Digital Commons Network^™

Spring-Mass Model Characteristics In Distance Runners Across A Competitive Season, Isabella Vargas-Blanchard, Riley Schemel, Alexis Arena

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The spring-mass model (SMM) explains the elastic bouncing nature of the lower limbs during running as the tendons store and release elastic energy. It is primarily used to explain sprinting and is less understood in distance runners. SMM is quantified by evaluating the asymmetries in landing-takeoff and rebound percents (%) determined from ground reaction forces (GRF). Faster runners have less asymmetrical landing-takeoff% and more asymmetrical rebound%. SMM asymmetries may be sensitive to longitudinal training. Therefore, we sought to document changes in elastic bouncing properties over a 7-week competitive season in distance runners. Thirteen university runners (age, 19.8±2.2 yrs; height, 1.74±0.10 …

The Effect Of Kras Mutation In Lung Cancers And Neuroblastomas, Lohita Sunkara, Jessica Mangila

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Objective: This literature research examined the effects of KRAS mutation and expression in NonSmall Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Neuroblastomas for using it as a therapeutic target. Background: KRAS gene mutations are more common in long-term tobacco smokers with lung cancer than in non-smokers. The KRAS gene mutations in Lung Cancers typically indicate poor prognosis and resistance to several cancer treatments. Patients with KRAS Mutations were often shown to present resistance to certain drugs such as targeted chemotherapeutics, including EGFR inhibitors. Results: KRAS mutations in NSCLC are driver mutations, which are known to activate signaling pathways that promote aggressive tumor …

The Impacts Of Feeding And Swallowing On Infants And Toddlers With Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Scoping Review Of The Literature, Elenie Ortiz, Katheline Hernandez, Julie Fumero, Rachel Seganti

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is when the brain is deprived of oxygen leading to brain damage. There are two stages- the acute phase and the latent phase. The acute phase is when an initial lack of oxygen to the brain occurs. The latent phase occurs when oxygenated blood flow resumes in the brain, this is known as reperfusion injury. Symptoms can present directly after birth, or later in a child’s development, during the early childhood years. It is one of the most common causes of neonatal encephalopathy. It is a prevalent source of morbidity and mortality for infants throughout the …

The Portrayal Of The Femme Fatale: The Evolution Of Gender Roles In The Depiction Of A Femme Fatale, Esperanza Barrios, Amanda Perez Romero

Undergraduate Student Symposium

When male authors describe the word ‘femme fatale’, it is always a synonym for a seductive woman who brings disaster to an unfortunate male hero. But, when a female author writes the story, the definition changes to women who become victims of patriarchy. In turn, they transform into unfeeling women who use their charms to survive in a world where they are viewed as subdued, mink, and consenting objects for a male’s pride and satisfaction. There are two femme fatales who although they struggled to obtain their happiness, kept striving forward and did not let any difficulty fracture their minds …

The Universal Mass Function And Its Applicability To Organic Molecules, Abby Schamber, Raquel Walton

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The ability to predict the yield when synthesizing an organic molecule is a challenging issue in organic chemistry and a major obstacle when planning a multi-step organic synthesis. It would be beneficial to predict the yield of the product such that the most time, money, and waste-efficient method can be used. The Universal Mass Function (UMF) states that cosmic objects on all scales are in direct relation to each other. It shows that massive objects are much rarer than objects with lower masses. The following research aims to examine if the UMF theory is applicable to the field of organic …

A Quantitative Analysis Of Sudoku Variant Puzzles, Nhat Yen Nhi Nguyen

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Sudoku is a globally popular number puzzle game whose appeal lies in its simplicity and capacity to challenge logical and analytical skills, transcending cultural barriers and finding applications in various fields. The game is believed to bring many benefits to the players, including stimulating the mind, as well as developing their ability to make decisions (Uniyal, 2022). This research delves into evolving preferences by analyzing publicly available data from Logic Masters Deutschland (LMD), a leading German organization dedicated to expanding Sudoku logic puzzles through competitions and events (www.logic-masters.de). The dataset comprises a wealth of puzzle-related information, including puzzle names, author …

