Undergraduate Research Report

PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY

RESEARCH & INNOVATION

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH REPORT OFFICE OF UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

SPRING 2020

TABLE OF CONTENTS Foreword

1

Student Success

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Modifying Nanoparticles for Pre-treatment for Cancer Therapy Abidemi Awojuyigbe and Dr. Merlyn Pulikkathara

13

Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Organ Regeneration Adaeze Eze, Naznin Sultana and Dr. Dennis E. Daniels

15

Renewable Carbon-Based Poly (Levulinic Acid – Erythritol) Ahbab Murtoza and Dr. Ananda S. Amarasekara

17

Monitoring DNA Interactions with Small Ring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Aijalon Shantavia Bettis and Dr. Harshica Fernando

19

Produced Water Filtration with Flat-Sheet Ultrafiltration Membrane Akolade Okunola and Dr. Raghava Kommalapati

21

Development and Biological Evaluation of Novel Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (Pparα/γ/δ) Agonists As Anti-Diabetic Agents Alyssa Arceneaux and Dr. Sameh Abdelwahed

23

The Pathophysiological Effects of Fluid-Structure Interaction Of Species Transported and Transformed in Human Urinary System Aminata Diagne and Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju

25

The Impact of Shelby V. Holder in Arizona, Georgia And Texas Amorae Times and Dr. Michael J. Nojeim

27

Conversion Processes of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Into Useful Chemicals Elizabeth Osadare, Shanelle Bryant, Ariel Taylor and Dr. Emmanuel Dada

29

Thermophysical Properties of N-Butanol And N-Decane for Simulation Of Liquid Droplet Evaporation Asmaou S. Ouedraogo, Haivany M. Youmou and Dr. Ziaul Huque

31

Elucidating Mechanisms of Cancer Cell Growth And Invasion Using 2d And 3d Cell Culture Models Aubrianna Jordan and Dr. Victoria Mgbemena

33

Synthesis and Preliminary Characterization of Histidine-Metal Complexes Cayla Guillory and Dr. Gina Chiarella

37

Delivery of Bioactive Molecules into Live Cells Using Thiamin Chelsea Narcisse and Dr. Sameh Abdelwahed

39

A Content Analysis of the Commodification and Exploitation of Black Internet Content and Product Chiamaka Okoye and Dr. Christopher Medina

41

The Impact of The Immune System On The Pathophysiological Effects of Fluid-Structure Interaction Of Species Transported and Transformed in Human Systems Diamy Camara and Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju

43

Exploring Bioinformatics through the Annotation of The Tcf21 Gene Diana Varela Ajche and Dr. Gloria C. Regisford

45

The Pathophysiological Effects of Fluid-Structure Interaction of Species Transported and Transformed from Ambience to Human Digestive System Indira Ribeiro and Dr. Kazeem B. Olanrewaju

49

The Anisotropic Electronic States in the Fractional Quantum Hall Regime Isaac Berry and Dr. Orion Ciftja

51

Observing the Variable Effects of Microbial Treatments in Different Cervical Cancer Cells Jocelyn Mejia and Dr. Victoria Mgbemena

53

The Plight of the Ethiopian Jews: An Exploration of Their Social, Economic, and Political Well-Being in The Jewish Homeland Kalyse Houston and Dr. Marco Robinson

55

Predicting the Accuracy of Diagnosing Breast Cancer: A Machine Learning Approach Kendall Lemons and Dr. Indika Rathnathungalage

57

Studying the Role of The Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway in Cervical Cancer Cell Lines Larecia Thomas and Dr. Victoria Mgbemena

59

Race in Sports: the Underrepresentation of Black Head Coaches Larryisa Thomas and Dr. Marco Robinson

61

An Egg Quality Assessment of Eggs Laid in Different Places in Two Types of Cage-free Housing Praise Benson and Dr. Sela Woldesenbet, Dr. Grace Abolaji, and Dr. Darrin Karcher

63

Geometric Stiffness Control Techniques for Metal-Based Implants Prevailer Mba and Dr. Jaejong Park

65

Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Complexes of N2o2 Tetra Dentate Ligands Resembling Biological Catalysts Sahar Fattani and Dr. Gina Chiarella

67

Epistemic Injustice within Healthcare: Minoritizes Scenic Mosley and Dr. Mark Tschaepe

69

Mental Health of Students of Prairie View A&M University and Discrepancies in the Lack of Awareness and Access to Care Sydney L. Gore and Dr. Quincy C. Moore

71

The Pathophysiological Effects of Fluid-Structure Interaction of Species Transported and Transformed from Ambience to Human Respiratory System 73 Unyime Effiong and Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju Environmental Monitoring of Soil and Water from the Wetland Pond on the Prairie View A&M University 90-Acres Property Zulfa Eisa and Richard W. Griffin

75

Dear Colleagues and Friends, Research is fundamentally a pursuit into the unknown, intending to understand all that surrounds us. Passion, hard work, and persistence are required to accomplish this. However, the truly extraordinary thing about scientific research is that anyone who has these qualities can aid progress in pushing the boundaries of the collective knowledge of humanity.

Magesh T. Rajan Vice President for Research & Innovation mtrajan@pvamu.edu

At Prairie View A&M University, with the support of President Ruth Simmons, the Division of Research & Innovation is committed to fostering a community to help emerging undergraduate, and graduate researchers flourish early in their academic career. This initiative provides professional mentorship and multiple research opportunities. I am delighted to share a few words about the student researchers and their research work featured in this booklet. These undergraduate students exemplify all that Prairie View A&M University has stood for over the past 140 years.

Many of these students, especially the graduating seniors, have demonstrated significant resilience to complete their research even during times of disruptions and uncertainties. They faced the social unrest caused by the death of PVAMU alumna Sandra Bland in 2015, the historic flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and finally the global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These student researchers persisted, and that is what we Panthers do!

The many hours of physical, mental, and emotional work that goes into the completion of the research projects and scholarly dissemination from the student researchers and the faculty mentors are something we at PVAMU sincerely appreciate and understand. The continued growth of student researchers at PVAMU humbles and motivates us. This year we are pleased to announce that

1

FOREWORD

over 187 students submitted abstracts for the Annual Student Research Week Symposium. The undergraduate research assistants supported by Research and Innovation (R&I) and the Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), worked closely with their faculty mentors to experience the rigorous research and dissemination process. This booklet represents the research outcomes of our undergraduate student researchers.

With the guidance of their faculty mentors, these students learned firsthand the skills and dedication required to conduct cutting edge experiments, whether in a laboratory or in the field. They learned the importance of research dissemination that contributes to the global body of work in their disciplines. This wealth of knowledge, training, and experience has established a strong foundation and positioned them for a successful career.

When we look back at all we have accomplished, we are truly thankful to all of the student researchers, faculty mentors, symposium organizers, reviewers, and editors. I commend all those who worked tirelessly with the students, knowing that their contributions of time and effort could result in a student choosing to pursue graduate studies and, more specifically, a research-oriented career. I am most proud of the students who learned that life is not always perfect, but yet we must continue. They persisted through the journey of research and discovery, and they confidently stood ready to present their research at the Student Research Symposium, even at the time of a global pandemic. That is what we Panthers do!

Magesh T. Rajan, Ph.D., P.E., MBA. Vice President for Research & Innovation

FOREWORD

2

The Office of Undergraduate Research acknowledges dedication and commitment of the faculty and researchers who provided mentorship for students during this process. We are grateful for the leadership, guidance and support provided by the Vice President for Research and Innovation (R&I), Dr. Magesh Rajan. With the support of R&I, we continue to promote the faculty/staff-mentored undergraduate research programs. We appreciate the staff of R&I for the assistance provided to support the activities of the OUR. Special thanks go to the Graduate Assistants Ifeayin Arinze and Judith Godfrey for the compilation, editing, and organization of the research report .

The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) promotes PVAMU campus-wide faculty-mentored undergraduate research. The OUR mission is to advance student research capability and excellence through faculty mentoring and engaging students in interdisciplinary collaborative research and associated activities with the support of internal and external funding.

Grace T. Abolaji Manager, Undergraduate Research gtabolaji@pvamu.edu

We are committed to providing both internal and external research and funding opportunities.

We have hosted a number of events as a means of recruiting students to become engaged in research and to connect them with faculty mentors. We believe that when students learn early the joys of discovery new and innovative research, they are encouraged to pursue graduate studies and continue the journey of discovery.

This group of OUR students have had the opportunity to represent Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) at a symposiums and conferences, and they have overcome adversity to ensure that their hard work is represented here in this report. It is an honor to present the research of the PVAMU students.

Grace T. Abolaji, Ph.D. Manager, Undergraduate Research

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FOREWORD

VIRTUAL MINI-SYMPOSIUM

2019/2020 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

Congratulations! The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) is proud of the 35 undergraduates that continued to engage in research and associated activities made despite the lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic. The students were mentored by our able, innovative and impactful faculty/staff in multiple colleges across the campus. Ten of the students, including seven that graduated, prepared their posters to participate in the Virtual MiniSymposium on May 22, 2020. A total of forty nine (49) students, mentors, and council members attended the virtual poster presentation. The students clearly articulated the details of their research, and confidently answered all the questions asked about their project and plans. The students shared stories regarding support they received from OUR, their professional/graduate program plans, and the impacts of mentors/mentorship relationships.

We look forward to support our undergraduate students as they continue to develop themselves as professionals prepared to transition into the workforce or graduate programs, and impact their community and the global society.

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STUDENT SUCCESS

STUDENT SUCCESS ADAEZE EZE Impacts of OUR support on my engagement in active research and associated programs: My name is Adaeze Eze, and I am a senior with a major in Biology. The Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) has supported me since 2018 to conduct research projects of my interest with knowledgeable mentors.

I have been able to gain more insight into scientific problem solving, advanced laboratory and research writing skills, and participate in networking opportunities while receiving funding as an undergraduate research assistant. I am genuinely grateful for the staff of the OUR because they have played a significant role in many of the students' success and excellence as undergraduate researchers.

My plans for graduate study and or work: I am currently a junior, but my goal for next year is to continue with the biomedical research. I plan to work in the lab of Dr. Naznin Sultana on the studies of tissue engineering scaffolds for tissue regeneration.

What I can say about my mentor and the mentorship relationship: Under the supervision and mentorship of Dr. Sultana, I have been able to step into a whole new interest in biomedical research. I have grown intellectually, professionally, and personally. Dr. Sultana is a very inspiring, intelligent Research Scientist whom I have a lot to learn from before graduating from Prairie View and pursuing a career in medicine and scientific research.

I look forward to learning more from her as I continue to work with her next year.

My advice/suggestions to other students about research engagement through the OUR: I would advise other students to take advantage of the opportunities that are within the OUR and their programs. Students should be proactive, committed, and curious to learn.

STUDENT SUCCESS

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STUDENT SUCCESS AKOLADE OKUNOLA Impacts of OUR support on my engagement in active research and associated programs: The Office of Undergraduate Research support paved the way for me to do experiments and researches on the subject that is very important in my career path. The opportunity brought me to the threshold of realizing my longtime dream for inventing a portable membrane ultrafiltration gadget to help people living in the rural areas of countries where they have limited access to purified water.

My plans for graduate study and or work: My plan now is to work for a promising organization. Then I would consider having a master’s degree in my specialties.

What I can say about my mentor and the mentorship relationship: My mentor is a very competent and understanding person. He supported my research work from the beginning.

My advice/suggestions to other students about research engagement through the OUR: Students should have the opportunity to work with competent mentors/supervisors who are willing to help students change the world.

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STUDENT SUCCESS

STUDENT SUCCESS AUBRIANA JORDAN Impacts of OUR support on my engagement in active research and associated programs: My name is Aubrianna Jordan, with a major in Biology. I was engaged in reproductive cancer research focusing on cervical cancer under Dr. Victoria Mgbemena mentorship. Doing this kind of research has taught me to have patients as well as showing me how scientists, staff, and students collaborate, work as a team, and share data and information to improve the medical field. I was able to network, which opened my mind to the different opportunities in the field of science.

My plans for graduate study and or work: I am currently in Glendale, Arizona, going into my first year of pharmacy school at Midwestern University.

My goal is to graduate from this university and come back to Texas to work full time in a hospital pharmacy.

What I can say about my mentor and the mentorship relationship: My mentor has been an enormous help in getting me to where I am now. She helped me to keep my head held high to push through all of the mental struggles that I came across in my undergraduate program. I wish to keep that relationship and build on as I pursue my professional career.

My advice/suggestions to other students about research engagement through the OUR: My advice to any upcoming research students is to dive headfirst into your research and take advantage of every opportunity that is presented to you. Different networking availabilities come up that you wouldn’t think can pertain to you, but the world is so small, and you never know who knows who and where that can get you.

Thank you so much for this opportunity.

STUDENT SUCCESS

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STUDENT SUCCESS LARECIA THOMAS Impacts of OUR support on my engagement in active research and associated programs: With the support of the Office of Undergraduate Research, I was able to engage in research with my mentor, who took my interest in cancer research. I learned the appropriate steps to do research.

My plans for graduate study and or work: I plan to receive my master’s degree in public health and then attend Medical School to reach my ultimate career goal of becoming a pediatrician.

What I can say about my mentor and the mentorship relationship: Dr. Mgbemena has impacted my outlook on my future studies and taught me how to not only keep an open mind to different possibilities but to be confident in my work. My relationship with her was significant, and I’m very grateful for taking me under her wing and serving as a positive and successful role model to emulate.

My advice/suggestions to other students about research engagement through the OUR: I suggest that students should stay driven, even when the research just requires countless hours of reading various documents to generate the best results.

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STUDENT SUCCESS

STUDENT SUCCESS PRAISE BENSON Impacts of OUR support on my engagement in active research and associated programs: My name is Praise Benson, and I graduated from the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences with a double major in Animal Science and Entrepreneurship. The OUR support helped in a lot of ways and drew me nearer to the research world. I was able to attend top schools’ summer research programs and met amazing people that are and will continue to be part of my success story. I was able to work in the lab, learning about western blot, knowing more about egg quality, researching Amaranth and Moringa, as well as obtaining skills on how to use different machines in the lab.

My plans for graduate study and or work: I am excited to announce that I will be attending Prairie View A&M University this Fall 2020 for my master’s degree in the Community Development program of the College of Architecture. My goal is to have integrated research, education, and entrepreneurship-based farm that will provide hands-on experiences to combat food insecurity and empower individuals economically in disadvantaged communities.

What I can say about my mentor and the mentorship relationship: Mentor and mentorship relationships were terrific, as Dr. Grace Abolaji and Dr. Sela were my mentors during my time at Prairie View A&M University. They took me in as their daughter and taught me real-life experiences as well as making me understand research. It was a great time with them.

My advice/suggestions to other students about research engagement through the OUR: Students should make the best use of the opportunities provided and pay attention to all that mentors are teaching them. It might seem like what you are doing now doesn’t align with your future goals, but one way or the other, it will be needed or called on one day.

I remain grateful for the great experiences and opportunities I had with the OUR.

STUDENT SUCCESS

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STUDENT SUCCESS SYDNEY GORE Impacts of OUR support on my engagement in active research and associated programs: My name is Sidney Gore, and I graduated with a major in Biology. During my four years at PVAMU, I am very proud to have done undergraduate research for two years through the Office of Undergraduate Research. I accomplished what I set out to do, and that makes it into professional school. With the help of the Undergraduate Medical Academy and the Honors Program, I was able to learn Mandarin and study abroad in China twice, the second time being a student researcher in health policy and management. I plan to receive my publication in PVAMU’s journal called PURSUE under the Biology Department’s very own Dr. Moore.

My plans for graduate study and or work: I have accepted an offer from Meharry Medical College, where I will continue my education and become an MD. My career goal is to become a physician specializing in psychiatric health eventually. I know that my research here will help me in my future endeavors as a doctor.

What I can say about my mentor and the mentorship relationship: My mentor Dr. Quincy Moore, I met in my freshman year in the biology department. He quickly became my favorite professor, and I looked forward to his classes. In my junior year, he became the new Honors Program Director and my research mentor. He was very open to my ideas of doing something non-traditional and in the realm of Social and Behavioral Science, which I appreciated. He helped me in every step and always gave constructive criticism. His mentorship gave me a real insight into what research is and how to work with others.

My advice/suggestions to other students about research engagement through the OUR: Through the many awards, scholarships, and recognition I received throughout my four years, none of them compare to being accepted into the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in research. I encourage all PV students interested in research to apply for this as well as job opportunities in PV’s Office of Undergraduate Research. Without this opportunity, I would not be able to announce my acceptance into three graduate school programs, one of which is at UT at Austin.

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STUDENT SUCCESS

STUDENT SUCCESS UNYIME EFFIONG Impacts of OUR support on my engagement in active research and associated programs: I recently graduated with a bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering. I was opportune to be selected by the Office of Undergraduate Research to partake in this initiative to boost undergraduate research. I was exposed to the basics of the research process, as this was my first project. I was able to develop my research skillset, which proved very handy when I secured a summer research opportunity at The University of Texas at Austin (UTA). Based on my research experience under the OUR support, I am characterizing an RNAbinding protein in a non-model bacterium at the research opportunity in UTA. My plans for graduate study and or work: Currently, I have a summer research opportunity in the Unversity of Texas at Austin. I plan to continue my career there this Fall 2020 with the ultimate goal of obtaining my Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering.

What I can say about my mentor and the mentorship relationship: Working with Dr. Kazeem was superb. He has a manner of approach to instruction that was very easy to follow, and he was dedicated to ensuring that all students in the group can comprehend and fulfill their project tasks in the most effective manner. He is also very passionate about this project, and this motivated him to work tirelessly to ensure that we had additional resources from the OUR to stimulate our progress.

The mentorship relationship taught me how to hang in there when carrying out tasks even outside of my research project. I have learned the invaluable lesson of time management working with him. It was an absolute pleasure working with Dr. Kazeem, and I hope to be able to continue collaborating with him in future projects.

My advice/suggestions to other students about research engagement through the OUR: My advice to other students is that they should seize any opportunity to conduct research even in fields outside of their majors or identified areas of interest. They will not only be exposed to new skill sets that can be learned, but they may also discover a new area of interest while contributing to the enhancement of knowledge in that field, which has high impacts on day-to-day living.

STUDENT SUCCESS

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Modifying Nanoparticles for Pre-treatment for Cancer Therapy Abidem Awojuyigbe | Dr. Merlyn Pulikkathara Chemical Engineering and Physics Department, Prairie View A&M University Abstract

Methodology

Nanomaterials, due to the small size, large available surface area, and ability to modify material properties at the greater scale have been utilized in nanomedicine for drug delivery. Current chemotherapy treatment of cancer cells is killing healthy cells in the same order it destroys malignant ones. To overcome this problem researchers are trying to use nanoparticles to target cancer cells directly for a more effective treatment and reduced toxicity.

This research would examine if a pretreatment of nanoparticles can help protect healthy cells during chemotherapy

Introduction

Current chemotherapy treatment of cancer cells is killing healthy cells in the same order it destroys malignant ones. To overcome this problem, this study focuses on the use of nanoparticles to target these cancer cells directly for a more effective treatment. Nanoparticles surface charge are modified to fit the nucleus of the cell. This research also studied the effectiveness of urea wrapped nanomaterials.

Gemcitabine HCL

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POSTERS AND REPORTS

This study characterizes chemical composition of Urea and Serinol via FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), size by DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) and surface charge by Zeta Potential.

Current data from this part of the study will be shown.

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, also known as FTIR Analysis or FTIR Spectroscopy, is an analytical technique used to identify organic, polymeric, and, in some cases, inorganic materials. The FTIR analysis method uses infrared light to scan test samples (Urea) and observe chemical properties.

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an instrument that was also used to characterize the particles. A thermogravimetric analyzer continuously measures mass while the temperature of a sample is changed over time. Mass, temperature, and time are considered base measurements in thermogravimetric analysis while many additional measures may be derived from these three base measurements.

A TGA can be used for materials characterization through analysis of characteristic decomposition patterns. It is an especially useful technique for the study of polymeric materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites, plastic films, fibers, coatings, paints, and fuels.

Zeta-sizer was used to characterize the particle size of Urea by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a non-invasive technique suitable for the size characterization of nanoparticles and low-molecular weight

Results

Conclusion

Urea Solution 10ml Deionized water

For the second research we are expecting to characterize skin cancer cells using zinc chloride and Chitosan using For this research we are expecting to measure 1g, 0.1g, 0.01g, 0.001g of a Scanning single walled carbon nanotube in various Urea solutions. We plan to Electron characterize this particles using thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Microscope Zeta Potential (Zetasizer),and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Atomic Force EnergyMicroscopy (AFM).

Serinol Meleanate C60- – Serionol dispersive X-ray (EDS).

1g

#g/urea

0.1 g

0.01g

0.001g

TGA FTIR DLS ZETA

0

0.001 0.01 0.1 1.0

Skin Cell Cancer

Control Cells Only

Cells +Zncl + Chitosan

Cells Zncl+ Chitosan +FA

SEM

EDS

control

AFM

We are currently working to use nanoparticles to target cancer cells directly for a more effective treatment and reduced toxicity. This research would examine if a pretreatment of nanoparticles can help protect healthy cells during chemotherapy. This analysis will give us a little more insight on how to use Nano-particles to create an effective treatment. We aim to understand the interaction of serinol and the DNA in the nucleus of these to cells, and analyze them together.

For a second research project, we are expecting to characterize skin cancer cells using zinc chloride and Chitosan using Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy- dispersive X-ray (EDS).

C60-serinol Rferences

“FTIR Analysis.” RTI Laboratories, Admin, rtilab.com/techniques/-analysis/.

Cleveland Clinic Cancer. “Gemcitabine.”

Chemocare, chemocare.com/chemotherapy/druginfo/gemcitabine.aspx

Acknowledgements: R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Chemical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University

MODIFYING NANOPARTICLES FOR PRETREATMENT FOR CANCER THERAPY Abidemi Awojuyigbe and Dr. Merlyn Pulikkathara | Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446 Introduction Nanomaterials’ small size, large available surface area, and the ability to modify material properties at a larger scale have enabled the use in nanomedicine for drug delivery.

Current chemotherapy treatment of cancer cells is killing healthy cells in the same order. It destroys malignant ones. To overcome this problem, researchers are trying to use nanoparticles to target cancer cells directly for more effective treatment and reduced toxicity. This research would examine if pretreatment of nanoparticles can help protect healthy cells during chemotherapy.

Methods and Materials This study characterizes Urea and Serinol’s chemical composition via FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy), size by DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), and surface charge by Zeta Potential. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, also known as FTIR Analysis or FTIR Spectroscopy is an analytical technique used to identify organic, polymeric, and, in some cases, inorganic materials. The FTIR analysis method uses infrared light to scan test samples (Urea) and observe chemical properties.

TGA can be used for materials characterization through the analysis of characteristic decomposition patterns.

It is an especially useful technique for the study of polymeric materials, including thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, composites, plastic films, fibers, coatings, paints, and fuels.

Zeta-sizer was used to characterize the particle size of Urea by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) is a non-invasive technique suitable for the size characterization of nanoparticles and lowmolecular-weight molecules.

Results and Discussion The current experimental plan from this part of the study will be shown.

Urea Solution 10ml Deionized water

1g Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an instrument that was also used to characterize the particles. A thermogravimetric analyzer continuously measures mass while the temperature of a sample is changed over time. Mass, temperature, and time are considered base measurements in thermogravimetric analysis, while many additional measures may be derived from these three base measurements. A typical thermogravimetric analyzer consists of a precision balance with a sample pan located inside a furnace with a programmable control temperature.

The temperature is generally increased at a constant rate (or for some applications the temperature is controlled for a constant mass loss) to incur a thermal reaction. The first derivative of the TGA curve (the DTG curve) may be plotted to determine inflection points useful for in-depth interpretations as well as differential thermal analysis. A

#g/urea

0.1 g TGA

0.01g FTIR

DLS

0.001g ZETA

control AFM

0 0.001 0.01 0.1

Skin Cell Cancer

SEM

EDS

Control Cells Only Cells +ZnCl + Chitosan Cells + ZnCl+ Chitosan +FA

For the second research project, we are expecting to characterize skin cancer cells using zinc chloride and Chitosan using Scanning Electron Microscope and Energydispersive X-ray (EDS).

Conclusion We are currently working on using nanoparticles to target cancer cells directly for more effective treatment and reduced toxicity. This research would examine if pretreatment of nanoparticles can help protect healthy cells during chemotherapy. This analysis will give us a little more insight into how to use Nano-particles to create an effective treatment. We aim to understand the interaction of the serinol functional group and the protection of DNA from chemotherapy in healthy cells.

References “FTIR Analysis.” RTI Laboratories, Admin, rtilab.com/ techniques/ftir-analysis/.

Cleveland Clinic, Cancer. “Gemcitabine.” Chemocare, chemocare.com/chemotherapy/drug-info/gemcitabine. aspx.

1.0

For this research, we are expecting to measure 1g, 0.1g, 0.01g, 0.001g of a single-walled carbon nanotube in various Urea solutions. We plan to characterize these particles using a thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), Zeta Potential (Zetasizer), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

Abidemi Awojuyigbe is a junior, majoring in Chemical Engineering. Dr. Merlyn Pulikkathara is a Professor in the Physics department with research interests in Nanotechnology.

POSTERS AND REPORTS

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Tissue Engineering Scaffolds for Organ Regeneration Adaeze Eze, Naznin Sultana, and Dennis E. Daniels Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, TX

Abstract

Background: Regenerative medicine plays a major role in restoring and repairing damaged or diseased tissue. Tissue engineering (TE) is a form of regenerative medicine. TE scaffold, a component of TE, is the idea of using biomaterials that are degradable, to aid in restoring, repairing, and treating damaged tissue. The aim of the tissue engineering scaffold technique is to insert a non-toxic component into the body that the cells can attach, migrate, differentiate, and proliferate through. Objective: The objective of this project was to fabricate and investigate the properties of the combined component of a natural, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, chitosan, and a natural product, pectin, for TE scaffolds application.

Materials/ Methods

Results

Chitosan and Pectin. Chitosan was purchased from sigma with medium molecular weight. Pectin from citrus peel (Pc, galacturonic acid content of 80.2%, methoxylation degree of 7.6% and Mv of 45 kDa) was obtained from Sigma-Aldrich.

Different concentration of Pectin will be used.

3-D scaffolds were successfully fabricated using Freeze drying technique. The scaffolds had good handling properties. Each scaffolds had a length of 4 cm and diameter of 1 cm. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image confirmed the porous structure of the scaffolds.

The pores were several micro-meter size and were interconnected. EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of C and O.

Conclusion Introduction

The tissue engineering approach is an application derived from the idea of repairing damaged or diseased tissue by regenerating the tissue. In recent decades, there has been a sharp increase in the use of resorbable tissue implants, which in turn has spurred extensive research in the field of tissue engineering. Tissue engineering scaffold is a component of tissue engineering. In the methodology of producing TE scaffold, a biodegradable polymers that provide secure structural foundation for cell attachment and tissue regeneration. The study of tissue engineering scaffold is an application that researchers have done to determine if it is a less invasive and effective treatment for regenerative medicine.

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POSTERS AND REPORTS

Preparation of composite scaffolds. Initially, an acetic

acid solution of 2% (v/v) was prepared as a solvent of which 20 ml was added to each polymer and pectin content in a beaker, for making a solution with the desired concentration of chitosan (CS) and Pectin. In this case, 1.15 g chitosan and 0.1 g pectin were weighed and dissolved in 20 ml 2% acetic acid. The solutions were magnetically stirred in a beaker until completely dissolved.

Then the solutions were transferred in a freezer at - 18C and then freeze dried using a Labconco Freeze-dryer.

Quality control and physical characterization. We

characterized the physical properties of the scaffolds and compared them with previously fabricated scaffolds to ensure consistency with our previous lots.

Preliminary results shows that the scaffolds could be potential for tissue engineering applications. Further study on cell culture is needed to confirm the cytotoxicity of the materials.

References

Chan, B.P.; et al. Scaffolding in tissue engineering: General approaches and tissue-specific considerations, 2008.

Sultana, N; et al. Chitosan-Based Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications, 2015.

Acknowledgements

R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

TISSUE ENGINEERING SCAFFOLDS FOR ORGAN REGENERATION Adaeze Eze, Naznin Sultana, and Dennis E. Daniels | Undergraduate Medical Academy | Prairie View A&M University Introduction Regenerative medicine plays a significant role in restoring and repairing damaged or diseased tissue. Tissue engineering (TE) is a form of regenerative medicine.

TE scaffold, a component of TE, is the idea of using degradable biomaterials, to aid in restoring, repairing, and treating damaged tissue. (Sultana, 2015) The tissue engineering scaffold technique aims to insert a non-toxic component into the body that the cells can attach, migrate, differentiate, and proliferate through. (Chan, 2008) Objective This project’s objective was to fabricate and investigate the properties of the combined component of a natural, biodegradable and biocompatible polymer, chitosan, and a natural product, pectin (De Souza et al., 2019), for TE scaffolds application.

(2015). After the freeze-drying step, the samples in the vials were removed and cut into smaller sections for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) testing.

Quality control and physical characteristics: The scaffolds’ physical properties were characterized and compared with previously fabricated scaffolds to ensure consistency with previous lots.

Fig. 1 --- flow diagram for preparation of composite scaffolds Results and Discussion

Materials and Methods Chitosan and Pectin. Chitosan with medium molecular weight and pectin from a citrus peel (Pc, the galacturonic acid content of 80.2%, methoxylation degree of 7.6%, and M, of 45kDa) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich.

Preparation of composite scaffolds. In preparation of the solvent, 1mL of an acetic acid solution of 2% (v/v) was added with Milli-Q water (20mL) to each polymer and pectin content in a beaker to produce a solution with the desired concentration of chitosan (CS) and pectin.

The polymer solution was made by adding 0.1 g pectin and 1.15 g chitosan into the acidic solvent. Figure 2 (a) shows the solutions were magnetically stirred in a beaker for 5-10 minutes until completely dissolved. As seen in Figure 2 (b), the beaker’s polymer solution was transferred into four vials in the fume hood and then transferred in a freezer at 18°C to cool and mold for two days. Figure 2 (c) shows that on the third day, the vials were placed into a Labconco Freeze-dryer to begin the solidification process.

Procedures and methods were established by Sultana

(a) (b) Fig. 2 --- (a) general appearance; (b) sample preparation for characterization

of the scaffolds. The pores were several micrometers in size and were interconnected. EDX spectrum confirmed the presence of C and O. Conclusion Preliminary results show that the scaffolds could be potential for tissue engineering applications. Further study on cell culture is needed to confirm the cytotoxicity of the materials.

References Sultana, N; et al. Chitosan-Based Nanocomposite Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering Applications, J. Nanomater. 2015: 1-7.

Chan, B.P.; et al. Scaffolding in tissue engineering: general approaches and tissue specific considerations, Eur. Spine J. 2008: 467-479.

De Souza, Bombaldi, Fernanda Carla; Bombaldi de Souza, Renata Francielle; Drouin, Bernard; Mantovani, Diego; Moraes, Ângela Maria. Comparative study on complexes formed by chitosan and different polyanions: Potential of chitosan-pectin biomaterials as scaffolds in tissue engineering, Int. J. Biomacromol.

2019. 132:178-189

Adaeze Eze is a junior, majoring in Biology with a Chemistry minor. Dr. Naznin Sultana is a Research Scientist with a research interest in Tissue Engineering.

(b) (a) Fig. 3 --- (a) SEM of the scaffold; (b) EDX of scaffold sample 3-D scaffolds were successfully fabricated using the Freezedrying technique. The scaffolds had good handling properties. Each scaffold had a length of 4 cm and a diameter of 1 cm. The SEM image confirmed the porous structure POSTERS AND REPORTS

16

Figure 2. FT-IR Spectra of poly(levulinic acid - erythritol) (3) prepared using different catalysts red - Sb2O3, green - tin (II) ethyl hexanoate and purple Zn(II) acetate

Renewable Carbon based poly(levulinic acid - erythritol) Ahbab Murtoza and Ananda S. Amarasekara Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences Prairie View A&M University

Introduction

The current interest in the use of renewable resources based monomers and feedstocks for the preparation of polymeric materials is due to depleting fossil resources as well as climate change concerns. The bifunctional 4-ketopentanoic acid also known as levulinic acid (LA, 1, Figure 1) is a potential feedstock for the preparation of renewable generation polymeric materials.

This unique C-5 keto-acid is particularly attractive since it can be relatively easily produced from the most abundant biopolymer cellulose via a series of acid catalyzed transformations.

Erythritol can be produced by fermentation methods using yeast-like fungi genera.

The bifunctional levulinic acid can react with erythritol (ER) in two different reaction modes, where the keto and -CO2H groups can undergo ketalization and esterifications as in Fig. 1.

We have used the LA : ER 4 : 3 stoichiometric ratio in these experiments as this ratio can theoretically give complete reactions of all hydroxyl, keto and carboxylic functional groups. The polymerizations were studied by heating with three different catalysts: tin (II) ethyl hexanoate, antimony oxide and zinc(II)acetate.

Fig. 2. FT-IR Spectra of 3 prepared using - Sb2O3 (red), tin (II) ethyl hexanoate (green) and Zn(II) acetate (purple)

17

POSTERS AND REPORTS

O

OH

O

OH O +

OH

HO

1

OH 2

Catalyst 0

23 - 210 C

O O

O

O O

O

O

O

O

O 3

O

O

Fig. 1. Synthesis of poly(levulinic acid - erythritol) (3)

Results and Discussion

The experiment using Zn(II) acetate as the catalyst produced a hard dark brown polymer whereas the products from Sb2O3, and tin (II) ethyl hexanoate catalyzed reactions were viscous liquids. This is probably due to the formation of a higher molecular weight polymer in the Zn(II) acetate catalyzed reaction. However, the FT-IR spectra (Fig. 2) of 3 prepared using three different catalysts showed similar IR spectra, suggesting similar functional groups.

Conclusions

We have shown that Zn(II) acetate catalyzed condensations of levulinic acid and erythritol gives poly(levulinic acid erythritol). This method provides a process for the production of a new all renewable carbon based, cross-linked, thermoplastic from inexpensive biomass derived monomers.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

RENEWABLE CARBON-BASED POLY (LEVULINIC ACID - ERYTHRITOL) Ahbab Murtoza and Ananda S. Amarasekara | Department of Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences Introduction The current interest in the use of renewable resourcesbased monomers and feedstocks for the preparation of polymeric materials is due to depleting fossil resources as well as climate change concerns. There are two basic approaches in this area; the first is the development of synthetic methods for the preparation of current monomers from renewable Carbon. The second is the synthesis of new generation polymers based on renewable monomers. The second route is more attractive as it avoids the complicated synthetic steps required for converting biomass-based compounds to current monomers. The bifunctional 4-ketopentanoic acid, also known as levulinic acid (LA, 1, Figure 1), is a potential feedstock for the preparation of renewable generation polymeric materials [1],[2]. This unique C-5 keto-acid is particularly attractive since it can be relatively easily produced from the most abundant biopolymer cellulose via a series of acid-catalyzed transformations.

