Abstract Submitted for Presentation

Abstract for Week of Undergraduate Excellence
Sarah Malik, Dr. Murugan Anandarajan LeBow College of Business Medical Devices, IoT, and Security

According to Gartner, over 26 billion devices will be connected through the Internet of Things (IoT) and result in $1.9 trillion in global economic value-add through sales by 2020. Furthermore, 40% of IoT-related technology will be health related, more than any other category, making up $117 billion market (Baur et al., 2016). IoT is defined as a collection of identifiable things (or nodes) with the ability to communicate (send and receive commands) over wired or wireless communication medium (Thangavel, 2015). Numerous applications such as heart rate monitors and blood pressure monitors are already in use for the IoT for Medical Devices (IoMT), and poise to revolutionize the function of the healthcare industry (Ameen et al., 2010; Khanna & Misra, 2014). This interconnectivity leaves medical devices vulnerable to security breaches in the same way other networked computing systems are vulnerable and there is an increasing concern that connectivity of these medical devices will directly affect clinical care and patient safety (Williams & Woodward, 2015). Therefore, the focus of this study is to identify potential threats to IoT devices and purpose a control mechanism through the situational crime prevention theory to reduce the impact of such threats.

Ozone is recognized as a safe and powerful disinfectant in water that leaves no harmful residuals because it rapidly decays into oxygen. The current method of ozone generation is cold corona discharge, which is unfavorable because it creates harmful nitrogen oxides in air and yields low concentrations of ozone when dissolved in water, lowering operational efficiency. A possible solution to this problem is generating ozone electrochemically, which can be done by choosing electrode materials that are much more selective in oxidizing water into ozone than oxygen. Nickel- and antimony-doped tin dioxide (NATO) has proven to be an electrode material active for ozone generation; however, its current efficiency (i.e. selectivity of ozone instead of oxygen) has not exceeded 50% in literature [1] and the material has poor stability.  

Typically, NATO electrodes are synthesized as a sol-gel from a coating of metal precursors decomposed thermally in air. In this study, we electrodeposit thin films of NATO to control catalyst loading and compare the effects of synthetic routes on the ozone generation reaction. From baths containing either chloride or nitrate ions, we deposit either metallic or oxide films. With chloride ions, Sn(II) is reduced directly to Sn(0) on the substrate, and then is thermally oxidized to SnO2. With nitrate ions, reduction of nitrate ions increases local pH and causes SnO to precipitate onto the substrate. The films are characterized by X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis, and ozone selectivity is measured with spectroelectrochemistry. We observe that thermal oxidation yields higher current efficiencies than electrochemical oxidation. Annealing time does not affect ozone current efficiency, but high annealing temperatures increase both SnO2 crystallinity and ozone current efficiency. Increasing the concentration of Sb and Ni in the electrodeposition bath increases both the amount of dopant present and the ozone current efficiency.  This electrodeposited NATO synthesis method has yet to be optimized, but achieves ozone current efficiencies of 35-45%, comparable to the sol-gel method. Efforts to relate the structural and material properties of NATO to ozone selectivity and activity are ongoing.

Sources: [1]. Christensen, P. A. “Room Temperature, Electrochemical Generation of Ozone with 50% Current Efficiency in 0.5M Sulfuric Acid at Cell Voltages < 3V.” Ozone: Science and Engineering, no. 31, 2009, pp. 287–293., doi:10.1080/01919510903039309.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the theory and development of computer systems able to perform
tasks that normally require human intelligence. In previous AI research, there has been little
success in creating biologically plausible models that mimic naturally intelligent behavior. This
research focuses on understanding how learning works through decision making and also
finding a practical application of emulating learning. The model developed is an adaptive finite
state automaton with probabilistic outputs. Through a series of experiments, we are determining
if the model presents key properties psychologists find in nature through classical and operant
conditioning. The objectives of this research are to reproduce past results to corroborate the
validity of the model, illustrate natural intelligence, and portray a biologically accurate structure.
This investigation will be accomplished through simulating 100 trials of each experiment to
compare the results to data found in nature. In the end, the results were positive and showed
that this model is a compelling candidate for mirroring low level natural intelligence and clearly
demonstrates many properties of conditioning studied by psychologists.