An Approach To Using X-Ray Crystallography To Understand Peptidomimetics, Mariapaz Velez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Peptidomimetics can fold into a variety of well-defined shapes. The goal of this project is to understand shape selection in a beta peptide foldamer with an alpha amino acid cap. This research represents interdisciplinary collaboration between KAIST, a research university in South Korea, and NSU. We solved the single crystal x-ray structure and found that the crystals of this molecule were orthorhombic in P2₁2₁2with unit cell dimensions a=22.655(6), b=30.008(8), c=18.271(5) and a unit cell volume of 12421.2 ų (Z=8). We observed a total of 6 intermolecular hydrogen bonds within the beta peptide foldamer. Each of …

Comparing Methodologies In 2-2'-Bipyridine Synthesis, Valentina El Khouri Faieta, Emily Andersen, Cameron Martinez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The purpose of this study is to determine the most economical and efficient way to synthesize functionalized bipyridine adducts for future incorporation into ruthenium complexes. These complexes show promise in treating bladder cancer and their extensive conjugated system demonstrates strong photovoltaic activity.

Two distinct approaches will be contrasted. The first method uses several disubstituted 2-bromopyridine substrates in homo-coupling reactions to create functionalized bipyridines, at the expense of long reactions times. The second route utilizes unsubstituted 2,2’-bipyridines and functionalizes them in a symmetrical pattern using a microwave synthesizer, to attempt to drastically shorten reaction times.

The first mode utilizes deactivating groups …

Ketogenic Diet Improves Cognitive-Behavioral Function In A Mouse Model Of Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy, Victoria Pulido-Correa, Chana Vogel, Lauren Rosenburg, Iliana Uribe, Ariana Hernandez, Bianca Echeverria

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), characterized by the accumulation of amyloid protein in cerebral vessels, is linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD), stroke, and cognitive impairment. Currently, there is no effective treatment or prevention for this condition. The ketogenic diet (KD), which is characterized by high fat, low carbohydrate, and moderate protein consumption, has gained considerable attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic use in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Studies in AD rodent models have found that KD and/or ketogenic supplements attenuate cognitive-behavioral impairments and dementia-related pathology. However, it is unknown whether KD can similarly benefit individuals with CAA. Considering KD’s …

Social Anxiety Disorder In Gerontological Populations: Analysis Of Retirement, Spousal Loss, And Health-Related Challenges In Older Adults, Nathan Tinu

Undergraduate Student Symposium

This study will explore Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) in gerontological populations, specifically examining how it manifests in the context of retirement, spousal loss, and health challenges. Employing surveys, interviews, and clinical assessments, the research will investigate both the subjective experiences and objective markers of SAD among older adults. The study will delve into the impact of retirement on social interactions, identity, and self-esteem to uncover potential contributions to social anxiety symptoms. Additionally, the research will observe the repercussions of spousal loss, using advanced statistical modeling to analyze longitudinal data and identify temporal patterns in the development of social anxiety. The …

The Economic Burden Of Celiac Disease: A Comprehensive Analysis Of Direct And Indirect Costs Associated With The Diagnosis And Management Of Celiac Disease, Mit Patel, Michelle Milman

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition where gluten ingestion prompts an immune response, damaging the small intestine and leading to diverse health complications. Effective management of CD necessitates a strict gluten-free diet (GFD). This paper reviews the economic implications of living with CD, drawing on peer-reviewed research from PubMed and Google Scholar databases. The analysis reveals significant direct and indirect costs that contribute to the economic burden faced by individuals with CD. Direct costs stem from medical consultations, diagnostic testing, and treatment of CD and its comorbidities, such as thyroid dysfunction and osteoporosis. Indirect costs arise from the higher …

Unraveling The Elasmobranch: A Look At Shark Oral Microbiomes In South Florida, Varsha Chigurupati, Paul Paronich, Adhvika Saravanan

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The intricate relationship between host organisms and their associated microbial communities, known as the microbiome, has garnered increasing attention across various fields of biology. Sharks, as apex predators in marine ecosystems, are important organisms to study and understand. Previous studies have shown shark gills and shark mouths are abundant in various types of commensal and pathogenic bacteria. This study examines results from a variety of swabs collected from shark species off the east coast of Florida. Through traditional microbial culturing and Next Generation 16S rRNA (Ribosomal RNA sequencing), we will understand the composition and functional significance of the shark microbiome …