Since the 1990s, erythritol (ER, 2, Figure 1) has been produced on an industrial scale and added to beverages and foods to give sweetness, flavor enhancer, humectants, formulation support/stabilizer, sequestrant, thickener as well as a texture enhancer. In the US, the main use of erythritol is in chewing gum, baked sweets, and dietary beverages. Erythritol can be produced via numerous chemical methods such as halogenations followed by hydrolysis of 2-butene-1,4-diol. Nevertheless, these chemical synthesis methods are not widely applied in the current industrial production of erythritol as biotechnological methods are more economically feasible. Currently, most of the erythritol is produced by fermentation methods using yeast-like fungi genera. In continuation of our efforts in the development of novel renewable polymeric materials, we have studied the condensation between LA and ER, as shown in Figure 1. The bifunctional LA can react with polyols like glycerol and ER in two different reaction modes. The keto and -CO2H groups can undergo

ketalization and esterifications, as shown earlier in the condensation of LA with glycerol [3].

O

OH

O O 1

OH +

OH

HO OH 2

Catalyst 0

23 - 210 C

O O

O

O O

O

O

O

O

O 3

in the Zn(II) acetate catalyzed reaction. However, the FT-IR spectra of 3 prepared using three different catalysts showed similar IR spectra, suggesting similar functional groups.

O

O

Figure 1. Synthesis of poly(levulinic acid - erythritol) (3) Materials and Methods A mixture of levulinic acid (8.00 mmol), erythritol (6.00 mmol) and catalyst ( 0.025 - 0.10 mol % relative to levulinic acid) was gradually heated from room temperature (23 °C) to 210 °C, under a nitrogen atmosphere during a period of 1 hr. Then the reaction mixture was further heated at 210 °C under a vacuum (5 mmHg) for a specified period.

The reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature, washed with methylene chloride (3 x 5 mL) to remove any unreacted starting materials, and dried in an oven at 90 °C for 24 hr to give polylevulinic acid-erythritol) (3) as a solid material.

Results and Discussion We have used the LA : ER 4 : 3 stoichiometric ratio in these experiments as this ratio can theoretically give complete reactions of all hydroxyl, keto, and carboxylic functional groups. The polymerizations were studied by heating with three different catalysts: tin (II) ethyl hexanoate, antimony oxide, and zinc(II)acetate. The products were characterized by Infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Also, solubility testing was carried out to see the stability of the solids in different solvent mediums such as water, dichloromethane, Ethyl Acetate, hexane, ethanol, dimethyl sulfoxide, and acetone. The experiment using Zn(II) acetate as the catalyst produced a hard dark brown polymer whereas the products from Sb2O3, and tin (II) ethyl hexanoate catalyzed reactions were viscous liquids. This is probably due to the formation of a higher molecular weight polymer

Conclusion We have shown that Zn(II) acetate catalyzed condensations of levulinic acid, and erythritol gives poly(levulinic acid - erythritol). This method provides a process for the production of a new all renewable Carbon-based, crosslinked, thermo-plastic from inexpensive biomass-derived monomers, without complex synthetic maneuvers and expensive reagents.

References [1] F.D. Pileidis, M.M. Titirici, Levulinic Acid Biorefineries: New Challenges for Efficient Utilization of Biomass, ChemSusChem, (2016).

[2] A.S. Amarasekara, M.A. Animashaun, Acid-Catalyzed Competitive Esterification and Ketalization of Levulinic Acid with 1,2 and 1,3-Diols: The Effect of Heterogeneous and Homogeneous Catalysts, Catalysis Letters, (2016) 1-6.

[3] A.S. Amarasekara, S.A. Hawkins, Synthesis of levulinic acid–glycerol ketal–ester oligomers and structural characterization using NMR spectroscopy, European Polymer Journal, 47 (2011) 2451-2457.

Ahbab Murtoza is a sophomore, majoring in chemical engineering.

Dr. Ananda Amarasekara is a Professor of Chemistry with research interests in renewable energy and renewable polymers.

POSTERS AND REPORTS

18

Monitoring DNA Interactions with Small Ring Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Aijalon Shantavia Bettis,HarshicaFernando Chemistry Department, College of Arts and Sciences

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants and occur naturally, in food, water and air. They are commonly found in coal, gasoline, and crude oil. When oil, gas, wood, and various other items are burned PAHs can be produced and become airborne, attaching to air particles. In addition, PAHs can be found in cigarette smoke and even form when cooking meat at high temperatures. Individuals are normally exposed to these environmental pollutants by inhaling cigarette smoke, burning wood, inhaling fumes, or food. The PAHs are a class of organic compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen atoms and consists of multiple aromatic rings. The smallest PAH is naphthalene which has two rings followed by three ring PAHs phenanthrene and anthracene. In the past, studies have focused on higher ring PAH’s (5-6) as they were found to be carcinogenic. Recently more . attention is focused on small ring PAH’s as they are found to be toxic and present in large amounts and monitoring interactions of the small ring PAHs with DNA is important. The human health effects from exposure to lower ring PAHs are also not clearly defined. In this work, we used calf thymus DNA as a model DNA to monitor the interactions with anthracene using ultraviolent/visible (UV/VIS) and fluorescence techniques. In the UV/VIS method spectral shifts were monitored at 260 and 280 nm’s while in the fluorescence technique excitation and emission wavelengths were set to 350 and 425 nm.

Preliminary data show shifts in the UV/VIS spectrum and changes in the intensity, while in the fluorescence method we observe changes in the fluorescence intensity. The observed changes show there exist some interaction of anthracene with DNA, and future studies will lead to an understanding of the binding mechanism of DNA with the lower ring PAH anthracene.

Methodology

The Ct-DNA was purchased from Worthington Biomedical Corp, NJ. Naphthalene and anthracene were obtained from Sigma Chemical Company. All other chemicals and solvents were of analytical grade.

Initially Tris-HCl buffer at pH = 7.4 was prepared. Ct-DNA was dissolved in Tris-HCl buffer by stirring overnight at 40C. The purity of the DNA was measured by observing the absorbance ratio at 260 and 280. A ratio of 1.80 confirmed purity of the DNA. The stock solution of anthracene was prepared by weighing 0.0035 g of the solid, and dissolving in 2.0 ml of ethanol. The interaction of Ct-DNA with the PAH was monitored by successive additions of the PAH to a prepared sample of Ct-DNA. The DNA concentration was calculated based on ε260=6600 M-1 cm-1. The interactions were monitored using a Shimatzu UV-Vis spectrometer and a Jenway 627001 fluorimeter. In the UV experiments the wavelength was scanned from 200 to 600 nm and in the fluorescence experiments excitation and emission wave lengths were set to 350 and 425 nm. Blank experiments were carried out using the Tris-HCl buffer solution.

Conclusion/Future Studies The DNA used in this study was of high purity DNA. The Absorbance 260/ 280 ratio was above 1.8.

We can successfully use both UV/Vis and fluorescence methods to study the interaction between anthraceneand Ct DNA. From both experiments we observed that the absorbance and the Intensity was changing with successive additions of the PAHsolution.

Figure 1.Structure of Ct DNA

Table 1.Change in absorbance at 260 and 280 nm with volume of PAH added Volume of Anthracene (in microliters)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of more than 100 chemicals, also called polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. You . can be exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by 1) ingesting or swallowing food that contains them, 2) inhaling or breathing fumes or smoke, or 3) touching food that contain PAHs. Exposure to some PAHs can cause less serious issues such as, irritation of the eyes and or breathing passages as well as more serious issues, such as cancer. Consumers, cigarette smokers, and infants are at high risk for being exposed to PAHs. Figure 1. A scan of Ct DNA from 200 to 600 nm

Absorbance at Absorbance at 260 nm 280 nm

0.5

0.798575

0.428905

1

0.80051

0.429537

1.5

0.802138

0.430767

1.7

0.801677

0.430806

1.9

0.799305

0.429393

2.1

0.798801

0.428864

2.6

0.7988484

0.428615

3.1

0.799695

0.429254

3.6

0.800032

0.429392

3.8

0.799762

0.429542

Table 2. Change in absorbance with volume of PAH added At the peak maximum

Absorbance at the Highest Peak Volume of PAH DNA with and without anthracene

0.803121

0.5

PAH added

0.805142

1.0

0.806621

1.5

0.806178

1.7

0.804164

1.9

0.803349

2.1

0.803329

2.6

0.804647

3.1

0.804706

3.6

0.804739

3.8

0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5

DNA only

0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 230 233 236 239 242 245 248 251 254 257 260 263 266 269 272 275 278 281 284 287 290 293 296 299 302 305 308 311 314 317 320 323 326 329 332 335

0

Series1

Series2

Series3

Series4

Figure 2. Plots showing the maximum absorbance of Ct- DNA and the effect of PAH added

19

POSTERS AND REPORTS

Our results show that anthracene exhibits an interaction with Ct- DNA. The nature of the interaction needs to be identified.

In future studies we will carry out experiments with different starting concentrations od DNA and monitor the interactions in order to find binding constants.

Results

Introduction

Figure 1. Structures of small ring PAH’s

Table 3. Fluorescence values with the successive addition of anthracene

.

Acknowledgements

R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

References Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-andcontaminants/polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-pahs#whathappens-when-i-am-exposed-to-polycyclic-aromatichydrocarbons-(pahs) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/ Shi, J.-H., Lou, Y.-Y., Zhou, K.-L., & Pan, D.-Q. (2018). Exploration of intermolecular interaction of calf thymus DNA with sulfosulfuron using multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, 204, 209–216. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.06.054

MONITORING DNA INTERACTIONS WITH SMALL RING POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS Aijalon Shantavia Bettis and Harshica Fernando | Chemistry Department, College of Arts and Sciences Introduction Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of more than 100 chemicals, also called polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons. You can be exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by 1) ingesting or swallowing food that contains them, 2) inhaling or breathing fumes or smoke, or 3) touching food that contains PAHs. Exposure to some PAHs can cause less severe issues such as irritation of the eyes and or breathing passages as well as more severe issues, such as cancer. Consumers, cigarette smokers, and infants are at high risk of being exposed to PAHs. Materials and Methods The Ct-DNA was purchased from Worthington Biomedical Corp, NJ. Naphthalene and anthracene were obtained from Sigma Chemical Company. All other chemicals and solvents were of analytical grade. Initially, the Tris-HCl buffer at pH = 7.4 was prepared. Ct-DNA was dissolved in Tris-HCl buffer by stirring overnight at 40C. The purity of the DNA was measured by observing the absorbance ratio at 260 and 280. A ratio of 1.80 confirmed the purity of the DNA. The stock solution of anthracene was prepared by weighing 0.0035 g of the solid and dissolving in 2.0 ml of ethanol. The interaction of Ct-DNA with the PAH was monitored by successive additions of the PAH to a prepared sample of Ct-DNA. The DNA concentration was calculated based on ε_260=6600 M^(-1) 〖cm〗^(-1). The interactions were monitored using a Shimadzu UV-Vis spectrometer and a Jenway 627001 fluorimeter. In the UV experiments, the wavelength was scanned from 200 to 600 nm, and in the fluorescence experiments, excitation and emission wavelengths were set to 350 and 425 nm. Blank experiments were carried out using the Tris-HCl buffer solution.

Results and Discussion

UV and fluorescence results

toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-andcont aminants/polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbonspahs#what-happens-when-i-amexposed-to-polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-(pahs) Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). (n.d.).

Retrieved from http://www.epa.gov/ Shi, J.-H., Lou, Y.-Y., Zhou, K.-L., & Pan, D.-Q. (2018).

Exploration of intermolecular interaction of calf thymus DNA with sulfosulfuron using multi-spectroscopic and molecular docking techniques. Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectros copy, 204, 209– 216. doi: 10.1016/j.saa.2018.06.054.

Aijalon Shantavia Bettis is a senior, double majoring in chemistry and criminal justice with a minor(s) in Spanish and finance (if a minor(s) applicable). Dr. Harshica Fernando is an Assistant Professor of Chemistry with research interests in lipid analysis, toxicology, and DNA interactions.

From both experiments, we observed that the absorbance and the Intensity changed with successive additions of the PAH solution.

Conclusion Preliminary data show shifts in the UV/VIS spectrum and changes in the Intensity, while in the fluorescence method, we observe changes in the fluorescence intensity.

The observed changes showed some interaction of anthracene with DNA, and future studies will lead to an understanding of the binding mechanism of DNA with the lower ring PAH anthracene. Our results show that anthracene exhibits interaction with Ct-DNA. The nature of the interaction needs to be identified.

References Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Retrieved from https:// POSTERS AND REPORTS

20

Produced Water Filtration Treatment with Flat-Sheet Ultrafiltration Membrane Akolade Okunola *1, Hongbo Du1, Raghava R. Kommalapati1,2 1Center

for Energy & Environmental Sustainability (CEES) of Civil and Environmental Engineering Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77429 2Department

Abstract

Objectives

 Investigate the literature and identify ultrafiltration applications in PW treatment; Oil and gas extraction generates high volumes of wastewater from  Characterize the organic matter content of PW using chemical fracturing and drilling. The Wastewater known as produced water oxygen demand (COD); (PW) contains both organic and inorganic contaminants. Due to strict  Determine the effectiveness of ultrafiltration to treat PW. environmental regulations, it is important to treat PW before Methodology discharge to the environment or reuse. The goal of this current  Determine COD of produced using HACH digestion colorimetric research is to improve the treatment process for PW using determination method 8000,with HACH DRB 200 reactor, and DR 3900 ultrafiltration which is a reliable process with high oil and suspended Spectrophotometer Instrument; solids removal rate. Suspended particles and residual oil present in  Add distilled water to 2mL of PW sample A and B, stir; PW are removed with caustic soda softening , CO2 neutralization, and  Use pipette to draw 2mL of diluted PW into each COD reagent Vials(A,B,C,D) for digestion; microfiltration . Then , PW is filtered using a flat-sheet Ultrafiltration  Preheat the reactor to 150 oC, stir and clean the outside of the vials; membrane with a frequency drive for flow control. The membrane has  Insert vials into the cell of the reactor and close the lid; a molecular weight cutoff of 100 Da. The UF system includes a CF042  After two hours , allow the vials to cool down for 20 minutes, stir and clean; test cell, a stainless-steel conical feed tank, a feed flow pump , a cell  Safely take the reading using DR 3900 Spectrophotometer. platform containing system controls tubing , a chiller , a digital balance , and a computer to record data.PW before and after ultrafiltration is characterized by Chemical Oxygen Demand(COD).

Introduction

     

Produced water, by-product of shale oil & gas industry, contains high concentrations of salts, oil residues, fracking fluids and other chemicals; PW has very high hardness (more than 5000 mg/L commonly); According to American petroleum institute 206 million tons of PW was associated with a total crude oil production of 115.9 million tons;1 PW from oil and gas wells represents, by some estimates, the single largest source of waste generated in the United States;2 Ultrafiltration is a separation process using membranes with pore sizes in the range of 0.1 to 0.001 micron; Ultrafiltration is used for removal of high molecular-weight substances, colloidal materials, and organic and inorganic polymeric molecules.

Readings COD (PW after dilution) (mg/L) COD (PW) (mg/L)

Vial A

Vial B

Vial C

448

542

461

2240

2710

2305

Vial D 432 2160

Blanks 0 0

Figure 4. Produced water COD test vials color change.

Figure 2. Illusion of COD Test and Measurement

 COD is one of very useful tools to measure PW characteristics;  The literature shows that ultrafiltration can serve as an excellent process to pretreat shale oil & gas produced water.4

References

Figure 3. Color change after digestion

Results and Discussion

Figure 1. Ultrafiltration in produced water treatment.3

Table 1. Chemical Oxygen Demand of PW samples

1. United Kingdom Department of Trade and Industry, The Energy Report Oil and Gas Resources of the United Kingdom, 1997; 2.

2. Allen, D. T., & Rosselot, K. S. (1994). Pollution prevention at the macro scale: flows of wastes, industrial ecology and life cycle analyses. Waste Management, 14(3-4), 317-328.

3. Shang, W., Tiraferri, A., He, Q., Li, N., Chang, H., Liu, C., & Liu, B. (2019). Reuse of shale gas flowback and produced water: Effects of coagulation and adsorption on ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis combined process. Science of The Total Environment, 689, 47-56.

4. Chang, H., Li, T., Liu, B., Vidic, R. D., Elimelech, M., & Crittenden, J. C. (2019).

Potential and implemented membrane-based technologies for the treatment and reuse of flowback and produced water from shale gas and oil plays: A review. Desalination, 455, 34-57.

 The COD for PW sample was measured and it proved to be useful tool;  The reagent chromate was reduced in proportion to the rate of organic water pollutant digestion;  The sample color change from a light-yellowish brown to a darker Acknowledgements rust brown; R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and Center for Energy  The chromate was reduced and the organic matter in the PW were and Environmental Sustainability (CEES), Prairie View A&M University. oxidized.

This work is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (CEES), an NSF CREST Center, Award #1036593.

21

POSTERS AND REPORTS

PRODUCED WATER FILTRATION WITH FLAT-SHEET ULTRAFILTRATION MEMBRANE Akolade Okunola, and Raghava Kommalapati | Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering Introduction Produced water is the most significant volume byproduct stream associated with oil and gas exploration and production. PW contains organic and inorganic materials, including salts and oil hydrocarbons. Recently, the EPA stipulates that any reuse of produced water outside of an oil field is subject to federal environmental laws and regulations, which means oil and gas industries are not permitted to discharge PW without treatment.

Chemical oxygen digestion (COD) test is conducted to determine the concentration of a pollutant in the PW sample.

Part I: Lab Experiments Materials and Methods Two types of PW was obtained from a Permian shale oil producer. The COD concentration was determined after the pollutant digestion process. In this study, the COD measurement used the HACH digestion colorimetric determination method 8000, a HACH DRB 20 reactor, and a HACH DR3900 Spectrophotometer with the COD measurement range of (200-1500mL). One of the tests COD concentration reading was higher (1753mg/L) than allowable range, 8mL of distilled water was added to the PW sample, and 2 mL of diluted PW was added to each COD vials. The PW was diluted five times; first, the test vials were kept in the digester at 150 ÂşC for 2 h, and the COD values were read out using the spectrophotometer.

Results and Discussion As described in Table 1, the data collected shows that the COD reading shows that the sample solutions had to be diluted five times to mitigate error due to the much higher concentration of COD in PW. Samples’ color changed to yellow, indicating the chromate reagent reduction in proportion to the oxygen digestion rate of organic pollutants in the PW. Table 1 PW1 Sample after dilution

PW2 Sample after dilution

PW1*5

PW2*5

COD Vials

COD 800 (mg/L)

COD Vials

COD 800(mg/L)

COD mg/L

COD mg/L

1

448

1

461

2240

2305

2

542

2

432

2710

2160

Summary The PW samples were collected from Permian Shale oil. The chemical compositions of the wastewater were investigated, and the measurement results showed that the COD levels of the PW are high.

Part II: A Literature Review A broad-based literature review was conducted on produced water treatment by membrane technology concerning membrane selection, the effectiveness of the method, and membrane performance optimization. The abstracts of more than 15 published papers were reviewed with approximately six selected for review. The experimental and modeling paper investigated the effect of transmembrane pressure on permeation flux of UF membranes for the treatment of produced water, using several polymeric membranes (PAN, PES, PS, PES, PVDF, PPand PA). The results of their experiment show that the oil retentions of all the membranes were over 99% [1]. The Desalination paper investigated a phase inversion method of preparing PVDF by dispersing lithium chloride monohydrate (LiCl-H2O) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in the spinning dope, to investigate the effect of pore-forming hydrophilic additives on the porous (PVDF) ultrafiltration (UF) membrane and transport properties for PW treatment. The results of the experiment indicated that the PVDF/LiCl/TiO2 membranes with lower TiO2 nanoparticle loading possessed a smaller mean pore size. The maximum flux and rejection PW using the PVDF ultrafiltration membrane achieved was 82.50 L/m2 h and 98.83%, respectively, at 1.95 wt.% TiO2 concentration means TiO2 in PVDF UF promotes higher hydrophilicity, small pore size and high porosity [2]. PW has distinctive characteristics due to its organic and inorganic compounds. However, these characteristics change from well to well. The treatment process investigated in all the published papers evaluated, considered separation capability, pre-treatment processes, permeate flux rate, oil removal rate, and membrane material performance. In one of the papers, different ceramic membranes were employed to improve the efficiency of oil-field PW treatment. The result shows that the average permeate flux, the total oil removal rate, and the total organic carbon removal rate varied among the different membranes used.

References 1. Badrnezhad, R., & Beni, A. H. (2013). Ultrafiltration membrane process for produced water treatment: experimental and modeling. Journal of Water Reuse and Desalination, 3(3), 249-259.

2. Yuliwati, E., & Ismail, A. F. (2011). Effect of additives concentration on the surface properties and performance of PVDF ultrafiltration membranes for refinery produced wastewater treatment. Desalination, 273(1), 226-234.

Akolade Okunlola is a senior, majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Military Science.

Dr. Raghava Kommalapati is a Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering with research interests in air quality measurement and modeling, energy sustainability, life cycle assessment, and shale oil & gas produced water treatment.

POSTERS AND REPORTS

22

Development and biological evaluation of novel dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptors (PPARα/γ/δ) agonists as Anti-diabetic Agents Alyssa Arceneux and Sr. Sameh Abdelwahed, College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry Prairie View A&M University

Background/Rationale:-

NMR spectroscopy for structure elucidation of the synthetic compounds S

Diabetes is chronic health condition that affects how the human body turns food into energy. Glucose is another name for blood sugar. It is one of the body’s source of fuel in form of a carbohydrate. A healthy range of glucose levels is 90-130 milligrams per

+

NH2

H2 N

deciliter (mg/dL); it should be less than 18- mg/dL. When your glucose level (blood sugar level) goes up a signal is sent to the

S

pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreases that allows your body to use glucose from carbohydrates in

O

the food you eat to store for future use. It helps keep your glucose level stable, if it get too high it can cause hyperglycemia and if it

S

BrCH2 COOH

N H

O

N H

O

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gets too low it can cause hypoglycemia. There are three main types of diabetes; type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational the body accidentally attacks itself, stopping the production of insulin. Type 2 diabetes is where the body cannot keep your glucose

1.000

diabetes (pregnant). For type 1 diabetes about 5-10% of people have it. It is thought to be caused by an autoimmune reaction, where PPM

2.0

1.0

O

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examining the different drugs for diabetes to create and anti-diabetic drug. Diabetes is a group of metabolic disease.

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

level stable, about 90-95% of people have it. Gestational diabetes develops in pregnant women. During this experiment we will be

HN

HN

In this research we will be designing new classes of quinazoline and quinoxaline of expected antidiabetic activities as peroxisomes proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR’s) agonist and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 enzyme inhibitors using molecular stimulating studies.

O S O Cl

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear ligand-activated transcription factors. They are divided into three

HN

O

subtypes, namely PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARδ. We will be using spectral analyses such as IR, H- NMR, C-NMR, MS and X-ray

DMSO

O S O N O

spectra We will be trying to find a compound that will target a specific area in an amino acid band. The enzymes/ amino bands we will

DCM

be using will be folded, while they are in that form they will react with other compounds on the chain to get the work done. The main goal of this research is to find an anti-diabetic drug that will effective target diabetes without the harmful side effects such as heart failure, edema, and weight gain. * TYPE I diabetes: 5-10 %

O

* Type II diabetes: 90-95%

O HN

S N O

* Gestational diabetes: Develops in pregnant women.

O

• A1C: measures average glucose level in blood.

O NH2

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HN HOSO2Cl

ACOH O S O Cl

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Materials and Methods: Molecular modeling simulation studies will be used to design new compounds to act as PPARs agonists and others as DPP-4

O

HN

O S Cl O DMSO

inhibitors; for example, Thiazolidinediones derivatives (last compound, figure1), is prepared by using aldehydes, thiazolidine, morpholine and amino-benzenesulfonyl chloride The development of this anti-diabetic drug can be potentially be used for diabetes without the harsh side effects. The use of an anti-diabetic drug without harsh symptoms/ side effects can change the diabetic way of life.

Conclusion &Future works:-

Scheme

O NH2

HN AC2O

O

O HOSO2Cl

R2NH

hyd.

ACOH

O S O O S O Cl

23

POSTERS AND REPORTS

NH2

HN

HN

O S O NR2

NR2

Evidence based literature support our approaches that the drugs we synthesized can be used as an anti-diabetic drug is used to manage blood glucose levels; Increase insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells. We could make an anti-diabetic drug that managed blood glucose levels and lowered A1C levels; Therefore, reducing the factors of heart failure, edema, and weight gain. If we were able to attack a glucose (sugar) molecule to something other than a red blood cell (a specific area on the amino acid band), the red blood cells would be able to function like a normal persons red blood cells Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Chemistry Department,, Prairie View A&M University

DEVELOPMENT AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NOVEL DIPEPTIDYL PEPTIDASE-4 INHIBITORS AND PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTORS (PPARα/γ/δ) AGONISTS AS ANTI-DIABETIC AGENTS Alyssa Arceneaux , Sameh Abdelwahed | College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry | Prairie View A&M University

Introduction Diabetes is a chronic health condition that affects how the human body turns food into energy. Glucose is another name for blood sugar. It is one of the body’s sources of fuel in the form of a carbohydrate (1). When blood sugar level goes up, a signal is sent to the pancreas to release insulin. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreases that allow one’s body to use glucose from carbohydrates in the food one eats to store for future use (2).

There are three subtypes, namely PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARδ (3). The objective of this study is to develop an anti-diabetic drug that can target a specific enzyme, a region on the amino acid chain.

Materials and Methods Molecular modeling simulation studies will be used to design new compounds to act as PPARs agonists and others as DPP-4 inhibitors; for example, Thiazolidinediones derivatives (last compound, figure1), is prepared by using aldehydes, thiazolidine, morpholine, and amino-benzene sulfonyl chloride. The development of this anti-diabetic drug can be potentially be used for diabetes without the harsh side effects. Anti-diabetic drugs without harsh symptoms/ side effects can change the diabetic way of life.

HO CHO

Compound-A S O 1O N O HO H 2HO

Figure 1

O Br

O

S

NH

O

Compound-B

O O

O N S O

NH2

HN

O

O S

NH O

O O S O N

secretion from pancreatic ß-cells. We could make an anti-diabetic drug that managed blood glucose levels and lowered A1C levels; Therefore, reducing the factors of heart failure, edema, and weight gain. If we were able to attack a glucose (sugar) molecule to something other than a red blood cell (a specific area on the amino acid band), the red blood cells would be able to function as average persons red blood cells. However, if we cannot remove the glucose molecule from the red blood cell, we would have to add something to else to it. Ideally, if we could create an anti-diabetic drug that specifically targeted a specific area on the amino acid band to inhibit the glucose molecule from changing the function of the red blood cells, Ideally, If this would work the red blood cell and glucose molecule will still be connected, but the red blood cell would be able to function as usual, like a normal human. It would allow the immune response to be faster while also lowering a patient’s A1C levels. It will be more robust; therefore, it will make it easier to destroy infections or viruses in diabetic patients.

References 1. Bhat, Bashir A.; Ponnala, S; Sahu, DP; Tiwari, P; Tripathi, BK.; Srivastava, AK., Synthesis, and antihyperglycemic activity profiles of novel thiazolidinedione derivatives Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 2004; 12(22): 5857-64.

2. Graham DJ, Ouellet-Hellstrom R, McCurdy TE, Ali F, Sholley C, Worrall C, Kelman JA. “Risk of acute myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, and death in elderly Medicare patients treated with rosiglitazone or pioglitazone.” JAMA, 2010; 304(4): 411–8.

3. Seok H, Cha BS. Refocusing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha: new insight for therapeutic roles in diabetes. Diabetes Metab. 2013;37(5):326–332

O

Results and Discussion 2,4-Thiazolidinediones have emerged as potent anti-diabetic agents. It exhibits biological activities in the pharmacology industry. Thiazolidines are five-member heterocyclic having sulfur, nitrogen, and oxygen atoms in their ring structure. We have done a few reactions to get closer to the final product of producing an anti-diabetic drug for diabetic patients. For example, Thiazolidine (Compound-A, figure-1) and amino-benzene sulfonyl morpholine (Compound-B, figure-1) were synthesized.

Alyssa Arceneaux is a Junior majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Dr. Sameh Abdelwahed Professor of Chemistry, with a research interest in drug delivery and Anti-Diabetic Agents

Conclusion Evidence-based literature supports our approaches that the drugs we synthesized can be used as an anti-diabetic drug is used to manage blood glucose levels; Increase insulin POSTERS AND REPORTS

24

The Pathophysiological Effects of Fluid-Structure Interaction of Species Transported and Transformed in Human Urinary System Aminata Diagne and Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju Chemical Engineering Department, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, 77446

Abstract The human body is a complex network of interrelated systems and units that operate to maintain homeostatic equilibrium and physiological orderliness.

These phenomena are realizable if the different physiological components such as cells, tissues and organs relate properly to make feasible the delivery of nutrients (molecular species) to appropriate site and the disposal of waste from the site. The preceding mechanism is possible due to the physicochemical interactions of the complex fluid (medium of species transport) with the organs of the body. The distortion in the mechanism of transport and interaction is leading precursor to the pathological conditions.

This study intends to investigate the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction in human urinary system. A detail qualitative study will be conducted to gather data on the various parameters responsible for the physiological functionality of the urinary system. The data will subsequently be couple into a modelling platform that will help in quantifying and systematically study the mechanism of species transport and physicochemical interaction of these species as they are deliver and dispose from site of interest within the system under investigation. The anticipated goal of this work is to use the modelling platform as a tool to better under the pathophysiological behavior of the system and help enhances the conventional diagnostic and therapeutic measures currently in place to address range of pathophysiological effects connected to the urinary system.

Methods

WORK IN PROGRESS ⮚ Review of the physiological operation of the urinary system which focus primarily on the removal of metabolic waste and regulation of blood volume and blood pressure has been conducted. ⮚ The transportation mechanisms within the system was equally explored qualitatively to affirmed the two most prominent mechanisms which include diffusion (transport of solute within a very small length scale (capillary) < 100nm) and convection for a relatively long distances (>200nm). ⮚ There are other transport mechanism which are not as prominent as the former two and these are neurotransmission (ions and neuron to urinary organ) via conduction and binding interaction of ligands within the urinary system. ⮚ The Transformation (chemical reaction) of species transported within the system and the various fluid-structure interactive mechanisms such as glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption and secretion, plasma clearance of species within the system were reviewed. ⮚ The qualitative aspect of the work is almost completed and as such well position to move into the quantitative analysis. ⮚ This step involve numerical experimentation of the various processes reviewed using comsol multiphysics and simpleware as the computational platform for these analysis.

Image to model object: Due to the complex structure of human urinary system and complications attributable to generating convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human urinary organs will be imported, visualized, processed and converted to simulation ready model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1) Human urinary Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images and saves as digital image communication in medicine (DICOM). This image will be afterward imported into SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into high quality model object fitted for simulation.

2) Image obtain as JPEG from licensed image data bank which is converted and save as DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1).

Model Object Importation into Comsol Multi-Physics Human urinary model object is imported into COMSOL Multiphysics simulation environment to study the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction of transported and transformed species in this system.

Conclusion and Future Work

Introduction The functions of the urinary system is more than just removing urine in our body. Its primary purpose is the removal of metabolic waste, in addition to that it regulates blood volume and blood pressure and secretion of hormones in response to how much blood is flowing through them. Fluid deficiency or excessiveness of fluid has an effect on this regulation. The urinary system also regulates the plasma concentration of various electrolytes and minerals such as sodium, potassium, chlorides etc. It helps stabilize blood ph, and conserves valuable nutrients.The most important organ in the urinary system are the kidneys. They consist of two, one on either side of the spine, and it is where the urine is produced. One liter of blood flows through each kidney per minute which makes it one of the main organs in our body, Besides the kidneys, there are other organs that are crucial to the task of the urinary system such as the ureters which are the tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to a temporary storage. The urinary bladder which can store between 400-1000 ml of liquid, and the urethra which is the canal that takes the urine finally out of the body; it is longer in males and shorter in females.

Urine is a waste product composed of mainly water, ions, nitrogenuos waste and small soluble compounds. It is fabricated in the kidneys and its composition can determine whether our kidneys are in good or poor health.The kidneys are the working unit in this systems, and the rest of the system transports the urine where out of the body. When the large blood supply enters the kidneys the nephrons remove waste, regulate the fluid composition , the ions , the acid base composition so that the blood leaving the kidneys is regulated, filtered and returned to the body and general circulation.

Qualitative review of the project focus is nearly completed.

The next stage is to conduct the numerical quantification of the mechanism of species transport and transformation and their corresponding impact on the physiological and pathophysiological operations within the urinary system.

COMSOL MULTI-PHYSICS PLATFORM: MODELING FRAMEWORK DESGNIATED FOR THE SIMULATION OF THE URINARY SYSTEM

Acknowledgments R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR

Financial supports provided by the National Natural Science Prairie and Undergraduate Medical Academy,

View A&M University.

References 1.

2.

3.

Motivation Understanding the mechanisms for species transport and transformation within the urinary system is a prerequisite for many clinical diagnoses and therapeutic interventions, including kidney dialysis and transplantation.

25

POSTERS AND REPORTS

4.

5.

https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/urinary/components/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-andprevention/anatomy-of-the-urinary-system Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems.

Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Urinary System: Our Avenue for Gas Exchange.” LiveScience, Purch, Aug. 2019, www.livescience.com/22616-urinary-system.html. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-illustration/human-kidneymagnification-body-medical-diagram-104159000

THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTION OF SPECIES TRANSPORTED AND TRANSFORMED IN HUMAN URINARY SYSTEM Aminata Diagne and Kazeem Olanrewaju | Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering Introduction The human body is a complex network of interrelated systems and units that operate to maintain homeostatic equilibrium and physiological orderliness. These phenomena are realizable if the different physiological components such as cells, tissues, and organs relate properly to make feasible the delivery of nutrients (molecular species) to appropriate sites and the disposal of waste from the site. The other mechanism is possible due to the physicochemical interactions of the complex fluid (medium of species transport) with the body’s organs. The distortion in the mechanism of transport and interaction is a leading precursor to the pathological conditions. This study intends to investigate the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction in the human urinary system.

A detailed qualitative study will be conducted to gather data on the parameters responsible for the urinary system’s physiological functionality. The data will subsequently be couple into a modeling platform that will help in quantifying and systematically study the mechanism of species transport and physicochemical interaction of these species as they are delivered and dispose of from site of interest within the system under investigation. The anticipated goal of this work is to use the modeling platform as a tool to better understand the pathophysiological behavior of the system and help enhance the conventional diagnostic and therapeutic measures currently in place to address the range of pathophysiological effects connected to the urinary system.

Materials and Methods Image to Model Object Due to the complex structure of the human urinary system and complications attributable to generating convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human urinary organs will be imported, visualized, processed and converted to simulation ready

model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1) Human urinary Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images and saves as digital image communication in medicine (DICOM). This image will be afterward imported into a SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into a high-quality model object fitted for simulation.

2) Image obtain as JPEG from the licensed image data bank, which is converted and save as a DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1).

Model Object Importation into Comsol Multi-Physics The human urinary model object is imported into COMSOL Multi-physics simulation environment to study the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction of transported and transformed species in this system.

Preliminary Results and Discussion (Work in Progress) A review of the urinary system’s physiological operation, which focuses primarily on the removal of metabolic waste and regulation of blood volume and blood pressure, has been conducted. The transportation mechanisms within the system were equally explored qualitatively to affirmed the two most prominent mechanisms, which include diffusion (transport of solute within a tiny length scale (capillary) < 100nm) and convection for a relatively long distance (>200nm). Other transport mechanisms are not as prominent as the former two. These are neurotransmission (ions and neuron to a urinary organ) via conduction and binding interaction of ligands within the urinary system. The transformation (chemical reaction) of species transported within the system, and the various fluid-structure interactive mechanisms such as glomerular filtration, tubular reabsorption, secretion, and plasma

clearance of species within the system were reviewed. The qualitative aspect of the work is almost completed and, as such, an excellent position to move into the quantitative analysis. This step involves numerical experimentation of the various processes reviewed using comsol multiphysics and simpleware as the computational platform for these analyses.

