Time: Apr 18, Thursday 12:00-1:50pm

Location: GML Rotunda.

Title/Abstract

Students: Richard Ametepey and Saikou Fadiga (CRSP)

Mentor: Prof. Eugene Mananga, Department of Engineering, Physics and Technology

Title: Theory and Simulation in Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Its Application

Abstract: In this research, we use the method of average Hamiltonian theory (AHT) to control and investigate the spin dynamics during the application pulse sequences in the field of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (SSNMR). Solid-state NMR spectroscopy is a kind of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, characterized by the presence of anisotropic (directionally dependent) interactions. The basic concept is that, the spins interact with a magnetic field and the spatial proximity and chemical bond between two atoms can give rise to interactions between nuclei. In general, these interactions are orientation dependent. In media with no or little mobility, anisotropic interactions have a substantial influence on the behavior of a system of nuclear spins. The average Hamiltonian theory explains how periodic pulse sequences can be used to switch off or transform the symmetry of selected interactions in coupled, many-spin systems, allowing magnetic resonance spectroscopists to create effective spin Hamiltonians with a wide variety of intriguing and useful properties. This illuminating approach for studying the dynamics of a spin system subject to an RF perturbation was developed by John Waugh and co-workers in 1968. The AHT approach consists to consider the average or effective Hamiltonian of the RF pulse train. In this project, I will use the AHT approach to shown how the finite pulse widths affect the dipolar interaction of spin system evolution during the spin echo pulse sequence. The simulation of the dipolar interaction under the spin echo experiment will be performed by using a general purpose solid-state NMR simulation software called SIMPSON.

Student: Eric Aragundi (MTH 42 course project)

Mentor: Prof. Quanlei Fang, Department of Math and CS

Title: Linear Algebra and Music

Abstract: Music is closely related to mathematics. In this project, we will learn how to use linear algebra to understand music and different types of sounds. We explore how to play music with Mathematica.

Student: Quiana Berry (Summer Research Project)

Mentors: Dr. Adrienne Wootten, Dr. Derek Rosendahl and Dr. Renee McPherson, South Central Climate Adaptation Center, Norman, OK

Title: The Effects of Climate Change on Tick Habitat Suitability and Potential Transmission of Lyme Disease in the South Central U.S.

Abstract: Lyme disease is the most prevalent arthropod borne disease in the United States. The disease is transmitted to humans and other mammalian hosts through the bite of infected ixodes scapularis, better known as black-legged ticks. Established tick populations were historically reported in Eastern and Central United States. However, projections of climate change in North America suggest an increase in distribution of tick habitat suitability and subsequent Lyme disease incidence in the future. Future climate model projections serve as important tools because they can account for various future scenarios of how tick habitat suitability might change. The outcome of this research was to identify habitats of black-legged ticks by creating a logistic regression utilizing historical modeled climate data and tick data to determine future tick habitat suitability across the U.S. Tick presence was found to increase along the Gulf Coast of Texas and decrease in Oklahoma. These results can help guide the appropriate targeting of prevention efforts against populations who may be at risk of Lyme disease contraction within the South Central U.S.

Student: Veronika Bailey and Nayeli Pena (MTH 42 course project)

Mentor: Prof. Quanlei Fang, Department of Math & CS

Title: A Matrix Formulation of Multiple Regression Analysis

Abstract: Multiple regression analysis is a statistical method for studying the relationship between a single dependent variable and one or more independent (or predictor) variables. As a regression model becomes increasingly complex (i.e., contains more predictor variables) it can be more efficient to use matrices to define the regression model and the subsequent analyses. The current project considers key multiple regression formulas in matrix form followed by an example of applying these matrix notations to real-world data.

Student: Ryan Barker (MTH 31 course project)

Mentor: Prof. Quanlei Fang, Department of Math and CS

Title: Introduction to Derivative Vegetation Indices

Abstract: Vegetation indices (VI) have been employed to remotely detect changes in vegetation over the past half-century. While VIs have many benefits, advances in imaging technologies have led some researchers to investigate the advantages of derivative vegetation indices (dVIs) as a novel approach to analyzing remotely sensed data. Understanding the fundamental concepts associated with dVIs may aid in a variety of fields as remote sensing becomes more commonplace.

