as the liquid liquid Interface Method. The nanoparticle was prepared using a
concentration of the metal derivative submerged in an organic
layer of toluene with an aqueous layer below creating an
interface, where the gold nanoparticles were formed. Gold
nanoparticles prepared by the interfacial method, show an even
spacing among the nanoparticles, from which it can be inferred
that there is some type of bonding occurring among the
nanoparticles. A second method used to form Gold nanoparticles
was a one phase synthesis technique. The sample was prepared
using a nonionic surfactant and gold salt. It was seen that for the
one-step synthesis some gold nanoparticles were floating freely in
solution, but that most had settled to the bottom. When the gold
nanoparticles were measured it was seen that they ranged in
diameter from approximately 3 - 43 nm in size. It was also seen
that some of the gold nanoparticles formed perfect polygons such
as a triangle or pentagon.
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The investigation of gold nanoparticle growth dynamics was
carried out using UV-Visible spectroscopy and refractive index.
The gold particle synthesized were electrospun with a solution of
poly(vinylalcohol). In order to ensure the proper viscosity for
electrospinning conditions, so that it was possible to form long
fibers with small diameters, PVA and .05mM concentration gold
nanoparticles were combined to form a 21%wt solution. The
nanocomposite solution was electrospun onto several substrates:
glass, FTO, silicon, FTO on plastic and aluminum foil.
Characterization of the fibers and gold nanoparticles was carried
out using AFM, SEM, TEM, ATR, UV- Visible spectroscopy, and
STM. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to view the
composite gold/PVA nanofibers that had been electrospun on to
several different substrates for different amounts of time. SEM
studies indicate that the electrospinning was successful; however
there was very little alignment of the fibers. The ITO coated in
PET and the aluminum showed almost no alignment of the fibers,
and the gold/silicon lithography and the plain silicon substrates
showed some alignment towards the edges. The fibers also
appeared to be larger in diameter than desired (<100nm), which
could hopefully be decreased by increasing the voltage of the
electrospinning apparatus in the future.
Currently, we are developing conditions to prepare fibers with
smaller diameters and are also developing strategies to ensure
good distribution of the nanoparticles within the electrospun
fibers. Once the appropriate conditions are developed,
functionalized nanofibers with be prepared and developed as the
active component in nanobiosenors.
195
Gold Nanoparticle Based Simple Colorimetric Assay
Shardae McAfee, Tougaloo College
Adria Neely, Candice Perry, Jhansi Kalluri, Tahir Arbneshi, Birsen
Varisli, and Paresh Chandra Ray, Jackson State University, MS
Marla Washington, Brittney Robinson, and Santanu Banerjee,
Tougaloo College
Arsenic contamination in drinking water poses threat to global
health. As many as 140 million people worldwide may have been
exposed to drinking water with arsenic contamination levels
higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline of
10 ppb. Driven by the need, here we will present development of
modified gold nanoparticle based colorimetric probe for the
detection of Arsenic, with excellent detection limit ( 700 ppt) and
selectivity over other heavy metal ions in the water sample.
Our data clearly demonstrate colorimetric assay for the detection
of Arsenic from the water sample. [This study was supported, in
part, by a grant from NSF/ARO awarded to Dr. Paresh Chandra
Ray * Ph.D., Department of Chemistry, Jackson State University,
Jackson, MS 2009.]
196
Nanopore Chip Cleaning: Surface Considerations
Ryan Powell, Drexel University
Rafael Mulero and Minjun Kim, Drexel University
Silicon nitride (SiN) nanopore chips have the potential to
revolutionize the medical field as lab-on-a-chip devices by early
detection of biomarkers, and pathogens to treat illness and
disease. In addition the foremost studied application of nanopore
chips is the ultrafast and inexpensive sequencing of DNA which
will act as a genomics gateway to high impact preventative and
genetic medicine. Identification either analyte is achieved by its
translocation (the transport of analyte through the pore), while
measuring the subsequent ionic current blockade (the current
change roughly related to the volume of the analyte within the
pore's sensing zone during translocation). However, contaminants
on these nanopore chips often cause steric hindrance to
translocation. These contaminants cause inaccurate readouts of
the current flow during translocation, possibly causing experiment
error or failure. For the SiN chip sensing system to be robust, the
chip must be completely clean. We have conducted fundamental
studies on removing debris from chip surfaces using various
chemistries and chemical methods.
We focused on the removal of a varied range of contaminants
including particulates and organic material such as introduced
polymers and skin oil. Additionally the removal of inorganic
materials such as Silicon Oxynitride (SiON) shards and salt ions
were also studied. Surface chemistry and surfactant science
experiments were conducted to match soluble soils with solvents.
In this way the study of the adhesive forces between the
substrate and soil could be better understood. Hansen Solubility
Parameters which predict solubility based on the cohesive bond
energies for dipole, polar and hydrogen bonding for a given
materials were used to match good solvents to individual
contaminants.
Through these methods we revealed that previous cleaning
procedures for SiN nanopore chips such as RCA solutions were
successful in removing organic and particulate materials but
unsuccessful at the removal of Polydimethylsiloxate (PDMS), and
inorganic material. Inorganic materials such as SiON shards and
salts can be cleaned by a water cyclic rinse. Polystyrene beads are
dissolved by Toluene and have been cleaned off after adhering to
chip windows, however further experiments must be done to rid
beads clogged in the nanopore due to their constricted geometry
and induced electrostatic forces.
197
Gold Nanomaterial Based Ultrasensitive Detection of
Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers Using Colorimetric Assay
Brittney Robinson, Tougaloo College
Adria Neely and Paresh Chandra Ray, Jackson State University
Santanu Banerjee, Tougaloo College
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive mental disorder disease,
which affects 5 million Americans according to the 2008 data and
estimated increments can be 16 million by 2050. Alzheimer's
disease is the third most expensive disease in the USA. Despite
the huge problems, there is no definitive diagnosis of AD, other
than postmortem identification of senile plaques and
neurofibrillary tangles in the brain tissue. Since there is no cure
at present, early diagnosis of AD is crucial for the current drug
treatments, which have shown to slow the progression of AD.
Conference Program
A103
Abstracts
To address the growing market needs of the 21st century, we will
discuss development gold nanomaterial based colorimetric assay
for the detection of the three AD biomarkers separately and
selectively. The method that was used to detect AD was
colorimetric assay via antigen-antibody interaction. Gold
nanoparticles were synthesized and were the medium of the
experiment. After the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, Tau
antibody was added into the gold nanoparticles and stored for an
hour. After being stored, Tau protein was then added to the
solution.
In a separate experiment, the steps were repeated, replacing Tau
protein with BSA, in an effort to determine the selectivity of the
experiment. The results of the experiment were compatible with
the hypothesis made. Color change was observed in the solution
containing Tau protein; however, there was no change in the
solution containing BSA.
With the new gantry in place, testing showed that the image
sensors that had been epoxied to the flats exposed a sort of
crinkling effect on the blocks. This was found to actually be due to
the process of applying the epoxy to the image sensors. The
epoxy was then applied and placed by hand onto the float glass.
This created extra pressure on the epoxy which caused the epoxy
to settle unevenly in certain areas, causing the crinkling effect.
In the end, we had to totally adapt a new method and decided to
map the average plane of each sensor using the three available
adjustable points.
Since our program was a short period, current work is still being
done using a labview scanner and analysis script to automate any
corrections to the float glass blocks, as much as possible.
199
Diamond-like Carbon from Hydrogen and Methane
PHYSICS
Florecka Bundick, Shaw University
198
Proposed Alignment Methods for LSST
In this process, a mixture of Hydrogen (H2) and Methane (CH4)
reactant gases of appropriate flow rate ratios are allowed to flow
into an evacuated (0.093 Torr or less) deposition chamber onto a
clean substrate.
Zephra Bell, Southern University, Baton Rouge
Ray O’Neal, Florida A & M University
Peter Takacs, Brookhaven National Laboratory
The Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST) is a wide-field
telescope that will render time-lapse digital imaging of
astronomical objects across the universe. A major component of
the LSST project is the raft/tower configurations which compose
the focal plane. The proposed flatness specifications for the focal
plane assembly of the LSST are very precise in order to render
superior quality images.
They are as follows: a 5µm p-v (peak to valley) flatness over the
entire image sensor surface, a 6.5µm p-v flatness over the entire
surface of the image sensor blocks mounted on a raft, and a 10
µm p-v flatness over the entire image sensor surface of the 21
rafts that compose the focal plane of LSST.
Our assignment was testing multiple ways to achieve the specified
precise measurements. For the whole project a Keyence sensor
and gantry were utilized. The gantry was used to measure the
optical parallel as well as the flats that the image sensors were
mounted upon. Scans were taken of unmounted image sensors
and loose float glass blocks.
To determine their flatness, their images were produced and read
using MATLAB. The image sensors were epoxied to the float glass
blocks which were mounted onto flats and held in place with
differential screws.
For more up-to-date testing, a new gantry was installed. This
gantry system has an (x,y,z) axis system. Also the flats that were
measured were secured upon stainless steel ball mounts to
minimize the amount of movement during scans. The Keyence
sensor was set to simultaneously show the surface of the image
sensors as the gantry took scans. Primary testing with the old
gantry first revealed the float glass blocks were within
specifications.
A104
Conference Program
A radio-frequency-generated electric field creates in the chamber
a plasma of the reactant gases that leads to deposition of DLC
films on various substrates. Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor
Deposition (PECVD) technique is used to grow DLC films,
deposited on biogel produced from agarose and carrying DNA
bands.
This was done with a view to devising ways of preserving DNA
bands of endangered species for long periods.
200
Positron Lifetime Studies of Polyurea-Nanoclay Components
Gabriel Burks, Grambling State University
Naidu V. Seetala, Grambling State University
Positron Annihilation Techniques (PATs) are very sensitive to
changes in microporosity of the samples such as the microscopic
free-volume spaces in polymers. Here we present the preliminary
results of PAT on nanoclay incorporated aromatic and aliphatic
polyurea films supplied by University of Houston. 22Na positron
source is sandwiched between two identical polyurea samples
under study and the lifetime spectrum was collected. A 60Co
curve is used to find the instrumental time resolution (35 ps).
The positron lifetime spectra were analyzed using POSFIT
computer program for three lifetime components for four
samples: a) Aromatic Polyurea Blank, b) Aromatic Polyurea with
1% nanoclay, c) Aliphatic Polyurea Blank, and d) Aliphatic
Polyurea with 2% nanoclay. The third lifetime component related
to positronium lifetime in these samples shows a clear difference
between aromatic and aliphatic polyurea films with more porosity
for aromatic films.
The introduction of 1% or 2% nanoclay into polyurea for both
aromatic and aliphatic films did not bring any significant difference
Abstracts
in the positron lifetimes. But the intensity of second component
has shown a change in aliphatic films only that may indicate a
polymer structural change.
201
Isotopic Fragmentation of a Nuclear Collision
Triesha Fagan, Florida A & M University
L.W. May, S. Wuenschel, Z. Kohley, A.S. Botvina, and S.Y.
Yennello; Cyclotron Institute, Texas A&M University, and
SJYGROUP
The changing characteristic nature of nuclei at intermediate
energy states was investigated using the isotopic ratios produced
in the inverse kinematic reaction of Krypton on Nickel.
Experimental isoscaling of these reaction systems was
theoretically observed using the Statistical Multi-fragmentation
Model (SMM) coupled with the Deep Inelastic Transfer Model
(DIT). SMM/DIT was used to simulate the production and
fragmentation of quasi-projectiles produced in the reactions of
78Kr+58Ni, and 86Kr+64Ni at 35 MeV/u. An isoscaling analysis
was performed on the resulting distributions from the
fragmentation of the quasi-projectiles.
In order to compare the theoretical results to experimental data
taken on the NIMROD-ISIS charged particle array, the simulated
data was filtered to match the acceptances of the detector and
experimental source cuts. In addition to source cuts, free
neutrons, were added back into the experimental and simulated
source, to help form a more precise calculation for the , or .
Attempts were made to account for undetected neutrons also.
Traditionally isotopic scaling has been performed using the
isotopic product yields of identical reactions that only differ in
isotopic identity. In the case, both the experimental and
theoretical isoscaling were done finding the isotopic yields of the
neutron-rich and neutron-poor N/Z bins of the combined statistics
of both systems.
The results from the simulation show qualitative agreement with
the experimental data. The isoscaling parameter α, which is
related to the symmetry energy, decreases with increasing
excitation energy. This result is seen in both the filtered and unfiltered simulation demonstrating that the experimental
observation of the decreasing α /Δ value is not due to the
detector bias or source cuts. Furthermore, the isoscaling was
investigated as a function of the Δ bin widths and a trend in α as
a function of changing bin width (with Δ fixed) is observed.
202
Flare Luminosity
Roderick Gray, Alabama A&M University
The Sun is an active and energetic star. From time to time, based
on favorable magnetic structures, the Sun gives off bursts of
energy in the form of particles and light. The light is commonly
referred to as a solar flare, which is of great interest both
scientifically as well as due to its relation to space weather.
This project examined the luminosity in flares between Hinode's
XRT, GOES and STEREO data to gain an understanding as to the
energy budget of the flare as well as to the flare class that has
already been used as a standard in space weather prediction. This
is an important step to understanding the energy of the flare as
well as the future of space weather prediction. It will be
applicable to the soon to be launched SDO- AIA instrument which
will observe the whole Sun full time.
203
Fabrication of SiC:Ge:Fe Waveguide
Keana Holmes, Dillard University
Lanikka Webb, Dillard University
A nanosecond pulsed laser deposition at room temperature was
used to fabricate a waveguide of Sic:Ge:Fe. The waveguide was
used as an optical sensor to detect the sound wave disturbance
under water. It was observed that the HeNe laser drives the
optical sensor to produce multiple diffraction rings, which are
affected by the sound wave disturbance to produce unique
clusters of rings with elongated shape pointing away from the
source of the acoustic waves.
It was observed that, the shape of the rings resonance with the
waves to produce either constructive or destructive interference
pattern which produce the elongated shape. The Sensor has the
same results if it is driven by either HeNe laser or Ar ion laser.
The optical characterization of the sensor's performance under
harsh environment will be presented as well.
204
Comparative Spectroscopic Studies of Er Doped KPb2Cl5 and
KPb2Br5 Crystals for Solid-State Laser Applications
Shawna Jones, Hampton University
The trivalent rare earth ion Er3+ is a favorable optically active
center for applications in solid-state gain media. Laser oscillation
from Er3+ doped solids (crystals and glasses) has been observed
most frequently in the infrared wavelength region at ~1.5 µm due
to the transition between the 4I13/2 and 4I15/2 ground state of Er3+
ions. Applications in the 1.5 µm region include eye-safe lasers and
optical communications. Er3+ doped solids have also shown IR
lasing in the 2.7 µm region, which is used in medical laser
applications.
The objective of the research is to determine and compare the
emission properties of Er doped KPb2Cl5 (KPC), and KPb2Br5 (KPB)
for potential applications as solid-state gain media. Under 980 nm
excitation, Er doped KPC produced intense green upconversion
emission with the strongest line centered at ~550 nm (4S3/2→
4
I15/2). Under similar pump conditions Er doped KPB produced
strong blue upconversion emission with a dominant line centered
at ~495 nm (4F7/2→4I15/2).
The large difference in the upconversion emission from both
crystals can be explained by the lower maximum phonon energy
of KPB compared to KPC. The upconversion emission from Er: KPB
and Er: KPC was further compared by measuring the excited state
lifetime of the 4F7/2 level and modeled using the energy-gap law
for non-radiative decay. The possibility of new laser transitions
arising from the 4F7/2 level in Er: KPB was also evaluated and will
be discussed at the conference.
Conference Program
A105
Abstracts
205
Energy Transfer of CdSe Quantum Dots
Jelyn Moore, Hampton University
Jasmine Austin, Hampton University
The energy transfer between the pump and probe beams through
the CdSe quantum dots were examined by two-wave mixing. A
experimental setup using a 6 ns pulsed laser and a series of
optical instruments was used to produce the two-wave mixing. A
phase shift between the two input beams occurred due to the
nonlinear optical properties of the CdSe quantum dots. This phase
shift leaded to energy transfer from the strong pump beam to the
weak signal beam. This phenomenon may be used for all optical
signal processing.
