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Expression Of At1, At2 Receptors And A Non-At1, Non-At2 Angiotensin Ii Binding Site In Rat Brain After Endothelin-1 Induced Ischemic Stroke, Luz Gonzalez Reiley, Aisha Haniff
Expression Of At1, At2 Receptors And A Non-At1, Non-At2 Angiotensin Ii Binding Site In Rat Brain After Endothelin-1 Induced Ischemic Stroke, Luz Gonzalez Reiley, Aisha Haniff
Undergraduate Student Symposium
New findings suggest that the activation AT1 receptor decreases cerebral perfusion after an ischemic stroke in the brain while the activation of AT2 receptor opposes those actions providing neuroprotective effects. Recent discoveries reveal the existence of a novel non-AT1, non-AT2 binding site for angiotensin II (Ang II) in the brain which may indicate additional effects of the brain angiotensin system after ischemic damage. To assess this, 5 rats were microinjected with 3 μM of 80 μM endothelin-1 (ET-1) to stimulate middle cerebral artery occlusion in the right hemisphere of the forebrain. 24 hours later, the rats were sacrificed and the …
Exploring The Phylogeny Of Helicosporidium Using The Cyst Gene, Vanessa Anaya
Exploring The Phylogeny Of Helicosporidium Using The Cyst Gene, Vanessa Anaya
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Helicosporidium is a unique pathogen that can infect the larvae of mosquitoes. Phylogenetic analyses show promise of establishing a relationship between Helicosporidium and other species. Observation of species from the Aunexochlorella and Prototheca genera will provide an exact taxonomic classification and assist with identifying the closest relative to the genus Helicosporidium. Since it has been shown that the Helicosporidium shows effects on the larvae of mosquitos, this can be a potential organism of interest in the use as an alternative to common chemical insecticides. The confirmation of the relationship was found by performing sequencing of the ribosomal DNA of …
Exploring The Formation Of Novel Organic Compounds In Urban Atmosphere, Melanie Campbell
Exploring The Formation Of Novel Organic Compounds In Urban Atmosphere, Melanie Campbell
Undergraduate Student Symposium
It has been reported that the atmosphere surrounding Shanghai and other eastern Asian cities contain a surprisingly large amount of formaldehyde and other carbonyl compounds as well as amines, which are the byproducts of industrial sources. In theory, formaldehyde can react with primary or secondary amines and these additional carbonyl compounds containing acidic protons to form novel organic compounds, such as organic salts, through a process known as a Mannich reaction. In this research project, different types of Mannich reactions were performed in the lab by using several organic precursor compounds, some readily found in the atmosphere in Shanghai, to …
Experimental And Numerical Determination Of Phase Synchronization Between A Chua System And An External Periodic Signal, Yaneve Shemesh
Experimental And Numerical Determination Of Phase Synchronization Between A Chua System And An External Periodic Signal, Yaneve Shemesh
Undergraduate Student Symposium
We present our first experimental results in relation to the phase synchronization of a single sinusoidal function to a Chua oscillator. We approached the synchronization process with real time observation. We were able to observe that a Chua oscillator will stay phase synchronized if the periodic signal has the appropriate amplitude and frequency, i.e., falls inside a synchronization tongue (Arnold Tongue). These early results will be compared in the future with numerical simulations.