Student: Nana Boatemaa Adjei-Twum (CRSP)

Mentor: Prof. Diane Price Banks, Department of Biology

Title: Investigating the Impact of Learned Helplessness in First Year STEM Majors

Abstract: This experimental study investigates the signs of learned helplessness in first year STEM students pertaining to stress during their studies. The term learned helplessness refers to a constellation of behavioral changes that follow exposure to stressors that are not controlled by means of behavioral responses but fails to occur if the stressor is controllable. This study is based on the learned helplessness of STEM students and also to reduce the rate at which first year STEM students fail their classes. In order to achieve this, saliva samples were collected to access cortisol levels at designated times given. Cortisol is known as a stress hormone involved in the response to physical and or emotional stress. The saliva drool was collected at 4am and 8am to measure the cortisol circadian rhymes. Another set was collected before, during and after their stressful STEM course. A final collection was taken 30 minutes before and after midterms and finals. Participants also provided written responses about their experience after every salivary collection.

Student: Perry Boh and Shaif Dhuha (CRSP)

Mentors: Prof. Ivan Horozov, Department of Math & CS

Title: Dynamics of Spiral Galaxies

Abstract: Dark matter is an idea that was invented when the observed dynamic of galaxies did not match the theoretical prediction. The main reason is that there is substantially more matter in a galaxy than what we can observe. There is another school of scientists trying to explain the discrepancy between the observations and predictions of dynamics of galaxies. The main idea is that the equations describing the dynamics have to be modified. It is called modified Newtonian dynamics (MOND). We examine spiral galaxies as a fluid using Navier-Stokes equations to describe fluid dynamics. A galaxy has viscosity (friction) that occurs when stars or/and interstellar gas collide. The relativistic effects are relaxed away from the massive black hole at the center of the galaxy, since both the deformation of space-time is minimal and the velocities are very small compared to the speed of light. We investigate Navier-Stokes equations in polar coordinates and apply Fourier analysis to discuss possible solutions.

Student: Ciprian Cucu and Jennifer Kusi-Appau (CRSP)

Mentors: Prof. Rujin Tian, Department of Biology

Title: Tracing Maternal Ancestors through Mitochondrial DNA

Abstract: Human mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid (mtDNA), among its uncommon properties, is a typical example of non-Mendelian inheritance since it does not undergo any recombination as DNA is passed on only from the mother to the offspring. This provides us with a viable option of analyzing mtDNA, as a molecule, to trace maternal ancestry and migration patterns. Here, we set forth to understand our maternal ancestry and whom we are related to by isolating our mtDNA from the epithelial cells of the buccal cavity by a normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) mouth wash, then amplified and sequenced a specific gene (a 440-base pair segment of a hypervariable region of the mitochondrial chromosome) using Polymerase Chain Reaction(PCR) and then performed bioinformatics sequence analysis on our samples using the BLASTn suite provided by the National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI) to determine single base pair variations in the mtDNA sequence; a phenomenon known as single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP). Knowledge obtained from the location of where each SNP occur allowed us to determine which haplogroup each of us belonged to using the James Lick Haplogroup Analysis tool which primarily compared our base pair sequence to the revised Cambridge Reference Sequence (rCRS). The haplogroup determination allowed us to know how related we were and the common ancestor we shared at a point in time as these findings made us appreciate how rarely SNPs occur. This provide us with a fair idea of the molecular clock in regards to how many years back a mutation occurred, hence an indicator of geographical and historical point of origin for humans.