206
Light Emitting Diodes, High Efficiency Tiny Bulbs
Daniel Prosser, Shaw University
Dr. A. Karoui, Photovoltaic Nanotechnology and Nanosensors
Research Group, Shaw University
Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) have revolutionized modern
technology for humans of present day society. They have
enhanced the way we use electronic and display technologies.
They have been introduced in a large variety of applications. Such
energy efficient devices are critical to human being survival,
knowing the forthcoming energy crisis. An LED is basically a PN
semiconductor junction which produces monochromatic light
through the excitation of electrons.
The first LED was made using Gallium Arsenide Phosphide
(GaAsP), and today a large number of compound semiconductor
materials are used to make different kinds of LEDs with various
colors, brightness, shape. Mixing three colors was utilizing the
most efficient light bulbs.
In this work, we are powering LEDs with solar cell modules. The
challenge is to do a good electrical matching of the LED array with
the cell module that enables the highest possible efficiency for
both the solar electric generator and the LED bulbs. For that
purpose we obtain and study the current-voltage characteristic of
the source (solar cells) and the electric load (LED array).
S OCIAL & B EHAVIORAL S CIENCES
207
The Effects of Social Experiences on Expectations about
White Americans’ Positive Behavioral Changes toward African
Americans
Ebony Asbury-Taylor, Virginia State University
Tashia Brewer and Reginald Hopkins, PhD, Virginia State
University
The recent election of President Barack Obama points to a
positive turn in race relations. For many, the recent presidential
election suggests a diminishing of racism and more positive
behavioral changes of White Americans toward Black Americans.
A106
Conference Program
Very little data exist, however, to suggest that African Americans
believe that White Americans will continue to behave positively
toward Blacks in general or whether the sentiments and behaviors
displayed in the recent election are short-lived.
Given the cultural mistrust Africans Americans have toward
Whites (Terrell, F., Terrell, S.L., 1981; Whaley, 2001), this study
was designed to explore the extent to which certain experiences
of African Americans affect their expectations about the behavior
and sentiments of Whites toward Blacks. In general, we
hypothesize that individuals with the most negative social
experiences will have the most pessimistic expectation.
Specifically, we expect that individuals who are male, from low
SES, and raised in rural areas to be less optimistic that Whites will
display positive behaviors and sentiments in the future. It is also
expected that the interactions among these variables could
minimize or eliminate their independent effects. Student
researchers administered the Race Relations Survey (Hopkins,
2009) and a background questionnaire to 68 African American
students (38 females and 30 males) from various psychology
courses at an HBCU in the eastern region of the United States.
Contrary to expectations, none of the main effects were
statistically significant; however some complex interactions did
emerge. For example, high SES male tend to perceive that
Whites behavior toward Blacks will be less positive (M = 2.94)
than high SES females (M = 3.52). Additionally, the lowest SES
females tend to have the most pessimistic expectations (M =
2.76) of behavioral changes Whites will make toward Blacks.
Another complex interaction occurred with respect to gender and
region. Could these expectations affect the motivation or
achievement of African Americans? Future research should
explore the extent to which this tendency may manifest,
particularly among those segments with the most pessimistic
expectations.
208
School Based Interventions to Address Childhood Obesity in
Arkansas
Adrian Beard, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Judith Weber, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)
The research was designed to increase elementary school
children’s physical activity and decrease sedentary activity and to
improve their access to healthy foods to facilitate implementation
of the Arkansas’ Child Health Advisory Committee
Recommendations for Nutrition and Physical Activity in Schools.
One other thing was to develop and test a school gardening
program as the mediating mechanism, increase students’ school
bonding and teacher connectedness, increase their physical
activity and fruit/vegetable intake, and decrease social risk
behaviors (e.g. fighting).
This was going to be done by placing a one acre garden and
greenhouse (with support from master garden at Dunbar in Little
Rock School District). The students were going to experience two
garden exposures per week in every classroom for the entire
school year. 100% FTE Garden Managers plus volunteer and
college intern support 6th – 8th graders; 4-7 teachers; 25 students
per teacher; ≥ 200 students per school. What was expected was
to increase knowledge on how to make healthy food choices, add
Abstracts
gardening as part of school activity, reduce sedentary activity and
increase physical activity with the students.
209
Social Experiences and Perceptions of Race Relations in
America
Tashia Brewer, Virginia State University
Ebony Asbury-Taylor and Reginald Hopkins, PhD; Virginia State
University
As a result of the historical context of race relations in America,
African Americans have developed a sense of cultural mistrust
toward whites (Terrell, F., Terrell, S.L., 1981; Whaley, 2001). With
the election of President Barack Obama, many researchers believe
that this points to a positive turn in race relations and a
diminishing of cultural mistrust. This study was designed to
examine the extent to which certain experiences of African
Americans relate to their expectations of future race relations. The
social experiences explored were gender, SES, and geographical
location.
Research suggests that males have more negative experiences
than females. As a result we hypothesize that males will be less
optimistic towards race relations than females. Similar
expectations about race relations are expected from people with
lower SES and people from rural regions. Student researchers
administered the race relations survey and a background
questionnaire to 61 African American students (35 females and 26
males) from various Introduction to Psychology courses at an
HBCU in the eastern region of the United States.
An Analysis of Variance test was conducted which revealed that
gender differences existed about the future expectations of race
relations. As expected, males (M= 2.84) were more pessimistic
than females (M= 3.45) about the future of race relations.
Contrary to expectations there were no main effects with region
and SES. However, the results did yield a significant interaction
between gender and SES. Males (M=2.11) from a higher SES tend
to be more pessimistic about the future of race relations than
females (M=3.63) from the same SES status. Based on the
political history of race relations between blacks and whites,
African American males, in general, tend to be more pessimistic,
which in turn can affect their achievement, motivation, and health
(Terrell, F., Terrell, S.L., & Miller, F, 1993). Future directions from
this study can include; exploring whether a similar pattern exist
among Caucasians and other segments of the African American
population.
210
The Effects of Body Mass and Age on Cardiovascular Disease
Christina Crawford, Virginia State University
Obesity is a risk factor for many cardiovascular illnesses such as,
Type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and hypertension. With
the prevalence of obesity, African American women are at a risk
of experiencing psychological stress (Williams et al., 2003). The
current study examined the effects of age and body mass on
cardiovascular reactivity to a racial stressor.
It was hypothesized that overweight and obese individuals would
have greater cardiovascular reactivity to the racial stressor than
individuals of normal body mass. It was also hypothesized that
younger participants would have greater cardiovascular reactivity
to the racial stressor than their counterparts. The participants
were 65 African American male and female college students
between the ages of 18-48. A Hypertension Diagnostics
Cardiovascular Profiling Instrument was used to measure heart
rate, blood pressure, stroke volume, cardiac output as the
participants viewed a stressful scene on videotape. The scene
depicted the horrendous conditions that enslaved Africans
endured during slavery. Body mass index was operationally
defined as underweight (less than 18.5), normal weight (18.524.9), overweight (25-29.9), and obese (30 or greater). A two
way Analysis of Variance was used to examine the effects of BMI
(underweight, normal weight, overweight, and obese) and age
(18-19, 20-22, 23 and older) on cardiovascular reactivity to the
racist stressor.
The results revealed a main effect of body mass index for stroke
volume and cardiac output. Specifically, underweight participants
had the lowest stroke volume and cardiac output during the racist
scene than their normal weight, overweight, and obese
participants. These results indicate that underweight participants
were more stressed by the racist stressor than their counterparts.
The age of the participant had no significant effects on any of the
cardiovascular indices. These findings are consistent with Curtis,
et al. (2005) who reported that underweight patients with heart
failure had a higher risk of death from this disease than obese
and overweight patients with heart failure.
211
Type 2 Diabetes: Educational Awareness Program among
Talladega College Students and Local Residents
Sabrina A. Davis, Talladega College
Syed Raza and Dr. Leonard Cole; Talladega College
Talladega College students and many local residents are not
aware of the debilitating effects of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D). This
research project was designed to raise the awareness of Type 2
Diabetes among the student population and local residents. Type
2 Diabetes, is a metabolic disease that is caused by high blood
glucose that may be due to insulin resistance. The Center for
Disease Control and Prevention, 2007, stated that this disease
which was once known for affecting adults over the age of 45, is
currently affecting more and more young adults between the ages
of 18-29. According to the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
System, in 2008, there were over 397,000 Alabamians who were
aware that they had diabetes and around 200,000 who may have
disease but not know it. Knowledge and awareness are key
factors in understanding the onset of diabetes. Living a healthy
lifestyle aids in the prevention of diabetes.
Brunton, (2008), stated that one way to address the Type 2
Diabetes epidemic among young adults is through educational
awareness. Many young adults engage in unhealthy lifestyles,
such as poor diet and lack of physical activity. Many are unaware
of Type 2 Diabetes and its effects, which highlights the need for
an awareness program on Type 2 Diabetes at Talladega College.
Conference Program
A107
Abstracts
This research was designed to cover three areas: (1) awareness,
(2) knowledge, and (3) effectiveness. A survey was conducted to
investigate the depth of knowledge and awareness about Type 2
Diabetes among students and determine what programs would
best interest them to prevent the disease. This program will
establish collaboration with Citizens Baptist Medical Center
program called "DiabetesAware" a two year project that will help
improve patient care as it relates to diabetes due to increase in
Talladega Country's diagnosed cases of diabetes. [This study was
supported by NSF/HBCU-UP Grant# HRD-0811157, Talladega
College, Talladega, AL 35160.]
212
The Effects of Age and Family History of Hypertension
Danese E. Harris, Virginia State University
The current study examined the effects of age of the participant
and family history of hypertension on cardiovascular reactivity to
racism. It was hypothesized that younger participants would have
greater cardiovascular reactivity to the racist stressor than older
participants. It was also hypothesized that participants with a
family history of hypertension would have greater cardiovascular
reactivity to the racist stressor than participants with no family
history of hypertension. Lastly, it was hypothesized that older
participants with a family history of hypertension would have
greater cardiovascular reactivity than their counterparts. Sixty-five
African American college students between the ages of 18-48
participated in the study. A Hypertension Diagnostics
Cardiovascular Profiling Instrument was used to measure heart
rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure as the
participants viewed a racist scene. The scene showed the horrific
conditions that enslaved Africans experienced during their
transportation to America for slavery. A two-way Analysis of
Variance examined the effects of family history (history, no
history) and age (18-19, 20-22, 23 and older) on heart rate and
blood pressure responses to the racist stressor.
The results revealed a significant interaction between age and
family history of hypertension for heart rate. Specifically, the
youngest participants with a family history of hypertension had
greater heart rates than older participants with a family history of
hypertension. Younger participants with no family history of
hypertension also had significantly lower heart rates than their
counterparts. It appears that having a family history of
hypertension negatively affected the younger participants
compared to the older participants. One possible explanation is
that the older participants may be aware of the perilous
consequences of having a family history of hypertension and take
precautions (nutritious diet, more exercise and more frequent
visits to the doctor) to counteract this problem.
213
Survey of the Consumption & Biochemical Screening
Emeka Onuorah, Shaw University
Dr. Helen Asemota, Shaw University
Tubers are defined as enlarged underground root or stem that
stores food. Stem tubers are considered fleshy underground
A108
Conference Program
attachment to roots that normally contain varying proportion of
starch. Pigmented tubers - such as Irish Potatoes, Sweet
potatoes, Carrots, Radish, Beets - benefit humans because they
contain some chemical compounds called "Natural products" or
"Secondary metabolites" that are useful in the body and support
health. For examples, Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, the Bcomplex vitamins, contain iron, calcium, manganese, and
magnesium and also complex polyphenols that contribute to the
color. Potatoes are a highly nutritious vegetable, being rich in
vitamin C, the B-complex vitamins, and have good doses of the
minerals iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus.
Besides being an economical and nutritious food source, potatoes
also have medicinal properties. A potato tuber is antispasmodic,
mild anodyne, digestive remedy, diuretic, and emollient. A potato
is good for stomach ulcer, duodenum ulcer and stomach acidity.
Carrots are rich in carotenes that are essential for health.
However, it is insinuated that many people neglect to feed on
tubers, except for carrots which is commonly taken. People are
not aware of the apparent benefit of consuming the other tuber
vegetables. The medicinal values of tubers are most effective
when consumed raw, especially in carrots. However, the starchy
tubers can not be consumed raw, they have to be cooked. Many
people are not knowledgeable of the health-promoting substances
that have been found in some of these tubers, such as potatoes
medicinal properties. Potato tubers have been found to possess
antispasmodic, mild anodyne, diuretic and emollient principles.
The purpose of this research study is to assess the consumption
rate of pigmented tubers among students, staff and faculty in the
Shaw University Community, which is an African American
Minority community. Such information would be very useful for
health, education and nutrition related and even business
purposes.
Results indicate that faculty members consume pigmented tubers
the most, while students consume these tubers the least. Of the
pigmented tubers screened, Irish potato is the most consumed,
followed by carrots and sweet potatoes, while Rutabaga is the
least consumed. Carrot and Sweet potato contained more
pigmentation and vital chemicals more than the rest. These
results are important for diet formulations and commercial
purposes relative to African American University communities and
catering.
214
Racial Self-Characterization and its Relationship to Important
Psychological Outcomes in a Sample of Female HBCU
Students
Sequoyah Sherrill, Hampton University
Ethnicity is an important means through which people can identify
themselves, therefore it may play a role in adjustment. This study
investigated the relationship between racial self-characterization,
anxiety, depression, and social support for 261 black females at
an Historically Black College (North Carolina A&T State
University). Data were collected through a web-based survey. I
hypothesized that the higher the individual’s ethnic identity score
the lower their anxiety and depression score would be.
In addition they would also evidence higher social support. I also
hypothesized that monoracial individuals would evidence higher
Abstracts
ethnic identity, lower anxiety, and lower depression scores than
multiracial individuals, while the two would be equal in perceived
social support. We found that there were few individuals who
actually identified themselves as multiracial, many of them
actually identified with only two racial identities. Participants were
split into two groups according to the racial identity for which they
identified (black only labeled monoracial, 2 or more racial
identities labeled multiracial) I found that the following
hypotheses were supported: Individuals with high ethnic identity
did evidence lower depression scores as well as higher social
support. In addition, monoracial individuals evidenced lower
depression scores than multiracial individuals, while the two were
also relatively equal in perceived social support.
In the end, I found that four of my seven hypotheses were
supported. Initially I thought that the higher an individual's ethnic
identity, the lower their anxiety and depression and the higher
their social support. In addition, I thought that multiracial
individuals would evidence lower ethnic identity, higher
depression and anxiety and equal social support in relation to
monoracial individuals. But, I found that the higher the individuals
ethnic identity, the lower their depression and the higher their
social support.
More specifically, I found that multiracial individuals evidenced
higher depression scores than monoracial individuals, while the
two were equal in perceived social support.
Some limitations within this study include: having a small
multiracial sample size (20 multiracial individuals), it was thought
to be an convenience sample but in all actuality it was somewhat
difficult collecting data because many students were reluctant to
participate, and it was a cross sectional study (done at one point
and time).
Within this study, I found a few key findings: Individuals with high
ethnic identity may have a stronger support system, Identifying
with one ethnic group may be related to lower depression, and
Multiracial individuals may have a harder time identifying with a
specific identity.
T ECHNOLOGY & E NGINEERING
215
Creating a Stable Simulation of the Evolution of the Wigner
Function of Three Photon Down Conversion
Julia Anderson-Lee, Spelman College & Georgia Institute of
Technology
The Wigner function is a quasi-probability function that allows
measurement of the probability of finding an electric field in a
specific range. Current computer programs that exist to solve the
Wigner function use an explicit method whose stability is
extremely limited in comparison to the system that is currently
being investigated by Dr. Voss's group.
The program I have developed this summer uses the implicit
Crank-Nicholson method to find a solution to the equation at all
points on a given grid and also to guarantee the system's stability.
In future projects the program can be used to investigate the
properties of various forms of nonclassical light and expanded to
solve Schrodinger's equation associated with a more complicated
same system by including other nonlinear effects.
216
Detection of Varies Size Insulin using Capillary
Electrophoresis
Brandon Booth, Philander Smith College
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) possess protein formations
which arise from the mis-folding of a protein termed amyloid βprotein (Aβ). Aβ in its monomer state is harmless. However, Aβ
can undergo a conformational change and form fibril assemblies
that characterize AD. Sensing Aβ fibrils in cerebrospinal fluid
introduces early diagnosis in individuals that could potentially
develop AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Capillary
electrophoresis (CE) is one method which can be used for the
detection of Aβ fibrils in a minuscule sample of cerebrospinal fluid.
