2010 AGMUS Research Symposium

Transcription

THE
ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (AGMUS)
AND THE
STUDENT RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CENTER
ARE PROUD TO HOST THE
AGMUS 2010 RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
SHOWCASING MINORITY STUDENTS’ MENTORED RESEARCH
Leadership at AGMUS/Vice Presidency for Planning and Academic Affairs
Mr. Jorge L. Crespo Armáiz
Vice President for Planning and Academic Affairs
Juan F. Arratia, Ph. D.
Executive Director
Student Research Development Center
SEPTEMBER 10-11, 2010
CARIBE HILTON HOTEL
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Table of Contents…………………………………………………………………..
2
AGMUS/SRDC Mission, Executive Summary and Goals…………………………
4
Conference at a Glance…………………………………………………………….
5
GRE Workshop Schedule………………………………………………………….
6
Workshop: Computing for Everyone………………………………………………
7
Workshop Agenda…………………………………………………………………
8
Message from the Chancellor: Dr. Federico Matheu………………………………
9
Message from the Chancellor: Dr. Dennis Alicea………………………………….
10
Message from the Chancellor: Lic. Alberto Maldonado……………………………
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Message from the Vice President for Planning and Academic Affairs…………….
12
Message from the Director and Principal Investigator: Dr. Juan F. Arratia………..
13
AGMUS Profile and Prologue………………………………………………………
14
Keynote Speakers’ Biographical Sketches………………………………………….
15
Workshops Speakers………………………………………………………………..
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Exhibitors’ List……………………………………………………………………… 22
Call for Abstracts AGMUS 2011 Research Symposium…………………………… 24
Advertisements……………………………………………………………………… 26
Schedule of Events………………………………………………………………….. 30
Abstracts Undergraduate Students:
Biological Sciences………………………………………………………….
Chemistry……………………………………………………………………
Computer Sciences…………………………………………………………..
Environmental Sciences……………………………………………………..
Applied Mathematics………………………………………………………..
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84
89
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Applied Physics………………………………………………………………
Psychology……………………………………………………………………
Engineering…………………………………………………………………..
Material Sciences…………………………………………………………….
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Abstracts Pre-College Students:
Computer Sciences………………………………………………………….
Geology……………………………………………………………………..
Environmental Sciences…………………………………………………….
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Abstracts Graduate Students:
Chemistry……………………………………………………………………
Environmental Sciences……………………………………………………..
Engineering………………………………………………………………….
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Acknowledgments…………………………………………………………………... 132
Index of Presenters………………………………………………………………….. 134
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National Science Foundation
AGMUS Institute of Mathematics
Caribbean Computing Center for Excellence
Ana G. Méndez University System
MISSION
The Model Institutions for Excellence (MIE) award granted by the National Science Foundation
helped transform Universidad Metropolitana into a nationally recognized undergraduate research
institution, and a model in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Mentoring of undergraduates by research mentors was the cornerstone of the MIE Project. The
primary goal of the cooperative agreement was to increase the number of BS degrees granted to
underrepresented students in STEM fields at Universidad Metropolitana. The MIE completed its
cooperative agreement between the National Science Foundation and UMET in 2008. We
believe that creative research is one of the best ways to prepare students to become persistent and
successful in graduate school and professional careers.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Today, the Student Research Development Center (SRDC) is the entity that continues the MIE
strategy by impacting students from the AGMUS System and universities across the nation. In
order to increase the number of BS degrees transferred to graduate school, the SRDC will
continue with the strategy of an early pre-college and undergraduate research program and
partnership with key research institutions in the US mainland, Puerto Rico and abroad. Research
mentoring will be the central component of the knowledge transfer and creative thinking
activities at AGMUS. Cooperative and collaborative learning strategies, presentations at
scientific conferences, scientific writing and co-authorship, technology literacy, and preparation
for graduate school are activities that are transforming the philosophy of the institution.
GOALS
The main goal of the AGMUS 2010 Research Symposium is to: encourage precollege/undergraduate and graduate research with research mentors; develop students’ written
and oral communication skills; provide a forum in Puerto Rico for students to foster interest in
graduate education, particularly at the Ph. D. level; and set national research standards for
research presentations.
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ANA G. MENDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM
Vice Presidency for Planning and Academic Affairs
AGMUS 2010 RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
CONFERENCE AT A GLANCE
FRIDAY, September 10, 2010
CARIBE HILTON HOTEL
12:30 – 1:00 p.m.
Registration
Symposium and Workshop Registration
1:00 –3:00 p.m.
Workshops
(San Cristobal Foyer)
(San Cristobal Ballroom)
(San Cristobal EFG)
(San Cristobal A)
GRE Overview
Computer for People with Disabilities
“Computer for Everyone”
Computational Biology
(San Cristobal A)
Computational Chemistry
Computers and Research at Hewlett Packard
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Research in the College of Computing and Informatics at UNC Charlotte
3:00 -5:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, September 11, 2010
CARIBE HILTON HOTEL
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
9:00 – 5:00 p.m.
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
11:00 – 11:30 a.m.
11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.
2:00 – 2:30 p.m.
2:30 – 5:45 p.m.
4:15 – 5:45 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
Continental Breakfast / Registration / Poster Session Set Up
Open Ceremony
Exhibitors
Poster Session (Undergraduate/Pre-College)
Visit Exhibitors
Graduate School Orientation
Lunch
Success and Survival in Academia
Oral Session I
Oral Session II
Oral Session III
Oral Session IV
Oral Session V
GRE Overview, Session II
Awards, Closing Ceremony and Dinner
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(San Cristobal BCD)
(San Cristobal B)
(San Cristobal C)
(San Cristobal D)
(Auditorium)
(San Cristobal B)
Vice Presidency for Planning and Academic Affairs
“Developing Minds Through Research Experiences”
Gayle R. Slaughter, Ph.D.
Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology
and Assistant Dean of Graduate Education
Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Session I:
Session II:
Friday, September 10, 2010
1:00 pm. – 3:00 pm
Saturday, September 11, 2010
4:15 pm. – 5:45 pm
Free Workshop sponsored by
AGMUS-SRDC / BCM and the National Science Foundation
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CARIBBEAN COMPUTING CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
THE CARIBBEAN COMPUTING CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
INVITES YOU TO THE WORKSHOP:
SPEAKER:
Richard Ladner, Ph. D.
University of Washington
Access Computing Alliance
DATE: Friday, September 10, 2010
TIME: 1:00PM
PLACE: Caribe Hilton Hotel, San Juan
FOR INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION CONTACT:
Luis F. Font, CCCE Coordinator
Tel. (787)766-1717 ext. 6945
Email. [email protected]
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VICE-PRESIDENCY OF PLANNING AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
CARIBBEAN COMPUTING CENTER FOR EXCELLENCE
Friday, September 10, 2010
Caribe Hilton Hotel, San Juan
San Cristobal Ballroom
Time
Workshop
1:00-3:00 P.M.
GRE Workshop
Gayle R. Slaughter, Ph.D.
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas
Computing for Everyone
Richard Ladner, Ph.D.
Seattle, Washington
3:00-3:20 P.M.
Robert Murphy, Ph.D.
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
3:20-3:40 P.M.
Jerzy Leszczynski, Ph.D.
Jackson State University
Jackson, Missisippi
3:40-4:00 P.M.
Computer and Research at Hewlett Packard
Martina Trucco
HP Worldwide Research Development
Palo Alto, California
4:00-4:20 P.M.
Anthony Baylis
San Francisco, California
4:20-4:40 P.M.
Research in the College of Computing and
Informatics at UNC Charlotte
Teresa Dahlberg, Ph. D.
UNC Charlotte, North Carolina
4:40-5:00 P.M.
Questions and Closing Remarks
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September 11, 2010
Dear students,
Welcome to the AGMUS 2010 Research Symposium, an event organized by the Student
Research Development Center at the Ana G. Méndez University System. This is a great
opportunity for student researchers from institutions in the US mainland and Puerto Rico to
disseminate their scientific knowledge in areas of science, technology, engineering and
mathematics.
You have engaged in the fascinating world of research at a very young age. This adventure for
most of you represents a sign of hope for the future of science. Hopefully, this experience will
open your eyes to a potential career as scientists and engineers.
The projects you have prepared and will present are true testimonials of this wonderful step in
your journey through college. I am positive that this experience will spark an enthusiasm in
further research experiences and a graduate school education. As you continue your path, we
wish for you other research experiences that will prove to be rewarding in the world of science.
Congratulations to all the participants of the AGMUS 2010 Research Symposium.
Yours truly,
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Developing Minds Through
Research Experiences
September 11, 2010
Colleagues and Students:
We are very proud to host the AGMUS 2010 Research Symposium in which student researchers from the Ana G.
Méndez University System (AGMUS), as well as students from other colleges and universities in Puerto Rico and at US
mainland institutions, share their research work with their peers, other science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) students, and the scientific community.
This year we have the participation of more than fourteen institutions such as Columbia University, Florida A&M
University, Jackson State University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T State University, the University of
Massachusetts, the University of the Virgin Islands, and several universities from Puerto Rico including the University
of Puerto Rico in its Humacao, Mayagüez and Ponce campuses, Inter-American University in its Bayamón, Metro and
San Germán Campuses, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, as well as our sister institutions Universidad del Turabo
and Universidad del Este. Finally, we have the STEM students from AGMUS who are the essence of this meeting and to
whom we dedicate Symposium 2010. This year we started accepting pre-college research projects, we congratulate the
one who participate in the AGMUS Pre-College Summer Program at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and
UCLA.
I congratulate all of the students who worked endless hours to complete their research projects, especially those who
traveled many miles from the US mainland to be in Puerto Rico and share with all of us their research experiences. This
will prove to be one of our largest symposia. Sixty nine (69) posters and sixty-four (64) oral presentations are a very
impressive number! I hope that the poster and oral presentations may motivate all of you to continue in the pathway you
have chosen.
My sincere appreciation goes to personnel from the Vice Presidency for Planning and Academic Affairs, the Student
Research Development Center staff, and the AGMUS faculty members and administrators for their extraordinary effort
and commitment coordinating the AGMUS 2010 Research Symposium. The implementation of this event would not
have been possible without the ongoing support of the National Science Foundation and the sponsorship of the industrial
sector who has cooperated to reward and motivate students to continue their path in science. Our appreciation goes to all
the companies that made possible the award component of Symposium 2010. This Symposium, in San Juan, Puerto
Rico, will be a memorable experience for all of you students from Puerto Rico as well as from across the nation.
Sincerely yours,
Juan F. Arratia, Ph. D.
Director and Principal Investigator
Executive Director
Student Development Center
PO Box 21150
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00928-1150
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Tel: 787.766.1717 x.6000
Fax: 787.751.5386
Web: http://srdc.suagm.edu
ANA G. MÉNDEZ UNIVERSITY SYSTEM (AGMUS)
As an Educational Institution
The Ana G. Méndez University System is home to approximately 42,320 undergraduate and graduate students who are mainly
underrepresented minority students from the Metropolitan San Juan area in Puerto Rico. Three institutions form the AGMUS
University System: Universidad Metropolitana (UMET), Universidad del Este (UNE), and Universidad del Turabo (UT). UMET
has been a teaching institution since its foundation in 1948. Today, however, its philosophy has been changing to address the
students’ study needs and the requirements of society. Our President, Dr. José F. Méndez, has set the agenda to have it become
the best undergraduate research institution in Puerto Rico. Additionally, the President has set the goal to implement the Model
Institutions for Excellence (MIE) best practices at UNE and UT and transform AGMUS into a leading undergraduate research
institution through the creation of the Student Development Center at the Vice Presidency for Planning and Academic Affairs.
The Executive Director of the Student Research Development Center is Dr. Juan F. Arratia, who has set to accomplish this goal
by 2010.
As an Undergraduate Research Institution
In 1995, UMET was selected by the National Science Foundation as an MIE school. At that time, a five-year Cooperative
Agreement for more than $11 million was signed between UMET and the NSF. A second Cooperative Agreement was signed on
October 1, 2000 for an additional three years and for $7.5 million. The third phase of the MIE grant for $2.5 million for three
additional years was awarded on October 1, 2003. The main objective of the relationship with NSF has been to transform UMET
into a model for Hispanic Serving Institutions in the nation. Our major goal has been to increase the number of BS degrees
granted by UMET, to transfer a significant number of science students to graduate school, and to enroll them in Ph. D. programs
to fulfill the goals and aspirations of a greater participation of minorities in the science, mathematics, and engineering fields.
After 13 years of funding, UMET has been transformed through the MIE activities by producing an effective pipeline from precollege to undergraduate, and from undergraduate to graduate school for hundreds of underrepresented minorities from Puerto
Rico.
UMET has become an undergraduate research institution where faculty research mentors are helping science students create
knowledge and disseminate creative thinking among the members of the university community. Our undergraduate research
program, sponsored by the National Science Foundation, is paving the way for research-oriented activities for the benefit of our
students and the nation as a whole.
PROLOGUE
The multiple goals of the AGMUS 2010 Research Symposium are widespread. When this meeting was opened to the
undergraduate research community of Puerto Rico and that of US mainland institutions in the Fall of 2000, it followed our initial
vision of a training ground for young scientists and a melting pot for minorities. We consider that this Symposium will
consolidate these objectives and will be a vehicle to advance the overall AGMUS goals. Students who participate in the AGMUS
2010 Research Symposium, sponsored and organized by the Student Research Development Center, demonstrate their capacity
of becoming professionals who will pave the road to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in this century. They
are guided by their desire to integrate themselves into the scientific and technological world of the future, and they are inspired
by a desire to make a contribution to the well being of humanity.
We are proud to present the research work of students from institutions in Puerto Rico and the US mainland in the areas of
Biological Science, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology.
The research presentations of the AGMUS students give us much satisfaction because they are the result of a scientific tradition
started more than ten years ago, and which is part of the institutional history and its consolidation for the benefit of the Puerto
Rican society.
All students presenting in this symposium deserve the honors and the prizes that they will be awarded for participating and
sharing the product of their effort and dedication with the academic research community. Our institution recognizes the
seriousness and the responsibility involved in participating in an event of this magnitude, and is aware that these merits will
motivate students to continue working to make their dreams of a better world come true.
The Student Research Development Center is proud to document the research abstracts and the activities for graduate school and
undergraduate research orientation and workshops for the new generation of scientists who are participating in our AGMUS 2010
Research Symposium in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Dr. Dean Evasius
Dean Evasius is a Program Director in the Division of Mathematical Sciences
(DMS) at the National Science Foundation, where he currently heads the
Workforce and Infrastructure programs. He was previously the Program Director
for the Probability program. Prior to arriving at NSF in 2004, he was a research
mathematician at the National Security Agency. He received a B.S. degree from
UCLA, and a Ph.D. from Caltech. His research interests include cryptography,
harmonic analysis, applied probability, and signals processing.
Dr. Lloyd Douglas
Dr. Douglas was born in October, 1951, near the Polo Grounds in New York,
NY.After winning a New York State Regents Scholarship he attended The
City College of New York, where he received a B.S. degree in Mathematics in
1972. During summers from 1971 through 1976 and during his senior year in
college, he worked at the law offices of LeBoeuf, Lamb, Leiby and MacRae in
New York, NY, where he became a paralegal assistant specializing in litigation.
He attended graduate school at Miami University, where he was a graduate
assistant in the math department and assistant coach of the lacrosse team. I
received a M.S. degree in Mathematics in 1974. He was enrolled in Boston
University's doctoral program in the mathematics department from 1974 to 1977
where he studied Algebraic Coding Theory under the now-deceased Edwin
Weiss and held a Senior Teaching Fellowship in the department as well as being a mathematics tutor in
the university's Resident Tutor Program. In 1976, he was hired as a Mathematician at the U.S. Naval
Underwater Systems Center (now called the Naval Undersea Warfare Center) in Newport, RI. In 1979, he
joined the Trident Command and Control System Maintenance Activity in Newport, RI as a
Computer Specialist, where he was the on-site representative for the data processing subsystem on the
first Trident submarines. From 1980-1983, Douglas was an Operations Research Analyst at the U.S.
Army Communications-Electronics Command at Ft. Monmouth, NJ. Also he work at the U. S. General
Services Administration in Washington, DC, as a Computer Specialist in the Office of Advanced
Planning, where I engaged in Federal-wide technology assessment in automatic data processing and
telecommunications. In 1984, he came to NSF and has held a variety of management positions in the
Division of Information Systems before coming to DMS. During this time, he graduated from OPM's
Executive Potential Program for Mid-Level Employees, and had developmental assignments at the
Internal Revenue Service as a manager in computer capacity management and at the Forest Service,
USDA, as a telecommunications planner.
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Renetta Tull, PhD.
Rennetta Tull works in the Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP), a
program of the National Science Foundation. She works with the University of
Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), the University of Maryland Baltimore
(UMB), and the University of Maryland College Park (UMCP) to create and
manage centralized academic and professional development for graduate students.
She also serves on the adjunct faculty of the Hearing and Speech Sciences
Department at the University of Maryland, College Park. Dr. Tull grew up with
her three brothers in Plainfield, NJ, earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from
Howard University, an M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Northwestern
University, and a Ph.D. in Speech Science from Northwestern. At Northwestern
she was a TA Fellow of the Searle Center for Teaching Excellence, taught in the
National High School Institute, and interned at the Rutgers University Center for Computer Aids for
Industrial Productivity (CAIP). Following her tenure at Northwestern, Dr. Tull was an Anna Julia Cooper
Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison) and later served as an
Assistant Professor of Communicative Disorders. Dr. Tull has been an Honorary Fellow and Research
Associate of the Waisman Center, Director of UW-Madison’s Speech Technology Laboratory, and a
Research Affiliate of the Department of Industrial Engineering’s Trace Research and Development
Center. Dr. Tull’s general research analyzes speech patterns of pathological voice and identifies phonetic
characteristics of pathological speech that are altered by automatic speech recognition systems. Dr.
Renetta Tull has also had corporate and entrepreneurship experience in addition to her background in
academia. She interned at the Multimedia Division of Kodak Research Labs and the Military and was a
Certified Systems Analyst for the Data Systems Operations of General Electric Aerospace. Most
recently, she was the Vice President of Operations for DVIP Multimedia Incorporated, an emerging
technology company where she assisted in securing early stage seed and angel funds. Dr. Tull spends
most of her time as an advocate, coach, and mentor for current and prospective graduate students. She is
an Educational Testing Service certified Campus Educator for the GRE, and is regularly invited to
conferences across the U.S. and Puerto Rico to discuss the graduate school application process, GRE testtaking strategies, mentoring, and motivation for success. Some of her articles, presentations, and
speeches include “The PROMISE of a Better Graduate School Community,” “An Inclusive Approach to
Stimulating Underrepresented Ph.D. STEM Student Retention and Progression,” “Graduate School 101:
An Introduction to Preparing COMPETITIVE Applications,” “In Pursuit of the Professoriate,” and
“Visualize Your Future with a Ph.D.” Her most fulfilling moments occur when the students at UMBC,
UMB, and UMCP (all three PROMISE campuses) set goals and reach them by overcoming difficulties
and moments of doubt, and subsequently gain confidence, affirm their worth, and step into their potential
to succeed and excel. She is committed to helping students complete their doctorates and move into their
desired careers.
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WORKSHOPS SPEAKERS
Antony Baylis
Computing Applications & Research
Lawrence Livermore National Lab.
Anthony (Tony) Baylis is an Assistant Department Manager for the Computing
Applications and Research (CAR) Department in the Computation Directorate
at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. He is responsible for workforce
planning and personnel management for more than 500 employees in the
department. He directs the Computation Summer Student Program and will also
work with colleagues in the Administration and Human Resources Directorate
to improve the Laboratory's Summer Student Program (of which Computation
is a major participant). Tony brings a wealth of administrative and technical
management experience to CAR, most recently a 15-year stint at the National
Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois,
Urban-Champaign, where he served in various supervisory roles, including
facilities management, grant and contract coordination, operations management, finance and
organizational development, and personnel and human resource management. His NCSA experience is
especially relevant because its environment is similar to the Computation Directorate. A volunteer for
various organizations, including ACM/IEEE SC conferences and the Richard Tapia Diversity in
Computing conference, Tony has served as Treasurer of ACM SIGGRAPH for the past three years. In
addition, he previously worked in the broadcasting industry as an independent consultant and contractor
to the major television networks. Tony earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and completed an A3
Illinois Technology Leadership Program at the University of Illinois.
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Teresa Dahlberg, PhD.
University of North Carolina-Charlotte
Department of Computer Science
Teresa Dahlberg, is Professor of Computer Science and founding Director of
the UNC Charlotte Diversity in Information Technology Institute. Teresa
leads a number of demonstration research projects in educational informatics,
workforce development, and broadening participation. She is principal
investigator and director of the STARS Alliance: A Southeastern Partnership
for Broadening Participation in Computing; the Socially Relevant Computing
Research Experiences for Undergraduates Site; and the Computing Scholars
– Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Needs project. Teresa has served
as General Chair for the STARS Celebration of Computing Leaders in its first
four years. Teresa is co-chair for the Panels and Workshops Committee for
the Grace Hopper Celebration 2009. Teresa is active in the Networking
Research Lab at UNC Charlotte. Her research on wireless networks addresses resource management
protocols, data management for sensor networks, and analytic, simulation and experimental modeling and
analysis techniques.
Teresa has graduated four doctoral students and has two current doctoral students in Computer
Engineering and Information Technology. Most recently, Dr. Lijuan Cao's research focuses on path cost
metrics for hybrid (cellular/ad hoc) wireless networks. Marguerite Doman's research explores the
application of fuzzy database approach to data management for wireless sensor networks. Kashif Sharif
has conducted research that explores the use of anycast communications paradigm for hybrid wireless
networks. Kashif is also enhancing the Explorebots (mobile, sensor equipped robots) to experiment with
approaches to increasing children's interest in computing research through hands-on activities.
Teresa teaches graduate classes in the communications networks area. She leads the STARS Alliance
undergraduate seminar class that fosters student recruitment and retention through Technical Excellence,
Leadership, Service & Civic Engagement, and Community. Teresa also teaches a graduate teaching
seminar to prepare PhD students for the professoriate.
Teresa worked in hardware and software development for the IBM Corporation from 1984-1994. She
developed the logic controller and image analysis functions for the IBM 3897 Image Capture Module,
which is a feature of the IBM 3890 Document Reader/Sorter. Within this work, which consisted of logic
design and real-time microcode, she developed a unique real-time, task-queuing operating system for very
high-speed control and for image analysis applications. She received an IBM Outstanding Technical
Achievement award for this work.
Teresa received her doctorate from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at North
Carolina State University in November 1993, with support from the IBM Resident Study program. In
1990, she also obtained her M.S. in Computer Engineering from NCSU, and in 1984 received her B.S.
from the University of Pittsburgh. Teresa's dissertation focused on reliability evaluation of
communications networks and computer systems. She developed hierarchical modeling techniques and
dependability algorithms for efficiently assessing large, distributed systems.
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Richard Ladner, Ph.D.
Dept. of Computer Science & Engineering
Dr. Ladner graduated from St. Mary's College of California with a B.S. in 1965
and received a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley
in 1971, at which time he joined the faculty of the University of Washington. In
addition to his appointment in the Department of Computer Science and
Engineering, he is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Electrical
Engineering and in the Department of Linguistics. After many years of research in
theoretical computer science he has turned his attention to accessibility technology
research, especially technology for deaf, deaf-blind, hard-of-hearing, and blind
people. He continues to work in design and analysis of algorithms, cache
performance of algorithms, network algorithms for media-on-demand, data
compression algorithms. He has continuing interests in automata based computational complexity theory
and distributed computing. He has supervised or co-supervised twenty-one students on their Ph.D.
dissertations and six on their M.S. theses. He has supervised numerous undergraduate research projects
including projects of two students who received the CRA Outstanding Undergraduate Award. From 1994
to 2005, as part of the DO-IT Project, he held a one week summer workshop for disabled high school
students encouraging them to pursue college programs and careers in science, mathematics, and
engineering. In 2006 he organized the Vertical Mentoring Workshop for the Blind in Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. He organized the Summer Academy for Advancing Deaf and
Hard of Hearing in Computing in 2007-2010. He has served as an Area Editor for the Journal of the
Association of Computing Machinery, Editor for SIAM Journal on Computing, and an Associate Editor of
the Journal of Computer and System Sciences. He is currently on the Editorial Boards for Theory of
Computing Systems, ACM Transactions on Accessible Computing, and Communications of the ACM. He
was a Guggenheim Fellow in 1985-86 and a Fulbright Scholar in 1993. He served as Pacific Region
Representative on the Council of the Association of Computing Machinery (ACM). He served as Chair of
the ACM Special Interest Group in Algorithms and Computation Theory (SIGACT) from 2005-2009. He
is an ACM Fellow and IEEE Fellow. He is a recipient of the 2004 Presidential Award for Excellence in
Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM). He is the recipient of the 2008
Computing Research Association's A. Nico Habermann Award. He is a winner of a 2008 Purpose Prize.
He was the Outstanding Service Award winner at the University of Washington in 2009. He is a member
of the Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University.
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Robert Murphy, PhD.
Carnegie Mellon University
Robert F. Murphy is the Ray and Stephanie Lane Professor of Computational
Biology and Director (Department Head) of the Ray and Stephanie Lane Center
for Computational Biology in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie
Mellon University. He also is Professor of Biological Sciences, Biomedical
Engineering, and Machine Learning, and was a founding director (with Ivet
Bahar) of the Joint Carnegie Mellon University-University of Pittsburgh Ph.D.
Program in Computational Biology. In 2003 he obtained a major grant from the
National Science Foundation to found the Center for Bioimage Informatics at
Carnegie Mellon (of which he and Jelena Kovacevic were the initial Directors).
From 2005-2007, he served as the first full-term chair of NIH’s Biodata
Management and Analysis Study Section. He is a Fellow of the American
Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research
Award honoree. Dr. Murphy has received research grants from the National Institutes of Health, the
National Science Foundation, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, the
Arthritis Foundation, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund. He has co-edited two books and three special
journal issues on cell imaging, and has published over 170 research papers. He is Past-President of the
International Society for Advancement of Cytometry, was named as the first External Senior Fellow of
the School of Life Sciences in the Freiburg (Germany) Institute for Advanced Studies, and is a member of
the National Advisory General Medical Sciences Council.
Dr. Murphy’s career has centered on combining fluorescence-based cell measurement methods with
quantitative and computational methods. His group at Carnegie Mellon did extensive work on the
application of flow cytometry to analyze endocytic membrane traffic beginning in the early 1980’s and
pioneered the application of machine learning methods to high-resolution fluorescence microscope
images depicting subcellular location patterns in the mid 1990’s. This work led to the development of the
first systems for automatically recognizing all major organelle patterns in 2D and 3D images. He leads an
NIH-funded project for proteome-wide determination of subcellular location in 3T3 cells (with Peter
Berget and Jonathan Jarvik) and his current research interests include image-derived models of cell
organization and active machine learning approaches to experimental biology.
Dr. Murphy’s leadership experience includes developing the first formal undergraduate program in
computational biology in 1987 and founding the Merck Computational Biology and Chemistry program
at Carnegie Mellon in 1999. These programs were important forerunners to the 2005 establishment of the
joint Ph.D. program in computational biology with the University of Pittsburgh, Under his and Dr.
Bahar’s leadership, this program was chosen as one of only ten awardees through Phase I of the HHMINIBIB Interfaces Initiative and received Phase II training grant from the National Institute of Biomedical
Imaging and Bioengineering in 2009. Under Dr. Murphy’s leadership, the Lane Center was granted
department status within the School of Computer Science in September 2009.
Dr. Murphy received an A.B. in Biochemistry from Columbia College and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from
the California Institute of Technology. He was a Damon Runyon-Walter Winchell Cancer Foundation
Postdoctoral Fellow with Dr. Charles Cantor at Columbia University.
20
Gayle L. Slaughter, PhD.
Baylor College School of Medicine
Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology
Dr. Gayle Slaughter, director of several NIH-funded minority programs at Baylor
College of Medicine in Houston, was among the latest recipients of the
Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering
Mentoring. The annual awards recognize influential institutions and individuals
who have been leaders in encouraging minorities, women and people with
disabilities to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and
mathematics. Slaughter is assistant dean for graduate education at Baylor, where
she directs two NIGMS Minority Opportunities in Research (MORE) programs
and an NHLBI training grant aimed at increasing the number of minority
biomedical and behavioral scientists. She was recognized for pioneering Baylor’s
Summer Medical and Research Training Program and for her “success in recruiting and retaining
graduate students, especially from underrepresented groups.” She is credited with mentoring more than
500 minority students. Slaughter was among 10 individuals and 1 institution who received the awards
during recent ceremonies at the White House. The awards, established by the White House Office of
Science and Technology Policy and administered through the National Science Foundation, consist of a
$10,000 grant and a commemorative Presidential certificate. Since the awards program began in 1996, 14
individuals and 2 organizations supported by MORE have been recognized with the honor.
Martina Trucco
Martina Y. Trucco is responsible for research strategy and portfolio management
at HP Labs, HP’s global corporate research lab. Previously, she worked in HP Labs’ Open Innovation
Office and University Relations office, leading development of strategic university, commercial and
government collaboration activities in the Latin America region, as well as creative and marketing
activities for the team. She is passionate about education and technology, and a believer in the power of
partnerships between industry, academia and government to effect change in education and foster
economic development.
Martina joined HP in 2004, after receiving her Master’s degree with honors in Digital Business
Management from HEC Paris and Télécom Paris. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics
with a concentration in Multinational Management from The Wharton School of Business, at the
University of Pennsylvania. Prior to joining HP, Martina worked in the e-business departments of Eli
Lilly France and Louis Vuitton. She was a founding member of a start-up in Munich, Germany in 2000,
specializing in Tablet PCs and mobile computing solutions and consulting. She is a member of the Board
of Directors of ISTEC, the Ibero-American Science and Technology Education Consortium, and serves as
Chair of the Advisory Board of the Caribbean Computing Center for Excellence.