Student: Willmar Guzman Ulloa

Mentor: Prof. Eugene Mananga, Department of Physics

Title: Theory and Simulation of Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Its Application

Abstract: One method that allows the understanding of molecular structure and organization is the Solid-State Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. By applying an intense external electromagnetic field (B_0) to a no-silent NMR nucleus (with spin quantum number I≠0) an alignment is resulting between proton's spin magnetic momentum and the external magnetic field, against and in favor of it. In consequence, it's appreciated a low energy "alfa spin" (α) state and the high energy "beta spin" (β) state that are now separated by an energy gap (ΔE). Eventually, the energy gap is equivalent to the electromagnetic radiation needed for the α spin state to reach the β spin state which it's known as resonate ΔE= γ h/2π B_0. The electromagnetic radiation needed to be absorbed by the low energy α spin state it's provided by a radio-frequency that the spectroscopies generates in a various range (each model of apparatus has their own frequency) and up to +900Mhz for the modern and more powerful apparatus. To have the best and clearer image possible, it's needed a high frequency that require a magnetic field strong enough to generate the necessary energy gap between α spin state and β spin state. When the relation ΔE= γ h/2π B_0=hv where (hv) is the β energy state, then the proton spin in the α low energy state will resonate and jump or promote to the β high energy state. The resonation event is captured by the spectrometer generating the signal that will be interpreted later on.

Student: Zoureat Kobre (CRSP)

Mentor: Prof. Yasmin Edward, Department of Biology

Title: Using Multiplex PCR Barcoding to Detect Water Contamination

Abstract: Water pollution is a major concern worldwide. While clean water is essential to human health. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), contaminated drinking water is the leading cause of infectious disease in the world, resulting in millions of deaths each year. Polluted water can contain a wide variety of chemical compounds, solid waste and microorganisms. As it relates to microbial contaminants, determining whether water is contaminated, requires special tests to identify the contaminating organisms and their numbers. Waterborne microorganisms can cause severe illnesses. To identify water contamination in both drinking and recreational water, scientists’ first look for microbes called coliform bacteria also referred to as indicator organisms. These microbes represent a group of relatively harmless bacteria of the genera of Escherichia, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Serratia that normally inhabit the gastrointestinal tract of animals and humans. The presence of these organisms in a water sample typically warns of fecal contamination. Microbiological testing methods include a culturing step that requires significant wait time (24-48 hours). Multiplex PCR allows for rapid detection (1-2 hours) of multiple organism at the same time by using several primers, each targeting a unique and specific organism’s gene. The goal of this project is to use multiplex PCR to identify possible water contamination at several collection sites on Randall’s Island.

Student: Mary Martinez-Nunez

Mentor: Prof. Dickens St. Hilaire, Department of Chemistry

Title: Initiation of Greenhouse Gas Monitoring Program in BCC

Abstract: Megacities and cities across the globe are considered major anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gases (GHG), yet very few efforts has been made to monitor ambient concentration of GHG in cities, especially in urbanized areas. The Bronx is an urbanized borough in the New York City with major transportation routes and disproportionately high asthma rates among the population. Results indicate that there is very highly a common source for much of GHG. They are probably from exhaust from automobiles. This work describes the initiation of a GHG monitoring program at Bronx Community College (BCC) of the City University of New York (CUNY) in the Bronx, New York using a Picarro (Model 2301) greenhouse gas monitor. It will be expand to other boroughs of New York City. Correlations are also drawn from weather data collected simultaneously at the site with a Davis Vantage Pro2 Plus solar powered weather station and Picarro Greenhouse Gas Monitoring.

Student: Annetti Perez (CRSP)

Mentor:Prof. Syed Zaidi, Department of Engineering, Physics and Technology

Title: Design and Implementation of Electronic Circuits

Abstract: coming soon

Student: Jessica Perng (CRSP)

Mentor: Prof. Rajendra Gharbaran, Department of Biology

Title: STAT 6 signaling pathway inhibition and its effects on Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cell line L428