Week of Undergraduate Excellence 2019
Oral Presentation (10 min talk + 5 min questions)
May 22, 2019

Evolution of Biomimetic Proteoglycans—From Molecular Synthesis to Tissue Engineering Scaffold:
Proteoglycans (PGs) found within the body are responsible for encouraging cell growth, organizing the extracellular matrix (ECM) of tissues, influencing collagen fibrillogenesis, and regulating skin tensile strength. These macromolecules are composed of protein cores with attached glycosaminoglycan (GAG) chains. With aging, enzymes responsible for breaking down PGs become more active, reducing the overall concentration of PGs in the body. Therapy designed to increase the concentration of PGs in the body is challenging because natural PGs introduced into the body are still susceptible to enzymatic degradation. Biomimetic proteoglycans (BPGs) can be created using an enzymatically resistant polyacrylic acid (PAA) core with covalently attached natural chondroitin sulfate (CS) bristles that mimic the three dimensional bottlebrush architecture and hydrating properties of natural PGs. BPGs with PAA cores of varied molecular weight have been synthesized (PAA10kDa-CS, PAA250kDa-CS) and their distinct properties can influence their future applications. This research aims to explore the implementation of BPGs in tissue engineering scaffolds. When dissolved in solution, BPGs demonstrate viscoelastic properties which require rheometric analysis in order to characterize. Rheometric analysis of gel-like samples prepared using BPGs, water, and potential cross-linking agents provides a foundation for future tissue engineering applications, where mechanical properties, flow behavior, and cytocompatibility will be evaluated.  

SEA PHAGES Symposium, June 2016 
Poster Presentation

Characteristics of Mycobacteriophage “Phage Phord”
Phage Phord was isolated form the garden patch behind Peck Alumni Center at Drexel University. The plaque size formed by Phord was of 2mm in diameter.  The plaque formed by Phord were circular, clear and uniform. Phord was moderately aggressive. HTL Titer of Phord was 𝟔 × 〖𝟏𝟎〗^𝟏𝟎pfu/ml. The concentration of DNA isolated from the Phord was 128.7 ng/ml. The tail length of Phord was found to be 482.72 nm which is quite long. The capsid of Phord is circular in shape with diameter of 119 nm.

Epigenetics is essentially studying the mechanisms that turn genes on and off without actually altering the gene sequence. Neurodegeneration encompasses the loss of structure and function of neurons and eventual neuronal cell death. Currently the most common type of neurodegenerative disease is Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Neuronal damage and associated gene misregulation have strong effects on cognitive function. To maintain proper cognitive functions epigenetic modifiers such as histone acetyltransferases (HATs) play a significant role. We have shown that disruption of Tip60 histone acetlytransferase (HAT)/histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) homeostasis occurs early in the brain of an AD drosophila model and triggers epigenetic repression of neuroplasticity genes. We have demonstrated that increasing Tip60 HAT restores the HAT/HDAC2 balance and reverses neuroepigenetic alterations and reinstates brain morphology and cognition. We have suggested that Tip60 HAT/HDAC2-mediated epigenetic gene disruption is a critical initial step in AD that is reversed by restoring Tip60 activity in the brain.

Oral Presentation at Maryanoff Freshman Summer Research Symposium, Drexel University, October 5th 2017

"Anisyl Sulfanyl Methyl IsoCyanide (ASMIC): Rapid construction of Heterocyclic Scaffolds" by Maanasa Natrajan - Advisor, Dr. Fraser Fleming

 We have recently developed a versatile isocyanide core, termed Anisyl Sulfanyl Methyl IsoCyanide (ASMIC), that allows for the formation of stable secondary carbanions upon deprotonation. Application of ASMIC to the synthesis of a broad spectrum of heterocycles has been realized through our preliminary investigations. Introduction of different electrophiles such as nitriles, ketones, and esters leads to the rapid formation of imidazole, oxazoline and oxazole containing scaffolds. In-situ trapping readily gives the N- protected analogs. These scaffolds also present several points for further modification via deprotonation/alkylations, exchange and coupling reactions. The anisyl sulfanyl group incorporates orthogonality to the scaffold by providing both nucleophilic and electrophilic behavior based on the type of applied modification.This method will be further explored for the rapid construction of other heterocyclic scaffolds such as imidazopyridines and thioimidazole pyridines.