In this study, the fluorescent dyes fluorescein isothiocyanate
(FITC) and Thioflavin T (ThT) are used to characterize the various
sizes of insulin protein present during aggregation. Insulin from
bovine pancreas has a similar isoelectric point and molecular
structure as Aβ, and insulin from bovine pancreas forms crossbeta sheets similar to those present in Aβ aggregates.
These similarities make insulin a great model to develop research
protocols before experimenting with the Aβ. Varying ratios of
dyes, FITC and ThT, and insulin will be analyzed to determine if
they are successful in attaching to insulin at particular formations.
FITC dye and insulin were aggregated for various lengths of time
to observe if insulin structures would form larger aggregates.
Capillary Electrophoresis was used to analyze the samples of
insulin and dye. It was observed that the FITC dye was
interfering with the aggregation of insulin protein as we saw the
same sizes of FITC-labeled insulin at different time points during
aggregation.
217
Modeling of Catalyst: GaussView/Gaussian03 Modeling
Nikki Boston, Johnson C. Smith University
Michael J. Kulis, PhD and Aloysius Hepp, PhD, NASA Glenn
Research Center, Cleveland, OH
In an effort to support an ongoing study of the Fischer-Tropsch
synthesis, there are two metals that have properties that can be
considered as catalyst for the Fischer-Tropsch process: iron and
cobalt. The Fischer-Tropsch process is the synthesis of
hydrocarbons and, to a lesser extent, of aliphatic oxygenated
compounds by the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. It
is reacted in the presence of an iron and cobalt catalyst. Much
heat is evolved and products such as methane, synthetic gasoline,
waxes and alcohols are made with water and carbon dioxide as a
by-product.
For more than 50 years, there have been studies involving these
catalysts based on these two metals. It has been found that
cobalt catalyst have a higher advantage of conversion rate and a
longer life. Cobalt catalysts in general are more reactive for
Conference Program
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Abstracts
hydrogenation and produces therefore less unsaturated
hydrocarbons and alcohols compared to iron catalyst.
time data which is used to monitor and compute power quality
index developed using analytical methods.
With the software package, GaussView/Gaussian03, computational chemistry methods were used to visualize and
characterize the Fischer-Tropsch reaction, prospective catalyst,
and their supports. As a result, GaussView/Gaussian03 was used
to model the catalyst with recordings of energies, stability,
transitional states, zero-point correction/energy, and its
vibrational frequencies.
The research and educational experience has involved
undergraduate and graduate students as mentors and can be
utilized as one of the functions of the ongoing revolution of the
Smart Grid. The successes of this work will enhance individual or
utility benchmarks for Power System Security and Performance.
218
Environmental Monitoring Robot
Travis Davis, Virginia State University
The purpose our design project is to explore the different aspects
and abilities of robots. The invention of robots have changed and
improved technology in many ways. Since technology has
broadened, robots now have the ability to walk, talk and even
perform at a human level.
The basic concept of our project design is to use technology in
aiding the safety of human lives. We designed an Environmental
Monitoring Robot, named "Roboma" that is capable of recording
activities and give a report on its findings. The robot has an
infrared camera attached to it, which will allow us to see live
visuals. The camera has zoom in/zoom out capabilities. The robot
has a radio transmitter and a voltage converter attached to the
body which allows the wireless controller to operate the
movements of the robot. Also, it has the capabilities to withstand
different climate changes and is cost-efficient.
The hardware portion of our project mainly deals with us
attaching the body and the components of the robot to make sure
it's going to be sturdy. The main components that allow the robot
to operate are: bolts, wheel chains and idlers.
219
Powering Loads Utilizing Renewable Energy & Power
Lloyd Eley, Howard University
Dr. James Momoh, Howard University
220
Video Exploitation Using Imagery from an Unmanned Aerial
Vehicle
Kariuki Githua, Morgan State University
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) play a vital role in improving the
state of national security within the United States. On the
battlefield, UAV's aid in reducing battle field casualties as well as
incidents of friendly fire while improving situational awareness for
battle command purposes. UAV's generally operate through an
autonomous system based on a series of preprogrammed
algorithms. Current UAV's used for reconnaissance missions
display significant limitations in the ability to characterize the
object being tracked.
In order to achieve the goal of video exploitation using aerial
imagery in real time with efficient classification methods, this
paper discusses a new system being developed which permits an
unmanned aerial vehicle to track multiple objects and report geospatial coordinates in real world time. The system involves the use
of a commercial remote control helicopter used to mimic a UAV.
Footage from the UAV is sent through a wireless system to a
ground station. Using Visual Basic C++, and the OpenCV library,
object tracking, geo location, and object classification will be
accomplished. The information obtained is then available for
battle command planning.
221
Modeling Process Protocol:Device Model Testing
Tulani Hawkins, Morgan State University
Dr. Michel Reece and Dr. Ben Davis, Morgan State University
Switching of these RERs to meet load requirements is subject to
environmental concerns and strategic requirements. An
established tool / software for sizing mixed RERs to different
classes of load aggregates and model is developed for domestic
and commercial instances such as a home or research center.
In the Center of Microwave Satellite and RF Engineering
(COMSARE), the custom device models that are developed require
a repeatable, standardized methodology by which they are
validated. To that end, an automated validation system would be
beneficial to the modeling infrastructure and allow for complete
documentation of the models produced. Different research
associates within COMSARE use varying methodologies for
validating models, such as computing the Root Mean Square error
between measured and modeled data, inspection of the
measurements and data, verification through various simulations.
The validation of simulation models is concerned with the
reliability of models. By having so many different methodologies,
the verification process can be very lengthy.
Additionally, due to switching and VAr problems caused by
imbalance in generation and load demands an experimental setup
is developed to measure power quality such as voltage imbalance
and harmonics. This involves a laboratory setup to collect real
The purpose of this project is to produce a software-based
implementation of a validation process for Computer Aided Design
(CAD) models, which will be less tedious and time consuming. To
complete this process, a model template containing various
The demand for Renewable Energy Resources (RERs) for
residential, commercial and industrial applications is on the
increase to meet the heating, cooling and electricity demands.
Solar and Wind energy and their hybrids are the most common
technologies in use. The dispatch and sizing of RERs are based on
the rating and scheduled load to be served.
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Abstracts
simulation capabilities was developed in Agilent's Advanced
Design System to test and gather data from small and large signal
models at different bias points. Each test was documented. This
template and documentation will become a standardized process
for testing and validating device models for COMSARE's Modeling
Process Protocol. Standardizing the process by which COMSARE
produces its models will provide consistency and increased
reliability to the models that are developed.
222
The Design of Innovative Electrolyzer System
Susan Hinmon, Morgan State University
An electrolyzer system uses an electric current to break the bonds
in water to produce HHO gas. This gas is a mixture of H2 and O2
in a 2:1 ratio. The HHO gas can be used to run car, for welding,
and many other engineering applications. The gas produced from
and electrolyzer can be tested in many ways to produce the most
efficient results of gas production. Catalysis is used in the
electrolyzer to increase the efficiency. We will explore and test
the different types of chemical catalysis and how they affect the
electrolyzer.
The efficiency will be tested by using an emission gas analyzer,
which is available in the engineering laboratory. The HHO gas
can be used as a renewable resource to power back up generates
for small businesses and homes. The test will be conducted using
a commercial electrolyzer and also a prototype made in the lab.
The test results may provide the difference in HHO production
under many different conditions such as temperature; catalysis
used, and gas pressure. Another major factor in the production of
HHO is the electrical current applied to the electrolyzer from the
solar panel. Two solar panels were tested for the amount
electrical current and voltage was produced under different
conditions.
223
Red Blood Cell Bioreactor
Leeanna Hyacinth, University of the Virgin Islands & University of
Rochester
Erythropoiesis is the process by which red blood cells (RBCs) are
made. In normal adult humans, the process occurs in the bone
marrow, but in mice, it takes place in the spleen and the liver.
Although the body can produce billions of RBCs every day,
currently in culture, RBCs are not generated easily or in nearly
sufficient numbers that could be used for transfusion purposes.
By creating an environment that may more closely resemble that
present in the bone marrow than what has been achieved
previously in culture, we hope to generate fully mature,
transfusable RBCs.
The Palis lab, at the Medical Center of the University of Rochester,
has discovered that cells derived from mouse embryo continue to
divide until introduced to a medium that lacks dexamethasone. In
the absence of dexamethasone they will proceed to differentiate
into mature RBCs. The availability of this starting material makes
the prospect of making RBCs closer to realization, however, the
goal of bringing the cells to full maturity is yet to be reached.
We hypothesize that past efforts to culture RBCs have failed
because of the transient mechanical instability of the membrane
during late-stage erythropoiesis.
To overcome this instability we are implementing a bioreactor that
will allow the cells to be compacted and mechanically stabilized
while they differentiate. Precursor cells obtained from the Palis
lab were used. The bioreactor, made of an ultrathin porous
nanocrystalline silicon (pnc-Si) membrane and
polydimethysiloxane (PDMS), allows for flow to enter and leave
the device while compacting cells against the porous membrane.
Ideally, the cells generated from this procedure will have a stable
enough membrane to complete the process of erythropoiesis in
culture.
There are many clinical applications that will benefit from in vitro
RBC production. Currently, there are not enough donors to
accommodate the need for transfusion in many parts of the world,
therefore, this availability of viable blood cells produced at high
purity will avoid many complications, some life-threatening, which
can arise due to transfusions. [Work was done in the Ronald E.
McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Summer Research
Program which is supported by NSF.]
224
Investigating Factor Deficiency and Platelet Function Using
Sonorheometry: Study of Patients with Coagulation Disorders
Michelle Jackson, Johnson C. Smith University
Dr. Xiefan Lin-Schmidt, Dr. Francesco Viola, and Will Mauldin,
University of Virginia
Background: Today there is no set method to treat patients with
coagulation disorders. When patients have these disorders there
is increased risk of death during surgical procedures.
Experiment: The objective was to prove that a sonorheometry
device could detect the different deficiencies in the blood,
improving the chances of proper treatment and surgical
outcomes. It is also anticipated that use of the sonorheometry will
improve cost efficiency and increase productivity.
Methodology: Coagulation cascades were examined to explore the
most important deficiencies. The experiment focused on factors 2,
8, 10 12. Using sonorheometry, tests were run which tested the
stiffness of blood clots by sending sound waves through the
blood. Changes in echoes using the sonorheometry device were
used to document clotting.
Results: Data showed that the sonorheometry can tell the
difference between the properties of blood clots and if the
patients have clotting issues. The data demonstrated that most of
the patients from the coagulation lab fell below the normal
Platelet Function Index. In these patients coagulation disorder
was evident.
Conclusion: The hypothesis, that the sonorheometry device would
detect factor efficiencies, was correct. The sonorheometry device
may be useful as a diagnostic tool.
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225
Green Engineering: A Building Approach
Erica M. James, University of the District of Columbia
Sean E. Smith, University of the District of Columbia
Dr. Pradeep K. Behera, University of the District of Columbia
Green Engineering is defined as the design, commercialization,
and use of processes and products, which are feasible and
economical while minimizing: generation of pollution at the
source, and risk to human health and the environment. In order
to minimize the impact of green house gases modern society has
been embracing green engineering. The objective of this
research is to identify and/or evaluate green engineering
technologies in the building industry. The methodology includes
identification of key components in the housing industry which
can be subjected to green technology. Using economic analysis
techniques, the key components will be compared between nongreen (existing) and green technologies based on their energy
consumption. A spreadsheet model will be developed which
would evaluate the benefits of green technologies over the
existing technologies based on an average size home of 2,600 sq
ft. and average energy usage.
Questions we want to answer are: What is the cost effectiveness
of a green home on a local scale? How much money can District
residents save on energy? What is a green states effect on
society? And, what is the wide scale effect of going green on
energy companies?
226
Egg-Grading GUI Design
Brodrick Johnson, Claflin University
Seung Chul Yoon, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, GA
In the egg industry, some processing plants have a problem with
micro-cracks that are small and hard to see even by trained
human graders, the USDA ARS researchers developed an imaging
system to help human graders detect these micro-cracks. The
micro-crack detection system is composed of different materials
but one of the most important aspects is the software that is
used. The area of interest in the software is the graphical user
interface, which are the elements that are visible to the human
eye such as buttons. The GUI of the original software used in the
micro-crack detection system was created with Matlab but now
there is a need for software that is independent. By using Qt and
C++ programming language, graphical user interface is
developed. The graphical user interface will be incorporated into
the egg grading software that the USDA researchers are currently
developing.
227
RoboDog: A Robotic Companion and Educational Tool
Jessica Jones, Hampton University
RoboDog is named for its function, acting as a primitive robotic
pet. It has hunger and happiness levels that change according to
how you care for it. RoboDog started out as a snack-delivering
forklift and evolved into its current state through trial and error as
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Conference Program
we found more ways to improve our original idea. We originally
intended to have RoboDog navigate the computer science
department and locate sodas by color for delivery to different
professors, but we turned the forklift into a pet and changed its
function to be companionship and fun, something more innovative
and challenging.
RoboDog was built to provide companionship to those who need it
most without the added responsibilities of keeping a live pet.
Youth: teaches pet care without the potential damage to the pet
or the home; can be used in classrooms as an educational tool.
Young Adults: teaches responsibility before actual pet ownership.
The Elderly: provides companionship for the aged and lonely,
especially those in senior care facilities not permitting real pets.
228
Estimating Power Consumption in Computer Systems
Awet Kidane, University of the District of Columbia
Babatunde Taiwo, Julie Dang, and Charles Ogu, University of the
District of Columbia
The Power dissipated by computers has been steadily increasing.
This dissipation of power has led to excessive heat, lower battery
life and greater financial cost. Thus finding ways to lower systems
power consumption is an important endeavor. A practical method
of diminishing a computer's power would be to cut the amount of
applications ran on it. However the system would still dissipate
some power. The total power consumed in a system is its static
power consumption plus its dynamic power consumption. Our
intent is to find the power consumed in the computer's hard drive,
memory, processor and other modules in order to develop a
method to reduce the system power dissipation.
We will measure the systems power consumption while it is
performing a task; this is its dynamic power consumption. Then
we will find the power consumed in the system while it is in sleep
mode; this is the static power consumption. When power is
consumed heat is dissipated. All computers use cooling devices
such as fans and heat sinks to prevent the device from
overheating. Power is also consumed in this cooling process.
Thermal design power (TDP) represents the maximum amount of
power the cooling system in a computer is required to dissipate.
229
Effect on Thermoelectric Properties of Bismuth Telluride by
Incorporation of Metallic Nanoparticles
Kenneth King, Virginia State University
Amy Onyekaba, Virginia State University
Thermoelectricity is a sustainable energy technology to generate
electricity from heat. According to the Seebeck Effect, a
temperature difference sustained across a thermoelectric
semiconductor pn diode will generate an electrical voltage
difference. The problem with current thermoelectric materials is
that they suffer from low overall conversion efficiency of 6-8%.
Our hypothesis is that the conversion efficiency, as measured by
the ZT factor, can be improved by incorporating metallic
Abstracts
nanoparticles in thermoelectric materials. Our methods consisted
of two focused efforts: (1) to prepare gold and silver
nanoparticles in an aqueous solution and deposit various amounts
over the grain surfaces of Bismuth Telluride (Bi2Te3) powder
thermoelectric (TE) material, and (2) to construct a test station to
measure the TE properties: Seebeck coefficient, electrical
conductivity, and thermal conductivity.
algorithm to process the infrared images; an alarm is set when a
suspicious object is detected. This algorithm loads and reads the
image captured by the infrared camera, and by a process of
breaking the image down to a grid and comparing each block in
the grid to the other blocks around it. It then uses the correlation
coefficient to determine if the block in the grid is likely a weapon
carried by the subject in question.
Compacted pellets with various concentrations of gold or silver
nanoparticles on Bismuth Telluride grain particles were fabricated.
The test station comprised of a customized sample holder with a
heater and two thermocouples, located in a vacuum chamber that
was designed to sustain elevated temperatures up to 1000 ºC.
The IR Weapons Detection System has many potential
applications, such as in airports, schools, and other public
buildings where weapons are not permitted.