21
EXHIBITORS LIST
EXHIBITOR
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY (EPA)
8723R, USEPA Headquarters,
Ariel Ríos Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
CONTACT PERSON
Georgette Boodie
[email protected]
MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Director Molecular Biosciences Program
Div. of Graduate School
PO Box 172580, Bozeman, MT 59717-2580
Stephanie Cunningham
[email protected]
NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE
Office of Workforce Development
6116 Executive Blvd., Ste. 502, Rockville
Bethesda, MD 20892-8342
Isabel Valencia
(301) 402-7079
[email protected]
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate College
1137 Pearson Hall, Ames, Iowa 50011
Thelma Harding
[email protected]
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF
STANDARDS
AND TECHNOLOGY
100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8171
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-8171
Dean Jarret
[email protected]
FORD FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP Ms. Christine O’Brien
PROGRAMS
[email protected]
The National Academies
500 Fifth St, NW, 5th floor, Washington,
DC 20001
Georgia Tech
901 Atlantic Drive, NW
Atlanta, GA 30332-0400
MS. Olanda D. Bryant
[email protected]
atech.edu
KecK Graduate Institute of Applied Life Ms. Jinny Ki
Science
[email protected]
KGI Admissions, 535 Watson Drive
Claremont, 91711, CA
22
EXHIBITOR
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE SCHOOL
230 N Oval Mall
247 University Hall
Colombus OH, 43210
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
G254 Mayo MMC293
420 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
UNIVERSIDAD
CENTRAL
DEL
CARIBE
PO Box 60327
Bayamón, PR 00956-6032
23
CONTACT PERSON
Cyndi Freeman
614 247-6377
[email protected]
Dr. Jon Gottesman
(612) 624-1181
[email protected]
Dr. Luis A. Cubano
(787) 798-3001, x-2151
[email protected]
2011 AGMUS Research Symposium
General Chair
Dr. Juan F. Arratia
Program Committee
Dr. Gladys Bonilla
Mr. Luis Font
Ms. Thelma Graniela
Ms. Zulma Irizarry
Ms. Ivette Miranda
Ms. Wanda Rodríguez
Mr. Tomas Yan Melo
Mr. Oscar González
Ms. Serenella Linares
Ms. Darienne Ciuró
September 16-17, 2011,
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Call for Abstracts
A Word from the Organizers
Dear students and research fellows:
We invite you to participate in the AGMUS 2011 Research Symposium. This symposium was initiated by UMET’s Science
Honor Program to give our students the opportunity to present their scientific research experiences. Since 2000, we have
expanded the reach of our meeting to other institutions in the nation with minority participation in the Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) areas. Now, in 2011, the symposium is implemented under the Student Research
Development Center (SRDC), which is part of the Vice Presidency for Planning and Academic Affairs of the Ana G. Méndez
University System (AGMUS). This opportunity will not only serve as a forum to learn about research experiences, but will also
allow you to enjoy the wonders of our beautiful Borinquen scenery. For two days you will be able to learn about science and at
the same time enjoy the beauty of our tropical Puerto Rico.
We have prepared an informative and comprehensive program for the Symposium. Abstracts in all STEM areas, as well as in
Computer Science, are welcome. We look forward to seeing you in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Meeting Information


Deadline for submission of abstracts: August 19, 2011.
Notification of acceptance: September 1, 2010. Symposium date: September 16-17, 2011. The symposium will take
place at the Caribe Hilton Hotel, San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Scientific Program: The symposium will include oral presentations and poster sessions divided by areas.
Symposium Registration Fees:
Early
After August 20, 2011
Registration and On site Registration
Faculty and Visitors
Student Presenters
Student Attendees
Academic Exhibitors Table 6’X3’ (Fee includes one person)
Ad in Proceedings (Please contact Ms Thelma Graniela at
[email protected] )

Workshop Registration Fees: TBA.
General Information
24
$100
Free
$ 80
$ 360
-
$150
Free
$100
$425
-
•
•
•
•
•
Travel: All major airlines have flights to the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Please
make your own reservations.
Hotel: The Caribe Hilton Hotel (787) 721 0303 (http://www.hilton.com). Please make your own reservations.
Local Attractions: Old San Juan and its historical sites, El Yunque Rain Forest, the Arecibo Radio Telescope, the
Camuy Cave System and many beautiful beaches around the island.
Weather: During the month of September, Puerto Rico’s weather is mild; it’s the perfect weather to enjoy our beautiful
Island.
Dress Code: Semiformal, business attire.
Registration
You have to register and submit your abstract by e-mail to: Ms. Ivette Miranda at: http://srdc.suagm.edu. You should include
the following information: Last Name (Apellido), First Name (Nombre), Mailing Address: Street and Number, City, State, Zip
Code, Fax, Phone, E-mail, and type of presentation (poster, oral).
Submission of Abstracts
Please attach your abstract in Microsoft Word format. Abstracts must be submitted in English and should be no more than 300
words long. They must include the title, authors and their affiliation and mentor(s). Only one presenter per abstract will be
accepted. Please underline the main author or presenter and specify your preference for an oral or poster presentation.
The deadline for Undergraduate and Graduate Abstracts to be considered for Symposium Awards is August 19, 2011.
Abstracts received after August 19, 2011 will NOT be considered for any cash prizes presented by the AGMUS 2011 Research
Symposium, but will be tagged as Late Submission Abstract in the Symposium Proceedings. The abstract submission site will
be closed at midnight, August 19, 2011 and will NOT ACCEPT ADDITIONAL ABSTRACTS.
**IMPORTANT FOR POSTER PRESENTERS:

Boards will be available for posters not larger than 4x6 feet in portrait format.

No audiovisual equipment, laptops or tables will be allowed with no EXCEPTIONS
Registration for Exhibitors
You have to register with Ms. Ivette Miranda at: http://srdc.suagm.edu
Symposium Advertising
Please send all ad material in JPEG format to: [email protected], no later than August 19, 2011. Each ad must have
the desired ad dimensions.
For more information about Symposium Advertising, visit our web page
http://srdc.suagm.edu.
Cancellation Policy: cancellation of Symposium registration can be made. All cancellations must be submitted through e-mail to
[email protected] or by fax to: (787) 751-5386 by the following registration deadline dates:
 On or before August 19, 2011- no cancellation fee
 After August 19, 2011 – any Student Registration cancellation received after this date will be assessed with a $25.00
cancellation processing fee.
 Pre-Paid Exhibitor Registrations – no refund will be issued on any exhibitor registration
Please address all correspondence to:
This conference features:
• Pre-Conference professional
workshops
• Graduate School Orientation
• Undergraduate Research
Internship Opportunities
• Exhibitors
Dr. Juan F. Arratia
Executive Director
P.O. Box 21150
San Juan, Puerto Rico 00928-1150
Phone: (787) 766-1717 Ext. 6000
Fax: (787) 751-5386
For more information: http://srdc.suagm.edu
25
It’s all about the math :E=mc2
BENEFITS:
• Scholarship for the cost of Tuition*
• Stipend of $400*
*This stipend is computed according to the student GPA and is subject to renovation is
accordance with academic progress.
ELIGIBILITY
· Be admitted at the Department of Science and Technology at UMET in the Bachelor Degree in
Bio-Mathematics.
New Students
• Have a general high school average (GPA) of 3.00 or higher
• Score of 600 or higher in the math section of the College Board Exam.
Transferred Students
• Have a general high school average (GPA) of 3.00
For more information contact :
Wanda I. Rodríguez Lugo
AGMUS Institute of Mathematics Coordinator
Tel: (787) 766-1717 x-6009
Fax: (787)751-5386
Email. [email protected]
[email protected]
26
27
28
29
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
30
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2010
12:30 – 1:00
CARIBE HILTON HOTEL
Registration
Symposium and Workshop Registration
Workshops
GRE Overview
Computer for People with Disabilities
“Computer for Everyone”
Computers and Research at Hewlett Packard
Research in the College of Computing and Informatics at UNC Charlotte
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2010
(San Cristobal EFG)
(San Cristobal A)
(San Cristobal A)
CARIBE HILTON HOTEL
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration
(San Cristóbal Foyer)
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Continental Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 a.m.
Poster Session Set-Up
(San Cristóbal B-C-D)
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Orientation for Judges
8:30 – 9:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremony
Welcome: Dr. Juan F. Arratia, Executive Director
(San Cristóbal Ballroom)
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Dean Evasius
NSF Program Officer
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exhibitors
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
POSTER SESSION
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES, CHEMISTRY, COMPUTER
SCIENCES, ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES, APPLIED
MATHEMATICS, APPLIED PHYSICS, PSYCHOLOGY AND
ENGINEERING
Chairman: Oscar González, Ph. D. Candidate
University of California-Irvine
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
31
(San Cristóbal B-C-D)
Ariette Acevedo, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(1)
Pattern of IMPDH2 Expression by Ribavirin Antiviral Drug
Adrian Ambrose, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North
Carolina.
(2)
The Effects of Age on the Progression of Osteoarthritis and the Gene Expressions
in Mice
Yarinez Berríos, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(3)
The Interaction of the Circadian Clock and the Sleep Regulatory Mechanism
Tania D. Burgos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
(4)
Relationship Between Phloem Nutritional Composition in Ash Trees (Fraxinus
spp.) and Resistance to the Emerald Ash Borer
Charnele Burton, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
(5)
Overgrowth Interaction of Dictyota Pinnatifida Algae with Live and Dead Porites
Porites and Porites Asteroides Corals at the US Virgin Islands
Raquel Castañeda, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(6)
Analysis of Three New Mutations, PW41, QG56 and RU44 that Affect DorsalVentral Pattering in Drosophila OOGenesis
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Nilmarie Colón, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(7)
“Electroporation-Mediated Gene Transfer in Stevia rebaudiana Protoplast”
Catherine M. De Jesús, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(8)
Pattern of CTSL2 Expression by Azidovudine Antiviral Drug
Grace Delgado, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Association Between Birth Weight and Metabolic Outcomes in an Ethnically
Diverse Sample of Children
32
(9)
Maggie Delgado, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(10)
Genomic Predictors of Body Mass Index (BMI) in Relation to Longevity
Carol Díaz, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(11)
Optimization of Transduction of B Cells Using Retroviral Vectors Pseudotyped
with Measles Virus Envelope Glycoproteins
Juliana M. Falero, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(12)
Experimental Studies for Development of Drug Resistance in Leishmania
braziliensis
Maritza González, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(13)
The Oncogenic Role of TGFB in Thyroid Cancer
Gabriel Ible, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The Genetic Structure of Two Mangrove Species Found in the Virgin Islands
(14)
Chinaemere Igwebuike, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin
Islands.
(15)
Detecting Viruses Using ELISA for Sweet Potatoes in St. Croix
André Medina, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(16)
Expression of BCR-ABL Oncogene Causes Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
(ALL) in Mouse B Cells by Reprogramming SCA1 Cells
Gladys Méndez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(17)
Effect of the Azidovudine Antiviral Drug on CEMss Cells
Letzibeth Méndez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
(18)
Cloning, Expression, Purification and Characterization of Acetate Kinase and
Phosphotransacetylase of Streptococcus Pyogenes
Omayra Méndez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(19)
Viability of CEMss Treated with Rivabirin Antiviral Drug
Ivia Moreno, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Biodiversity and Species Richness of Polyplachopora (Mollusca) in Puerto Rico
33
(20)
Verónica Negrón, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
(21)
The Efficacy of Using Spermatozoa Labeled with a Fluorescent Mitochondrial
Stain in a Bovine In vitro Fertilization System
Vincent Nguyen, Columbia University, New York City, New York.
(22)
Biophysical Characterization of the Intrinsically Disordered Protein A-Synuclein
with Point Mutation A53T
Livia C. Pagán, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(23)
Documentation of Fungal Diversity Inside a Microbial Mat Ecosystem from Cabo
Rojo, Puerto Rico
Kayla Pérez, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San Germán,
Puerto Rico.
(24)
The Expression of Pluripotent Genes in Normal Human Endometrium
(25)
Mayrel Pérez, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San Germán,
Puerto Rico.
A Modified Resident-Intruder Assay for Determination of Agressiveness in Mice
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Joel Ramkhelawan, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(26)
“Understanding the ICAM-5/Microglia Relationship and its Role in HIVAssociated Dementia”
Stephanie Resto, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(27)
Pre-Embedding Immunogold Localization of Antigens in Mammalian Brain Slices
Lorangelly Rivera, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(28)
Dissecting the Genetics of Patients with Undifferentiated Fever Syndrome
Franchesca Rodríguez, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(29)
Quantative Morphology of the Developing Corpus Callosum in Health and Illness:
Trisomy X Syndrome
Natalia Santiago, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(30)
Relationships of Lotic Macroinvertebrate Communities to Phosphorus, Suspended
Solids, and Stream Bed Rougosity
Nelda Vázquez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto
34
(31)
Rico.
Comparative Analysis of Three Genomes with Respect to Conidiation, Circadian
Rhythms, Avirulence, Appressorial Formation, and Virulence Determinants
Waleska Vázquez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(32)
Species Richness and Ecomorphology of Anolis (Iguanidae) in a Subtropical Moist
Forest
Emmanuel Villanueva, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(33)
IMP-1 and IMP-3 Regulate IGF-11 to Promote a More Aggressive Breast Cancer
Phenotype and May Contribute to the Survival Disparity Observed Among
African-American Women
CHEMISTRY
Víctor Correa, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(34)
Synthesis of MoS2 Spheres and their Dispersion due to Addition of Cobalt
Promoters-Change to Oral Session I
Best
Poster
Ricardo Cruz, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico.
(35)
(Undergraduate)
“Investigation of Radical Production from Cells using EPR Spin Trapping”
Melissa E. Dávila, Inter-American University-Metro, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(36)
Investigating the Adsorption Behavior of Thiolated Polyethylene Glycol on Gold
Nanoparticles Using Infrared Spectroscopy: Applications in Targeted Drug
Delivery for Cancer Therapeutics
Rubén Díaz, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(37)
Investigation of Quadruplex Structure of DNA in Anhydrous Media
Emilio Edwards, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
(38)
Investigation of the Antimicrobial and Synergistic Effects of Botanical Therapies
used in the USVI
Brittany Fisher, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
35
(39)
The Effect of Microwave Heating on Various Reaction Stoichiometries
Tsehai Grell, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
(40)
Metal-Assisted and Microwave-accelerated Evaporative Crystallization: The Effect
of Surface Functionality and Sample Volume
Stella Jarvis, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
(41)
Determination of the Equilibrium Constant of CMPO-HDEHP Systems
Carlos Rivera, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(42)
Characterization of Ambient Aerosols at Howard University Beltsville Campus
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Weyshla Rodríguez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(43)
“Theoretical Studies on the (H2O)n and (H2O)nXm+ (n=2, 3; X=H, Li, Na, Mg,
Ca; m=1, 2) Clusters”
Adriana Santiago, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
(44)
Preparation of the Transmembrane Domain of APP Receptor in Native Membrane
for Solid State NMR
Joseph B. Serrano, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(45)
Understanding from Molecular Perspective the MOS2-CO Unsupported Catalytic
Nanostructures by HRTEM and TEM Simulations
Deveine Toney, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
(46)
Progress Toward the Synthesis of Cyano Cyanine Dyes
COMPUTER SCIENCES
Sara Ávila, Polytechnic University, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(47)
Pervasive Outlet-Level Energy Data Monitoring and Archiving
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Glorimar Castro, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao Campus, Humacao, Puerto
Rico.
“Identifying Specific Zinc Finger Proteins Using Machine Learning Classifier”
Jorge R. Castro, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
36
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
(48)
(49)
A Comparative Study of Information Loss Using SDC Methods
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
David Delgado, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(50)
“Computer Forensics”
Joksan X. Flores, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(51)
Cooperative Mapping and Assessment Using Smartphones
Francisco Palou, Universidad Politécnica, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Tekkotsu Support for the Calliope Platform
Bolivar F. Torres, Universidad Politécnica, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(52)
(53)
Integration of an RFID Reader to a Wireless Sensor Network and the Use of it to
Identify an Individual Carrying RFID Tags
Luis G. Vélez, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan.
(54)
Electrode Model for Glow Discharge Confinement Using MATLAB
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
Delonte Duff, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North
Carolina.
(55)
Tracing Pre-Tropical Cyclone African Easterly Wave-Mesoscale Convective
System Over the African Continent
Calinés Guerrero, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(56)
Impact of Road Crossings on Stream Water Quality During Base Flow and Storm
Flow in Burlington, Vermont
Perla Martínez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(57)
Effect of Agricultural and Urban Area Measured at Different Scales on E. coli in
Thatcher Brook, VT
Ramón Peña, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(58)
How the pH Affects the Macroinvertebrate Biodiversity
Karoline Ríos, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
A Solution to Excess Phosphorus in Streams? Looking at Biochar Filters in
Shelburne Farms, Shelburne, Vermont
37
(59)
Tiffany Ríos, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(60)
Reactive Oxygen Species Generation of Human (TK6) Lymphoblast Cells
Nelybeth Santiago, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(61)
Quantifying the Effects of Wetlands Within a 100 Meter Buffer on Stream Water
Quality in Central Vermont
Waters Corp.
AWARD
Dorielys M. Valentín, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(62)
“Examining Effects of a Capped Landfill on Groundwater and Alluvial Soils Near
Indian Brook in Essex, VT”
APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Cherise Burton, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
(63)
Determining Odd Tri Perfect Numbers
Monique Davis, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North
Carolina.
(64)
Supplemental Instructions
Alexis Galarza, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(65)
Reducing the Dengue Outbreak with Insecticides in Puerto Rico
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Cherre Jefferson, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
(66)
“The Existence of Mild Solutions to Semilinear Fractional Diffusion
Equations”
Eduan Martínez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(67)
QA/QC Data Analysis and Procedure Development
Tapiwa Maruni, Florida A&M &University, Tallahassee, Florida.
(68)
Dynamic Munipulability for a 3D-Degree of Freedom Robot
Giancarlo Mendoza, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Pandemic of AH1N1 Influenza Virus and Vaccination Effectiveness
Víctor Molina, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
38
(69)
(70)
Malaria: An SIR Model with Loss of Immunity
PSYCHOLOGY
Ailed F. Benítez, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(71)
Assessing the Restorative Properties of Natural vs. Urban Visual Scenes in
Younger and Older Adults
ENGINEERING
Cameron Askew, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
(72)
Simulating Pulley Systems with a Haptic Interface
Joehan Carrasquillo, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(73)
Integrating SIFT Object Recognition with the Tekkotsu Robotics Framework
Emanuel Hernández, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(74)
VoIP Application with Integration of Wi-Fi Capabilities for Testing End-to-End
Communication and Networking Performance
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Baldin A. Llorens, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
(75)
“Buoyancy Control of a Piping System Inspecting a Submarine Robot”
Juan G. Lozada, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(76)
Effects of Rolling Process in Conducting Polymers Carbon Nanotubes Composites
Actuators
Deanna McKenzie, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
(77)
Adding 1 to 2: A Design of a 3 Degree of Freedom Manipulator
Schatzi Miranda, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
(78)
Design and Prototyping a Communications Protocol for Networked Appliances to
Enable Peak Shifting
Amarilys Rivera, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Wettability of Fluorinated Polymer Nanocomposites
39
(79)
ATMOSPHERIC SCIENCES
POSTER SESSION PRE-COLLEGE
BIOLOGY
Julio Cedeño, University Gardens School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(80)
Growth of Swamp Bloodwood Tree (Pterocarpus officinalis) on Different
Plots in a Reforested Area in Cataño, Puerto Rico
COMPUTER SCIENCES
Ubec Carambot, Carvin School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(81)
Sign Whine
Dinorah Carrión, Thomas Alva Edison School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.
(82)
Accuracy of the Rule Ensemble Method
Maxine N. González, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
(83)
Photosynthesis: The Movie
Best
Poster
(Pre-College)
Alvin A. Peralta, José Aponte de la Torre School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(84)
“Testing the Rule Ensemble Method”
Gilberto Robles, Bautista de Levittown Academy, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
Melinda Vargas, San Antonio Abad School, Humacao, Puerto Rico.
(85)
What’s Hazardous
Stephanie Torres, Bautista de Carolina Academy, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
(86)
Bird Watch
GEOLOGY
Frances C. Negrón, Levittown Baptist Academy, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
(87)
Wastewater Transformed to Produce Geothermal Energy
GEOLOGY
Camila Rodríguez, Puertorriqueño de Niñas School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
Artificial Photosynthesis vs Natural Photosynthesis
40
(88)
Best
Poster
(Pre-College)
Zulay Martínez, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San Germán,
Puerto Rico.
(89)
“Life is Not a Spectator Sport: Narratives of Physical Activity, Health and Strength”
11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Coffee Break
11:15 – 1:00 p.m.
Graduate
School
Orientation/
Undergraduate
Research Internships
Chairman: Dr. Renetta Tull, University of Maryland,
Baltimore County
Mr. Christopher Jones, Massachusetts Institute of
Technology
Dr. Gayle Slaughter, Baylor College of Medicine
(San Cristóbal
Ballroom)
1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
LUNCH
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Lloyd Douglas
University of North Carolina-Greensboro
2:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Success and Survival in Academia
Chairman: Oscar González, Ph. D. Candidate
University of California-Irvine
Ms. Serenella Linares, Ph.D. Candidate
University of Maryland, College Park
Mr. Tomás Yan Mello, Ph.D. Program
Vanderbilt University
Ms. Indhira De La Rosa, Baylor College of Medicine
Ms. Darienne Ciuró, University of Illinois, Urban
Champaign
Ms. Hazel Ozuna, University of Illinois, Urban
Champaign
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Coffee Break
3:15 – 6:00 p.m.
Oral Research Presentations
Session I
Session II
Session III
Session IV
Session V
41
(San Cristóbal B)
(San Cristóbal C)
(San Cristóbal D)
(Auditorium)
2:30 – 4:45 p.m.
ORAL RESEARCH PRESENTATIONS
SESSION I
(SAN CRISTÓBAL
BALLROOM)
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND
CHEMISTRY
Chairman: Ms. Serenella Linares, Ph.D. Candidate
University of Maryland, College Park
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Kavita Balkaran, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Fireworm Size and Copepod Parasitic Load are Positively Correlated in Brewer’s
Bay
2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
Frances Colón, University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Campus, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
IL5 Synergizes with Toll Like Receptor Agonists to Promote Plasma Cell
Differentiation
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Luz M. Cumba, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Antigen – Specific T Cell Response in the Collagen – Induced Arthritis (CIA)
Mouse Model
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Jessica Díaz, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Functionality Study of CTCF-2 Protein and the Effect in the Antigenic Variation
of VSG in Trypanosoma brucei
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
María F. Guardia, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San
Germán, Puerto Rico.
Deficiency Screen of the Drosophila Lymph Gland for Abnormal Differentiation
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Chanel Mejías, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Bioinformatics Study of Ferredoxin-dependent Bilin Reductases (FDBR)”
42
Best Oral
(Undergraduate)
CHEMISTRY
4:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Katherine Calderón, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao Campus,
Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Probing the Cation-π Interaction of Metal (MG++, CA++) and Ammonium
(NH4+) Ions with Benzene and Two Model Amino Acids
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Freddie Irizarry, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus,
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Investigating Potential Drug Leads from the Marine Red macroalgae
Peyssonnelia sp.
4:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Dimitri Maduro, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
4:45-5:00 pm
Investigation of the Antiproliferative and Synergistic Effects of Botanical
Therapies Used in the USVI
“Synthesis of MoS2 Spheres and their Dispersion due to Addition of Cobalt
Promoters”
43
Best Oral
(Undergraduate)
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
SESSION II
(SAN CRISTOBAL B)
APPLIED MATHEMATICS, APPLIED
PHYSICS, MATERIAL SCIENCES
Chairman: Hazel Ozuna
University of Illinois, Urbana Chanpaign
APPLIED MATHEMATICS
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Kelvon Barkley, North Carolina A&T State University,
Greensboro, North Carolina.
An Analysis of the Fiscal Impacts of Natural Gas Drilling on
Communities in the Marcellus Shale: An Assessment of
Informational Needs
2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
Jidraph Njuguna, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
Dynamic
Robot
Munipulability
for
a
3-Degree
of
Freedom
APPLIED PHYSICS
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Eframir Franco, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao Campus,
Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Hardware and Operation of the ISR at the Jicamarca Radio
Observatory
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Mairim Nieves, Inter-American University-Bayamón, Bayamón,
Puerto Rico.
Comparison of Si02 and SiN Substrates for Graphene Devices
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Caroline Sofiatti, University of Massachusetts, Boston,
Massachusetts.
Modeling of Polarized Electron-Proton Elastic Scattering in the
Collider Kinematics
MATERIAL SCIENCES
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Kandice Williams, Jackson State University, Jackson,
Mississippi.
Smart Polymer Surfaces for Controlling Interfacial Adhesion
44
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
SESSION III
ENGINEERING
(SAN CRISTOBAL C)
Chairman: Dr. Alvaro Lecompte
Universidad Interamericana, San Germán, Puerto Rico
ENGINEERING
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Ángel Pérez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico.
Development and Testing of Earthen Embankments for Terrorist Attacks
2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
Michelle Pérez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
Gathering Geophysical Data and Sustainability Methods to Incorporate Into
Development of Best Practice Engineering Design and Construction Criteria for
Afghanistan
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Ismarie Ramírez, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Computational Experiments: Reliable Location on a Network
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
José Rivera-Santuche, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Implementing a Ray Tracer to Support Unmanned Vehicle Simulation
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Samuel Rivera, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
“Time Dependant Life-Cycle Analysis of Breakwaters”
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Best
Oral
(Undergraduate)
Sahid Rosado, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico.
Evaluation of Warm Mix Asphalt and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Mixtures for
Use on Military Airfields
45
2:30 – 4:15 p.m.
SESSION IV
BIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, ENVIRONMENTAL
SCIENCES, AND ENGINEERING
GRADUATE STUDENTS
(SAN CRISTOBAL D)
Chairman: Dr. Ángel Arcelay
Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico
BIOLOGY
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Kaisa Muller, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Effect of TG02 on Erk5 in Combination with Trastuzumab on
BT474 Cells”
2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
Gloria Natal, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Military Impact of Training Lands
CHEMISTRY
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Jennie Feliciano, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Chemical and Biological Contaminant Sorption/Desorption on the
Pipe Walls of a Water Distribution System
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Natalia Almodóvar, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Method Identification for Flood Frequency Analysis in Ungaged
Basins in Puerto Rico
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Alexis Cruz, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Meteorological and Statistical Analysis for Climate Change
Impacts on Military Lands
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Ivys M. Ocasio, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Geodatabase for Guatemala Research
46
Best
Oral
(Graduate)
4:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Cyd Ruidiaz, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Biopolymer Coating Effects on Particle Micro-Mechanics
2:30 – 5:45 p.m.
ORAL GRADUATE RESEARCH
PRESENTATIONS SESSION V
(AUDITORIUM)
ENGINEERING
Chairman: Dr. Renetta Tull
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
ENGINEERING GRADUATE STUDENTS
2:30 – 2:45 p.m.
Ángel J. Alicea, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Displacement Boundary Conditions Effects on Navigation Steel
Structures and Development of Torsional Forces from Warping
Stress Field Experiments
2:45 – 3:00 p.m.
Norma Álvarez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
“Computational Mechanics of Tainter Gates: Trunnion Friction
Investigation and its Consequences Related to Design,
Maintenance and Rehabilitation”
3:00 – 3:15 p.m.
Francisco J. Vélez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Columbia River Adaptive Hydraulics Model
3:15 – 3:30 p.m.
Carlos Colón, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Munitions and Explosive of Concern in Sensitive Marine Areas
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Marianela Cora, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Characterization of Spectra Fiber Engineered for Concrete
Reinforcement
3:45 – 4:00 p.m.
Francisco Del Valle, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Panel Bridges Assessment Using Finite Element Analysis
47
Best
Oral
(Graduate)
4:00 – 4:15 p.m.
Julieta Gómez, University Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Sensitivity Analysis STWAVE Model, Larose A Case Study
4:15 – 4:30 p.m.
Marietta Marcano, University Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Use of Carbon Dioxide-Treated Zeolites in the Carbonation of
Portland Cement Paste
4:30 – 4:45 p.m.
Samuel Pacheco, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Instrument Set, Reconnaissance and Surveying (Enfire)
4:45 – 5:00 p.m.
Mario Rodríguez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Engineering Defined Operating Picture (EDOP) Web Site
Application
5:00 – 5:15 p.m.
José Rivera Vázquez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Centrifuge Studies for DLE Mitigation Using Concrete Drainage
Boxes
5:15 – 5:30 p.m.
Lilliam Rivera, University Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Numerical Simulation of Combined Wave Overtopping and Storm
Surge Overflow of an Earth Levee
5:30 – 5:45 p.m.
José Silvestre, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus,
Study of Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle (SUGV) Performance
to Populate the STNDMob Vehicle File
4:15 – 5:45 p.m.
6:45 p.m.
GRE Overview (Session II)
AWARD, CLOSING CEREMONY AND DINNER
48
(San Cristóbal B)
(SAN CRISTÓBAL
BALLROOM)
Chairman: Dr. Renetta Tull
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Closing Remarks: Dr. Juan F. Arratia, Executive Director
8:30 p.m.
SYMPOSIUM ADJOURNS
49
ABSTRACTS
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
PATTERN OF IMPDH2 EXPRESSION BY RIBAVIRIN ANTIVIRAL DRUG
Ariette Acevedo, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Diana Gómez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The standard of care for HCV infected patients includes the combination of the Ribavirin (RBV) and
Interferon-α antiviral drug. The purpose of the study was to determine the in vitro effect of RBV in
CEMss cells expression pattern for the gene Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase type 2 (IMPDH2).
Three technical replicates of culture experiments were performed for gene expression profile in vitro
using CEMss with and without RBV treatment after 1, 7, and 14 days. CEMss were grown in RPMIComplete medium with 10% FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum, Sigma), 2 mM Glutamine (Sigma) and 100 AB
Units/mL (Penicillin-Streptomycin, Sigma). Two CEMss cell cultures were used for the gene expression
analysis: Control and RBV exposure to 10 µM RBV for 14 days. Cytoplasmic RNA was extracted using
the RNeasy® kit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer, quantified by the spectrophotometer
(NanoDrop 2000) and processed using real time RT-PCR (StepOne, Applied Biosystem). We performed
Standard Curve Validation for S15 housekeeping gene and IMPDH2 gene, obtaining 91.9% efficiency on
S15 gene with an R2 of 0.9628 and 99.4% efficiency on IMPDH2 with an R2 of 0.978. As a result it was
found that on day 1 the IMPDH2 gene was down-regulated and continued to be down-regulated
throughout the 14 days the experiment lasted. On day 7, the gene became down-regulated but became
stable as we approached day 14. These results suggest that RBV has a direct effect of down-regulation on
the IMPDH2 gene.