Summary A qualitative review of the project focus is nearly completed.

The next stage is to conduct the numerical quantification of the mechanism of species transport and transformation and their corresponding impact on the urinary system’s physiological and pathophysiological operations.

References [1] https://training.seer.cancer.gov/anatomy/urinary/ components/ [2] https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellnessand-prevention/anatomy-of-the-urinary-system [3] Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena In Biological Systems. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

[4] Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Urinary System: Our Avenue for Gas Exchange.” LiveScience, Purch, Aug. 2019, www. livescience.com/22616-urinary-system.html.

Aminata Diagne is a junior, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Kazeem Olarenwaju is a Professor with research interests in Fluid-Structure interaction in Human Systems, Bio- renewable, and Supercritical Fluid Reaction, Energy and Environmental Systems Sustainability.

POSTERS AND REPORTS

26

The Impact of the Shelby v. Holder Ruling on Restrictive Voter Legislation in Arizona, Georgia and Texas Amorae Times and Michael J. Nojeim Ph.D. Division of Social Work, Behavioral and Political Sciences, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas 77446

Abstract

The 1965 Voting Rights Act (VRA) was a landmark law that significantly altered the electoral landscape in the United States.

The 2013 Supreme Court ruling in Shelby v. Holder declared a key provision of the VRA unconstitutional. This study posits that Shelby enabled states to pass laws that suppress voter turnout. It analyzed the impact of the Shelby ruling and its effect on restrictive voter legislation and voter turnout. It used a mixed method approach that examines historical documents related to the VRA, contemporary commentary surrounding the Shelby V. Holder Case and quantitative data from various state election offices. The independent variable in this project is the Shelby v. Holder case and the dependent variables are any changes in legislation regarding voting laws and voter turnout following the Shelby ruling. Results show a meaningful impact on the outcome of elections in Georgia and Texas with less impact in Arizona. The study is significant because it unveils post- Shelby voter suppression tactics that weaken democracy.

Introduction

The VRA was intended to ensure free and fair elections. Section 5 created a formula to distinguish which states or jurisdictions used discriminatory voting tactics (U.S. Department of Justice 2017). States such as Arizona, Georgia and Texas would have to be precleared by the federal government before passing laws, such as redistricting or photo ID laws, that impacted voting. The 2013 Shelby ruling declared Section 5 unconstitutional: states are no longer required to obtain preclearance for changes to voting laws. Many states have adopted new conditions, such as photo ID and proof of citizenship laws, arguing they are necessary to prevent cheating (Amsterdam, Doner, and Schneer 2014). Restrictive laws are more likely to be passed in states with Republican governors and legislatures (Amsterdam, Doner, and Schneer 2014) and are more common in states with large Black and non-citizen populations and higher levels of minority voter turnout (Amsterdam, Doner, and Schneer 2014).

27

POSTERS AND REPORTS

Objective

The objective of this project is to

broaden the previous study to include Arizona and Georgia in examining the impact Shelby had on voter turnout.

Hypothesis

This project hypothesized that the Shelby ruling enabled states to pass voter legislation that would suppress voter turnout.

Methods This project used a mixed methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The qualitative aspect analyzed historical documents related to the VRA and contemporary commentary surrounding the Shelby v. Holder case. It also employed a case study approach by tracking post – Shelby voter legislation in the three state cases. Quantitative data was used from various state election offices, including voter turnout figures by racial/ ethnic demographics, and use of figures from other secondary sources. The research approach is designed to first, analyze the impact the ruling had on state legislation, then to identify if state legislation had an impact on voter turnout by demographic.

Summary

Georgia confirmed the hypothesis the most.

Georgia’s post-Shelby voting legislation and tactics include the following: • Reducing polling stations by 8% (Niesse and Thieme).

• 50,000 voter registrations withheld in Kemp’s office (Lockhart 2018).

• 1.5 million voters purged under Kemp with 600,000 of them the year before the election (Lockhart 2018).

• Rejected absentee ballots (Lockhart 2018).

Findings indicated that lack of access to polling stations could have contributed to an estimated 54,000-85,000 voters from casting ballots in 2018 (Niesse and Thieme). In the 2018 election, the [then] Secretary of State, Brian Kemp, oversaw the gubernatorial election, while also participating as a candidate running against Stacey Abrams.

Kemp had a narrow win against Abrams with a margin of victory at about 1.48 percentage points or 58,000 votes (Almukhtar et al 2018). In Georgia’s case therefore, the evidence strongly points to the idea that if the Shelby ruling had not happened, America would have seen its first black female Governor, Stacey Abrams.

Summary Texas confirms the hypothesis when looking at the 2018 Senatorial election. Pending lawsuits for some voting tactics have left results for their impact inconclusive. Texas’ post- Shelby legislation and tactics include the following: ● Strict Photo ID laws (NAACP Legal Defense Fund 2019). ● Rejecting voter registrations without an original signature (Ura 2020). ● Encouraging counties to purge over 100,000 alleged “non-citizens” from voter roll (NAACP Legal Defense Fund 2019).

In the 2018 senatorial election, Beto O'Rourke lost to the incumbent Ted Cruz by about 222,000 votes (Essig, Murphy and Formby 2018). With an estimated 600,000 eligible voters lacking adequate photo ID, voter suppression tactics in Texas arguably contributed to Ted Cruz’s narrow victory (NAACP Legal Defense Fund 2019).

Arizona did not confirm the Hypothesis but did unveil important restrictive voter legislation: ● Bans on out-of-precinct voting, discarding out of precinct ballots (Stern 2020). ● Closing 212 polling stations for statewide elections (Arizona Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 2018). ● Attempts to create a bifurcated voting process, requiring proof of citizenship in Federal, State and Local elections (Arizona Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 2018). ● Restrictions on mail-in ballots ( Arizona Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 2018). ● Lack of access to native language ballots ( Arizona Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights 2018).

Despite efforts to suppress minority votes, voter turnout rose significantly in the 2018 midterm election (Philip 2018). Ultimately electing Kirsten Simena by a narrow margin of victory, a democratic senator in a red state (Akmukhtar et al 2018). This study does not confirm the hypothesis of restrictive legislation yielding lower voter turnout, but uncovers significant post-Shelby legislation that had an impact on voter rights.

Future Studies Studies need to analyze Shelby’s effects after the 2020 census. More states and jurisdictions also need to be examined. Studies can also be done to look at restrictive measures taken in other jurisdictions previously covered by Shelby.

References Almukhtar, Sarah, Troy Griggs, Adam Pearce, and Karen Yourish.

2018. “See How Close the Results Are in Georgia, Florida and Arizona.” The New York Times. The New York Times, November 10. https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/11/10/us/elections/2018 -possible-midterm-recounts-georgia-florida-arizona.html.

Amsterdam, Daniel, Richard F. Doner, and Jonathan Schneer. “How Recent Changes in Voting Laws Threaten Equal Rights in Georgia - And Beyond.” Scholars Strategy Network, January 28, 2014. https://scholars.org/contribution/how-recent-changes-voting-lawsthreaten-equal-rights-georgia-and-beyond.

Arizona Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

2018. "Voting Rights in Arizona." June 15. https://www.usccr.gov/pubs/2018/07-25-AZ-Voting-Rights.pdf.

“Democracy Diminished”. 2019. NAACP Legal Defense Fund. https://www.naacpldf.org/wp-content/uploads/June-2019Democracy-Diminished-Report.pdf Essig, Chris, Ryan Murphy, and Brandon Formby. 2018. “Where Ted Cruz’s Close Victory over Beto O’rourke Stands among Texas’ Historical Election Results.” The Texas Tribune. November 07, 2018. https://www. texastribune.org/2018/11/07/ted-cruz-betoorourke-texas-history-election results.

Lockhart, P.R. “Georgia, 2018's Most Prominent Voting Rights Battleground, Explained.” Vox. Vox, October 26, 2018. https://www.vox.com/policy-andpolitics/2018/10/26/18024468/georgia-voter-suppression-staceyabrams-brian-kemp-voting-rights.

Niesse, Mark, and Nick Thieme. “Precinct Closures Harm Voter Turnout in Georgia, AJC Analysis Finds.” ajc. The Atlanta JournalConstitution, December 16, 2019. https://www.ajc.com/news/state-regional-govt--politics/precinct-closures-harm-voter-turnoutgeorgia-ajc-analysis-finds/11sVcLyQCHuQRC8qtZ6lYP/.

Philip, Agnel. “Congratulations, Arizona! Turnout in the 2018 Midterms Smashed Records.” azcentral. The Republic | azcentral.com, November 16, 2018. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/11/1 6/arizona-midterm-voter-turnout-hit-record-propelled-womenyoung-voters/1994334002/.

Stern, Mark Joseph. “Appeals Court: Arizona Voter Suppression Law Was Motivated By Racism.” Slate Magazine. Slate, January 28, 2020. https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2020/01/ninth-circuitarizona-voter-suppression-racist.html.

Ura, Alexa. “National Democrats Jump into New Lawsuit over Texas Voter Registration Requirements.” The Texas Tribune, January 6, 2020. https://www.texastribune.org/2020/01/06/texas-and-nationaldemocrats-suing-state-over-voter-registration/.

U.S. Department of Justice. 2017. "History Of Federal Voting Rights Laws." https://www.justice.gov/crt/history-federal-voting-rightslaws.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

THE IMPACT OF SHELBY V. HOLDER IN ARIZONA, GEORGIA, AND TEXAS Amorae Times and Michael J. Nojeim | Division of Social Work, Behavioral and Political Sciences, CAS Introduction The Voting Rights Act (VRA) put parameters in place to ensure that voting was equally accessible to citizens.

Section 5 of the VRA created a formula to distinguish which jurisdictions within states have been known to use discriminatory voting tactics (U.S. Department of Justice 2017). These jurisdictions would have to be precleared by the federal government before passing legislation that impacted voting. Sections of the VRA could be renewed only with plausible evidence that discriminatory practices were still taking place and affecting voting. In 2013 the Supreme Court declared in Shelby v. Holder that Section 5 of the VRA was unconstitutional. This project is a continuation of an analysis of the impact of Shelby v. Holder in Florida, North Carolina, and Texas states previously subjected to preclearance. This current project added Arizona and Georgia while retaining and updating Texas as a benchmark. It posits the same hypothesis that the ruling enabled states to pass voter legislation that would suppress voter turnout.

Materials and Methods This project used a mixed-methods approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative analysis. The qualitative aspect analyzed historical documents related to the VRA and contemporary commentary surrounding the Shelby v. Holder case. It also employed a case study approach by tracking post – Shelby voter legislation in the threestate cases. Quantitative data was used from various state election offices, including voter turnout figures by racial/ ethnic demographics and figures from other secondary sources. The research approach is designed to analyze the impact the ruling had on state legislation and then identify if it impacted voter turnout by demographic.

Results and Discussion Quantitative data indicate the hypothesis was most strongly confirmed in Georgia, where over 50,000 voter registrations, more than half of which belong to black

citizens, were reportedly withheld in Secretary of State Kemp’s office who was running for governor against Stacey Abrams. Kemp won by about 1.48 percentage points or about 58,000 votes (Almukhtar et al. 2018). In this case, the evidence points strongly to the idea that, if the Shelby ruling had not happened, America would have seen its first black female governor, Stacey Abrams.

Data indicated that Texas also proved the hypothesis correct in the 2018 senatorial election. Strict voter ID laws restricted an estimated 600,000 eligible voters from casting ballots. In the 2018 senatorial election, Beto O’Rourke lost to the incumbent Ted Cruz by about 222,000 votes (Essig, Murphy and Formby 2018). With over half a million eligible voters lacking adequate photo ID, voter suppression tactics in Texas arguably contributed to Ted Cruz’s narrow victory (NAACP Legal Defense Fund 2019).

This study also uncovered significant post-Shelby legislation that had an impact on voter rights. In Arizona, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals struck down two postShelby election laws saying the laws disproportionately impacted minority voters (Stern 2020).

Fund. https://www.naacpldf.org/wp-content/uploads/ June-2019-Democracy-Diminished-Report.pdf Essig, Chris, Ryan Murphy, and Brandon Formby. 2018.

“Where Ted Cruz’s Close Victory over Beto O’rourke Stands among Texas’ Historical Election Results.”

The Texas Tribune. November 07, 2018. https://www. texastribune.org/2018/11/07/ted-cruz-beto-orourke-texashistory-election results.

Stern, Mark Joseph. “Appeals Court: Arizona Voter Suppression Law Was Motivated By Racism.” Slate Magazine. Slate, January 28, 2020. https://slate.com/ news-and-politics/2020/01/ninth-circuit-arizona-votersuppression-racist.html.

U.S. Department of Justice. 2017. “History Of Federal Voting Rights Laws.” https://www.justice.gov/crt/history-federal-voting-rightslaws.

Amorae Times is a sophomore majoring in Political Science with a minor in social sciences. Dr. Michael J. Nojeim is Professor and Program Coordinator in Political Science with research interests in international politics, Middle East politics, and civil rights.

Conclusion(s) or Summary This study expands on the previous study and further confirms that Shelby opened the door to increasing states’ ability to use tactics to suppress voter turnout. In some cases, like Georgia and Texas, the tactics appear to have worked, while in Arizona, court rulings have stymied some of the tactics.

References Almukhtar, Sarah, Troy Griggs, Adam Pearce, and Karen Yourish. 2018. “See How Close the Results Are in Georgia, Florida, and Arizona.” The New York Times. The New York Times, November 10. https://www.nytimes.com/ interactive/2018/11/10/us/elections/2018-possiblemidterm-recounts-georgia-florida-arizona.html.

“Democracy Diminished”..” 2019. NAACP Legal Defense POSTERS AND REPORTS

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CONVERSION PROCESSES OF CARBON DIOXIDE INTO USEFUL CHEMICALS Elizabeth Osadare, Shanelle Bryant, Ariel Taylor, and Emmanuel Dada (Faculty Advisor) Department Of Chemical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446

Abstract Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the key contributor to greenhouse effect and one of the leading detrimental gaseous compounds that our planet faces. This project focuses mainly on the conversion processes of CO2 into useful chemicals like urea, ethanol and electro fuels. Technologies involved in combustion processes and how captured CO2 serves as feedstock for the production of useful chemicals [2] are discussed.

The conversion processes are sustainable route of utilization of CO2 leading to reduction of negative global impact of CO2 on the planet. [2]. Aspect requiring further research interest is high selectivity for reaction via catalyst needed for higher conversion rate of carbon dioxide into desired chemical products. An extensive research on the conversion processes particularly in the pilot scale area is recommended.

Background An increase in the CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2017 correspond to increase in energy usage due to economy growth and industrialization. Though there are many natural sources of CO2 emission, but the largest source of it is from human-related activities amongst which fossil fuel combustion process is the major contributor. In 2017, CO2 gas emission was approximately 82% of all the greenhouse gases (GHG) released through human activities in the US alone as described in the Figure 1 below. In general, human activities give rise to the global CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere thereby altered the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s carbon cycle and result in climate change and global warming. [5]

Figure 1. (a): Global greenhouse gas emissions by economic sectors.[6] (b): U.S. Greenhouse gas emission in 2018.[7]

Aim This research focuses on the conversion processes of captured CO2 as a direct, indirect or co-reactant feedstock for the production of urea, methanol, dimethyl ether (DME) and synthetic liquid fuels amongst many useful chemical products.

Acknowledgements R&Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

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This concept describes commercializatio n potentials and various ways for utilizing the captured CO2 as chemical feedstock [10]

This concept describes the hypothetical hydrogenation of captured CO2 and the use as a feedstock for the synthesis of synthetic liquid fuels. long chain hydrocarbons (HC) [1]

CONVERSION PROCESSES OF CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) INTO USEFUL CHEMICALS Ariel Taylor, Shanelle Bryant, Elizabeth Osadare, and Dr. Emmanuel Dada | Department of Chemical Engineering, Roy G. Perry College of Engineering Introduction Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the key contributor to the greenhouse effect and one of the leading detrimental gaseous compounds that our planet faces. An increase in the CO2 emissions between 1990 and 2017 corresponds to an increase in energy usage due to economic growth and industrialization. Though there are many natural sources of CO2 emission, the largest source is from human-related activities, among which the fossil fuel combustion process is the major contributor.[1] In 2017, CO2 gas emission was approximately 82% of all the greenhouse gases (GHG) released through human activities in the US alone.[6,7] In general, human activities give rise to global CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, thereby altered the earth’s carbon cycle and result in climate change and global warming. [5]. This project focuses mainly on the conversion processes of CO2 into useful chemicals like Urea, dimethyl ether (DME), methanol, and liquid fuels. The conversion processes are the route to the substantial utilization of CO2, leading to a reduction of the negative global impact of CO2 on the planet. [1], [2].

One of the critical technical issues in the 21st century is the quest for reducing the rising concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.

The current major technological breakthrough to this global concern is the concepts of CO2 capturing, storing, and utilizing the captured CO2 directly or indirectly to generate useful chemical products. [1-4],[8],[10]. Effective CO2 utilization and commercialization potentials are seriously gaining attention in chemical industries as the total annual utilization of CO2 hits 120 million tons [1]. CO2 is a non-toxic, very reactive, and renewable gas [3]. It is thermodynamically stable, and so its application as co-reactant feedstock for the synthesis of useful chemical products, including liquid fuels (long-chain hydrocarbons), is believed to be of help in solving the global concern of CO2 emission and greenhouse effect [2] [3] [4]. Successful implementations of these concepts will extensively reduce the global dependence on fossil fuels for energy, thereby mitigates the undesirable impact of the CO2. as a greenhouse gas. [1],[10]

fuels.[1]. When successfully implemented, the concept of power-toliquid fuels using CO2, among other routes, is an important clean energy route. This will extensively reduce the global dependence on fossil fuel, thereby mitigates the undesirable impact of the CO2 as a greenhouse gas. However, the limiting factors affecting Results and Discussion The table below shows the chemical reactions for each process in CO2 conversion processes include the cost of the energy and the hydrogen [10]. In conclusion, the optimum yield of desirable the conversion of CO2 to some useful chemicals. products is ultimately needed to compensate for the production cost. This is achievable by hydrogenation of CO2 and is subject to the catalyst used for the conversion processes. Therefore there is a need to develop mixed catalysts needed for high selectivity and optimum product yield in the conversion of CO2 to useful chemicals at a reduced cost. hydrogenation process of captured CO2 and using it as a feedstock or co-reactant raw material for chemical synthesis. The focus is to synthesis urea, methanol, dimethyl ether, and liquid fuels.

References

The urea solution is further concentrated to 99.6% w/w molten urea, then granulated for use as fertilizer and other chemical feedstocks [8]. Methanol is further processed to form gasoline and useful chemicals such as formaldehyde (methanal), acetic acid, and formalin, which are organic solvents and raw materials for pharmaceutical products,[1] DME is a low CO2 fuel with good octane number. It can be used as a clean-burning fuel alternative to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), liquefied natural gas (LNG) and diesel. [11] Finally, the hydrocarbon synthesis Fisher-Tropsch reaction produces long-chain HCs- olefins (C1 to C11) and oligomerize to form gasoline.

Conclusion There is a significant advancement in the development of a catalyst that provides high selectivity of converting CO2 to useful chemicals and value-added fuels. Finding reveals that Fe-based catalyst is more suitable when compared with Co-based catalyst in converting CO2 to long-chain hydrocarbons to produce synthetic liquid fuels. Adding potassium and copper to the Fe-based catalyst Methodology The method under consideration in this research is the favors the conversion of CO2 and promotes the synthesis of liquid Aim To focus on the conversion processes of utilizing captured CO2 as a feedstock directly or indirectly or co-reactant raw materials to produce Urea, methanol, dimethyl ether (DME), and synthetic fuels amongst many useful chemical products.

[1] C.Panzone, R. Philippe, A. Chappaz, P. Fongarland, and A. Bengaouer, “Powerto-Liquid catalytic CO2 valorization into fuels and chemicals: focus on the FischerTropsch route”, Journal of CO2 Utilization, vol. 38, pp. 314-347, 2020.

[2] J.Wu and X. Zhou, “Catalytic conversion of CO2 to value-added fuels: Current status, challenges, and future directions”, Chinese Journal of Catalysis, vol. 37, no.

7, pp. 999-1015, 2016.

[3] Y.Qin, G. Niu, X. Wang, D. Luo, and Y. Duan, “Status of CO2 conversion using microwave plasma”, Journal of CO2 Utilization, vol. 28, pp. 283-291, 2018.

[4] C.Zhang, K. Jun, G. Kwak, Y. Lee and H. Park, “Efficient utilization of carbon dioxide in a gas-to-methanol process composed of CO2/steam–mixed reforming and methanol synthesis”, Journal of CO2 Utilization, vol. 16, pp. 1-7, 2016.

[5] “Putting CO2 to Use – Analysis - IEA”, IEA, 2020. [Online]. Available: http:// www.iea.org/reports/putting-co2-to-use.

[6] “Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data | US EPA,” US EPA, 2020. [Online].

Available: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/global-greenhouse-gas-emissions-data.

[7] “Overview of Greenhouse Gases | US EPA,” US EPA, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.epa.gov/ghgemissions/overview-greenhouse-gases.

[8] “Ammonia and Urea Production,” Nzic.org.nz, 2020. [Online]. Available: https:// nzic.org.nz/app/uploads/2017/10/1A.pdf.

[9] “Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries | Urea,” Energy.gov.tt, 2020.

[Online]. Available: http://www.energy.gov.tt/our-business/lng-petrochemicals/ petrochemicals/urea/.

[10] “ICEF Innovation for Cool Earth Forum”, Icef-forum.org, 2020. [Online].

Available:https://www.icefforum.org/platform/thematic_discussion_topic13_ session2.php.

[11] Week, “Francois Bollon - DME: A Sustainable Alternative Fuel for Transportat…”, Slideshare.net, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://www.slideshare.net/EMA_SIEW/ francois-bollon-dme-a-sustainable-alternative-fuel-for-transportation

Shanelle Bryant is a junior majoring in chemical engineering. Ariel Taylor is a senior, majoring in chemical engineering, and Elizabeth Osadare is a graduate student majoring in chemical engineering. Dr. Emmanuel Dada an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering with a research interest in carbon dioxide (CO2) utilization; plastic waste, artificial intelligent, process safety, renewable and clean energy.

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THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF N-BUTANOL AND N-DECANE FOR SIMULATION OF LIQUID DROPLET EVAPORATION THE Asmaou S. Ouedraogo, Haivany M. Youmou, and Ziaul Huque Department of Mechanical Engineering

Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX Abstract

The combustion of liquid fuels is very important for applications such as internal combustion (IC) engines and gas turbines. During combustion, the droplets evaporate and burn in the surroundings at pressure and temperature higher than the critical state which is 60 atm. Vast majority of the liquid fuels used in combustion are fossil fuels. In order to reduce the environmental impact of fossil fuel burning, researchers are looking at biofuels as an alternative.

Biofuels are not standard fuels; therefore, their thermophysical properties are not readily available in the open literature. Thermophysical properties are determined to decide the performance parameter, for instance, heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop, and energy efficiency of a thermal system. Among the thermophysical properties, thermal conductivity is considered as the most significant property of any liquid for heat transfer applications. Viscosity is a significant parameter for all heat transfer applications in liquids. Viscosity turns into a significant vehicle wonder for the plan of chemical reaction. Density is expected to ascertain the necessary weight and space (volume) required for a system to work with nano-liquids. Specific heat capacity is important to dissect vitality and exergy execution of a system. Surface tension is identified with boiling heat transfer, oil recuperation, and numerous different applications. The current work focuses on liquid droplet evaporation and burning A spray produces droplets that evaporate and then burn. The final objective of this work is to model spray combustion. A droplet evaporation model is necessary to model the spray combustion. In order to model those droplets and figure out how they evaporate and at what rate, we need to know the thermo-physical properties of the materials.

Geometry Specification

❑ 25 divisions in the circumferential direction ❑ 25-50 divisions in the radial direction ❑One quadrant of a circle was used

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❑ obtain several properties through literature review ❑Structured Hexagonal elements was used ❑The below is a sample of the thermophysical properties of n-butanol Density T(k)

density (kg/m3)

liquid

450

540.2

gas

550

13.18

Thermal Conductivity

Geometry and Mesh of the Computational Domain

T(k)

K (W/m.K)

liquid

272.3

0.1157

gas

773

0.00008549

Conclusions ❑ Determination of thermo-physical properties ❑Completion of the geometry ❑Completion of the meshing ❑Initiation of simulation

References

❑ Poling, Bruce E., et al. The Properties of Gases and Liquids. McGraw-Hill, 2001. ❑Trindade, Wagner Roberto da Silva, and Rogério Gonçalves dos Santos. “1D Modeling of SI Engine Using nButanol as Fuel: Adjust of Fuel Properties and Comparison between Measurements and Simulation.” Energy Conversion and Management, Pergamon, 18 Dec. 2017

Methodology

❑ Using Thermophysical properties ❑CFD software (ANSYS 19.2) ❑Geometry and Meshing theory of the grid ❑ Used Structured hexagonal elements for good meshing ❑Simulation

Results

Closed-up view showing the liquid-gas interface

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Mechanical Engineering Department,, Prairie View A&M University.

THERMOPHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF N-BUTANOL AND N-DECANE FOR SIMULATION OF LIQUID DROPLET EVAPORATION Asmaou S. OUEDRAOGO, Haivany M. YOUMOU and Ziaul HUQUE, Ph.D. (Faculty Mentor) | Department of Mechanical Engineering Introduction This research plan to develop a comprehensive groundbased research program to investigate, both experimental and computationally, the droplet combustion dynamics of liquid fuels at elevated pressure in a microgravity environment that promotes spherical symmetry. The objective of this work is to perform high-pressure combustion experiments for liquid fuels, including decane, butanol, and their mixtures, using a spherically symmetric droplet flame configuration; establish a computational framework to simulate our combustion experiments at elevated pressure and produce butanol from the fermentation both for combustion experiments through an optimized fermentation process. The current work is to contribute towards the center for high-pressure combustion simulation of liquid droplet evaporation.

One of the important data needed for simulation is the thermophysical properties of liquids. We will be working with n-butanol and n-decane. Under this task, we performed an extensive literature search to obtain those properties. We also initiated to develop geometry and proper meshing needed for the simulation of liquid droplet evaporation.

tension, specific heat for both liquid and gas were found at different ranges of temperature. In order to develop a sound mesh system, we used Structured Hexagonal elements. In order to generate structured elements, we needed to use four edges for each surface. Therefore, a small radial arc was added near the center of the droplet.

We used two surfaces, one to represent the liquid and the other to represent the gas outside the liquid. The number of divisions we used is 25 in the circumferential direction for both the faces and 25 and 50 divisions for liquid and gaseous zones respectively in the radial direction. The boundary conditions used are symmetric on the vertical and axial sides, the liquid-gas interface between the two faces, and the pressure outlet on the outside radial surface.

Table 1 below shows the thermo-physical properties of n-butanol, and the figure 1 shows the geometry and the generate mesh for numerical simulation.

Materials and Methods Used literature review to obtain the different thermophysical properties needed as input for the computational simulation. We used the commercial CFD software ANSYS19.2 to generate the geometry and meshes.

In drawing the geometry, we used one quadrant of a circle to represent a 2-D droplet taking into consideration the symmetry.

Density

Results and Discussion Through literature review, several thermophysical properties such as density, thermal conductivity, surface

Conclusion We have determined the physical properties which were not readily available in the open literature. We have completed the geometry and meshing. We have just initiated the simulation.

T(k)

density (kg/m3)

liquid

450

540.2

gas

550

13.18

Thermal Conductivity T(k)

K (W/m.K)

liquid

272.3

0.1157

gas

773

0.00008549

Figure 1. Geometry and Mesh for simulation of droplet evaporation using ANSYS19.2 References Lei, Zhiliang, et al. “Numerical Study on Supercritical Heat Transfer of n-Decane during Pyrolysis in Rectangular Tubes.” Applied Thermal Engineering, Pergamon, 27 Jan. 2020, Trindade, Wagner Roberto da Silva, and Rogério Gonçalves dos Santos. “1D Modeling of SI Engine Using n-Butanol as Fuel: Adjust of Fuel Properties and Comparison between Measurements and Simulation.” Energy Conversion and Management, Pergamon, 18 Dec. 2017 Poling, Bruce E., et al. The Properties of Gases and Liquids.

McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Asmaou Ouedraogo is a senior, majoring in Mechanical Engineering Haovamu Upi,pi os a kimopr, majoring in Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Dr. Ziaul Huque is a Professor in Mechanical Engineering with research interests in CFD, wind energy, and combustion.

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The Role of Germline Mutations in DNA repair genes during Cancer Stem Cell Development and Renewal

Larecia Thomas, Aubrianna Jordan and Victoria Mgbemena Biology Department, Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, Prairie View A&M University Methodology

Introduction A number of DNA repair pathway components, including BRCA1/2, are required for hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, and cancer suppression. BRCA1-deficient mice develop hematological disorders by four weeks, which include pancytopenia (1, 2) and display a pronounced inability to reconstitute stem cells. Although aplastic anemia does not develop, epithelial tumors are observed at a greater incidence in BRCA2 null mice and these mice also demonstrate a marked failure to reconstitute in competitive transplantation assays (3). In the U.S. approximately 63000 cases of uterine cancer develop each year (6). In a 2017 study, the number of patients developing uterine cancer with a BRCA2 mutation was reported to be double the expected number (7). Although clinical reports have statistically explored cases relating BRCA mutations to uterine cancer, the mechanisms that play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease is not clear.

The Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) encodes for a protein that may function as a tumor suppressor (8). It binds to BRCA2 and is assumed to facilitate their accumulation during homologous recombination repair of DNA breaks (9). While other investigators have reported an increased risk of developing cervical cancer for women with a familial history of BRCA1/2-related disease(s) or other high-risk factors (10, 11, 12, 13), the mechanism for oncogenesis triggered by germline mutations in other DNA repair genes for cervical cancer and other cancers remains unclear. .

Suspend cells

Count and dilute cells

Potential Significance

Seed cells in well plate

PALB2 mutations will be designed onto plasmid vectors.

We hypothesize that that the investigator will observe effects on gene expression, cell proliferation and proteincomplex interactions in the presence of mutations which have been inherited.

Seed cells in culture flask for expansion Transfection/ Transduction VUS PALB2, RAD51

+/- treatment

Check morphology / confluency

References

+/- treatment

Supernatant

Cells

Expression assay PALB2, RAD51

Proteomic interaction assay VUS PALB2, VUS RAD51

Transduction efficacy check

Cytokine analysis

Goals and Objectives The goal of this study is to determine the role of germline mutations on cervical cancer cell gene expression and invasion potential. The objectives are to express a clinical variant of PALB2 in cervical cancer cells and examine protein expression.

As most cancers are epithelial in origin and can invade other tissues, we seek to investigate 1) the factors that may mediate development, renewal and metastasis of the epithelial cancer cell along with 2) how the cancer cells respond to exogenous factors.

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The functional importance of germline mutations of DNA repair genes in cervical cancer remains unclear. Studies on the inherent characteristics of both cancer and stem cells demonstrate the involvement of factors needed for tumor suppression and cell cycle regulation. Martin et al. identified a group of genes important for cell-cycle regulation which were differentially expressed in cervical cancer cells (14). Additionally, a characterization of cervical cancer stem cells has revealed a phenotype identifying HPV-associated surface receptors, AII and CD49f, as well as transcription factor p63 and epithelial stem cell marker CK17 (14, 15, 16). The overall goal will be to determine what effect germline mutations have on cervical cancer pathogenesis and treatability. Understanding mechanisms of cancer cell expansion will broadly impact efforts to study the role of genes and the environment in chronic disease.

This may have an effect on preventive care and prophylactic treatments, which may affect quality of life for a population of people.

HeLa cervical cancer line will be grown in-vitro using cell growth medium and factors. The cervical cancer component mutations associated with each line will be noted mapped accordingly. Cells will be transfected with plasmid vectors which encode for PALB2 variants of unknown significance, or transduced stably.

Products will later be assayed for expression of wild type PALB2. In tandem co-immunoprecipitations will reveal resultant binding partners of ∆PALB2. Supernatants will be collected from cells and analyzed for secreted cytokines and tested for transduction targeting and efficiency.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Biology Department,, Prairie View A&M University.

1. Mgbemena VE; et al. Cell Reports. 2017, 18, 947-960.

2. Vasanthakumar, A. et al. Blood. 2016, 127, 310- 313.

3. Navarro, S. et al. Molecular Therapy. 2006, 14, 525-535.

4. Alter, B. P. et al. Clinical Haematology. 2014, 27, 214–221.

5. Rebbeck, T. R. et al. JAMA. 2015, 313, 1347–1361.

6. The American Cancer Society. 2018 7. Lee, Y.C. et al. European Journal of Cancer. 2017, 114, 120-125.

8. Guzmán-Ramírez, Völler M et al. Prostate. 2009, 69, 1683-93.

9. Bing X., et al. Molecular Cell. 2006, 22, 719-729, 1097-2765.

10. Sellors J.W. et al. CMAJ. 2000, 163, 503-508.

11. Howlader N et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review. 2017, 19752014.

12. International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer. Int J Cancer. 2006, 119,1108-1124.

13. Kataja V et al. Am J Epidemiol. 1993, 138,735-745.

14. Martin, C.M. et. al. Methods in Molecular Biology. 2009, 511,333-59.

15. Li J, Zhou BP. BMC Cancer. 2011, 11, 49 16. Chen C et al. Journal of Hematology & Oncology. 2018, 11,6.

ELUCIDATING MECHANISMS OF CANCER CELL GROWTH AND INVASION USING 2D AND 3D CELL CULTURE MODELS Aubrianna Jordan and Dr. Victoria Mgbemena | Department of Biology, Brailsford College of Arts and Science Introduction The Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) encode for a protein that may function as a tumor suppressor (1). It binds to BRCA2 and DNA repair protein Rad 51 homolog 1 (Rad51) at nuclear damage foci and is assumed to facilitate their accumulation during homologous recombination repair of DNA breaks (2). As such, mutations in PALB2 have also been tied to breast, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. Other investigators have reported an increased risk of developing cervical cancer for women with a familial history of BRCA1/2-related disease(s) or other high-risk factors (3, 4, 5, 6) reoccurring germline mutations PALB2 in cervical cancer and others remain unknown.

The Partner and localizer of the BRCA2 (PALB2) function as a tumor suppressor gene.

When there is DNA damage, along with the BRCA2 gene, Rad51 is a protein that plays a role in classical Non-Homologous End Joining (C-NHEJ) and Homologous Recombination (HR) to repair double-strand breaks in the DNA. The expression of the DNA repair complex proteins increases in response to DNA damage.

One focus of this research is to study the effects of mutations on the function of cells in a different stratum of cervical tissue. These tissues of the cervix are made of different cellular compositions (squamous and columnar epithelium). Relatively recently, there has been a move to examine intercellular and intracellular signaling mechanisms, cell migration and adhesion events using two-dimensional (2D) cultures, three-dimensional (3D) cultures, and eventually three-dimensional (4D) cultures in order to investigate the contribution of the dynamic microenvironment on cancer.