To obtain the Seebeck coefficient, one side of the sample was
heated while simultaneously measuring the temperature
difference and the generated Seebeck voltage across two ends of
the sample. Electrical conductivity was also measured by a Hall
measurement system. The measurement instruments and the
chamber pressure and temperature parameters were all controlled
by a computer with LabVIEW software data acquisition system.
The thermoelectric properties of the Bismuth Telluride sample
pellets with various concentrations of gold or silver nanoparticles
were measured and compared to the control sample without
nanoparticles.
Our results were very encouraging since we verified our
hypothesis by observing an improvement in thermoelectric
properties by the incorporation of metallic nanoparticles.
Our conclusion is that by developing higher efficiency nanoparticle
doped thermoelectric materials, a better thermoelectric power
generation system, using heat from a radioactive source, can be
fabricated; that can be useful in NASA's deep space missions.
Improved thermoelectric generators and refrigerators would also
have many beneficial applications as a sustainable energy
technology on planet Earth. [This study was supported, in part,
by a grant from NSF/AAAS awarded to Dr. Ali Ansari Ph.D.,
Director for the HBCU-UP Program, Virginia State University,
Petersburg, VA 23806.]
230
IR Weapons Detection System
Adrian Lamb, Virginia State University
Asheli Cherri, Virginia State University
With recent tragedies and events, security has become a critical
issue, therefore many companies and services are looking for new
technology to help alleviate crime. In large public gatherings, the
most common used methods are camera-based security systems,
which operate on the visible band of light and require an operator
to identify suspicious objects. Those systems are slow and could
further prove inaccurate when the weapon is hidden underneath
clothing. The IR Weapons Detection System is designed to give
notice when an individual may be carrying something suspicious
from a distance, without interaction, regardless of whether they
have hidden the weapon underneath clothing.
Using an infrared camera, we surmise that a person carrying a
weapon underneath their garments should still show an
inconsistency in the temperature of their weapon and the heat of
their own body temperature. We then develop an efficient
231
Installation and Testing of a Friction Stir Welding Machine at
Leeneka Mair, Virginia State University
Professor K. Williamson, Virginia State University
This project reports on a the procurement, installation, and
testing of a new Friction Stir Welding machine for the Engineering
& Technology building at Virginia State University. We discuss the
logistics involved in delivering the 3 ton machine from Wisconsin,
rigging the machine from the tractor trailer, and moving the
machine from the forklift truck to the Computer Integrated
Manufacturing (CIM) Laboratory. The presentation reviews the
engineering analysis for facilities upgrades, locating the machine
within the CIM Lab, post-delivery testing, and vendor training for
faculty, staff, and the presenter.
232
Bio-Diesel Production and Testing
Devita McCullough, Virginia State University
Mya Ezirike, Virginia State University
The conversion of vegetable oils with high amounts of free fatty
acids to bio-diesel is an imperative alternative to petroleum base
fuel. This promising renewable fuel can be synthesized via the
transesterification of different vegetable oils with low molecular
weight alcohols in the presence of catalyst. This work is focused
on the production of bio-diesel fuel from simply processed
vegetable oil through the process of transesterification using
different catalysts. The objective is to create a working sample of
bio-diesel fuel that can be used in regular diesel fuel applications.
The quality of the bio-fuel is verified by running small diesel
generators with the produced fuel.
233
Characterization of an Antenna for Nuetrino Mass
John Ndungu, Philander Smith College
Since the neutrino was theorized of in 1930 by Wolfgang Pauli,
little has been known on the mass of this mysterious particle.
According to the standard model, it was known that the neutrino
should be massless for a long time. However, due to the
observation of neutrino flavor oscillation, it was shown that it had
to have mass.
Conference Program
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Abstracts
To this day, scientists have been trying, in many various ways to
find the elusive mass of the neutrino. Nevertheless, since
neutrinos are so small and hard to detect, it has been difficult to
measure their mass. This is the problem that my research over
the summer tried to address. In order to better define the mass of
the neutrino, I had to create a prototype of a machine that would
find the mass of a neutrino (radiated from the beta decay of
tritium) through the detection of electron energy.
234
Production of Hydrogen Using Solar Powered Electrolysis of
Water Process
It is expected that the system will show that there is a match if it
obtains one or show no match if otherwise. Once a passport is
scanned, the image goes in a system that holds all images for
future inquiries. This is used to help security task forces all over
the world to find any one at any given time. At times, convicted
felons would hide their appearance with a change of hair color,
makeup, etc. In order to find individuals like that, facial
recognition is used to target that individual. In order to have this
accomplished, the camera is placed in a set location and can take
a still image of any given person. Once that image is in the
system, it only takes cross examination and some math which is
already programmed in the system to find a match.
Kafayat Olayinka, University of the District of Columbia
Sirag, Abdulaziz, Dr. Esther T. Ososanya, Dr. Samuel Lakeou, and
Kafayat Olayinka, University of the District of Columbia
The project was influenced by professors and advisors in our
department. I was selected to work on this project based on my
experience gained prior to becoming a senior. I will collect data
and write notes on the results.
Hydrogen is one of the most promising fuels in the future energy
mix. When produced from renewable energy sources, hydrogen is
the cleanest fuel we have at our disposal. In addition, the only
waste product from a hydrogen-fuelled fuel cell is pure water
vapor.
This project is believed to produce a great product for all airports,
security task forces, etc. The United States population increases
every year and being able to track someone down at the click of a
button is powerful and yet safe. Also, this product could help
decrease the rate of terrorist attacks and safety issues
In this research we are using Solar Powered Electrolysis of water
to produce Hydrogen gas. Electrolysis of water is an electrolytic
process which decomposes water into oxygen and hydrogen gas
with the aid of an electric current. The electrolysis cell consists of
two electrodes (usually an inert metal such as platinum)
submerged in an electrolyte and connected to opposite poles of a
source of direct current.
Ultimately, this product will improve human safety and will
provide our security officers and major task forces with a sense of
well-being and security by providing a complete and accurate
recognition of any individual going in and out of the country.
In this process we are using an existing renewable energy source,
the Solar/Wind Combo system, from a prior experiment, as
current source. This makes the process carbon-neutral, or even
carbon-free, it contributes to reducing Green House Gas emissions
and can reduce the production of many toxic pollutants. The
hydrogen produced is used to power existing prototype demo fuel
cell generator. The electrolysis method demonstrates continuous
and abundant production of clean hydrogen on a sunny day.
235
The Importance of Facial Recognition
Amos Pierre, Virginia State University
E. Sheybani, Virginia State University
This project is focused on the importance of facial recognition.
The goal of the project is to create a program using a security
camera that can recognize and depict any face among millions of
others at any given time in a specific location. In order to design
such a project, I learned how to use math lab and various other
references that would aid in my progress.
This project is very difficult, but once all the algorithms and
mathematical aspects of this project is figured out, it will definitely
make it a whole lot easier. Once a particular face is detected, the
system will show that a match has been obtained and the user
will be asked to verify. The system can only be set to recognize
any face within a given location.
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236
Study on Performance and Exhaust Emissions of a Diesel
Engine
Kennan Stanley-Bey, Virginia State University
Dr. Jahangir Ansari, Virginia State University
It has been proven that, due to their higher compression ratio,
the thermo efficiency of diesel engines surpasses that of petrol
engines. Accordingly, the majority of company and government
vehicles use diesel engines. Given the heightened demand for
diesel engine vehicles, there has been a push for higher
performance and cleaner emissions. With today's focus on the
government and international emission caps, government
company vehicles emissions are being watched more carefully.
Since government/business vehicles travel extensively, diesel
engine emissions must be better understood.
In this study, several tests were performed on a TD43 variable
compression diesel/petrol engine test rig to measure performance
under different circumstances. By changing the compression ratio,
the engine's torque and power were measured. Furthermore,
specific fuel consumption was measured by changing the RPMs.
After testing performance, the emissions were tested using an
emissions analyzer, and the data was compared to that of bio
diesel fuel.
Abstracts
237
Multi-Cycle Datapath Design
239
Renewable Energy
Lucius M. Thompson, University of the District of Columbia
Amara Ukaegbu, University of the District of Columbia
Lily K. Kemathe and Amara C. Ukaegbu, University of the District
of Columbia
The technological advances of today have made everyday living
easier and easier. From having a fresh cup of coffee in the
morning when you wake-up to listening to your favorite artist on
your mobile phone, all of this is made possible by the utilization of
processors. The accuracy and efficiency of these processors are
astounding.
Performing tasks that would require some people minutes to
complete, processors complete these tasks in mere microseconds. For simple tasks, such as timers and some motion
sensors, a single-cycle processor is sufficient, but when tasked to
complete more complex instructions they are highly inadequate.
In many advanced calculators, computers, and mobile phones, for
better performance, a multi-cycle processor is used.
The project consists in the design of demonstration and
monitoring systems highlighting the operation of several
renewable energy power systems on the VNC of UDC. The
project includes a low cost, LED based power level indicator
working in conjunction with a DC motor, which is operated by a
mobile solar power system. The project also includes a fountainlike display showing the operation of a submersible pump placed
in a 800-gallon tank and operated by a solar/wing power system.
A web accessible and remote controlled weather station is also
designed for providing an elaborate histogram of weather data,
including solar radiation and wind speed data gathered at the
project site.
The purpose of this research is to perform modern hardware
architecture design and create a processor that efficiently
executes MIPS instruction set architecture.
240
Alternative Farming Practices
Maurice Washington, North Carolina A&T State University
238
Accurate 3-D Simulation of Human Arm Motion
Neil Thompson, Savannah State University
From the earliest times, scientists have been fascinated by the
analysis of human motion because of its extraordinary adaptability
to many areas including the clinical study of locomotion,
ergonomics, and sporting activities. As one of these challenges,
one concerns on the 3-D simulation of particular human
movement from the data acquisition through the experiment.
On the basis of biomechanical and anatomical theories, a human
arm structure is segmented into the upper arm, the lower arm
and the hand factor. An intentionally designed task-based motion
of the human-factor system is conducted and recorded in two
sided video cameras simultaneously. Video clips are broken down
into the frame pieces and from such sequential pictures raw
position vectors in 3-D are initially collected.
Since biplanar analysis is simply the sequential analysis of 2-D
projections of motion in the sagittal and frontal planes, a true 3-D
data requires the reconstruction of the raw data.
Considering the various variable factors of cameras, such as
principal distance, focus, depth of the filed of view, etc, the exact
movement points in 3-D are re-calculated. In order to visualize
these measurements adequately the cubic spline interpolation
method is applied for smoothening the discrete data, and
simulation is implemented in Matlab.
The generated result then are expected to be adapted to the
biomedical related areas for its application, such as physical
therapy, training programs in military army or sport agencies, and
so on where they can apply for reanalyzing or reforming the
human habitual motions.
Small farmers are not as prominent now as they were in the past,
but the need for small farmers/producers has not been greater
than it is today. This need has been caused by several factors:
population growth, the interest in food from local areas, fuel
consumption for food transportation and the use of alternative
fuel sources such as ethanol and bio-diesel.
In North Carolina the void left by the tobacco industry has left
many small farmers/producers with no viable form of income for
their agricultural lands. This void has resulted in the trend of
many agricultural lands being converted into residential,
commercial and industrial lands. The goal of this study was to
introduce High Tunnel production as an Alternative Farming
Practice. We hope to entice small farmers/producers to keep their
land for agricultural purposes and to create a profitable enterprise
enhancing their income.
The objective of this project was to train small farmers to produce
specialty crops using tunnels to show their effectiveness in
extending the growing season and to determine their economic
viability on small scale farming. The thought process was to
introduce the production of high value crops, i.e. "specialty
crops," creating Niche Markets in communities to satisfy the
demand for locally grown farm products.
Two tunnels were constructed with dimensions of
6.10x15.24x2.75 meters on a small farm. The soil in the tunnels
was Autryville Sand with a saturated conductivity of 5.0cm/hr; it
was deficient in nitrogen and potassium and very high in
phosphorus. Three tons/acre lime, 50lb nitrogen and 100lb
potassium per acre were disked in prior to planting. Two varieties
of tomatoes BHN 444 and Celebrity were planted in the tunnels.
Irrigation was provided by an International Development
Enterprise (IDE) drip system, a low cost irrigation system.
Irrigation was applied at 1.02cm/day to satisfy the evapo-
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transpiration rate of the tomato varieties. Nitrogen and potassium
was applied during the growing season at a rate of 150lb per acre
through fertigation. The crop growth was satisfactory and the
yield of BHN 444 variety was higher than that of Celebrity;
Celebrity had more disease problems than BHN 444. High tunnels
are very useful for season extension of specialty crops.
Faculty Abstracts for Oral Presentation
FA #1
Creativity and Innovation in Mentoring Students
There will be more opportunity to observe the effectiveness of the
tunnels in the winter. Farmers with limited land can viably
produce specialty crops in tunnels to enhance their income.
Shereen Abdel Kader, PhD
Assistant Professor
[email protected]
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Phase Separation Kinetics of Polymer Solutions
Creativity and Innovation in Mentoring Students in Undergraduate
Research (National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research
Program at Harris-Stowe State University). Creativity has been
thought to be associated with the arts in numerous contexts for
many years (e.g., De Bono, 1992). Applying and appreciating
creativity in sciences, engineering, math, and other subjects is still
limited till present because of many misconceptions about the
creative thinking, process, product, evaluation, and value (e.g.,
Pink, 2006).
Ka'Laun Westry, Clark Atlanta University
Using membrane-based separation as a means of separating gas
molecules that are similar in size has become a more favored
choice over recent years. This choice is favored because the
method is environmentally friendly and economically friendly. This
method is relatively new for large scale applications, and there are
still some limiting factors with the process. These limiting factors
include the lack of performance of some polymer membranes.
The current research focuses on finding polymer membranes that
have better performance in conducting these gas separation
processes. More specifically, the research conducted this summer
focused on using the PDMS micro-channel to determine diffusion
coefficient, testing the reliability of device by comparing samples
of same concentration, researching the effect of polymer
concentration on diffusivity, testing the rheology of Ultem/NMP
solutions, and researching the effect of varying non-solvent
composition on diffusivity.
The results obtained from the experiments performed indicated
that the more concentrated a solution directly correlates to how
viscous a solution will be. In addition, the more viscous a solution,
the slower the rate of the diffusion, which ultimately indicates that
the diffusion coefficient will be low.
Multiple experiments have to then be performed in order for the
consistency of the results to be validated. When rheological
experiments are performed on the rheometer, the experiments
indicate that the higher concentration polymer solutions are more
viscous, and the lower concentration polymer solutions are less
viscous. The viscosity directly correlates with the rate of the
diffusion because higher viscosity equals lower diffusion rates and
lower viscosity equals higher diffusion rates.
Lastly, a final experiment was done with a solution of NMP and
ULTEM with ethanol added.
The results of the experiment indicated a higher rate of diffusion
with the added ethanol. Since ethanol is a non-solvent, this
increases the rate of diffusion because water is allowed to diffuse
more readily through the solution.
This researcher believes that creativity is very valuable as a
significant life skill that everyone at the global, societal, and
individual levels need to acquire in order to effectively meet the
challenge in the next century. This researcher created a new
theory that introduces a new profile to understand creativity in
children and adults. "Education for Creativity rather than
Education for Achievement" is a new educational reform that this
researcher initiated. Implementing creativity in all life aspects
including our daily life activities in addition to all areas of study
and research are other issues that are needed to be highly
considered in order to produce an innovative society.
This research focuses on how implementing and supporting
creativity in the educational process especially in mentoring
students in undergraduate research have a powerful impact on
the future of our world. This new theory of creativity by this
researcher was applied in mentoring students in undergraduate
research. Recognizing and rewarding creative behavioral
expressions in students' creative process rather than teaching for
the product is one of the most critical factors that leads to
innovative research and impressive learning outcomes. Examining
students' learning style in connection to their creativity profile in
the subject area is another critical factor to help the students to
reach their maximum potentials.
Creative mentoring process including ongoing assessment
techniques, resources access, reflections, and supporting and
positive feedback approaches are examined. Challenges,
successes, and recommendations for future implications are
presented. Insights of the overall mentoring experience are
shared.