What Is The Level Of Knowledge And Awareness Among Healthcare Providers In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (Nicus) Regarding Prelinguistic And Linguistic Development In Premature And Newborn Infants?, Brooke Gallo, Preye Ford

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Healthcare professionals in the Neonatal/Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are charged with education and competencies to maximize life support and viability in premature infants and medically fragile term infants. Often, the neonate’s first experiences with communication occur while in the hospital environment. It is well established that neonates and infants who spend more than five days in the NICU are at an increased risk for developmental delays, including language delays, speech sound disorders, motor speech disorders, and/or cognitive delays. Research indicates that 'Up to 50% of infants born less than 32 weeks of gestation develop disadvantaged outcomes, including language and …

Quantifying Respiratory Plasticity Of Checkered Pufferfish Under Climate Change Conditions, Logan Exton

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Increasing water temperatures resulting from global climate change introduce new energetic demands for marine organisms. Higher energy input will be required to cope with a subsequently higher metabolic rate, affecting all aspects of an individual’s life and therefore their survival. Because estuaries act as a link between rivers and oceans, they and their inhabitants are considered to be the most threatened by climate change. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how these organisms will respond to increased stressors due to climate change. Checkered pufferfish (Sphoeroides testudineus) are among the most common teleost fish in the Indian River Lagoon, …

Stereoscopic 3d Video Games Can Boost Depth Perception, Lara Cereminati

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Previous studies have shown that video game play improves a range of visual functions such as contrast sensitivity and visual crowding. Our experiment goal was aimed to test whether playing video games in a virtual 3-dimensional (3D) environment can modify depth perception or not. Altogether, 24 healthy young adults with no previous video game experience were recruited in two groups. In the treatment group (3DVG, n=12), participants were required to play stereoscopic 3D video games for a total of 40 hours over 4-5 weeks. In the control group (2DVG, n=12), participants played the same video games but in 2D mode …

Synthesis And Comparative Analysis Of FeχNiγSn Magnetic Nanoparticles , Sofia Celis

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Nano synthesis of Heusler alloys holds promise for their potential applications in creating next generation computer hard drives. This research project aims to investigate the synthesis and comparative analysis of Heusler nanomagnets using Ni₂FeSn, Fe₂NiSn, and FeNiSn compositions. The nanoparticles are synthesized using microwave-assisted heating and are then subjected to X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and SQUID magnetometry. We are particularly interested in conducting comparative analyses of the three nanomagnet compositions in order to determine which demonstrates superior magnetic properties for potential applications in the field.

Synthetic Psychedelic Phenethylamine Drugs After Microtubule Formation And Neurogenesis In Human Neural Progenitor Cells, Amelia Zannoni, Chase A. Gonzalez, Peter Stringer, Roberto G. Fileni, Nitisha S. Gajavalli, Julia Langman, Grace K. Wong

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Understanding how psychedelic phenethylamines affect neural plasticity is essential in understanding effects associated with recreational drug use. Intracellular scaffolding proteins and downstream effectors, i.e., the microtubule cytoskeleton, have been proposed to modulate the effects of psychedelics. Microtubules are polymers of the protein tubulin that contribute to the cytoarchitecture, protein transport, and synaptic stability in cells. Our group has shown that psychedelic substituted phenethylamines interact with microtubules in a dose dependent manner to affect its ability to form. These interactions would prevent microtubule dependent protein transport within cells leading to altered cytoarchitecture of the cell and may be associated with adverse …

Assessment Of Brain Function And Soccer Penalty Kick Performance In Collegiate Soccer Players, Toniann Brezina

Undergraduate Student Symposium

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this research study is to assess National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s and women’s soccer players brain function while taking penalty kicks wearing an electroencephalogram (EEG) band and a heart rate monitor. An EEG is a device used to assess brain activity and will record four types of brain wave activities: alpha, beta, theta, and delta. Heart rate data provides additional insight during strenuous activity. Minimal research exists on EEG and soccer penalty kicks, but multiple published studies discuss high activity in the beta wave along with a low heart rate indicating a focused but relaxed …