Event Related Potentials As A Measure Of Neural Inhibition Resulting From Bilingualism, Alicia Harnisch, Daniela Padron
Event Related Potentials As A Measure Of Neural Inhibition Resulting From Bilingualism, Alicia Harnisch, Daniela Padron
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Research suggests that there is a link between bilingualism and neural inhibition. Findings reveal that bilinguals more efficiently and effectively switch between cognitive tasks and ignore irrelevant aspects of a stimulus than monolinguals. According to the Inhibitory Control model of bilingualism, a mechanism is in place which allows bilinguals to suppress one language while using the other. This mechanism also mediates non-linguistic inhibition, which allows bilinguals to outperform monolinguals on these tasks. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging studies comparing monolinguals and bilinguals on non-language tasks suggest that these two groups utilize different frontal lobe areas when performing non-language cognitive tasks. The …
Electrophysiological And Neuropsychological Correlates Of Emotion Regulation, Anita Singh
Electrophysiological And Neuropsychological Correlates Of Emotion Regulation, Anita Singh
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Avoidance or escape from emotionally negative events is associated with poor psychological health outcomes. Importantly, humans can influence how emotions are experienced or expressed through emotion regulation (ER) strategies. ER strategies have been shown to alter the expression of emotions in individual with differing levels of experiential avoidance (as indexed by the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire, or AAQ). Here, we are comparing a control group of participants who do not show emotional avoidance with a group of participants who score high on emotional avoidance. To that end, we are assessing neurophysiological and behavioral responses to emotional vs. non emotional pictures …
Effects Of Daxx And Il-8 Gene Expression On Tumor Growth, Sakthi Murugan, Ryan Smith
Effects Of Daxx And Il-8 Gene Expression On Tumor Growth, Sakthi Murugan, Ryan Smith
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is an important factor that regulates tumor cell growth and angiogenesis. Tumor angiogenesis results in the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tumor cells, enabling further growth. Various genes in the genetic sequence contribute differently, and affect this process by either promoting or inhibiting further angiogenesis. Among these genes are DAXX and IL-8. DAXX gene, which encodes Death Domain Associated protein, can enhance FAS mediated apoptosis, by activating the Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK). MDM2 is an oncogenic protein, that is believed to ubiquinate DAXX and reduce its level when it is overly expressed; HAUSP …
Complete Protection And Glycosylation Of Hydroxylysine, Lindsey Nowland, Stephanie Cirillo
Complete Protection And Glycosylation Of Hydroxylysine, Lindsey Nowland, Stephanie Cirillo
Undergraduate Student Symposium
One of the most common types of cardiovascular disease is the coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis. Adiponectin, a protein hormone, has been shown to play a role in preventing the development of atherosclerosis. Modification of this compound could help to produce more beneficial effects. One of the amino acids in adiponectin, Hydroxylysine (HYL), can often undergo posttranslational modifications, such as glycosylation.
The aim of the intended research is to protect specific functional groups of the amino acid to make it suitable for peptide synthesis. Total synthetic route will entail a differential protection of the amino acid, and addition of specific sugar …
Can Ya Hear Me Now?, Aishah Thompkins
Can Ya Hear Me Now?, Aishah Thompkins
Undergraduate Student Symposium
“Can Ya Hear Me Now?” is a short film about a married young couple who are madly in love with each other. Michael wants nothing more than to serve God and to love his wife, Daysha. Michael works hard, and when he comes home he gives Daysha his undivided attention. And Daysha wants to please her husband and to stand by him. But Daysha has a dark secret; she is sometimes drawn to her not-so-distant past lifestyle, which involved parties, drugs, sex and clubs. Clear communication is a challenge for Daysha. Can Michael’s relationship with Daysha survive? Can Daysha’s love …
Bystanders To Evil: The Failure Of The United States’ Foreign Policy Towards Genocide, Anam Ismail
Bystanders To Evil: The Failure Of The United States’ Foreign Policy Towards Genocide, Anam Ismail
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Since the Armenian Genocide in the early twentieth century, the United States’ policy towards genocide has been, at best, delayed and, at worst, intentionally indifferent. This study will examine America’s historic reaction to genocide, as well as the radically different results that might have been achieved with even minimal efforts. To understand American action, research will focus on four examples of mass killing: the extermination of Jews and other undesirables by Nazi Germany, the widespread ethnic cleansing of Bosnian Muslims by Serbian nationalists, the conflict between rivaling Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda, and the ongoing war plaguing Southern Sudan. The …
A Look Into Abstinence Only Sex Education Vs. Comprehensive Sex Education, Katrin Scheurer