FA #2
Promote Minority Participation in Computing
Hang Chen, PhD
Assistant Professor, Chair of Computer Science and Engineering
Department
[email protected]
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Co-Author(s): Dr. Magdy Attia, Dean of STEM College, Chair of
Council of Deans, Johnson C. Smith University
As a minority serving institution of 1500 full-time students, we
offer Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science
Information Systems, Computer Engineering, and Information
Systems Engineering. We have approximately 200 students
declared in these three CSE majors. The number of official
declarations has increased slightly over the past three years, even
though there is a downward trend of the enrollment in Bachelor's
CSE programs nationally. While there are many practices being
implemented at other HBCUs, these efforts only address one or
several issues in the minority computing education.
We aim to develop and implement a multifaceted framework to
continuously move our programs to another level in terms of
program quality, students' retention, and student achievement. It
includes four key areas: Curriculum Innovation, Teaching and
Scholarship Integration, Academic Advising and Mentoring, and
Career Readiness Building. We survey the literature and identify
the issues of broadening minority participation in CSE programs.
We also discuss our strategies to address these issues, which
have been found to be successful in practice.
FA #3
Quantum Biology: Photosynthetic Design Principles
Greg Engel
Assistant Professor
University of Chicago
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Prof. Graham Fleming, UC Berkeley
Tessa Calhoun, UC Berkeley
Dr. Elizabeth Read, MIT
Life on earth is effectively solar powered, yet how energy moves
through photosynthetic complexes prior to the biochemical steps
of photosynthesis is still not completely understood.
Opportunities for creative young scientists will be presented along
with a discussion of the scientific process behind the discovery of
evidence for a manifestly quantum mechanical mechanism of
energy transfer in photosynthetic complexes. Underlying design
principles will be discussed and made accessible for those
interested in energy, biology and physics.
Coherent energy transfer was discovered in the Fenna-MatthewsOlson (FMO) complex of Chlorobium tepidum in 2007. The
quantum beating phenomenon observed in this complex is now
much better understood. Further, data indicate that this
mechanism is not specific to FMO, but manifests in reaction
centers of purple bacteria and antenna complexes of higher
plants.
FA #4
Incorporating a Real World Case Study into the Syllabus of A
Senior Construction Engineering Course
Elham Fini
Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Mahour Parast, Assistant Professor, Business
School, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
This paper investigates the effect of bringing Real World case
studies on college students' self efficacy, their confidence, and
their motivation toward an engineering field. It was hypothesized
that working with real cases increases student's motivation and
maximizes their learning by becoming personally committed to
course and program goals. The case study was assigned as part
of the term project for senior students at the Construction Project
Course. Two questionnaires were used to evaluate student
feedback on the case study before and after they conducted the
case study. Through defining five constructs of students' learning
was measured before and after implementing the case. Using
ANOVA, the mean for each construct for pre-test and post-test
were compared. The results show that there is significant
improvement in Higher-Order Cognitive Domain of Learning
(HOC). While the averages for other constructs have been
improved, these improvements have not been statistically
significant. One possible explanation for this is the small sample
size. It is recommended that the study be replicated using larger
sample sizes.
Regarding the correlation analysis, it is shown that there is
significant correlation among constructs in both pre-test and postest. Students' social skill have been significantly correlated with
the team working skills. In that regard, it contributes to our
knowledge and understanding of cases in enhancing students'
learning.
The findings suggest that case study significantly improves
students' higher-order cognitive domain of learning (HC).
Educators can use cases to enhance students' higher order
domain of critical thinking. Furthermore, working as a team on the
case improved students' skills in working in team. It showed that
case analysis is an effective learning experience for students that
enables them to relate course material to the practice while
improves their level of understanding about the subject matter.
FA #5
Remote Erosion Control at Providence Canyon Park
Terezinha Cassia de Brito Galvao, PhD
Associate Professor, ASPIRE Program
Spelman College
[email protected]
for a loss of about 15 billion tons/year of fertile soil and
economical losses of about US$400 billion/year. The process of
soil disaggregation, soil transportation and soil deposition due to
water bodies, air and adjacent environment and human health.
In this project, Remote Sensing imagery is addressed, which is a
leading environmental monitoring technique, to identify erosionprone areas. Feature image information such as color, texture,
and elevation of an area associated with ARCGIS, Feature Analyst
was used to analyze erosion potential. The mixed sandstone/
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limestone developed soils of Providence Canyon Park will provide
the environment for the data collection, due to the great number
of ravines and gully erosional areas, some of them reaching the
depth of 150 ft. The obtained results from remotely controlling
erosion agreed with those from literature. Remotely controlling
erosion has revealed as excellent tool to monitor erosion features
along time.
The America Competes Act authorized funding for PSM programs.
Appropriations included in the stimulus bill have resulted in a new
program at the National Science Foundation to provide grants to
support PSM degree programs and their students.
FA #6
Professional Science Master's (PSM)
FA #7
Online Learning in STEM Courses at HBCUs
Beverly Karplus Hartline
Dean
[email protected]
James L. Moore, III
Associate Professor
Todd Anthony Bell National Resource Center on the African
American Male
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Dr. Joseph Whittaker, Morgan State University
Dr. William Eckberg, Howard University
Dr. Jennifer Keane-Dawes, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore
With the launch of the first Professional Science Master's (PSM)
Programs about 10 years ago, the concept has grown, that
science-based, professionally oriented master's graduates are
important to enhance U.S. scientific industries and keep America
competitive. There are currently 145 PSM programs in 77
institutions across the country, with many more in the
development stages. Not one of the existing programs is at an
HBCU.
The PSM is an innovative degree, strongly endorsed last summer
by the National Academies. It prepares students with STEM
bachelor's degrees for STEM careers managing science-based
programs and spurring innovation in business, government, and
non-profit organizations. The PSM curriculum combines rigorous
coursework in science or mathematics with workplace-oriented
coursework in management, communications, law, or other fields.
PSM programs are designed in concert with interested employers
and feature an internship or team project. PSM degrees are
offered in such specialties as bioinformatics, science
entrepreneurship, financial mathematics, ecosystem management,
industrial chemistry, and bioenergy, among others. Graduates are
well paid and in high demand.
A group of HBCUs in the mid-Atlantic region has formed an
alliance to develop collaborative PSM programs utilizing the
strengths of each institution. Members of the alliance include:
Bowie State University, Delaware State University, Howard
University, Morgan State University, Norfolk State University,
University of the District of Columbia, University of Maryland,
Eastern Shore, Virginia State University, and American University
(a non-HBCU Associate Member). Sixteen new programs are
planned to be launched over the next 3 years, having close ties
with and career pathways into the rich variety of employers in the
national capital area.
PSMs are ideal degree programs for many types of institutions,
including HBCUs. They can: 1.) raise the profile of graduate
education, 2.) connect faculty and students with industry and/or
government agencies providing new research opportunities for
faculty and excellent employment opportunities for students, and
3.) bring new resources to campus.
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PSM programs are a win-win-win: for students, for universities,
and for employers.
Co-Author(s): Dr. Lamont A. Flowers, Distinguished Professor of
Educational Leadership and Executive Director Charles H.
Houston, Center for the Study of the Black Experience in
Education, Clemson University
Dr. Lawrence O. Flowers, Assistant Professor of Microbiology,
Fayetteville State University
Utilizing mixed research methods, the researchers present initial
findings on undergraduate students' perceptions, attitudes, and
experiences in online Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) courses at a historically Black university,
located in the southeastern part of the United States. This initial
data collections are part of a 3-year study titled, Examining the
Impact of Online Distance Education on Student Learning and
Student Engagement in STEM Disciplines at Historically Black
Colleges and Universities. Stated differently, the 3-year
investigation seeks to explore undergraduate students' learning
experiences and educational outcomes. It is quite likely that the
research project will provide useful information regarding the
extent to which online courses in the STEM disciplines enhance
student learning and student engagement. Based on the initial
findings, general implications will be presented.
FA #8
Accomplishing Research on the Undergraduate
Bernard Singleton, D.V.M., M.S.
Assistant Professor
Dillard University
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Brandon Carter, Lawrance Mullen, Lewins Walter;
Gabrielle High, Miquel Miller, Shermett Corbett, Kystal Guilford,
Vincent Alexander, Donnielle Minor, et al, Dillard University, New
Orleans, LA
Research at the undergraduate level is a challenge with a diversity
of interesting issues that range from the individual concerns of a
busy faculty schedule to those of involving students. One of a
particularly interesting topic most often brought up by faculty
deals with the intimate details of the student/mentor relationship.
Specifically, faculty often wondered what reasonable expectations
should be held for their undergraduate research students during
the school year. Another concern is how to best convey the
Abstracts
general concept and magnitude of the research experience to the
student investigators. In other words, how can you get the
research students to understand what they are undertaking and
how can you best prepare them for success in this endeavor? A
concise document that outlines what is involved in doing research
which includes expectations and tips on how to be successful is
given to the new undergraduate researchers. Although
challenging with minimal resources and time, it is not impossible
for a faculty member to develop a research agenda as part of his/
her career by involving classes taught. One of our projects
involved an entire class of a course that is part of our curriculum,
Biology Research Methodology.
was successful in that students increased their cognitive abilities
as evidenced by pre and post assessments in science, math and
writing. Additionally, students were able to strengthen their selfconcept, which is critical for college success. This was evidenced
by a pre and post non-cognitive ability inventories given to
participants.
The project title is "Airborne Microbial Concentration Assessment
in Post-Katrina Flooded Reclaimed Buildings". Students were
assigned in groups of three. They collected samples with liquid
impinger apparatuses from buildings in flood damaged areas. The
samples were split to compare culturing, microscopic, and
molecular analyses.
The purpose of this presentation is to share the strategies
processes that were necessary to implement these successful
summer programs.
The data from the culturing (CFU's) and the DAPI staining
indicated that the concentrations are higher inside the buildings
than they are outside. Broad range PCR amplification (DNA
analysis) was conducted to identify the microbes cultured. The
data collected was repeated by each group to insure the results
were accurate and consistent.
A partnership was formed with the University of Colorado at
Boulder where some of the students were trained to do parts of
this research. The students benefited by learning valuable
research laboratory skills and the faculty member had the
opportunity to work on his/her personal professional and research
objectives. The students had the opportunity to present this study
at several conferences and it is being reviewed for publication.
FA #9
Developing Effective Math & Science Programs
Dwyane Smith
Vice President for Academic Affairs
[email protected]
The development and implementation of viable summer math and
science programs are paramount in assisting students, particularly
under-prepared students for the rigors of the college experience
as well as preparing these students for success in the areas of
science and math. In addition, providing opportunities for
undergraduate research aid students in their cognitive abilities
and their qualitative and quantitative fortes.
The key to successful summer programs is to set in place the
institutional structure that supports such efforts. There must be
"buy-in" from various stakeholders within the institution, from the
President of the University, faculty and staff to the students
themselves.
Harris-Stowe State University, an open enrollment urban
institution in St. Louis, Missouri was able to embark on its first
residential science and math academy for entering first year
students during the summer of 2009 and its first undergraduate
research program. The five week residential summer academy
Students who participated in the summer research program
gained confidence in their scholarly pursuits and were able to
establish meaningful relationships with faculty who served as their
faculty mentors. These students reported having a clearer sense
of their future goals as it relates to post-baccalaureate activities.
FA #10
Using Multiple Methods in Teaching
Earl Smith
Assistant Professor
Tuskegee University
[email protected]
This discussion involves using software and experimental type of
assignments with a lecture class or the lecture portion of a
course. The goal is for the student to increase their experimental
(hands-on) and analytical (software) capabilities as they increase
their knowledge through the theoretical (lecture) portion of the
subject.
It can consist of lecture courses that have co-requisite laboratory
courses or lecture courses that have an experimental portion.
Though the two cases are different, the goal is the same for each.
The courses that will be featured are controls, robotics, and
mechatronics. Initially, the lecture side will be covered. Then one
can first cover the hands-on part, software part, or both of them
together. The software package can be CAD/CAM, interactive,
programming based.
The goal here is for the student to understand the material from
an analytical viewpoint. The experimental portion can consist of a
project where students will design and build a model, weekly
assignments, or both.
With the courses' differences, the amount of the theoretical,
analytical, and experimental aspects used in each may be
different. However, there are similarities. One is that the student
will learn in a more practical manner about mechanical, electrical
and electromechanical systems. For example in a robot, which
can be used in each course, the student can learn about a
coordinate system in the lecture phase, and in the software and
hands-on phases, they can learn about the design, building, and
programming.
One evaluation method is the grading of homework, software,
and hands-on assignments. The project will be evaluated by how
successful it is completed and its difficulty. These are done in
order to get the student better prepared for the work and that
they will face in industry and graduate school.
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FA #11
NSF AGEP and HBCU-UP Collaboration
Gail Smith
Acting Assistant Provost
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Lorraine Towns, AGEP Coordinator; Dr. Elizabeth
Avery Gomez, AGEP Program Manager: CUNY Graduate Center;
Dr. Ronald Kane, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies; Clarisa
Gonzalez, Associate Director of Graduate Studies: New Jersey
Institute of Technology; Kurt Becker, Associate Provost for
Research and Technology; Sunil Kumar, Associate Provost for
Education; Michael Greenstein, Industry Professor: Polytechnic of
New York University; Charles Suffel, Dean of Graduate Studies;
Deborah Berkley, Dean for Student Development: Stevens
Institute of Technology.
The AGEP (Alliances for Graduate Education and the
Professoriate) Program, funded by the National Science
Foundation, is a network of over 100 universities dedicated to
increasing the number of underrepresented minorities obtaining
doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics (STEM) in preparation for a tenured-faculty position
in academia.
The CUNY AGEP Alliance comprises the City University of New
York (CUNY) as the Lead Institution in partnership with the New
Jersey Institute of Technology, Polytechnic Institute of New York
University and Stevens Institute of Technology. Participating
disciplines and doctoral programs include biochemistry, biology,
chemistry, computer science, earth & environmental sciences,
engineering, mathematics, physics, psychology, speech-learninghearing sciences, and technology.
Program activities focus on recruitment, enrollment and retention
of members of underrepresented groups, workshops, seminars
and conferences designed to enhance professional development,
degree conferral, and career placement at both postdoctoral and
professorial levels, thereby creating a STEM Pathway from
undergraduate level to tenured faculty. The CUNY AGEP Alliance
is particularly interested in reaching out to students and faculty at
Historically Black Colleges and Institutions in a partnership to
strengthen mutual goals and shared interests. Strategies to fulfill
this important commitment will be presented.
Faculty Abstracts for Poster Presentation
FA #12
Science and Mathematics Academy
Ronald Banks
Director
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Dr. Dwyane Smith, Vice President for Academic
Affairs, Harris-Stowe State University; Dr. Lateef Adelani,
Department Chairman for Arts and Sciences, Harris-Stowe State
University; ABNA Engineering, St. Louis, MO, Emerson
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Corporation, Florissant, MO; Missouri Sewer District, St. Louis,
MO; National Society of Black Engineers St. Louis Alumni Chapter;
Sigma-Aldrich Research Facility, St. Louis, MO; St. Louis Science
Center.
The purpose of this innovative summer initiative was designed to
acquaint new Harris-Stowe State University freshmen with the
required academic rigor for successful achievement in their firstyear college science and mathematics courses. From pre and
post placement exam, the scholars improved their academic
placements in mathematics (28.57%), writing skills (35.7%) and
reading skills (33.33%). This resulted in scholars achieving
placement into college level courses, such as College Algebra and
English composition. In addition, two scholars began their first
semester in Calculus 1. The project also exposed the scholars to
industrial research facilities through weekly field experiences, to
acquaint them with the professional realm of science and
mathematics careers. The scholars also engaged in coordinated
no-cognitive activities that were structured to address the
predominant societal issues that adversely affect student retention
in mathematics and science.
FA #13
BEST Education Research Project: What Works
Kimberley Freeman, PhD
Principal Investigator
Howard University
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Dr. Cynthia Winston, Co-Principal Investigator,
Department of Psychology, Howard University and Dr. Karmen
Kizzie, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Education, Howard
University
The BEST (Black Excellence in Science/Mathematics Teaching)
project utilizes rigorous education research methods to examine
factors related to the pipeline of African American science and
mathematics teachers at HBCUs. The BEST project includes
interviews with 20 current African American secondary science
and math teachers who are graduates of HBCUs; a longitudinal
survey of a freshmen cohort of STEM majors at one HBCU; and in
-depth case studies of teacher education programs at two (2)
HBCUs.