Abstract: STAT 6 is a member of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway and plays a critical role for the cellular development of many diseases including proliferation, invasion, survival, inflammation and immunity as well as contribution to progression and metastatic development of cancer. Janus Kinase (JAK) is a signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). Inhibitors of JAK/STAT have been used to treat diseases such as autoimmune diseases, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and psoriasis. There are a number of cancers affected by unregulated STAT6 expression. The drug AS1517499 serves as a potent inhibitor of cancers. The research question we are testing is “Can AS treatment stop the growth of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, in vitro.” Research results have shown an overexpression of STAT6 in Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Using Water soluble tetrazolium 1 (WST-1) cell viability assay in dose dependencies of 0, 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 uM; these dose dependencies have shown AS reduced cell viability in the STAT 6-positive Hodgkin’s Lymphoma cell lines for L428. Correlating with this data as support, the live/dead assay of AS-treated L428 cells co-stained with acridine orange (AO) and ethidium bromide (EtBr) shows dose-dependent cell death. For this assay, we stained live cells green with acridine Orange (AO) and dead cells are stained with ethidium bromide (EtBr). Ethidium bromide will stain the nuclei of dead cells. With the use of Western blot, we can detect specific levels of proteins expressed by the cells or tissue in dose-dependent decrease of phosphorylated STAT6 known as pSTAT6 in AS-treated L428 cell line. Caspase 3/7 activities of AS-treated cells were also used to study caspase activity within the cell line. Caspase is an enzyme that is involved in apoptosis, programmed cell death. Cells treated with AS have shown significant caspase 3/7 activities when stained with cell event casp3/7 green detection reagent from thermofisher. Controls used in these experiments include dimethylsulfate (DMSO) which works as a solvent to dissolve AS for treated and untreated cells. The results of the experiment thus far suggests AS does suppress viability and reduction of growth of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma by inducing cell death..

Student: Elston Rivera (MTH 42 course project)

Mentor: Prof. Quanlei Fang, Department of Math & CS

Title: Encryption and Decryption Using Linear Algebra

Abstract: Nowadays Cryptography has taken on importance with sensitive information of all kinds. In this project, we introduce the basic notions of cryptography in a linear algebraic context. We will show an example using a simple encoding scheme and an example of the Hill Cipher based on modular arithmetic.

Student: Deliah Smith (CRSP)

Mentor: Prof. Diane Price Banks, Department of Biology

Title: Vanishing Mushroom: Identifying an unknown suspect of Caprinus species

Abstract: An unknown species of Coprinus was serendipitously discovered in a peculiar location in the Bronx. Coprinus species typically is found in the wild, on lawns and in wooded areas. To find it in an urban setting is quite remarkable. The particular species found is suspected to be Coprinus aqueous also known as the vanishing mushroom. To help identify and grow this species in the Laboratory, a series of scientific analyses was conducted to include observing the species in its natural environment, cultivating the species on various media susceptible to fungus and isolating it's DNA for Sequencing.

Student: Koudeissatou Yaya-sebou (CRSP)

Mentor: Prof. Sunej Hans, Department of Chemistry

Title: The Development of Organic Liquid Scintillator

Abstract: Neutrinos are very small, tiny, nearly massless particles that travel at near light speeds and can rarely interact with matter. The neutrinos are originated from the sun and abundant in the universe. However, an organic liquid scintillator is one of the media that can be used to detect neutrinos. It is made of linear alkaline benzene, metal, fluro, and shifter. This project focuses on the study of different fluoro and shifters for an organic liquid scintillator. The neutrino detectors are assembled with photomultiplier tubes (PMT) which detects the signal from detector in the form of photon and transfer the signal to the analyzer. The photon range of these PMT's is around 450nm - 560nm, but the scintillating liquid's emission is around 260 like such as for linear alkyl benzene (LAB). There flour and shifter come in to shift the light from liquid to further around the PMT range. Therefore, suitable flour and shifter is very important for each neutrino project. Furthermore, the study of flour and shifter is done by using a spectrophotometer and the UV-VIS instruments. Different set of flour and shifters will be used for the study. First test will be checking the solubility in different solvents and check the excitation-emission based on the solvents and concentration. It will also include if the emission and excitation changes with the addition of the different regents to the mixture.