Demonstrating Physical Control Over Others Changes One’S Sense Of Power: Testing A Novel Manipulation Of Physical Formidability, Tamara Bogdanova, Morgan Fala, Ned Vaitkevicius, Nissipriya Pill, Ariana Gonzalez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between physical formidability and social power in modern humans. Previous research has shown that factors related to physical power, such as height, can affect a person’s perception of their own social power. We hypothesized that exercising physical power by engaging in the physical control of the behavior of another individual would affect people’s sense of their own social power and influence. To test this hypothesis, we employed a novel manipulation that used a human-to-human Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) device and a confederate to allow participants to feel as though …

Evaluating A Research Course Designed To Help Students Understand Protein Structure And Function, Omar Saleh, Jordan Nichole Carreras, Ryan Luib

Undergraduate Student Symposium

An educational curriculum has been implemented through the Farquhar Honors College (FHC) to integrate computational biology research for undergraduate students. Since its time as an independent study course, it has evolved into an Honors interdisciplinary course that is co-taught by professors from both the Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Physics with support from the NSF-funded Connecting Researchers, Educators, and STudents program, and 3D Molecular Designs. The course is intended to be applicable to FHC students regardless of their academic background. Throughout the Fall 2023 semester, peer mentors worked with student groups to assist in literature comprehension, protein selection, …

Evaluating The Association Between Undergraduate Major And Telehealth Utilization, Nimisha Kumar, Rojie Ekanayake, Wardah Lodhi

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Telehealth is a rapidly advancing phenomenon that utilizes technology to provide long-distance healthcare services to patients. The convenience of telehealth services is essential during emergency situations. For instance, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased awareness and reliance of telehealth services worldwide. Additionally, telehealth provides time-saving crisis intervention amongst the recent worsening of the fentanyl and opioid crisis. Telehealth’s increased flexibility and convenience benefits populations facing barriers to healthcare access. As telehealth rapidly evolves, it is crucial to understand the factors that influence its adoption. The purpose of this study is to evaluate any associations between undergraduate students’ majors and telehealth …

Evaluation Of The Effects Of Mdmx And Mdm2 Inhibitors Causing Cell Death In Prostate Cancer Cells, Saaketh Palli, Revanth Madamsetty

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Objective: In this research, we examined the molecular mechanisms by which inhibition of the MDM2 and MDMX pathways induces cell death in prostate cancer cells. Background: In the United States alone, more than 3 million men are living with prostate cancer. Though significant advances have been made in treating prostate cancer, the need for new anti-cancer drugs and treatment methods still persists to fight this deadly disease. Therefore, our study explored the intracellular link between MDMX and necroptosis, to determine how manipulating this molecular target can lead to cell cycle arrest and cell death. Methods: The LNCaP Prostate Cancer cells …

How The Molecular Vibrations Of Water May Prevent Skin Cancer, Jarlynn Ramirez, Angelina Georg, Colette Costello, Mahi Desai, Sandeep Dronavalli

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Studies have shown that when DNA absorbs ultraviolet light it can become structurally damaged leading to a mutation and possibly skin cancer. However, exposing skin to sunlight rarely leads to a mutation. This indicates that after the ultraviolet light is absorbed by the DNA the energy from the light can either cause a structural change to the DNA (a mutation) or be dissipated in a way that does not damage the DNA. Absorption of ultraviolet light causes molecular vibrations in DNA and these vibrations are what likely leads to structural changes in the DNA. One way the structural changes could …

Influence Of Growth Efficiency, Bacterial Density, And Metabolism On Antibiotic Resistance In Staphylococcus Aureus, Shreeya Patel, Estefania Marin Meneses

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Antibiotic resistance presents a formidable challenge in medicine, with rising mortality rates and escalating hospital expenses attributed to infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To address this critical issue, comprehending the mechanisms of bacterial resistance is paramount to the development of innovate drugs and treatment strategies. One such mechanism is the inoculum effect (IE), where the initial bacterial population density determines the minimum concentration of antibiotic required to eliminate the population. While previous work has shown that for gram negative bacteria, the relationship between ATP production and growth rate can account for the IE. However, it remains unclear as to if …