Directions Two-dimensional cell cultures have long-since been a standard application for investigation of cell dynamics in physiological studies. Still, it is generally known that the culture conditions do not completely recapitulate actual living conditions and can induce changes in cells at the genetic and phenotypic levels, which may not be seen at the organismal level.

There are, however, modifications that can be made to the system to examine cell receptor signaling cascades. Recent advancements have made it possible to culture organoids, which can mimic complex in vivo conditions using cell and fiber-based scaffolds (7,8,9).

Hypothesis The 3D cultures provide a more relevant model for viewing the interactions that occur in the human tissues. We propose 3D cultures to highlight the transcriptomic and proteomic expressions of the BRCA gene.

We expect that should be a change in the way that the cells interact with each other in the matrigel in the presence of germline, somatic, and epigenetic alterations. The level of sensitivity within the tumors will impact the amount and rate of change during the observation period. We seek to observe these potential changes by looking at variables such as oxygen, metabolites, nutrients, and other molecules needed for the cell to grow and mature.

Specific Aim 1: Determine the effect of different germline PALB2 mutations on cervical stem-like cell survival.

Specific Aim 2: Assess the metastatic potential of mutant cell lines in a mirrored tumor environment using 3-D systems.

Specific Aim 3: Assess cervical cancer stem-like cell formation and maintenance after treatment.

Materials and Methods Matrigel is a non-expensive gel that contains growth factors and regulatory molecules that help the process of protein extraction (7, 8, 9). It is also in a liquid form at certain temperatures (below 22°C) and should be kept inside of a controlled area under a hood, waiting to pipet. Once the matrigel is removed from the freezer, pipet (However many ml) into a silo so that it can assume its shape. In other studies, it was shown to improve conductivity between the ice and the silo if you place the silo on an aluminum sheet/ block that also stops the silo from clotting up, Once you have added all of your materials to the silo place into a centrifuge tube and centrifuge for about five-ten minutes. Place the contents of the centrifuge tube inside of a petri dish and allow gas exchange to occur and incubation. Once the matrigel is semi-solidified in the incubator, the cervical cells should be placed into the silo and cleaned with a phenol-free media at least four times a week.

Expected Results and Discussion The functional importance of germline mutations of DNA repair genes in cervical and prostate cancer remains unclear. Studies on the inherent characteristics of both cancer and stem cells demonstrate the involvement of factors needed for tumor suppression and cell cycle regulation. (continued on following page...)

POSTERS AND REPORTS

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ELUCIDATING MECHANISMS OF CANCER CELL GROWTH AND INVASION USING 2D AND 3D CELL CULTURE MODELS, CON'T Aubrianna Jordan and Dr. Victoria Mgbemena | Department of Biology, Brailsford College of Arts and Science 2D Culture Using the 2D method, we expect to see a monolayer of cells growing inside of the culture, as well as these, being the lowest maintenance of all cell cultures; there should be an alteration in the morphology. We will begin with a co-culture experiment, so there may be two different growth patterns occurring at once. The culture is intended to mock an in vivo condition to provide an alternative to modeling the animal model cells. In using a 3D and a 2D cell culture model, there will be an observed difference in the number of cells, cell growth, and proliferation, as well as the ultrastructure of the cells.

3D Culture The 3D cell cultures allow for cells to proliferate at a faster rate than a 2D culture. The 3D culture may provide a more accurate look at cell-to-cell interactions, tumor characteristics, and yield insights towards the development of different therapeutic drugs.

Summary This project will primarily address germline mutations on cancers of the epithelium of the reproductive tracts. The molecular requirements for uterine cancer stem cell differentiation and renewal in the presence of a synonymous, missense mutation requires exploration.

One objective of this research program would be to assess the roles of different PALB2 mutations during stem cell transformation and assay for DNA- damage and cell death by measuring expression of factors such as p53, RAD51, PALB2, FANCD2 (10), and labeling double-strand breaks.

References 1. Bing Xia, Qing Sheng, Koji Nakanishi, Akihiro Ohashi, Jianmin Wu, Nicole Christ, Xinggang Liu, Maria Jasin, Fergus J. Couch, David M. Livingston. (2006). Control of BRCA2 Cellular and Clinical Functions by a Nuclear Partner, PALB2, Molecular Cell, Volume 22, Issue 6, Pages 719-729, 1097-2765.

2. Mersch, Jacqueline et al. “Cancers associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations other than breast and ovarian.” Cancer vol. 121,2 (2015): 269-75. doi:10.1002/cncr.29041

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3. Sellors JW, Mahony JB, Kaczorowski J, et al. Prevalence and predictors of human papillomavirus infection in women in Ontario, Canada. Survey of HPV in Ontario Women (SHOW) Group. CMAJ. 2000;163:503-508.

4. Howlader N, Noone AM, Krapcho M, Miller D, Bishop K, Kosary CL, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2014, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer. cancer.gov/csr/1975_2014/, based on November 2016 SEER data submission, was posted to the SEER website in April 2017.

5. International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer. Cervical cancer and reproductive factors: Collaborative reanalysis of individual data on 16,563 women with cervical carcinoma and 33,542 women without cervical carcinoma from 25 epidemiological studies. Int J Cancer. 2006; 119:1108-1124.

6. Kataja V, Syrjänen S, Yliskoski M, et al. Risk factors associated with cervical human papillomavirus infections: a case-control study. Am J Epidemiol. 1993;138:735-745.

7. Karolina Zuk, Anna et al. “Modeling and validating three-dimensional human normal cervix and cervical cancer tissues in vitro.” Journal of biomedical research vol. 31,3 (2017): 240-247. doi:10.7555/JBR.31.20160150 8. Miao, S., Cui, H., Esworthy, T., Mahadik, B., Lee, S.‐j., Zhou, X., Hann, S. Y., Fisher, J. P., Zhang, L. G., 4D Self‐Morphing Culture Substrate for Modulating Cell Differentiation.

Adv. Sci. 2020, 7, 1902403. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.201902403 9. de Souza, N. Organoids. Nat Methods 15, 23 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/ nmeth.4576 10. Park, J. Y., Singh, T. R., Nassar, N., Zhang, F., Freund, M., Hanenberg, H., …

Andreassen, P. R. (2014). Breast cancer-associated missense mutants of the PALB2 WD40 domain directly bind RAD51C, RAD51, and BRCA2, and disrupt DNA repair. Oncogene, 33(40), 4803–4812. doi:10.1038/onc.2013.421

Aubrianna Jordan is a senior, majoring in Biology. Dr. Victoria Mgbemena is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology with research interest in cancer.

SYNTHESIS AND PRELIMINAR CHARACTERIZATION OF HISTIDINE-METAL COMPLEXES Cayla Guillory, Dr. Gina Chiarella, and Dr. Huajun Fan Department of Chemistry Prairie View A&M University

Abstract In this research, Synthesis Characterization and Computation Modeling of Metal Histidine Complexes, we are to prepare transitional metals complexes using the Amino Acid L- Histidine. Only focusing on 4/38 transition metals and that is Cobalt (ll), Chromium (lll), Copper (l), and Manganese (ll). It is the preparation of transition metal complexes with especial interest in compounds with potential catalytic activity and resemblance with biological molecular structures.

Results

Synthesis of Histidine – Chromium (III) complex

A preliminary analysis of the products was executed by infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy, the respective spectra were studied, indicating that products and reactants presented different peaks, which indicate that the products are different compounds; additional analysis will be required to determine the structure of those compounds.

Infrared spectra in solid state of Histidine and the product Histidine-Metal complexes

Introduction Amino acids binding transition metals are very common in biological systems; they are present in enzymes playing powerful role in metabolic processes, detoxification and preservation of different living entities; however the nature and structure of the Metal-amino acid or metal peptide bond is not totally clear, as well as, the mechanism that allow their formation; this information would be crucial in the prevention of some diseases and in the preparation of new medicines. This project will try to contribute to the knowledge of the L-histidinetransition metal connection, and their chemical and physical properties for posterior uses.

Synthesis of Histidine – Cobalt (II) complex

Goals

UV-vis spectra in aqueous solution of Histidine and the product Histidine-Metal complexes

My research has two main objectives: •To synthesize the metal complexes of the Amino Acid L-Histidine and the metals Chromium (lll), Copper (l), Manganese (ll),and Cobalt (ll).

•To perform the instrument analysis to characterize those examples and make the computation calculations of the structure

Experimental procedure

Synthesis of Histidine – Manganese (II) complex

Preparation of Cobalt(II) Histidine Complex: Aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of Cobalt(II) nitrate in a 100-mL beaker in mole ratio of 2:1, the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the solution change from pink-reddish to a very dark orange, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed.

Preparation of Manganese (ll) Histidine: Aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of Manganese(II) sulfate in a 100-mL beaker in mole ratio of 2:1, the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the appearance change from cloudy withe to clear colorless, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed.

Preparation of Chromium (lll) Histidine: Aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of Chromium(III) nitrate in a 100-mL beaker in mole ratio of 2:1, the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the solution change from dark green to a creamy light green, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed.

Preparation of Copper (ll) Histidine: Aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of Copper(II) nitrate in a 100-mL beaker in mole ratio of 2:1, the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the solution change from bright green to a dark blue color, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed

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POSTERS AND REPORTS

Summary The metals Copper (ll) Histidine, Chromium (lll) Histidine, Manganese(ll) Histidine, and Cobalt (ll) Histidine complexes has been synthesized.

Synthesis of Histidine – Copper (II) complex

References •Richard J. Sundberg and R. Bruce Martin. Chemical Reviews, 1974, 74, 471517 •Georgia C. Boles, Rebecca A. Coates, Giel Berden, Jos Oomens, and P. B. Armentrout. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2016, 120, 12486−12500 •Lei Zhou, Shenhui Li, Yongchao Su, Xianfeng Yi, Anmin Zheng, and Feng Deng. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2013, 117, 8954−8965

•Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Chemistry Department,, Prairie View A&M University.

SYNTHESIS AND PRELIMINARY CHARACTERIZATION OF HISTIDINE-METAL COMPLEXES Cayla Guillory and Dr. Gina Chiarella | Department of Chemistry Prairie View A&M University Introduction Amino acids binding transition metals are prevalent in biological systems; they are present in enzymes playing a dominant role in metabolic processes, detoxification, and preservation of different living entities; however, the nature and structure of the Metal-amino acid or metal peptide bond is not precise, as well as, the mechanism that allows their formation; this information would be crucial in the prevention of some diseases and the preparation of new medicines. This project will try to contribute to the knowledge of the L-histidine-transition metal connection, and their chemical and physical properties for posterior uses. The objective of this research project is to synthesize, isolate, purify and characterize transition metal complexes of L-histidine with Nickle (II), Cobalt (II), Chromium (II), Copper (II), Iron(II), and Manganese(II) cations.

The primary purpose of our research group is to prepare compounds with structure and properties analogous to biological catalysts, known mostly as enzymes. Histidine is an amino acid frequently present in those biochemical compounds. Due to the presence of three nitrogen and one oxygen donor atoms in its structure, L-histidine forms a very stable complex with those metal-ions. The nature of the interaction of L- Histidine â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Metal is still inconclusive, and most of the analytical data and properties of these complexes are incomplete in the scientific literature. An essential goal in this research is to determine the molecular structure of and the redox activity of the metal derivatives of this amino acid. In this project it has been achieved the synthesized of the transition metal complexes with Histidine in two different solvents, water, and methanol; the UV-visible and infrared spectroscopic studies have been obtained, the proton and carbon NMR spectra were recorded when it was possible to do, all these results have been contrasted with the data previously obtained from the pure L-histidine. Electrochemical studies have also been collected, and computational calculations have been performed.

Materials and Methods Preparation of Cobalt(II) Histidine Complex: An aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of Cobalt (II) nitrate in a 100-mL beaker in a mole ratio of 2:1, and the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the solution change from pink-reddish to very dark orange, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed.

Preparation of Manganese (ll) Histidine: An aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of Manganese(II) sulfate in a 100-mL beaker in a mole ratio of 2:1, and the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the appearance change from cloudy withe to clear colorless, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed.

Preparation of Chromium (lll) Histidine: An aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of chromium(III) nitrate in a 100-mL beaker in a mole ratio of 2:1; the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the solution change from dark green to creamy light green, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed.

Preparation of Copper (ll) Histidine: An aqueous solution of L-histidine is mixed with aqueous solution of Copper(II) nitrate in a 100-mL beaker in a mole ratio of 2:1; the mixture was stirred for half an hour until the solution change from bright green to a dark blue color, latter the product was evaporated and analyzed

Conclusion(s) or Summary A preliminary analysis of the products was executed by infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy, and the respective spectra were studied, indicating that products and reactants presented different peaks, which indicate that the products are different compounds; additional analysis will be required to determine the structure of those compounds. The metals Copper (ll) Histidine, Chromium (lll) Histidine, Manganese(ll) Histidine, and Cobalt (ll) Histidine complexes have been synthesized.

References Richard J. Sundberg and R. Bruce Martin. Chemical Reviews, 1974, 74, 471- 517 Georgia C. Boles, Rebecca A. Coates, Giel Berden, Jos Oomens, and P. B. Armentrout. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2016, 120, 12486-12500 Lei Zhou, Shenhui Li, Yongchao Su, Xianfeng Yi, Anmin Zheng, and Feng Deng. J. Phys. Chem. B, 2013, 117, 89548965

Cayla J. Guillory is a senior, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Gina Chiarella is an Assistant Professor in Chemistry with research interst in medicinal bio-chemistry

Results and Discussion A preliminary analysis of the products was performed by infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy; the respective spectra were studied, indicating that products and reactants presented different peaks, which indicated that the products are different compounds; additional analysis will be required to determine the structure of those compounds.

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Delivery of Bioactive Molecule into live cells using Thiamin Chelsea Narcisse BS​, Sameh Abdelwahed, Ph.D. (Faculty Mentor)

Abstract Background:Thiamine vitamin B1, is an essential cofactor for all organisms.

Humans primarily acquire thiamine through their diet. Thiamin/thiamin pyrophosphate has a specific ABC-type transporter that can transport it through the cell membrane. However, various antimicrobial agents do not have the capability of crossing the cell membrane. Objective: The purpose of this project is to utilize thiamin as a carrier for drug delivery of bioactive molecules into live cells. Research has shown that Alanine-Phosphonate is an inhibitor for alanine racemase and can operate as an antibiotic; however, Phosphonate cannot be transported immediately into the bacterial cell and needs a vehicle for delivery.

Therefore thiamin will be used. Methodology: We propose to synthesize the thiamin conjugates of alanine phosphonate to enhance the bacterial uptake of conjugate and enhance the antibacterial action. This conjugate would be synthesized The synthesized conjugate will then be combined to the pyrimidine part creating the thiamin succinimide that would be introduced to the Alanine phosphonate (Ala-P) molecule under wet conditions to yield thiamin-AlaP conjugate. Results: The resolution in this part will lead us to conjugate other molecules to thiamin and examine the activity of the antimicrobial agent corresponding to different bacterial strains.first starting with 4-methyl-5thiazoleethanol introduced to DSC to create a thiazole succinimide.

Summary

Results

●

● ●

Future Studies Inject

thiamin into cancer cells to treat cancer, inject thiamin into fat cells to reduce fat, make a vaccination using thiamin and other supplements to treat COVID-19

References

Introduction Thiamine is a fundamental cofactor for all living beings. People fundamentally gain thiamine through their eating routine, and thiamine lacks have unfavorable neurological impacts. Be that as it may, the job gut microorganisms play in regulating thiamine accessibility is ineffectively comprehended, and little is thought about how thiamine impacts the solidness of microbial gut networks.

Thiamin/thiamin pyrophosphate has a particular ABC-type transporter that can transport it within the cell membrane. Several antimicrobial agents cannot cross the cell membrane. Our idea is to use Thiamin as a carrier for drug delivery of bioactive molecules into live cells applying thiamin. Alanine-Phosphonate is an inhibitor for alanine racemase and thus can act as an antibiotic, however, Phosphonate cannot be transferred directly into the bacterial cell and needs a carrier for delivery, thiamin will be used. The antimicrobial agent, Thiamin -Ala-P conjugate, will be synthesized according to the following designed scheme. IC 50 value will be determined and the kinetic discharge of the drug will be regulated.

Objective The purpose of this project is to utilize thiamin as a carrier for drug delivery of bioactive molecules into live cells. Research has shown that Alanine-Phosphonate is an inhibitor for alanine racemase and can operate as an antibiotic; however, Phosphonate cannot be transported immediately into the bacterial cell and needs a vehicle for delivery. Therefore thiamin will be used.

Hypothesis We hypothesized that thiamin can act as drug deliver to destroy the growth of the live bacteria cells. The success in this part will guide us to conjugate other molecules to thiamin and analyze the action of the antimicrobial agent against different bacterial strains.

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POSTERS AND REPORTS

Thiamine vitamin B1, is an essential cofactor for all organisms.

Alanine-Phosphonate is an inhibitor for alanine racemase synthesized conjugate will then be combined to the pyrimidine part creating the thiamin succinimide

PubMed

1. Doerner, Julia F, et al. “Controlled Delivery of Bioactive Molecules into Live Cells Using the Bacterial Mechanosensitive Channel MscL.” Nature Communications, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22871809.

2. Wray, Robin, et al. “An Agonist of the MscL Channel Affects Multiple Bacterial Species and Increases Membrane Permeability and Potency of Common Antibiotics.” Molecular Microbiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6736685/.

3. Tylicki, Adam, et al. “Thiamine and Selected Thiamine Antivitamins - Biological Activity and Methods of Synthesis.” Bioscience Reports, Portland Press Ltd., 10 Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6435462/.

4. LeBlanc, Jean Guy, et al. “Beneficial Effects on Host Energy Metabolism of Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Vitamins Produced by Commensal and Probiotic Bacteria.” Microbial Cell Factories, BioMed Central, 8 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5423028/.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

DELIVERY OF BIOACTIVE MOLECULES INTO LIVE CELLS USING THIAMIN Chelsea Narcisse, Sameh Abdelwahed | College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Chemistry | Prairie View A&M University Introduction Thiamin, vitamin B1, is an essential cofactor for all organisms. Humans primarily acquire Thiamin through their diet. The cell membrane controls the movement of substances in and out of cells and organelles. In this way, it is selectively permeable to ions and organic molecules. Thiamin/thiamin pyrophosphate has a specific ABC-type transporter that can transport it through the cell membrane. Various antimicrobial agents do not have the capability of crossing the cell membrane. This studyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s objective is to utilize Thiamin as a carrier for drug delivery of bioactive molecules into live cells.

Materials and Methods Research has shown that Alanine-Phosphonate is an inhibitor for alanine racemase and can operate as an antibiotic; however, Phosphonate (shown in red Figure 1) cannot be transported immediately into the bacterial cell and needs a vehicle for delivery.

Therefore, Thiamin will be used. We propose to synthesize the thiamin conjugates of alanine phosphonate to enhance the bacterial uptake of conjugate and enhance the antibacterial action. This conjugate would be synthesized. The synthesized conjugate will then be combined to the pyrimidine part creating the thiamin succinimide that would be introduced to the Alanine phosphonate (Ala-P) molecule under wet conditions to yield thiamin-AlaP conjugate (Figure 1).

NH2 Br

N N

+

N

S

O

O O

O N

H2N ACN

N

2hr/ 120oC

O

Water/ TEA

O

H2N PO3H2

H2 N

N

N N Figure 1

O N

O

S

References 1. Koerner, Julia F, et al. â&#x20AC;? Nature Communications, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012 2. Wray, Robin, et al. Molecular Microbiology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept.

2019 3. Tylicki, Adam, et al. Bioscience Reports, Portland Press Ltd., 10 Jan. 2018.

O

O

N

N

Results and Discussion We were able to synthesize some starting molecules to lead to the final target product. This conjugate synthesized first starting with 4-methyl-5-thiazoleethanol introduced to DSC to create a thiazole succinimide. That would then be combined to the pyrimidine part creating the thiamin succinimide that would be introduced to the Alanine phosphonate (Ala-P) molecule under wet conditions to yield a thiamin-AlaP conjugate.

Conclusion The conjugates will act as a bait to trick the pathogen into taking up thiamin conjugates, via specific thiamin transporters. Once inside the cell, the cargo molecule will be separated by the esterases present within the cells to perform its function. Utilizing thiamine as a carrier for medicating conveyance of bioactive particles into live cells can lead us to conjugate some additional molecules to thiamine and examine the action of the antimicrobial agent against various bacterial strains.

Chelsea Narcisse is a junior, majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. Dr. Sameh Abdelwahed an Assistant/ Associate/ Professor of Organic Chemistry with a research interest in the delivery of bioactive molecules into live cells using Thiamin.

S O

O HN PO3H2

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40

A Content Analysis of the Commodification and Exploitation of Black Internet Content and Product Chiamaka Okoye, Christopher Medina M.S Department of Language and Communications Results

Introduction The Internet has granted unprecedented access to black culture and content; however, it has also become the breeding grounds for its exploitation. The cultural misappropriation and subsequent commodification of minority culture refers to when a majority culture exploits the cultural contributions of a minority. Specifically, within the context of black internet content and product, this trend has boomed with the rise of social media. Black creators produce fashion, dance, vernacular, and even musical, cultural contributions that are popularized on social media then commodified without any credit or share of the profits given to the originators.

Objectives

Intercoder Reliability Test Strong reliability rating

• Use findings of content analysis to outline ethnography • . Use content analysis methods to analyze replies viral tweets to determine general attitudes or beliefs about the commodification and exploitation of black products and ideas.

• Utilize the Hegelian dialectic to explore general attitudes regarding commodification and exploitation of black products and ideas.

Methods • Created a content database of 662 tweets in reply to viral accusations of cultural appropriation/ commodification of black internet content/product • Tested Intercoder reliability using ReCal2 software • Utilized a simple coding system of yes (1) and no (0) to place tweets into 6 main codes • Analyzed results to identify patterns and themes in data

Percentage Breakdown of Tweets

Slight majority in support of claims of exploitation

Virility vs Discussion

The more viral a tweet is the more discussion is centered around it

Future Studies  Future studies include an ethnography detailing the experiences of those who’ve suffered from the exploitation of black internet content and products  Some key areas to question during the interview would be their perception of public support since content analysis revealed patterns of its existence but also patterns of public denial

Conclusion

As the exploitation of black internet content and products rises with the boom in social media use, so does its opposition. While there is a slight majority opinion that acknowledges and opposes such exploitation, ultimately, the lack of a clear majority(over 50%) renders the hypothesis correct. Thus revealing that the divide within the public's opinion not only exists but is a probable reason for the continued misappropriation and commodification of black content/products.

Hypothesis • The divide within the public’s opinions allows for the continued misappropriation and commodification of black content/products

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Acknowledgements

Tweet Selection Criteria

Criteria for both viral tweet and replies

• R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

A CONTENT ANALYSIS OF THE COMMODIFICATION AND EXPLOITATION OF BLACK INTERNET CONTENT AND PRODUCT Chiamaka Okoye and Christopher Medina M.S | Department of Language and Communications Introduction Upon beginning research, it became clear that while the two areas of research: content analysis and ethnography, are interrelated, the two have a sequential order.

Researchers discovered that content analysis could be used to establish the framework of an ethnography, precisely the questions. This report is centered around the content analysis portion of the research project. The Internet has granted unprecedented access to black culture and content; however, it has also become the breeding grounds for its exploitation. The cultural misappropriation and subsequent commodification of minority culture refer to when a majority culture exploits the cultural contributions of a minority. Specifically, within the context of black internet content and product, this trend has boomed with the rise of social media. In their 2019 report, the Congressional Black Caucus foundation found that black 28.4% of black businesses are negatively impacted by access to capital, a rate nearly three times higher than their white counterparts (Howard, 2019). The combined effects of exploitation and systemic barriers to business make this issue all the more damaging to victims: their ideas do not receive investment while others exploit and profit from their ideas. This research utilizes the Hegelian dialectic to explore general attitudes regarding commodification and exploitation of black products and ideas through content analysis. It is hypothesized that the divide within the public’s opinion allows for the continued misappropriation and commodification of black content/products.

Materials and Methods • Created a content database of over 500 tweets in reply to viral accusations of cultural appropriation/ commodification of black internet content/product • Tested Intercoder reliability using ReCal2 software • Utilized a simple coding system of yes (1) and no (0) to place tweets into six principal codes • Analyzed results to identify patterns and themes in data.

comparing the virility of each result with the amount of relevant discussion generated while there is a general increase in the amount of relevant discussion as virility increases discussion on average still lags far behind virility.

Meaning although these accusations of exploitations are going viral, meaning being shared, they are not discussed nearly enough.

1 Software utilized established procedures of Cohens Kappa and Percent agreement to generate robust intercoder reliability and validate results

Results and Discussion

After coding for 160 tweets in the database, preliminary results reveal that most tweets are in acknowledgment and support against the exploitation of black internet content and products. Indicating that over 50% of opinions posted online not only acknowledge this wrongdoing but also are against its occurrence. Unexpectedly a majority of the discongruity within the public opinion comes from posts that neither support nor deny claims of exploitation. This result could have many implications, whether it be the need for definite opinions online or even just the need for more discussions. Ultimately though, the lack of overwhelming majority opinion on the subject reveals the gap in public opinion and thus renders the hypothesis correct. In

Conclusion As the exploitation of black internet content and products rises with the boom in social media use, so does its opposition. While there is a slight majority opinion that acknowledges and opposes such exploitation, ultimately, the lack of a clear majority(over 50%) renders the hypothesis correct. Thus revealing that the divide within the public’s opinion not only exists but is a probable reason for the continued misappropriation and commodification of black content/products. This content analysis has identified the pattern of public dissent to the exploitation of black internet content and products as a primary point of investigation in future ethnographic research. Moreover, as a result, it has achieved its goal of identifying public opinion of exploitation of black internet content and products by utilizing content analysis of Twitter.

References Howard, T. (2019, April). THE STATE OF BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AMERICA. Retrieved from https://www.cbcfinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/ CPAR-Report-Black-Entrepreneurship-in-America.pdf Chiamaka Okoye is a Junior majoring in Biology. Christopher Medina is an associate professor in the communications department with research interest in social media contents.

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42

The Impactof ofthe theImmune ImmuneSystem Systemon onthe thePathophysiological PathophysiologicalEffects Effectsof ofFluid-Structure Fluid-StructureInteraction Interactionof of The Impact Species Transported Transported and and Transformed Transformed in in Human Human Systems Systems Species Diamy B. Camara and Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju Chemical Engineering Department, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, 77446

Abstract The human system consists of several biological units that are carefully organized to engage in a physicochemical interaction with complex fluids responsible for the conveyance of different nutrients and gaseous species (oxygen) needed for proper functioning of the human system. Majority of the pathophysiological conditions in the human body are due to an influx of diet deficient vitamins and nutrients our body needs for survival and pathogens (bacteria, virus) considered foreign to our physiological make-up. Moreover, since the human system is meticulously designed and connected to interact systematically with the complex fluid serving as means of transport for species; hence any distortion in these mechanisms can lead to pathophysiological conditions. The distortion can be the consequence of an invasion of foreign species (pathogen and antigen) altering the physiological mechanism or improper interaction within the body system. A specialized group of organs called the immune system has been designed to address these physiological abnormalities.

WORK IN PROGRESS • The research work is currently near the process of modeling the human immune system using Simpleware and Comsol Multiphysics platforms to study the impact of immune system on the physiological and pathophysiological operation of the human systems.

• The body's defense against infectious organisms and other invaders through a series of steps called the immune response. The immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade body systems and are pathological.

• The lymphatic system operating through the nodes by range of physiological mechanism of the lymphatic system which is made of lymph nodes or tissues and lymph vessels (an assemblage of tissues that drains lymph fluids derived from blood plasma and return it to the bloodstream through blood vessels).

• It filters the body of toxins and CO2 and dispose of them through perspiration, urine, stools and our breath .As lymph passes through the nodes, the white blood cells attack the bacteria or virus found in lymph . It works with the veins to return fluid from the tissues.

• We currently still reviewing the transportation mechanisms perpetuated within the immune system and also the transformation (chemical reaction) of species transformed within the system. The qualitative analysis of the fluid-structure interaction of species will end the review process and precede the quantification of the varied transport and transformation occurring within the human system.

*The human immune system is a host defense system comprising many biological structures and processes within an organism that protects against disease.

Conclusion and Future Work

•

*One of the main organ of this system are the lymph nodes ; however, other organs play important roles such as the the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow.

 The human immune system is rather the most difficult human system to model and that explains while we are employing two robust computational platforms to numerically set it up physiologically.  Thorough review of the qualitative description of the impact of immune system on pathophysiological effect of species transport and transform due to fluid structure interaction is near completion.  The next level of the work is to move into the quantification analysis of these mechanisms

Transportation Mechanisms within the Human immuneSystem

• It filters the body of toxins and CO2 and dispose of them through perspiration, urine, stools and our breath

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1) Human immune Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images and saves as digital image communication in medicine (DICOM). This image will be afterward imported into SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into high quality model object fitted for simulation.

2) Image obtain as JPEG from licensed image data bank which is converted and save as DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1).

Model Object Importation into Comsol Multi-Physics Immune system model object is imported into COMSOL Multi-physics simulation environment to study its impact on the transport and transformation of species due to fluid-structure interaction..

Introduction

• Diffusion and convection are the means of species transport within the human respiratory system • Diffusion involves random motion of molecules that arise from molecular collision triggered by transfer of thermal energy.

• In convection, there is transport resulting from the bulk motion of fluids.

Transformation of Species Transported within the Human immune System

Methods Image to model object: Due to the complex structure of human immune system and complications attributable to generating convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human immune organs (lymphatic vessels) will be imported, visualized, processed and converted to simulation ready model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

COMSOL MULTI-PHYSICS PLATFORM: A SIMULATION DESGNIATED FOR THE SIMULATION OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Acknowledgments R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

Hypothesis: The last barrier and main line of defense of the human immune system is the lymphatic system, through lymphoid organs like the lymph nodes

Motivation Thus, the research is aimed at quantifying the pathophysiological impact of foreign species in human systems and the remediating role played by the immune system through detailed analysis of the flow process of the species and its interaction within the body systems.

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References

1. Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems.

Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

2. Sompayrac, Lauren. How the Immune System Works. Wiley-Blackwell, 2019.

3. R. Ketchum, Heather, director. Human Physiology - Lymphatic System: How It Works. YouTube, 2015, youtu.be/LnqL46lKVec. 4. Immune system. Human anatomy. Human silhouette with internal organs. https://www.shutterstock.com/image-vector/immune-systemhuman-anatomy-silhouette-internal-291861980 5. Melody A. Swartz,The physiology of the lymphatic system, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews Volume 50, Issues 1–2, 2001,Pages 3-20,

THE IMPACT OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM ON THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTION OF SPECIES TRANSPORTED AND TRANSFORMED IN HUMAN SYSTEMS Diamy B. Camara and Kazeem B. Olanrewaju | Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering Introduction The human system consists of several biological units that are carefully organized to engage in a physicochemical interaction with complex fluids responsible for the conveyance of different nutrients and gaseous species (oxygen) needed for the proper functioning of the human system. The majority of the human body’s pathophysiological conditions are due to an influx of diet deficient vitamins and nutrients our body needs for survival and pathogens (bacteria, virus) considered foreign to our physiological make-up. Moreover, since the human system is meticulously designed and connected to interact systematically with the complex fluid serving as means of transport for species; hence any distortion in these mechanisms can lead to pathophysiological conditions.

The distortion can be the consequence of an invasion of foreign species (pathogen and antigen), altering the body system’s physiological mechanism or improper interaction.

A specialized group of organs called the immune system has been designed to address these physiological abnormalities.

Hypothesis: The human immune system is largely impacted by improper transportation and transformation of species in the system.

Materials and Methods Image to model object: Due to the complex structure of the human immune system and complications attributable to generating convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human immune organs (lymphatic vessels) will be imported, visualized, processed, and converted to simulation ready model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1) Human immune Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images, and saves as digital image

communication in medicine (DICOM). Afterward, this image will be imported into SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into a high-quality model object fitted for simulation.

2) Image obtain as JPEG from the licensed image data bank, which is converted and save as DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1).

Model Object Importation into Comsol Multi-Physics The immune system model object is imported into COMSOL Multi-physics simulation environment to study its impact on the transport and transformation of species due to fluid-structure interaction.

Preliminary Results and Discussion (Work in Progress) The research is currently near the process of modeling the human immune system using Simpleware and Comsol Multiphysics platforms to study the impact of the immune system on the physiological and pathophysiological operation of the human systems. The body’s defense against infectious organisms and other invaders through a series of steps called the immune response. The immune system attacks organisms and substances that invade body systems and are pathological. The lymphatic system operating through the nodes by range of physiological mechanisms of the lymphatic system, which is made of lymph nodes or tissues and lymph vessels (an assemblage of tissues that drains lymph fluids derived from blood plasma and return it to the bloodstream through blood vessels). It filters the body of toxins and CO2 and disposes of them through perspiration, urine, stools, and breath.

As lymph passes through the nodes, the white blood cells attack the bacteria or virus found in the lymph. It works with the veins to return fluid from the tissues. We are currently still reviewing the transportation mechanisms perpetuated within the immune system and the transformation (chemical reaction) of species transformed

within the system. The qualitative analysis of the fluidstructure interaction of species will end the review process and precede the quantification of the varied transport and transformation occurring within the human system.

Summary The human immune system is rather the most difficult human system to model, and that explains while we are employing two robust computational platforms to set it up physiologically numerically. A thorough review of the qualitative description of the impact of the immune system on the pathophysiological effect of species transport and transform due to fluid-structure interaction is near completion. The next level of the work is to move into the quantification analysis of these mechanisms.

References [1] Sompayrac, Lauren. How the Immune System Works.

Wiley-Blackwell, 2019...

[2] Melody A. Swartz, The physiology of the lymphatic system, Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews Volume 50, Issues 1–2, 2001, Pages 3-20, [3] R. Ketchum, Heather, director. Human Physiology Lymphatic System: How It Works. YouTube, 2015, youtu. be/LnqL46lKVec [4] “Immune System: Diseases, Disorders & Function, https://www.livescience.com/26579-immune-system.html [5] Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena In Biological Systems. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

Diamy Camara is a junior, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju Professor with research interests in Fluid-Structure interaction in Human Systems, Bio-renewable, and Supercritical Fluid Reaction, Energy and Environmental Systems Sustainability

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44

Exploring Bioinformatics through the Annotation of the Novel Gene OVCA2 Diana Varela Ajche and E. Gloria C. Regisford, Ph.D. Department of Biology, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446

Bioinformatics is strongly influencing the advancement of medicine by integrating genetics, genomics and health problems with computer science and mathematics. A need currently exists for cataloging rapidly accumulating genomic data that includes a plethora of novel genes. While ovarian cancer is the 5th leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, it is the deadliest gynecological cancer in the United States. Hence, the objective of this project was to characterize a newly sequenced gene, Ovarian Cancer-Associated 2 (OVCA2), in-silico, using a set of bioinformatics tools and databases. We hypothesized that this novel gene, OVCA2, is a protein coding gene that plays an important role as an ovarian tumor suppressor candidate. To test this hypothesis, the bioinformatics tool, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST), and the bioinformatic databases, Ensembl, NCBI, UCSC Genome Browser, GeneCards, STRING and UniProt were used to explore and determine the cytogenetic location, number of variants, expression pattern and probable function(s) of gene OVCA2. Findings on Ensembl indicated that OVCA2 gene is ubiquitously expressed in several normal human tissues, including ovaries, adrenal glands, kidneys, brain and heart.