A Look Into Abstinence Only Sex Education Vs. Comprehensive Sex Education, Katrin Scheurer
Undergraduate Student Symposium
For almost two decades between the years of 1990 and 2010, many schools in the US were educating their young people on sex via abstinence only programs. Abstinence only sex education means that when students are taught in school about sex that they are taught abstinence is the only way (Barnett & Hurst, 2003). In comprehensive sex education the students would be taught more information about different contraceptives, sexual health and sexual decision making (Barnett & Hurst, 2003). In February, 2010, after years of federal funding for abstinence only sex education, President Obama cut this budget by $170 million. The …
The Widening Spectrum Of Celiac Disease, Mary-Catherine Fleck
The Widening Spectrum Of Celiac Disease, Mary-Catherine Fleck
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Celiac Disease or Celiac Sprue is a chronic autoimmune disorder with a genetic component. Gluten or gliadin is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Ingestion by genetically susceptible individuals, under certain conditions such as surgery, infection, or severe emotional stress can trigger the onset of Celiac Disease, the production of anti-gliadin antibodies, which destroy the villi lining the lower intestines. This is where most of the nutrients for sustenance are absorbed and hence can lead to malnutrition, diarrhea, anemia and fatigue; the villi gradually get restored, only upon exclusion of gluten from the diet. What was once only …
Construction Of A Polyphosphate Kinase Gene Deletion In Yersenia Spp., Shan Desai
Construction Of A Polyphosphate Kinase Gene Deletion In Yersenia Spp., Shan Desai
Undergraduate Student Symposium
The goal of this experiment is to study the bacteria, Yersinia pestis, Yersenia enterocolitica, and Yersenia pseudotuberculosis, and the possible role of the enzyme polyphosphate kinase (PPK) in pathogenicity, motility, and gene expression. PPK is an enzyme that produces inorganic polyphosphate, which is universal and found in all forms of life from prokaryotic bacteria to eukaryotic mammals. The PPK enzyme has been shown to be required for motility and virulence of several pathogenic bacteria. Yersinia spp. are diverse bacteria that cause diseases ranging from gastrointestinal diseases to bubonic plaque; however, the role of PPK is unknown. …
Project Braille: The Implementation Of The Seeing-Eye Computer, Jeremy Cantor
Project Braille: The Implementation Of The Seeing-Eye Computer, Jeremy Cantor
Undergraduate Student Symposium
The goal of this project is to provide convenient access to all of the printed materials to the visually impaired by utilizing functional senses other than sight. The proposed solution involves the use of modern technology to convert printed text into computer readable text through optical character recognition and later narrating the text using modern text-to-speech conversion (TTS). The process of converting books into an audio version via computer is currently in its infancy stage of development. There are several major issues that must be addressed in this conversion process. Today’s systems that are devoted to the TTS conversion process …
The Influence Of Emotional Regulation On Response Inhibition, Alexandra Srour
The Influence Of Emotional Regulation On Response Inhibition, Alexandra Srour
Undergraduate Student Symposium
The relationship between emotional regulation and response inhibition is examined. The presentation of highly arousing emotional pictures interferes with ongoing cognitive processes such as one’s ability to inhibit an unwanted response. In study 1, we measured emotional regulation and response inhibition independently. Results indicated that low emotional regulators exhibited faster reaction times. However, we did not find a correlation between emotional regulation and response inhibition. In study 2, we will examine the collective influences of emotional regulation and response inhibition. Participants will be trained to either up-regulate or down-regulate their emotional reactivity to highly-arousing negative stimuli. We predict that participants …
Implicit Bias And Public Policy Recommendations, Alyssa Mineo
Implicit Bias And Public Policy Recommendations, Alyssa Mineo
Undergraduate Student Symposium
We intend to measure implicit (as opposed to self-reported) attitudes towards gay people, specifically in the context of adoption rights. Opponents of gay adoption rights persist in arguing that having gay parents is harmful to the children and for this reason should be opposed. However, if the position is based exclusively on concern for the welfare of the children rather than (entirely or partially) on the parents’ sexual orientation per se, it should follow that any individual who acts out of this concern would be equally concerned with the welfare of the children adopted by heterosexual parents. Whatever restrictions …
Renovatio, Amrish Ramnarine
Renovatio, Amrish Ramnarine
Undergraduate Student Symposium
“Renovatio” is a short film about a couple of individuals who engage one another due to eerie occurrences in their vicinity. As each character bonds with the other, they begin to share emotions and choose sides. In this web of deception, secrets are revealed that confound even the most rational characters, ultimately concluding with their “rebirth.” The film is directed by Amrish Ramnarine. Other crew members and actors include Ximena Raquel Alvarez, Monica Lynne Herrera, Calista Siobhan Ming.