THE EFFECTS OF AGE ON THE PROGRESSION OF OSTEOARTHRITIS AND THE GENE
EXPRESSIONS IN MICE
Adrian Ambrose, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Research Mentor: Dr. Gregory Goins, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
The African easterly waves (AEWs) and their embedded mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) serving
as precursors for the major hurricanes over the eastern Atlantic Ocean were traced back to the African
continent. In this study the focus was on hurricanes and tropical storms formed just west of Africa (3040E, 5-15N) from 2000 to 2008. Based on Meteosat infrared imagery, there were convective systems
associated with all the hurricanes and storms observed moving across the continent. Reanalysis data and
GRADS were used to prove that the MCSs observed were indeed associated with AEWs and most of
them were originated from eastern Africa, as far as Ethiopian Highlands. The simulations by global model
(GFS) showed propagating waves and convection over Africa.
50
FIREWORM SIZE AND COPEPOD PARASITIC LOAD ARE POSITIVELY CORRELATED IN
BREWER’S BAY
Kavita Balkaran, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Research Mentor: Dr Stephen Ratchford, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The fireworm (Hermodice carunculata) is a polychaete well known for its fuzzy, stinging chaeta on either
side of its long slender lengths. Fireworms are scavengers and predators to corals and sea anemones.
Fireworms are parasitized in their gills which run along their entire length by copepods, Pseudoanthessius
tortuosus, that belong to the family Pseudoanthessiidae, a family that mainly parasitizes echinoderms.
This species of copepod was only recently described as parasitizing fireworms in the Caribbean in 2009.
The investigation was focused on whether there is a correlation between the size of fireworms and the
copepod parasitic load, as well as if there were differences in parasitic load at different sites. Eleven
fireworms were captured in baited traps constructed from PVC fittings. Another 11 fireworms were
caught by hand at the airport runway. The attempt to capture fireworms in a nearby coral reef was
unsuccessful. The fireworms were then placed in anaesthetic solution (Magnesium Chloride) and left for
one to two hours. Under a dissecting microscope, copepods were removed, counted and preserved in
separate vials for future references. A significant, positive correlation was found between the parasitic
load and the sizes of fireworms found under the dock (p< 0.001, R2=0.8). The fireworms collected at the
airport runway averaged approximately half the size of the fireworms found under the UVI dock. Despite
the size differences, the fireworms at the airport runway still fall within the general trend with the
parasitic load with the fireworms found under the UVI dock. It remains to be seen whether the parasitic
load affects predatory and scavenging ability of the fireworms.
THE INTERACTION OF THE CIRCADIAN CLOCK AND SLEEP REGULATORY
MECHANISMS
Yarinez Berríos, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: José L. Agosto, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Biological rhythms known as circadian rhythms are controlled by a biological clock and work on a daily
time scale. A circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle in the biochemical, physiological, or behavioral
processes of living entities. Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS) is a condition in which a person is
unable to maintain alertness during the daytime hours. Assessment of this disorder in daytime sleepiness,
which include poor concentration, loss of energy, impaired performance, decrease in cognitive skills, and
poor psychomotor coordination are actual research topics. The biological clock that times and controls a
person’s sleep/wake cycle will attempt to function according to a normal day/night schedule; even when
the person tries to change it. It was hypothesized that circadian rhythms are gene controlled and protein
biosynthesis responds to light/dark cycles. As a model for genetic studies, the common fruit fly,
Drosophila melanogaster, was used. To distinguish between gene product and a circadian rhythm,
multiple assay null circadian mutants (Cs, tim01, Clkjrk) were used to examine their sleep pattern during
chronic sleep deprivation. Circadian rhythms promote early awake, then daytime sleep should be reduced
in null mutants and shifted (advanced or delayed) in mutants with altered period. If this is a function of
protein production that is not associated with the circadian clock, then, the other circadian mutants should
not exhibit the same phenotype.
51
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHLOEM NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION IN ASH TREES
(FRAXINUS SPP.) AND RESISTANCE TO THE EMERALD ASH BORER
Tania D. Burgos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Pierluigi Bonello, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Since its discovery in July 2002, millions of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) have been killed by the emerald ash
borer [EAB; Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae)]. EAB larvae feed in the phloem
and cambial tissues of ash, where they create galleries that disrupt the flow of nutrients and water
throughout the tree which results in eventual tree death. For the following chemical analyses: moisture
content, total protein and total soluble sugars and starch were used. Using the least significant difference
Manchurian, had significantly higher average moisture content than the other three species at
pResearchers are currently working to develop an artificial diet that will allow the investigation of the
larval stage of EAB in a laboratory setting. The objective of this study is to characterize the nutritional
composition of phloem tissues from three North American ash species (F. Americana L., F.
pennsylvanica Marsh, and F. nigra Marsh) and the resistant Manchurian ash and relate the nutritional
composition of ash to the current formulation of the artificial diet. Four ash species were established in a
randomized complete block design. Phloem samples were excised, ground in liquid nitrogen, and stored
at -80 C < 0.05. The EAB diet had significantly higher total protein content than the ash trees with White
ash having the lowest protein concentration. There were no significant differences among ash species and
between EAB artificial diet and ash species in sugars and starch. Although there are slight differences in
moisture content and protein among the ash species, the primary metabolites most likely do not contribute
to the susceptibility or resistance of ash species to EAB. This study is significant because little is known
about ash primary metabolites and how it relates to resistance or susceptibility and it will be important in
improving the current formulation of the artificial diet for EAB.
52
OVERGROWTH INTERACTION OF DICTYOTA PINNATIFIDA ALGAE WITH LIVE AND
DEAD PORITES PORITES AND PORITES ASTEROIDES CORALS AT THE US VIRGIN
ISLANDS
Charnele Burton, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Research Mentors: Angela Dikou and Tyler Smith, McLean Center for Marine and Environmental
Studies, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
The interaction of multiple stressors, such as increase in seawater temperature, alterations in water quality
including increase in acidity and sediment/nutrient loads, and overfishing, has led to a regime shift from
coral reefs to algal reefs throughout the Caribbean. The replacement of corals by algae on reefs has been
pointing to a probable loss of resiliency in coral reef ecosystems, since sessile corals posses largely
effective mechanisms that prohibit overgrowth by other organisms, such as mucus excretion and
mesenterial filaments extrusion. If this proposition is valid, then algae are expected to overgrow not only
available space provided by dead corals but also non-available space provided by live corals. Data were
analyzed from the 2008-2010 Territorial Coral Reef Monitoring Program of the US Virgin Islands to
identify algal “winners” and coral “losers” on USVI coral reefs. Dictyota spp. was the most abundant
algae on these reefs (15.1% of benthic cover) while Porites porites (60% of corals) and Porites asteroides
(74% of corals) were among the corals exhibiting the highest frequency of interaction with Dictyota spp.
Subsequently, a randomized, controlled field experiment was set up to test whether the ubiquitous algae
Dictyota pinnatifida overgrows live or dead P. porites and P. asteroides. For this purpose, nubbins of
live and dead P. porites and P. asteroides were securely attached next to D. pinnatifida on a wire frame
and monitored for overgrowth. It was expected that the defense mechanisms of live P. porites and P.
asteroides will be effective at preventing algal overgrowth by D. pinnatifida and that D. pinnatifida will
readily overgrow dead corals due to the absence of these same defense mechanisms. Results of this longterm experiment were presented one month after its set-up. The results of this study will be of particular
use to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources because replacement of corals by algae on reefs
is associated with alterations in primary ecosystem processes as well as goods and services generated by
coral reefs in the USVI Territory. This research was funded by a 2010 VI-EPSCoR Incubator Grant #
203053, NSF HBCU-UP grant # HRD–0506096, and VI-EPSCoR grant # 0814417.
53
ANALYSIS OF THREE NEW MUTATIONS, PW41, QG56 AND RU44 THAT AFFECT
DORSAL-VENTRAL PATTERNING IN DROSOPHILA OOGENESIS
Raquel Castañeda, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Trudi Schupbach, HHMI/Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University,
Princeton, New York.
The polarity of the eggs and embryos in Drosophila is established during oogenesis. Polarity in the oocyte
is set up by signaling between the oocyte and the surrounding follicle cells. In particular, the epidermal
growth factor receptor (Egfr) is activated asymmetrically by its ligand. In midoogenesis, Gurken activates
the Egfr at the posterior, and later, on the dorsal side of the egg chamber. Late, in oogenesis, when the egg
is mature the egg shows an asymmetric shape and presents the dorsal appendages as landmarks for the
correct polarity establishment. The purpose of this research was to discover how three new mutations
(PW41, QG56 and RU44) affect Dorsal-ventral patterning in oogenesis and to localize the genes on the
chromosome in order to identify the molecular nature of the genes. A first cross was made between
heterozygous females and males that have visible markers on the chromosome, to generate heterozygous
mutant females in which recombination can take place. The progeny was then tested for the presence of
the marker mutations and for the presence of the mutation which allows to map the mutation on the
chromosome. The PW41 was mapped with the different markers, and it was determined that the gene for
the mutant is near to the maker curved, in the approximate location 78.9 of chromosome 2. Other
molecular techniques were used to obtain more information about the mutants and different antibodies
and staining techniques to test the distribution of polarity markers and other proteins inside the oocyte.
IL5 SYNERGIZES WITH TOLL LIKE RECEPTOR AGONISTS TO PROMOTE PLASMA
CELL DIFFERENTIATION
Frances Colón, University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Campus, Ponce, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: David Allman, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Pennsylvania.
Plasma cells (PC) are terminally differentiated B cells that persist in the spleen and bone marrow months
or years after immunization. PC undergo significant molecular changes which enable them to synthesize
and secrete antibodies for a lifetime. Although PCs are the cellular arbiters of humoral immunity, the
signals required for formation of these cells remain poorly defined. B cells recognize common
components of foreign pathogens through toll like receptors (TLR), leading to varying degrees of PC
differentiation. Using an in vitro assay to measure plasma cell differentiation, it was found that the
cytokine IL-5 increases the probability of naive B cell differentiation to PCs. IL-5 synergizes with TLR
agonists such as LPS and CpG to increase total antibody secretion, antibody secreting cell frequencies,
and the percentage of cells that acquire CD138 positivity, a canonical plasma cell marker. Future studies
will evaluate the IL-5-induced epigenetic modifications that promote PC differentiation.
54
ELECTROPORATION-MEDIATED
PROTOPLAST
GENE
TRANSFER
IN
STEVIA
Nilmarie Colón, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Sarwan Dhir, Fort Valley State University, Fort Valley, Georgia.
REBAUDIANA
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
The goal of this study was to develop the protoplast based gene transfer system in Stevia to produce
selected clones for high content sweetener. Protoplasts isolated from leaves of proliferating in vitro
cultures were cultured in a KP8 liquid medium. Different responses were obtained in terms of the
efficiency for the first cell division to colony and micro callus formation. In order to develop a high
efficiency transformation protocol, the biological and physical parameters affecting electroporation of
protoplast were assessed. Combinations of electric field strengths, buffer, number of pulse and DNA
form were evaluated. Transformation efficiency was assayed as transient reporter gene expression using
the GFP-coding gene. Electric field strength had a critical influence on transgene expression with higher
transformation levels being achieved with 200 V/cm-1 discharged by 25 mF capacitors. The optimal
condition for the transient expression of GFP gene was obtained when protoplast was electroporated in
CPW solution 13 M mannitol, 5.0 mM MES and with EPR buffers at 1 electric pulses of 200/Vcm. The
transient expression of GFP gene increased when amount of DNA was increased from 15-25 mg/ml.
Comparing number of pulse, protoplast electroporated at 200 V/cm with 1 pulse yielded high GFP
expressing cells (3,600-4,000/ml). This system could be used to rapidly test the efficiency of the
promoters and the constructed genes for plant transformation in Stevia.
ANTIGEN – SPECIFIC T CELL RESPONSE IN THE COLLAGEN – INDUCED ARTHRITIS
(CIA) MOUSE MODEL
Luz M. Cumba, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Jaime Sancho-López, Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Instituto de Parasitología
Biomedicina López Neyra, Granada, Spain.
To measure the antigen specific response of T cells, two sets of experiments were performed. First,
proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T cells from spleen cells labeled with CFSE was tested with in vitro
stimulation with either, Interleukin-2 (IL-2), SEB, PMA plus Ionomycin, or IL-2 plus SEB in a time lapse
of 3 and 4 days. CD8 T cells showed a major capacity to proliferate in response to IL-2 than CD4 T cells.
Purification of spleen CD4+ T cells was performed by positive selection using paramagnetic beads
labeled with an anti-CD4 mAb, obtaining 92% pure CD4 T cells. Second, B6WT and CD38KO mice
were immunized using chicken collagen type II (CII) to develop the collagen induced arthritis (CIA)
mouse model. Two treatment conditions were applied to the mice, Freud’s adjuvant (CFA) plus collagen
or adjuvant plus PBS buffer as a control. Cells from the spleen, or from inguinal lymph nodes were
labeled with CFSE and left unstimulated or stimulated with either, IL-2, IL-2 plus collagen, IL-2 plus
SEB, or PMA plus Ionomycin. In cells from collagen-immunized mice exposed to IL-2 plus collagen
resulted in increased proliferation as compared with those from CFA-treated mice. Differences between
cells from CD38KO and B6WT mice have been noticed, although more experiments should be done. The
data also indicate a higher proportion of IL-17-producing CD4+ T cells in collagen-immunized mice as
compared with CFA-treated mice. In summary, the experiments suggest a good and persistent antigenspecific response in CD4+ T cells from collagen-immunized mice.
55
PATTERN OF CTSL2 EXPRESSION BY AZIDOVUDINE ANTIVIRAL DRUG
Catherine M. De Jesús, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Diana Gómez-Garzón, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The standard of care for HIV co-infected patients includes combination of the HAART antiviral drugs.
HIV is one of the most important diseases of infection during these years and no effective cure has been
found in animals and humans. The purpose of this study was to determine in vitro effect of Azidovudine
(AZT) antiviral drugs in CEMss cells. CEMss cells were grown in RPMI-1640 (Sigma) medium with
10% FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum, Sigma), 2 mM Glutamine (Sigma) and 100 AB Units/mL (PenicillinStreptomycin, Sigma). Two CEMss cell cultures were used for the gene expression analysis: Control and
Experimental. The Control was without drug and Experimental was the culture treated with 10μM AZT.
Three biological replicates of each culture were performed for analysis of gene expression profile in vitro
after 1, 7, and 14 days, both cultures presented over 90% of viability after 14 days. Cytoplasmic RNA was
extracted using RNeasy® kit (Qiagen) and was quantified by Nanodrop. To obtain housekeeping S15
gene expression were used primer’s S15- F and S15-R, for CTSL2 gene were used with CTSL2-F838 and
CTSL2-R885. The equipment used was real - time PCR (StepOne, Applied Biosystem). The results were
previously optimized by Standard Curve Validation, both S15 and CTSL2 presented 91.9 % efficient with
R2 0.968. Relative quantification for gene expression results were obtained using the ΔΔCt Comparative
method, CTSL2 on start day Control- 0d the gene kept stable , AZT- 1d and AZT- 14d were up-regulated
gene kept on, and at AZT- 7d the gene was down-regulated . Gene expression analysis indicates that after
14 days CTSL2 was more strongly up-regulated by the AZT effect.
ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BIRTH WEIGHT AND METABOLIC OUTCOMES IN AN
ETHNICALLY DIVERSE SAMPLE OF CHILDREN
Grace Delgado, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: José Fernández, Department of Nutrition, University of Alabama, Birmingham,
Alabama.
There has been a world-wide increase in health problems related to adverse metabolic outcomes. Previous
studies have found that a lower birth weight is associated with progression to type-2 diabetes and obesity.
This study sought to determine if there is a relationship between birth weight, genetic admixture and
metabolic outcomes. This study was conducted among 314 healthy children between the ages of 7-12, and
from three different ethnic groups (African-, European-, and Hispanics-Americans). various measures of
metabolic outcomes: total body fat, insulin sensitivity (SI), acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg),
cholesterol (HDL & LDL), were examined using as predictors birth weight, maternal age, and the child's
genetic admixture based on 142 ancestry informative markers (AIMs). It was observed that African
Americans had a lower average birth weight compared to European- and Hispanic-Americans. A
significant negative relationship was found between birth weight and the African and Native Americans
admixture, and a significant positive relationship between birth weight and European Americans
admixture. It was also found that birth weight is a significant predictor of total body fat and acute insulin
response to glucose, showing a positive relationship in each case. The findings show that there are racial
differences in birth weight that might be related to genetic factors, and that high birth weight could be a
risk factor for future metabolic outcomes.
56
GENOMIC PREDICTORS OF BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) IN RELATION TO LONGEVITY
Maggie Delgado, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: David B. Allison, Ph. D., Department of Biostatistics, University of Alabama,
Birmingham, Alabama.
Elevated BMI is associated with high blood pressure, a trait that according to the American Heart
Association affects one out of three adults in the US, or high concentration of some types of Cholesterol,
Triglycerides or Glucose and is a strong risk factor for several diseases such as diabetes and
cardiovascular disease and, ultimately, reduced lifespan. All these traits have a genetic component and are
known to be associated with body mass index (BMI). The purpose of this study was to identify genetic
factors affecting these traits as well as the relationship between these traits and BMI in preparation for
analyses understanding the relationship among BMI, genotypes, and mortality rate. A genome wide
prediction results from the Framingham longitudinal study on cardiovascular diseases and includes 3,529
individuals that were evaluated for these traits and genotyped for 500,000 SNPs is presented. First, using
summary statistics and graphical methods, departures from normality and the need of transformations
were evaluated. After this, the association between traits and markers was assessed with single-marker
regression (SMR) models. In addition to marker genotypes, the SMR models included a semi-parametric
regression on BMI and the effects of factors such as sex, age, and the use of certain medicines or diets
that were expected to affect these traits.
OPTIMIZATION OF TRANSDUCTION OF B CELLS USING RETROVIRAL VECTORS
PSEUDOTYPED WITH MEASLES VIRUS ENVELOPE GLYCOPROTEINS
Carol Díaz, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Bill Sugden, Malika Kuzembayeya, McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research,
University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) is one of the most common human viruses found in the entire world with 95%
of the world’s population infected with the virus sometime during their lives. EBV usually infects
quiescent B-lymphocytes and transforms the resting B cells into latently infected lymphoblastoid cell
lines, which can evolve to be immortal and even tumorigenic. EBV is associated with Infectious
Mononucleosis and with multiple B lymphoid diseases. This study was focused on optimizing the
transduction of EBV-positive B cells lines with EBV-encoded genes. Recent studies show that using
retroviral vectors pseudotyped with Measles Virus (MV) envelope glycoproteins results in a more
efficient transduction of B cells in culture compared to pseudotyping with Vesicular Stomatitis Virus G
envelope protein (VSV-G). A Retroviral (RV) and Lentiviral vector (LV) pseudotyped with envelope
glycoproteins of Measles Virus (MV) were developed. Infection with these vectors show a titer of 3.0 X
107 (IU/ml) for the LV pseudotyped with VSV-G and a titer of 2.0 X 104 (IU/ml) for the LV
pseudotyped with the Fusion protein (FΔ30) and Hemaglutinin (HΔ18) envelope proteins of (MV). We
were able to achieve high efficiency of infection with LV-pseudotyped with VSV-G in the EBV-positive
Burkitt’s lymphoma cell line SavI. Future experiments will be directed to on improving this LV system
for the transduction of EBV-positive B cells lines with EBV-encoded genes.
57
FUNCTIONALITY STUDY OF CTCF-2 PROTEIN AND THE EFFECT IN THE ANTIGENIC
VARIATION OF VSG IN TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI
Jessica Díaz, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Miguel Navarro, Instituto de Parasitologia y Biomedicina Lopez Neyra, Spanish
Research Council, Granada, Spain.
Trypanosoma brucei, causative agent of the African sleeping sickness, is characterized by the antigenic
variation provided by a dense coat of variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) which allows evasion of the host
immune system. The parasite has approximately 20 VSG gene expression sites where recombination
occurs to switch from one VSG gene to another. It is believed that the CTCF binding protein has a role in
the expression of VSG. The aim of this study was to analyze the functionality of the CTCF-2 protein in
the antigenic variation of T. brucei. The CTCF-2 gene was knockdown using RNAi. Clones were selected
with blasticidine, and RNAi was induced with doxicicline. Cell cycle was analyzed by FACS.
Immunofluorence was performed using antibodies against VSG221 and VSG121 to study the effect in
phenotype. Switching from VSG221 to VSG121 and switching off of VSG221 was observed. Results
showed that depletion of CTCF-2 affects expression of VSG but the changes were not significant. The
CTCF-2 is not essential for the expression of VSG.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES
LEISHMANIA BRAZILIENSIS
FOR
DEVELOPMENT
OF
DRUG
RESISTANCE
IN
Juliana M. Falero, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Francisco Gamarro, Dept. of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology. Instituto de
Parasitología y Biomedicina López-Neyra, CSIC-IPBLN. Granda, Spain.
Protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania are aetiological agents of leishmaniasis, a condition
recognized in a resolution of the sixtieth World Health Assembly in 2007 as the most neglected of the
tropical diseases, with more than 12 million people currently infected worldwide. Current therapies are
limited by poor efficacy, and increased appearance of therapeutic failure and resistance. Treatment for
leishmaniasis currently relies on a reduced arsenal of drugs, including pentavalent antimonials,
amphotericin B deoxycholate, lipid formulations of amphotericin B, miltefosine and paromomycin, all of
which have limitations in terms of toxicity, efficacy, price and inconvenient treatment schedules. To
increase the therapeutic lifespan of these drugs and delay the emergence of resistance, the World Health
Organization has recommended combination therapy as a strategy to be implemented in clinical trials.The
objective of this research was to investigate the ability of L. braziliensis (MHOM/BR/75/M2903) to
induce resistance to the following drug combinations: i) amphotericin B + sodium stibogluconate, ii)
amphotericin B + miltefosine, iii) amphotericin B + paromomycin and iv) miltefosine + paramomycin.
The strategy used to induce resistance was by a step-by-step adaptation process starting from drug
concentrations lower than the EC50 for the different drugs. The cell-titer blue assay was used to
determine the susceptibility and the level of resistance to the combinatory therapy in the experimentalresistant promastigote forms of L. braziliensis. Currently, the resistance induction process continues with
promising results clearly indicative of the ability of L. braziliensis to develop different levels of resistance
and variability between the different drugs used in the combination. This is an ongoing project and the
results will allow researchers to gain important information about the ability of L. braziliensis to induce
resistance to drug combinations and what would be the drug combination easiest to induce resistance,
with relevance for drug policy against Leishmaniasis.
58
THE ONCOGENIC ROLE OF TGFΒ IN THYROID CANCER
Maritza González, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Garcilaso Riesco-Eizaguirre, M.D. Pilar Santisteban, Ph.D., Instituto de
Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM, Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital
La Paz, Madrid, Spain; 3 Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, CSIC-UAM,
Fisiopatología Endocrina y del Sistema Nervioso, Madrid, Spain.
The role of TGFβ as an oncogenic factor in human thyroid cancer is becoming increasingly important as
it promotes the sodium iodide symporter repression and tumour invasion in thyroid carcinoma. The aim
of this study was to analyze the oncogenic role of TGFβ in a panel of seven human thyroid cancer cell
lines (TPC-1, SW-1736, KTC-1, KTC-2, T-235, T-238 and BCPAP). The cellular levels of p-Smad2
was determined by immunoblotting as an indicator of the TGFβ activity and advantage was taken of two
inhibitors of the TGFβ receptor I kinase (TβRI), SB-431542 (SB) and LY-364967 (LY), which are highly
selective compounds that act as ATP-binding competitors. The dose of the inhibitors, 10µM of SB and 5
µM of LY, needed for the complete inhibition of the TβRI kinase activity was first determined. As
Smad2 is the substrate of the TβRI kinase, the dose of the inhibitors was enough to completely abolish the
induction of p-Smad2 by 10ng/mL TGFβ. To determine the oncogenic effect of TGFβ, the thyroid cancer
cell lines were treated with TGFβ and/or SB and LY. In these conditions proliferation assays by
Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation were performed and the expression levels of TSH receptor
(TSHR) were determined by Western Blot, considered as a differentiation parameter of the thyroid. The
results show that a high TGFβ/Smad activity is present in the majority of the thyroid cancer cell lines
studied. Additionally, TGFbeta may play an important role in proliferation and thyroid differentiation
suggesting that TGFβ is an oncogenic factor in thyroid cancer.
DEFICIENCY SCREEN OF THE DROSOPHILA LYMPH GLAND FOR ABNORMAL
DIFFERENTIATION
María F. Guardia, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San Germán, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dawn Hopkins, Department of Biological Sciences University of Notre Dame, Notre
Dame, Indiana.
Drosophila melanogaster has developed as an ideal research model system for hematopoiesis due to
shared genetic processes and signaling pathways with vertebrates. In Drosophila, three kinds of blood
cells or hemocytes are produced in the larval lymph gland—plasmatocytes, crystal cells and lamellocytes.
These cells, lamellocytes, are rarely found in healthy Drosophila. A homozygous mutation in the bag-ofmarbles (bam) gene causes an anomalous cell proliferation of all hemocyte types. This study was
conducted to determine regions of the second chromosome that, when deleted, induce lamellocytes in a
sensitized bamΔ86 heterozygous mutant lymph gland. The effects of these double heterozygous mutants
were examined by selecting larvae that were negative for the green fluorescent protein balancer
chromosomes and contained both the bam mutation and the deleted region. Then, through fluorescence
microscopy, larval lymph glands were examined for lamellocyte induction using misshapenF9 (msnf9), a
fluorescent enhancer reporter specific for lamellocytes. Ten different deficient regions were screened, a
Chi-square test was performed and p-values were calculated. Of the lines, deficiency 9510 (Bloomington
stock center) revealed a statistical difference in comparison to the w1118 control. Tea shirt (tsh) is the
only gene encoded in this region and after preliminary testing, appears to interact with bam. Future plans
include completion of the screen of the second chromosome, in order to find more deleted regions that
interact with bam.
59
THE GENETIC STRUCTURE OF TWO MANGROVE SPECIES FOUND IN THE VIRGIN
ISLANDS
Gabriel Ible, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Research Mentor: Dr. Alice Stanford, SSRI.
Although mangroves have significant ecological importance to the marine ecosystems, they have been
diminishing rapidly over the last 30 years. Alarmingly, 20% of mangroves found around the world have
been depleted and 67% of the mangroves found in the Virgin Islands have been destroyed. Therefore, in
an effort to find appropriate ways to conserve these mangrove, more information is sought about the
population genetics of the Rhizophora mangle (red mangrove) and Laguncularia racemosa (white
mangrove). This information will allow to distinguish which populations merits special protection due to
the genetic variation of each mangrove community. In this project, the best DNA extraction/isolation kit
that would have yielded the most DNA with the least contaminants was sought. A UV Spectrophotometer
was used to determine the DNA quantification concentrations of the samples. The kits used were the
Ultra Clean Plant DNA Isolation Kit and MasterPure Plant Leaf DNA Purification Kit. After visualizing
the DNA on a 0.7% high melting Agarose gel, the results indicated that there were no visible differences
between the two kits. However, the extracts were amplified using a thermo cycler with primers that have
been tested and proven to amplify different loci on each species and found that there was a difference
between the two kits. Different PCR protocols for DNA amplification were also tested. All of the
samples were amplified and dehydrated before being sent to the Genetic Ecology Laboratory at Harbor
Branch (Florida Atlantic University) to be separated using an automated sequencer. This crucial
information will give insight about the diversity of these plants, enable researchers to preserve and protect
these mangroves from further damage, and monitor the loss of genetic variation in the future.
DETECTING VIRUSES USING ELISA FOR SWEET POTATOES IN ST. CROIX
Chinaemere Igwebuike, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Research Mentor: Dr. Thomas Zimmerman, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Sweet potato is an important staple food to the Virgin Islands and many other parts of the world. Viruses
of the sweet potato plant can tremendously decrease the yield farmers receive from cultivating the
tuberous roots of this plant. The objective of this research was to determine if viruses are present in local
sweet potato crops and, if so, which viruses are present. ELISA kits were used to determine if viruses are
present throughout the local sweet potato crop of St Croix. An ELISA kit uses antibodies to detect the
presence of a specific protein produced by a virus; in this case sweet potato leaf samples. Leaf samples
were collected from 6 locations around the island of St. Croix and tested for three different viruses. The
data was then plotted and graphed onto a map. Forty-two (42) samples of sweet potato leaves were
collected from around the island of St. Croix and the University of the Virgin Islands. In vitro virus-free
variety, obtained from the USDA Germplasm Repository, were used as a negative control. Most of the
sweet potato plants on the island of St. Croix were positive for at least one virus. ELISA tests indicated
that 15 samples were positive for Potyvirus, 12 samples were positive for Cucumber Mosaic Virus and 22
samples were positive for Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus. Of these results, 16 sweet potato samples were
infected with multiple viruses. Eight (19%) of sweet potato samples tested negative for all three of the
virus tests performed. The ELISA test was an effective way to detect the presence of Potyvirus,
Cucumber Mosaic Virus and Zucchini Yellow Mosaic Virus in sweet potatoes grown on the island of St.
Croix.
60
LIFE IS NOT A SPECTATOR SPORT: NARRATIVES OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, HEALTH
AND STRENGTH
Zulay Martínez, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San Germán, Puerto Rico.
Best
Poster
Research Mentors: Dr. Christina Johnson, and Joanna Morrissey, M.S., Department of Health
and Sport Studies, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa.
(Pre-College)
“Physical activity is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy
expenditure” (World Health Organization, 2010). Many people benefit by having healthier lifestyles if
they increase their physical activity (http://www.nlm.nih.gov, 2010). When many individuals think about
physical activity, exercise or structured activity may come to mind. If exercise is coming to mind, it is
hard to be physically active if there is no place to exercise or participate in planned physical activity. If
people define physical activity as exercise and do not have access to a recreational facility, they may
remain inactive. Often, rural communities do not have a recreational facility, thus making it difficult to be
active. The purpose of this study was to gain a greater understanding of physical activity patterns among
individuals in rural communities and how physical activity affects their identities as healthy, strong and
active persons. Twenty five women, between the ages of 30 and 90, participated in the study. Participants
were interviewed; audio recorded and verbatim transcripts were made of the recording. Preliminary
results reveal that most women do physical activity such as working on the farm, spending time with their
families, volunteering in the community, going to church and exercising. Results also suggest that their
identities as healthy, strong, and active individuals improve by doing physical activity.
"EXPRESSION OF BCR-ABL ONCOGENE CAUSES ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA
(ALL) IN MOUSE B CELLS BY REPROGRAMMING SCA1 CELLS”
André Medina, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Isabel Romero, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca, Campus Miguel de
Unamuno, Salamanca, España.