Gene ontology (GO) annotation within the UniProt database, reported that hydrolase activity is one of OVCA2’s molecular functions. In addition, mutations of the OVCA2 gene may be associated with the progression of pathological processes such as cancer and inflammation. Gene OVCA2 has three different orthologs in Humans, Western lowland Gorilla and Pygmy Chimpanzee, all with 96% homology. In summary, gene OVCA2 is a functional gene that is conserved across primate species and mutations of this may promote ovarian tumorigenesis.

Fig ure 2 . UCSC Genome Browser/GeneCards: Chromosomal Location a nd Direction of Expression

Table 2. UCSC mRNA Secondary Structure of 3' and 5' UTRs

Ta ble 3. Functional Pa rtners of KIAA1586 in Homo sa piens using STRING

MYH11 DPH1

DPH2

DAZ-associated protein 1; RNA-binding protein, which may be required during spermatogenesis When overexpressed, suppresses colony formation ability and growth rate of ovarian cancer cells. Acts also as a tumor suppressor in lung and breast cancers.

Required for the first step in the synthesis of diphthamide, a post-translational modification of histidine.

Gene Fusion/textmining/ coexpression Coexpression/textmining

Ta ble 4. Ensembl: Orthologs of the OVCA2 g ene

Organism

Taxonomy

Mammalia

84

Chicken

Aves

54

Zebrafish

Actinopterygii

49

Dolphin

Mammalia

85

Figure 1. Databases and Tools used in Bioinformatics to Annotate Gene OVCA2

(Danio rerio)

(Tursiops truncatus)

Fig ure 5. Gene Ca rds: Localization of Gene in Cell

 

45

To characterize the novel gene OVCA2 in silico.

Characterization of gene OVCA2 will indicate that it is a functional gene that is highly conserved across species.

POSTERS AND REPORTS

Ta ble 5. Ensembl: General information a bout OVCA2



Majority of localization in the nucleus

Length of BST2 gene Genomic Orientation Protein size Paralogs Additional dbSNP identifiers Diseases

Fig ure 6. NCBI da tabase: RNA-seq g ene Expression of OVCA2 in the Different Tissues of Human Body  

Homology

Mouse

(Mus musculus)

Hig hest media n expression: 23 RPKM a drenal tissues 2nd Hig hest expression loca ted in the g a llbla dder a nd pla centa

Gene Information 1,449 bases Plus strand 227 amino acids None 1,506 Ovarian Cancer, Duplication syndrome

Ta ble 6. Gene Ca rds: Phenotypes for OVCA2

Phenotypes



# of Snps

OVCA2 is a Protein Coding gene and tumor suppressor candidate.

This gene is located on chromosome 17p13.3 and mostly located in the nucleus within the cell.

Ortholog of this gene is found in mouse, chicken, zebrafish and dolphin.

Diseases associated to this gene include Ovarian cancer.

• Further annotate the OVCA2 gene to determine its function in Homo sapiens and other species.

Experiment/textmining

Fig ure 4. Protein BLAST Results



The estimated folding energy is in kcal/mol. The more negative the energy, the more secondary structure the RNA is likely to have.

Fig ure 3. STRING bitmap with OVCA2 functional pa rtners.

Interaction

(Gallus gallus)

Bioinformatics is the science that deals with collection, classification, storage, and analysis of genomic, medical information, and artificial intelligence (Bayat, 2002). A need currently exists for cataloging rapidly accumulating genomic data that includes a plethora of novel genes (pubmeddev, 2007). Bioinformatics tools and databases that have been developed, help with the characterization of these novel genes (Bayat, 2002). It is already known that OVCA2 plays a roll in the onset of Ovarian cancer. However, new research studies link the mutations of this gene to disorders such as duplication syndrome (NCBI, 2020). The proposed function of OVCA2, is hydrolase activity (NIH, 2020).

Gene Ontology Term GO:0016787 hydrolase activity GO:0032526 response to retinoic acid GO:0005634 nucleus GO:0005737 cytoplasm

Cellular Component Cellular Component

Description



Ta ble 1. UCSC Genome Browser Gene Ontology Terms for OVCA2 Ontology Molecular Function Biological Process

Genes



Mean Score

Leukocyte count

2

23.1

Femoral neck bone mineral density

1

18.0

Acute myeloid leukemia

1

14.1

Coronary artery disease

2

11.3

Body mass index

3

10.0

1. Bayat, A. (2002, April 27). Science, medicine, and the future: Bioinformatics. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/a rticles/PMC1122955/ 2. Database, G. H. G. (2020, April 26).

OVCA2 Gene - GeneCards | OVCA2 Protein | OVCA2 Antibody.

Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://www.genecards.org/cgibin/carddisp.pl?gene=OVCA2 3. Ensembl. (2022, January 1). Ensembl OVCA2 Gene phenotypes. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://useast.ensembl.org/Homo_sa piens/Gene/Phenotype?db=core;g= ENSG00000262664;r=17:20420222043425;t=ENST00000572195#Diisocy anate_induced_asthma_tablePanel 4. GeneCards Database. (2020, April 2).

OVCA2 Gene - GeneCards | OVCA2 Protein | OVCA2 Antibody.

Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://www.genecards.org/cgibin/carddisp.pl?gene=OVCA2#snp 5. NCBI. (2020, April 6). OVCA2 OVCA2 serine hydrolase domain containing [Homo sapiens (human)] - Gene NCBI. Retrieved April 28, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/ 124641#phenotypes 6. NIH. (2020, April 26). BLAST: Basic Local Alignment Search Tool.

Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.c gi 7. pubmeddev. (2007, November 21).

Bioinformatics. - PubMed - NCBI. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubm ed/17654500 8. STRING consortium 2020. (2020, April 1). OVCA2 protein (human) - STRING interaction network. Retrieved April 27, 2020, from https://stringdb.org/cgi/network.pl?taskId=27KP7 cQqmzCG 9. UCSC Genome Browser. (2020, April 28). Human Gene OVCA2 (ENST00000572195.3) Description and Page Index. Retrieved April 28, 202AD, from https://genome.ucsc.edu/cgibin/hgGene?hgg_gene=ENST000005 72195.3&hgg_prot=uc002ftx.5&hgg_c hrom=chr17&hgg_start=2042021&hg g_end=2043425&hgg_type=knownG ene&db=hg38&hgsid=829512271_t1Bl QiKCQAooKCkEtbRgA2WFfciR

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R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University

EXPLORING BIOINFORMATICS THROUGH THE ANNOTATION OF THE TCF21 GENE Diana Varela Ajche1, Gloria C. Regisford Ph.D.1 | 1Department of Biology, Prairie View A & M University | Corresponding Author: E. Gloria C. Regisford, Ph.D.; Department of Biology, Prairie Abstract Bioinformatics, a different field of science, is strongly influencing the advancement in medicine by integrating genetics/genomics and health problems with computer science and mathematics. The implementation of large numbers of genome sequence projects necessitates the analysis of this data. This project’s objective was to characterize and explore the function(s), variants, expression, and cytogenic location of the gene, Transcription Factor 21 (TCF21). By applying a set of bioinformatics tools, we can insilico characterize TCF21. We used the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and a selection of databases (Ensembl, GeneCards, NCBI, UCSC Genome Browser), to determine that TFC21 is a protein-coding gene that encodes a transcription factor of the basic helix-loop-helix family. It was found that the TCF21 gene is located on chromosome 6q23.2, has six exons, over 2,000 sequence variations, and one structural variation. Orthologs of the human TCF21 gene are present in many species, including mouse, chicken, lizard, and zebrafish. The TCF21 gene product is mesoderm specific and is expressed in the placenta, embryonic epicardium, mesenchyme-derived tissues of lung, gut, gonad, and both mesenchymal and glomerular epithelial cells in the kidney.

Mutation(s) of TCF21 gene are associated with Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma, Cardiomyopathy and Deafness. This data indicates that TCF21 is a functional gene, and mutations of such genes could lead to phenotypic diseases.

Key words: Bio information, Gene Annotation, TCF21.

Introduction The recent flood of data from genome sequences and functional genomics has given rise to a new field, bioinformatics, which combines elements of biology and computer science. (NM & Greenbaum). Bioinformatics has become an essential tool in this new era of science and medicine. For instance, bioinformatics approaches in the search for natural products are a combination of molecular and chemical techniques. The essential criteria of molecular approaches include phylogenetic resolution and potential to large-scale screening. Bioinformatics can be applied to understanding the molecular basis of cancer. This new field uses both analytic tools and electronically represented data to understand and interpret the voluminous and complex data

generated (John Mendelsohn, 2008). This study’s objective was to annotate TCF21 using bioinformatics tools and online curation databases to characterize this gene further and gain insight into its potential function. Previous studies have indicated that TCF21 is associated with diseases such as Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma, Cardiomyopathy, and Deafness (NCBI, 2019). The use of bioinformatics tools and databases for further analysis of the gene was performed to determine the cytogenic location, cytogenic and cellular localization, homologs, gene expression in certain tissues, and genes expressed upstream and downstream.

Methods The staggering volume of molecular data and its cryptic and subtle patterns have led to an absolute requirement for computerized databases and analysis tools. Therefore, when applying the different bioinformatic databases, it is essential to understand the purpose of each one of them and how they work together to characterize the various types of genes. GeneCards, NCBI, UCSC Genome Browser, STRING, and Ensembl, some bioinformatics databases, were accessed in order to characterize gene TCF2, the bioinformatics tool, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) was also used to determine the homologs and paralogs of gene TCF21.

GeneCards: Human Gene Database The human gene database, GeneCards is a searchable, integrative database that provides comprehensive, user-friendly information on all annotated and predicted human genes. It automatically integrates gene-centric data from roughly 150 web sources, including genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, genetic, clinical, and functional information (GeneCards The Human Gene Database, 2019). Within this database, one can find a gene’s aliases, genomics, protein interactions, aliases, disorders, domains drugs, expression, function, localization, orthologs, paralogs, pathways, products, transcripts, and variants.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. It gives numerous resources, including chemical and bioassay data, genes, and their expression, domain, and

structures, among others. Through this database, one can gain access to tools such as PubMed, PubChem, and Bookshelf, which contain millions of citations for biomedical literature from different journals, and online books. Aside from literature, such a database provides specific gene ontology.

The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser Created on June 2000 UCSC gene browser has been a great tool in this new era of bioinformatics. With its continuous updates by the Genome Bioinformatics Group of the UCSC Genomics Institute, one can access this tool which includes a broad collection of vertebrate and model organism assemblies and annotations, along with a large suite of tools for viewing, analyzing and downloading data (UCSC Genomics Institute, 2019). In this database, various tools such as In-Silico PCR rapidly align PCR primer pairs with the genome and Variant Annotation Integrator, which gets functional effect predictions for variant calls. What is significant about gene tracking is that you can look at the different positions of the chromosome where the gene lies.

Finding the known genes and disease-related genes is another critical component when the user is looking for a specific gene that plays a role in the development of a particular disease.

Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Protein (S.T.R.I.N.G.) STRING is a database of known and predicted protein-protein interactions. This database currently covers 9’643’763 proteins from 2’031 organisms that include bacteria, eukaryotes, and archaea (STRING CONSORTIUM, 2019). The interactions comprise of direct and indirect associations, which stem from computational prediction, from knowledge transfer between organisms, and interactions aggregated from other databases.

STRING shares genomes, names-spaces, homology relations, and various data processing pipelines with some partner resources on the web. It also derives its data from sources such as Genomic Context Predictions, High-throughput Lab Experiments, Conserved) Co-Expression, Automated Textmining, and Previous Knowledge in Databases (STRING CONSORTIUM, 2019). (continued on following page...)

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EXPLORING BIOINFORMATICS THROUGH THE ANNOTATION OF THE TCF21 GENE, CON'T Diana Varela Ajche1, Gloria C. Regisford Ph.D.1 | 1Department of Biology, Prairie View A & M University | Corresponding Author: E. Gloria C. Regisford, Ph.D.; Department of Biology, Prairie

Ensembl Created in 1999, Ensembl is a genome browser for vertebrate genomes that supports research in comparative genomics, evolution, sequence variation, and transcriptional regulation.

Ensembl annotates genes, computes multiple alignments, predicts regulatory function, and collects disease data. Ensembl tools include BLAST, BLAT, BioMart, and the Variant Effect Predictor (VEP) for all supported species (Ensembl , 2019).

Ensembl has billions of gene base-pair annotations. Additionally, many more genomes have been added to the database, and the range of available data has expanded to include comparative genomics, variation, and regulatory data (Ensembl , 2019).

Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (B.L.A.S.T.) The Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) finds regions of local similarity between sequences. The program compares nucleotide or protein sequences to sequence databases and calculates the statistical significance of matches. BLAST can be used to infer functional and evolutionary relationships between sequences as well as help identify members of gene families (U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019). There are many types of BLASTs used by researchers such as Nucleotide BLAST, Protein BLAST, BLASTX and TBLASTN. Nucleotide BLAST is used to compare nucleotide to nucleotide, while Protein BLAST compares protein to protein. BLASTX compares translated nucleotides to proteins, while TBLASTN compares protein to translated nucleotides.

Results and Discussion GeneCards: Human Gene Database To further understand how a gene contributes to the onset of the different diseases and disorders, its location within the cell is fundamental. Moreover, when using the database GeneCards, an overview of the gene will be provided as a set of sections at the top of the page. Important information such as the gene’s locations, disorders, gene functions, and pathways can be accessed by clicking in the different sections. For instance (figure 1) shows the subcellular location of the TCF21 gene from compartments. The gene is mostly located within the nucleus; though, small amounts can also be found extracellularly, in Cytosol and cytoskeleton.

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POSTERS AND REPORTS

Figure 1: Subcellular Location of the TCF21 Gene in the Cell National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) provides a gene’s information in the for dropdown menu, where you can expand or minimize to see relevant information about a specific topic. For instance, (figure 2) shows the layout of such a database, as follows; summary, genomic context, genomic region, transcripts, among others. Likewise, the expression section holds information about the different tissues in which the TCF21 gene is expressed. This section has a drop-down menu that allows the viewer to see how the gene was sequenced. This particular category shows the sequence of HPA RNA-seq in healthy tissues using samples from 95 human individuals representing 27 different tissues in order to determine tissue specificity in the protein-coding gene TCF21. As the graph in (figure 2) shows, the gene TCF21 was found to be highly expressed within the tissues of the placenta, ovaries, and spleen.

functional partners were taken into consideration. Functional partners are genes that interact with one another to perform a specific function. Generally, the gene is synonymous with another gene in terms of sequence and structure. Shown in (Figure 3), TCF21 interacts with a diverse range of proteins and genes; these interactions are shown in the “Predicted Functional Partner” section. The score for each partner determines how similar they are to the gene being observed. In this case, TCF21 shares similar structures to TBX18 due to its high (Figure 4). TCF21 share less similarity with TLX1 due to having the lowest score.

Figure 3: Detailed listing of known Functional Partners of TCF21 Ensembl The ensemble is a database that allows us to see the gene’s comparative genomics information, gene ontology, and genetic variation. Within the comparative genomics section, the genomic alignments, orthologs, and paralogs can be found. Orthologs of the TCF21 gene include mouse, chicken, lizard, and zebrafish (Table 1). Further information can be obtained by exploring the different ortholog alignments.

Figure 2: Overall Gene Expression in the different tissue of the Human Body.

Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Protein (S.T.R.I.N.G.) In order to understand the general functions of the gene, the

Table 1: Orthologs and comparative genomics for the TCF21 gene.

EXPLORING BIOINFORMATICS THROUGH THE ANNOTATION OF THE TCF21 GENE, CON'T Diana Varela Ajche1, Gloria C. Regisford Ph.D.1 | 1Department of Biology, Prairie View A & M University | Corresponding Author: E. Gloria C. Regisford, Ph.D.; Department of Biology, Prairie

Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (B.L.A.S.T.) BLAST can read several types of Refseq. Including FASTA formatted sequences, protein sequences labeled NP/XP, and mRNA sequences labeled NM/XM, respectively. In this case, the refseq. NP_003197.2 was used for the alignment of the TCF21 gene (table 2). The alignment scores are >=200, which is considered high. The max score is considered the highest between the query and the database sequence. DNA binding regions were seen in the query seq. This can be further explored by clicking along the conserved domain section.

Table 2: TCF21 sequence in BLAST. The University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) Genome Browser Upon accessing this database, the site will give a general overall of the gene before applying filters to it; much information can be found upon clicking different areas of the diagram (Figure 4).

Information obtained from this specific database revealed that the TCF21 gene is located on chromosome 6 q23.2, has a size of 6,416 bases, is in the + strand, and has a total exon count of 2.

Figure 4: Overview of TCF21 Information in the UCSC Genome Browser

Summary and Discussion TCF21 is a gene that is localized on chromosome position 6p23.2; its locations in the cell are the nucleus, cytosol intracellular, and cytoskeleton. The ortholog of the gene is present chicken, lizard, and zebrafish. UCSC Genome Browser showed that the gene is transcribed on the positive strand and has two exons; the closest gene is TARID. TCF21 has ten functional partners that consist of TBX18, WT1, ENSG00000103426, COR07, TCF3, NKX32, EYA4, TCF12, GATAD1, and TLX1. TBX18 had the highest scoring out of all the functional partners, proving it share some structure and function with TFC21. Transcription factor 21 is involved in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in kidney and lung morphogenesis that include epithelial differentiation and branching morphogenesis. May play a role in the specification or differentiation of one or more subsets of epicardial cell types; Basic helix-loop-helix proteins (179 aa). The gene is highly expressed in the tissues of the placenta, ovaries, and spleen, which explain why mutations of this gene on these issues could lead to Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma. Future testing of this gene will include homologs analysis.

UCSC Genomics Institute. (2019, 10 09). UCSC Genome Browser. Retrieved from https://genome.ucsc.edu/ Diana Varela Ajche is a junior, majoring in Biology with a minor in chemistry. Dr. Gloria Regisford is a Professor of biology with a research interest in cancer research.

References Ensembl. (2019). Ensembl. Retrieved from http://useast. ensembl.org/info/about/index.html GeneCards The Human Gene Database. (2019). GeneCards The Human Gene Database. Retrieved from https://www.genecards. org/ John Mendelsohn, P. M. (2008). Science Direct. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-geneticsand-molecular-biology/bioinformatics NCBI. (2019, 09 11). NCBI. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/gene/6943 NM, L., & Greenbaum, D. (n.d.). What is bioinformatics? A proposed definition and overview of the field. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11552348 STRING CONSORTIUM. (2019). Retrieved from https:// string-db.org/cgi/credits.pl?footer_active_subpage=partners U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2019). Retrieved from Basic Local Alignment Search Tool: https://blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ Blast.cgi

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Xrays of human digestive system

B

The Pathophysiological Effects of Fluid-Structure Interaction of Species Transported and Transformed from Ambience to Human Digestive System System Indira Ribeiro and Kazeem Olanrewaju Chemical Engineering Department, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, 77446

Abstract The human physiological system comprises of numerous biological units that are meticulously design to bio-physicochemically interact with the complex fluid which serve to convey the different nutrients necessary for proper functioning of the human systems. Dysfunctionalities in these mechanisms of interaction are the leading causes of an array of pathological conditions which can be fatal and paralytic in their end effects on the affected individual. The nutrients transported are product of enzymatic and mechanical monomerization of life-supporting macromolecular compound such as polysaccharides, protein and lipid into simple molecules such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. These mechanisms are made possible by a group of specialized organs grouped under the digestive system. These specialized organs is responsible for the diminution of nutritious macromolecular compound into various forms that can be transported and absorbed into various cells of the body. Alteration in the digestive processes, which include motility, secretion, digestion and absorption of nutritional species, can lead to an array of pathophysiological conditions. Thus, this study intends to investigate the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction in human digestive system. A detail qualitative study will be conducted to gather data on the various parameters responsible for the physiological functionality of the digestive system. The data will be subsequently couple into a modelling platform that will help in quantifying and systematically study the mechanism of species transport and physicochemical interaction of species as they relate to the digestive system. The goal of this work is to use the modelling platform as a tool to better understand the pathophysiological behavior of the system and help enhances the conventional diagnostic and therapeutic measures currently in place to address range of pathophysiological effects connected to the digestive system.

Work in Progress LICENSED IMAGE DATA BANK: X-RAY IMAGES OF THE HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

Model Object Importation into Comsol Multi-Physics Human digestive model object is imported into COMSOL Multi-physics simulation environment to study the pathophysiological effect of fluidstructure interaction of transported and transformed species in this system

Conclusion and Future Work

Digestion has to do with how the food one eats is transformed into nutrients in his or her organism which later on becomes a source of fuel , development, and cell repair.

The alimentary canal, which is also known as the gastrointestinal tract, is a digestive tube that goes within the body. Its purpose is to breakdown the food in small fragments and engrosses it into the blood. The alimentary canal involves the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. The large intestine leads to the terminal opening(anus).

•

The accessory digestive organs involve the teeth, tongue, gallbladder, and a number of large digestive gland, the salivary. glands, liver, and pancreas. The teeth and tongue are located in the oral cavity, the digestive glands and gallbladder are located in the exterior of the GI tract and link to it by ducts. The accessory digestive glands create a variation of discharges that support the breakdown of food.

Image to model object: Due to the complex structure of human digestive system and complications attributable to generating convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human digestive organs will be imported, visualized, processed and converted to simulation ready model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1) Human immune Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images and saves as digital image communication in medicine (DICOM). This image will be afterward imported into SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into high quality model object fitted for simulation.

2) Image obtain as JPEG from licensed image data bank which is converted and save as DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1).

Introduction •

Methods

COMSOL MULTI-PHYSICS PLATFORM: A SIMULATION DESGNIATED FOR THE SIMULATION OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM

 Qualitative analysis of the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction of species transported and transformed is near completion.  The research work is currently position to step into modeling of the human digestive system using Simpleware and Comsol Multiphysics platforms to quantify the numerical implication of the focus of this work.  The qualitative analysis of the fluid-structure interaction of species will end the review process and precede the numerical simulation of the various transport and transformation of species digestive system.  The transportation mechanisms perpetuated within the system will be carefully quantified while species transformation (chemical reaction) within the digestive system will be numerically evaluated to predict their effect on the functionality of the digestive organs.

Transportation Mechanisms within the Human Digestive System • The digestive process starts when food enters the mouth. When the food gets in the mouth it moves through the GI tract, once the food is swallowed, the tongue shoves it into the throat. After that, the epiglottis folds over the windpipe to avoid choking and the food goes to the esophagus. Once the swallowing process begins, the progression becomes involuntary.

• The brain gives signals to the muscles of the esophagus and peristalsis (the automatic constriction and relaxation of the muscles of the intestine, creating wave-like movements that push the contents of the canal forward) begins. When sustenance gets the end of the esophagus, a muscle the looks like a ring, lower esophageal sphincter, loosens and allows the food to go to the stomach. The sphincter typically stays locked to keep what is in the stomach from flowing back into the esophagus.

Acknowledgments R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

Transformation of Species Transported within the Human Digestive System

References

Motivation The survival and the wellness of the human system and the digestive in particular depends on two major mechanisms which are transportation and transformation of species.

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1. Boldyreff, W.N. Surgical method in the physiology of digestion.

Description of the most important operations on digestive system.

Ergebnisse der Physiologie 24, 399–444 (1925)..

2. Savoie, L., Digestion and absorption of food: usefulness and limitations of in vitro models; Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1994, 72:407-414, 3. Patricia JJ, Dhamoon AS. Physiology, Digestion. [Updated 2019 Jul 7].

In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544242/ 4. [4] Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

5. [5] Ogobuiro I, Tuma F. Physiology, Gastrointestinal. [Updated 2020 Mar 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537103/

THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTION OF SPECIES TRANSPORTED AND TRANSFORMED FROM AMBIENCE TO HUMAN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM Indira Ribeiro and Kazeem B. Olanrewaju | Affiliation(s): Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering Introduction The human physiological system comprises numerous biological units that are meticulously designed to bio-physicochemically interact with the complex fluid, which conveys the different nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the human systems. Dysfunctionalities in these mechanisms of interaction are the leading causes of an array of pathological conditions that can be fatal and paralytic in their end effects on the affected individual. The nutrients transported are a product of enzymatic and mechanical monomerization of life-supporting macromolecular compounds such as polysaccharides, protein, and lipid into simple molecules such as glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. These mechanisms are made possible by a group of specialized organs grouped under the digestive system. These specialized organs are responsible for the diminution of the nutritious macromolecular compound into various forms that can be transported and absorbed into the bodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s various cells.

Alteration in the digestive processes, including motility, secretion, digestion, and absorption of nutritional species, can lead to an array of pathophysiological conditions. Thus, this study intends to investigate the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction in the human digestive system. A detailed qualitative study will be conducted to gather data on the various parameters responsible for the physiological functions of the digestive system. The data will be subsequently couple into a modeling platform that will help in quantifying and systematically study the mechanism of species transport and physicochemical interaction of species as they relate to the digestive system. The goal of this work is to use the modeling platform as a tool to better understand the pathophysiological behavior of the system and help enhances the conventional diagnostic and therapeutic measures currently in place to address the range of pathophysiological effects connected to the digestive system.

Hypothesis: Alteration in the mechanism of transport and transformation of species in the digestive system is the primary precursor of most pathophysiological conditions associated with the system.

Materials and Methods Image to model object: Due to the complex structure of the human digestive system and complications attributable to generating convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human digestive organs will be imported, visualized, processed and converted to simulation ready model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1) Human digestive Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images, and saves as digital image communication in medicine (DICOM). Afterward, this image will be imported into a SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into a high-quality model object fitted for simulation.

2) Image obtain as JPEG from the licensed image data bank, which is converted and saved as a DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1).

Model Object Importation into Comsol Multi-Physics The human digestive model object is imported into COMSOL Multi-physics simulation environment to study the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction of transported and transformed species in this system Preliminary Results and Discussion (Work in Progress) Qualitative analysis of the pathophysiological effect of fluidstructure interaction of species transported and transformed is near completion. The research work is currently position to step into the modeling of the human digestive system using Simpleware and Comsol Multiphysics platforms to quantify the numerical implication of the focus of this work. The qualitative analysis of the fluid-structure interaction of species will end the review process and precede the numerical simulation of the various transport and transformation of species digestive system.

The transportation mechanisms perpetuated within the system

will be carefully quantified. In contrast, species transformation (chemical reaction) within the digestive system will be numerically evaluated to predict their effect on the functionality of the digestive organs.

Summary A qualitative review of the subject guiding this study has virtually be completed. Two computational platform simpleware and comsol multiphysics are intended to be used to quantitatively study the numerical implication of the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction of species transported and transformed.

References [1] Boldyreff, W.N. Surgical method in the physiology of digestion. Description of the most important operations on the digestive system. Ergebnisse der Physiologie 24, 399â&#x20AC;&#x201C;444 (1925)...

[2] Savoie, L., Digestion, and absorption of food: usefulness and limitations of in vitro models; Canadian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 1994, 72:407-414, [3] Patricia JJ, Dhamoon AS. Physiology, Digestion. [Updated 2019 Jul 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544242/ [4] Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena In Biological Systems. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

[5] Ogobuiro I, Tuma F. Physiology, Gastrointestinal. [Updated 2020 Mar 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2020 Jan-. Available from: https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537103/

Indira Ribeiro is a junior, majoring in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju Professor with research interests in FluidStructure interaction in Human Systems, Bio-renewable, and Supercritical Fluid Reaction, Energy and Environmental Systems Sustainability

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Anisotropic electronic states in the fractional quantum Hall regime Isaac Berry and Orion Ciftja Department of Physics, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas 77446, USA Abstract

Phases in the Lowest Landau Level

Configuration of N=25 electrons

This study is concerned with the quantum Hall state at filling factor 1/6 of the lowest Landau level. This state is very close to the critical filling factor where the liquid-solid transition takes place. In this work we investigate whether an anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential is able to stabilize an anisotropic electronic liquid state at this filling factor. Monte Carlo calculations for small systems of electrons in disk geometry are implemented to obtain various quantities of interest . The results are consistent with the existence of an anisotropic liquid state of electrons in the lowest Landau level.

2D electronic systems in a perpendicular magnetic field form sets of discrete energy states called the Landau levels (LLs). An important characteristic parameter of such a system is the filling factor defined as the ratio of the total number of electrons relative to the capacity of each LL. The most robust fractional QHE state occurs in the lowest Landau level (LLL) at filling factors, υ=1/3 and 1/5. Such states are very well described by a wave function that is called Laughlin’s wave function. Wigner crystallization happens at filling factor υ=1/7 , thus the liquid-solid phase transition happens in the range of filling factors 1/7-1/5.

Fractional Quantum Hall Regime

Anisotropic Coulomb Potential

Energy Difference Per Electron

Anisotropic Wave Function (ν=1/6)

Conclusions

Ψ=∏j>k (zj-zk)4 (zj-zk+a)(zj-zk-a) exp[-(1/4)∑j|zj|2] Det[Plane waves]

We describe a possible anisotropic quantum Hall liquid state at filling factor 1/6 of the lowest Landau level stabilized by the presence of an anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential. The state is described by a wave function that contains a built-in anisotropy parameter that breaks rotational symmetry. Monte Carlo results for small systems of electrons indicate stability of liquid crystalline order in presence of an anisotropic interaction potential.

We consider a two-dimensional (2D) system of fully spinpolarized electrons subject to a strong perpendicular magnetic field in the z direction. The magnetic field leads to the creation of discrete energy levels (Landau levels).

Degeneracy of Landau levels is proportional to the value of the magnetic field. For large magnetic fields, electrons fill a fraction of the states in the lowest Landau level. This is the fractional quantum Hall regime. Under these conditions, the system manifests novel behavior such as the phenomenon of fractional quantum Hall effect (FQHE), a problem first explained by Laughlin.

Laughlin’s State at Filling Factor 1/3

The variables, zj are two-dimensional position vectors in complex notation (magnetic length is set to one).

(From Bell Labs Picture Gallery)

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POSTERS AND REPORTS

The parameter a breaks the rotational symmetry of the ground state wave function.

Plane waves correspond to lowest-lying plane wave energy states of an ideal 2D spin-polarized Fermi gas.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Physics Department,, Prairie View A&M University.

THE ANISOTROPIC ELECTRONIC STATES IN THE FRACTIONAL QUANTUM HALL REGIME Isaac Berry and Orion Ciftja | Department of Physics, Prairie View A&M University, Texas 77446, USA Introduction The invention of novel nanofabrication techniques has made the realization of stable finite systems of almost perfectly confined particles in arrangements that can be easily controlled with external tools such as an electric or magnetic field. For example, it has been successfully demonstrated that electrons can be confined via a combination of electric and magnetic fields in an almost ideally two-dimensional layer. This project tried to gain some understanding of the behavior of anisotropic electronic states in the fractional quantum Hall regime, achieved when a two-dimensional system of electrons is subjected to a very high perpendicular magnetic field. The idea explored was to detect signs of anisotropy in the system due to some form of internal anisotropy.

Materials and Methods The current research project was a theoretical study involving standard quantum calculation methods. The idea was to follow the theoretical calculations with numerical simulations done by the PI and his undergraduate student.

Results and Discussion We investigated the theoretical possibility that an anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential leads to the stabilization of a liquid crystalline state of electrons with broken rotational symmetry. We describe such an anisotropic state by means of the liquid crystalline wave function, which can be adiabatically connected to the actual wave functions for the isotropic fractional quantum Hall effect states. We were able to perform all the theoretical calculations. The PI was able to do some quantum Monte Carlo simulations in standard disk geometry to gain a better understanding of the properties of this state. The following Figure shows a simulation snapshot of a system of 25 electrons. In PIâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view, this result provides some (very) preliminary evidence of layering behavior. Thus, we did observe signatures of anisotropic behavior in the system. However, the work was interrupted when the university closed. Numerical simulations of this nature cannot be done from home.

Conclusion(s) or Summary Recent experiments raise many fundamental questions regarding the inner nature of various anisotropic electronic states observed in the fractional quantum Hall regime. The interplay between effective electron mass anisotropy and electron-electron correlation effects in a magnetic field can create a wide variety of possibilities. In particular, the electron mass anisotropy for a two-dimensional electron gas effectively leads to an anisotropic Coulomb interaction potential between electrons that may strongly influence the stability of various quantum phases, which are very close in energy. Since the electronic systemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s overall stability is very sensitive to local order, several anisotropic electronic phases may emerge even in the lowest Landau level in regimes where one would not expect them. In this work, we study the lowest Landau level state with filling factor 1/6, a state which is very close to the critical filling factor where a liquid to Wigner solid transition takes place. The findings seem to indicate the stability of the liquid crystalline order. They are consistent with the existence of an anisotropic electronic state in the fractional quantum Hall regime. The PI may consider returning to this research after summer 2020 if normality returns.

References 1. O. Ciftja, Detailed solution of the problem of Landau states in asymmetric gauge, Eur. J. Phys. 41, 035404, (2020). https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/ab78a7/ 2. O. Ciftja, Results for charged disks with different forms of surface charge density, Res. Phys. 16, 102962 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rinp.2020.102962 3. O. Ciftja, Energy of a finite three-dimensional electron gas of spinless electrons, J. Phys.

Chem. Solids 136, 109135 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2019.109135 4. O. Ciftja, Impact of an elliptical Fermi surface deformation on the energy of spinless twodimensional electron gas, Phys. Scr. 94, 105806, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1088/14024896/ab23c6 5. O. Ciftja, Exact results for a quantum Hall state with broken rotational symmetry, J. Phys. Chem. Solids 130, 256, (2019). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpcs.2019.02.021 6. O. Ciftja and I. Berry, Interaction energy of a pair of identical coplanar uniformly charged nanodisks, AIP Adv. 8, 035209 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5025336 7. O. Ciftja, Anisotropic magnetoresistance and piezoelectric effect in GaAs Hall samples, Phys. Rev. B 95, 075410 (2017). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.95.075410

Isaac Berry is a senior, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.Dr. Orion Ciftja is a Professor of Physics with research interests in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Nanotechnology and Materials Science.

POSTERS AND REPORTS

52

The Role of Germline Mutations in DNA repair genes during Cancer Stem Cell Development and Renewal

Larecia Thomas, Aubrianna Jordan and Victoria Mgbemena Biology Department, Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, Prairie View A&M University Methodology

Introduction A number of DNA repair pathway components, including BRCA1/2, are required for hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, and cancer suppression. BRCA1-deficient mice develop hematological disorders by four weeks, which include pancytopenia (1, 2) and display a pronounced inability to reconstitute stem cells. Although aplastic anemia does not develop, epithelial tumors are observed at a greater incidence in BRCA2 null mice and these mice also demonstrate a marked failure to reconstitute in competitive transplantation assays (3). In the U.S. approximately 63000 cases of uterine cancer develop each year (6). In a 2017 study, the number of patients developing uterine cancer with a BRCA2 mutation was reported to be double the expected number (7). Although clinical reports have statistically explored cases relating BRCA mutations to uterine cancer, the mechanisms that play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease is not clear.

The Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) encodes for a protein that may function as a tumor suppressor (8). It binds to BRCA2 and is assumed to facilitate their accumulation during homologous recombination repair of DNA breaks (9). While other investigators have reported an increased risk of developing cervical cancer for women with a familial history of BRCA1/2-related disease(s) or other high-risk factors (10, 11, 12, 13), the mechanism for oncogenesis triggered by germline mutations in other DNA repair genes for cervical cancer and other cancers remains unclear. .