The BEST poster will report results of analysis of the longitudinal
survey. In total, 323 students were included in the sample, which
represented approximately 80% of the total STEM freshmen
population at a premiere northeastern HBCU in the 2008-09
academic year. The survey instrument is a comprehensive
assessment of students' educational and demographic
backgrounds; achievement goals; academic efficacy; racial,
gender and ego identities; learning strategies; course
experiences; and institutional integration and satisfaction. The
survey includes many Likert-scale measures as well as other types
of items, such as open-ended. The purpose of the longitudinal
survey is to assess students' academic development and success
in STEM at the start of college and over time, and to examine
students' pathways into different STEM careers --particularly
secondary science and math teaching.
Abstracts
One section of the poster will include a descriptive analysis of the
major baseline characteristics of the sample, in fall 2008. This
analysis will provide a portrait of students' background and
academic histories, motivation and identity at the start of college.
Students' perceptions of science and math secondary school
teaching as a career will also be presented. We used three
questions from the survey to assess these perceptions: Would you
consider being a science or math teacher as a job or career?; and
Why or Why not would you consider being a science or math
teacher as a job or career, which were open-ended questions.
Twenty-nine percent of students indicated they would consider
being a teacher. We will analyze the open-ended responses for
prominent themes in students' constructions of why they would or
would not consider becoming a science or math teacher.
FA #14
Summer Undergraduate Research STEM Program
Experience
Kendra J. Greenlee, PhD
Assistant Professor,
Department of Biological Sciences
North Dakota State University
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Eveadean M. Myers, J.D., Vice President
Equity, Diversity, and Global Outreach, North Dakota State
University
Deland J. Myers Sr. PhD, Professor and Director, School of Food
Systems, NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative, North Dakota
State University
North Dakota State University is a fast-growing institution, serving
over 14,000 students in the upper Midwest. We have recently
initiated the Summer Undergraduate Research STEM Program
Experience with the objective of increasing diversity of graduate
student recruitment by forming alliances with universities with
larger numbers of underrepresented students in STEM fields.
We partnered with Mississippi Valley State University, Northern
Arizona University, and Cankeska-Cikana Community College to
recruit students for the Summer Undergraduate Research STEM
Program Experience. This summer, sixteen (16) students spent
eight (8) weeks at NDSU conducting independent research in
eleven, nationally funded research labs in eight different
departments. At the end of the summer, students present their
research in both oral and poster presentations.
Throughout the summer, students attend a weekly seminar to
learn about graduate school, covering topics such as research
methods, literature review, ethics and data analysis. Students
also learn about specific research opportunities at NDSU, including
59 master's degree programs and 44 doctoral degree programs.
After two years this program has received positive feedback from
both student and faculty participants.
FA #15
An Integrated Model for STEM Student Development
Jill Harp, PhD
Associate Professor
Department of Life Sciences
Winston Salem State University
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Azeez Aileru, Professor, Department of Life
Sciences, Winston Salem State University, Ann Lambros,
Professor, CERTL, Wake Forest University, Morris Clarke,
Associate Professor, Department of Life Sciences, Winston Salem
State University, Donna Durham-Pierre, Associate Professor,
Department of Life Sciences, Winston Salem State University and
Abdul Mohammed, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Winston
Salem State University
Winston Salem State University, (WSSU), is a historical minorityserving liberal arts institution focused primarily on undergraduate
education. The university has also had a distinguished record in
undergraduate research and promoting community scientific
outreach to K12 students through student development programs
such as Historically Black Colleges and Universities Undergraduate
Program, (HBCU-UP), Center of Excellence for Research,
Teaching, and Learning, (CERTL), Health Careers Opportunity
Program, (HCOP), Science Careers Enrichment Program, (SCEP),
and SciTech. Hands-on activities and didactic enrichment in
laboratory methodologies, presentation skills, and critical thinking
have been the central learning objectives collaboratively
developed by the partnering institutions.
The history of these student-centered summer programs involves
an ongoing collaboration with Winston-Salem Forsyth County
Schools, (WSFCS), area churches, and Wake Forest University
School of Medicine, (WFUSM). Support for these programs
emanated from the National Science Foundation, (NSF), National
Institutes of Health, (NIH), Howard Hughes Medical Institute,
(HHMI), Health Resources and Services Administration, (HRSA),
Burroughs Welcome Fund, and private/public partnerships
(Idealliance!, WSSU Foundation, and the Piedmont Triad Research
Park, (PTRP)).
Measurable outcomes used to assess program effectiveness
include, but are not limited to, the number of students pursuing
admissions into college and community college. Of the students
matriculating at WSSU and WFUBMC, the outcomes focus on
numbers of students pursing degrees in nursing, biology,
chemistry, mathematics, computer science, and clinical laboratory
science. Five STEM faculty and departmental staff persons have
joined forces to deliver and support these student enrichment
activities, thus creating a model that enhances the training and
mentoring of college and high school students to increase the
pipeline of STEM graduates.
Briefly, the model empowers HBCU-UP SURE students to take on
leadership roles in training and mentoring other students. After
certain aspects of the laboratory-based training have been
completed, the students perform community outreach with middle
and high school students in a research setting. Over 100 students
have been impacted by this model in an attempt to steer students
towards STEM careers.
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FA #16
Preparing Two Year College Electronic Technicians for
Embedded Technology
Karl W. Henry
Electronics Instructor and Division Chair
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Mr. Karl W. Henry, Electronics Instructor, Division
Chair for Business and Engineering Technologies
"Embedded Technology" or "Embedded Systems" are electronic
computing devices that combine microprocessors and digital logic
devices. They are not general purpose computers but belong to a
family of RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) computers
that are combined with other digital devices to perform very
specific tasks.
These systems are used in many myriads of electronic
applications from space vehicles to low cost consumer goods.
"Embedded Technology" reduces equipment size, manufacturing
costs, time to market from development, and improves reliability.
Technicians will have to be trained to troubleshoot and to repair
these systems. To this end, I fear that the typical "Electronics
Technology Programs" at the two year college are not prepared to
offer this training. My program was not.
I began the research to add FPGA and PIC Microcontrollers into
the curriculum at my institution in the summer of 2008. They
were implemented into two courses; "Concepts of Digital
Electronics" and "Microprocessor Basics" course. Both were taught
for the first time in the summer semester 2009.
The two courses were applauded by the Program Advisory
Committee, the student's attendance rate was at 98.6 %, the POI
(Plan of Instruction) was achieved for both classes and Students
at J. F. Drake State Technical College were trained in "Embedded
Technology". The laboratory training materials used were
purchased by the students and the textbooks were electronic.
Therefore, all of the course materials remain in the student's
possession which affords them the opportunity for continued
experimentation and learning.
This activity was funded in part by a Historically Black Colleges
and Universities Undergraduate Programs (HBCU-UP) grant
project #0625155. Dr. John Reutter is the Principal Investigator
and Mr. Karl W. Henry is a Co-Investigator.
FA #17
Optical Properties of Thin Film Nanomaterials
Ravindra Kumar
Assistant Professor of Physics/Nanoscience
Shaw University
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Micheal McLeondon, Eric Drew, and Ravindra
Kumar; Shaw University
The reflection, refraction and tranasmission of light continues to
be the workhorse of physical-chemical charaterization of materials
tool box. Particularly, the light wave interference phenomenon as
A122
Conference Program
a result of phase changes in the reflection portion of the incident
wave is the key mechanism to understand and monitor as
applications arise. Thin film interference effects approximated
under normal incidence yields simple anylitical equation to
measure film thickness. The thickness measurement is a standard
tool utilized in design considerations of spectrscopic ellipsometry.
Examples of thickness measurements are presented in this study.
FA #18
Addressing the Need of STEM Retention at HSSU
Ann Podleski, PhD
Associate Professor of Mathematics
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Dr. Dwayne Smith, Vice President for Academic
Affairs, Harris-Stowe State University, Principal Investigator
Dr. Lateef Adelani, Chair of Arts and Sciences, Harris-Stowe State
University Co-Principal Investigator
Mr. Ronald Banks, Director of Retention for Math and Science,
With funding from NSF (Implementation Grant HRD-0811219),
Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) has the opportunity to
address two immediate goals; increasing academic achievement
level for freshmen in math and science courses and increasing
enrollment and graduation rates of students pursuing teacher
degrees in STEM.
One major component of the grant provided 50 entering HSSU
freshmen an intensive five-week residential summer program
designed to better prepare students for college level course work
in STEM areas. In addition to classes in mathematics, science,
computers, literacy, and technical writing, the program also
included activities to strengthen non-cognitive abilities. Also, field
trips to several companies provided exposure to career
opportunities in STEM areas. Due to this program, evaluations
proved that students improved 28-33% in mathematics and
literacy.
Another component of the grant involved undergraduate research
opportunities. Upper classmen were paired with faculty mentors
to conduct research projects. Students researched topics such as
the AIDS epidemic, the affects of pollution on sea mammals, and
cellular automata. Their findings will be presented at a University
symposium, with a goal of presenting at a national conference.
This research opportunity allowed students to intensify their
interest in math and science, exploring several possible career
options, including graduate school.
The grant also supports peer tutors. Upper level Teacher
Education mathematics majors serve as peer tutors and are
actively involved in the existing Academic Support center. In
addition to providing a valuable service to students in beginning
math classes, these peer tutors have been mentored by math/
science faculty and the Director of Retention.
Finally, faculty members reviewed the math and science
curriculum at the University. This review allowed faculty to
determine what areas of improvement were necessary to improve
Abstracts
these academic areas, as well as make recommendations for new
majors such as Math, Biology, and Urban Ecology.
FA #19
Successful Transformation of STEM Education
John Reutter, PhD
Director of Accreditation and Program Development
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Mr. Karl W. Henry, Electronics Instructor, Division
Chair for Business and Engineering Technologies, Co - Principal
Investigator; Carolyn Henderson, Mathematics Instructor, CoPrincipal Investigator; Khalilah Burton, Biology Instructor, CoPrincipal Investigator; Dr. Mostafa Dokhanian, Physics Professor,
Senior Personnel; and Dr. Mohammed Karim, Mathematics
Professor, Department Chair, Mathematics
The J. F. Drake State Technical College (Drake State) HBCU-UP
program was designed to increase the participation of minority
and other under-served students in postsecondary STEM
disciplines. The College is an open-access, pubic college and 70%
of its entering students are not prepared for college level work in
mathematics and science. This factor has led to two
consequences: (1) substantial academic enrichment is required to
prepare its students for college level work, and (2) its technical
degrees have been structured to provide entry-level technicians
without consideration for preparing students who wish to transfer
to four-year institutions of higher learning.
Four years ago, the College made a strategic decision to
strengthen its academic programs so that an open a pathway
would exist for its students to successfully transfer to four-year
institutions in order to pursue baccalaureate degrees and beyond.
The Strategic Plan for Enhancement, Expansion and Development
of Undergraduate Programs (SPEED-UP) provides the backbone
for this strategic change in the College's offerings.
To meet its goals, the SPEED-UP effort includes the development
of calculus-based curriculum offerings, tutoring support for its
STEM students, STEM summer camps for high school students,
and a summer technology institute for middle and high school
teachers and counselors to acquaint them with career
opportunities in the STEM fields and with the preparation
necessary for student success in postsecondary STEM disciplines.
After three years of effort, the program has been immensely
successful. STEM enrollment is up 50%; articulation agreements
with local universities have been implemented, and over 100 high
school students are engaged annually in dual enrollment STEM
courses. [This activity was funded in part by a Historically Black
Colleges and Universities Undergraduate Programs (HBCU-UP)
grant project #0625155, with Dr. John Reutter serving as
Principal Investigator.]
FA #20
Studies on Ionic Triphenyltin Complexes
Xueqing Song, PhD
Professor
Department of Chemistry & Physics
University of DC
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Rahil Fofana, Department of Chemistry and Physics,
Dr. George Eng, Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics,
Dr. Robert Pike, Professor, Department of Chemistry, College of
William & Mary
Triorganotin carboxylates have been well established as having
various biological activities. An important aspect of a molecule
concerning the activity is its water solubility. However, low
solubility in water of these triorganotin carboxylates has limited
their effectiveness in application. On the other hand, ionic
triorganotin complexes may have improved solubility due to their
partially ionic characteristics.
The purpose of this project is to synthesize triphenyltin complexes
with ionic characteristics. The reaction involved combining ligand
with two active acidic protons, and an organic amine. X-ray
crystallography shows that ionic triphenyltin complexes were
successfully obtained in all the reactions except in one case when
thiosalicylic acid and diethylamine were used. The ionic complexes
consist of an anionic moiety, and a dialkylammonium as the
counterion. The anionic triphenytin moieties has a distorted cistrigonal bipyramid (TBP) geometry with two carbon and onesulfur atoms occupying the equatorial positions and an O atom
and phenyl group occupying the axial positions. All ionic
complexes are involved extensive hydrogen-bonding network
between the carboxylate groups (OCO) on and the N atom from
the cation to form a dimer. The only non-ionc triphenyltin complex
obtained was a monomeric bis(triphenyltin) thiosalicylate.
Different coordination patterns were found for the two Sn atoms
within the molecule. The penta-coordinated trans trigonal
bipyramid was observed for C3SnO2 for one tin atom in the
complex. The Other Sn atom was found to adopt a tetrahedral
geometry (C3SnS).
FA #21
Center for Laser Science and Spectroscopy
Doyle Temple, PhD
Professor and Chair
Hampton University
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Dr. Jale Akyurtlu, Chemical Engineering Faculty
Dr. Peter Amedzake, Physics Postdoctoral Associate; Dr. Renee
Baggott, Mathematics Faculty; Dr. Eiei Brown, Physics Research
Faculty; Dr. Kesete Ghebreyessus, Chemistry Faculty; Dr. Michael
T. Hill, Atmospheric Sciences Postdoctoral Associate; Dr. Uwe
Hãmmerich, Physics Faculty; Ms. Jan Mangana, Director for
Educations; Dr. M. Patrick McCormick, Atmospheric Sciences
Faculty; Dr. Hovakim Nazaryan, Atmospheric Sciences Research
Faculty; Dr. Edmund Ndip, Chemistry Faculty; Dr. Shanthi
Paranawithana, Chemistry Faculty; Dr. Jaetae Seo, Physics Faculty
Dr. Jia Su, Atmospheric Sciences Visiting Scientist; Dr. Bagher
Tabibi, Physics Faculty; Dr. Z. Tao, Department of Atmospheric
and Planetary Sciences; Dr. D. Wu, Department of Atmospheric
and Planetary Science; and Dr. Qiguang Yang, Physics Research
Faculty;
Conference Program
A123
Abstracts
CLaSS merges traditionally separate disciplines by advancing the
fundamental understanding of selected problems at the forefront
of science and technology using laser spectroscopy as the
common unifying theme. Specific research thrusts include
fluorescent spectroscopy and laser crystal development, nonlinear
spectroscopy of semiconducting nanocrystals, and laser remote
sensing.
The research thrusts also have a synergistic interdependency with
the education and outreach program that consists of
undergraduate and graduate curricula development, research
training and professional development, and K-12 outreach.
FA #22
Development of Geophysics Program at NCCU
Gordana Vlahovic
Associate Professor
[email protected]
Co-Author(s): Rakesh Malhotra, North Carolina Central University
Integrative Geophysical Investigation of the New Madrid Seismic
Zone' project is funded under the main CREST: Computational
Center for Fundamental and Applied Science and Education
initiative at the North Carolina Central University (NCCU). It is a
collaborative effort between Department of Environmental, Earth
and Geospatial Sciences at NCCU and the Center for Earthquake
Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis.
The physical constitution of the crust and mantle in the New
Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) of the central United States will be
investigated using data obtained from potential fields, passive
array deployments and earthquake seismic data.
The leading idea is that the velocity heterogeneity of the
lithosphere as inferred from seismic data analysis will also be a
map of lithospheric strength. Joint travel-time tomography of the
P and S wave arrivals from the earthquake and controlled source
data will be performed to extend the area and depth of the
sampled lithospheric volume around the NMSZ and regional
geological, magnetic, and gravity data will be incorporated into
seismic interpretations through direct and indirect inversion
methods.
One of the strengths of this proposal is well developed education
and outreach plan that complements one of the main goals of the
CREST increasing the diversity in STEM fields. A very large PhD
racial gap that exists in natural sciences grows even wider when
specific disciplines are considered "The Journal of Blacks in Higher
Education" reports that, for example, out of 87 PhD's awarded in
the fields of geophysics and seismology in 2004 zero recipients
were African American (News and Views, Doctoral Degree Awards
Reach Another All-Time High, The Journal of Blacks in Higher
Education, http://www.jbhe.com/
news_views/50_black_doctoraldegrees.html).