Change And Stop-Signal Paradigms With Hands And Feet, Terrence Singh
Change And Stop-Signal Paradigms With Hands And Feet, Terrence Singh
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Hands and feet are useful in most sports but they are even more important when driving. The present study aims to find the time it takes to stop or switch a hand or foot movement. Researchers have noted that it takes longer to stop a hand than it does an eye, but little if any research has been done on foot movement. We are currently collecting data in the stop-signal paradigm in which subjects are to strike one of two keys when they see the corresponding visual stimulus unless an auditory signal is presented. Data are also being collected on …
The Universe Divine, Alyiece Moretto
The Universe Divine, Alyiece Moretto
Undergraduate Student Symposium
“The Universe Divine” is a short film that follows Sam, a passionate young man at an important crossroads in his life. After an unsettling dream, we see that the Universe may have different plans for Sam than those he envisioned for himself. The film is directed by Alyiece Moretto. Other crew members and actors include Patrick Watkins, Cohen Robinson, Kathleen Bushong, and Jamie Mattocks.
Dipole Moment Of Ni(Ii), Cu(Ii), And Zn(Ii) Porphyrins And Out Of Plane Distortions Quantified By Semiempirical Methods And Compared To Thin Layer Chromatography, Dean Kalam
Undergraduate Student Symposium
The objective of this experiment was to calculate the dipole moment of Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) porphyrins and relate the measurements to the Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) experimental results. Tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and Octaethylporphyrin (OEP) were metallated with these transition metals (Ni(II) d8, Cu(II) d9, and Zn(II) d10). The results of the TLC were then futher compared to the dipole moment from calculations obtained using semi-empirical methods. It is known that different transition metals can expand or contact the core of these porphyrins due to electronic effects as well as size. The TPP series follows …
Externship In Graz, Austria: Research Opportunities, Nergess Taheri, Corynne Dignan
Externship In Graz, Austria: Research Opportunities, Nergess Taheri, Corynne Dignan
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) and the Medical University of Graz, Austria (MUG) formed a unique externship opportunity. The opportunity is only awarded to two undergraduate students at NSU annually. The six week externship in 2010 consisted of two research opportunities. The first experiment consists of studying the effects of different preservation methods on pig liver explantations and the second studies the impact of Sanopal on Cyclosporin-A induced nephropathy in rats. Prior to beginning the research we underwent training in the different techniques involved in each experiment as well as the ethical situations faced when conducting the experiments. The techniques we …
Artscience: A Study Of The Human Arterial And Venous Systems, Nergess Taheri
Artscience: A Study Of The Human Arterial And Venous Systems, Nergess Taheri
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Artscience is a blending of both aesthetic and scientific methods. This project combines both in a way that neither can be distinguished from the other. This is a study of the human arterial and venous systems. These systems were artistically represented as linoleum block prints. Two models were produced, one for the arterial system and the other for the venous system. The process used to make the models is called printmaking. Printmaking was one of the first forms of mass illustration with each print being considered an original. In this study two linoleum blocks were carved into the desired anatomical …
The Impact Of Speed Reading On The Generation Of Inferences, Anil Sawh
The Impact Of Speed Reading On The Generation Of Inferences, Anil Sawh
Undergraduate Student Symposium
This experiment explores the effect that speed-reading has on the inferences made while reading texts. More specifically it will compare comprehension and inferences made between participants that read at a normal rate and participants that have been trained to read at a faster rate than normal. Speed-reading courses promise the ability to learn how to take in larger amounts of text and information than normal reading. However, most research has shown that while these courses increase reading speed, comprehension and retention of the material suffers a significant drop (Just, Carpenter, & Masson, 1986). Very little research has examined the effects …
Carpentier’S Version Of Time: Back To The Ending, Genevieve Macaisa
Carpentier’S Version Of Time: Back To The Ending, Genevieve Macaisa
Undergraduate Student Symposium
In Alejo Carpentier’s short story “Journey Back to the Source,” he used a nonlinear narrative and manipulated temporal elements to challenge the traditional view of the passage of time. Through his experimentation, he developed a new form of the narrative timeline. Carpentier’s work demonstrates that time can move in reverse, from the end to the beginning, while still moving forward. The theories of Sergei Eisenstein and Henri Bergson influenced Carpentier’s experiment and reveal the magnitude of his pushing of the boundaries. For instance, Carpentier employs a narrative strategy like Eisenstein’s cinematic montage to stitch together a timeline. Bergson’s theories of …