Suspend cells

Count and dilute cells

Potential Significance

Seed cells in well plate

PALB2 mutations will be designed onto plasmid vectors.

We hypothesize that that the investigator will observe effects on gene expression, cell proliferation and proteincomplex interactions in the presence of mutations which have been inherited.

Seed cells in culture flask for expansion Transfection/ Transduction VUS PALB2, RAD51

+/- treatment

Check morphology / confluency

References

+/- treatment

Supernatant

Cells

Expression assay PALB2, RAD51

Proteomic interaction assay VUS PALB2, VUS RAD51

Transduction efficacy check

Cytokine analysis

Goals and Objectives The goal of this study is to determine the role of germline mutations on cervical cancer cell gene expression and invasion potential. The objectives are to express a clinical variant of PALB2 in cervical cancer cells and examine protein expression.

As most cancers are epithelial in origin and can invade other tissues, we seek to investigate 1) the factors that may mediate development, renewal and metastasis of the epithelial cancer cell along with 2) how the cancer cells respond to exogenous factors.

53

POSTERS AND REPORTS

The functional importance of germline mutations of DNA repair genes in cervical cancer remains unclear. Studies on the inherent characteristics of both cancer and stem cells demonstrate the involvement of factors needed for tumor suppression and cell cycle regulation. Martin et al. identified a group of genes important for cell-cycle regulation which were differentially expressed in cervical cancer cells (14). Additionally, a characterization of cervical cancer stem cells has revealed a phenotype identifying HPV-associated surface receptors, AII and CD49f, as well as transcription factor p63 and epithelial stem cell marker CK17 (14, 15, 16). The overall goal will be to determine what effect germline mutations have on cervical cancer pathogenesis and treatability. Understanding mechanisms of cancer cell expansion will broadly impact efforts to study the role of genes and the environment in chronic disease.

This may have an effect on preventive care and prophylactic treatments, which may affect quality of life for a population of people.

HeLa cervical cancer line will be grown in-vitro using cell growth medium and factors. The cervical cancer component mutations associated with each line will be noted mapped accordingly. Cells will be transfected with plasmid vectors which encode for PALB2 variants of unknown significance, or transduced stably.

Products will later be assayed for expression of wild type PALB2. In tandem co-immunoprecipitations will reveal resultant binding partners of ∆PALB2. Supernatants will be collected from cells and analyzed for secreted cytokines and tested for transduction targeting and efficiency.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Biology Department,, Prairie View A&M University.

1. Mgbemena VE; et al. Cell Reports. 2017, 18, 947-960.

2. Vasanthakumar, A. et al. Blood. 2016, 127, 310- 313.

3. Navarro, S. et al. Molecular Therapy. 2006, 14, 525-535.

4. Alter, B. P. et al. Clinical Haematology. 2014, 27, 214–221.

5. Rebbeck, T. R. et al. JAMA. 2015, 313, 1347–1361.

6. The American Cancer Society. 2018 7. Lee, Y.C. et al. European Journal of Cancer. 2017, 114, 120-125.

8. Guzmán-Ramírez, Völler M et al. Prostate. 2009, 69, 1683-93.

9. Bing X., et al. Molecular Cell. 2006, 22, 719-729, 1097-2765.

10. Sellors J.W. et al. CMAJ. 2000, 163, 503-508.

11. Howlader N et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review. 2017, 19752014.

12. International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer. Int J Cancer. 2006, 119,1108-1124.

13. Kataja V et al. Am J Epidemiol. 1993, 138,735-745.

14. Martin, C.M. et. al. Methods in Molecular Biology. 2009, 511,333-59.

15. Li J, Zhou BP. BMC Cancer. 2011, 11, 49 16. Chen C et al. Journal of Hematology & Oncology. 2018, 11,6.

OBSERVING THE VARIABLE EFFECTS OF MICROBIAL TREATMENTS IN DIFFERENT CERVICAL CANCER CELLS Jocelyn Mejia and Victoria Mgbemena | Department if Biology, Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, Prairie View A&M University

Introduction Cervical cancer is among one of the fourth most common cancer among woman with approximately 570,000 cases worldwide and 311,000 deaths reported in 2018. [1] Symptoms in the early stages are undetectable unless getting proper screening, leading to a misdiagnosis such as premenstrual symptoms. However, many gynecologists have helped increase the early detection of cervical cancer with persistent recommendations of pap-test exams during regular checkups. [2] The screening of cells from a pap-test is examined by a pathologist and is checked for abnormalities. Another test is done for further examination for the cervical cells, including colposcopy, loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP), and cone biopsy, to determine the stage and aggression of the carcinoma. [3] With early detection and proper diagnosis and treatment, help reduce the risk of cancer-related death. The vaginal microbiome is made of many different types of cells and bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus (BSL1). Research has shown that changes in the vaginal microbiome contribute to the formation of cervical cancer.

In a healthy vagina, the balance of the microbiome is an important factor that protects against sexually transmitted illnesses, such as Human papillomavirus (HPV) and multiple gynecological diseases, including cervical carcinoma. [4] A disturbance in the vaginal pH in an acidic range can lower one chance of fighting an infection such as HPV, which contributes to 70% of cervical cancer.[5] BSL1 is a significant influence in Cell lines used to further understand the change and development in cervical cancer cells in our study. It will include C33-A, SiHa, DoTc2-4510, and Ca-Ski obtained from the ATCC repository.

Hypothesis We hypothesize that we will observe cytokine expression changes in cells treated with Lactobacillus Acidophilus.

Specific Aim 1: Investigate the effect of Lactobacillus Acidophilus on gene expression in cervical cancer cell lines.

Specific Aim 2: Investigate the effect of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in the presence of different germline and somatic PALB2 mutations in cervical cell lines and cervical cancer cell lines.

Specific Aim 3: Assess expression changes in a cell co-culture model of the microbiome for HPV positive and HPV negative cancer cell lines.

growth medium. Cells will then be treated with: 10ng/mL of Lactobacillus Acidophilus, then incubated for 24 hours in a 37-degree Celsius incubator. Cell lysates will be collected and analyzed using microarray (Affymetrix Gene Chip). Later, PALB2 mutations will be expressed in cell lines, and cells will be assayed for changes in gene expression. Finally, different cell lines will be co-cultured in a 2D model in the presence of an array of BSL-1 level microbes.

Expected Results Changes in the microbiome will yield observable effects on cell expression profiles and function.

Summary Our research will study the transcriptomic profiles of treated cervical cells. Environmental conditions such as media composition and temperature will be modified to assess the impact on gene expression.

References 1. Arbyn, Marc, et al. “Estimates of Incidence and Mortality of Cervical Cancer in 2018: a Worldwide Analysis.” The Lancet Global Health, vol. 8, no. 2, 2020, doi:10.1016/s2214109x(19)30482-6.

2. “Cervical Cancer - Symptoms and Signs.” Cancer.Net, 10 June, 2019, www.cancer.net/ cancer-types/cervical-cancer/symptoms-and-signs.

3. “Cervical Cancer.” Dana, www.dana-farber.org/cervical-cancer/diagnosis/.

4. Yang, Xi, et al. “Role of Lactobacillus in Cervical Cancer.” Cancer Management and Research, Dove Medical Press, 16 May, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC5962305/#b13-cmar-10-1219.

5. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Cervical Cancer.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/human-papillomavirus(hpv)-and-cervical-cancer.

Joycelyn Mejia is a junior, majoring in Biology. Dr. Victoria Mgbemena is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology with research interest in cancer.

Materials and Methods Cervical cancer lines will be grown in-vitro using cell growth medium and factors. Cells will be transfected stably with plasmid vectors made to encode various PALB2 mutations.

Cells will be transfected with factors Sox-2, Oct-4, and Nanog and supplemented with POSTERS AND REPORTS

54

The Plight of the Ethiopian Jews: An Exploration of Their Social, Economic, and Political Well-being in the Jewish Homeland Kalyse Houston, History Major Research Advisor: Marco Robinson, Ph.D. Department of Social Work, Behavioral, and Political Sciences Results

Abstract The plight and story of the Ethiopian Jews, for the most part, has escaped major coverage by global news outlets and has received minimum analysis from scholars. Their migration from Ethiopia to Israel during the late 1900s initiated the first stages of their being assimilated into mainstream “white” Jewish society. This process, thirty years in the making, has in many ways stratified “Black Jews” to the lower rung of Jewish society, limited their political participation, and relegated them to few opportunities for economic advancement. This research project explores and analyzes newspaper coverage, research center, and government reports to ascertain the well-being of this marginalized group.

Further, this project explores different Israeli governmental policies which have been implemented that have had a profound impact on the Black Jews, namely police brutality.

Introduction Ethiopian Jews are experiencing social and economic inequalities since their exodus from Ethiopia. Ethiopian Jews came to Israel to experience the promise of reuniting in the Jewish homeland and connecting with the larger Jewish community. However, their sojourn in Israel has been shaped by racial exclusion and discriminatory policies.

For the most part, Ethiopian Jews are seen as social outcasts in Israel. As it relates to different factions of the group, the Beta Israel were forced to convert to Christianity during the 19th and 20th centuries. They are now known as the “Falash Mura”. As a result, there are sentiments within the larger Jewish community that their claim to Judaism is not credible. This belief is often used as justification for their mistreatment.

The deplorable conditions which they experience include police brutality, lack of economic opportunity, and social exclusion.

Figure 1: Protester stands in front of a policeman during a protest after the death of 18-year old Solomon Tekah of Ethiopian descent. He was shot by police, in Tel Aviv, Israel on July 2, 2019.

COPYRIGHT: TRT World

Materials and Methods The methodology employed for this project included secondary analysis of newspaper coverage, governmental reports, and policies. Additionally, archival materials were examined on the history of Ethiopian Jews and the circumstances around how they came to reside in Israel. The exploration of these documents brought light to the injustices that Ethiopian Jews face in Israel and their efforts to protest for social justice.

The secondary analysis of the newspaper coverage and governmental policies related to the Ethiopian Jews residing in Israel revealed that there are systematic social and economic inequalities that the group faces due to discriminatory policies implemented by the Israeli government. Police brutality surfaced as one of the prime issues which is impacting the quality of life for the group as witnessed through the incidents surrounding the death of Solomon Tekah. Additionally, Ethiopian Jews experience a lower quality of life because of their limited access to schooling, the lack of availability of good-paying jobs, and no political participation.

Conclusion The social, economic, and political plights of Ethiopian Jews in Israel are best viewed as a humanitarian crises. Black Jews are being deprived of their basic human rights and access to equal opportunity. Current protests illustrate Ethiopian Jews’ desire for fair treatment and social justice. Immediate changes in governmental policies are needed to positively impact the economic and educational situations which Black Jews presently endure. Moreover, reforms need to be implemented related to police brutality in order to alleviate the state of fear which Ethiopian Jews experience on a daily basis.

Selected Works Cited Walle Engedayehu, Ph.D., Marco Robinson, Ph.D, “The State of Ethiopian Jews in Israel: Seamless Integration or Subtle Exclusion?”, Journal of International Politics, 2019, 1(4), pp. 21-39.

Zaken, Danny. “Why Not All Israelis Are Happy over Ethiopian Immigrants.” Al, February 13, 2020. https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/israel-ethiopia-jews-falash-mura-judaismchristianity.html.

Deutsche Welle. “Ethiopian Jews: Hoping to Leave for Israel: DW: 06.11.2019.” DW.COM. Accessed February 25, 2020. https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopian-jews-hoping-to-leave-for-israel/a-51120806.

Figure 2: Protesters unite against police brutality and racism after the death of Solomon Tekah.

COPYRIGHT: Vosizneias

55

POSTERS AND REPORTS

“Ethiopian Jews Suffer Racism in Israel.” Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed February 25, 2020. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/ethiopian-jews-suffer-racism-in-israel/1526782.

Antonelli, and Judith. “Ethiopian Jews in Israel.” Cultural Survival, March 1, 1985. https://www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/ethiopian-jews-israel.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

THE PLIGHT OF THE ETHIOPIAN JEWS: AN EXPLORATION OF THEIR SOCIAL, ECONOMIC, AND POLITICAL WELL-BEING IN THE JEWISH HOMELAND Kalyse Houston, Dr. Marco Robinson | College of Arts and Sciences History Department Introduction Ethiopian Jews are experiencing social and economic inequalities since their exodus from Ethiopia. Ethiopian Jews came to Israel to experience the promise of reuniting in the Jewish homeland and connecting with the broader Jewish community. However, their sojourn in Israel has been shaped by racial exclusion and discriminatory policies. For the most part, Ethiopian Jews are seen as social outcasts in Israel. As it relates to different factions of the group, Beta Israel was forced to convert to Christianity during the 19th and 20th centuries. They are now known as the “Falash Mura.” As a result, there are sentiments within the broader Jewish community whose claim to Judaism is not credible.

This belief is often used as justification for their mistreatment. The deplorable conditions which they experience include police brutality, lack of economic opportunity, and social exclusion.

Methods The methodology employed for this project included a secondary analysis of newspaper coverage, official reports, and policies. Additionally, archival materials were examined on the History of Ethiopian Jews and the circumstances around how they came to reside in Israel. The exploration of these documents brought light to the injustices that Ethiopian Jews face in Israel and their efforts to protest for social justice.

Results The secondary analysis of the newspaper coverage and governmental policies related to the Ethiopian Jews residing in Israel reveals there are systematic social and economic inequalities that the group faces due to discriminatory policies implemented by the Israeli government. Police brutality surfaced as one of the prime issues which are impacting the quality of life for the group, as witnessed through the incidents surrounding the death of Solomon Tekah. Additionally, Ethiopian Jews experience a lower quality of life because of their limited access to schooling, the lack of good-paying jobs, and no political participation.

Conclusion The social, economic, and political plights of Ethiopian Jews in Israel are best viewed as a humanitarian crisis. Black Jews are being deprived of their basic human rights and access to equal opportunity. Current protests illustrate Ethiopian Jews’ desire for fair treatment and social justice. Immediate changes in governmental policies are needed to positively impact the economic and educational situations which Black Jews presently endure.

Moreover, reforms need to be implemented related to police brutality to alleviate the state of fear which Ethiopian Jews experience daily.

References Walle Engedayehu, Ph.D., Marco Robinson, Ph.D., “The State of Ethiopian Jews in Israel: Seamless Integration or Subtle Exclusion?”, Journal of International Politics, 2019, 1(4), pp. 21-39.

Zaken, Danny. “Why Not All Israelis Are Happy over Ethiopian Immigrants.” Al, February 13, 2020. https://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/originals/2020/02/israel-ethiopia-jewsfalash-mura-judaism-christianity.html.

Deutsche Welle. “Ethiopian Jews: Hoping to Leave for Israel: DW: 06.11.2019.” DW.COM. Accessed February 25, 2020. https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopian-jews-hoping-to-leave-forisrael/a-51120806.

“Ethiopian Jews Suffer Racism in Israel.” Anadolu Ajansı. Accessed February 25, 2020. https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/ethiopian-jews-suffer-racism-in-israel/1526782.

Antonelli and Judith. “Ethiopian Jews in Israel.” Cultural Survival, March 1, 1985. https:// www.culturalsurvival.org/publications/cultural-survival-quarterly/ethiopian-jews-israel.

Kalyse Houston is a freshman, majoring in History with a minor in Art. Dr. Marco Robinson is an Assistant Professor of History.

POSTERS AND REPORTS

56

Predicting the Accuracy of Diagnosing Breast Cancer: A Machine Learning Approach

Abstract Accurate diagnosis of breast cancer is very beneficial as breast cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in women after lung cancer in the US. This study compares several machine learning techniques to predict diagnosing breast cancer using a publically available dataset, which comprises of features computed from digitized image of a fine needle aspirate (FNA). We employ three different machine learning techniques, namely Naïve Bayes, k-nearest neighbors algorithm (kNN), and Random Forest to measure the accuracy of the diagnosis. Using 569 patient’s information and 31 features, above three machine learning classifiers were implemented.

After measuring the diagnosing accuracy of breast cancer, further investigation was conducted to identify the best parameters that optimize models. According to the experimental outcomes, Random Forest classifier outperforms its counterparts, while Naïve Bayes and kNN follow after that.

Introduction & Objectives Breast cancer is formed to a cancer in the cells of the breasts. This cancer is considered as The most common type of cancer among women throughout the world [3]. Furthermore, it is estimated that 23 out of 124 women will die due to breast cancer annually [4].

Though Mammography, Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA), and surgical biopsy are main techniques to diagnose breast cancer, FNA is considered as the most important diagnostic technique to detect breast cancers in early stages [2]. Further studies about FNA can be seen in [2] and [5].

In this study our aim is to utilize machine learning techniques to predict the accuracy of diagnosing breast cancer, using the Breast Cancer Wisconsin Data [1], which was collected using FNA technique.

Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence is a method of data analysis that automates the model building process. Easy identification of patterns among the data and ability to improve the machine Learning over the time are two of the main advantages of machine learning over traditional data classification techniques. In this study, we use three machine learning techniques namely, Naïve Bayes, KNearest Neighbor and Random Forest techniques to classify allrounders into one of the four groups.

Objectives: 1. Out of KNN, Random Forest and Naïve Bayes, which machine learning technique has higher accuracy of predicting breast cancer?

2. What are the appropriate values of parameters that improve the prediction accuracy of each machine learning technique?

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POSTERS AND REPORTS

Kendall Lemons (Mentor: Indika Rathnathungalage, Ph.D.) Department of Mathematics, Prairie View A&M University

Results

Methodology

Fig 1: Performance of KNN

Fig 2: Performance of Random Forest

Table 1: Performance of Naïve Bayes

Table 2 Higher performances

Prior Probabilities

Probability of Prediction Accuracy

Algorithm (Vales of Parameters)

% Accuracy

0.10 : 0.90

0.9297

95.61%

0.20 : 0.80

0.9456

Random Forest n_est=20, Mx_ft=5, Mn_smp=0.5) Random Forest n_est=10, Mx_ft=5, Mn_smp=0.5)

95.60%

0.30 : 0.70

0.9368

Random Forest n_est=10, Mx_ft=10, Mn_smp=7)

95.44%

0.40 : 0.60

0.9419

Naïve Bayes (Prior Prob .20:.80)

94.56%

0.50 : 0.50

0.9295

Naïve Bayes (Prior Prob .40:.60)

94.19%

0.60 : 0.40

0.9349

Naïve Bayes (Prior Prob .90:.10)

94.03%

0.70 : 0.30

0.9315

KNN (Manhattan Metric, K=9)

93.83%

0.80 : 0.20

0.9262

KNN (Manhattan Metric, K=1)

93.67%

0.90 : 0.10

0.9403

KNN (Euclidean Metric, K=9)

93.33%

Conclusion When predicting the accuracy of cancer prediction based on the given features, all the selected machine learning techniques have performed relatively similar though random forest is the best followed by Naïve Bayes and KNN. Random Forest shows the best performance of 95.61%, which is given when the values of parameters are n_est=20, Mx_ft=5, and Mn_smp=0.5 When using machine learning algorithm for a given dataset, it is important to compare the performances using several algorithms. Furthermore, performance can be improved with the appropriate selection of parameters.

Reference

1. Breast Cancer Wisconsin Dataset. Available at: UCI Machine Learning Repository.

2. Fiuzy, M., Haddadnia, J., Mollania, N., Hashemian, M., & Hassanpour, K. (2012). Introduction of a New Diagnostic Method for Breast Cancer Based on Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Test Data and Combining Intelligent Systems. Iranian journal of cancer prevention, 5(4), 169–177.

3. IARC. World cancer report: International agency forresearch on cancer. Lyon, 2008 4. NCI. SEER: Cancer Statistics Review. 2012 Machine Leaning Approach and the advantages of it over conventional methods 5. Shweta Saxena, Kavita Burse: A Survey on Neural Net-work Techniques for Classification of Breast Cancer Data. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Tecnol-ogy, 2012

PREDICTING THE ACCURACY OF DIAGNOSING BREAST CANCER: A MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH Kendall Lemons, Indika Rathnathungalage | Department of Mathematics | College of Arts and Sciences Introduction Breast cancer is considered as the most common type of cancer among women throughout the world (Lyon, 2008). This study aims to classify a subject as a cancer patient or not, based on the characteristics of biopsies gathered using the Fine Needle Aspire (FNA) technique. For this analysis, we use two machine learning techniques together with a publically available dataset, which consists of 569 biopsies of women with 31 features.

These features of biopsies represent characteristics such as radius, texture, perimeter, area, smoothness, compactness concavity, concave points, symmetry, and fractal dimension and fractal dimension.

Methodology We use two machine learning techniques, called Naïve Bayes (NB), and Random Forest (RF) for this classification. NB is considered as a simple and accurate classification algorithm.

Due to the flexibility of the algorithm, a wide range of applications can be seen (Arar & Ayan, 2017). RF is an extension of the popular decision tree algorithm by introducing a higher number of decision trees. This approach aims to reduce the variance of the novel decision tree (Couronné, 2018). The construction of the decision tree is done by selecting a collection of random variables (features). Finally, such a collection of random trees is called a Random Forest. Further investigation is conducted to improve the classification accuracy by using a feature selection technique, which aims to reduce the dimension of the dataset.

Results According to the experimental results, RF clearly outperformed NB. Furthermore, RF improved with the introduction of the feature selection technique. The maximum classification accuracy of 0.9724 was reached by RF, while NB reached 0.9455.

Classifier

Feature Selection

Classification Accuracy

Error Rate

NB

No

0.9455

0.0545

Yes

0.9402

0.0598

No

0.9648

0.0352

RF

Yes 0.9724 0.0277 Table 1: Classification algorithm, Feature Selection, and Classification Accuracy

Figure 1: Accuracy vs. Features Using RF Figure 1 shows how classification accuracy changes with the number of features used. As the figure indicates, accuracy is maximized when using 17 features, instead of using all the 31 feature set.

Discussion This manuscript used the knowledge of machine learning to diagnose breast cancer, based on the characteristics of biopsies taken from the subjects. After employing two machine learning algorithms, Naïve Bayes and Random Forest, we found that both techniques can be used to classify cancer patients effectively. Out of these two techniques, Random Forest outperformed the Naïve Bayes, and the predicting accuracy can be further improved with the appropriate selection of the feature set. In a future study, it is important to consider other possible parameters involved with the classification techniques to improve the classification accuracy further.

References Arar, Ö. F. & Ayan, K. (2017). A feature dependent naive Bayes approach and its application to the software defect prediction problem. Applied Soft Computing, 59, 197–209.

Couronné, R., Probst, P. & Boulesteix, A. Random forest versus logistic regression: a large-scale benchmark experiment. BMC Bioinformatics 19, 270 (2018). https://doi. org/10.1186/s12859-018-2264-5 Lyon, 2008IARC. World cancer report: International agency for research on cancer.

Kendall Lemons is a Junior, majoring in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. Dr. Indika Rathnathungalage an Assistant Professor of Mathematics with research interests in statistics, data analytics, and mathematics education.

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The Role of Germline Mutations in DNA repair genes during Cancer Stem Cell Development and Renewal

Larecia Thomas, Aubrianna Jordan and Victoria Mgbemena Biology Department, Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, Prairie View A&M University Methodology

Introduction A number of DNA repair pathway components, including BRCA1/2, are required for hematopoiesis, stem cell maintenance, and cancer suppression. BRCA1-deficient mice develop hematological disorders by four weeks, which include pancytopenia (1, 2) and display a pronounced inability to reconstitute stem cells. Although aplastic anemia does not develop, epithelial tumors are observed at a greater incidence in BRCA2 null mice and these mice also demonstrate a marked failure to reconstitute in competitive transplantation assays (3). In the U.S. approximately 63000 cases of uterine cancer develop each year (6). In a 2017 study, the number of patients developing uterine cancer with a BRCA2 mutation was reported to be double the expected number (7). Although clinical reports have statistically explored cases relating BRCA mutations to uterine cancer, the mechanisms that play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease is not clear.

The Partner and localizer of BRCA2 (PALB2) encodes for a protein that may function as a tumor suppressor (8). It binds to BRCA2 and is assumed to facilitate their accumulation during homologous recombination repair of DNA breaks (9). While other investigators have reported an increased risk of developing cervical cancer for women with a familial history of BRCA1/2-related disease(s) or other high-risk factors (10, 11, 12, 13), the mechanism for oncogenesis triggered by germline mutations in other DNA repair genes for cervical cancer and other cancers remains unclear. .

Suspend cells

Count and dilute cells

Potential Significance

Seed cells in well plate

PALB2 mutations will be designed onto plasmid vectors.

We hypothesize that that the investigator will observe effects on gene expression, cell proliferation and proteincomplex interactions in the presence of mutations which have been inherited.

Seed cells in culture flask for expansion Transfection/ Transduction VUS PALB2, RAD51

+/- treatment

Check morphology / confluency

References

+/- treatment

Supernatant

Cells

Expression assay PALB2, RAD51

Proteomic interaction assay VUS PALB2, VUS RAD51

Transduction efficacy check

Cytokine analysis

Goals and Objectives The goal of this study is to determine the role of germline mutations on cervical cancer cell gene expression and invasion potential. The objectives are to express a clinical variant of PALB2 in cervical cancer cells and examine protein expression.

As most cancers are epithelial in origin and can invade other tissues, we seek to investigate 1) the factors that may mediate development, renewal and metastasis of the epithelial cancer cell along with 2) how the cancer cells respond to exogenous factors.

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The functional importance of germline mutations of DNA repair genes in cervical cancer remains unclear. Studies on the inherent characteristics of both cancer and stem cells demonstrate the involvement of factors needed for tumor suppression and cell cycle regulation. Martin et al. identified a group of genes important for cell-cycle regulation which were differentially expressed in cervical cancer cells (14). Additionally, a characterization of cervical cancer stem cells has revealed a phenotype identifying HPV-associated surface receptors, AII and CD49f, as well as transcription factor p63 and epithelial stem cell marker CK17 (14, 15, 16). The overall goal will be to determine what effect germline mutations have on cervical cancer pathogenesis and treatability. Understanding mechanisms of cancer cell expansion will broadly impact efforts to study the role of genes and the environment in chronic disease.

This may have an effect on preventive care and prophylactic treatments, which may affect quality of life for a population of people.

HeLa cervical cancer line will be grown in-vitro using cell growth medium and factors. The cervical cancer component mutations associated with each line will be noted mapped accordingly. Cells will be transfected with plasmid vectors which encode for PALB2 variants of unknown significance, or transduced stably.

Products will later be assayed for expression of wild type PALB2. In tandem co-immunoprecipitations will reveal resultant binding partners of ∆PALB2. Supernatants will be collected from cells and analyzed for secreted cytokines and tested for transduction targeting and efficiency.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Biology Department,, Prairie View A&M University.

1. Mgbemena VE; et al. Cell Reports. 2017, 18, 947-960.

2. Vasanthakumar, A. et al. Blood. 2016, 127, 310- 313.

3. Navarro, S. et al. Molecular Therapy. 2006, 14, 525-535.

4. Alter, B. P. et al. Clinical Haematology. 2014, 27, 214–221.

5. Rebbeck, T. R. et al. JAMA. 2015, 313, 1347–1361.

6. The American Cancer Society. 2018 7. Lee, Y.C. et al. European Journal of Cancer. 2017, 114, 120-125.

8. Guzmán-Ramírez, Völler M et al. Prostate. 2009, 69, 1683-93.

9. Bing X., et al. Molecular Cell. 2006, 22, 719-729, 1097-2765.

10. Sellors J.W. et al. CMAJ. 2000, 163, 503-508.

11. Howlader N et al. SEER Cancer Statistics Review. 2017, 19752014.

12. International Collaboration of Epidemiological Studies of Cervical Cancer. Int J Cancer. 2006, 119,1108-1124.

13. Kataja V et al. Am J Epidemiol. 1993, 138,735-745.

14. Martin, C.M. et. al. Methods in Molecular Biology. 2009, 511,333-59.

15. Li J, Zhou BP. BMC Cancer. 2011, 11, 49 16. Chen C et al. Journal of Hematology & Oncology. 2018, 11,6.

STUDYING THE ROLE OF THE KYNURENINE METABOLIC PATHWAY IN CERVICAL CANCER CELL LINES Larecia Thomas and Victoria Mgbemena | Department of Biology, Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, Prairie View A&M University Introduction The Kynurenine pathway is one of the routes that tryptophan degradation occurs in. It is catalyzed by IDO (Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase) or TDO (tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase). IDO can suppress immune systems creating a suitable environment for tumor cells to spread into. This is due to IDO expression being correlated to glioma cell motility. This is caused by IDO releasing Kynurenine, which then activates AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor). Increased Expression of IDO can be used as an indicator of cervical cancer due to it being found in the tumors (1). The Kynurenine pathway produces many different metabolites that can harm the body. Some of the results of a kynurenine pathway that has had a gain of function are inflammation, immune system suppression, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s.

They were supplemented with FBS (10%; Biowest), penicillin/ streptomycin, and gentamycin). Cells will be kept at physiological temperature standards. Cultures will be observed under microscopes. Cell lines will be transfected with plasmids encoding for mutations in DNA repair genes, such as PALB2 and FANCD2, and a Western Immunoblot will be conducted to determine the presence of IDO and TDO.

Hypothesis: If the regulation of the Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway and its byproducts is directly related to the survival or demise of cervical cancer cell lines, then we expect to see differences in the amounts of IDO or TDO in the cells in the presence of germline, somatic or epigenetic mutations.

Materials Cell lines include SiHa, C33-A, normal human cervical, DoTc, HeLa. Six-well culture plates will be used, and cells will be cultured in a 5% CO2, 37-degree Celsius incubator.

Specific Aim 1: Determine the effect of different germline PALB2 mutations on IDO and TDO expression in cervical cell lines.

Specific Aim 2: Determine the effect of IDO overexpression in the presence of different germline and somatic PALB2 mutations in cervical cell lines and cervical cancer cell lines.

Specific Aim 3: Assess the effect of IDO and TDO overexpression on cancer cell invasion in cervical cancer cell lines.

Experimental design: We will culture and study normal cervical cell lines and compare to cervical cancer cell lines and a cervical cell line that has overexpressed tryptophan degradation (2).

We will then assess the presence of IDO and TDO and take quantitative data of the expression of IDO and TDO in each cell line.

Experimental Materials and Methods Cells will be seeded on a coated culture plate (made of DMEM HG (Gibco).

TDO will be overexpressed in the tryptophan degradation pathway in the presence and absence of DNA repair mutations.

An immunofluorescence assay will be conducted to determine the location of proteins directly associated with the Kynurenine Pathway. The amount of tryptophan degradation (5) and secretion immunoregulatory compounds will be assayed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Expected Results and Summary After conducting the necessary experiments, it is expected that an increased amount of IDO and TDO in the cervical cancer cell lines would be observed in comparison to the standard cervical cell lines. It is also expected to see an increased number of immunoregulatory compounds that are a product of the Kynurenine Pathway.

Summary IDO has been studied in both neuronal conditions and cancer models (1,2, 3,4). It has also been connected to an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production. It is currently unclear if non-commensal microorganisms in the cervical niche can contribute to elevated states of inflammation (6). Whether this inflammation also increases the risk of conditions like cervicitis and cervical cancer. Our group aims to study the potential impact of quinolinic acid and IDO production via the kynurenine metabolic pathway on cervical cell gene expression. Our research will study the transcriptomic profiles of infected cervical cells.

References

1. Hornyák, Lilla et al. “The Role of Indoleamine-2,3Dioxygenase in Cancer Development, Diagnostics, and Therapy.”

Frontiers in immunology vol. 9 151. 31 Jan. 2018, doi:10.3389/ fimmu.2018.00151 2. Du, Lisha et al. “Both IDO1 and TDO contribute to the malignancy of gliomas via the Kyn-AhR-AQP4 signaling pathway.” Signal transduction and targeted therapy vol. 5 10. 21 Feb. 2020, doi:10.1038/s41392-019-0103-4 3. Janik, Karolina et al. “Efficient and simple approach to in vitro culture of primary epithelial cancer cells.” Bioscience reports vol.

36,6 e00423. 9 Dec. 2016, doi:10.1042/BSR20160208 4. Mei, Xionge et al. “Radiosensitization by Hyperthermia: The Effects of Temperature, Sequence, and Time Interval in Cervical Cell Lines.” Cancers vol. 12,3 582. 3 Mar. 2020, doi:10.3390/ cancers12030582 5. Sadok, Ilona, et al. “Application of the Optimized and Validated LC-MS Method for Simultaneous Quantification of Tryptophan Metabolites in Culture Medium from Cancer Cells.”

Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, Elsevier, 6 Aug. 2019, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/ S0731708519306594?via=ihub.

6. Stadler, G., et al. “Development of Standardized Cell Culture Conditions for Tumor Cells with Potential Clinical Application.”

Cytotherapy, Elsevier, 20 Dec. 2012, www.sciencedirect.com/ science/article/abs/pii/S1465324907701111.

Larecia Thomas is a senior, majoring in Biology.

Dr. Voctoria Mgbemena is an Assistant Professor with research interest in cancer.

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60

Race in Sports: The Underrepresentation of Black Head Coaches Larryisa Thomas, Marco Robinson, Ph.D Division of Social Work, Behavioral and Political Sciences, Prairie View A&M University

Abstract For over 100 years of existence sports has been played across the world.

Sports and the unwanted conversations that surround it are beginning to take place in the route that America is heading towards. One popular discussion that takes place in the world of sports is the underrepresentation of black head coaches, and the disadvantage it places among the black community. The proposed research will demonstrate the comparison of black and white coaches throughout the collegiate and professional level and conclude the main factor of why there is a lack of black head coaches in sports.

Introduction Colorblindness is a word that sports world would like nothing more than to disassociate itself with. Unfortunately it’s a term that holds a great amount of power on and off the field. White head coaches at both the collegiate and professional level are nothing to spark a conversation over. The difficulty of understanding why there are not more black coaches is the conversation that is not held enough. Black coaches that are granted the opportunity to be a head coach rather than an offensive coordinator have to prove themselves twice as much compared to their white counterpart. If black coaches are awarded the position of head coach, they have a small time frame to prove themselves, if not, there will soon be a press conference introducing a new coach. (Agyemang, K. & DeLorme, J. 2010)

Results The results that follow is that white privilege is not only visible off the field, but surely on the field.

Coaching is designed for a white man. You can witness this in women sports also. Black coaches are only good enough to hold offensive and defensive coordinator positions, rather than leading a team, thus incorporating a culture the university may not be accustomed to. A prime example of this is Charlie Strong’s short career at the University of Texas, who did not hire their first black coach until 2014. Black coaches have been proven to have to work twice as hard just to produce the equal work of white coaches.

The above chart shows the percentage of black coaches in the league through various time periods. Soiurce: https://aaregistry.org/story/nfl-levies-fine-over-rooney-rule/

Literature Review/ Relevant Theories The main themes that will be represented are: the effectiveness of the Rooney Rule, the lack of black head coaches and the early dismissal of the few black head coaches, the “slave- owner mentality, and the social identity threat among black players and coaches.

Social Dominance Theory The Social Dominance Theory is applicable to sports in the discussion of race and the relationship to head coaches. It examines how the positions of head coaching, Athletic Directors, general managers, and owners are placed within the dominant group of belonging to the white race. These positions can only be led by a white men.

Social Identity Threat When a black coach is given the opportunity to coach, they are micromanaged and expected to have a losing record, or any little mess up just to be given a reason of termination. With this theory in play, a black coach is expected to act a certain way, thus resulting in a social identity threat that can be placed among them. They have to fit into an image or refrain from using their words to fit a certain image to keep their job.