Research Mentor: Isidro Sánchez García, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Universidad de Salamanca,
Campus Miguel de Unamuno, Salamanca, España.
The oncogene BCR-ABL p190 is associated with the development of lymphoblastic leukemia of B cells
in humans. This oncogene gives to the tumor cells diverse biological properties such as resistance to
apoptosis; however, its inhibition by specific inhibitors is not able to reverse leukemia in humans,
suggesting that other properties may also contribute to the generation and maintenance of tumor
phenotype. To identify these unknown factors, genetically modified mice were generated with the BCRABLp190-IRES-tk cassette. These mice are fertile and show normal development. The analysis of the
composition of the hematopoietic system through techniques of histology and flow cytometry using
specific monoclonal antibodies did not reveal any alteration in mice less than one year of age. However,
mice BCR-ABLp190-IRES-tk over one year of age developed specifically lymphoblastic leukemia of B
cells. These results suggest that: I) A new feature not mentioned so far for the oncogene BCR-ABL:
reprogramming of Sca1 cells give rise to lymphoblastic leukemia of B cells, and II) that the permanent
expression of the oncogene is not necessary for the maintenance of tumor phenotype.
61
BIOINFORMATICS STUDY OF FERREDOXIN-DEPENDENT BILIN REDUCTASES (FDBR)
Chanel Mejías, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Best Oral
(Undergraduate)
Research Mentor: Luis Vázquez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The ferrodoxin-dependent bilin reductase (FDBR) family is found throughout oxygenic photosynthetic
organisms and shows weak sequence homology to each other. FDBRs are distinct from the NADPHdependent biliverdin reductase found in mammals and cyanobacteria not only in their preference for Fd as
a reductant but also in their amino acid sequences. This family consists of several different but closely
related proteins such as Phycocyanabilin: ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PcyA), 15,16-dihydrobiliverdin:
ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PebA), Phycoerythrobilin: ferredoxin oxidoreductase (PebB). FDBR is a
family of enzymes unique to oxygenic photosynthetic organisms. They utilize reduced ferrodoxin as
electron donor to catalyze biliverdin (BV) reduction. In plants and cyanobacteria, biliverdin is
metabolized by FDBR. They have an oxydoreductase activity, which means that they are an enzyme that
catalyzes the oxidation of one compound with the reduction of another. They have catalysis of an
oxidation-reduction reaction in which a CH-CH group acts as an electron donor and reduces an ironsulfur protein. They also interact selectively and non-covalently with a cobalt ion. There are
approximately 112 sequences in the protein family with an average sequence length of 253 residues.
ClustalW, T-Coffee, KAlign, MUSCLE, and MAFFT were run and visualization using GeneDoc showed
that ClustalW produced the best alignment. The MEME program produced motifs of conserved patterns
which were used to guide the trimming of the alignment. Using the PHYLIP suite software, a
phylogenetic tree was obtained and subsequently analyzed using FigTree.
EFFECT OF THE AZIDOVUDINE ANTIVIRAL DRUG ON CEMSS CELLS
Gladys Méndez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Diana Gomez-Garzon, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Azidovudine (AZT) 3'-azido-2 ', 3'-didesoxitimidina is a synthetic analogue of thymidine
dideoxynucleoside in which the 3'-hydroxy (-OH) has been replaced by an azido group (-N3), its
trifosforilacion in the cytoplasm of the cell is regulated by thymidine kinase. AZT is an antiviral drug
used since 1987 to treat HIV. The aim of this study was to determine the in vitro effect of AZT on CEMss
cells over gene expression and transcriptional process. CEMss cells were grown in RPMI-1640 (Sigma)
medium with 10% FBS (Fetal Bovine Serum, Sigma), 2 mM Glutamine (Sigma) and 100 AB Units/mL
(Penicillin-Streptomycin, Sigma). Two CEMss cell cultures were performed for viability analysis:
Control and AZT to 10μM for 14 days. The viability and counting cells were analyzed by Countess™
Automated Cell Counter (Invitrogen), the Control and AZT cultures presented over 92% of viability from
day 1 until day 14. According to the results obtained at the final concentration using 10 μM AZT, for day
1 the CEMss cell viability was of 92%, at day 7 a viability of 97% and after the 14 days it had a viability
of 98%. This indicates that AZT increases and somehow keeps the CEMss cells viable. CEMss cells did
not dramatically affect their viability and can be used in the future for cytoplasmatic RNA extraction and
gene expression analysis related to AZT effect.
62
CLONING, EXPRESSION, PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ACETATE
KINASE AND PHOSPHOTRANSACETYLASE OF STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES
Letzibeth Méndez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Shivangi Agarwal PhD and Vijay Pancholi, PhD, SROP: The Ohio State University,
Medical Center, Department of Pathology.
Streptococcus pyogenes is the causative agent for a variety of human diseases. Numerous virulence
factors are involved during streptococcal-host interaction. The expression of these factors is controlled in
general by many two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) constituted by two cotranscribing proteins; a
response regulator (RR) and a histidine kinase (HK). RR regulates many different bacterial functions
including virulence in GAS. The phopshorylated RR functions more efficiently than the
nonphopshorylated RR. The HK phopshorylates RR in the presence of ATP. In many instances, the
function of the RR remains unaltered even in the absence of HK, indicating that there is an alternate
source for phosphor group which phosphorylates RR to allow its function. In general, bacteria produce
highly energy rich acetyl phosphate through two enzymes; acetate kinase (ACK) and
phosphotransacetylase (PTA). In GAS, the functions of these enzymes have not yet been defined. It is
hypothesized that in the absence of HK, the acetyl phosphate generated from the PTA-ACK pathway
serves as a phosphodonor for the RR. In order to understand the PTA-ACK pathway, the pta and ack
genes were cloned into pET14B His-tag vector to make the corresponding recombinant His-tagged ACK
and PTA proteins. These proteins were purified by affinity chromatography using Ni +-NTA affinity
column. The presence of His-tagged proteins in the crude and purified preparations was confirmed by
Western blot technique using anti-HisX6 polyclonal antibody. Future research on the biochemical
functions of these two proteins and the nature of the interaction of the energy-rich acetyl phosphate with
various response regulators will provide a better understanding of the impact of the functional status of
the RR on the two-component system-regulated GAS virulence under various physiological conditions.
ACK/PTA therefore can serve as important therapeutic targets.
VIABILITY OF CEMSS TREATED WITH RIVABIRIN ANTIVIRAL DRUG
Omayra Méndez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Diana Gómez Garzón, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Studies have demonstrated that the treatment for hepatitis C in HIV-positive individuals has a significant
rate of side effects, of which the most troublesome are those derived from interactions with antiretroviral
drugs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro effect of exposure to 10 µM RBV for 14 days
in CEMss cells. CEMss were grown in an RPMI-1640 (Sigma) medium with 10% FBS (Fetal Bovine
Serum, Sigma), 2 mM Glutamine (Sigma), Sodium Bicarbonate and 100 AB Units/mL (Antibiotic,
Penicillin- Streptomycin, Sigma). Two CEMss cell cultures were used to study the effect of RBV: Control
without treatment; and the RBV culture, exposed to 10 µM RBV for 14 days. The Countess™ Automated
Cell Counter [Invitrogen] that measures cell concentrations ranging from 1 × 10⁴ to 1 × 10⁷ cells/mL and
cells sizes ranging from 5 μm to 60 μm was used. In day 0 both cultures were at the same conditions. In
day 1 the RBV CEMss cells culture had a percent of viability of 100% and a total 1.1x 10⁶of live cells, in
contrast to the Control CEMss cells culture had a 91% and a total 7.2 x 10⁵of live cells. After 14 days the
RBV CEMss culture had 3% of viability more than the control; moreover, the control had 9.9x10⁴ more
live cells than RBV. The effect of RBV was not to kill CEMss cells, but to arrest their cellular cycle.
63
BIODIVERSITY AND SPECIES RICHNESS OF POLYPLACHOPORA (MOLLUSCA) IN
PUERTO RICO
Ivia Moreno, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Prof. Eva Dávila, School of Science and Technology, Universidad Metropolitana, San
Juan, Puerto Rico.
There are 29 polyplacophora species reported for Puerto Rico. Gundlach made initial reports on species
in P.R. (1883). Dall and Simpson (1901) added Lepidopleurus pergranatus. They reported 21 species;
among these, Lepidochitona liozonis, a new species, collected in Culebra. The species richness for Puerto
Rico was raised to 20 after reports of Tonicia scharammi, Cryptoconchus floridanus (Warmke and
Abbott, 1961), and of Acanthochitona balesae and Ischnoplax pectinata by Watters (1981) (García Ríos,
2003). Two beaches were worked in the north, south, east and west of Puerto Rico, on the rocky shore. A
study area was established in each site: 5 feet wide transect, from the shoreline to the point where chitons
were observed. The following data was gathered: location, species present, substrate and water depth
where chitons were found, and water temperature and salinity. The preliminary results were: (a)
Acanthopleura granulate was the most abundant species on every site, (b) the species richness and
abundance on the rocky shores was very similar in the different study sites: Acanthopleura granulata,
Chiton squamosus, and Chiton tuberculatus were always present, and in this order of abundance, (c) the
species richness was 4, Chiton marmoratus found only twice, (d) most of these were living in petrified
sand dunes, at temperatures between 26 and 32˚C and 28-55 ppt salinity. This study will help in a
biodiversity study of chitons in Puerto Rico, document the presence or absence of chitons species and the
possible human impact on their richness and abundance.
64
THE EFFICACY OF USING SPERMATOZOA LABELED WITH A FLUORESCENT
MITOCHONDRIAL STAIN IN A BOVINE IN VITRO FERTILIZATION SYSTEM
Verónica M. Negrón, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Dr. Michael L. Day and Matthew D. Utt, SROP: The Ohio State University, College
of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Bull fertility, based on semen and spermatozoa quality, is a factor affecting reproductive efficiency in
cattle. The experimental objectives were: (1) establish staining methods with MitoTracker Green FM ®,
(2) verify estimated fertilization rates by viewing oocytes inseminated with MitoTracker-stained
spermatozoa, and (3) determine stain affects in early embryo development. A pooled sample of semen
was divided into six 0.5-mL aliquots. Following a discontinuous Percoll® gradient, samples were washed
once or twice in 4 mL of buffered solution. The washed pellet was incubated in 0 nM (unstained) or 400
nM MitoTracker Green FM® (stained) at 39ºC for 10 mins. After the second wash, spermatozoa
concentration decreased by 9-fold but appeared unaffected by staining. Percent progressive motility of
sperm counted was not different (P > 0.05) between the control (Percoll ® gradient and one wash), stained,
or unstained treatments following one post staining wash. The effect of MitoTracker ® staining on embryo
development was tested by inseminating oocytes with unstained or stained sperm. Presumptive zygotes
were examined at 20 h post insemination (hpi) to determine if fertilizing spermatozoon could be
visualized by two evaluators, or returned to the incubator without further handling. Stage of embryo
development evaluated at 66 hpi, and oocytes and embryos classified as cleaved (>2-cell) or uncleaved.
Cleavage rate did not differ between embryos from stained and unstained sperm cells, or handled and
unhandled embryos. The interaction between handling and staining indicated cleavage was reduced (P <
0.02) in handled embryos inseminated with stained spermatozoa. The estimated fertilization rate
(fluorescent microscopy) was similar to the cleavage rate recorded for the stained-handled group.
MitoTracker Green FM® solution used at 400 nM does not affect spermatozoa motility. However,
multiple washes affect spermatozoa concentration and motility differently. Staining and handling
spermatozoa does not affect cleavage rate but has a negative effect on embryonic development.
BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INTRINSICALLY DISORDERED PROTEIN
Α-SYNUCLEIN WITH POINT MUTATION A53T
Vincent Nguyen, Columbia University, New York City, New York.
Research Mentor: Dr. Collin M. Stultz, Computational Biophysics Laboratory, Research Laboratory of
Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
The aggregation of the protein α-Synuclein plays a critical role in the formation of Lewy bodies (LB) in
patients with neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). α-Synuclein is characterized as an intrinsically
disordered protein (IDP) because this protein does not form stable secondary or tertiary protein structures.
The A53T point mutation occurs when the amino acid alanine at position 53 of the wild type’s (WT)
amino acid sequence is changed to threonine; in vitro, A53T augments α-Synuclein aggregation ability.
Biochemical techniques were used (plasmid purification, transformation, Fast Protein Liquid
Chromatography (FPLC), etc.) to express, isolate and purify the A53T point mutated protein from
transformed Escherichia coli BL21 Gold DE3. Biophysical techniques were then used to characterize
A53T and compare the results to those obtained for WT. This research has provided information on the
similarity and differences between WT and A53T α-Synuclein.
65
DOCUMENTATION OF FUNGAL DIVERSITY INSIDE A MICROBIAL MAT ECOSYSTEM
FROM CABO ROJO, PUERTO RICO
Livia C. Pagán, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Sharon Cantrell, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Microbial mats have been found to be of great ecological value, their complex dynamics and diversity has
been the subject of deep study. Its natural value is unique, but inside these wide range studies there is not
much literature pertaining to presence and function of fungal groups. Fungi are very important to the
ecosystem and some of its most important features as recycling and decomposition of organic matter and
production of bioactive compounds. There have been studies that show that fungi are part of microbial
mats. In this research, the haypersaline environment microbial mats found in the southwest coast of Cabo
Rojo, Puerto Rico were studied. High temperatures and high salinity label were an extreme environment.
The goal was to document the diversity and construct a genetic library for future studies. The diversity of
the mats was documented by using molecular techniques and fungal-specific markers to specify their
importance inside the microbial mat community. Better knowledge of the diversity encountered in these
mats may help understand the role of fungi inside this ecosystem.
THE EXPRESSION OF PLURIPOTENT GENES IN NORMAL HUMAN ENDOMETRIUM
Kayla Y. Pérez, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San Germán, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. José Teixeira, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are a promising tool for the treatment of degenerative diseases since
they could provide ample supplementation for deficient tissues. An adult cell type suitable for
pluripotency induction should have a differentiated state amenable for reprogramming and ideally their
acquisition from patients should be minimally invasive. Endometrial cells of the uterus are constantly
proliferating, which suggests higher pluripontency capacity, and can be obtained with relative simplicity
from donors. However, an endometrial gene expression profile necessary to determine their
reprogramming fitness has not been reported. The OCT4, SOX2, NANOG and LIN-28 genes have all
been associated in pluripotency. If any of these genes are expressed naturally in the endometrium, the
possibility of developing iPS cells from this tissue source would be high. By performing RT-PCR on
RNA purified from human endometrial cells, it was determined that the OCT4, SOX2, NANOG and
LIN-28 genes are all significantly expressed in the endometrium. Immunohistochemical analysis
confirmed nuclear expression of these pluripotent genes in normal human endometrial epithelial cells.
These results suggest that endometrial tissue should be further explored as a cellular source for
reprogramming into iPS cells, which in turn could be used in future regenerative medicine therapies.
66
A MODIFIED RESIDENT-INTRUDER ASSAY FOR DETERMINATION OF AGRESSIVENESS
IN MICE
Mayrel Pérez, Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, San Germán, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Catherine Dulac, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Olfaction in mice is governed by two distinct systems: the main olfactory epithelium and the vomeronasal
organ. The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is particularly important for guiding social behavior because of its
role in detecting nonvolatile pheromones. Information from the VNO is integrated in the accessory
olfactory bulb and distributed to several brain regions involved in gender-specific conducts such as
parental behaviors, coupling behaviors and antagonistic behaviors. Male territorial defense is a type of
antagonistic behavior relying on aggression towards a same-sex conspecific. This study is focused on
aggressive behavior stimulated through VNO pathway. Especially, the understanding of how pheromones
regulate the aggression responses after variable periods of social isolation. The physiology of neurons in
the central targets of the VNO was studied in order to better understand neural computations underlying
male territorial aggression. Experiments in parallel, intended to clarify the temporal dynamics of the
aggressive response in males, as well as the synaptic physiology of central targets of the VNO are
presented.
UNDERSTANDING THE ICAM-5/MICROGLIA RELATIONSHIP AND ITS ROLE IN HIVASSOCIATED DEMENTIA
Joel Ramkhelawan, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Harris A. Gelbard, University of Rochester Medical Center,
Rochester, New York.
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
HIV-associated dementia (HAD) is a neurocognitive disorder experienced by HIV-infected patients.
Prolonged infection in the central nervous system (CNS) can induce neurocognitive diseases. Most
severely, the afflicted person has neurologic deficits similar to those of end-stage Parkinson’s and
Alzheimer’s disease. HAD is characterized by inflammation in the CNS and synaptic degeneration.
There is evidence that contributing neuropathologic hallmarks of HAD are activated microglia,
infiltrating macrophages, reduced synaptic and dendritic density and frank neuronal loss. The main
interest of this study is to identify candidate molecules that may contribute to or inhibit this pathologic
process. One such candidate is intercellular adhesion molecule-5 (ICAM-5) in its soluble form (sICAM5). Previous clinical studies performed in the laboratory show the pronounced presence of SICAM-5 in
patients with HIV. It is the intent of this study to determine how this protein affects microglia. Other
studies in patients with the herpes simplex virus encephalitis suggest that there is a link between
neuroinflammation
and
ICAM5
expression
and
processing.
While
the
viruses
have different effects on the CNS, the inflammatory environment is conserved in both. It was hypothesize
that the virus triggers the cleaving of ICAM-5 by matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9). SICAM-5 serves
as a signaling molecule that regulates microglianeuronal interactions, possibly contributing to the synaptic
degeneration seen in HAD. Two parallel projects were carried out in this study. First, through
Immunocytochemistry (ICC) an attempt wa made to identify the presence of activated microglia and
ICAM-5 in fixed cells. Secondly, we the process of cloning sICAM-5 was begun with the
intent of observing its effect on cultured microglia. The results were mixed. The antibody used for the
ICC stained astrocytes, probably through cross-reaction with ICAM1, confounds the protocol used. It is
believee that the sICAM5 were successfully cloned into a bacterial expression vector. This vector may be
used in the future to produce purified ICAM5 for in vitro experiments.
67
PRE-EMBEDDING IMMUNOGOLD LOCALIZATION OF ANTIGENS IN MAMMALIAN
BRAIN SLICES
Stephanie Resto, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Thomas Schikorski, Universidad Central de Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
The detection of proteins with antibodies that are conjugated to gold particles has been a major asset to
cell biology and the neurosciences; also, the knowledge that has been acquired about the sub cellular
location of antigens has formed the basis for many hypotheses in regard to protein function. Since
colloidal gold has been introduced to immunocytochemistry, many protocols have been developed. One
of the most widely used techniques is ‘Pre-embedding Immunogold Labeling’. In this research, a slightly
different version of the pre-embedding labeling that resulted in an almost perfect preservation of the ultra
structure was developed. The protocol describes a pre-embedding procedure that gives reliable results
with all the antibodies that produce successful staining as observed with an adequate light microscope
(LM). Implementation of the protocol began with a mild fixation of tissue (brain tissue, in this case) by
transcardial perfusion. The fixed tissue was then thick sectioned with a Vibratone and permeabilized with
detergent. The protocol later exploited indirect immunocytochemistry with fluorescently conjugated
Nanogold antibodies that allowed correlated LM and EM. After the documentation of the LM data, the
Nanogold particles were gold-enhanced and the slices were processed for EM. As a result, the protocol
allowed the penetration of antibodies to slice up to 5 µm, while at the same time preserving the fine
structure at a very high quality.
DISSECTING THE GENETICS OF PATIENTS WITH UNDIFFERENTIATED FEVER
SYNDROME
Lorangelly Rivera, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor:
Maryland.
Raphaela Goldbach-Mansky, M.D., National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda,
Autoinflammatory syndromes are distinguished by reappearing episodes of inflammation without
indication of pathogens, antibodies or antigen specific T-cells. These disorders are primarily caused by a
dysfunction of the innate immune system, without any kind of adaptive immune component. There are
many forms of autoinflammatory syndromes; specifically, periodic fever syndromes include monogenic
diseases such as neonatal-onset multisystem inflammatory disease (NOMID). NOMID is a cryopirin
associated autoinflammatory disease that is characterized by fever, rash, hearing loss, arthralgia and
neurological manifestations. Sporadic mutations in the cold-induced autoinflammatory syndrome 1
(CIAS1) gene have been found in the majority of the patients. The CIAS1 protein binds with ASC and
caspase 1 (CASP1) and forms the inflammasome, a multipart complex that helps process IL-1β into its
active form. Undifferentiated fever syndrome phenotypically resembles an array of autoinflammatory
diseases including NOMID. It was hypothesized in this study that a candid gene approach on CASP1
could potentially be a useful tool in the diagnostic process of patients with undifferentiated fever
syndrome. Ten patients with undifferentiated fever syndrome were selected and sequencing for the CASP
1 gene was performed. It was predicted that a candid gene approach wouldl be useful in understanding the
genetics behind the mechanism of undifferentiated fever syndrome.
68
QUANTATIVE MORPHOLOGY OF THE DEVELOPING CORPUS CALLOSUM IN
HEALTH AND ILLNESS: TRISOMY X SYNDROME
Franchesca Rodríguez, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Jay Giedd, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
This study was about the Triple X syndrome, also called trisomy X or 4,XXX, which is
characterized by the presence of one extra X chromosome in each of a female's cells.
Developmental delays, executive function impairments, and increased risk of anxiety problems
are possible, but these characteristics vary widely among affected girls and women. The Corpus
callosum, that is a wide, flat bundle of axons beneath the cortex in the eutherian brain at the
longitudinal fissure, was also studied. It connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres and
facilitates interhemispheric communication. It is the largest white matter structure in the brain.
RELATIONSHIPS OF LOTIC MACROINVERTEBRATE COMMUNITIES TO PHOSPHORUS,
SUSPENDED SOLIDS, AND STREAM BED ROUGOSITY
Natalia Santiago, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Declan McCabe, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate communities reflect the land use and nutrient inputs from the surrounding
watershed. The use of benthic macroinvertebrates as biological indicators is a well-established approach
to evaluating ecologic quality of fluvial systems. The biodiversity of macroinvertebrates in different
channelized and sinuous urban streams was studied. The tape and chain method was used to measure
stream-bed rougosity to test the hypothesis that macroinvertebrate diversity would be highest where river
beds had more variability of depth. Phosphorus (P) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS) were also used as
direct measures of water quality. For the macroinvertebrate collection, the methodology of Vermont
Stream Assessment (VSA) was followed , where samples were stored in plastic bags with 100% ethanol
for specimen preservation. The hypothesis that more urban streams would have lower biological diversity
and higher P loading was tested. Benthic metrics were further evaluated as potential response variables to
P and TSS. Finally, the hypothesis that filtering collectors would increase as TSS increased was tested.
69
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THREE GENOMES WITH RESPECT TO CONIDIATION,
CIRCADIAN RHYTHMS, AVIRULENCE, APPRESSORIAL FORMATION, AND VIRULENCE
DETERMINANTS
Nelda Vázquez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Thomas Mitchell, Ph.D, SROP: The Ohio State University, College of Food,
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (FAES).
In a world where hunger is a major concern, the rice blast fungus, Magnaporthe oryzae, is the pathogen
responsible for damaging an amount of rice grain that can feed over 60 million people annually. With the
purpose of controlling it, this fungus has been the focus of intense research; however, the molecular
underpinnings of pathogenicity have yet to be fully understood. To better understand key functional
elements related to pathogenesis and development, M. oryzae was compared at the genome level with two
other fungi, Gaeumannomyces graminis var. tritici, the casual agent of take-all of wheat, and
Magnaporthe poae, the cause of Summer Patch which affects different grasses. Genes involved with
circadian rhythms, light perception, conidiation, and secondary metabolism (PKSs and NRPSs), were
identified. AVR genes and signal transduction pathways were analyzed and compared between the fungi.
To compare the genes content, the DNA sequences were identified and compared by using The Broad
Institute database and the NCBI Genbank and Blast. Comparing these genomes will help to understand
the difference between the three fungi and will help gain more insight about the genome-scale
evolutionary patterns and developmental processes involved in fungal biology.
SPECIES RICHNESS AND ECOMORPHOLOGY OF ANOLIS (IGUANIDAE) IN A
SUBTROPICAL MOIST FOREST
WaleskaVázquez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Prof. Eva Dávila, School of Science and Technology, Universidad Metropolitana, San
Juan, Puerto Rico.
The Caribbean has a great variety of reptiles, including the genus Anolis, small arboreal lizards. Earlier
research shows great morphological diversity due to adaptive radiation in the genus, caused by different
environmental reasons, making it the largest genera of reptiles. This investigation was conducted to
determine the species richness and the ecomorphology -ecological effect on the morphology of
organisms- on the different Anolis found at the Reserva Natural de Tortuguero, a subtropical moist forest.
The study compared two different study areas: silica sands and limestone forest. Three species were
identified: A. stratulus, A. cristatellus, and A. pulchellus. Adult individuals were hand collected,
photographed, and measured for body size (SLV), head, legs, and dewlap. Variation in color patterns,
distinctive lines, presence of crest, and sex were also noted. The collected data showed that Anolis
cristatellus individuals from the forest were larger, averaging 53.0mm in body size, compared to those in
the silica sands (46.2mm); A. stratulus, on the other hand, averaged 44.5mm in the sands and 40.7mm in
the forest. This pattern was repeated in the other characteristics measured. A. cristatellus was also more
abundant in woody areas, while A. stratulus and A. pulchellus were more abundant in the silica sands site.
Distinctive different patterns of coloration were noted in the Anolis stratulus of the silica sands, being
prominent the dorsal "saddle" pattern with grayish body color, as opposed to the "inverted hourglass" and
brown body.
70
IMP-1 AND IMP-3 REGULATE IGF-II TO PROMOTE A MORE AGGRESSIVE BREAST
CANCER PHENOTYPE AND MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE SURVIVAL DISPARITY
OBSERVED AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMEN
Emmanuel Villanueva, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Daisy De León, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California.
African-American (AA) women with breast cancer are more likely to have advanced disease at diagnosis,
higher risk of recurrence and poorer prognosis than Caucasian (CA) females. It was demonstrated that
IGF-II protein is highly expressed and that its signaling pathways are significantly activated in breast
tissues and cell lines from AA women in contrast to CA women. Changes in IGF-II protein were not
correlated to IGF-II mRNA. IGF-II regulation is complex and occurs at both, the transcriptional level and
post-transcriptionally through IGF-II mRNA binding proteins (IMPs) and natural IGF-II antisense. IMP-1
is an mRNA regulator associated with cell polarity, cell proliferation, tumor induction and metastasis.
IMP-3 is a novel biomarker for triple negative breast cancer and it is strongly correlated to higher tumor
grade, tumor stage and tumor recurrence. Thus, it was hypothesized that IGF-II protein level in breast
cancer is regulated postranscriptionally by IMP-1 and IMP-3. This study examined the levels of IMP-1
and IMP-3 by Western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR in paired breast tissue
samples and cell lines established from AA and CA patients. The results demonstrate that there are
significantly higher levels of IMP-1 and IMP-3 mRNA and proteins in tissues and cell lines from AA as
compared to CA breast cancer patients. Higher IMP levels correlated with higher IGF-II protein
expression. Therefore, it was concluded that the discordant expression of IGF-II protein and IGF-II
mRNA levels is a result of the translational regulation of IGF-II by IMP-1 and IMP-3. Furthermore,
higher expression of both IMP’s in cell lines and tissues from AA patients as compared to CA increases
IGF-II levels and may contribute to the survival disparity observed among AA breast cancer patients.
Thus, IMP’s contribute to the more aggressive breast cancer phenotype observed among AA breast cancer
patients and represent, along with IGF-II, potential therapeutic targets against health disparities in breast
cancer.
71
CHEMISTRY
PROBING THE CATION- INTERACTION OF METAL (MG++, CA++) AND AMMONIUM
(NH4+) IONS WITH BENZENE AND TWO MODEL AMINO ACIDS
Katherine Calderón, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao, Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Devashis Majumdar, Interdisciplinary Nanotoxicity Center, Jackson State University,
Department of Chemistry, Jackson, Mississippi.
Density functional (DFT) calculations have been carried out to study the cation-p interactions of
Mg++ and Ca++ ion with benzene and two model amino acids, tyrosine and tryptophan. The
compounds p-methyl phenol and 3-methyl indole are considered as the model systems for
tyrosine and tryptophan as the rest of the amino acid side chain of these compounds is
inconsequential in such cation-p interactions. The interactions were further studied between
NH4+ and the modeled p-systems to study the difference between the classical cation-p and the
stronger metal cation-p interactions. The natures of these interactions are further analyzed
through the computed infrared spectra and electrostatics.
Tryptophan-Ca++
Tryptophan
72
SYNTHESIS OF MoS2 SPHERES AND THEIR DISPERSION DUE TO ADDITION OF
COBALT PROMOTERS
Best Oral
(Undergraduate)
Research Mentor: Dr. Manuel Ramos, University of Texas-El Paso, El Paso, Texas.
Spherical shape molybdenum di-sulfide (MoS2) was synthesized from thiomolybdate salts and sodium
silicate as reducing agent under hydrothermal method of synthesis in order to understand the effect cobalt
may have on MoS2 sphere structure. A second reaction was achieved using the same precursors plus
addition of Co under same pressure and temperature conditions. Both products were characterized using
field emission gun electron microscope in Scanning Electron mode and Transmission Electron mode.
Using SEM, it was possible to see the MoS2 spherical shape structure finding a spherical average size
diameter of ~ 2.855 μm. TEM observations provide a MoS2-MoS2 interlayer average distance of ~ 0.63
nm which is in agreement with previous investigations published in the literature. Both products were
investigated under powder x-ray diffraction technique to study principal diffraction crystallographic
directions in both MoS2 and MoS2/Co structures.
INVESTIGATION OF RADICAL PRODUCTION FROM CELLS USING EPR SPIN TRAPPING
Ricardo Cruz, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez
Research Mentor: Frederick A. Villamena, Department of Pharmacology, College of
Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons that have been implicated in the development of
various diseases. This research focused mostly on understanding the mechanisms of oxidative stress in
biological systems through the use of electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) and spin
trapping techniques using radical probes such as nitrone spin traps. In this study, the site of radical
production was explored using two different types of cells, the RAW 264.7 (Mouse leukemic monocyte
macrophage cell line) and the THP-1 (Human acute monocytic leukemia cell line), and radical formation
was detected by EPR spin trapping. These cells were analyzed for their radical production through
stimulation by menadione. Radicals were detected using various types of spin traps, with different cellular
compartmentalization properties, such as DMPO, AMPO, DEPMPO and AMMPO. The spectra were
analyzed for the type of the radicals produced and were quantified. Understanding the location of radical
production from the cell during oxidative insult will lead to better therapeutic strategies using antioxidantbased drugs.