Learning From Louisiana: How Legislation And Location Affect Lgbtq+ Youth Mental Health, Abhay Dharanikota

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Queer youth are disproportionately vulnerable to mental health challenges including elevated risks of social isolation and suicide ideation. Disparities in mental health outcomes among queer students exist across states, but the underlying factors contributing to these variations remain unclear. This research aims to understand why certain states exhibit better mental health outcomes among queer youth than others by analyzing nationwide LGBTQ+ mental health statistics. This knowledge can then inform effective programs and approaches to improving outcomes in other states. It is hypothesized that states offering accessible mental health services, safe spaces such as Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSAs), and LGBTQ-affirming …

Long-Term Outcomes Of Covid-19 Survivors With Pre-Existing Dementia, Roham Hadidchi

Undergraduate Student Symposium

It is known that patients with dementia are at higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to older age and may be susceptible to worse acute outcomes. Whether or not acute COVID-19 infection predisposes patients with pre-existing dementia to worse longer-term outcomes is unknown and few studies compare COVID-19 survivors with non-COVID controls. This retrospective study evaluated 9,806 patients with dementia in the Montefiore Health System in the Bronx (January 2016 to July 2023), which serves a large minority population in the epicenter of the pandemic. Patients who had pre-existing dementia at the time of COVID-19 infection (COVID-19 group) or the …

Measuring Drug Metabolism Efficiency Of P450 Enzyme, Rachel Gruboy, Kena Patel

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Cytochrome P450 enzyme is responsible for the majority of drug metabolism in the human body, generally increasing the drugs’ solubility for secretion. Drug companies have routinely tested how fast drugs are metabolized and the metabolites they produce, but the low efficiency of drug metabolism makes this measurement a challenging task. The purpose of this project was to increase metabolism efficiency by changing the reaction conditions. The drug metabolism of cytochrome P450 enzyme was measured using commonly prescribed medications. The P450 enzyme uses NADPH to reduce the heme iron- O₂ complex making it highly reactive. This highly reactive center is …

Modeling Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor Antagonist Knw For Possible Optimized Asthma Treatment, Sreejani Jonnalagadda, Shalet James

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Under-diagnosed and under-treated, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, asthma has affected 262 million people globally in 2019. Cysteinyl leukotriene receptors (Cys-LTRs) are a δ-branch of class A G protein-coupled receptors associated with physiological functions in airways with allergic inflammation. Current antiasthmatic medications such as pranlukast inhibit CysLT1R, yet many patients still do not respond to this drug. To better understand this process, the related receptor CysLT2R has been identified as a promising drug target for not only asthma but also other conditions such as brain injury and cancer. CysLT1R is associated with bronchoconstriction, inflammation, and mucus production in the …

Changes In Neuromuscular Function Across A Competitive Collegiate Cross-Country Season, Riley Schemel, Alexis Arena, Isabella Vargas-Blanchard

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Resistance training strengthens neural adaptations that aid in improving neuromuscular functions such as the rate of force development (RFD) and power execution during an explosive task like a countermovement jump (CMJ). Distance runners do not engage in heavy resistance training and the effects of endurance running on neuromuscular functions are less known but may provide crucial biomarkers for monitoring performance and injury. The purpose of this intervention study was to evaluate changes in neuromuscular function from 7 weeks of competitive distance running without heavy resistance training. Thirteen university runners (age, 19.8±2.2 yrs; height, 1.74±0.10 m; mass, 61.9±9.0 kg) performed 3 …

Exploring Dysphagia In Alzheimer's Disease: A Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Literature Review, Katheline Hernandez

Undergraduate Student Symposium

Alzheimer's disease and dementia are progressive conditions that develop gradually, potentially heightening the risk of dysphagia, a condition characterized by difficulties in swallowing. As Alzheimer's disease advances, it can impact cognitive and motor functions, potentially causing challenges in coordinating the muscles involved in the swallowing process. The aim of this literature review was to investigate and determine the prevalence of dysphagia among individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, identify symptoms associated with dysphagia associated with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, explore relevant dysphagia interventions employed by healthcare professionals, and pinpoint common assessments used to identify both dementia and dysphagia. The systematic …