Conclusion/Discussion Giving black head coaches the same opportunity to obtain head coaching positions is important to the future of sports. It is also important to point out that black coaches need to be granted the same time frames to prove themselves with their new teams. The 2003 Rooney Rule has been effective in coaching and general positions but that rule is only pertaining to the NFL. The collegiate level of sports have yet to make a great ideal of change in regards to their head coaches and Athletic Directors. Research finds that black and white coaches have similar coaching records but black coaches are fired in a quicker time period than any other coaches. It is a known notion that the NCAA and the NFL have some work to due in regards to hiring more black coaches for leagues that hold a greater percentage of black athletes than any other race of athletes.

References Lack Of Black Coaches Seen In America’s College Football Ranks.

(2001). Jet, 99(6), 52.

Agyemang, K., & DeLorme, J. (2010). Examining the Dearth of Black Head Coaches at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Level: A Critical Race Theory and Social Dominance Theory Analysis. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 35 Madden, J. F., & Ruther, M. (n.d.). Has the NFL’s Rooney Rule Efforts “’Leveled the Field”’ for African American Head Coach Candidates? JOURNAL OF SPORTS ECONOMICS, 12(2), 127–142. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527002510379641 NFL levies fine over "Rooney Rule." (n.d.). Retrieved from https://aaregistry.org/story/nfl-levies-fine-over-rooney-rule/ Barnett, Z. (2016, December 19). Tony Dungy explains the unintended benefit of the Rooney Rule. Retrieved from http://footballscoop.com/news/tony-dungy-explainsunintended-benefit-rooney-rule

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Division of Social Work,, Prairie View A&M University.

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RACE IN SPORTS: THE UNDERREPRESENTATION OF BLACK HEAD COACHES Larryisa Thomas, Marco Robinson, Ph.D | Division of Social Work, Behavioral and Political Sciences, Prairie View A&M University

Introduction Colorblindness is a word that the sports world would like nothing more than to disassociate itself with. Unfortunately, it is a term that holds a significant amount of power on and off the field. Whitehead coaches at both the collegiate and professional levels are nothing to spark a conversation over.

The difficulty of understanding why there are not more black coaches is the conversation that is not held enough. Black coaches that are granted the opportunity to be a head coach rather than an offensive coordinator have to prove themselves twice as much compared to their white counterpart. If black coaches are awarded the head coach’s position, they have a small-time frame to prove themselves. If not, there will soon be a press conference introducing a new coach. (Agyemang, K. & DeLorme, J. 2010) Results The results that follow is that white privilege is not only visible off the field, but surely on the field. Coaching is designed for a white man. One can witness this in women sports also. Black coaches are only good enough to hold offensive and defensive coordinator positions, rather than leading a team, thus incorporating a culture the university may not be accustomed to.

A prime example of this is Charlie Strong’s short career at the University of Texas, who did not hire their first black coach until 2014. Black coaches have been proven to have to work twice as hard to produce the equal work of white coaches.

Discussion Giving black head coaches the same opportunity to obtain head coaching positions is vital to sports. It is also important to point out that black coaches must be granted the same time frames to prove themselves with their new teams. The 2003 Rooney Rule has been effective in coaching and general positions, but that rule is only about the NFL. The collegiate level of sports has yet to make a great deal of change in their head coaches and Athletic Directors. Research finds that black and white coaches have similar coaching records, but black coaches are fired in a quicker period than any other coaches. It is a known notion that the NCAA and the NFL have some work to due in regards to hiring more black coaches for leagues that hold a more significant percentage of black athletes than any other race of athletes.

References Lack Of Black Coaches Seen In America’s College Football Ranks. (2001). Jet, 99(6), 52.

Agyemang, K., & DeLorme, J. (2010). Examining the Dearth of Black Head Coaches at the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision Level: A Critical Race Theory and Social Dominance Theory Analysis. Journal of Issues in Intercollegiate Athletics, 35 Madden, J. F., & Ruther, M. (n.d.). Has the NFL’s Rooney Rule Efforts “’Leveled the Field”’ for African American Head Coach Candidates? JOURNAL OF SPORTS ECONOMICS, 12(2), 127–142. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527002510379641 NFL levies fine over “Rooney Rule.” (n.d.). Retrieved from https://aaregistry.org/story/ nfl-levies-fine-over-rooney-rule/ Barnett, Z. (2016, December 19). Tony Dungy explains the unintended benefit of the Rooney Rule. Retrieved from http://footballscoop.com/news/tony-dungy-explainsunintended-benefit-rooney-rule

Larrysa Thomas is a senior, majoring in Sociology with a minor in African American Studies.

Dr. Marco Robinson an Assistant Professor of History.

Source: https://aaregistry.org/story/nfl-levies-fine-over-rooney-rule/ The above chart shows the percentage of black coaches in the league through various periods.

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An Egg Quality Assessment of Eggs Laid in Different Places in Two Types of Cage-free Housing Praise Benson, Kailynn Vandewater, Darrin Karcher Department of Animal Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, United States

Abstract Egg Quality - Egg Weight 70.0

*

60.0

*

*

*

40.0 g

g

50.0 30.0 20.0 10.0 0.0 Belt 1

Floor 1 Belt 2 Floor 2 System 1 System 2

Belt 3

Floor 3

*

*

*

POSTERS AND REPORTS

Volscan Product Length

60

*

*

• • •

50

•

30

•

20 10 0 Floor 1

Belt 2

System 1

Floor 2

Belt 3

Belt

Floor 3

Floor

System 1

System 2

30

*

25

*

20

g

15

5 0 Belt 1

Floor 1

Belt 2

System 1

5000

Floor 2

Belt 3

50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Belt

Floor 3

VM Strength Force System 1 System 2

150 100

3000

1000

0

0 Belt 1 Floor 1 Belt 2 Floor 2 Belt 3 Floor 3

Location - Week

20

*

*

50

2000

Floor System 2

Egg Solids

25

g

4000

15 10 5

Belt 1 Floor Belt 2 Floor Belt 3 Floor 1 2 3

Location - Week

• • • •

Egg Quality Egg Solids Egg Components Yolk Slicing

• • • •

Volscan Texture Analyzer Tripod Micrometer Scale

Discussion and Conclusion

Egg Weight : Eggs laid on the belt and in the Big Dutchman System had the highest egg weight.

Haugh Unit : Eggs laid on the Belt and in the Vencomatic system had higher Haugh unit compared to the other location and system.

Percent Yolk was higher from eggs collected in the Big Dutchman System with no significant difference in the location.

Shell and Vitelline Membrane Strength Force was higher from egg laid on the belt and the Big Dutchman System.

Volscan Density: Eggs laid on the Belt and in the Vencomatic system had higher density compared to the other location and system.

The location and system did not have any impact on egg quality when it comes to the product length, Max Width and Egg solid.

Overall, depending on the egg quality measured, assessed housing system and egg location had a significant impact.

R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), Prairie View A&M University., and SROP Program at Purdue University

System 1

*

Lohmann Brown hens were 69 weeks (Big Dutchman) and 70 weeks (Vencomatic) of age at a commercial farm 240 eggs were collected from the belt and floor weekly 620 eggs were evaluated over a 3-week period from two different housing systems

Acknowledgement

System 2

Shell Strength Force System 1 System 2

*

Volscan - Max Width

%

6000

•

System 2

•

Egg Quality - Percent Yolk

g

Floor System 2

40

Belt 1

Introduction

63

•

System 1

10

In the United States, a shift to cage-free system is currently one of the major moves in the poultry industry. There will be a high demand for cage-free eggs to meet the retail and food industry by 2025, which is about 74% of the US egg production. However, there are few cage-free systems that are implemented. The question is are these systems providing great egg quality? Even though there are several benefits to having a cage-free system such as providing access to outdoors and more space for behavioral freedom, there are still factors like age, diseases, strain, feed, and housing that can limit maintaining egg quality. This study evaluated egg quality on two different types of housing systems, and the egg locations. In the study the two cage-free systems looked at were the Big Dutchman and Vencomatic and the locations at which the eggs were laid were on the belts and on the floor.

•

Belt

g

g

90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

•

Volscan Density

1000 900 800 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 0

Egg Quality - Haugh Unit

%

Egg quality is a very important factor when it comes to egg production. Knowing what type of system and the best practices to obtain and maintain good egg quality will be more cost and time efficient. Factors including hen age, diet, and housing can influence egg quality. The shift to cage-free egg production requires a better understanding of how egg quality may be impacted. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate egg quality between two different cage-free systems when eggs are laid in the system compared to floor (mislaid) eggs. A total of 620 eggs were evaluated over a 3-week period from two different housing systems (Big Dutchman and Vencomatic) at a commercial farm. A total of 240 eggs were collected from the belt or floor weekly. The Lohmann Brown hens were 69 weeks (Big Dutchman) and 70 weeks (Vencomatic) of age. Assessments including egg quality, egg components, egg solids and hard cooked yolk slicing were conducted on individual eggs weekly. To analyze those assessments, the weight of the egg, shell thickness, albumen height, Haugh unit, vitelline membrane and egg strength needs to be obtained. The volume of the shell, weight, density, egg length, egg width, egg length at maximum width, and percent egg length at maximum was determined with a Volscan Profiler and corresponding software model. Albumen height was determined with a tripod micrometer. Egg and yolk weight using a scale. Shell and vitelline membrane force was measured with a texture analyzer. The results indicated that egg solids were not affected by system or location at which the eggs were laid (avg = 22.7% solids). However, there was an overall trend that egg solids increased overtime regardless of the system or location (P = 0.14). Egg weight varied by system and location, with heavier eggs laid in the system (P < 0.01) and from the Big Dutchman system (P < 0.01). The shell weight from both systems and locations did not change. In addition, the yolk was heavier in Big Dutchman eggs compared to Vencomatic eggs (P < 0.01). Haugh units, a measure of albumen quality, differed by system and location with system laid eggs and eggs laid in the Vencomatic system had the greatest quality (P < 0.05). Overall, depending on the egg quality measure assessed housing system and egg location had a significant impact.

Materials/Methods/ Methodology Methods

Results

0 Belt System 1

Floor System 2

Reference (1) Dikmen, B. Yilmaz, et al. “Egg Production and Welfare of Laying Hens Kept in Different Housing Systems (Conventional, Enriched Cage, and Free Range) (2) Jones, D R, et al. “Hen Genetic Strain and Extended Cold Storage Influence on Physical Egg Quality from CageFree Aviary Housing System.”

(3) Jones, D. R., et al. “Effect of a Commercial Housing System on Egg Quality during Extended storage1.”

(4) Karcher, D. M., et al. “Impact of Commercial Housing Systems and Nutrient and Energy Intake on Laying Hen Performance and Egg Quality Parameters.”

(5) Sherwood, D. H. “Factors Affecting Egg Quality--A Review.”

AN EGG QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF EGGS LAID IN DIFFERENT PLACES IN TWO TYPES OF CAGE-FREE HOUSING Praise Benson, Dr. Sela Woldesenbet, Dr. Grace Abolaji, and Dr. Darrin Karcher | Department of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Prairie View A&M University PVAMU CARC and Office of Undergraduate Research, and Purdue University Department of Animal Science Introduction Since Spring 2017, I have been engaging in different on and offcampus undergraduate research experiences with the support and mentorship of the Office of Undergraduate Research and College of Agriculture Research Centers. The research outcomes were always presented at different campus symposiums and conferences. The following research report is from the participation in the Purdue Summer 2019 Research Opportunity Program for 11 weeks in the Animal Science Department.

In the United States, a shift to a cage-free system is currently one of the major moves in the poultry industry. There will be a high demand for cage-free eggs to meet the retail and food industry by 2025, which is about 74% of the US egg production. However, there are still problems of a few cage-free systems utilized by poultry farmers and whether the systems are providing high egg quality?. Though there are several benefits to having a cage-free system such as providing access to outdoors and more space for behavioral freedom, there are still factors like age, diseases, strain, feed, and housing that can limit maintaining egg quality.

Egg quality is a significant factor in egg production, and knowing what type of system and the best practices to obtain and maintain good egg quality will be more cost and time-efficient. Factors, including hen age, diet, and housing, can influence egg quality.

Volscan Machine • Volume • Length • Weight

Tripod Micrometer Albumen

Texture Analyzer Shell & Vitelline Membrane force

Measuring Scale Egg and Yolk weight

Results and Discussion The results indicated that the system or location of egg solids was not affected by the egg laid (avg = 22.7% solids). However, there was an overall trend that egg solids increased over time regardless of the system or location (P = 0.14). The weight of eggs laid varied by the type of system and location. More massive eggs were laid in the belt system (P < 0.01) and from the Big Dutchman system (P < 0.01).

Figure 1: Egg Weight: Eggs laid on the belt and in the Big Dutchman System had the highest egg weight.

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the quality of eggs laid in a cage-free system compared to the floor (mislaid) system.

Methodology Purdue University collaborates with commercial poultry farmers, and for this research, the farm that operated two cage systems of Big dutchman and Vecomatic was chosen. Lohmann Brown hens of 69 weeks of age in Big Dutchman and 70 weeks in Vencomatic systems were used for the study. Two hundred and forty (240) eggs were collected from the belt and floor weekly, and 720 eggs were evaluated over three weeks from the two different housing systems. The assessed parameters on each egg included egg quality, egg components, egg solids, and hard-cooked yolk slicing. The Volscan, Texture Analyzer, Tripod Micrometer, and Scale were used to collect and analyze data on the weight of the eggs, shell thickness, albumen height, Haugh unit, vitelline membrane, and egg strength.

Figure 2: Haugh Unit: Eggs laid on the Belt and in the Vencomatic system had a higher Haugh unit compared to the other location and system.

Figure 4: Shell and Vitelline Membrane Strength Force was higher from the egg laid on the belt and the Big Dutchman System.

Figure 5a, b, and c: Volscan Density: Eggs laid on the Belt and in the Vencomatic system had higher density compared to the other location and system.

The shell weight from both systems and locations did not change. Besides, the yolk was more massive in Big Dutchman eggs compared to Vencomatic eggs (P < 0.01). Haugh units, a measure of albumen quality, differed by the system, and location with the laid eggs and eggs laid in the Vencomatic system had the highest quality (P < 0.05). Overall, depending on the egg quality measure assessed housing system and egg location had a significant impact.

Conclusion The following conclusions were made based on the results. The location and system did not have any impact on egg quality when it comes to the product length, Max Width, and Egg solid. Overall, depending on the egg quality measured, assessed housing system and egg location had a significant impact.

Praise Benson is a senior, majoring in Animal Science with a minor in Entreprenureship. Dr. Sela Woldesenbet, a research Staff interested in students capacity building in the areas of scientifice problem solving through research lab procedures and equipment. Grace Abolaji is the Manager, Undergraduate Research with interest in students and faculty capacity building and promotion of interdisciplinary research, innovation, and community development.

Figure 3: Percent Yolk was higher from eggs collected in the Big Dutchman System with no significant difference in the location.

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64

Geometric Stiffness Control Techniques for Metal-based Implants Prevailer Mba, and Jaejong Park, Ph.D. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX 77446 ABSTRACT

METAL BASED BONE IMPLANTS

Bone defects can develop from various situations such as trauma, infections, tumor, surgery, etc. In some cases where the defect is large, making bone not being able to regenerate itself, the defect site needs to be replaced for functional requirements and aesthetic reasons. ant and that of the surrounding bones have to be close Bone grafting is one of such methods available for such purposes. This method includes repurposing another bone in the body (or using a substitute) by modifying it to fit into the affected area. Metal-based bone implants are another option.

Titanium and its alloys are widely used in reconstruction surgeries. Since the design and fabrication are done using virtually Ex vivo, metal-based bone implants have geometric freedom compared to bone grafts.

However, one of the main shortcomings of metal-based bone implants is their inherent strong mechanical properties. A substantial mismatch and discontinuity between the metal implant and the bone often lead to stress shielding, which may lead to a failure in the long run. To resolve this issue, the stiffness of the implant and that of the surrounding bones have to be close to each other, such that the bone starts to heal in the interference. This can be done in many different ways, utilizing less stiff materials, less material volume, modifying the structure geometry, etc.

This study aims to focus on various techniques for stiffness control by changing the geometry of the overall structure confined in a design domain.

Metallic implants needs to provide important features to reliably serve its role for long time without causing any negative effect. An ideal metal implant should satisfy critical requirements such as biocompatibility, resistance to corrosion and wear, and ability to provide environment for new bone formation (osseointegration). Long interdisciplinary research efforts have found that metals, specifically, stainless steel, cobalt-chromium alloy, titanium alloys and noble metal-based alloys are good candidate materials for orthopedic, dentistry, and cardiovascular applications [2].

MOTIVATION Physical trauma or bone cancer often requires the removal of damaged bone. In the case where the damage is significant and located in the midface (see Figure 1), proper reconstruction surgeries are crucial. It should address both appearance and functionality of missing bone.

Inadequate treatment results in long-term disfigurement with devastating physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences for patients.

While abovementioned metal-alloys are biocompatible, and corrosion and wear resistance, their inherently strong mechanical properties creates unfavorable stress distribution. This discontinuity in mechanical property leads the neighboring bone to degrade overtime which potentially result in bone fracture, and implant failure.

Figure 3 shows a significant bone loss near the metal femur implant two and 18 years after surgery accordingly.

Figure 3. Development of Grade 3 stress-shielding after total hip arthroplasties [3]

STIFFNESS CONTROL TECHNIQUES â&#x20AC;˘ SHS Process Self â&#x20AC;&#x201C; propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) is a type of combustion synthesis manufacturing process used in various industries to produce cheap, fast materials of high purity. It is a relatively cheap method, which makes it attractive for large scale manufacturing. Materials that are produced by SHS are generally characterized by high porosity. An alternative to the conventional furnace technology, SHS can be used to control the properties of the alloy to be produced by controlling the composition of the reaction mixture. Figures 4 and 5 below show a metal alloy produced by SHS. Fig 4. (a) Axial and (b) radial acroscopic morphology of TI-SI alloy compacts by SHS [4]. Here the heat of material leads to composition change as well as higher porosity.

Figure 2. Limited geometric options using natural bone grafting (Asterick).

With the surge of advancements in manufacturing methods, synthetic bone grafting is becoming important in reconstruction surgeries.

Machined or 3D printed metal implants provides unlimited geometric freedom compared to natural bones [1]. However, its excellent mechanical properties arise another problem in the long-run, stress shielding.

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The stiffness of a structure can be altered by inducing porosity to the structure. The size and configuration of the pores found to greatly affect the structural response. Challis et al [] numerically designed a family of meso-scale structures. Using an interpolation hexahedron in a cube consist of parameter vectors (đ??¸đ??¸đ??¸đ??¸1 , đ??¸đ??¸đ??¸đ??¸2 , and đ??¸đ??¸đ??¸đ??¸3 ), each representing the Youngâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modulus of principal directions, many microstructures with different anisotropic properties and volume fractions in a cubic domain.

The microstructure library can be used to generate structures with a functionally graded structure which can be essential in bone implants.

Figure 6. Structural optimization for lattice structure design with a functionally graded mechanical properties. [5].

â&#x20AC;˘ Functional microstructures Similar to lattice structures, microstructures can be engineered based on the manufacturing process used. Powdered bed fusion techniques have been found to be very effective in controlling the structures of metals.

From figure 7 below, we can see that the microstructures and mechanical differ with each type of additive manufacturing (AM) process. This means that coupling precise compositions of powdered metals with the right AM process could be a step in the right direction, towards desired mechanical properties.

Fig 7. Comparison of microstructures of Titanium alloys produced using different AM processes [6].

DISCUSSION & FUTURE RESEARCH

Figure 1. Patients with various craniofacial bone defects.

Natural bone grafting including both autograft and allografts has long been a popular choice among reconstruction surgeons due to its biocompatibility. Fibula or iliac crest are commonly used for natural bone grafting but creating a required geometry for the substitution is not an easy task due to predefined geometry of those bones which limits the necessary revival of functional requirement as shown in Figure 2.

â&#x20AC;˘ Lattice structures

Fig 5. SEM Micrographs of the fracture surface demonstrates different microscopic composition of TI-SI alloy from SHS[4]

â&#x20AC;˘ MIM Process Metal Injection Molding (MIM) is a type of manufacturing process that can be used to produce complex and intricate geometries. It combines two already established techniques to make manufacturing easier, and more cost efficient. The technologies are injection molding and powdered metallurgy. The properties of a metal produced by MIM can be controlled by changing different parameters during the sintering process.

This literature review on techniques to control the stiffness of metal-based structures allowed us to divide primary methods into two categories: manufacturing processes and porosity control. A hybrid approach that considers both geometric configurations as well as the manufacturing process is being developed. The manufacturing method will be mathematically introduced into structural topology optimization methods to achieve this. This novel technique is expected to provide a much broader range of property controllability when compared to traditional schemes.

This can potentially open up avenues to design metal-based implants with better stress shielding avoidance.

REFERENCES

[1] Wang, Xiaojian, et al. "Topological design and additive manufacturing of porous metals for bone scaffolds and orthopaedic implants: A review." Biomaterials 83 (2016): 127-141.

[2] Manam, N. S., et al. "Study of corrosion in biocompatible metals for implants: A review." Journal of Alloys and Compounds 701 (2017): 698-715.

[3] Engh Jr, C. Anderson, et al. "Clinical consequences of stress shielding after porous-coated total hip arthroplasty." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related ResearchÂŽ 417 (2003): 157-163.

[4] Ran, H., Niu, J., Song, B., Wang, X., Feng, P., Wang, J., â&#x20AC;Ś Farid, A. (2014). Microstructure and properties of Ti5Si3-based porous intermetallic compounds fabricated via combustion synthesis. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 612, 337â&#x20AC;&#x201C;342.

[5] Challis, V. J., A. D. Cramer, and A. P. Roberts. "An optimised family of anisotropic microstructures with application to functionally graded materials." International Journal of Solids and Structures 171 (2019): 17-29.

[6] Dutta, Bhaskar, and Francis H. Sam Froes. "The additive manufacturing (AM) of titanium alloys." Titanium powder metallurgy.

Butterworth-Heinemann, 2015. 447-468.

GEOMETRIC STIFFNESS CONTROL TECHNIQUES FOR METAL-BASED IMPLANTS Prevailer Mba and Dr. Jaejong Park | Department of Mechanical Engineering, Prairie View A&M University Introduction Bone defects can develop from various situations such as trauma, infections, tumor, surgery, etc. In some cases where the defect is significant, making bone unable to regenerate itself, the defect site needs to be replaced for functional requirements and aesthetic reasons. Bone grafting is one of such methods available for such purposes. This method includes repurposing another bone in the body (or using a substitute) by modifying it to fit into the affected area.

Metal-based bone implants are another option. Titanium and its alloys are widely used in reconstruction surgeries.

Since the design and fabrication are done using virtually Ex vivo, metal-based bone implants have geometric freedom compared to bone grafts. However, one of the main shortcomings of metal-based bone implants is their inherent strong mechanical properties. A substantial mismatch in mechanical properties between the metal implant and the bone may lead to a failure in the long run. The property gap between the metal implant and neighboring bone needs to be closed to avoid stress shielding. This study aims to focus on various techniques for stiffness control by changing the geometry of the overall structure confined in a design domain. We are studying how to make the structures ‘porous’ to control the stiffness of the structures. While making structures porous intuitively reduce the stiffness of the structure, the study pursues explicitly algorithms where the stiffness can be systematically controlled. Various internal structuring techniques, such as lattice structures with different geometric configurations, architectural materials, and auxetics, are being investigated.

Materials and Methods This work is intended to be a review of stiffness control.

Therefore, we will be considering published manuscripts from trusted websites such as Google Scholar, using keywords such as tunable stiffness, stress shielding, e.t.c. Successful methods that align with our goal of systematically controlling the stiffness will be reviewed

carefully. Inferences and results obtained by the authors of these published papers will inform our expected results. A family of journal articles was assessed to find the state-ofthe-art approaches for stiffness control of pure metal and metal alloy based structures.

Results and Discussion We found that the significant techniques to control the stiffness of metal-based structures can mainly be divided into manufacturing and porosity control. Two different manufacturing methods have been identified that could be used to alter metal implants. They are Self-propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS), Metal Injection Molding (MIM) [1]. Special treatment and handling of the material leads to different material composition, thereby modifying its properties.

Another category is porosity control. Porosity refers to the voids in any structure, and the size, count, and configuration within the structure are found to be very useful in manipulating the structural response. Various optimization problems are formulated to design mesoscale structures for coveted macroscopic mechanical properties.

Their study also showed it is possible to achieve a functionally graded property, which can be significantly advantageous for bone implant design applications.

to develop a hybrid method that considers both functional design and manufacturing aspects, which can broaden the property controllability for the bone-implant design.

References [1] Ran, H., Niu, J., Song, B., Wang, X., Feng, P., Wang, J., … Farid, A. (2014). Microstructure and properties of Ti5Si3based porous intermetallic compounds fabricated via combustion synthesis. Journal of Alloys and Compounds, 612, 337–342 [2] Challis, V. J., A. D. Cramer and A. P. Roberts. “An optimized family of anisotropic microstructures with application to functionally graded materials.” International Journal of Solids and Structures 171 (2019): 17-29.

Prevailer Mba is a Senior, majoring in Mechanical Engineering student. Dr. Jaejong Park is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering with Research interests in the biomimetic structures, rehabilitation robots, and 3D/4D printing.

Figure 1. Mesoscale structural design for functionally graded mechanical properties [2].

Conclusion This was the first phase of our project for developing a design tool for the stiffness matching bone implants. We are currently digging deeper into these possible methods for stiffness control that were found. The ultimate aim is POSTERS AND REPORTS

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Synthesis and Characterization of Transition Metal Complexes of N2O2 tetra dentate ligands Resembling Biological Catalysts Sahar Fattani and Gina Chiarella, Ph.D. Department of Chemistry, Prairie View A&M University

Abstract

In this research project we expect to prepare transition metal complexes that, structurally, resemble the active centers of enzymes, and study their chemical and structural properties and test their activity as a potential ecological catalyst for industrial, pharmaceutical and medicinal uses. We have synthesizedsixSchiff bases ligands by reacting salicylaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine, acetylacetone with mphenylenediamine, acetylacetone with o-phenylenediamine, salicylaldehyde with mdiaminobenzene di-hydrochloride, o-vanillin with o-phenylenediamine, and salicylaldehyde with bis(hexamethylene)triamine. The formed ligands were then isolated and characterized. We have prepared and characterized the Schiff bases N, N-bis(salicylaldehyde)-o-Phenylendiimine (A) and N, N-bis(acetylacetone)-mphenylendiimine (B). the two ligands were prepared to react with zinc, nickel (II) and copper (II) acetates in solution to produce the respective transition metal complexes.

The preparation procedure differed according to the physical and chemical properties of the ligand. The synthesis of complexes using the ligand A took place in ethanol solution at room temperature. The preparations using ligand B were also done using ethanol and refluxing until completion. All compounds were characterized by infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy; 1H-NMR additionally characterized the ligands and the zinc complexes; structures were determined by x-ray single-crystal diffraction.

Computation studies were also performed in one group of these compounds to support the spectrometric analysis. The electrochemical studies have been performed on the metal complexes by using cyclic voltammetry techniques to pre-evaluate the catalytic redox behavior of these compounds. In conclusion, from the experimental results, we can state that we succeeded in preparing ligands A and B and their transition metal complexes of copper (II), nickel (II) and zinc. The instrumental analysis underlines the physical and chemical differences between ligands and metal complexes and among the metal complexes of the same ligand; electrochemical measurements indicate the possible catalytic potential of some of these metal compounds.

Introduction

This project consists of the synthesis of transition metal complexes using as ligands Schiff bases, also called imines or azomethines. A metal complex is a compound or ion that contains a central metal atom or ion surrounded by groups of molecules or ions called ligands, which are attached to the metal. The imines are organic compounds showing a carbon-nitrogen double bond (C=N), they are usually made by reacting an amine (Rx -NHy) with an aldehyde or ketone, the imines are very alike to molecular groups fencing the metallic center in enzymes. The Schiff bases are very important ligands in synthetic chemistry because they resemble the structure of the metal bonding site in enzymes and can be used as catalyst in different asymmetric reactions; they are also key intermediates for the synthesis of various bioactive compounds. They show variety of biological activities including antibacterial, antifungal, and anti cancer activities.

Synthetic Procedures Preparation of the N,N-bis (salicylaldehyde) oPhenylenediimine (A) and its metal complexes

Study of the Synthesized Compounds

The synthesized compounds were analyzed using spectroscopic methods as Infrared and UV- visible techniques.

Analysis of the ligand A and its metal-complexes Infrared spectra

The IR spectra was taken in solid state at room temperature.

UV-Visible spectra

All the spectra were taken in methylene chloride solution.

Preparation of the N,N-bis (acetylacetone) mPhenylenediimine (B) and its metal complexes Analysis of the ligand B and its metal-complexes Infrared spectra

The IR spectra was taken in solid state at room temperature.

UV-Visible spectra

All the spectra were taken in ethanol solution.

Objective

The objective of this research is to prepare and characterize metal-compounds that, structurally, resemble the active centers of enzymes and also to study the chemical properties and test the redox activity of these compounds.

Hypothesis

To prepare the ligands using an amine and aldehyde group to form the Schiff bases that will react with three metal ions [Zn, Ni(II), Cu(II)].

To characterize the ligands and metal complexes to ensure successful metal-ligand reaction.

Methods

Crystal structure Ligand A and Cu2+ Crystal System = Monoclinic Space group = Ia Z=8 Goodness-of-fit on F2 = 0.938 Final R indexes [I>=2σ (I)] R1 = 0.0426, wR2 = 0.1145

Conclusion

• The project has achieved the synthesis of two Schiff base ligand: N, N-bis (salicylaldehyde) o- Phenylenediimine (A) and N, N-bis (acetylacetone) m-phenylenediimine (B).

• A protocol for the preparation of ligands and metal complexes with zinc, nickel (II) and copper (II) acetate salts were obtained.

• All compounds were successfully characterized by infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy.

• The transition metal complexes that were formed, exhibited different chemical and physical characteristics from the ligands, confirming their synthesis.

Future Studies.

• The determination of the detailed chemical structure of these compounds.

• The testing of redox behavior and catalytic test of these compounds. The studies of additional properties (such as luminescence and conductivity) on these compounds.

• The search of alternative preparation methods such as the use of microwave irradiation as a source for synthesis for the Schiff bases.

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References

Ray, S., Jana, S., Jana, A., Konar, S., Das, K., Chatterjee, S., Butcher, R.J., Kar, S.K. Dicopper (II) complexes of a tridentate pyrimidine derived Schiff base ligand: Syntheses, crystal structures and catalytic reactions. Polyhedrom. 2012, 46, I74.

Zaithun, B. S., Emilia. A. M., Mohamed, T. Mohamed, I., Anneb, C. K., Basyaruddin. A. R. M. Histidine-based copper tetrapeptides as enantioselective catalysts for aldol reactions. RSC Adv. 2018, 8, 34004.

Lewing, D., Koppetz, H. and Hahn, F. E. Reversible Formation and Transmetalation of Schiff-Base Complexes in Subcomponent Self-Assembly Reactions. Inorg. Chem. 2015, 54, 7653.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR, Prairie View A&M University.

SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TRANSITION METAL COMPLEXES OF N2O2 TETRA DENTATE LIGANDS RESEMBLING BIOLOGICAL CATALYSTS Sahar Fattani and Gina Chiarella | Department of Chemistry, Prairie View A&M University Introduction The objective of this research is to prepare and characterize metal-compounds that, structurally, resemble the active centers of enzymes and study the chemical properties and test the redox activity of these compounds. The hypothesis was to prepare the ligands using an amine and aldehyde group to form the Schiff bases that will react with three metal ions [Zn, Ni(II), Cu(II)] and to characterize the ligands and metal complexes to ensure successful metalligand reaction. This project consists of transition metal complexes synthesis using ligands Schiff bases, also called imines or azomethines. The Schiff bases are important ligands in synthetic chemistry because they resemble the structure of the metal-binding site in enzymes and can be used as catalysts in different asymmetric reactions; they are also vital intermediates for the synthesis of various bioactive compounds. They show a variety of biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities.

studies have been performed on the metal complexes by using cyclic voltammetry techniques to pre-evaluate the catalytic redox behavior of these compounds. The Infrared spectrum displayed the stretching frequencies of the expected functional groups present in the compounds; the difference between the spectra of the ligand and the metal compounds confirmed the formation of the complexes and showed new stretching peaks due to the new interactions in the metal complex. The Ultraviolet, visible spectrometry tells us about the electronic transition in atoms and molecules. Transition metal complexes usually produce broad peaks of low intensity whereas most organic compounds as the Schiff base ligands, yield sharp and high-intensity peaks.

N-bis(acetylacetone)-m-phenylenediamine (B). A protocol for the preparation of ligands and metal complexes with zinc, nickel (II) and copper (II) acetate salts were obtained.

All compounds were successfully characterized by infrared and UV-visible spectroscopy. The transition metal complexes that were formed exhibited different chemical and physical characteristics from the ligands, confirming their synthesis. The next step in this research is to test the redox behavior of the synthesized compounds to study their capability as potential catalysts contrasting with the enzymes that these compounds resemble. Additionally, we expect to study other physical and chemical properties of these compounds as magnetic properties, luminescence, and molecular structure.

Study of the Synthesized Compounds The synthesized compounds were analyzed using spectroscopic methods as Infrared and UV- visible. The crystal structure of Ligand A and Cu2+ was also taken.

References Ray, S., Jana, S., Jana, A., Konar, S., Das, K., Chatterjee, S., Butcher, R.J., Kar, S.K. Dicopper (II) complexes of a tridentate pyrimidine derived Schiff base ligand: Syntheses, crystal structures, and catalytic reactions. Polyhedron.

2012, 46, I74.

Zaithun, B. S., Emilia. A. M., Mohamed, T. Mohamed, I., Anneb, C. K., Basyaruddin. A. R. M. Histidine-based copper tetrapeptides as enantioselective catalysts for aldol reactions. RSC Adv. 2018, 8, 34004.

Lewing, D., Koppetz, H. and Hahn, F. E. Reversible Formation and Transmetalation of Schiff-Base Complexes in Subcomponent Self-Assembly Reactions. Inorg. Chem.

2015, 54, 7653.

Materials and Methods We have synthesized six Schiff bases ligands by reacting salicylaldehyde with o-phenylenediamine, acetylacetone with m-phenylenediamine, acetylacetone with o-phenylenediamine, salicylaldehyde with m-diaminobenzene di-hydrochloride, o-vanillin with o-phenylenediamine, and salicylaldehyde with bis(hexamethylene)triamine. The formed ligands were then isolated and characterized. We have prepared and characterized the Schiff bases N, N-bis(salicylaldehyde)o-Phenylendiimine (A) and N, N-bis(acetylacetone)-mphenylenediamine (B). The two synthesized ligands were reacted with metal ions such as Zn2+, Ni2+, and Cu2+.

Results and Discussion The identification of all these compounds was made

by IR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. The electrochemical

Conclusion(s) or Summary The project has achieved the synthesis of six Schiff base ligands but the characterization of two Schiff base ligands: N, N-bis(salicylaldehyde)-o-Phenylenediimine (A) and N,

Sahar Fattani is a sophomore student majoring in Biology with a minor(s) in Chemistry and Psychology. Dr. Gina M. Chiarella is an Assistant Professor with research interests in bioinorganic chemistry, sustainability, catalysis, and synthetic chemistry.