Since many HBCUs are chronically underfunded and usually do
not offer geophysics courses, many talented minorities are never
exposed to this science field. By the end of this research project
we are planning to apply for development of a Masters Program in
Geophysics at NCCU.
A124
Conference Program
Packard Scholar Abstracts
PS #1
PBGA Durability Study: Sn37Pb vs Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu
Patrice Gregory
PhD Candidate
University of Maryland College Park
Co-Author: Professor Donald Barker, PhD, University of Maryland
College Park
The durability of lead-free, Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu, solder under shock and
cyclic loads has been investigated. The results are compared to
previous tests involving Sn37Pb eutectic solder. The board was
fabricated with two plastic ball grid array (PBGA) packages and
organic solder preservative (OSP) was used as the board finish. A
four point bending setup was used and the printed wiring board
strain was measured. The results show that the typical low cycle
fatigue to high-cycle fatigue transition region that exists for lead
solders does not exist for the lead-free solder. It is also shown
that Sn37Pb is more durable than the Sn3.0Ag0.5Cu in the low
cycle regime but the two are equally durable in the high-cycle
regime.
PS #2
Multi-layered Encapsulated Stretchable Conductors on PDMS
Substrates
Joyelle Jones
Graduate Student
Department of Electrical Engineering
Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials
Co-Authors: Oliver Graudejus and Sigurd Wagner
We fabricated two layers of encapsulated stretchable conductors
on poly dimethyl siloxane (PDMS). The first conducting layer
contained 5 mm long, 1 mm wide, 75 nm thick Au lines (with 3
nm of Cr for adhesion) patterned by photolithography on a PDMS
substrate and then encapsulated by photo-patternable silicone
(PPS) (Dow Corning WL 5150). Openings in the PPS were
patterned by photolithography to enable electrical connections to
the underlying metal layer.
The second conducting layer contained Au lines of the
aforementioned dimensions patterned by photolithography on the
PPS and then encapsulated by a second PPS layer. The electrical
resistance of the layered encapsulated conductors was measured
as the structure was stretched by 30%. Both metal layers
remained electrically conducting and a continuous electrical
connection was maintained between the two layers. We will
discuss our fabrication methods and present the electrical
performance of the multi-layered structure.
Abstracts Index
A
Assefa, Assefa
A34
Bordeaux, Shawn
A99
Abanulo, Darlington C.
A30
A54
A117
A4, A53
A114
Atchison, Michael
Attia, Magdy
Borgmann, Kathleen
Abdulaziz, Sirag
Bose, Nripendra K.
A66
Abdullah-Israel, Malikah
A24
Aung, Kyaw
A19
Boston, Nikki
A109
Abe, Oluwamuyiwa
Abramowitch, Steven D.
A29
A48
Austin, Jasmine
A106
Botvina, A.S.
A105
Acharya, Poulomi
A16
A42
Boumedine, Marc
Bounthon, Brittany
A73, A81
A72
A11
Bowens, Ashley D.
A10
A55
Austin, Michael
Awasthi, S.
Adams, Brandi M.
A26
Awasthi, V.
Adams, Kenyeda
Adebambo, Diana
A81
A38
Adebanjo, Tolani
A39
Baatz, John E.
Adelani, Lateef
A120, A122
Baggott, Renee
Adeyemo, Adegboye
Afzal, Zainab
A65
A39
Bailey, Brad
Bailey, Marshall
B
Braggs, Kirk
A11
A46
Branch, Jeremey
Branton, Shantay
A11
A27
A123
Brazelton, Tim
A39, A54
A71
Brennen, TeShima
A82, A88
A2
Brewer, Tashia
A106, 107
A27
Agada, Ruth
A14
Bakhru, Sasha
A14
Bridges, Jr., Melvin
Agyemfra-Kumi, C.
A6
Baldwin, Thomas
A95
Brooks, Phylicia
A63
Aileru, Azeez
A121
A103
A9
A100
A63, A64
Banerjee, Santanu
Banez, Lionel
Brown, David A.
Akula, Shaw M.
Akyurtlu, Jale
A123
Bang, John J.
A87
Brown, Demetrius
Brown, Eiei
A35
A123
Alexander, Barbara T.
A52
Banks, Ronald
A120, A122
Brown, India
A19
A88
Alexander, Turquoise
A2
Alexander, Vincent
A118
Barden, Ghea
Barker, Donald
A65
A124
Brown, Kenneth
Browne Jr., Victor
A41
Alford, Jorris
A27
Barnes, LaEsha
A18
Brunt, A.
A32
A18
Buchanan, A.
A96
Bumpus, Porscha
A83
A104
A19
Ali, Nabil
A15
Barr, Antoine
Allen, Ridwaana
Allen, Shamail
A82, A95
A2
Barton, Alvin
Basu, Alakananda
A71
A60
Alvarez, Edith
A18
Baulkmon, Earnest
A28
Bundick, Florecka
Bupe, Faith
Amacher, Sharon
A9, A10
Bazylinski, Dennis
A93
Burke, Ryan K.
A41
A104
A83
A72
A123
A62
Bazzle, Brittany
A39
Burks, Gabriel
Beard, Adrian
A106
Ananaba, Godwin A.
A62
Becker, Kurt
A120
Burris, Jason N.
Burton, Glenn
Anderson, Yolanda Banks
A87
Beecham, Rachel
Anderson-Lee, Julia
Anjom, Mouzhgun
A109
A92
Anjorin, Chezaray
A10, A57
Bell, Brian
Bell, Zephra
A12, A32,
A54, A86
A40
A104
Ansari, Jahangir
A38, A114
Belle, Jonelle
A81
Anthony, Joshua
A101
Benbrook, D.
A56
Apeti, Dennis
A23
Arbneshi, Tahir
A103
Bennett, Crystal
Bentz, Joseph
A99
A55
Arhagba, Ejiroghene F.
A10
Berkley, Deborah
A120
Cadet, Perpetue
A72
Ariyo, Adetimilehin
A101
Bernd, Karen
A50
Caldwell, Kenta
A72
Ariyo, Oluwole
A7, A29
Armitage, Bruce
A70
Bernier, Tiffany A.
Bethea, Danaya
A40
A40
Caldwell, Torrance
Calhoun, Tessa
A99
A117
Armstrong, George
Armstrong, Nagelica
A92
A44
Biaou, Lynda
A18
Callaway, Brent J.
A94
Bias, Anntonisha
A56
Cameron, Audreanna
A83
Artis, Candice
A2
Asbury-Taylor, Ebony
A106, A107
Bland, Hilliary
Bodo, Barisere
A3
A63
Campbell, B.T.
Campbell, Darien
A18
A65
Asemota, Helen
A66, A87,
A108
A82
Boonthum, Chutima
A79
Booth, Brandon
A109
Bora, Archana
A54
Carey, Jason P.
Carll, Charlie
Carter III, Conner B.
Carter, Brandon
A40
A99
A41
A83, A118
Amedzake, Peter
Amouzou, Anani
Ashby, Talitha
Burton, Khalilah
A98, A123
Busch, Donta
A86
Butler, Ericka M.
Butler, Marilyn
A28
A11, A66
Butluand, Ashley
A94
C
Conference Program
A125
Abstracts Index
Carter, Cedric
A72
Davis, Sabrina A.
A107
Ezirike, Mya
Caton, Andrew
Chahal, Hasimranjit
A57
A59
Davis, Sharde
Davis, Travis
A43
A110
Chang-Yub
A42
De Vos, Martin
A24
F
Chapman, Amanda
A7
Dean, Rashe
A34
Chapron, David
Chaudhary, J.
A102
A40
Deem, M.
DeLauder, Saundra F.
A39
A69, A87
Cheatham, Monica
A91
Denloye, Emmanuel
Chen, Hang
A116
Chen, Jianguo
Cherri, Asheli
A64
A113
Chidyagwai, P.
A27
Dever, Brandon
A11, A66
Christensen, B.
A32
Dharmalingam, Pitchai
Christian, Thomas L.
Clarke, Morris
A21
A121
Coes, Brandyce L.
A11
Cohen, Anne
A93
Cohen, Jerry
Cole, Iyeasha
A22
A65
Cole, Leonard
A77, A107
Cooper, Rose Marie
A42
Corbett, Shermett
Cosgrove, Michael S.
A113
Fagan, Triesha
A105
Fairley, Thaddeus
Fakayode, Sayo O.
A20
A10, A13,
A34
Falodun, Dorcas
A21
Denton, Anne
A54
Deshpande, Vikram
Devaughn, Raymond
A102
A12
Falodun, Elizabeth
Fesahazion, Ruth G.
A44
A31
A14
Fini, Elham
A37, A117
Finley, III, Algernon C.
A87
A43, A51,
A86
Dhir, Sarwan
A2, A7,
A10, A12, A19, A20, A22, A23, A26,
A40, A55, A56, A63, A64, A83, A90,
A91, A92, A93, A96, A97, A98
Dicheva, Darina
A78
Fisher, Brittany
Flake, Alan W.
A67
A39
Fleming, Graham
A117
Dickerson, Treven
Dickson, Brownyn
Dickson, TireJe'
A118
A56
Dillard, Kiara
Cousin, Carolyn
A18
Crandle, Tabitha
Fling, Sean Natasha
A45
Flowers, Lamont A.
Flowers, Lawrence O.
A118
A118
A20
Fly, Pervis
A73
A37
A12
Fofana, Rahil
A123
A83
Ford, Patrick
Forde, Renée
A63
A44
Disch, B.
A96
Foster, Calvin
A84
Dixon, Freddie
A18
Foster, Justin
A87
A25
Dobi, Albert
A43, A47
Crawford, Christina
Crenshaw, Ezekiel
A107
A42
Dokhanian, Mostafa
A123
Frazier, Kelvin
Freedland, Stephen J.
A28
A9
Dolman, Jess
A94
Freeman, Jasmine
A12
Cromwell, Kara
A42
Dolo, Samuel
A28
Freeman, Kimberley
A120
Crowell, Madelyn
A3
Dore, Zina
A84
Crumsey, Brandon
A19
Dorsey, Charis
A66
Freeman, Lerond
Freen, Desma
A74
A87
Cullers, Shavonne
A101
Dorsey, W.C.
A98
Fritz, Megan
A92
Culp, Genese
A69
Drew, Eric
A122
Fukazawa, Cindy
A2
Cunningham, Daryl
A66
Duncan, Kaylia
A43, A86
Curry Jr., Leonard L.
A15
DuPont, Samuel
A24
Durand, Jan
A73
Durham-Pierre, Donna
Duttaroy, Atanu
A121
A44
Dyson, Ossie
A63
D
Daka, Emelia
Dal Cin, Valeriano
A43
A92
Dale, Zuri
A20
Danaher, Sara Rebeca
A73
Dancey, Omar
Dandajena, T.
A34
A96
Dang, Julie
A112
Daniel, Wesley
A88
Daskalakis, Constantine
David, Jarrett L.
A85
A102
Davis, Barbara
A58
Davis, Ben
A110
Davis, Claudette P.
A44
A126
Conference Program
E
G
Gallick, Gary
Galvao, Terezinha
A2
A82, A95,
A117
Garcia, Victor M.
A34
Garland, W.
Garnett, Lawrence O.
A40
A21
A45
Early, Kevin
A29
Garrison, Robin
Eckberg, William
Eley, Lloyd
A118
A110
Garuba, Iziegbe
A63
Ghebreyessus, Kesete
A123
Elhelu, Loubna
A43
Ghorpade, Anuja
A4, A53
Eng, George
A123
Gibson, Anthony Travis
A45
Engel, Greg
A117
Gilchrist, Jason
A82, A88
Espinoza, Araceli
A86
Eubanks, Haleigh
A86
Gillens, April
Gilmore, Jeremy
A67
A35
Evans, Jonathan
A34
Githua, Kariuki
A110
Evans, Lori
A44
Glasner, Dustin R.
A94
Abstracts Index
Glenn, Anthony E.
A25, A93
Harris, Danese E.
A108
Humbert IV, William George
A36
Glenn, Taliah F.
Golash, Sean
A48
A74
Harris, George
A4
Harris, Jamila
A4
Hutton, Keshia
Hyacinth, Leeanna
A29
A111
Golding, Rayon
A88
Harris, Joshua
A35
Gomez, Elizabeth Avery
A120
Harris, Megan
A88
Gonzalez, Clarisa
Gonzalez, Claudio F.
A120
A23
Harris, Randall H.
Harris, Thandi
A5
A83
Goodley, Rhecia
A28
Harry, Kelvin
A89
Gordon, Thomas
A30
Hartline, Beverly Karplus
A118
Goudy-Bermudez, Yvonne
Govan, Sidney
A48
A4
Haskell, April
Hawkins, Lateshia
A5
A50
Graudejus, Oliver
A124
Hawkins, Tulani
A110
Graves, Candy
A20
Heath, Andre
A94
Graves, Christina
Graves, Patricia Adams
A21
A4
Henderson, Carolyn
A123
Henderson, Samuel
A29
Graves, Stephanie
A18, A31
Hennington, Bettye Sue
A52
Gray, Jeff
A78
Henry, Demetria
A89
Gray, Laswanique
Gray, Roderick
A48
A105
Henry, Karl W.
A35, A36,
Green, Erica
A3
Green, Natieka
A31
Henry, Whitney
A50
Green, Timothy
Greenlee, Kendra J.
A21, A26
A86, A121
Hepp, Aloysius
Hickling, Graham
A109
A99
Greenstein, Michael
A120
High, Gabrielle
A53, A118
Gregory, Patrice
A124
Highley, Chris
A14
Griffin, Ashley
Griffin, Jahnieka
A4
A88
Hijji, Yousef
A65
Hilakivi-Clarke, Leena
A43
Griffin, Shalaina
A49
Hill, Michael T.
123
Guilford, Kystal
A118
A122,
A123
Hilliard, Aisha
A59
Gunasekaran, Muthuklumaran A43, A51,
A86
Hilton, Douglas
Hinmon, Susan
A35
A111
Gwengi, Paul
Hodawadekar, Suchita
A54
Hofmann, Ted
A54
Hohorst, Diane
A7
A77
H
A49
Haftel, Valerie
A45
Holland, Timothy
Hailemariam, Sarem
A49
Holmes, Keana
A105
Haldar, Manas K.
A12
Holmes, Shaletha
A50
Hamada, Yahia
A11, A69
Hamer, Salah
A37
Holmes, Shenika
Holser, Ronald
A5
A11
Hämmerich, Uwe
Hammond, Dianne
A123
A59
Hopkins, Reginald
A106,
Hamner, Melissa
A97
Hampton, Toni
A33
Hopkinson, Sampson
Howard, Rochelle
A107
A88
A75
Hampton-Collins, Anquinette A33
Han, In Kyu
A64
Howell, Amy
A21
Howse, Paul
A93
Han, Seung Pyo
A64
Hansen, P.
A32
Hoy, Donyeil
Hu, Jianping
A51
A19, A20
Hardbower, Dana M.
A94
Hudson, Keena
A89
Harp, Jill
A121
Hugine, Alysa
A11
Harris, Chelsea
A20
Huling, Craig
A27
I
Iannucci, Douglas
Ichoua, Soumia
A84
A72
Ifere, Godwin O.
A62
Igbonagwam, Ezinne
A28
Ihnat, M.
A96
Inyangetor, James
A21
Isakson, Brant E.
A42
J
Jackson, Cynthia A.
A55
Jackson, Michelle
A111
James, Anya
A36
James, Candace
A102
James, Erica M.
A112
Janniere, Simone
Javidi, Giti
A31
A71
Javier, Kimberly A.
A94
Jefferson, Edward
A15
Jenkins, Jamilah
Jenkins, Stefan
A51
A36
Jocelyn, Andrel
A85
Johnson, Brittany
A90
Johnson, Brodrick
Johnson, Cherelle J.
A112
A21
Johnson, Claudette D.
A20
Johnson, Raquel
A90
Johnson, Robyn
Johnson, Shani
A100
A51
Johnstone, Scott
A42
Jones, Brittany
A52
Jones, Cecil L.
Jones, E. Jenae
A12
A52
Jones, George H.