73
INVESTIGATING THE ADSORPTION BEHAVIOR OF THIOLATED POLYETHYLENE
GLYCOL ON GOLD NANOPARTICLES USING INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY:
APPLICATIONS IN TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY FOR CANCER THERAPEUTICS
Melissa E. Dávila, Inter-American University-Metro, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: De-Hao Tsai, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
In applications of nanoparticle-based cancer therapeutics, there is a need for measurement tools to
quantify and characterize molecules bound to the surface of nanoparticles (e.g., targeting moieties,
therapeutic agents). In this study, attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR)
spectroscopy was utilized to perform a quantitative characterization of thiolated polyethylene glycol (SHPEG) uptake onto gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs), as a model system for targeted drug delivery. Adsorption
isotherm studies were performed using SH-PEGs with different relative molecular masses, Mm, (1 kDa, 5
kDa and 20 kDa), and showed that surface coverage for SH-PEG on Au-NPs is inversely proportional to
Mm. Equilibrium binding constants for SH-PEG on Au-NPs were analyzed using a Langmuir adsorption
model, and indicated a strong binding affinity towards Au-NPs (>104 L/mol) via Au-thiol bonds.
Moreover, the capability of using the ATR-FTIR method to quantify the competitive adsorption between
SH-PEG and bovine serum albumin, as a model serum protein, was demonstrate at the Au-NP/solution
interface, providing a prototype approach for understanding possible ligand displacement by molecular
species commonly present in biological systems.
INVESTIGATION OF QUADRUPLEX STRUCTURE OF DNA IN ANHYDROUS MEDIA
Rubén Díaz, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Nicholas V. Hud, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia.
G-quadruplexes are nucleic acids sequences which are rich in guanine and are capable of forming four
stranded structures. These consist of a square arrangement of guanines, stabilized by hydrogen bonding.
They are further stabilized by a cation in the center of the tetrads. Formation of quadruplex structure in
anhydrous media has been recently discovered in the Hud lab. The solvent that was used is so called deep
eutectic solvent (DES), which possesses properties similar to those of the ionic liquids. The DES used in
this study was one formed by mixing choline chloride (m.p. 302˚C) and urea (m.p. 133˚C); it has a
melting point of 12˚C. The cation stabilization of the quadruplex in water depends upon the hydration
energetics of the ion. The cation stabilization of the quadruplex in the DES should therefore follow a
different pattern, which was investigated as a part of this project. Unimolecular quadruplex has been
reported to undergo reversible melting transitions in the DES. It is not the case for the multimolecular
structure, which might be due to the slow refolding kinetics of these quadruplexes. Refolding kinetics of
quadruplexes in the DES was addressed in this work. Circular Dichroism (CD) has proven to be a
valuable tool in the study of the systems above. CD is sensitive to biopolymer secondary structure and
allows the study of melting transitions.
74
INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTIMICROBIAL
BOTANICAL THERAPIES USED IN THE USVI
AND
SYNERGISTIC
EFFECTS
OF
Emilio Edwards, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Research Mentor: LaVerne L. Brown, Ph.D., University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Ethnomedical preparations of botanical products are believed to exhibit enhanced therapeutic value and
reduced toxicities. In efforts to provide more conclusive evidence of the advantages (or disadvantages) of
multi-component ethnomedical preparations over single drug therapies, a systematic phytochemical
investigation of the potential synergistic effects assumed in select botanical remedies on the island of St.
Thomas in the USVI was planned. The synergistic effects of 14 botanical therapies were evaluated in this
study with respect to antimicrobial effects and cytotoxicity. The study was divided into three specific
aims. Specific Aim #1: The antimicrobial profiles of Red Hibiscus, Pink Hibiscus, Banana, Kenip, Cattle
Tongue, Crown of Thorn, Aralias, Avocado, Sour Sop and Sweet Scent were determined using the Disc
Diffusion model against S. marcescens. Cytoxicity profiles for each were determined using the brine
shrimp lethality test (BST). Of the botanical therapies evaluated, only three (R. Hibiscus, Kenip Leaves,
and Sour sop) showed antimicrobial efficacy against S. marcescens and low cytoxicity profiles. Specific
Aim #2: To adequately evaluate synergistic vs. additive effects, a fractionation scheme was designed to
ensure that the grouping of key classes of phytochemicals was optimal. LC-MS fingerprinting was used
to evaluate each fraction. The LC-MS spectra showed that the botanicals with the greatest antimicrobial
efficacy and the least cytotoxity were rich in very polar components. The first series of fractionation
(where the neutral, nonpolar components were separated) confirmed that the polar components were most
responsible for the antimicrobial effects. Fractionation of the decoctions and infusions will continue until
a complete loss in activity is observed, or until individual active component(s) are characterized. Specific
Aim #3: Fractions that result in a loss in activity (or increased cytoxicity), and show restored activity and
cytoxicity profiles upon re-combining will be further investigated to identify the mechanisms of the
synergistic effects.
75
THE EFFECT OF MICROWAVE HEATING ON VARIOUS REACTION STOICHIOMETRIES
Brittany Fisher, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Research Mentors: Dr. Alvin Kennedy and Dr. Angela Winstead, Morgan State University, Baltimore,
Maryland.
Microwaves have been very useful in organic microwave assisted reactions by utilizing the absorptivity
of a substance to increase reaction times. The presiding assumption is that there is predominantly pure
irradiative heating with the use of microwaves. However, depending on the type of vial used, such as
quartz and Pyrex (borosilicate glass), one may observe a greater amount of conductive heating in
conjunction with microwave heating than initially thought. By studying a specific reaction and utilizing
different stoichiometric ratios in a single mode microwave system, one may be able to study how the use
of a different type of vial allows for more uniform microwave heating and the mechanism of the reaction
during microwave heating. It was hypothesized that the CEM microwave system, with the use of quartz
vials rather Pyrex vials, will provide the best conditions to first determine whether microwave or
conductive heating is most prevalent. It was then expected to observe that microwave heating on
stoichiometric as opposed to non-stoichiometric ratios might affect reaction efficiency, product
distribution, and yield when compared to thermal reactions. Results suggest that the CEM microwave
system with the joint Explorer and Discover system is more consistent for measuring the heating profiles
of the various solvents in quartz and Pyrex vials. However, the CEM Discover microwave system is
more suitable for future experiments that will obtain heating profiles with the use of a fiber optic probe.
For the organic substances, the 2,3,3-trimetylindonenine heated to each set temperature in the Pyrex vials
while only reaching a maximum of 150 in the quartz vials; 2-methylbenzothiale and iodoethane did not
reach any of the set temperatures.
76
PROGRESS TOWARD THE SYNTHESIS OF CYANO CYANINE DYES: THE EFFECT OF
SURFACE FUNCTIONALITY AND SAMPLE VOLUME
Tsehai Grell, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Research Mentor: Dr. Kadir Aslan, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
The understanding of molecular structures and interactions of proteins using crystallization to develop
new drug treatments that target specific human diseases is an ongoing challenge to researchers in
academia and in industry alike. Although many crystallization techniques exist, there is still need for one
that
affords better control over the crystallization process in a timely manner. Metal Assisted and
Microwave Accelerated Evaporative Crystallization (MA-MAEC) combine the use of metal
nanostructures and low power heating to control and accelerate the crystallization process. The proof-ofprinciple of this technique was demonstrated using a model amino acid, glycine. It was hypothesized that
the different functional groups on silver surfaces and sample volume may affect time, morphology and
purity of crystals. To test these hypotheses the surface functionality was altereded by
soaking freshly prepared Silver island films in 0.5mM of self assembled monolayers of alkane thiols
Hexamethylene
diamine
(HMA),
11-Mercaptoundecanoic
acid
(MUDA),
Undecanethiol (UDET)) for about 3 hours. The slides were then washed and dried and 5-100
µL of a 3.2 M glycine solution was pipetted onto the modified surfaces and heated in the microwave.
The time taken for the solution to totally evaporate was recorded. The conditions of the experiment were
varied in three ways: 1) four different surfaces; glass, HMA, MUDA and UDET 2) three different
pH values (pH 4, 6 and 9) for glycine solution, 3) Room temperature. At pH 6, 100% pure α-form of
glycine
was
produced
on
HMA
and
MUDA
surface
in
~40 seconds.
At
pH 9, only HMA produced crystals in a ratio of 40:60% α: β. It was observed that volume had no effect
on time taken for evaporation by microwave heating on glass, HMA and MUDA
surfaces.
Crystallization of pH 6 solution is most favorable using HMA and MUDA surfaces where as pH9
surfaces favour HMA surfaces.
77
INVESTIGATING POTENTIAL DRUG LEADS FROM THE MARINE RED MACROALGAE
PEYSSONNELIA SP.
Freddie Irizarry, School of Biological Sciences, University of Puerto Rico – Mayaguez Campus,
Research Mentors: Dr. Julia Kubanek and Tracey L. Myers, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta,
Georgia.
The marine red macroalgae genus Peyssonnelia sp. has been an ideal candidate for the discovery of novel
chemical compounds that demonstrate unique biomedical characteristics. Recent studies have been able to
point out novel sesquiterpene hydroquinones active against cancer cell lines and sterol glycosides active
in kind against the latter. It has been suggested that this species may generate diverse chemical
compounds of biomedical importance, specifically compounds active against human microbial pathogens.
Unfortunately, few studies have been completed to support this hypothesis. In the following experiment,
organic solvents from a Fijian red alga Peyssonnelia sp. were generated and evaluated for biomedical
activity against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus aureus, two drug resistant human pathogens. This
experiment showed that no extracts inhibited the growth of wild-type or amphotericin-resistant C.
albicans; however, two nonpolar fractions resulted in minimum inhibitory concentrations of 250 ug/mL
and 500 ug/mL against S. aureus. These results suggest the presence of biomedically active chemical
compounds, although further study is warranted to isolate the possible compounds.
Acknowledgements: This research project was supported by the NSF Aquatic Chemical Ecology REU
Program, the Kubanek Lab and the Georgia Institute of Technology. We would also like to thank Dr. Julia
Kubanek, Tracey L. Myers, Robert D. Sieg, Kelsey Poulson, Dr. An-Shen Lin and Dr. Sebastian Engel
for their expert advice and contribution in the elaboration of this research project.
78
DETERMINATION OF THE EQUILIBRIUM CONSTANT OF CMPO-HDEHP SYSTEMS

Stella Jarvis, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

Research Mentor: Stanley Latesky, PhD, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas Virgin Islands; and
Gregg Lumetta, PhD, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

With the concern surrounding the use and supply of fossil fuels, researchers and engineers have looked to
other forms of energy to sustain the human race for years to come. There is renewed interest in nuclear
power because of its fuel availability for decades to come, and the fact that it produces very little
greenhouse gas emissions. If fission-based nuclear fuel is to be produced as a widespread form of energy,
isolation of the waste from the environment and reduction of the long-term risk will be essential. Because
of this, the scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have been investigating new
ways to reprocess and reuse nuclear fuels as a means to turn nuclear energy into a renewable energy
source. Transuranic elements, found in nuclear waste, can then be extracted and reused thus limiting the
amount of high risk radioisotopes requiring disposal and closing the nuclear fuel cycle. One system being
investigated uses a combination of bis-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and octyl(phenyl)-N,Ndiisobutyl carbamoylmethyl-phosphine oxide (CMPO) to extract and separate the transuranic elements
from other components of irradiated fuel. In this work, various samples were created for Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy to calculate the equilibrium constant of the adduct(s) that form
between HDEHP and CMPO. Understanding of this equilibrium is necessary to the understanding and
development of the process for separating the transuranic elements. Numerous experiments were carried
out under a variety of conditions. Measurements were done using varying concentrations of HDEHP with
0.1 M of CMPO in dodecane contacted with deionized water. An attempt was made to measure the
dimerization constant for HDEHP using NMR. The results were not consistent with the literature values
of K for the dimerization of HDEHP, suggesting that the NMR technique is perhaps not suitable for
determining the HDEHP dimerization constant. However, the equilibrium constant for the formation of
the CMPO-HDEHP adduct was obtained.
79
INVESTIGATION OF THE ANTIPROLIFERATIVE AND SYNERGISTIC EFFECTS OF
BOTANICAL THERAPIES USED IN THE USVI
Dimitri Maduro, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Research Mentor: LaVerne L. Brown, Ph.D., University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
In today’s society many diseases have been cured by synthetic medicines made in laboratories. Efficacy
claims from most synthetic pharmaceutical treatments are based on the properties of a single active
ingredient. In the Virgin Islands many locals use ethno medical preparations containing a mixture of
several “active” ingredients to relieve common illnesses; this is also called folk medicine or ethnomedicine. This study investigated the potential synergistic benefits of multi-component ethno medical
preparations over single drug therapies. Specifically, the research group evaluated the synergistic effects
with respect to the antiproliferative properties of 14 botanical therapies used in the USVI. Evaluation of
the antiproliferative properties will provide preliminary evidence of potential uses of the therapies for
anti-cancer treatments. The study was divided into three specific aims. Specific Aim #1: The
antiproliferation profiles of the ethnomedical preparations of Red Hibiscus, Pink Hibiscus, Banana,
Kenip, Cattle Tongue, Crown of Thorn, Aralias, Avocado, Sour Sop and Sweet Scent. Antiproliferation
were determined and evaluated using the brine shrimp lethality model for cytotoxicity. Decoctions and/
or infusions of Kenip leaves, aralias, sour sop, and kenip seeds resulted in greater than 70% cytotoxity at
concentrations less than 100ppm. Specific Aim #2: To adequately evaluate synergistic vs. additive
effects, a fractionation scheme was designed to ensure that the grouping of key classes of phytochemicals
was optimal. LC-MS fingerprinting was used to evaluate each fraction. The LC-MS spectra showed that
the active botanicals were rich in more nonpolar components than the inactive botanicals. Fractionation
of the decoctions and infusions will continue until a complete loss in activity is observed, or until
individual active component(s) are characterized. Specific Aim #3: Fractions that result in a loss in
activity (or increased toxicity), and show restored activity and toxicity profiles upon re-combining will be
further investigated to identify the mechanisms of the synergistic effects.
CHARACTERIZATION
BELTSVILLE CAMPUS
OF
AMBIENT
AEROSOLS
AT
HOWARD
UNIVERSITY
Carlos Rivera, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Vernon Morris, Howard University, Washington, D. C.
The importance of characterizing aerosols present in areas like city borders will better determine the
possible complications that can result from high concentrations of pollutants present. Unlike gases
pollutants, it is important with aerosols to measure not only the concentration, but also the chemicals that
compose the aerosols and the size distribution of these particles. For this, a battery of equipment like the
one used in this research is needed. The compositions of the aerosols present at the Howard University
Beltsville Campus were measured with an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer using filter samples collected
with an Air Sequential Sampler. The filters used were PTFE laminated membrane filters, each filter was
exposed for a period of 24 hours. The size distribution measurements were collected with a Laser Particle
Sampler, in intervals of 15 minutes each. The data was collected from June 9 to June 15 of 2010. For the
composition study lead, magnesium, cadmium and arsenic were selected as the target metals, but due to a
number of complications the study was only tested for arsenic and the concentration determined in these
samples was of 0.035 mg/L. The data collected for the size distribution study was used to do a Time
Series Analysis, which showed that the particle size distribution was directly affected by the weather
events of the region. Further research must be done in order to obtain a better prediction of the
complications caused by these pollutants present in the city borders.
80
THEORETICAL STUDIES ON THE (H2O)N AND (H2O)NXM+ (N = 2, 3; X = H, LI, NA, MG,
CA; M = 1, 2) CLUSTERS
Weyshla Rodriguez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Research Mentor: Devashis Majumdar, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi.
Density functional (DFT) and Møller-Plesset second order perturbation (MP2) calculations were carried
out on the (H2O)n (n = 2, 3) clusters and their protonated forms (H5O2+, and H7O3+) to investigate the
nature of interactions in such clusters. The hydrated metal ion clusters of such species, viz., (H2O)nXm+
(X = Li, Na, Mg, Ca; m = 1, 2 depending on the X) were further studied at these level of theories to
investigate the change of interaction with respect to the corresponding protonated clusters and hence the
influence of such a change on the acid-base properties of such clusters. The infrared spectra of all of these
clusters were also computed and compared with the available results to validate the structures of the
computed clusters.
PREPARATION OF THE TRANSMEMBRANE DOMAIN OF APP RECEPTOR IN NATIVE
MEMBRANE FOR SOLID STATE NMR
Adriana Santiago, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Xingsheng Wang, Ph. D, and Fang Tian, Ph. D, Pennsylvania University College of
Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Hershey , Pennsylvania.
The type I transmembrane protein SorLa, confines Amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the trans-Golgi
Network (TGN) reducing its trafficking to the cell membrane and consequently hinders the production of
Aβ peptide, which is strongly related to Alzheimer’s disease. AD is the most common form of dementia
in the elderly. Current estimates suggest that as many as 5.3 million Americans are living with AD and
projections are that more than $20 trillion will be spent on treatment costs over the next 40 years
(http://www.alz.org). In this study, an in-situ procedure to prepare the transmembrane domain (TM) of
SorLA in native membrane environment for the structural analysis using Magic-Angle Spinning (MAS)
solid state NMR was investigate. SorLA TM was expressed with a fusion partner, maltose binding protein
(MBP) in the Escherichia coli (E. coli) membrane at a high level (~20 mg/L). After optimizing
experimental conditions, a sample of SorLA TM in native E.coli membrane was successfully prepared
with purity ~80%. Initial 13C and 15N solid state MAS NMR experiments supported the feasibility of a
structural study of SorLA TM in native membrane environments. If successful, this approach will avoid
several complications in the conventional structural analysis of membrane proteins including detergent
extraction and artificial membrane mimics reconstitution.
81
UNDERSTANDING
FROM
MOLECULAR
PERSPECTIVE
THE
MOS2-CO
UNSUPPORTED CATALYTIC NANOSTRUCTURES BY HRTEM AND TEM
SIMULATIONS
Joseph B. Serrano, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Manuel Ramos, University of Texas, El Paso, Texas.
Understanding the morphology on catalytically active materials has been approached in past decades
with very good results by using field emission gun electron microscopy, especially the usage of
transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Recent investigations on Cobalt promoted MoS2 had
shown insights on catalytic layered transition metal sulfides (LTMS). However, due to resolution,
color enhancement, tomography and other factors, sections of those materials observed under TEM
does not resolve the structure by itself meaning understanding the location of cobalt atoms on
molybdenum disulfide structure. Previous results provide just implications on how both species
MoS2 and Co9S8 interact with each other, indicating a lattice distance of 0.62 nm and 0.299 nm of
Mo-S and Co respectively. This study fits according to experimental data from HRTEM
observations with molecular modeling and TEM simulations. TEM simulator performs a full
dynamical calculation by multi-slice method with a slice thickness of 0.1 Å and using projected
potential, where ai and bi are coefficients to be determined. The variable U = (u, v, w) is used to
represent coordinates in reciprocal space (Fourier space) quantities (spatial frequencies). f(U) is the
atomic dispersion factor. From simulations it was understood that beam dosage plays an important
role on getting the resolution due to fact that a higher k-factor >1, will make atoms radii look thicker
than normal, provoking overlapping on the results. Also, resolving the interaction between MoS2
and Co9S8 leads to this conclusion: MoS2 nucleates epitaxially on Co9S8 (111)-plane as observed
from HRTEM results.
82
PROGRESS TOWARD THE SYNTHESIS OF CYANO CYANINE DYES
Deveine Toney, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Research Mentors: Dr. Angela Winstead and Dr. Kadir Aslan, Morgan State University, Baltimore,
Maryland.
Cyanine dyes have recently been employed as sensors for protein conformational changes and protein
interactions during in vivo cell imaging. They have also been able to detect KB positive tumor cells using
a folate receptor. However, in some cases, cyanine dyes used in these studies have been known to
photobleach. Several strategies exist in alleviating the issue of photobleaching. The main focus of this
research was to improve the photostability of symmetric cyanine dyes with the addition of cyano group
(eg. cyano cy-3 dyes) using microwave assisted organic synthesis (MAOS). The initial studies focused
on the synthesis of cy-3 sulfur dyes and their heterocyclic sulfur salt precursors so that a reference can be
set for the synthesis of the cyano cyanine dye. The use of MAOS afforded for significant reduction in
reaction time, improvement in product yield and purity. Based on NMR data, heterocyclic sulfur salt
derivatives were synthesized using MAOS with yields up to 90% as compared to 40% yield in
conventional methods. On the other hand, the use of MAOS resulted in low yields for cy-3 sulfur dyes. It
was also found that cyano salt derivatives were less reactive than its preliminary sulfur salt derivatives
for the product contained significant amounts of starting material. In addition, cyano salt precursors were
purified using a new crystallization technique, called metal-assisted and microwave-accelerated
evaporative crystallization (MA-MAEC). In MA-MAEC, the combined use of silver nanoparticles and
microwave heating results in the selective crystallization of cyano salt precursors from the reaction
medium. Subsequently, cyano salt precursors were used in the synthesis of cyano CY-3 dyes and their
photostability was measured.
83
COMPUTER SCIENCES
PERVASIVE OUTLET-LEVEL ENERGY DATA MONITORING AND ARCHIVING
Sara Ávila, Polytechnic University, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: David Irwin, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts.
The price of electricity continues to rise due to both increasing demand and constrained supply. As a
result, reducing power consumption in buildings and homes is important. The first step to reducing
consumption is to observe and understand typical consumption patterns. This project’s primary objective
was to monitor real-time consumption of electricity of standard 120V power outlets using cheap, off-theshelf sensors. The Kill-A-Watt sensors used only cost $20 at Home Depot. The goal was to collect and
store outlet-level information indefinitely and make it accessible over the web. In this project, a Kill-AWatts was constructed and calibrated by attaching a wireless radio. These meters were then connected to
the Google PowerMeter API to allow Google to store data. Once the initial prototype was working, the
existing Google PowerMeter/Kill-a-Watt system was augmented to support multiple sensors
simultaneously.
IDENTIFYING SPECIFIC ZINC FINGER PROTEINS USING MACHINE LEARNING
CLASSIFIER
Glorimar Castro, University of Puerto Rico-Humacao, Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Deepak Reyon, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Zinc finger proteins (ZFPs) are potentially powerful tools for gene therapy and reverse genetics. To make
more accurate and effective use of these tools, algorithms for predicting the best ZFP for binding a chosen
DNA target site are necessary. The Zinc Finger Database (ZiFDB) contains information about hundreds
of ZFPs that bind a specific 9 base pair region of DNA; these do not always function as expected. In order
to reduce the experimental effort required to generate a functional ZFP, computational models that are
capable of identifying ZFPs for a given DNA target site are essential. Using the identities of amino acid
residues known to contact DNA (i.e., positions -1,2,3, and 6 in the ZFP DNA recognition helix) and the
sequence of the DNA target site as input, a Naïve Bayes classifier capable of identifying the best existing
ZFP that binds a chosen DNA target sequence was generated. The classifier was evaluated using leaveone-out cross validation, resulting in an AUC of ROC of 0.90, an accuracy of 86%, specificity of 86%,
and sensitivity of 94%. The classifier was used to identify ZFPs that can be used to construct Zinc Finger
Nucleases (ZFNs) capable of modifying specific genes in zebrafish. Because the effectiveness of a ZFN
depends on how specific it is for the desired target site, classifiers to identify potential off-target sites are
currently being developed. Ultimately, these classifiers will be combined to identify ZFNs that can be
used for genetic therapy in humans.
84
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INFORMATION LOSS USING SDC METHODS
Jorge R. Castro, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Vicenç Torra, Ph. D. , Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (IIIA) at the
Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB), Spain.
Security is a priority in any system these days. Thanks to the ubiquity mobile devices and portable
computer the amount of information stored is growing faster each time. Protection of the individual
privacy whose data is being collected is very important. Statistical Disclosure Control (SDC) tries to keep
a balance between data access and privacy protection. The purpose of this study was to analyze different
types of microdata sets commonly used by researchers, Tarragona and Census, both numerical microdata.
It used several microaggregation methods (MDAV, RMD, PCA, PPPCA) of SDC with numerical
microdata and compared two techniques of information loss, Probabilistic Information loss(PIL) and the
Sum of Squares Error(SSE). Many researchers only use only one of them. The results were compared
with the correlation of each of the variables for each technique. The results indicated that both techniques,
PIL and SSE, have a very high linear correlation.
COMPUTER FORENSICS
David Delgado, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Ángel González, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan,
Puerto Rico.
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
The Computer Forensics Project consists of improving the functionality, reliance and quality of a
forensics console application. Foremost is a data carving application used on the computer forensics field.
The goal consists on enabling the application to run in a network environment that involves various
computers, using the socket protocols to establish a client/server connection between computers that have
Foremost installed on each one of them. Afterwards, the improvements are tested with the following
testing tools: Computer Forensic Reference Data Sets (CFReDS) from the National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST).
85
COOPERATIVE MAPPING AND ASSESSMENT USING SMARTPHONES
Joksan X. Flores, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Christian Poellabauer, University of Notre Dame, Indiana.
Today’s smart phones present great potential for gain for both consumers and developers. An open source
platform such as the Android platform was one of the greatest assets in the design of the cooperative
mapping application for this project. In this project, the concept of cooperative mapping was used as the
focus for the development of an Android software application in which users would be able to post
information about their findings on a specific geographical location on a map. As an example, a
participant of a rescue team in a disaster area would need a mapping application that would allow a team
to effectively communicate and share findings. Towards this end, the Android’s networking capabilities
were utilized to share user's location and findings between teammates. With this as the basis for the
application, Google Maps applications were utilized to set the framework. The function was created to
“drop a pin” at the user’s location (for example, if the user were to find a victim or roadblock).
Furthermore, each of these “pins” were made editable so that the user could add specific information
about their findings. So far the managed wireless connection mode (i.e., via access points) was supported,
while future work will extend this to the ad hoc wireless connection mode. Further ideas for a testing field
were to develop a game in which every player will have an Android phone and use it to explore the
university's campus.
TEKKOTSU SUPPORT FOR THE CALLIOPE PLATFORM
Francisco Palou, Universidad Politécnica, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: David S. Touretzky, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
The Tekkotsu robotics software framework (available at Tekkotsu.org) contains a graphical user interface
for teleoperating robots, including those with arms. At the start of this project, Tekkotsu's Arm Control
only handled planar arms. Calliope is a new mobile robot with a multi-dof (degree of freedom) arm with
gripper that can move in three dimensions. The Arm Remote Control graphical interface was extended to
handle arbitrary arms that can move in both the horizontal and vertical planes, including the 5-dof arm
currently installed on Calliope. Controlling robot arms by directly setting joint angles is difficult because
of their complex kinematics. A key component of the approach to this research was to use two inverse
kinematics solvers, one for the horizontal plane and one for the vertical, each of which handles multiple
joints. The graphical interface has two frames, displaying the horizontal and vertical projections of the
arm. By clicking and dragging a control point with the mouse, the user can drag the end-effector in one
of the frames and the kinematics solver computes the necessary joint angles to move the arm accordingly.
The new Arm Control has been tested using Tekkotsu's Mirage simulator.
86
COMPUTATIONAL EXPERIMENTS: RELIABLE LOCATION ON A NETWORK
Ismarie Ramírez, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: José Santivanez, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
The purpose of this research project in Operations Research and optimization was to design a
computational experiment for the algorithm that solves the relisum problem on a network with unreliable
edges. The initial results of the computational experiment is a polynomial equation that relates the time it
takes the computer to solve the algorithm with the amount of nodes and edges of the network it solved.
INTEGRATION OF AN RFID READER TO A WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK AND THE
USE OF IT TO IDENTIFY AN INDIVIDUAL CARRYNG RFID TAGS
Bolivar F. Torres, Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Natarajan Meghanathan, Jackson State University, Jackson, Missippippi.
The objective of this research project is to integrate an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader into
a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) to authorize or keep track of people carrying RFID tags. The
objective was accomplished by integrating hardware and software. The hardware consisted of two WSN
nodes – the RFID device connected to one of the WSN nodes, and a computer connected to the other
WSN node. For the RFID equipment, the SM130-EK kit was used, which included the RFID reader and
the RFID tags; and for the WSN the Synapse Network Evaluation kit was used, which included the two
sensor nodes. The software consisted of a program module developed in Python to control the
microprocessors of the nodes; and a database controlled by a simple program to manage the tag IDs of
people wearing them. The WSN and RFID devices were connected through I2C interfacing. Also, the
work of sending commands to the RFID device, to make it read a tag and send it back to the computer,
was accomplished by the Python code developed which also controls the data signals. At the computer,
the received tag ID wass evaluated with other existing tag IDs on the database, to check if that tag has
authorization or not to be in the covered area. This project has the potential of being adapted for use with
secure real-time access control applications involving WSN and RFID technologies.
87
ELECTRODE MODEL FOR GLOW DISCHARGE CONFINEMENT USING MATLAB
Luis G. Vélez, Mechanical Engineering-Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Ángel González PhD, Eng. Franklyn Colmenares, Polytechnic University, San Juan,
Puerto Rico.
Glow discharge is the phenomenon in which a current passes through a noble gas at low pressure forming
plasma in its way. This project consisted of two phases: the first was to design and build a stainless steel
shape that would best confine plasma in a uniform way, and the second was to model the basic properties
of the plasma inside this shape. The PUPR M/C plasma machine had to be adapted for this project, in
order to create plasma by electrostatic confinement, which is a technique used to enclose and retain
plasma using an electrostatic field. This was done by introducing the stainless steel wire shape into the
machine’s vacuum chamber in the presence of Nitrogen gas. The shape was connected to a negative high
voltage source, turning it into an electrode and using the machine as the positive, a glow discharge was
created. The focus of this phase of the project was to create a mathematical model to explain the behavior
(temperature, density) of the plasma observed during the first experiment. The model was created in
MATLAB by using Vlasov’s equation, the Ideal gas Law and as an input, the voltages used in the first
part of the experiment. In order to conduct a verification of the model, further physical measurements are
expected to be done with a single Langmuir probe.
88
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
TRACING PRE-TROPICAL CYCLONE AFRICAN EASTERLY
CONVECTIVE SYSTEMS OVER AFRICAN CONTINENT
WAVE-MESOSCALE
Delonte Duff, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Research Mentor: Delonte Duff, Dr. Yuh Lang Lin, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro,
North Carolina.