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Epistemic Injustice within Healthcare: Minorities Scenic Mosley, Dr. Tschaepe, Ph.D. Department of Political Science, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, Texas 77446

Abstract My initial findings in the Spring of 2019 portrayed the need for more adequate resources to assist patients with linguistic or educational barriers in understanding their diagnosis and/or physical examinations. The epistemic insufficiencies raised as related to law and healthcare are directly connected to the continued research necessary to configure sufficient solutions.

Approximately 58 percent of Waller County residents belong to a racial minoritized group. This research argues that the two types of epistemic injustice accounted by Miranda Fricker, hermeneutical and testimonial, adversely affect Waller County’s minoritized persons in healthcare institutions. Epistemic entitlement prevails within these institutions due to sophisticated preparation and comprehension of matters concerning health required by physicians, but not the average minoritized person.

Hypothesis I subsequently suggest that remedies for deconstructing such epistemic injustices include an approach that focuses specifically on the large range of factors affecting minoritized persons perspectives and lived experiences as a whole, rather than in objectified parts.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR), Prairie View A&M University

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• • • • •

Figure 1 represents the percentage of law offices that supply their clients with resources to help them understand their medical-legal rights.

Figure 2 represents the percentage of law offices that provide their clients with translation services.

Figure 3 represents types of law that lawyers specialize in.

Figure 4 represents the percentage of Health Clinics that provide information to their patients regarding their medical-legal rights.

Figure 5 represents the percentage of Health Clinics that would like additional resources to help their patients understand their diagnoses/physical exams.

Methods The study consists of the 5 cities within Waller County; Brookshire, Hempstead, Prairie View, Pattison, and a small Reference section of Katy. Thorough interviews with the local healthcare facilities and law office representatives were conducted, and research on Miranda Fricker’s Epistemic Injustice were included and expounded on.

Objective To understand whether or not the citizens of Waller County have been provided the epistemic resources to make decisions for themselves regarding their health. To develop a comprehensive delivery of medical information to healthcare patients in Waller county and to ensure that patients are given informed consent and proper legal representation.

Sub-objectives include: • Provide a thorough review of potential remedies to insufficient medical delivery.

• Determine if Informed Consent has been supplied and if Medical Information Therapy is necessary in special cases, such as to those patients who possess educational or linguistic barriers.

• Determine if adequate legal representation within healthcare facilities exists.

• Assess what the various legal resources are within Waller county pertaining to medically related lawsuits.

Results

Hermeneutical Injustice Characterized by an individual or patient, not having the resources to explain or understand in thorough detail the experience that they are presently facing. Those who have attained a more powerful position through education, racial or ethnic identity, and socioeconomic status have also established superior understandings of their experiences.

Hence, when given a platform (such as that provided when doctor interviews a patient), these persons are equipped with knowledge to articulate their experience and receive proper care. Alternatively, those lacking in articulation are rendered voiceless.

Testimonial Injustice Characterized by an individual, or patient, being silenced by another person who typically has the ability to (regardless as to whether or not they use this ability) aid in the development of the testimony giver’s agenda or desired outcome.

In this case, a healthcare professional would presumably be able to offer the patient the best treatment or care but is unwilling to listen to the patient’s testimony long enough to establish a consensual patient-doctor relationship where each party has an equal comprehension of the treatment plan to be followed.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and Political Science Department,, Prairie View A&M University

Future Research The next step is to conduct a study on how to create programs that encourage minoritized persons to become more educated within healthcare matters to the point in which they would be labeled an “insider-outsider” is another solution to bridging the epistemic gaps.

References Data USA. 2019. “Waller County, TX.” Data USA. Accessed February 3, 2019. https://datausa.io/profile/geo/waller-county-tx/ Towncharts. 2019. “Waller County, Texas Education Data.” TownCharts. Accessed February 3, 2019. http://www.towncharts.com/Texas/Education/WallerCounty-TX-Education-data.html National Center for Medical Legal Partnership. “About Medical-Legal Partnership.” Milken Institute School of Public Health. Accessed February 3, 2019. https://medical-legalpartnership.org/faq/ Mitchell, D J. “Toward a definition of Information Therapy” Proceedings. Symposium on Computer Applications in Medical Care (1994): 71-5.

EPISTEMIC INJUSTICE WITHIN HEALTHCARE: MINORITIZED PERSONS Scenic Mosley and Dr. Mark Tschaepe | Department of Political Science, Prairie View A&M University Introduction My initial findings in the Spring of 2019 portrayed the need for more adequate resources to assist patients with linguistic or educational barriers in understanding their diagnosis and/or physical examinations. The epistemic insufficiencies raised as related to law and healthcare are directly connected to the continued research necessary to configure sufficient solutions. Approximately 58 percent of Waller County residents belong to a racial minoritized group. This research argues that the two types of epistemic injustice accounted by Miranda Fricker, hermeneutical, and testimonial, adversely affect Waller County’s minoritized persons in healthcare institutions.

Epistemic entitlement prevails within these institutions due to sophisticated preparation and comprehension of matters concerning health required by physicians, but not the average minoritized person. Such entitlement and asymmetric attainment of knowledge arguably lead to presumptive attribution of minoritized persons and their experience, which is largely in part responsible for discernable resource disparities.

Materials and Methods The study consists of the five cities within Waller County; Brookshire, Hempstead, Prairie View, Pattison, and a small section of Katy. Through interviews with the local healthcare facilities and law, office representatives were conducted to gather the information necessary. The questions focused on client and patient informed consent and legal representation in healthcare facilities specifically.

Results and Discussion

Figure 1: represents the percentage of law offices that supply their clients with resources to help them understand their medical-legal rights.

Figure 2: represents the percentage of law offices that provide their clients with translation services.

minoritized persons have been silenced, and the hearers have taken away their testimonies by being unwilling to listen. The hermeneutical devices necessary to even explain their symptoms or ask questions in relation to their diagnosis and/or physical examinations is also lacking, and there needs to be more resources available to properly educate minoritized persons about their health literacy. This information and my concluded findings are relevant to the United States at large and Waller County specifically.

Figure 3: represents types of law that lawyers specialize in.

Figure 4: represents the percentage of Health Clinics that provide information to their patients regarding their medical-legal rights.

Figure 5: represents the percentage of Health Clinics that would like additional resources to help their patients understand their diagnoses/physical exams.

Conclusion After performing a meta-synthesis literature review, I found that there is a critical need for additional legal resources and representation accessible to stakeholders in the region. Planned future research includes conducting a study on how to bring Informed Consent remedies such as Information Therapy and Medical-Legal Partnerships into Healthcare facilities and Law Offices in Waller County to potentially solve the issues addressed in the hypothesis. Miranda Fricker’s theories of hermeneutical and testimonial injustice apply to minoritized persons in general and in Waller County, because of the heavy burden they bear by not being able to properly advocate for themselves in healthcare facilities. Like the speakers,

References 1. Data USA. 2019. “Waller County, TX.” Data USA. Accessed February 3, 2019. https://datausa.io/profile/ geo/waller-county-tx/ 2. Towncharts. 2019. “Waller County, Texas Education Data.” TownCharts. Accessed February 3, 2019. http:// www.towncharts.com/Texas/Education/Waller-CountyTX-Education-data.html 3. National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership. “About Medical-Legal Partnership.” Milken Institute School of Public Health. Accessed February 3, 2019. https:// medical-legalpartnership.org/faq/ 4. Mitchell, D J. “Toward a definition of Information Therapy” Proceedings. Symposium on Computer Applications in Medical Care (1994): 71-5.

Scenic Mosley is a Junior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. Dr. Tschaepe is a Professor of Philosophy with research interests in Ethics and Critical Thinking

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Mental Health of Students of Prairie View A&M University and Discrepancies in the Lack of Awareness and Access to Care 1Department

Sydney L. Gore1,2,3 and Quincy C. Moore, Ph.D. 1,2 of Biology, Marvin D. and June Samuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences, 2The Honors Program, 3Undergraduate Medical Academy Prairie View A & M University, Prairie View, TX 77446

RESULTS

ABSTRACT Mental illness is a rapidly increasing issue among young adults pursuing higher education. For those attending college at Prairie View A&M University, receiving mental health care is particularly difficult. The current study consists of 80, 18-23-year-old, undergraduate students and examine their self- reported various mental health states and how it can directly relate to a lack of access to care, lack of awareness of mental health topics, or a result of the two. The study, conducted via a quantitative approach, used survey questionnaires via Qualtrics. 67% are female, 30% are male, and 1% are other. Results indicate high rates of mental illness, including depression and anxiety like symptoms, among our sample population.

While only 10% have been clinically diagnosed with mental illnesses, 40% of the sample population selfidentified as having one or more mental health problems; these include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other body disorders, etc. Out of the 40% of the sample population that self-reported having varying forms of emotional detriment, 30% reported it as a direct result of attending college, while 77% generally believe college has negatively impacted them emotionally.

53% have developed adverse behaviors from these negative emotions including but not limited to Of those affected approximately 10% go to the counseling center regularly on campus. Approximately 20% of participants have sought off campus resources, while 15% express the desire. 76% of participants selected that they would like to see more inclusivity, awareness, and mental health treatment options available on the campus with 72% directly answering that they themselves would use them if they existed. In conclusion, the undergraduates have expressed that they do not receive adequate care regarding their mental health issues provided by the institution.

Figure 3: Clinical Diagnosis of Respondents

The number of mental health facilities within a 50 mile radius of PVAMU campus

Figure 1: Treatment center count (50 mile radius)

Figure 2: Treatment center locations (50 mile radius)

Figure 4: Self Diagnosis of Respondents

Figure 5: Timelines of Self Diagnosis

Figure 7: Effects of College/Academics on Type of Self Diagnosis

Figure 8: Respondent Usage of Campus Facilities

Figure 6: : Effects of College/ Academics on Self Diagnosis

HYPOTHESIS The various resources regarding mental health (including treatment) provided by Prairie View A&M University on and both off the Prairie View A&M campus lacks awareness, information, and options for proper treatment when it comes to addressing students well being and the self reported ubiquity of mental illness.

METHODS

21 Question Survey was utilized to conduct a qualitative study on college students ages 18-23.

DATA ANALYSIS

o

o

o

71

Via the results of the 21 question survey, results show that there is a lack of awareness, inclusive activities, and treatment and/or service options on the PVAMU campus.

Reference research studies show that every 1 in 5 college enrolled student aged 18-25, suffer from a mental illness (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) Supported by this research ,91% of total respondents wish to see more mental health services suggesting there is a greater need for mental health awareness.

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Figure 9: Expressed Respondent Need for More Campus Services

REFERENCES Boyraz, G., Horne, S. G., Owens, A. C., Armstrong, A. P., & Boyraz, G. (2016). Depressive symptomatology and college persistence among african american college students.Journal of General Psychology, 143(2), 144160.

Howard, D. L., Boyd, C. L., Kalsbeek, B., & Godley, P. A. (2010). Developing survey research infrastructure at an historically black College/university to address health disparities.American Journal of Health Studies, 25(3), 149-155.

Nealy, M. J. (2007). Addressing the mental health ailments facing black college students.Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, 24(21), 19. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=t th&AN=27690936&site=ehost-live Acknowledgements R&Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and Biology Department LSAMP,, Prairie View A&M University.

MENTAL HEALTH OF STUDENTS OF PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY AND DISCREPANCIES IN THE LACK OF AWARENESS AND ACCESS TO CARE Sydney L. Gore1,2,3 and Quincy C. Moore1,2 | 1Department of Biology, 2The Honors Program, 3Undergraduate Medical Academy Introduction Mental illness is defined as medical ailments of the brain and its associated structures. It is a condition that may affect oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thinking, feelings, moods, or perception of reality while impairing the ability of everyday functioning. Mental health issues are medical issues as they do have the ability to constrict a person in the same capacity many physical ailments do. This study aimed to determine the baseline levels of mental illness present within the student population on the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) campus. To determine baseline levels of mental illness, this study assessed if undergraduate students feel certain emotions to varying degrees. Reasons for emotions and varying degrees were requested to possibly find a correlation between these issues a student presents with and the availability of offered help and university pressures on student life. The study also explored if health facilities on campus are adequate at treating the number of students who identify as mentally ill and if the students themselves believe the health facilities to be appropriate for their care. The problem that this research studied focused on if the services are adequate, as assessed by the student population, and if any other outside resources are available to the student population; for those attending college at PVAMU, receiving mental health is particularly difficult (Texas Department of State Health Services). This study evaluated the identification of specific mental health issues within the student population, such as varying forms and degrees of depression, feelings of severe despondency and dejection and anxiety, a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. College stressors are defined as academic stress. (Boyraz, 2016).

Materials and Methods The studyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design was based on an approved survey IRB Protocol 2019-036. The participants consisted of PVAMU undergraduate students aged 18-23-year-olds. A Qualtrics survey consisting of 16 questions combining both quantitative questions and qualitative questions was used to create the survey and to design, distribute, and analyze all results. Consent was obtained through an information sheet, and all responses in the survey remained

completely anonymous. Percentages calculated from the multiplechoice sections were analyzed, and the qualitative questions were pooled and analyzed for common keywords and response factors.

Results and Discussion Survey results have indicated that there are high rates of mental illness, including depression and anxiety-like symptoms, among our sample population. Demographic information was collected to provide potential links between which student groups of PVAMU feel that there is inadequate care or which student groups are experiencing the discrepancies in the lack and access to mental health care. While these results from the original survey are important, the survey was amended to include more specific information and comprehensive analysis of the undergraduates on campus. The amended version created a more specific self-report of emotions and feelings, giving examples and more inclusive response choices. It also clearly outlined that these feelings may or may not be brought on by the academic setting. In addition to specificity, the amended survey gathered more demographics of the participating population, such as race/ethnicity, classification, and housing status, all of which were not previously included. The study consisted of 67% female, 30% male, and 1% other. Results indicated high rates of mental illness, including depression and anxiety-like symptoms, among our sample population. While only 10% have been clinically diagnosed with mental illnesses, 40% of the sample population self-identified as having one or more mental health problems; these include but are not limited to depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other body disorders, etc. Out of the 40% of the sample population that self-reported having varying forms of emotional detriment, 30% reported it as a direct result of attending college, while 77% generally believe college has negatively impacted them emotionally. 53% have developed adverse behaviors from these negative emotions, including but not limited to excessive crying, anxiety attacks, excessive sleeping, not sleeping, not eating, overeating, etc. Of those affected, approximately 10% utilized the counseling center regularly on campus. Approximately 20% of participants have sought off-campus resources, while 15% expressed the desire. 76% of

participants selected that they would like to see more inclusivity, awareness, and mental health treatment options available on the campus, with 72% directly answering that they would use them if they existed.

Conclusion The results demonstrate a disconnect between the student body and mental health wellness on the PVAMU campus. Further, these results support the theory of health disparities, and that mental health tends to be the branch of medicine that remains unaddressed because of a lack of access to care, community, and consanguineous misunderstandings. These results support the hypothesis that on the PVAMU campus, which is the majority of African American students and other people of color, there are health disparities present.

References Boyraz, G., Horne, S. G., Owens, A. C., Armstrong, A. P., & Boyraz, G. (2016). Depressive symptomatology and college persistence among African American college students. Journal of General Psychology, 143(2), 144-160. doi:10.1080/00221309.20 16.1163251 Ya Azibo D., Ajanii. (2015). Predicting depression and thinking about suicide on an HBCU campus with depression measures.

Western Journal of Black Studies, 39(3), 186-197.

Sydney Gore is a graduating senior majoring in Biology with a minor in Chemistrywith research interests in Ethics and Critical Thinking

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The Pathophysiological Effects of Fluid-Structure Interaction of Species Transported and Transformed from Ambience to Human Respiratory System Unyime Effiong and Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju Chemical Engineering Department, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, 77446 Abstract The human physiological system consists of several organs that are structured to relate chemically and physically with complex fluids which aid to carry different nutrients and species necessary for the proper functioning of the system. The quality of the ambient atmosphere and its physiological end effect plays a great role in determining the stability of the human system. With the increased interest in correlating ambient fluid quality with human pathophysiological conditions, it has become increasingly important to understand the mechanism of species transport and transformation in the respiratory tract, the major gateway to human complex systems. Thus, this project is aimed at studying the pathophysiological impact of ambient species on the human respiratory system through detailed analysis of the flow process of species and its mechanism of interaction as they are transported from the bulk ambient fluid to the respiratory organs. A detailed qualitative study will be conducted to gather data on the composition of the ambient fluids at different geographical locations and the data will be coupled into a modeling platform.

The goal of this work is to develop a prognosticative and diagnostic modeling platform that can successfully analyze and predict the effect of certain ambient fluid exposure on the respiratory system while offering suggestions on a range of preventive and therapeutic measures to correct these physiological anomalies.

Results (Work in Progress) The human respiratory system has been modeled using the SimpleWare software and this will be coupled with the COMSOL Multiphysics platform to simulate the flow of species through the respiratory tract. SimpleWare was used to create a 3D model of the respiratory tract using data collected through MRI imaging of the human system.

SIMPLEWARE MODELING PLATFORM (FREE TRIAL VERSION) : DESIGNATED TO PROCESSING AND CONVERTING 3D IMAGE OF HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM TO MODEL OBJECT FOR SIMULATION IN COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS

Conclusion The task accomplish so far is still a work in progress .We were highly constraint by a universal factor beyond our control.

• The human respiratory system is comprised of various organs, bones and muscles which aid the transport and exchange of species into and out of the body to assist metabolic activities.

• The primary organ of this system is the lungs; however, other organs play important roles such as the trachea, bronchus and alveoli.

FUTURE DIRECTION: • To investigate effect of Pressure drop, the major driving force for air conduction, on the physiological operation of the respiratory system • To study the transport of species by diffusion and its impact on the physiological system if it is altered • To evaluate transformation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the capillaries and cross the alveoli membrane • To investigate Effect of abnormal diffusion on the perfusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide respectively in the in the capillary

Figure 1: Human Respiratory System from Respiratory System: Image Details.” NCI Visuals Online, 2001.

Transportation Mechanisms within the Human Respiratory System

Transformation of Species Transported within the Human Respiratory System

Figure 2: Diffusion of species to and from the alveolus from Pokhrel , Pratiksha. “Mechanism of Respiration in Human.”

Microbiology Notes, 23 Sept. 2016.

• For oxygen molecules, the transformation taking place is a reversible interaction of oxygen with hemoglobin to form oxyhemoglobin: Hb + nO2 ⇌ HbO2n • For the carbon dioxide molecules, the chemical reaction taking place is within the red blood cell and is represented as: CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3 ⇌ H+ + HCO3-

Hypothesis The major cause of most pathophysiological condition in the human respiratory system is due to improper transportation and transformation of species in the system.

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IMAGE TO MODEL OBJECT: Due to the complex structure of human respiratory system and complications attributable to generating Convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human respiratory organs will be imported, visualized, processed and converted to simulation ready model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1. Human respiratory Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images and saves as digital image communication in medicine (DICOM). This image will be afterward imported into SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into high quality model object fitted for simulation.

2. Image obtain as JPEG from licensed image data bank which is converted and save as DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1) MODEL OBJECT IMPORTATION INTO COMSOL MULTIPHYSICS Human respiratory model object is imported into COMSOL Multi-physics simulation environment to study effect of species (oxygen and carbon dioxide) transport and transformation on the physiological operation

Introduction

• Diffusion and convection are the means of species transport within the human respiratory system • Diffusion involves random motion of molecules that arise from molecular collision triggered by transfer of thermal energy.

• In convection, there is transport resulting from the bulk motion of fluids.

Methods

COMSOL MULTI-PHYSICS PLATFORM: A SIMULATION DESGNIATED FOR THE SIMULATION OF THE EFFECT OF TRANSPORT AND TRANSFORMATION OF SPECIES IN THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Acknowledgments R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR) and Chemical Engineering Department LSAMP,, Prairie View A&M University

References 1. “Function and Structure of the Respiratory System.” Pulmonary Physiology, by Michael G. Levitzky, 8th ed., McGraw-Hill Education.

2. Sharma, Kal Renganathan. Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering Artificial Organ Design and Development and Tissue Engineering. McGraw-Hill, 2011.

3. “Transport of Oxygen in the Blood.” Chemistry for Biologists: Transport of Oxygen in the Blood, www.rsc.org/Education/Teachers/Resources/cfb/transport.htm.

4. Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena in Biological Systems.

Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

5. Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Respiratory System: Our Avenue for Gas Exchange.” LiveScience, Purch, Aug. 2019, www.livescience.com/22616-respiratory-system.html.

THE PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF FLUID-STRUCTURE INTERACTION OF SPECIES TRANSPORTED AND TRANSFORMED FROM AMBIENCE TO HUMAN RESPIRATORY SYSTEM Unyime Effiong and Kazeem Olanrewaju | Affiliation(s): Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering Introduction The human physiological consists of several biological units carefully organized to interact with complex fluids necessary for the suitable functioning of the human system. The quality of the ambient atmosphere and how human beings interact with it play an important role in enabling the proper functioning of the human system. With the increased interest in correlating ambient fluid quality with human pathophysiological conditions, it has become increasingly important to understand the mechanism of species transport and transformation in the respiratory tract, the major gateway to human complex systems. Thus, this project is aimed at studying the pathophysiological impact of ambient species on the human respiratory system through a detailed analysis of the flow process of species and its mechanism of interaction as they are transported from the bulk ambient fluid to the respiratory organs. The goal of this work is to develop a prognosticative and diagnostic modeling platform that can successfully analyze and predict the effect of certain ambient fluid exposure on the respiratory system while offering suggestions on a range of preventive and therapeutic measures to correct these physiological anomalies.

Hypothesis: Exposure to species present in the ambient surrounding affects the human respiratory system depending on the concentration of the species in question and how much it deviates from the stipulated minimum exposure level for that specie.

Materials and Methods Image to model object: Due to the complex structure of the human respiratory system and complications attributable to generating convoluted images of the human physiological structures in general, images of human digestive organs will be imported, visualized, processed and converted to simulation ready model object within the SimpleWare modeling platform.

imported into a SimpleWare modeling environment for further conversion into a high-quality model object fitted for simulation.

2. Image obtain as JPEG from the licensed image data bank, which is converted and save as a DICOM image file. It is subsequently imported into SimpleWare for analysis as in (1).

Model Object Importation into Comsol Multi-Physics The human digestive model object is imported into COMSOL Multi-physics simulation environment to study the pathophysiological effect of fluid-structure interaction of transported and transformed species in this system.

Preliminary Results and Discussion (Work in Progress) The review aspect of this work is almost completed and set to advance into the next stage of the study, which is to model the human respiratory system and perform a necessary simulation to accomplish the objective of the project. Two computational platforms, which are simpleware and comsol multiphysics, will be adopted respectively to convert image (human respiratory organs) to model and simulate the model geometry to study the flow of species and their interaction with the respiratory organs. The figure below depicts the simpleware simulation environment with an imported image of the lungs. The task accomplishes so far is still a work in progress. We were highly constraint by a universal factor beyond our control. The future direction is to 1) simulate the effect of pressure drop, a major driving force for air conduction, on the physiological operation of the respiratory system, 2) study and model the transport of species by diffusion and its impact on the physiological system if altered, 3) numerically evaluate the transformation of oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out of the capillaries and cross the alveoli membrane, 4).simulate effect of abnormal diffusion on the perfusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide respectively in the capillary.

Summary A detailed qualitative study was conducted to gather data on the composition of the ambient species at different geographical locations. A review of the pathophysiological effect of species transported and transformed from ambiance through the respiratory tract is almost completed. Comsol multiphysics simulation environment has been set up for the respiratory system. The next level is to convert the respiratory organ harness from scan data or licensed image databank to model object in simpleware simulation environment and import it to comsol multiphysics platform where the physics describing the mechanisms of interest will be carefully investigated.

References [1] “Function and Structure of the Respiratory System.”

Pulmonary Physiology, by Michael G. Levitzky, 8th ed., McGrawHill Education.

[2] Sharma, Kal Renganathan. Transport Phenomena in Biomedical Engineering Artificial Organ Design and Development and Tissue Engineering. McGraw-Hill, 2011.

[3] “Transport of Oxygen in the Blood.” Chemistry for Biologists: Transport of Oxygen in the Blood, www.rsc.org/Education/ Teachers/Resources/cfb/transport.htm.

[4] Truskey, George A., et al. Transport Phenomena In Biological Systems. Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009.

[5] Zimmermann, Kim Ann. “Respiratory System: Our Avenue for Gas Exchange.” LiveScience, Purch, Aug. 2019, www. livescience.com/22616-respiratory-system.html.

Unyime Effiong is a senior, majoring in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Bioengineering. Dr. Kazeem Olanrewaju Professor with research interests in Fluid-Structure interaction in Human Systems, Biorenewable, and Supercritical Fluid Reaction, Energy and Environmental Systems Sustainability.

Two routes are considered for image generation: 1. 1) Human immune Image data from CT-Scan, MRI scanned images, and saves as digital image communication in medicine (DICOM). This image will be afterward

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Environmental Monitoring of Soil and Water from the Wetland Pond on the Prairie View A&M University 90-Acres Property Zulfa Eisa and Dr. Richard W. Griffin College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center, Prairie View A&M University, Prairie View, TX, 77446 Hypothesis

Abstract Soil pH measurements were conducted at 4 selected sites along the perimeter of the wetland pond on the at Prairie View A&M University 90-Acres property.

The pH data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics on Microsoft Excel spreadsheets followed by entry of the data into a matrix in order to allow a geographic comparison of the data that could be projected as a pH map of the property. This portion of the project focused on the statistical comparison of the following parameters, by site, monitoring day, and monitoring period: 1) soil pH values; 2) water pH values; and 3) soil and water pH values. The most important results from the comparisons include: 1) during weeks 1-4, the soil pH averages by site ranged from 5.14 (South) to 7.18 (South) and water pH values ranged from 6.74 (North) to 9.41 (North); 2) during weeks 1-4, using a t-test, the soil pH mean (5.84) was statistically lower than the water pH mean (8.01) with a p < 0.005; and 3) the null hypothesis was rejected, because the average soil pH proved to be statistically lower than the average water pH in this wetland pond ecosystem in East Central Texas.

Introduction The pH (reaction) is a measure of the acidity versus the alkalinity of the soil and water and determines the capacity of that medium to exchange nutrients with plants. As well as affecting the ability of plants to uptake nutrients by both chemical and biological processes, the pH also affects the diversity and species of soil microbes.

The pH is measured on a scale of 0 – 14 and a pH of 7 indicates neutral conditions, a pH above 7 indicates alkaline conditions and a pH below 7 indicates acidic conditions (Gardiner and Miller, 2008).

Soil affects the pH of water when soil and water meet in the riparian buffer, the soil acidity levels interact and combine to influence the adjacent water. Ultimately, the water drains away and the soil assumes a slightly different acidic content. The acidity of the soil is very important, because the acidic or alkaline soil governs the kinds of plants that can grow and how easily roots can extract the necessary nutrients for their survival.

The null hypothesis was that the soil and water, at each monitoring site, have the same pH values.

Materials and Methods • • • • • • • • • • • •

Oakton PCTSTestrTM 5 – pH setting for this study Soil Samples Water Samples 150 mL Plastic Sample Cups 500-600 mL Plastic Beaker (Probe Rinse Container) Deionized Water for Soil Samples Pasture Stick (distance measurement) Sharpshooter Shovel for soil sample collection Sharpie; Pens/Pencils Data Record Sheets Stirring Rods (plastic) Computer (Mac)

Methods The soil research project was conducted according to the following referenced methods: pH (3-point Standardization Method) – measured using standard pH buffers (4, 7, and 10) to check probe status, then following standard methodology (Schoeneberger et al., and Soil Survey Staff. 2012); (Soil Science Division Staff, 2017).

Soil and water pH measurements were conducted at 4 selected sites along the perimeter of the wetland pond on the Prairie View A&M University 90-Acres property.

Site labels were: North, East, South, West.

Soil and water pH measurements were collected once per week during 4 weeks with a total of 3 replicates measured at each sampling location.

Objectives The objectives of this research were to: 1) measure the soil and water pH at 4 selected sites along the wetland pond; 2) to compare the pH values within and across the monitoring sites; and 3) determine the geospatial variability of the recorded values by site location using comparative analyses.

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Results and Discussion

Conclusions In conclusion, the most important points gathered from this research project included: 1) lowest average soil pH was recorded at North site during 50% (2/4 weeks) of monitoring period followed by 25% each at East and South sites; 2) highest average soil pH was recorded at each of South and West sites during 50% (2/4 weeks) of monitoring period; 3) lowest average water pH was recorded at East site during 50% of monitoring period followed by 25% each at North and South sites; 4) highest average water pH was recorded at North site during 75% (3/4 weeks) of monitoring period followed by 25% at South site; 5) statistical analyses (t-tests) indicated that average soil pH was statistically lower than average water pH during entire monitoring period using a p = 0.05; and 6) null hypothesis was rejected, because average soil pH proved to be statistically lower than average water pH in this wetland pond ecosystem in East Central Texas.

Future Studies Additional project work in the future may continue the monitoring while also collecting data from the larger watershed in order to determine the source of the alkaline materials that are influencing the water pH values in this critical ecosystem.

References

Gardiner, D.T. and R. Miller. 2008. Soils in Our Environment. 11th Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall.

Columbus, Ohio.

Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE. Soil Science Division Staff. 2017. Soil survey manual.

C. Ditzler, K. Scheffe, and H.C. Monger (eds.). USDA Handbook 18. Government Printing Office.

Washington, D.C.

Acknowledgements R&I’s Office of Undergraduate Research (OUR and Undergraduate Medical Academy, Prairie View A&M University.

Photo 1. Environmental setting of soil and water pH sampling sites on the 90-Acres property.

ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING OF SOIL AND WATER FROM THE WETLAND POND ON THE PRAIRIE VIEW A&M UNIVERSITY 90-ACRES PROPERTY Zulfa Eisa & Richard W. Griffin | College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Cooperative Agricultural Research Center Introduction The pH (reaction) is a measure of the acidity versus the alkalinity of the soil and water and determines the capacity of that medium to exchange nutrients with plants. As well as affecting the ability of plants to uptake nutrients by both chemical and biological processes, the pH also affects the diversity and species of soil microbes. The pH is measured on a scale of 0 – 14, and a pH of 7 indicates neutral conditions, a pH above 7 indicates alkaline conditions and a pH below 7 indicates acidic conditions (Gardiner and Miller, 2008).

The objectives of this research were to 1) measure the soil and water pH at four selected sites along the wetland pond; 2) to compare the pH values within and across the monitoring sites, and 3) determine the geospatial variability of the recorded values by site location using comparative analyses. The null hypothesis was that the soil and water, at each monitoring site, have the same pH values.

Materials and Methods The materials included: Oakton PCTSTestrTM5 – pH setting for this study; 150 mL Plastic Sample Cups; 500-600 mL; Deionized Water; Sharpshooter Shovel; Sharpie; Pens/ Pencils; Data Record Sheets; Stirring Rods (plastic); and Computer (Mac). The soil research project was conducted according to the following referenced methods: pH (3-point Standardization Method) – measured using standard pH buffers (4, 7, and 10) to check probe status, then following standard methodology (Schoeneberger et al., and Soil Survey Staff. 2012); (Soil Science Division Staff, 2017). Soil and water pH measurements were conducted at four selected sites along the perimeter of the wetland pond on the Prairie View A&M University 90-Acres property. Site labels were: North (N), East (E), South (S), and West (W). Soil and water pH measurements were collected once per week during a 3-week period, with a total of 3 replicates measured at each sampling location. An additional data collection occurred during March 2020.

Results and Discussion The most essential results gathered from the research project

are focused on soil and water pH values collected from sampling sites by week and during the entire monitoring period. As a summary, during weeks 1-3, the soil pH averages by site ranged from 5.14 (S) to 6.29 (W), and water pH values ranged from 7.17 (E) to 9.41 (N). During week 1, the soil pH averages by site ranged from 5.14 (S) to 6.29 (W), and water pH values ranged from 7.36 (S) to 8.41 (N). During week 2, the soil pH averages by site ranged from 5.22 (N) to 6.21 (S), and water pH values ranged from 7.17 (E) to 9.13 (N). During week 3, the soil pH averages by site ranged from 5.17 (E) to 6.23 (W), and water pH values ranged from 7.55 (E) to 9.41 (N). During week 4, the soil pH averages by site ranged from 5.96 (N) to 7.18 (S), and water pH values ranged from 6.74 (N) to 8.52 (S). As a summary, during weeks 1-4, the soil pH averages by site ranged from 5.14 (S) to 7.18 (S), and water pH values ranged from 6.74 (N) to 9.41 (N). Statistical analyses comparing the soil and water pH data using t-tests indicated that during the initial monitoring period (3 weeks), the soil pH mean (5.67) was statistically lower than the water pH mean (8.23) with a p < 0.005. During week 1, the soil pH mean (5.82) was statistically lower than the water pH mean (7.90) with a p < 0.005. During week 2, the soil pH mean (5.57) was statistically lower than the water pH mean (8.27) with a p < 0.005. During week 3, the soil pH mean (5.64) was statistically lower than the water pH mean (8.52) with a 0.01 < p < 0.005. During week 4, the soil pH mean (6.34) was statistically lower than the water pH mean (7.36) with a 0.025 < p < 0.05. As a summary, during weeks 1-4, the soil pH mean (5.84) was statistically lower than the water pH mean (8.01) with a p < 0.005.

Conclusion(s) or Summary In conclusion, the most important points gathered from this research project included: 1) the lowest average soil pH was recorded at the North site during 50% (2 weeks/ 4 weeks) of the monitoring period followed by 25% each at the East and the South sites, therefore, the soil pH was never lowest at the West site; 2) the highest average soil pH was recorded at each of the South and the West sites during 50% (2 weeks/ 4 weeks) of the monitoring period, therefore the soil pH was

never highest at either the North or the East sites; 3) the lowest average water pH was recorded at the East site during 50% of the monitoring period followed by 25% each at the North and the South sites, therefore, the water pH was never lowest at the West site; 4) the highest average water pH was recorded at each of the North site during 75% (3 weeks/ 4 weeks) of the monitoring period followed by 25% at the South site, therefore the water pH was never highest at either the East or the West sites; 5) the statistical analyses (t-tests) indicated that the average soil pH was statistically lower than the average water pH during the entire monitoring period using a p = 0.05; and 6) The null hypothesis was rejected, because the average soil pH proved to be statistically lower than the average water pH in this wetland pond ecosystem in East Central Texas.

References Gardiner, D.T., and R. Miller. 2008. Soils in Our Environment.

11th Edition. Pearson Prentice Hall. Columbus, Ohio.

Schoeneberger, P.J., D.A. Wysocki, E.C. Benham, and Soil Survey Staff. 2012. Field book for describing and sampling soils, Version 3.0. Natural Resources Conservation Service, National Soil Survey Center, Lincoln, NE. United States Department of Agriculture. 2017. Soil Survey Manual. Soil Science Division Staff. Agriculture Handbook No. 18. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC.

Zulfa Eisa is a senior, majoring in Agriculture with a concentration in Plant and Soil Sciences. Dr. Richard W. Griffin is a Professor of Agriculture with research interests in soils, soil health, ecological based agricultural production systems, and environmental quality.

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RESEARCH & INNOVATION P.O. Box 519, MS 6000 Wilhelmina Delco Bldg., Suite 120 Prairie View, TX 77446 (936) 261-1570 | www.pvamu.edu/research @PVAMUResearch

@PVAMUResearch

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#PVAMUResearch