A41
Jones, Iris
A75
Jones, Jacqueline
Jones, Jessica
A63
A112
Jones, Joyelle
A124
Jones, Shawna
A105
Jones, Terrell
A80
Jones, Vandy
A80
Joseph, AnnaMay
A96
Josyula, Darsana
A76
Joyce, Kadarice
A20, A75
Ju, Sang-Yong
A30
Judkins, Dominique
A97
Conference Program
A127
Abstracts Index
K
Kader, Shereen Abdel
Kalapathy, Uruthira
A21, A116
A13
Kalavacharla, V.
A10
Kalluri, Jhansi
A103
Kalyie, Heran
Kambhampati, Murty S.
A5
A21, A26
Kane, Ronald
A120
Karim, Mohammed
Lakeou, Samuel
A114
Martinez, Esteban
A55
Lamar, Kimberly
Lamb, Adrian
A4, A33
A113
Martinez, Marcia
Mason, Andrew
A45
A23
Lambros, Ann
A121
Mason, Justice
A55
Lampkin, Edna S.
A12
Matthews, Michael
A76
Lanclos, Chris
Larsen, Sarah
A16
A12
Mauldin, Will
Maxwell, Adrienne
A111
A9
A6
Lawrence, Keeona
A22
May, Brittany
A123
Lawrence, Lauren
A87
May, L.W.
A105
Karoui, A.
Keane-Dawes, Jennifer
A106
A118
Lawson, Patrick
A59
Lazare, Jovian
A70
Maybin, Brittany
Maye, Anthony
A37
A20
Kedir, Habib
A52
A56
Keels, Jonecia
Le, Sophie
A67
Mbawuike, Uchenna
A16
Leach, Jennifer
A68
McAfee, Shardae
A103
Kelley, Nona
Kemathe, Lily K.
A53
A115
Lee, Byong
A100
Lee, Candace
A32
McCarty, Don
McCleary, Michelle
A40
A22
Kennedy, Alvin P.
A65, A67
Lee, Chiquita
A54
McCorkle, Daniel
A93
Keshipeddy, Santosh
A21
Lee, Wah-Keat
A86
McCormick, M. Patrick
A123
Ketcham, Stuart
Kianian, Shahryar
A73
A54
Leighton, Ximena
Lemma, Mulatu
A8
A27, A28
McCoy, Jamal
McCoy, Shaketia
A32
A16
Kidane, Awet
A112
Lenhart, Suzanne
A99
McCullough, Devita
A113
Kiernan, Daniel
A94
Lewis, Brittany M.
A84
McDaniel, Sheree
A56
Kim, Heungbok
A42
Lewis, Jim
Lewis, Nicca
A89
A74
McDonnell, Timothy J.
A2
McDowell, Roderick
A92
Lewis, Stephen
A86
McLean, Charlee
A13, A68
Li, Bin
A50
McLeondon, Michael
A122
Li, Q.
Lindsey, Lauren A.
A6
A91
McNeil, Raquel
A96
Meeks, Gabrielle
A76
Lin-Schmidt, Xiefan
A111
Meghanathan, Natarajan
A73, A76
Lipp, Forrest
A21
Mekonnen, Selamawit
A18
Little, Kiara
A91
Melmaiee, K.
A10
Logan, Alshae
A91
Mergenthaler, Christina
A57
Longmire, Jaleesa
A84
Meriwether, Samila
A69
Love, Matthew
A92
Mesco, Eugene R.
A96
Lumen, Annie Albin
Luu, D.
A55
A96
Messan, Komi
Middleton, Darlene L.
A85
A46
Kim, Minjun
A103
Kim, Philip
A102
Kima, Peter
A56
Kincaid, Samantha
A53
King, C.
A42
King, Kenneth
A112
Kinlaw, Christopher
A47
Kirkton, Scott D.
A86
Kizzie, Karmen
A120
Klee, Harry J.
A92, A93,
Knight, Stephenna
A97
A18
Knowles, Lynn
A51
Knox, Antionette
A54
Kohler, Jennifer
Kohley, Z.
A50
A105
M
Madende, Denis O.
A54
Krishnamurthy, Soumya
A60
Mahajan, Devinder
A92
Kulis, Michael J.
A109
Kumar, Deepak
A43, A53,
A57, A64
Mair, Leeneka
Malbrue, Raphael A.
Miles, Jalissa
A76
Miller, Jeremiah
A6
Miller, Jim
Miller, Miquel
A92
A118
A113
A55
Minor, Donnielle
A118
Mohamed, Ahmed
A46
Malhotra, Rakesh
A124
Mohammed, Abdul K.
A4
A10, A13,
A14, A121
Kumar, Ravindra
A122
Malik, K.U.
Kumar, Sunil
A120
Mallik, Sanku
Mancia, Annalaura
A12, A13
A46
Moktan, Shama
A9
Molla, Fassil
A76
Mangana, Jan
A123
Mao, Fenglou
A89
Momoh, James
Mondal, Ananda
A110
A16, A17,
Marino, Ray
A21
L
Lagisetty, P.
A42
Lai, Shuhua
A15
LaiHing, Kenneth
A96, A101
A128
Conference Program
Marriott, Karla-Sue
Martin, Avery V.
A78
A69
Moon, H.S.
A92
A36
Moore III, James L.
A118
Abstracts Index
Moore, Alyssa
A56
Ogbefho, Daniel
A92
Poole, Victoria
A101
Moore, Benjamin D.
Moore, Carl A.
A37
A36
Oglesby, Lillian
Oh, Hyunju
A7
A100
Powell, Ryan
Presley, Brooke
A103
A100
Moore, Jelyn
A106
Ojeda, Norma
A52
Price, Morgan
A70
Moore, Stephanie
A77
Okonkwo, Charles
A93
Prieto, Minolfa C.
A44
Moore, Timothy
Morgan, Julie
A56
A75
Olayinka, Kafayat
Omojola, Joe
A114
A26
Prosser, Daniel
A106
Morgan, Sarah
A60
Onunu, Christina
A58
Morganfield, Shari
A56
Onuorah, Emeka
A108
R
Morrison, Andrew
Mortazavi, Mansour
A69
A23
Onyekaba, Amy
Ososanya, Esther T.
A112
A114
Moye, Marcus M.
A69
Outlaw, Jahmelia
A69
Mulero, Rafael
A103
Outten, F. Wayne
A59
Mullen, Lawrance
Murray, Christopher B.
A83, A118
A30
Oyaghire, Stanley
Ozokwere, Benjamin
A70
A8
Murray, Jeff
A38
Myers Sr., Deland J.
A121
Myers, Eveadean M.
A121
N
Naeini, Jafar
A59
Nag, Sanjay
A44
Nagy, Peter
A40
Nanaie, Hossein
A13
Nash, Mia L.
A92
Nasrin, Shamima
Nazaryan, Hovakim
A45
A123
Ndip, Edmund
A123
Ndjamen, Blaise
A56
Ndungu, John
Nedunuri, Krishna Kumar
A113
A97
Neely, Adria
A103
Nelson, Octavia
Neupane, Achal
A77
A57
Newton, Danforth A.
A60
Newton, Sarah
A23
Ngu-Schwemlein, Maria
Nguyen, Tony
A23
A37
Nichols, Shabree
A7
Njenga, Stella
A7
Njue, Christopher
A11, A66
Nolan, L.K.
A19
Nwafor, Ebelechukwu
A85
Nyamapfene, Muziwi
A85
O
O’Neal, Ray
A104
Ochieng, Carolyne
A57
Odom, Violet
A7
P
Rabe, Mialy
A91
Radwan, Ahmed
Raji, Abdul-Rahman O.
A59
A30
Ramos, Michelle
A94
Ramsay, Vinay
A59
Randall, Patrick A.
Rangachari, Vijay
A31
A48
Rao, R.
A6
Rathinasabapathi, Bala
A93
Raucher, Drazen
Ray, Paresh Chandra
A9
A103
Raza, Syed
A77, A107
Read, Elizabeth
A117
Reckelhoff, Jane F.
Reece, Michel
A6
A110
Reponen, Tina
A90
Reutter, John
A36, A98,
A56
A34
Rhee, Y.
A122, A123
A32
Patterson, Anneishia
A100
Rhodes, Sade
A23
Patterson, Bill
A88
Rich, Ashley
A94
Patterson, James C.
A58
Ridenour, Joshua
Riggins, Rebecca
A88
A43
Rivera, B.
A27
Pai, Aditi
A81
Pait, Tony
A23
Pan, K.
A39
Papadimitrakopoulos, Fotios
A30
Paranawithana, Shanthi
A123
Parast, Mahour
A117
Park, W.
A18
Parker, Desmond R.
A58
Parker, Ve' Lita
A77
Patel, Anamika
Patel, Mithilesh
Payton, Tavaris
A78
Perry, Candice
A103
Perry, Shalesa
A10
Petrovics, Gyorgy
A46
Petty, Jeffrey T.
A29
Petushkov, Anton
A12
Phillips, Zachery
Pickard, Ulysses
A58
A93
Pierre, Amos
A114
Pike, Robert
A123
Pilch, Jan
Pinnard, Melissa
A51
A93
Platt, Ekundayo
A70
Pleasant, Denita
A13
Pleasure, James
Plumber, Jamail
A35
A59
Podleski, Ann
A122
Pollard, David A.
A10
Ponder III, Charlie
A23
Roadcloud, Aria P.
A94
Roberts-Gregory, Frances
A82, A95
Robidoux, Jacques
A58
Robinson, Brittney
A103
Robinson, Davetta
Robinson, Tanisha
A59
A24
Robleto, Eduardo
A2
Rogers, Carlyle
A58
Rosypal, Alexa C.
Rush, Joseph
A47
A16
S
Saenz, Francisco R.
Safford, Yolanda
A8, A53
A60
Sahab, Sareena
A97
Salaam, Bolanle O.
A100
Salamone, John D.
A31, A32
Conference Program
A129
Abstracts Index
Samac, Deborah
A91
Speiginer, Gheric
A79
Tilus, Ruth
A46
Santiago, Celine
Sarker, Laboni
A2
A78
Sreenath, Taduru
A8
Srivastava, Meera
A8
Tivendale, K.A.
Todd, A.
A19
A10
Saunders, Vanessa
A43, A86
Standifer, Milfred
A18, A61
Toney, Deveine
A71
Scatliffe, Kiara
A95
Stanley-Bey, Kennan
A114
Torosyan, Yelizaveta
A8
Scott, Jasmine
Scott, Maureen
A33
A21
Stapleton, Whitney E.
Stastny, S.
A13
A32
Towns, Lorraine
Traas, Jeremy
A120
A54
Scott, Michael D.
A12
Steele Jr., Ernest C.
A63
Tran, Anh Thu
A53, A57
Seetala, Naidu V.
A104
Stevenson, Christopher
A20
Tran, Thuy T.
A55
Sengupta, Bidisha
Seo, Jaetae
A29
A123
Stewart Jr., Polite D.
Stewart, C. N.
A14
A92
Tripp, Shanesha
A47
Trocquet, Danielle
A52
Shabazz, Naml
A95
Stitelman, David
A39
Tullius, T.
A27
Sharma, Deva
A82, A88
Strickland, Tiffany
A61
Turner, Mario
A97
Sharma, R.N.
Sharp, Rahja' Mason
A47
A30
Stroot, Peter
Strothers, Julian
A24
A79
Turner, Sean
A38
Sharp, Sarita
A60
Su, Jia
A123
Sheffield, Steve
A22
Sueing, Howard
A79
U
Shelton, Candace
Shenoy, S.
A60
A96
Suffel, Charles
A120
Sundaresan, Alamelu
A59
Sherman, Brittney
A96
Suy, Simeng
A53, A64
Sherrill, Sequoyah
A108
Suzuki, Masa
A40
Sheybani, Eshan
Shibeshi, Henoke D.
A80, A114
A8
Swan, Jeremy
A37
Shrikant, Protul A.
A6
Shumate, Yasmeen
A96
T
Sims, Spencer
Singh, Dipti
A96
A60
Singleton, J. Bernard
A25, A53,
A83, A118
Skjellum, Anthony
A99
Slaughter, Frensha
A16
Slaughter, Gymama
A34
Sloan, Steven
A37
Sly, Channing
Small, Santanna
A9
A61
Smith, Bryan
A97
Smith, Dwyane
A119,
Smith, Earl
A120, A122
A119
Smith, Erica
A24
Smith, Gail
A120
Smith, Nikema
Smith, Prestina
A17
A9
Smith, Sean E.
A112
Smith, Terry
A33
Snow, Denita
Snowden, Michelle
A78
A76
Song, Xueqing
A12, A57,
A123
Soto, Reamonn
A130
A30
Conference Program
Tabibi, Bagher
A123
Taiwo, Babatunde
112
Takacs, Peter
A104
Takekoshi, Mitsuhide
A102
Tao, Z.
A123
Taylor, Ashley M.
A14
Taylor, Reginald
A17
Tebyanian, Fariba
A79
Tegegn, Tseday Zewdu
A46
Temple, Doyle
A123
Terbizan, D.
A32
Terrell, Michael
A17
Terwilliger, Tom
Thomas, Aaron
A42
A80
Thomas, Kelisha
A25
Thomas, Renard L.
A20
Thomas, Shameka
Thompson, Ebony
A33
A70
Thompson, Lucius M.
A115
Thompson, Neil
A115
Thompson, Renisha
A97
Thompson, Rhea
A46
Thompson, Shenai
A86
Thorpe, J.
A96
Thrash, Marvin
A97
Tietzel, Illya
A90
Ukaegbu, Amara
A115
Umoja, Rukiya
A92
Unterreiner, James
A76
Upadhyay, Preety
A47
V
Vadeghani, Saba Hamidi
A102
Valenzuela, Jorge
A27
Vance, Russell
Varisli, Birsen
A3, A4
A103
Vincent, Brandy A.
A47
Viola, Francesco
A111
Vlahovic, Gordana
Volkov, Alexander
A124
A82, A87
Voltz, Yakia
A25
Von Moltke, Jakob
A3
Voss, Paul
Vought, Valarie
A101
A56
W
Wagner, Daniel
Wagner, Sigurd
A2
A124
Walker, Jessie
A71, A80
Walker, Lia
A63
Walter, Lewins
A53, A118
Wandu, Wambul S.
A62
Ward, Ransom
A55
Warner, Isiah M.
Washington, Marla
A14
A103
Washington, Maurice
A115
Washington, TaNeshia
A14
Watson, Yaminah
A62
Webb, Lanikka
A25, A105
Abstracts Index
Weber, Judith
A106
Yennello, S.Y.
A105
Weidner, Douglas A.
Weingardner, A.
A58
A96
Yi, John
Yoon, Seung Chul
A57
A112
Wells, Alan
A58
Westbrook, Michael
A80
Westry, Ka'Laun
Whaley, Samuele
A116
A80
Whitall, David
A23
White, Arturo
A26
White, Emma
White, Jessica
A98
A63
White, Satoyia
A63
Whitehead III, Brodie Lee
A38
Whitfield, Nicole
Whittaker, Joseph
A9
A118
Wilder, Louis P.
A16
Wilkens, Richard T.
A21
Wilkerson, Megan
Williams, Richard
A10
A13, A68
Williams, Trobar
A98
Williams, Troi
A81
Williams, Valerie
Williamson, K.
A63
A113
Williamson, Kurt E.
A94
Wilson, Bobby
A20
Wilson, Jr., Derek
Wilson, Michael
A64
A22
Winstead, Angela
Z
Zappe, Stefan
Zeng, Qiang
A14
A58
Zhang, Gaosen
A926
Zhang, Ongchao
A93, A101
Zoltick, Philip
A39
A13, A68,
A69, A70,
A71
Winston, Cynthia
A120
Witherspoon, Akilah
A98
Witherspoon, Velencia
A31
Wood, Jeff
Woodford, Brittini
A16
A51
Woodford, Terry
A28
Workeneh, Selam
A21, A26
Wright, Cherelle
Wu, D.
A64
A123
Wu, D. H.
A72
Wu, Qian
A58
Wu, Shan
Wuenschel, S.
A40
A105
Y
Yanes, Licy L.
A6
Yang, Hongyi
A56
Yang, Qiguang
A123
Yates, Clayton
A58, A63
Yelekal, Fiteh
A64
Conference Program
A131

HBCU Conference Program-Post Conference-Edit

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