Chemical Interactions Between Staphylococcus Aureus And Candida Albicans Within Mixed Species Biofilms, Rachel Comito, Fiorella Diaz, Martin Herrera, Ariel Jordan
Chemical Interactions Between Staphylococcus Aureus And Candida Albicans Within Mixed Species Biofilms, Rachel Comito, Fiorella Diaz, Martin Herrera, Ariel Jordan
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Biofilms are communities of microbes that grow and function together in order to gain protection from environmental stressors. Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans are two of the most common microbes found to grow as biofilms within medical facilities and are among the leading causes of infectious disease. Previous studies found that S. aureus and C. albicans grow together synergistically within biofilms and that S. aureus actually secretes some chemical that drastically improves candidal biofilm growth. The current project is focused on better characterizing the mechanism of this chemical interaction. One aspect of the project examines when S. aureus secretes this …
Analysis Of D1s80 Locus, An Introductory Bioinformatics Analysis Study In Human Genotype, Ana Paula Delgado
Analysis Of D1s80 Locus, An Introductory Bioinformatics Analysis Study In Human Genotype, Ana Paula Delgado
Undergraduate Student Symposium
DNA profile analysis focuses on hyper variable regions of DNA. This project seeks to study a specific variability called VNTR (variable number of tandem repeats). DNA sequencing data of D1S80 locus was obtained from individuals from African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic databases was analyzed. The data collected had been previously processed by PCR and DNA cloning using E. Coli. This data was provided by Dr. Duncan from the Broward’s Sheriff Lab. The study demonstrated that variation of D1S80 alleles are predominantly due to the number of repeat units contained within the amplicons obtained from PCR. Also, it was demonstrated …
A Perfect Day, Juan Sebastian Gallo
A Perfect Day, Juan Sebastian Gallo
Undergraduate Student Symposium
“The Perfect Day” is a short film about a normal day in an average American office. Will hates his job and goes through the motions painstakingly. However, a comical incident that seems to threaten the office gives him the chance to break out of the norm and find his individuality. The film is directed by Juan S. Gallo. Other crew members and actors include Lyle Howe, Kevin L. Alvarez, and Marc Pulido.
The Study Of Lagenidium Giganteum Crinkler Genes, Alexa Vyain, Tulsi Patel
The Study Of Lagenidium Giganteum Crinkler Genes, Alexa Vyain, Tulsi Patel
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Lagenidium giganteum is an entomopathogenic oomycete that is known to infect and kill the larvae of mosquitoes. Due to this characteristic, the organism has been deemed a potential alternative to chemical insecticides. This information is significant when the world issue of mosquito control is considered. The human death toll now reaches one million per year by mosquito-borne diseases, and the research on potential alternatives to chemical insecticides is quite minimal. Only seven L. giganteum protein-coding gene sequences have been reported to date, and the objective of this project is to accelerate the gene research of L. giganteum and identify the …
A Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis Model: Spiraling Out Of Control, Rajeswari Murugan
A Cardiac Arrhythmogenesis Model: Spiraling Out Of Control, Rajeswari Murugan
Undergraduate Student Symposium
Arrhythmic Sudden Cardiac death accounts for up to 5 million cases per year across the world. Cardiac arrhythmia is an abnormal activity in the heart that can lead to sudden cardiac death resulting from ventricular fibrillation. The electrocardiogram (ECG) reading during an arrhythmia indicates rapid contractions of the heart. This phenomenon is due to the development of a re-entrant circuit of electrical activity that repetitively stimulates the heart. The heart presents a spatio-temporal complex system, where the tissue biophysics and structure leads to reaction diffusion type models. These models portray the re-entrant wave patterns observed during arrhythmia. Fibrillation is characterized …
The Effects Of An Unrestricted High-Protein/High-Fat Diet Plus Exercise On Body Composition: A Case Report, Diana Mantilla
The Effects Of An Unrestricted High-Protein/High-Fat Diet Plus Exercise On Body Composition: A Case Report, Diana Mantilla
Undergraduate Student Symposium
The purpose of this independent study is to demonstrate the effects of exercise, diet and dietary supplementation on body composition and various indices of performance and health using a case study model. The exercise regimen consisted of heavy resistance training in combination with various aerobic exercises. The training program will follow a periodized scheme such that the volume and intensity of the exercise will be altered throughout the 8-week intervention period. Furthermore, the alterations in diet will involve an isocaloric replacement of carbohydrate with protein and fat. No change in caloric intake will occur. Various dietary supplements such as whey …