The African easterly waves (AEWs) and their embedded mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) serving
as precursors for the major hurricanes over eastern Atlantic Ocean were traced back to African continent.
The focus of this study was hurricanes and tropical storms formed in the west of Africa (30-40E, 5-15N)
from 2000 to 2008. Based on Meteosat infrared imagery there were convective systems associated with
all the hurricanes and storms observed moving across the continent. Reanalysis data and GRADS were
used to prove that the MCSs observed were indeed associated with AEWs and most of them were
originated from eastern Africa, as far as the Ethiopian Highlands. The simulations by global model (GFS)
showed propagating waves and convection over Africa.
IMPACT OF ROAD CROSSINGS ON STREAM WATER QUALITY DURING BASE FLOW
AND STORM FLOW IN BURLINGTON, VERMONT
Calinés Guerrero, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Edmund Hart, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
Road crossings represent a major point source of pollutants for streams. Using a list of potentially
heavily impacted sites provided by the Vermont Department of Transportation (VTrans), four streams
were selected to measure the effect of road crossings on stream pollution. Two questions were of
nterest: 1) Are road crossings a source of pollution? and 2) Does rainfall affect the strength of the
effect a road crossing has? Phosphorus (P), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and total suspended solids (TSS)
were measured. Two replicates were taken for each parameter; one downstream (impacted) and one
upstream (control), and this was done twice for each stream, once during base-flow and once during a
storm flow. Roads crossings are a source of pullution in the streams especially in strorm flow because
the concentration for P, E. coli and TSS are higher than the concentrations in base-flow.
89
EFFECT OF AGRIGULTURAL AND URBAN AREA MEASURED AT DIFFERENT SCALES
ON E. COLI IN THATCHER BROOK, VT
Perla Martínez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Lexie Haselton, Stream Project, Vermont.
E. coli is a gram-negative bacterium that is commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded
animals and humans (EPA 2008). Different sources of fecal contamination and associated E. coli found in
surface water include wastewater treatment plants, on-site septic systems, domestic and wild animal
manure, and storm water runoff. The purpose of this research was to examine if the quantity of agriculture
and urban area within a 100-meter stream buffer or stream catchment area affects the concentration of E.
coli measured in the water column. Water samples collected in the field at six sites along Thatcher Brook
in central Vermont were analyzed in the VT Streams Project water quality laboratory. The agriculture and
urban area data was compiled and analyzed using GIS (Geographic Information Systems), a software
program capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and displaying geographically referenced data.
Geospatial processing, NAIP (National Agriculture Imagery Program) satellites photos and digital
orthophotos were used to create a land use dataset of the Thatcher Brook catchment area. This land use
dataset was used to calculate the amount of area in agricultural and urban land use within the buffer and
catchment area. The percent of area in agricultural and urban land use for each monitoring site was
regressed against the water quality values. The results show that the agriculture within a 100 meter of
buffer most significantly affects the concentrations of E coli.
HOW THE PH AFFECTS THE MACROINVERTEBRATE BIODIVERSITY
Ramón Peña, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Declan McCabe, Saint’s Michael College, Colchester, Vermont.
The variation in the pH could have an effect in the biodiversity and richness in the streams. Different
streams in Vermont were analyzed to measure the pH and the biodiversity of the macro invertebrates
present in those streams. Nets were used to obtain the bug samples in the streams and the pH meter was
used to measure the pH in the stream. After the samples were collected with the nets, they were placed in
a pack with ethanol. The samples were taken to the laboratories to be collected. After the samples were
collected, the insects were examined and the diversity in those streams was compared with the pH.
90
A SOLUTION TO EXCESS PHOSPHORUS IN STREAMS?
FILTERS IN SHELBURNE FARMS, SHELBURNE, VERMONT
LOOKING AT BIOCHAR
Karoline Ríos, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Eulaila R. Ishee and Donald S. Ross, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
Shelburne Farms is a non-profit environmental education center near Lake Champlain in Shelburne,
Vermont, established in 1889. While a model farm, some streams on the property have low water quality
due to excess levels of phosphorus and E.coli. Phosphorus (P) is a common element that is found in
plants, animals, soils and throughout watersheds. While it is an essential nutrient for plant growth, in
excess P acts as a pollutant. P can affect the water quality and increase algal blooms in Lake Champlain.
Phosphorus has different sources: fertilized lawns, cropland, manure storage areas, soils, rocks and
wetlands. E. coli is a gram negative bacteria found in the lower intestine of animals and humans. High
levels of E. coli are considered a health hazard. In April 2010, two biochar filters were installed on two of
the five streams on site. Biochar is a charcoal type compound of a chemical decomposition called
pyrolysis. The biochar filters have the potential to retain and absorb nutrients from the streams and reduce
E. coli levels. The purpose of this research was to test the effects of the biochar filters in reducing
phosphorus and E.coli in the streams. Samples were collected and compared from upstream and
downstream of the biochar filters.
REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES GENERATION OF HUMAN (TK6) LYMPHOBLAST CELLS
Tiffany Rios, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Beatriz Zayas, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The main objective of this study was to determine the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as part
of the chemical induced cell death process in TK6 human lymphoblast cells after exposure to the
phthalate, 2-Ethyl–1-hexanol (EH). 2-Ethyl – 1-hexanol is an organic alcohol produced after
biotransformation of the parent compound, di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP). Humans can be exposed to
phthalates as plasticizers through personal care products, such as lotions or home products such as paint,
inks, and detergents. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are a class of ubiquitous molecules including
species such as superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radicals (OH-). ROS
are implicated in normal biological processes as well as in many human diseases and are key in the
process of apoptosis induced by chemical exposures. The TK6 lymphoblast cells were cultured on
12.5cm2 flasks on modified RPMI 1640 culture media with 10% FBS, and incubated at 37°C with 5%
CO2. For determination of ROS generation TK6 cells were exposed to EH at the concentration that
inhibits fifty percent cell death, IC50 (75nM) for 48 hours. Positive (Cisplatin) and negative (DMSO)
controls were also included. Cell viability was assessed by the Trypan Blue exclusion protocol with the
CountessTM cell counter. ROS generation was determined by fluorescent activity applying for 30
minutes the fluorescent dye 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA). ROS activity was measured
using the ModulusTM Fluorometer, monitoring the DCFH-DA excitation and emission wavelengths, 485
and 530nm respectively. Results indicated that EH generated an amount of 96.31 Fluorescence Standard
Units (FSU), the negative control Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) generated an amount of 58.22 FSU, and
the positive control (Cisplatin) generated an amount of 1309.67 FSU. The results clearly demonstrated the
capacity of EH to induce ROS generation in TK6 cells as part of their cell death process.
91
QUANTIFYING THE EFFECTS OF WETLANDS WITHIN A 100 METER BUFFER ON
STREAM WATER QUALITY IN CENTRAL VERMONT
Nelybeth Santiago, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Lexie Haselton, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
Wetlands provide a multitude of ecological, economic and social benefits. They provide habitat for fish,
wildlife and a variety of plants. Wetlands are breeding places for many saltwater and freshwater fish.
Many wetlands remove pollutants from surface runoff and small streams. They do this by retaining
sediments and the toxic pollutants attached to those sediments such as TSS (total suspended solids),
phosphorus, heavy metals and pesticides. The purpose of this research was to examine if the quantity of
wetlands within a 100 meter buffer of Thatcher Brook in central Vermont affects the concentration of
TSS, phosphorous and E.coli measured in the water column. The water collected in the field was analyzed
in the VT Streams Project water quality laboratory. The wetlands data was compiled and analyzed using
GIS (Geographic Information Systems), a software program capable of capturing, storing, analyzing, and
displaying geographically referenced data. Geospatial processing and NAIP satellites photos (National
Agriculture Imagery Program) and digital orthophotos were used to create a land use dataset of the
Thatcher Brook catchment area. This land use dataset was used to calculate the amount of area in
wetlands within the buffer. The percentage of area in wetlands for each monitoring site was regressed
against the water quality values. It was anticipated that the results would show that the wetlands within a
100 meter of buffer affect considerably the concentrations of TSS on E. coli.
EXAMINING EFFECTS OF A CAPPED LANDFILL ON GROUNDWATER AND ALLUVIAL
SOILS NEAR INDIAN BROOK IN ESSEX, VT
Dorielys M. Valentín, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Waters Corp.
AWARD
Research Mentor: Eulaila R. Ishee, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont.
A landfill is a site for the disposal of waste materials by burial and is the oldest form of waste treatment.
Capping landfills is a common practice to decommission the facility. The fact that a landfill is capped
does not mean it is no longer an environmental danger, because generally they were made years ago,
without any environmental precautions and waste remains below the cap. The objective of this project
was to compare levels of phosphorus and other potential pollutants in soil and groundwater samples near
Indian Brook based on distance from capped landfill and local hydrology. The intent was to examine the
effects of the landfill on the riparian areas surrounding Indian Brook. Water samples were filtered to
isolate water soluble elements, while soil samples were extracted to compare total values. To see the
variations in nutrients and pollutants in soil and ground water, the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass
Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used, which is capable of trace multi-element analysis. This project presents
a method of monitoring the adjacent area of a capped landfill to determine the presence of contamination
in soils and groundwater.
92
APPLIED MATHEMATICS
ANALYSIS OF THE FISCAL IMPACTS OF NATURAL GAS DRILLING ON COMMUNITIES
IN THE MARCELLUS SHALE: AN ASSESSMENT OF INFORMATIONAL NEEDS
Kelvon Barkley, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Research Mentor: Kieran Donaghy, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
The purpose of this study was to provide an informational analysis of the fiscal and economic impacts of
Marcellus Shale horizontal natural gas drilling in New York State. More specifically, it will be argued
that based on other regions with natural gas drilling that the demand in the short-run will increase in the
following markets: government services, local establishments, housing and infrastructure
repair/maintenance; also, employment will increase in the short-term. Short-term, also short-run, is
considered to be one year or less. Based on three case studies, short-term economic positive and negative
effects other towns have encountered from natural gas drilling that will assist New York State were
assessed. Also, an assessment is provided of what is needed to develop various analytical models to
project what will happen in the short-term and long-term within these markets, which include Impact
Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN), Fiscal Impact Analysis and Spatial Intelligence.
DETERMINING ODD TRI PERFECT NUMBERS
Cherise Burton, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Research Mentor: Dr.Iannucci, University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.
Imagine coming so close to stumbling upon something that scientists deemed non-existent for years. This
research project was specifically designed to get a closer look into the world of odd tri perfect numbers.
A positive integer is triperfect if the sum of all its divisors equals three times the integer. It may be written
as s(N)=3N, where the function s adds all the divisors of N. No odd examples of such numbers are
known. However, a proof of their nonexistence remains elusive. In the meantime, necessary conditions
for their existence may be obtained. One such result would be, “If an odd triperfect number N exists, then
its largest prime divisor P must exceed 10^9.” To this end, an auxiliary result will be obtained, namely, if
an odd triperfect number N exists, and if no prime divisor of N exceeds 10^9, then 3 is not a divisor of N.
93
SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Monique Davis, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina.
Research Mentor: Dr. Barbara Tankersley, North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North
Carolina.
Supplemental instruction is a program used in schools to assist students in higher academic excellence
and better retention in various courses. Usually when certain courses have a high difficulty rate and/or
low retention rate, supplemental instruction leaders are implemented in the classrooms for the students.
The S.I. leaders are recommended through their previous teachers and selected based upon their academic
performance and previously receiving an excellent grade in the course they will be assisting in. After
selection, all leaders go through training so that they are able to be most beneficial to the students that
choose to attend the S.I. sessions. Leaders are not teacher’s assistants who help grade or create tests,
quizzes, or other assignments. S.I. leaders are students as well, which possibly helps their peers a little
better. They must attend class and do the work as if they were students in the class. S.I. Leaders must
provide at least three hours a week to devote to S.I. sessions for the students in their class. While in these
sessions, the leaders use certain learning strategies to assist the students to learn the material in the most
productive way possible. This way the students are not just memorizing the material, but learning to
understand and apply it. In this presentation, I will share my experience as a Supplemental Instruction
leader and the lessons learned. For the students who did choose to regularly attend my S.I. sessions, there
seemed to be a noticeable difference in their academic behavior. I asked my students to take better notes,
and write down certain questions they would like clarification on. When they came to the sessions they
would ask me and I would help them understand what the question is asking and lead them to performing
the correct method. The students had better assignment scores because I always encouraged them to
continuously practice. Also, if the students attended regularly their test and quiz scores were a little
higher than their peers who were not able to attend. One of the most important things about supplemental
instruction is that it is not tutoring. While a tutor sometimes teaches their students the correct methods to
solve problems, I helped my students learn to teach themselves and to have better understanding of the
material. In my experience as a supplemental instructor, I felt I was an essential tool in the courses I was
in because it benefitted both the students who participated and me. I found it helped me because while
helping others to understand I was enhancing my knowledge of the material. I feel like when my students
put in the right amount of effort their academic habits were better, and they had a much higher
performance rate than they felt they would have gotten without supplemental instruction.
REDUCING THE DENGUE OUTBREAK WITH INSECTICIDES IN PUERTO RICO
Alexis Galarza, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Fabio Sánchez, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
A mathematical model using a system of non-linear differential equations was developed to study the
effects of using insecticide on the mosquito (vector) population. Two cases were studied: one in which
insecticide was used and one without it. The number of infected humans (host) were compared. The basic
reproductive number, R0, was used and numerical simulations were run to study the effects of the
insecticide. The implications of model results to dengue dynamics and its control using insecticide are
discussed.
94
THE EXISTENCE OF MILD SOLUTIONS TO SEMILINEAR FRACTIONAL DIFFUSION
EQUATIONS
Cherre Jefferson, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Research Mentor: Gaston M. N’Guérékata, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland.
This research is devoted to developing conditions under which a mild solution for some semilinear
fractional diffusion equation could be found. an appropriate definition of a mild solution due to El-Borai
was used. The results were obtained using the Banach's Fixed Point Theorem. They generalize a recent
work by G. Mophou.
QA/QC DATA ANALYSIS AND PROCEDURE DEVELOPMENT
Eduan Martínez, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Charles Seaton, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon.
Quality Assessment refers to a program for the systematic monitoring and evaluation of the various
aspects of a project, service, or facility to ensure that standards of quality are being met. Quality control is
a process by which entities review the quality of all factors involved in production. SATURN-03 is a
complex system that works with sensors: CT Flow Meter & Thermistor to detect the different
components, but this time the work was with temperature. The other instrument is the Flow Meter. The
obtained data is introduced on MATLAB Programming Language, (high-level language and interactive
environment that enable an individual to perform computationally intensive tasks faster than with
traditional programming languages) to see the behaviors and analyze the Columbia River estuary features
and changes. The purpose of this research was to develop methods for cleaning up bad data and produce a
data set that had bad data removed from SATURN-03 Endurance Station. The good data generated over
the summer will eventually be used to develop a better understanding of the estuary. The difference
between CT & Thermistor and CT 13m & Thermistor 13m is being observed, because to see the
difference of these data because the CT & Thermistor instruments were installed in 2008 and the Flow
Meter in 2009. The Flow Meter detects any errors and if there any, takes them out of the system for a
better reading comprehension of the figure. This study is important to continue contributing to the field of
oceanography and awareness of people to indirectly counteract global warming.
95
DYNAMIC MUNIPULABILITY FOR A 3-DEGREE OF FREEDOM ROBOT
Tapiwa Maruni, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
Research Mentor: Dr Desmond Stephens, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
In this work, the appropriate motor torque needed to add rotation to a 2-degree of freedom robot is
investigated. The degree of freedom can be thought of as the number of independent variables used to
describe the spatial location of a robot’s end-effectors. The robot in question is limited to planar motion
and therefore has only 2-degrees of freedom. To increase the usefulness of the current robot, rotation
about its base is added. The addition of a third degree of freedom increases the robot’s dynamic
manipulability. Dynamic manipulability of a robot is a quantitative measure of its ability to perform given
tasks with the end-effector. Here, the dynamic manipulability measure of a 3-degree of freedom robot is
used to analyze useful ranges for end-effector motions. These motions are dependent upon the joint
torques and the end-effector acceleration. Through the use of ellipsoids, which have volumes proportional
to the dynamic manipulability measure, and dynamic and kinematic analysis of the robot, a system of
equations is formulated to calculate the joint torques needed for the end-effector to achieve a given
acceleration. An eigenvector decomposition of the Cartesian mass matrix is used to determine the
direction of these accelerations. Joint torques for multiple arm configurations are calculated using a
computational model. Various plots are then generated detailing the appropriate torque ratios needed to
achieve a desired dynamic manipulability in a given workspace.
PANDEMIC OF AH1N1 INFLUENZA VIRUS AND VACCINATION EFFECTIVENESS
Giancarlo Mendoza, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Fabio Sánchez, Arizona State University, Arizona.
The virus AH1N1 (Swine Flu), has made the daily news since its reappearance in 2009. It threatens not
only the elderly and the children, but also young healthy adults. A mathematical model was designed
using an SIR, using nonlinear differential equations, where the model parameters were modeled using
actual data taking into account the current anatomy of the virus to show how to control major outbreaks of
the AH1N1 virus. A vaccinated class was added to study the effects of the vaccine during outbreak. The
basic reproductive number, R0, was computed. Numerical simulations were used to illustrate the different
vaccination scenarios.
96
MALARIA: AN SIR MODEL WITH LOSS OF IMMUNITY
Víctor Molina, Rolando Silva, Ramón Miranda, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Fabio Sánchez, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
The spread of malaria and re-infection with possible control strategies were studied. Many control
strategies focus on preventing the contact between mosquitoes and humans. A mathematical model was
developed with two populations: one for the host population and one for the vector population in order to
determine how reduction of the mosquito infection rate can help control the spread of malaria. A system
of nonlinear differential equations was used to describe the change in populations and the behavior of the
system. The basic reproductive number, R0 was computed. An equation was formulated, indicating the
realation of the host and vector infection transmission rates. Numerical simulations were run using
reported values for the model parameters. The tendencies of a population having an epidemic spread of
malaria or the eradication of the disease were given by several conditions. Results indicate that by
reducing the infection rate of the mosquito population, malaria can be controlled, reduced and even
eliminated.
DYNAMIC MUNIPULABILITY FOR A 3-DEGREE OF FREEDOM ROBOT
Jidraph Njuguna, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
Research Mentor: Dr. Desmond Stephens, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
In this work, the appropriate motor torque needed to add rotation to a 2-degree of freedom robot is
investigated. The degree of freedom can be thought of as the number of independent variables used to
describe the spatial location of a robot’s end-effectors. The robot in question is limited to planar motion
and therefore has only 2-degrees of freedom. To increase the usefulness of the current robot, rotation
about its base is added. The addition of a third degree of freedom increases the robot’s dynamic
manipulability. Dynamic manipulability of a robot is a quantitative measure of its ability to perform
given tasks with the end-effector. Here, the dynamic manipulability measure of a 3-degree of freedom
robot is used to analyze useful ranges for end-effector motions. These motions are dependent upon the
joint torques and the end-effector acceleration. Through the use of ellipsoids, which have volumes
proportional to the dynamic manipulability measure, and dynamic and kinematic analysis of the robot, a
system of equations is formulated to calculate the joint torques needed for the end-effector to achieve a
given acceleration. An eigenvector decomposition of the Cartesian mass matrix is used to determine the
direction of these accelerations. Joint torques for multiple arm configurations are calculated using a
computational model. Various plots are then generated detailing the appropriate torque ratios needed to
achieve a desired dynamic manipulability in a given workspace.
97
APPLIED PHYSICS
HARDWARE AND
OBSERVATORY
OPERATION
OF
THE
ISR
AT
THE
JICAMARCA
RADIO
Eframir Franco, University of Puerto Rico, Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Jorge Chau and Karim M. Kuyeng, Jicamarca Radio Observatory, Perú.
The Jicamarca Radio Observatory is one of the most important tools in the research of the Earth’s
Atmosphere. The observatory was built in 1961 and is located at 11.95 degrees south and 76.87 degrees
west. This is approximately a half an hour drive from the capital city of Lima in Peru. The main
instrument in the JRO (short for Jicamarca Radio Observatory) is its Incoherent Scatter Radar (or ISR)
antenna array. The radar is composed of 18,432 cross-polarized dipoles organized in a square array
covering an approximate area of 300m x 300m. This makes the Jicamarca ISR the largest in the World. It
operates at 50 MHz, making it a VHF radar. In addition to the main antenna, it also has other small
antennas and electronic equipment such as magnetometers, ionosondes, an optical observatory and many
more. All this equipment helps scientist make a more detailed and deeper study of the Earth’s
Atmosphere. The most important research topic in the observatory is the study of the equatorial
ionosphere. This study can be done because the magnetic equator is in the field of view of the radar
during the whole year. The characteristic that was just mentioned is possible because of the radar’s global
position. To accomplish this and any other research, equipment such as radar controllers, receivers,
antennas, transmitters, acquisition systems, processing systems and many others are needed for the radar
to operate properly. All of the equipment listed above, along with their functions and importance, will be
the subject of this investigation.
COMPARISON OF SI02 AND SIN SUBSTRATES FOR GRAPHENE DEVICES
Mairim Nieves, Inter-American University-Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. David B. Newell, National Institute of Standards and Technology, US Department
of Commerce, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
Since its discovery, grapheme, a two-dimensional honeycomb lattice of carbon atoms, has drawn a lot of
attention in the scientific community as a prospective material for future electronic devices. One of the
possible applications of grapheme is the development of novel quantum resistance standards based on
Quantum Hall effect in grapheme. Silicon dioxide/silicon (Si02/Si) substrates have been widely used for
gated grapheme devices, but it has been proven that any substrate limits the mobility of grapheme due to
surface roughness and trapped charges in the insulator. The goal of this research project was to explore
the effect of two different substrates, Si02/Si and silicon nitride/silicon (SiN/Si), on the mobility of
grapheme devices. This would help to fabricate a highquality grapheme device that can be used as a
quantum Hall resistance standard. The optimal thickness of SiN that would make a single-layer grapheme,
exfoliated on SiN/Si, visible under optical microscope was first calculated. Once the proper thickness was
calculated, the SiN of certain thickness was grown on Si substrate. The grapheme flakes were obtained by
mechanical exfoliation of natural graphite on Si02/Si and SiN/Si substrates. Subsequently, Quantum Hall
bar devices were designed in AutoCAD and fabricated using e-beam lithography. After that a series of
transport measurements of grapheme Hall bar devices were performed. The subsequent data analysis will
show what type of substrates, Si02/Si or SiN/Si, gives a higher mobility.
98
MODELING OF POLARIZED ELECTRON-PROTON ELASTIC SCATTERING IN THE
COLLIDER KINEMATICS
Caroline Sofiatti, University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts.
Research Mentor: Dr. T. W. Donnelly, Department of Physics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The Electron- Ion Collider (EIC) is a proposed new facility designed to collide high- energy electrons
with nuclei and polarized protons. The EIC is an essential step towards the next frontier in understanding
the fundamental quark-gluon structure of matter. The electron- proton (e-p) program aims at precisely
imaging the sea quarks and gluons in the nuclei. The goal of this project was to model the e-p cross
section and polarization asymmetry, at the conditions of relevance for the EIC. The concept of cross
section is used to express the likelihood of interaction between particles; therefore, it provides important
information about the nature of quarks and gluons. The development of the formalism for this reaction
makes it necessary to reframe the electron scattering kinematics into the conditions of the EIC.
Ultimately, documentation and computer codes regarding the modeling will be made available for future
use by the EIC community.
99
PSYCHOLOGY
ASSESSING THE RESTORATIVE PROPERTIES OF NATURAL VS. URBAN VISUAL
SCENES IN YOUNGER AND OLDER ADULTS
Ailed F. Benítez, Universidad del Este, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Wilma Koutstaal, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Directed attention is necessary for effective functioning. Through prolonged mental effort, this ability
may be reduced. However, certain types of settings may restore directed attention capacity. The aim of
this research was to experimentally assess potential restorative effects of viewing photographs of natural
(compared with urban) visual scenes on measures of directed attention and cognition in older and younger
adults. The normative data, collected in two phases, for the potential experimental stimuli, is reported in
this project. In Phase 1A, natural photographs were rated as more restorative than urban photographs by
both older and younger adults. In Phase 1B, more fine-grained measures of restorativeness, derived from
Attention Restoration Theory, were highly positively correlated with younger adults’ overall rating of this
characteristic. These findings show that natural scenes were found to be more restorative than urban
scenes and provide validation of the stimuli to be used in the experimental intervention phase of the
research.
100
ENGINEERING
SIMULATING PULLEY SYSTEMS WITH A HAPTIC INTERFACE
Cameron Askew, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida.
Research Mentor: Dr. Carl Moore, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Tallahassee, Florida.
Pulley system analysis is difficult for many undergraduate engineering students. Like other dynamics
problems, the evaluation of a pulley system is complicated by its often counter-intuitive kinematic
relationships. The goal of this research project was to develop a pulley simulator that students can use to
build pulley systems, solve systems kinematics, and “feel” the pulley cable tensions. The ability to “feel”
cable tensions is made possible through a haptic interface which the user grasps with his fingers. In this
research, the haptic interface is a motor actuated slider whose position, velocity, and acceleration are
coupled to an object in the simulation, for example: the end of a cable, a free pulley, or a suspended mass.
Developed in Visual Basic, the simulation interfaces with the slider motor using a LabJack external
controller. The poster will present (1) the creation of textbook pulley systems using a simple point-andclick graphical user interface, (2) an algorithm which produces correct kinematic equations based on the
pulley system design, and (3) plots of the motions imparted to the pulley system and the resulting forces
experienced by the human operator.
INTEGRATING SIFT OBJECT RECOGNITION WITH THE TEKKOTSU ROBOTICS
FRAMEWORK
Joehan Carrasquillo, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. David s. Touretzky, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh.
Getting a robot to recognize an object from its visual appearance is a difficult but important problem.
SIFT (Scale Invariant Feater Transform) is a popular algorithm, invented by David Lowe, for extracting
features from an image for use in object recognition. In this project, an existing implementation of the
SIFT algorithm was adapted for use with the Tekkotsu open source robotics framework (available at
Tekkotsu.org). Specifically, the SIFT match algorithm was integrated with Tekkotsu’s “dual-coding”
vision system and the Map Builder module, creating a new class of object called a SIFTData shape. a
small object database algorithm was created and tested by matching novel images against this database,
confirming that the SIFT matcher is robust against changes in orientation, translation, scale, illumination,
or partial occlusion. With the addition of SIFT to the MapBuilder, Tekkotsu-based robots will be able to
recognize objects more reliably than with the current method, which is based on color image
segmentation.
101
SOLAR AND GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS AND THEIR USAGE IN HISTORIC
BUILDINGS
Minelly Cruz, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Adam Smith, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) U.S. Army
Engineer Research and Development Center 2902 Newmark Dr. Champaign.
The Army is going through a process of making all of its buildings and installations more energy
efficient. As part of this process, solar and geothermal energy need to be investigated on how to install
them in historic buildings and within historic districts. This project investigates the different alternative
energy sources, namely solar and geothermal. Techniques and current applications in historic buildings
were investigated in order to appropriately apply them to Army historic properties in the future. The
research consisted mainly of a literature evaluation and was conducted utilizing the Internet and the
CERL’s library as primary sources of information. As a result it was found that there are many historic
buildings around the world that have used some of these devices to be more energy efficient. Some are
considered were in Building 33 and Quadrangle Buildings from the Navy Yard in Washington DC, the
Thoreau Center for Sustainability in the National Historic Landmark District of the Presidio in San
Francisco, California and the Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois. In conclusion, alternative energy
sources can be successfully applied to historic buildings and consideration must be given early in the
project’s time frame to allow time to consider the best possible ways to integrate new technology in a
historic building so as not to create an adverse effect on its original character. This research work was
performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of
Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer
Research and Development Center of the US Army Corp of Engineers.
VOIP APPLICATION WITH INTEGRATION OF WI-FI CAPABILITIES FOR TESTING ENDTO-END COMMUNICATION AND NETWORKING PERFORMANCE
Emanuel Hernández, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Faith A. Davis, MA, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA, Greenbelt, Maryland.
The Communications, Standards, and Technology Laboratory (CSTL) located at the Goddard Space
Flight Center at NASA, provides a high-fidelity, end-to-end IP communications test and demonstration
environment for the NASA Space Communications and Navigation Standards and Technology programs.
The CSTL is ideal for space communications, navigation studies, and space and ground network
technology activities. Current activities include Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN) protocol,
networking and communications demonstrations, and flight software applications. The test-bed is
currently configured to demonstrate IP-based communications in a multi-node environment that can
model ground and flight assets. Incorporating VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) will allow us to
demonstrate the transmission and performance of digital conversations over the CSTL Network. VoIP is a
method for taking analog audio signals and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the
Internet. Since new hardware development, better speech codecs, and recently, bandwidth increase, it is
now possible to leverage the true benefits of this technology. The Android Developer Phones (ADP),
manufactured by HTC, are smart phones enabled with high and modern technology, including wireless
communication as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-MAX, multiple sensors as GPS, accelerometers, magnetometers,
that will allows us to develop this VoIP application for the CSTL. Android is an operating system based
on Linux with a Java programming interface. It provides tools, e.g. a compiler, debugger and a device
emulator as well as its own Java Virtual machine (Dalvik Virtual Machine - DVM).
102
BUOYANCY CONTROL OF A PIPING SYSTEM INSPECTING SUBMARINE ROBOT
Baldin A. Llorens, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto
Rico.
Research Mentor: Professor H. Harry Asada, Director of d'Arbeloff’s Robotics Research
Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, MIT
Best
Poster
(Undergraduate)
Alternate energy sources and improving current methods are a growing research interest. Some of these
methods involve the use of a piping system to transport fluids. These systems sometimes can contain
liquid that can be hazardous to mankind and most of the times such structures are on a scale that makes it
extremely difficult for people to fully inspect them. The overall goal of the project was to apply recent
advances in mobile robotics to the inspection of various types of piping structures. Specifically, this
project focused on the depth positioning control system of submarines that would inspect water pipes.
The focus was on the design, control and implementation of a simple and scalable underwater vehicle
with buoyancy control. The system was designed and modeled using physical principles numerically
simulated to illustrate the efficacy of the proposed linear control scheme. A proof of concept prototype
was constructed and used to verify the design.