The New Jersey Pine Barrens is a globally rare ecosystem where anuran populations are well adapted to the natural characteristics of the environment (i.e. frequent wildfires, acidic waters, nutrient poor soils). In recent decades, however, there has been an unprecedented decline in global amphibian abundance and biodiversity.  Numerous studies have linked these declines to various anthropogenic forces, especially habitat alteration, fragmentation, and destruction.  Past studies have established that hydroperiod is a key component of anuran community structure.  The hydroperiod of intermittent ponds is naturally variable, but anthropogenic activities and climate change both have the potential to permanently alter pond hydroperiods, with serious consequences for their associated communities.  We collected data on phenology, hydroperiod, and species richness for 20 ponds located in Burlington County in the New Jersey Pine Barrens. We used local precipitation data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in conjunction with water table data for the locally unconfined Kirkwood-Cohansey aquifer to model changes to hydroperiod that assumed more variable and intense precipitation events, greater water table drawdown and longer periods of drought. Using these models, we then examined the potential impact of these changes on local anuran communities. Understanding the past, present, and future relationship between local hydrologic cycle/waterbody hydroperiod and species richness will be imperative for the long-term conservation of anurans at the community level.

Effects of MAF1 Repression on Cell Viability
Cell growth and function are limited by nutrient availability.  The Maf1 protein is an important regulator of RNA polymerase III (Pol III) that integrates nutrient availability with Pol III activity.  When dephosphorylated, the Maf1 protein binds to Pol III, preventing expression of tRNA genes.  Excess levels of tRNA have been associated with tumors (Orioli et al., 2016).  Here, we hypothesized that MAF1 is essential for cell survival and that knockout of MAF1 would destabilize the cell.  Using an shRNA approach, we targeted MAF1 function.  Following Maf1 knockdown, we observed an increase in mitochondria membrane potential and in reactive oxygen species, both of which suggests an increase in cell instability.  Interestingly, when these mitochondria were visualized using a green florescence protein directed to the mitochondria, we noted what appeared to be “ghost cells” in which mitochondria appeared disrupted.  In summary, we demonstrated that knocking out MAF1 results in abnormal mitochondria activity and cell instability.  

Orioli A., Praz V., Lhôte P., Hernandex N. (2016).  Human MAF1 targets and represses active RNA polymerase III genes by preventing recruitment rather than inducing long-term transcriptional arrest. Genome Research 26: 624-635.

In 1991, the fall of the Soviet Union sent a shockwave through Eurasia, one whose remains can still be seen today. States reacted in various ways to the transition; while some clung to the Moscow center, others attempted to define themselves separate from their Soviet past. Ukraine is unique in its reaction to its post-1991 sovereignty; it has attempted to shift away from its historical Eurasian identification towards establishing relations with the European Union and other major players in the Western world.Ukraine has utilized nation-building efforts through the promotion of titular language policy to secure this transition. Since 1989, the country has adopted various laws promoting the use of Ukrainian in the educational, state, and other public spheres. It has asserted that the promotion of Ukrainian, the only official state language, is necessary to develop the spiritual creative forces of the Ukrainian people and to guarantee the state's future sovereign success. These efforts, however, have only been partially successful. While more than three quarters of the population in Western Ukraine reported using primarily Ukrainian in conversation, nearly half of the population in Kyiv, in Central Ukraine, admitted to using primarily Russian at home, and more than 80 percent of the population in Eastern Ukraine reported using primarily Russian language.I argue that the nation-building efforts in Ukraine through titular language policy have only been partially successful due to Russia's exertion of soft power, which has resonated much with the Eastern and Southern parts of the state and, to a lesser extent, Central Ukraine. This soft power has established a Russophone identity among both ethnic Russians and ethnic Ukrainians that clashes with the concept of a Ukrainian identity as promoted by the state through titular-language policies. This indicates that external factors, such as foreign soft power, can play a critical role in identity development. 

Due to the switch from Drexel webmail to Office 365, I can't seem to find the email which I responded to with my abstract. In essence I recall speaking about the many applications of computational modeling, specifically as I used it to test a novel application of a seat belt pretensioner in a child restraint system (CRS). As can be seen in the presentation I also covered my work in developing a surrogate CRS volume with the purpose of informing both vehicle and seat manufacturers of the geometries both products would need to accommodate.