EFFECTS OF ROLLING PROCESS IN CONDUCTING POLYMERS CARBON NANOTUBES
COMPOSITES ACTUATORS
Juan G. Lozada, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Priam V. Pillai and Ian W. Hunter, Bioinstrumentation Lab, Department of Mechanical
Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Conducting Polymers are studied as novel biologically inspired actuators. Processes were developed in
this project to blend conducting polymers with carbon nanotubes to generate novel nanostructured
composite actuators. A cold rolling process that can generate anisotropic actuators was developed where
up to a 7 times increase in active strain and stress relative to the original unrolled composite was obtained.
This technique can create an alignment of the carbon nanotubes and the polymer chains, which causes the
asymmetric actuation. This work shows the effect of the carbon nanotube content on polymer actuation
before and after the films are cold rolled.
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ADDING 1 TO 2: A DESIGN OF A 3 DEGREE OF FREEDOM MANIPULATOR
Deanna McKenzie, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida.
Research Mentors: Dr. Carl Moore & Dr. Desmond Stephens, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee,
Florida.
Degrees of freedom (DOF) are the set of independent linear and rotational displacements needed to
uniquely define the position and orientation of a body. Increasing the DOF of a mechanism generally
increases the number of ways it can move and reach particular positions. Robots that have three DOF are
common in industrial applications such as packaging and light assembly. In this research a revolute joint
was designed to add a third DOF to a previously constructed 2-DOF parallelogram-style manipulator. The
additional DOF will make this robot an attractive candidate for classroom demonstrations of robot
kinetics. Multiple transmissions were considered to actuate the new DOF before selecting a low friction
cable drive. The designed cable drive allows for less noise, zero backlash, and ease of back drivability
when compared to the other investigated transmissions. The research encompasses all aspects of the
design process used including comparisons of various transmissions, torque and motion calculations, and
final CAD drawings.
DESIGN AND PROTOTYPING A COMMUNICATIONS PROTOCOL FOR NETWORKED
APPLIANCES TO ENABLE PEAK SHIFTING
Schatzi Miranda, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Ken Christensen, University of South Florida, Florida.
To create opportunities to manage energy use more efficiently and enable consumers to save money, a
Communications Protocol (CP) that facilitates the automation of demand response in buildings is
proposed. This protocol relies on wireless signals to achieve communication between intelligent
appliances inside a building’s local area network. This CP will enable appliances to automate the delay of
flexible loads to off peak hours, thus taking advantage of the financial incentives given by the utility. The
protocol acts as a load messaging system, transmitting information about power-consuming tasks
containing details such as task deadline and task power requirements. Fundamentally the CP transmits all
necessary information to shift the load to an off-peak period through a distributed scheduler. To illustrate
the functionality of the CP, a system of laptops that represent intelligent appliances was assembled. The
resulting systems were proficient in communicating load information which resulted in intelligent load
shifting. The system was able to produce data that is evidence that the CP supports intelligent appliances
ability to automate demand response based on time-of-use pricing information thereby achieving cost
savings.
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PERFORMANCE OF VINTAGE STEEL BRIDGE COMPONENTS SUBJECTED TO
TERRORIST THREATS
Anthony Noriega, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Vincet Chiarito and Jared Minor, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development
Center (ERDC), Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Many bridges that are deemed critical to the Nation’s infrastructure system are constructed from steel,
components of which include steel plates, beams, columns, and cables of many varied sizes and
configurations. Since the 9-11 terrorist attack in New York, a great deal of research has been conducted
to understand the vulnerability of these steel components to the effects of terrorist attacks, in particular
explosives, and to develop effective mitigation measures for these threats. A dynamic analysis was
conducted to a model of a salvaged steel column from the Lake Champlain Bridge, using the SAP2000
software. This study was intended to obtain the dynamic properties of the column, in the “x” and “y”
axes, in order to predict its behavior due to a dynamic load. Quantitative results are shown for the spring
constants, natural circular frequency, natural periods and natural frequency dynamic parameters as well as
the equivalent static forces due an applied dynamic triangular impulsive load. Two methods were
employed in the determination of the spring constants in each direction of the column; SAP 2000, as
mentioned before, and the Unitary Load Method. The conducted analysis indicates that both the boundary
conditions and bracings of the column play an important role in its dynamic behavior. This research work
was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department
of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer
GATHERING GEOPHYSICAL DATA AND SUSTAINABILITY METHODS TO
INCORPORATE INTO DEVELOPMENT OF BEST PRACTICE ENGINEERING DESIGN AND
CONSTRUCTION CRITERIA FOR AFGHANISTAN
Michelle Pérez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Rosa T. Affleck, Research and Development, Cold Regions Research and Engineering
Laboratory. 72 Lyme Rd, Hanover.
For a war torn country like Afghanistan, there is a need to develop best practice engineering design and
construction criteria that incorporate sustainability methods into the local infrastructure. A sustainability
literature review was conducted on existing approaches, frameworks, and methods on sustainable
development. The most predominant themes encountered were green engineering for community
development, life cycle analysis, and sustainability frameworks. Little information was found on social
and cultural assessment for sustainable development. In addition to the literature review, geophysical
information for Afghanistan, specifically the Nangarhar Province, was collected. GIS maps were
generated using geospatial information for Afghanistan, including soils, geology, seismic and snow cover.
The meteorological data were used to generate temperature and precipitation plots. The geophysical data
gathered for Afghanistan are important for integrating local information and resources suitable to terrain
and climate to achieve a holistic approach on infrastructure development. This research work was
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AIRFIELD MATTING FULL-SCALE EVALUATION
Mireya Quiñones, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Timothy Rushing, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg
Mississippi.
The purpose of this research was to evaluate the load-response behavior of Trackway Rapid Runway
Repair (RRR) airfield matting systems under simulated aircraft traffic. This information was used to
evaluate the RRR matting as alternatives to AM2 matting. It was determined the performance of airfield
matting systems and their performance was compared to AM2 matting, which is capable of withstanding
1500 passes of F-15 and C-17 simulated aircraft loads over a 6 CBR subgrade. To test the mat, a test
section was constructed by excavating a 60 ft-wide × 40 ft-long test pit at 36 in. depth, each lift of high
plasticity-clay (CH) was compacted with a vibratory compactor and pneumatic tire roller and ensured
that it meets the target CBR of 6. Then, installation of the RRR airfield mat was achieved by placing 199
full-panels and 60 half-panels on the subgrade with their 9 in. ends adjacent to each other. During
trafficking of the F-15 and C-17 load carts we collected data of the load-response behavior and
deformation performance of the mat systems. An earth pressure cells (EPCs) was installed in the
subgrade underneath RRR test items to measure the stress distribution contributed by the matting system.
After trafficking, the number of passes was counted until the mat failed. It was concluded that the mat
tested did not compare to the performance of the AM2 with the imposed requirement. This research work
was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department
of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and the Engineer
106
WETTABILITY OF FLUORINATED POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES
Amarilys Rivera, Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Adam J. Meuler, Massachusetts Institute of Technology MIT, Cambridge,
Massachusetts.
Wetting of surfaces by liquids is a fundamental phenomenon that impacts many common processes. In
many instances liquid repellency is desired. For example, nature utilizes nonwettability to impart selfcleaning properties to surfaces such as duck feathers and lotus leaves. These substrates repel water due to
a combination of their topographical texture and intrinsic surface energy. Design and control of these
surface attributes is critical to the successful preparation of commercial products such as stain-resistant
fabrics that resist wetting by common liquids such as wine and coffee. Fluorodecyl polyhedral oligomeric
silsesquioxane (POSS) is a low surface energy material that has been used to prepare numerous liquid
repellent surfaces. Pure Fluorodecyl POSS is not an ideal coating, however, due to its relatively high cost.
Judiciously blending polymers with fluorodecyl POSS can reduce cost and may enhance coating adhesion
and mechanical robustness. Here three series of fluorodecyl POSS/polymer nanocomposite coatings were
prepared using different commercially available polymeric binders: poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA),
poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), and the fluoroelastomer Tecnoflon. Smooth films of these materials
were deposited on silicon wafers using spin coating, and the advancing/receding contact angles of water,
diiodomethane, hexadecane, and dimethyl sulfoxide were measured using a commercial goniometer.
Incorporation of polymers may actually increase the liquid repellency compared to pure fluorodecyl
POSS coatings, with maximum liquid repellency achieved at lower fluorodecyl POSS loadings when the
hydrocarbons are used as binders than when the fluorinated Tecnoflon is incorporated into the blend.
These results may facilitate the incorporation of fluorodecyl POSS in commercial products.
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IMPLEMENTING A RAY TRACER TO SUPPORT OF UNMANNED VEHICLE SIMULATION
Jose Rivera-Santuche, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Mr. Burhman Q. Gates, Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg,
Mississippi.
Technology deficiencies exist in the current state-of-the-art for autonomous mobility systems that limit
mission capabilities for unmanned ground vehicles in defense applications. To help mitigate these
deficiencies, a research program is being conducted by the US Army Engineer Research and
Development Center (ERDC) and their partners to develop a high performance computing simulation
testbed which will provide a Virtual Autonomous Navigation Environment (VANE). The VANE testbed
will facilitate virtual testing of unmanned ground vehicles for evaluation of autonomous systems that
perform mobility functions. The goal is to support the unmanned system acquisition and analysis
communities with an open-source, reusable product that will provide the capability to conduct controlled,
repeatable, and statistically significant performance evaluations. Many of the technology deficiencies
relate to sensor perception and associated intelligence issues. The issues largely result from limitations in
autonomous systems for adequately resolving the interaction of autonomous mobility sensors with highly
complex and heterogeneous terrain environments. The resulting VANE testbed will involve a suite of
integrated, high-resolution models for environment, terrain, vehicles, and sensors that will simulate the
effects of geoenvironmental influences on sensor responses. Sensors will use a raytracer implementation
using bounding boxes to create an image of distances calculated by sensor. This implementation will be
tested in a High Performance Computing (HPC) and PC. This research work was performed as part of the
2010 Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and
Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer Research and Development
Center of the US Army Corp of Engineers.
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TIME DEPENDANT LIFE-CYCLE ANALYSIS OF BREAKWATERS
Samuel Rivera, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Best
Oral
(Undergraduate)
Research Mentors: Dr. Jeff Melby and Dr. Norberto Nadal, Harbors, Entrance and
Structure Branch, Coastal and Hydraulics Laboratory, Engineering Research and Development Center.
Today 60% of the total population in the world concentrates in coastal environments, creating new
challenges in all aspects of a person’s life. With the increase in population and development in the costal
zones, public funding to provide safe and economical habitable zones has become limited. As a result,
risk assessment of coastal structures has become increasingly important. Coastal rubble mound
breakwaters are often based on an economic optimization, rather than the typical parameter of human or
environmental safety. Since economic optimization is the key, the highest-benefit-to-cost-ratio is not
always the cheapest option. A new methodology of evaluations and risk assessment has to be developed
in order to conduct a complete risk and management analysis that will enable the correct selection of the
highest benefit-to-cost ratio for the rubble mound breakwater increasing the efficiency of the available
public funding. The main objective of this research was to create a new time-dependant breakwater lifecycle analysis method for rubble mound breakwaters to compute accurately the overall project risks. A
new time-dependant breakwater profile evolution model is developed as well as a simulation strategy that
employs the Monte Carlo simulation of future offshore storm life cycles based on repeated sampling from
joint probability distributions. A code using the 4th generation programming language MATLAB was
developed in order to reasonably and accurately simulate the correct wave climate parameters,
specifically the wave height and total water level of a storm that might damage a traditional multilayer
rubble mound breakwater. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research
Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University
of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer Research and Development Center of the US Army Corp of
Engineers.
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EVALUATION OF WARM MIX ASPHALT AND RECLAIMED ASPHALT PAVEMENT
MIXTURES FOR USE ON MILITARY AIRFIELDS
Sahid Rosado, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Mrs. Mariely Mejías, Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg,
Mississippi.
An evaluation of high Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) content in Warm-Mix
Asphalt
(WMA)
mixtures was conducted to determine the effects of these two technologies on performance. Specifically,
this research presents results from moisture susceptibility test conducted on different asphalt samples
using three WMA technologies, three RAP contents (0%, 25 and 50%), and two types of aggregates
(gravel and crushed limestone). Results from this study will be used as part of the development of guide
specifications for the use of WMA and RAP on military airfield pavements. Test results showed higher
tensile strength ratio (TSR) values for limestone mixes than for those prepared with gravel. Likely, this is
because limestone aggregates are more angular in shape, these aggregates become locked into position
and transfer the loads more efficiently. Test results also indicated that the tensile strength and TSR values
for both limestone and gravel increased with RAP content. It was concluded that WMA technology
can be used with high RAP contents to produce mixtures that are more resistant to moisture damage.
Moreover, limestone’s ability to provide better mixing quality than gravel was also confirmed. This
research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program coordinated at
the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez at the
Engineer Research and Development Center of the US Army Corp of Engineers.
110
MATERIAL SCIENCES
SMART POLYMER SURFACES FOR CONTROLLING INTERFACIAL ADHESION
Kandice Williams, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi.
Research Mentor: Edwin P. Chan, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Material Science and
Engineering Laboratory, Polymers Division, Gaithersburg, Maryland.
From cell attachment, to functional coatings, to pressure sensitive adhesives, controlling adhesion of an
interface is a very important problem that has implications in many different technologies. One approach
to controlling adhesion and release is via the development of a responsive wrinkled surface. This control
has been suggested to be related to the coupling between the length-scale of the wrinkle patterns with a
natural length-scale defined by the properties of the interface. This work sought to better understand the
contributions of wrinkle wavelength and amplitude in controlling adhesion with a soft material interface.
A contact mechanical-based approach was used to quantify the adhesion of wrinkled surfaces. For smooth
interfaces, the theory of Johnson, Kendall and Roberts (JKR) can provide quantitative measurements of
the adhesion energy from a single indentation experiment by bringing a lens into contact with a surface
while monitoring the load, displacement, and contact area during the test. This theory is difficult to
implement for patterned interfaces such as wrinkled surfaces. To quantify the adhesion energy for
wrinkled surfaces, a new measurement approach that does not rely on established contact mechanical
models such as the JKR must be developed. To demonstrate its utility, this new approach is applied to
quantify the adhesion of smooth model elastomers and compare the results predicted by the JKR model.
Finally, this approach was used to quantify the adhesion of wrinkled surfaces and relate their adhesive
performance to the length-scales of wavelength and amplitude.
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ABSTRACTS
PRE-COLLEGE STUDENTS
BIOLOGY
GROWTH OF SWAMP BLOODWOOD TREE (PTEROCARPUS OFFICINALIS) ON
DIFFERENT PLOTS IN A REFORESTED AREA IN CATAÑO, PUERTO RICO
Julio Cedeño, University Gardens School, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Ruby A. Montoya-Ospina, School of Science and Technology, Universidad
Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
In the past, Pterocarpus officinalis dominated freshwater wetlands of the coastal plains of Puerto Rico.
Unfortunately, deforestation reduced the presence of this species to small group adjacent to mangrove
forests. Currently, a reforestation effort is under development in the Cucharillas Marsh Complex, on the
North Coast of Puerto Rico with the species. The aim of this study was to compare the growth of trees
planted on three different plots (flooded, semiflooded and dry) in the reforested area in 2006. Forestry
parameters (basal diameter, DB; diameter at breast height, DBH; height, H) of 30 trees were measured on
each plot and values were compared using ANOVA at 95% confidence level. The data reveal that DB
(16.78±5.48 cm), DBH (10.71±4.70 cm) and height (4.81m±1.15 m) of trees on the dry plot were
significantly higher (P=2.13x10-5, 7.88x10-6 and 4.97x10-15, respectively) than values for the flooded
plot (DB=11.26±3.55 cm; DBH=5.44±2.50 cm; H=2.13±0.82 m). When comparing dry vs. semiflooded
plots, DBH 6.94±3.31 cm) and height (3.32±1,58 m) in the semiflooded plot were significantly lower (P=
and 0.0001, respectively) than in the dry plot, but DB (14.18±5.70 cm) was not significantly different
(P=0.7416). On the other hand, when comparing values between flooded and semiflooded plots, only
heights were significantly lower (P=0.0005) on the flooded plot. Values of DB and DBH were not
significantly different between flooded and semiflooded plots (P=0.0217 and 0.0704, respectively). These
results suggested that P. officinalis planted trees are growing better on the dry plot. The results also
suggested that tree height was sensitive to flooding level as previously noted by Alvarez-López (1990)
and Urquhart (2004) that indicated flooding as a limiting factor for the development of this species, but
without a clear indication of critical timing.
112
ABSTRACTS
COMPUTER SCIENCES
SIGN WHINE
Ubec Carambot, Carvin School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Jameel Al-Aziz, Adam Brenner, and Sophie Gerrick, Center for Embedded Networked
Sensing, California.
Sign Whine is an app produced for the Android Smartphone. It has been made in consideration of those
who want the ability to report highway, street, and advertisement signs. This application will help any
person with an Android Smartphone to report a sign that is deteriorated, damaged, or has been vandalized,
so authorities will be able to repair or replace it. This will help improve the communication in the
highway, street, and urban communities. The current method of reporting is by filling out a form or by
calling the proper authorities. The form can be either online or a paper form but it is still a timeconsuming task which asks for personal information which people might feel uncomfortable giving.
Calling, which is the other method, is also time consuming and the service might not be the most
appropriate or the most comfortable. By using an Android Smartphone with this app, time consumption
can be reduced to approximately 1-2 minutes according to the user’s knowledge of the app. This app
consists of a very short survey where there is no need of providing any personal information. A picture is
taken of the sign, the level of urgency in which it should be taken into consideration is rated, and two
quick questions are answered. Comments may be left, if desired. The location of the sign will be geotagged when the survey is submitted; it will also be publicly viewable in the website. The app will also
allow all users to access a map where all previously reported signs can be viewed according to their
location and a webpage with the images of all the reported signs.
ACCURACY OF THE RULE ENSEMBLE METHOD
Dinorah Carrión, Thomas Alva Edison School, Caguas, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. David H. Bailey, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Computational Research
Division, Berkeley, California.
Machine learning combines computer science and statistics to create computational algorithms that detect
parameters and patterns in the data. The machine learning algorithm is trained on the data and then tested
to see how accurate the algorithm is at making predictions. In this project the rule ensemble method was
tested on four datasets. The purpose was to compare the robustness and accuracy of the rule ensemble
method on different datasets. The rule ensemble method does not work with incomplete data but it proved
that it predicts rather well in complete data sets.
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PHOTOSYNTHESIS: THE MOVIE
Maxine N. González, Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Christian Kisielowski and Bastian Barton, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory,
Berkeley, California.
Natural Photosynthesis is in the verge of change. The difference in natural photosynthesis and artificial
photosynthesis are the final products, oxygen (O2) and sugar, which is the reason for photosynthesis in
plants and some bacteria. But, for the Helios project, the artificial process result would be storable fuel. A
goal for this organization is to make photosynthesis faster and more efficient in order to meet with the
world’s energy demand. The video begins presenting planet earth, and continues to zoom in until it
reaches the smallest complex of the leaf, Tetra Manganese (Mg 404). In order to create this video a series
of programs and instruments were used. One of the instruments used was a light Microscope. Some
programs used were: photo to movie, Google earth, Photoshop, iMovie, iPhoto and Preview. The pictures
were organized in a certain sequence that gives the illusion that the camera is zooming in. But, when it
zooms out, it provides a broad view of artificial photosynthesis, which is a carbon-based process to
produce fuel.
TESTING THE RULE ENSEMBLE METHOD
Alvin A. Peralta, José Aponte de la Torre School, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Best
Poster
(Pre-College)
Research Mentor: David H. Bailey, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Lawrence,
California.
Computer system misuse and cyber-intrusion is a reality faced by computer center managers on a daily
basis. Machine learning methods have been suggested to detect when a system has been compromised.
The goal of machine learning is to develop a set of algorithms that can be used to automatically classify
data into clusters based on a known set of labeled data. One technique known as the rule ensemble
method, that uses decision trees, could be used for cyber security. This project tested the effectiveness of
the rule ensemble. The rule ensemble method did not perform at a regular rate of performance with
different datasets. Calculation time also increased as larger subsets were used. This method proved to be
effective, but not on all datasets.
WHAT’S HAZARDOUS
Gilberto Robles, Bautista de Levittown Academy, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
Melinda Vargas, San Antonio Abad School, Humacao, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Sophie Gerrick, Adam Brenner & Jameel Al-Aziz, University of California, Los
Angeles, California.
What’s Hazardous is an android phone application designed for the G1 phones which is being developed
for the Center of Embedded Networked Sensing, CENS. Its purpose is to get people involved in
participatory sensing and through data collection create a safer environment. What’s Hazardous is an
application developed to make people more aware of the dangers around them. The data will be obtained
through the phone sensors and uploaded to a website for public viewing. The user takes a picture and
answers four simple questions to identify the urgency of the problem and the authorities who could fix the
114
problem. The information will be uploaded to a webpage were anyone could access it to view the
collected data.
BIRD WATCH
Stephanie Torres, Bautista de Carolina Academy, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Sophie Gerrick, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
What’s Flying aims to determine the types of habits of birds are found in urban areas. The project consists
of two parts: the tutorial and online quiz, to show the user what each type of bird looks like and to see
how prepared they are to accurately collect data for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, and the surveys,
based on questionnaires provided by the lab. By using geo-tagging and time stamps, the user is only
responsible to record the number and type of birds he or she observes. This application will also provide a
reference page reminding the user of the different bird types with images and descriptions. What’s Flying
would be used for both outreach programs as well as scientific data collection.
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ABSTRACTS
GEOLOGY
WASTEWATER TRANSFORMED TO PRODUCE GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
Frances C. Negrón, Levittown Baptist Academy, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Patrick Dobson, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Earth Sciences Division,
Berkeley, California.
A partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and Calpine, the primary operator of The Geysers
Geothermal Field, has resulted in an innovative energy project that uses treated wastewater to recharge
the geothermal reservoir and extend the productivity of the geothermal field. The Laguna Wastewater
Treatment Plant is located in the City of Santa Rosa. The plant treats wastewater that comes from homes,
businesses, and industries of four cities (Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Cotati, and Sebastopol). In the
Treatment Plant the wastewater is treated using primary, secondary, and tertiary processes to remove
grease, grit, organic material, and suspended particles, and is disinfected using UV light. After treatment,
the water is pumped up to The Geysers Geothermal Field and injected into the reservoir, helping to
increase the production of electricity. The purpose of this project was to create outreach and educational
materials on the use of geothermal resource as a source of green power that help people understand the
importance of The Geysers Geothermal field and the Geysers Recharge project/ Laguna wastewater
treatment plant and the impact they have on the daily life of many citizens.
116
ABSTRACTS
ARTIFICIAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS VS NATURAL PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Camila Rodríguez, Puertorriqueño de Niñas School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Christian Kisielowski, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, Berkeley, California.
This project analyzed the artificial photosynthesis section of the movie A Journey Into the Leaf. Artificial
photosynthesis is becoming more of a real idea rather than speculations of the future every day. The
HELIOS organization works very hard to develop a machine that, taking its inspiration from the tetra
Manganese complex of the Photo- system II, will complete the photosynthesis process producing liquid
fuel instead of the sugars produced by the plants. The machine produced by the HELIOS project will most
likely have no resemblance to the natural machinery of the plant, but it will mimic its processes. It is
expected that when the final product is developed, the fuel produced with it will substitute the commonly
known fossil fuels. This movie helps understand the importance of the development of this technology
and the impact this has upon the environment. This project is an educational movie teaching the public
about artificial photosynthesis and its implications for the future. It is being created as a two-part project,
covering natural photosynthesis and comparing it to artificial photosynthesis. Artificial photosynthesis is
a technology that mimics the natural process that takes place in plants converting sunlight, water, and
carbon dioxide into a storable and transportable fuel that may eventually replace fossil fuels. The goal of
the project as a whole was to produce a movie showing the devices for natural and artificial
photosynthesis from the macro- scale to the nano-scale. The HELIOS organization, a group of researchers
developing artificial photosynthesis, has provided valuable aid in the creation of the movie by supplying
images and information about the artificial photosynthesis devices they are developing. Nano-scale
images were taken of sample of nano-rods using the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) showing
the reaction centers of the artificial complex. The movie serves as a way of presenting the images in a
smooth transition from the nano-scale to the macro- scale. Programs used to create the movie included
“Photo to Movie,” “Google Earth”, “Adobe Photoshop”, “iMovie”, and “iPhoto”. The purpose of this
movie is to help the general public, both those with a scientific education and those without it, to
understand artificial photosynthesis. It explains the methods and importance of artificial photosynthesis
and its possible solution for the fossil fuel crisis soon to come.
117
ABSTRACTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS
BIOLOGY
EFFECT OF TG02 ON ERK5 IN COMBINATION WITH TRASTUZUMAB ON BT474 CELLS
Kaisa Muller, Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Atanasio Pandiellla, Instituto del Cáncer, Spanish Research Council,
Salamanca, Spain.
Best
Oral
(Graduate)
BT474 is a breast cancer cell line which has an over expression of receptors in the family HER/ErbB that
in most cases lead to bad prognosis of the pacient. These receptors activate de Mitogen - Activated
Protein Kinases (MAPK), one of these is Erk5 which is related to proliferation, apoptosis and tumor
generation. TG02 is a drug generated to inhibit Erk5 and other MAPKs while Trastuzumab is a
monoclonal antibody clinically used to block HER2. Proliferation assays with concentrations of TG02
(10nM, 50 nM, 75 nM, 100 nM, and 250 nM) and the combination of the drugs were done, the same
concentrations of TG02 with Trastuzumab 10 nM with treatment periods of 24, 48, 72, and 144 hours.
The optimal concentrations of TG02 were 50 nM and 75 nM alone and with Trastuzumab 10 nM during a
72 hours treatment time. Western blotting was done on cells exposed to the optimal concentrations and
treatment period to see if cell proliferation decreased by affecting Erk5. Results showed that the total
amount of Erk5 and it's phosphorylation decreased significantly with the combinations of TG02 and
Trastuzumab. Other biochemicals tests were conducted. The ErbB2 receptor and its phospholyrated form
pErbB2 were not affected by TG02. Also p27, a protein involved in cellular arrest, was not affected by
either treatment.
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MILITARY IMPACT ON TRAINING LANDS
Gloria Natal, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Mrs. Heidi R. Howard, Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC),
Construction Engineering Laboratory (CERL), Ecological Process Branch (CNN), Champaign, IL.
United States military training facilities often experience significant environmental damage from soil
erosion. Much of this erosion occurs within training areas during cross-country maneuvers and along unimproved trails created by repeated military vehicle traffic during training operations. Off-road military
vehicles, including wheeled and tracked, can cause soil disturbance, which will damage the environment
by decreasing plant development, exposing soil, and concentrating runoff, thereby increasing erosion. For
those reasons a literature review of military impacts on training lands from 2005 to the present and
updated Alan B. Anderson’s 2006 report on Military Impacts was conducted. For this update the Science
Direct, Current Contents Database and Google Scholar were used. Fifty-four documents were identified
in the literature review. The large volume of impact papers found is evidence of the environmental
scientists and military engineers’ current research on interactions between military vehicles, soil,
grassland, aquatic sources, wildlife and vegetation. This data support the Army land managers to
understand the potential off-road impacts in order to provide efficient management and sustain training
for soldiers. Additionally, digital images taken from Fort Riley, Kansas, were analyzed for vegetation
composition using APS Assess 2.0 software. The APS software utilizes color changes within pixels to
determine percentage of vegetated cover and composition for percentage of grasses, forbs, bare ground,
and liter in the digital images. The data obtained from the Fort Riley field study, including the Photo
analysis and Riley pictures, the team to relate the results of the analysis for percentage
grass/forbs/bare/liter to samples taken for aboveground biomass and soil physical parameters to help
develop relationships. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship
Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto
Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer Research and Development Center of the US Army Corp of
Engineers.
119
ABSTRACTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS
CHEMISTRY
CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CONTAMINANT SORPTION/DESORPTION ON THE PIPE
WALLS OF A WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Jennie Feliciano, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Melixa Rivera Sustache, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and
Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Laboratory, (ERDC-CERL), Champaign,
Ilinois.
Water distribution systems are vulnerable to introduction of chemicals or contaminants (CB) with the
intent to cause mass casualties. This vulnerability directly affects any military installation served by a
public water utility or other system that is not secured. Current simulations of contaminant fate and
transport in pipe systems do not accurately portray reality. The simulations assume pure hydraulic
transport of contaminants and do not account for sorption of the contaminant on the pipe on the pipe
walls. Additionally, subsequent reactions such as hydrolysis are not considered. These omissions reduce
the ability to predict the progression and effect of a chemical or biological contamination event in the
water distribution system and to protect critical infrastructure. The objective of this study was to analyze
the interaction of phophos and amino acids solutions with copper; PVC and concrete-line ductile iron
(CLDI) pipe materials to see if sorption occurs. Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS)
and Ultraviolet Visible (UV-VIS) spectrophotometer was used to monitor how the concentration of the
solutions changes with the time in the different pipe materials. The results showed that the concentration
of prophos at 500ppb solutions decreased in the copper, PVC, and CLDI pipe materials. This research
work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program coordinated at the
Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and the
120
ABSTRACTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS
METHOD IDENTIFICATION FOR FLOOD FREQUENCY ANALYSIS IN UNGAGED BASINS
IN PUERTO RICO
Natalia Almodóvar, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Rafael Segarra García, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez,
Puerto Rico.
An important matter that can be untouched is the awareness for the rise of flood levels due to changing
climate which results in catastrophic events. With the use of flood frequency curves the new infrastructure
developments, such as bridges, dams, culverts and highways, would not suffer great damage. Puerto Rico
is not an exception to floods. In the past, studies have been performed to determine the flood-peak
discharges and frequencies for gaged and ungaged basins. The flood frequency analysis produces
estimates for discharges within a certain return period. The objective of this investigation was to
determine the regionalization method to identify hydrological homogenous regions in Puerto Rico and
therefore perform a flood frequency analysis for ungaged basins. This analysis is intended to compute Lmoments for the annual peak flow data available from the USGS for all basins in Puerto Rico. In
comparison with other moments, L-moments are less subject to bias in estimation and can approximate
their asymptotic normal distribution more closely to finite examples. In present studies Puerto Rico has
been determined as a hydrological heterogeneous area. Various methods for determining homogeneous
regions have been identified, such as: residual method, canonical method, region-of-influence,
hierarchical approach and cluster analysis. After analyzing some of these methods, the cluster analysis
was chosen as the most appropriate for this investigation. In addition, the use of sampling properties of Lmoment ratios is recommended to determine homogeneity on cluster results and the use of cluster validity
indices. The identification of these homogeneous regions is important to produce better estimates of peak
runoff for different return periods for those ungaged basins.
121
METEOROLOGICAL AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS
ON MILITARY LANDS
Alexis Cruz, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. John W. Weatherly, US Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and
Engineering Laboratory at Hanover, New Hampshire.
This research is an interdisciplinary suite task that links regional models of climate change, weather,
hydrology, and ecosystem. The analysis involves meteorological data from Fort Stewart in Georgia.
Observed data were compared with data generated by GCMs models. This analysis will develop
integrated technology platform for modeling and analyzing the influence of climate change on
environmental impacts of interest to military planners and decision-makers and give a broad range of
response, mitigation, and adaption strategies. A gamma distribution was used to describe the daily
precipitation and probabilities. In conclusion, a small increase in mean precipitation will result in a large
increase in the probability of heavy precipitation, each model has its own parameter and initial condition,
for that reason it cannot be concluded which one is or is not correct. An increase or decrease in
precipitation is not necessarily correlated with increase in temperature. This research work was performed
as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil
Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer Research and
Development Center of the US Army Corp of Engineers.
122
GEODATABASE FOR GUATEMALA RESEARCH
Ivys Ocasio, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Richard Joy and Joni Jarrett; US Army Corps of Engineering, Topographic
Engineering Center, Alexandria, Virginia.
This research is a socio-cultural study of Guatemala intended to aid analysis for: humanitarian aid,
disaster relief, and the mitigation of illicit crops and conflicts. Guatemala is a Central American Republic,
bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras and El Salvador. This geographic position between South America
and Mexico makes Guatemala more susceptible to human trafficking, drug trade, gangs and other social
conflicts. Geographic Information System (GIS) tools were used to develop a geodatabase of multiple
data layers from government, non-government, and relief agency sources to depict natural, social and
cultural factors. The project included technologies associated with data collection, data creation, and data
analysis using the ESRI ArcGIS software. The data collection process included digital sources and the
Encyclopedia of World Cultures. The subject areas that were researched included: incidence of poverty,
social exclusion, 2008 population data, linguistic communities, ethnic groups, departments
(municipalities), sub-departments, cities, satellite images, infrastructures, physiographic, agriculture and
industry, land use, natural resources, and others factors. UPGGR is a Guatemala agency that was used as
a source for the Guatemala digitized information. The information collected was georeferenced, digitized
and attributed and used within the Guatemalan GIS models to create the GeoPDF products for data
dissemination. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship
Program coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto
Rico at Mayaguez and the Engineer Research and Development Center of the US Army Corp of
Engineers.
BIOPOLYMER COATING EFFECTS ON PARTICLE MICRO-MECHANICS
Cyd Ruidiaz, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dave Ringelberg, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, New
Hampshire.
A study of biopolymer coating effects on particle micro-mechanics is currently being conducted at the
Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory, part of the US ARMY Engineer Research and
Development Center. This study consists of measuring the adhesive, cohesive, and tensile strength
characteristics of the Rhizobium tropici exopolysaccharide (EPS) by the formation of aggregates in soils
samples, from different sites including Alaska, New Hampshire, and Mississippi. To isolate the EPS as
the sole agent forming aggregates in the soil samples, the samples were sequentially removed of salts,
carbonates, and organic material using methods described by Soukuop, Dress, & Lynn, 2008. Each soil
sample was then classified using a standard soil texture triangle (Berry, et al., 2007) and pH was
measured as described by Page, AL (1982). After this, mineralogical analysis was done to all of the
samples, using as criteria for classification aggregates, quartz, and lithic fragments. All samples showed a
change in pH following the cleaning process. Also, the removal of salts, carbonates, and organic material
were successful in the disintegration of natural aggregates in each soil sample as observed in the
mineralogical analysis, where the amount of natural aggregates in the soil decreased with each successive
cleaning step. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship
Engineers.
123
ABSTRACTS
GRADUATE STUDENTS
ENGINEERING
DISPLACEMENT BOUNDARY CONDITIONS EFFECTS ON NAVIGATION STEEL
STRUCTURES AND DEVELOPMENT OF TORSIONAL FORCES FROM WARPING STRESS
FIELD EXPERIMENTS
Ángel J. Alicea, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Guillermo Riveros, P.E, US ARMY Corps of Engineers: Engineer Research and
Development Center, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Nowadays there is great interest on the study of navigation steel structures. This may be the effect of
catastrophic disasters that have occurred in the past and to the limited information available concerning
these types of structures and the loads to which they are subjected to. This research focuses entirely on
the study of miter gates structures and the effects of the torsional loading to which they are subjected. A
structural analysis creating a finite element model was executed to The Dalles Dam Miter Gate located in
The Dalles, Oregon. By means of this analysis, a forensic study of the dam was realized for determining
the causes of some major cracks and fractures in the bottom girders of the quoin block side and in the
pintle. The analysis shows that the design boundary conditions for the miter gate have changed due to
deterioration in the extreme ends of the structure. That caused a redistribution of forces whose
components were directed to members for which that kind of loading was not considered in the design
process. Comparisons between field experiments and 3D finite element analysis was performed in order
to validate the assessment and to perform an optimum repair alternative and submit possible design
changes to be included in the design codes. Another part of the study involved the development of a
torsion analytical formulation and algorithm that will be implemented in a MATSFE computer program.
That analytical formulation will be used to determine torsion forces and shear stresses in hydraulic steel
structures from field experiments. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer
Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the
University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer Research and Development Center of the US
Army Corp of Engineers.
124
COMPUTATIONAL MECHANICS OF TAINTER GATES; TRUNNION FRICTION
INVESTIGATION AND ITS CONSEQUENCES RELATED TO DESIGN, MAINTENANCE AND
REHABILITATION
Best Oral
(Undergraduate)
Norma Álvarez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Guillermo Riveros, Information Technology Laboratory, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Tainter gates present an important part of the navigation and flood control systems. Throughout the years
these structures have presented operational difficulties and structural problems especially attributed to
the effect of trunnion friction. In 1995, tainter gate #3 on Folsom Dam failed catastrophically causing an
emergency contingency due to the release of gallons/hr. which caused several flooding problems in the
region. The forensic studies describe the trunnion friction as the main cause of the failure. This gate was
design in the 1960’s where the friction in the trunnion caused by the corrosion in the material was not
taken into consideration in the design of the gate, This was the common engineering practice at the time.
A parametrical analysis was conducted to evaluate the distribution of forces in every component of the
gate due to the friction generated by the trunnion. Experimental data was taken from the tainter gates in
the Carlyle Lake Dam, Illinois, to model it in a finite element program and calibrate it. Once this model is
complete and validated, a study will be performed changing the coefficients of friction in the trunnion to
evaluate under which conditions a gate will fail. This research work was performed as part of the 2010
Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying
of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer Research and Development Center of the
US Army Corp of Engineers.
FACILITIES AS-BUILT DRAWINGS
Merci Berríos, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Larry S. Danyluk, Directorate of Public Works, Cold Regions Research and
Engineering Laboratory, Hanover.
This project was driven by The Directorate of Public Works (DPW) at CRREL in Hanover, New
Hampshire. The objective of the project was to develop a systematic methodology to create “as built”
electronic drawings of the existing facilities at CRREL. This project will increase the availability and
reliability of the facility information. Accurate drawings will enable senior management to optimize
facility use and to effectively plan for future expansion or modifications needed to comply with the
expectation of new research programs. The main objective was to convert unverified Mylar drawings into
accurate electronic drawings using AutoCAD LT 2005. Several on-site visits to the building were done to
collect information (i.e., new offices or other rooms added) in the existing building layouts not included
in the original and to verify the information included. Drawings were created of the floor plant of two
buildings- the Remote Sensing Building and Ice Engineering Facility and modifications to existing
building drawings. The CAD drawings created were the Remote Sensing Building (RS) and the Ice
Engineering Facility (IEF) the floor plans. These layouts were created in ascending order, basement to the
second floor for RS and basement to the second floor and a mezzanine for IEF. This research work was
125
MUNITIONS AND EXPLOSIVE OF CONCERN IN SENSITIVE MARINE AREAS
Carlos Colón, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Mr. Tim Shelton, ERDC-GSL-IEEB, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
There are millions of acres of underwater environments potentially contaminated with unexploded
ordnance (UXO). Also, there are very limited options for recovering and disposing of those UXO once
they have been identified. These options expose workers to extensive diving hazards, prolong worker’s
interactions with explosive hazards, or they produce significant damage to the marine environment as a
result of in-water BIP disposal. The objective of this research project was to demonstrate an effective,
practical, safe, and relatively efficient approach for removing discovered ordnance from the marine
environment and disposing of it by Blowing It in Place (BIP) on a nearby barge especially outfitted for
this purpose. This barge was designed using a 3D CAD model program using the specifications provided
by the IEEB. This barge model will later be used to perform explosion simulations to determine how
different size ordnance behaves without incurring damage to the barge hull. This research work was
CHARACTERIZATION
REINFORCEMENT
OF
SPECTRA
FIBER
ENGINEERED
FOR
CONCRETE
Marianela Cora, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Todd S. Rushing, Engineering Research and Development Center, Geotechnical and
Structures Laboratory, Vicksburg.
To have a better understanding of the role of spectra fibers in improving the strength and flexural
properties of bendable concrete panels, untreated and treated fiber with a low-temperature plasma and
colloidal nano-silica were characterized. Spectra fibers were characterized using a Scanning Electron
Microscope and tensile strength tests. The bond mechanism and change in bond strength when using
fibers that have been treated were quantified by means of single pullout tests as those described by V.C.
Katz (1996). Bond strength for untreated fibers did not show a relationship with embedded length but
treated fibers did show a linear relationship. Increasing the embedded length of treated fibers increased
the peak pullout load and therefore bond strength. The bond mechanism observed for treated fibers was
slip softening meaning a good anchoring of the fiber to the matrix. Untreated fibers peak load is between
0.05 to 0.12 lbf and treated fibers between 0.11 to 0.18 lbf. Colloidal nano-silica particles did enhance the
fiber/concrete matrix bond and showed more consistent results. As future work, more pullout tests are
recommended to obtain a statistically valid dataset for untreated fibers and determine whether the plasma
treated Spectra fibers with the nano-silica coating exhibit significantly better bonding properties to the
concrete matrix. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship
Engineers.
126
PANEL BRIDGES ASSESSMENT USING FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS
Francisco Del Valle, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentors: Edgardo Ruíz and Henry Díaz-Álvarez, Geotechnical and Structural Laboratory,
ERDC.
A panel bridge is a modular bridge system that can be easily adapted to different span lengths,
construction methods and uses. These bridges are intended to be used in any permanent or temporary
situation requiring an economical solution to a problem of road access. They are composed of side truss
configurations, transom weights, and deck units. The Structural Engineering Branch of the Engineering
Research and Development Center (ERDC) wanted to develop a tool to quantitatively evaluate panel
bridges that have been damaged by using numerical modeling. For these efforts, different types of panel
bridges were modeled using a finite element code. The results obtained in this work will help obtain more
accurate assessment and consequently an improved capability to evaluate panel bridges. These will be de
done by modeling with real component dimensions and load conditions to which the structure may be
subjected to. Each structural element of panel bridges will be verified in order to know how important the
element is in the structure. This information will help identify which elements are the most critical to the
stability of the structures by quantifying the amount of damage it can withstand. The results obtained
from the models will be compared with the manufacturer’s response data. Efforts will be focused on the
shear and moment capacity varying the structural loads, bridge type, and damage conditions. This
research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at
the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS FOR STWAVE MODEL, LAROSE A CASE STUDY
Julieta Gómez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Chris Massey, USACE Engineer Research and Development Center, Coastal and
Hydraulic Laboratory.
Recently the full-plane version of the STWAVE wave generation and transformation model was
parallelized by using MPI and grid decomposition techniques. This parallel version of STWAVE still
solves the steady-state conservation of spectral wave action along backward traced wave rays, using an
iterative algorithm. A set of stopping criteria must be imposed on this iterative algorithm in order to halt
the interactions and signal that a suitable solution has been reached. The performance behavior and
accuracy of the solution are sensitive to these stopping criteria. As a result, a sensitivity analysis was
performed in which the stopping criteria were varied and the solutions were sensitive to these stopping
criteria and the domain decomposition setting of a single grid in order to determine the solutions
sensitivity. The tests were performed for a synthetic hurricane simulation making landfall in southeaster
Louisiana. A planetary boundary layer model was used to generate the cyclone wind and pressure fields,
which were used to drive the deep water wave model WAM in order to supply boundary conditions to ST
WAVE. The surge model ADCIRC also used the winds and supplied surge values including inland inund
ation to STWAVE. Key results of the study will be presented.This research work was performed as part o
f the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and
127
USE OF CARBON DIOXIDE-TREATED ZEOLITES IN THE CARBONATION OF PORTLAND
CEMENT PASTE
Marietta Marcano, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Charles A. Weiss, Concrete and Materials Branch, GSL, ERDC, US Army Corps of
Engineers.
Treatment with carbon dioxide or carbonation has been widely used to accelerate the strength gain and
increase the ultimate strength in Portland cement mortars and concrete by reacting with and changing
calcium hydroxide produced during cement hydration to calcium carbonate. One problem that has arisen
in applying carbon dioxide relates to the slow diffusion of CO2 into the concrete. The use of denser
concrete mixtures has increased this problem. A possible solution is the use of CO2 that is released
from mineral adsorbents such as zeolites. In this study, the effect of carbonated synthetic zeolites MS4A, MS-5A and MS-13X
as Lehigh White Portland cement replacement materials on the
properties
of cement pastes are investigated through five levels of substitution: 0%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%.
The compressive strength results for 1, 3 and 7 day show that
for the three kinds of zeolite-cement
paste mixtures, for higher compressive strength, the optimum level of substitution was 15%, becoming
especially higher for the calcium based MS-5A/cement mixture. After one day of curing most of the
mixtures show a higher compressive strength than those where there is no zeolite, but after 3 days
the 0% of replacement mixtures showed higher compressive strengths than those at other levels of
replacements. X-ray diffraction obtained for 1 day at each level of replacements show the presence of
CaCO3 which also occurred in samples cured for 3 and 7 days. The presence of typical hydration
products calcium silicates and calcium hydroxide was also confirmed in all samples. Results suggest that
the zeolites with absorbed CO2 can produce early strength gain; but the replacement of the cement
resulted in lower ultimate strength. Studies with mortar using zeolites as fine aggregate may be useful in
understanding the possible role of mineral absorbents. This research work was performed as part of the
2010 Summer Research Internship Program coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and
128
INSTRUMENT SET, RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEYING (ENFIRE)
Samuel Pacheco, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Mr. Lou Fatale, Technical Management Team, AGC, Alexandria, Virginia.
The objective of this research work was to provide a single focal point for the Army Geospatial
Enterprise, focusing on all Army geospatial information and services functions from policy to war
fighting.The Instrument Set, Reconnaissance and Surveying (commonly known as: ENFIRE) is a tactical
engineering tool set designed to modernize the collection and dissemination of engineer information. It
enables soldiers to generate forms with data such as: bridges, roads, hasty minefields and other
engineering data on standard Army forms in a digital format. ENFIRE places the right tools in the hands
of engineer soldiers conducting tactical reconnaissance under hazardous conditions. The capabilities
found within the ENFIRE system allow soldiers to more rapidly collect information while minimizing
exposure to enemy observation (US.Army Corps of Engineers). ENFIRE expedites reconnaissance,
construction, and inventory management efforts by using digital tools that are integrated into a common
platform. The system includes commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), government off-the-shelf (GOTS),
custom hardware and software, and computer-based geographic information systems (GIS) linked to
peripheral components. Using ENFIRE, construction and facilities engineers can effectively plan and
efficiently undertake projects. ENFIRE’s project management tools can create Gantt charts to track
project progress and milestones. The ENFIRE construction site-planning tool supports structure design,
cut and fills requirements, material needs, and personnel and time requirement calculations (Technical
manual 11-6675-386-10). This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research
Internship Program Coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University
of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Engineer Research and Development Center of the US Army Corp of
Engineers.
129
CENTRIFUGE STUDIES FOR DLE MITIGATION USING CONCRETE DRAINAGE BOXES
José Rivera-Vázquez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Wipawi Vanadit-Ellis, Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg,
Mississippi.
Troop carrying vehicles are being targeted by insurgent forces on the roads of Afghanistan by creating a
dynamic loading event with devices emplaced inside drainage boxes buried under the roadway. The goal
was to research possible mitigation techniques that could be implemented in future construction or retrofi
tt-ing of drainage boxes in Afghanistan. Various configuration of possible drainage box construction
were tested to determine which would most efficiently reduce the dynamic loading effects on the target
vehicle, which effectively reduced vehicle damage and risk of casualty to army personnel. To accomplish
this, a centrifuge was used to run scale model tests of each configuration. The use of various data
acquisition instrumentation such as accelerometers, laser scanners, and high speed cameras to record the
effects of the dynamic loading event on the target vehicle for each configuration
was
made. The
accelerometer data are used to create plots of the acceleration, velocity, and displacement suffered by the
target vehicle, using the high speed camera footage to ensure that the behavior plotted is consistent with
the actual movement of the vehicle. Laser scans of the scale model were taken before and after each test,
in order to compare crater sizes for the different configuration of drainage boxes. After gathering all the
data, the displacement curves for each test were plotted together to find which configuration most
efficiently reduced the dynamic loading effects on the target vehicle. Findings will help support ongoing
and future research on dynamic loading mitigation, in an effort to establish guidelines for future
construction and retrofitting of drainage boxes in Afghanistan that will reduce the risk of vehicle damage
and personnel casualties. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research
Internship Program coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University
of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and the Engineer Research and Development Center of the US Army Corp
of Engineers.
NUMERICAL SIMULATION OF COMBINED WAVE OVERTOPPING AND STORM SURGE
OVERFLOW OF AN EARTH LEVEE
Lilliam Rivera, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Dr. Lihwa Lin, ERDC, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
A cross section physical model experiment results developed by Dr. S.A. Hughes for a trapezoidal levee
typical of the Mississippi River coast were used to validate a numerical model with the purpose of
assessing the combined wave overtopping and storm surge overflow of an earth levee. CMS was used to
do the numerical simulation varying the specific wave height, peak wave period, water level, structure of
the levee and Manning’s roughness coefficient. Two different values of Manning’s coefficient, vertical
breakwater and a rubble-mound breakwater structure were used to evaluate the performance of the
numerical model. The numerical simulations performed better for low surge level. The rubble-mound
breakwater structure gave better results than the vertical breakwater structure. For the flow only, a small
Manning’s coefficient better results. Empirical and statistical analyses were done and agree with the
numerical results. This research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship
Rico in Mayaguez and the Engineer Research Development Center of the US Army Corp of Engineers.
130
ENGINEERING DEFINED OPERATING PICTURE (EDOP) WEB SITE APPLICATION
Mario Rodríguez, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Mr. Kevin Johnson, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Army Geospatial Center,
Alexandria, Virginia.
A Geographical Information System (GIS) represents an impressive tool and technology in geography.
The objective of this research work was to prepare the military personnel of the United States Southern
Command ((USSOUTHCOM) to use GIS Technology by other means, such as a webpage on the Internet.
Natural disasters are not welcome, but they are inevitable. This research focused on providing a place in
the cybernetic world to organize and prepare the USSOUTHCOM to manage the four phases of
emergency management. The four phases are: mitigation phase, preparedness phase, response phase, and
the recovery phase. The application is a part of the Engineering Defined Operating Picture (EDOP)
project, and the following is presented herein: test of the application and make recommendations to
improve it, create use cases for the application, and finally to create user's manual to facilitate the
application for everybody, even if the person is not an expert in geography or GIS software. The
application worked well and with some guidelines it worked excellently. The applications had the
majority of the data layers needed for a disaster situation, but it needed some additional layers. This
research work was performed as part of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program coordinated at the
Department of Civil Engineering and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and the
Engineer Research and Development Center of the US Army corp of Engineers.
STUDY OF SMALL UNMANNED GROUND VEHICLE (SUGV) PERFORMANCE TO
POPULATE THE STNDMOB VEHICLE FILE
José Silvestre, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
Research Mentor: Mr. Alex Baylot, Engineer and Research Development Center, Mobility Systems
Branch, Vicksburg, Mississippi.
The Army has recognized that modeling and simulating the performance of Small Unmanned Ground
Vehicles (SUGVs) is a deficiency that should be corrected. Future Combat Systems (FCS) will include
SUGVs, several having already been deployed in IRAQ, e.g. TALON 80lbs, Packbot 50 lbs, Mini Andros
II 200 lbs, and Gator 2500 lbs. Moreover, the FCS program estimates that 40% of the military fleet may
eventually be robotic. Recognizing that doctrine, tactics, techniques and procedures continue to evolve,
there exists a need to accurately represent the performance of these small vehicles in Army Mobility and
Simulations. The Army OneSAF and COMBATXXI wargame models will use the standard mobility
model, STNDMob, for estimating vehicle performance with the results of this research. The STNDMob
will be enhanced to include mobility performance of unmanned small (105000lbs) ground vehicles on
typical urban terrain and building features (e.g. curb, stairs, doors, and traction surfaces such as carpet and
tile) with emphasis on the interior. Small vehicle/terrain interaction has been investigated and new
algorithms, models and data has been developed to address all of these issues. The purpose of this
research was to experiment and collect data that would be used to populate the STNDMob vehicle file
that is not obtainable otherwise and the scope will encompass the interactions between a SUGV and
obstacle of different geometries with varying surface materials. This research work was performed as part
of the 2010 Summer Research Internship Program coordinated at the Department of Civil Engineering
and Surveying of the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and the Engineer Research Development
131
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Faculty research mentoring is the main driving force behind the scientific products (posters and oral presentations) presented in
this meeting. Our greatest appreciation and gratitude to all the mentors from colleges and universities from Puerto Rico, the US
Virgin Islands, and the US mainland who took part in Symposium 2010 by working and training the next generation of scientists
whose efforts are presented in this program, as well as to the many other faculty members from around the country who support
the Student Research Development Center and its goals and objectives. Our most sincere thanks are also extended to the
following individuals who helped to make this Symposium 2010 a reality.
Keynote Speakers:
Dr. Lloyd Douglas,
Dr. Dean Evasius, National Science Foundation
Workshop Presenters:
Mr. Anthony Baylis, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Dr. Teresa Dahlberg, University of North Carolina
Dr. Richard Ladner, University of Washington
Dr. Jerzy Leszczynski, Jackson State University
Dr. Robert Murphy, Carnegie Mellon University
Ms. Martina Trucco, Hewlett Packard
Exhibitors:
Ford Foundation Fellowship Programs
Georgia Tech
Keck Graduate Institute of Applied Life Science
Iowa State University
Montana State University
National Cancer Institute
National Institute of Standards and Technology
The Ohio State University
Universidad Central del Caribe
University of Minnesota
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Judges and Chairpersons:
Arcelay, Ángel, Ph.D, Universidad del Este
Brown, La Verne, University of the Virgin Islands
Case, Steven, University of the Virgin Islands
Ciuró, Darienne, Ph.D. Program, University of Illinois
De la Rosa, Indhira, Ph.D. Program, Baylor College of Medicine
Fonseca, Sharon, (Título)University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences
González, Oscar, Ph.D. Candidate, University of California, Irvine
Linares, Serenella, Ph.D. Candidate, University of Maryland, College Park
Martins, Antonio, Universidad Central del Caribe
Ruales, Mary C, Universidad del Turabo
Santiváñez, José, Universidad del Turabo
Szeto, Ada, Universidad Central del Caribe
Slaughter, Gayle, Ph. D, Baylor College
Yan Melo, Tomas, Ph.D Program, Vanderbilt University
132
Symposium Student Research Development Center Project Staff:
Dr. Gladys Bonilla
Mr. Luis F. Font
Ms. Thelma Graniela
Ms. Zulma Irizarry
Ms. Ivette Miranda
Ms. Wanda I. Rodríguez
SUAGM Printing Office Personnel
Symposium Chairman:
Dr. Juan F. Arratia, Executive Director, Student Research Development Center, Ana G. Méndez University System, San Juan,
Puerto Rico
133
INDEX OF PRESENTERS
NAME
Ariette Acevedo
Ángel J. Alicea
Natalia Almodóvar
Norma Alvarez- Best Oral
Adrian Ambrose
Cameron Askew
Sara Ávila
Kavita Balkaran
Kelvon Barkley
Ailed F. Benítez
Merci Berríos
Yarinez Berríos
Tania D. Burgos
Charnele Burton
Cherise Burton
Katherine Calderón
Ubec Carambot
Joehan Carrasquillo
Dinorah Carrión
Raquel Castañeda
Glorimar Castro – Best Poster
Jorge R. Castro
Julio Cedeño
Carlos Colón
Frances Colón
Nilmarie Colón – Best Poster
Marianela Cora
Víctor Correa - Best Oral
Alexis Cruz
Minelly Cruz
Ricardo Cruz - Best Poster
Luz M. Cumba
Melissa E. Dávila
Monique Davis
Catherine M. De Jesús
David Delgado - Best Poster
Grace Delgado
Maggie Delgado
Francisco Del Valle
Carol Díaz
Jessica Díaz
Rubén Díaz
Delonte Duff
Emilio Edwards
Juliana M. Falero
Jennie Feliciano
Brittany Fisher
Joksan X. Flores
Eframir Franco
Alexis Galarza
Julieta Gómez
Maritza González
Maxine N. González
Tsehai Grell
María F. Guardia
Calinés Guerrero
UNIVERSITY
Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez Campus, Puerto Rico
North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC
Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, Florida
Polytechnic University, San Juan, Puerto Rico
University of the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
University of Puerto Rico-Humacao, Puerto Rico
Carvin School, Carolina, Puerto Rico
Universidad del Turabo, Gurabo, Puerto Rico
Thomas Alva Edison School, Caguas, Puerto Rico
University Gardens School, San Juan, Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico-Ponce Campus, Puerto Rico
Inter-American University-Metro, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
North Carolina A&T Stsate University, Greensboro, NC
Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland
Bautista de Puerto Nuevo Academy, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Inter-American University-San Germán, Puerto Rico
134
PAGE
30, 50
48, 124
46, 121
48, 125
30, 50
38, 101
35, 84
41, 51
43, 93
37, 100
48, 125
31, 51
31, 52
31, 53
37, 93
42, 72
39, 113
38, 101
39, 113
31, 54
35, 84
35, 85
38, 112
48, 126
41, 54
31, 55
48, 126
34, 73
46, 122
44, 102
34, 73
41, 55
34, 74
37, 94
31, 56
35, 85
31, 56
31, 57
48, 127
31, 57
41, 58
34, 74
36, 89
34, 75
31, 58
46, 120
34, 76
35, 86
43, 98
37, 94
49, 127
32, 59
39, 114
34, 77
41, 59
36, 89
Emanuel Hernández
Gabriel Ible
Chinaemere Igwebuike
Freddy Irizarry
Stella Jarvis
Cherre Jefferson - Best Poster
Baldin A. Llorens - Best Poster
Juan G. Lozada
Dimitri Maduro
Marietta Marcano
Eduan Martínez
Perla Martínez
Zulay Martínez - Best Poster
(Pre-College)
Tapiwa Maruni
Deanna McKenzie
André Medina
Chanel Mejías - Best Oral
Gladys Méndez
Letzibeth Méndez
Omayra Méndez
Giancarlo Mendoza
Schatzi Miranda
Víctor Molina
Ivia Moreno
Kaisa Muller - Best Oral
Gloria Natal
Frances C. Negrón
Verónica M. Negrón
Vincent Nguyen
Jidraph Njuguna
Mairim Nieves
Anthony Noriega
Ivys Ocasio
Samuel Pacheco
Livia C. Pagán
Francisco Palou
Ramón Peña
Alvin A. Peralta - Best Poster
(Pre-College)
Kayla Pérez
Mayrel Pérez
Michelle Pérez
Mireya Quiñones
Ismarie Ramírez
Joel Ramkhelawan - Best Poster
Stephanie Resto
Karoline Ríos
Tiffany Ríos
Amarilys Rivera
Carlos Rivera
José Rivera-Santuche
José Rivera-Vázquez
Lilliam Rivera
Lorangelly Rivera
Samuel Rivera - Best Oral
Gilberto Robles
Camila Rodríguez
Franchesca Rodríguez
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez, Puerto Rico
Inter-American University-San Germán, Puerto Rico
38, 102
32, 60
32, 60
42, 78
34, 79
37, 95
38, 103
38, 103
42, 80
49, 128
37, 95
36, 90
41, 61
Levittown Baptist Academy, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Columbia University, New York, New York
Inter-American University-Bayamón, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
Universidad Politécnica, San Juan, Puerto Rico
Universidad Metropolitana, San Juan, Puerto Rico.
José Aponte de la Torre School, Carolina, Puerto Rico
37, 96
38, 104
32, 61
41, 62
32, 62
32, 63
32, 63
37, 96
38, 104
37, 97
32, 64
46, 118
46, 119
39, 116
32, 65
32, 65
43, 97
43, 98
44, 105
46, 123
49, 129
33, 66
35, 86
36, 90
39, 114
Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, Puerto Rico
Inter-American University-San Germán Campus, Puerto Rico
Bautista de Levittown Academy, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Puertorriqueño de Niñas School, Guaynabo, Puerto Rico
33, 66
33, 67
44, 105
44, 106
44, 87
33, 67
33, 68
36, 91
36, 91
38, 107
34, 80
44, 108
49, 130
49, 130
33, 68
44, 109
39, 114
39, 117
33, 69
135
Mario Rodríguez
Weyshla Rodríguez - Best Poster
Sahid Rosado
Cyd Ruidiaz
Adriana Santiago
Natalia Santiago
Nelybeth Santiago
Joseph B. Serrano
José Silvestre
Caroline Sofiatti
Deveine Toney
Bolivar F. Torres
Stephanie Torres
Dorielys M. Valentín – Waters
Corp. Award
Melinda Vargas
Nelda Vázquez
Waleska Vázquez
Luis G. Vélez
Emmanuel Villanueva
Kandice Williams
University of Massachusetts, Boston, Massachusetts
Bautista de Carolina Academy, Carolina, Puerto Rico.
49, 131
35, 81
45, 110
47, 123
35, 81
33, 69
36, 92
35, 82
49, 131
43, 99
35, 83
36, 87
39, 115
37, 92
San Antonio Abad School, Humacao, Puerto Rico
Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi
39, 114
33,70
33, 70
36, 88
34, 71
43, 111
136
We gratefully acknowledge the support and sponsorship of the
2010 SUAGM Research Symposium from:
National Science Foundation
Waters Corporation

2010 AGMUS Research Symposium

Transcription

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