2021 Undergraduate Research Exposition

University of Rochester / Office of Undergraduate Research

The Undergraduate Research Exposition is a College-wide event in which University of Rochester students at all levels and in all areas of study are invited to present their investigative and creative work. The Expo reflects the passion for learning that enlivens the University, professors and students alike, and that finds expression in varied forms, in every area of study.

More info: https://www.rochester.edu/college/ugresearch/events/expo.html

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Show Posters: with Video Chat with Recorded Presentation

Tracks

Eli Kosson

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Chemical Engineering

Keywords

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Tibiofemoral Articular Cartilage and Meniscal Segmentations from MR Images

Kate E. Lindsey (1), Sofia L. Guarnieri (1), Erin C. Argentieri (2), Amy L. Lerner (1)

Abstract

Hello, my name is Kate and in addition to all the cool research I do, I am also a member of the UofR women's lacrosse team and unfortunately, my team and I are traveling to Ithaca, NY right now on a bus to play Ithaca College. Feel free to join my zoom link and ask questions, but I am unsure how my connection will be on the road, so if my camera is off or my audio is cutting out, we can discuss my poster via the zoom chat feature! __________________________________________________________________

Abstract: Patient-specific finite element models constructed from segmentations of MR Images allow for better understanding of the contact mechanics and geometries of the knee’s anatomy. Unfortunately, the process of segmenting components of the model is time consuming, thus limiting the number of FE models possible. This study is focused on establishing a robust workflow such that precise segmentations of MR Images of the tibiofemoral joint can be efficiently made. The goal is to have precise enough segmentations to be able to detect deformations of the meniscus and articular cartilage during 1⁄2 body weight axial loading. The segmenting methodology is described including the quality checks implemented before reviewing with a radiology and imaging expert to finalize the segmentations to be handed over to the FE modeling team.

Presented by

Kate Lindsey

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Engineering (1) ; Hospital for Special Surgery (2)

Keywords

MR Imaging, Segmentation, FE Model, Finite Element Model, Biomechanics, Knee, Tibiofemoral Joint, Biomedical Engineering

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Available April 16th 12-1pm EST

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Decoding “Cocktail Party” Attention using Brain Responses to Relative Pitch

Kexin Li, Kevin D Prinsloo, Edmund C Lalor

Abstract

Speech is of paramount importance to human communication. As a representation of phonemic and syllabic transitions, the speech envelope has been widely investigated and shown to have predictive power in cocktail party problems, where one chooses to attend to only one stream of speech in a noisy environment. However, prosodic measures and specifically relative pitch, i.e. the emphasis the speaker places on a sentence, conveys additional information that is not captured by the speech envelope. This project aims to find if relative pitch of human speech can also be decoded to predict human attention. A backward decoding model was developed to predict relative pitch measures of the stimuli using electroencephalogram (EEG) data. It was found that the trained model was in general much better at predicting relative pitch of the attended stimulus than predicting the unattended one, and the right frontal lobe of the brain was most active performing relevant tasks. The result shows that not only what we say, but also how we say it, conveys meaning and encodes information in our brain. It also sheds light on the potential of improving the prediction accuracy of our model by incorporating speech envelope and relative pitch measures, and possibly other speech features.

Presented by

Kexin Li

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Keywords

Speech, EEG, cocktail party, attention, relative pitch

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A high-throughput assay for identification and isolation of virus-neutralizing monoclonal plasma cell

Khoa Hoang, Lindsay Piraino, Jonathan Rebhahn, Lisa Delouise

Abstract

Virus neutralizing antibodies can be used as passive immunization to reduce infection load. During the COVID-19 pandemics, it has been widely used and demonstrated to reduce viral loads of infected patients. Besides neutralizing antibody discovery and production methods such as phage display and humanized antibodies, neutralizing antibodies could be obtained from plasma cells of patients early after infection. An efficient method for identification and isolation of virus-neutralizing monoclonal plasma cell is needed to facilitate this process. Current experiments in our lab has shown the efficacy of a high-thoughput assay for neutralizing plasma cell screening based on Microbubble technology. We have shown that the current assay can achieve specificity of more than 95% in neutralizing Vaccinia infection as a proof of principle. The application of deep learning in image analysis yields high precision and data-rich assays outputs.

Presented by

Khoa Hoang <khoang2@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

Department of Biology, University of Rochester; Goergen Institute for Data Science, University of Rochester; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, URMC

Keywords

Virus Neutralization Assay, Image Analysis

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MR Image-Based Characterization of Medial and Lateral Meniscal Geometries for Patient-Specific Finite Element Modeling

Madison Lang, Kathryn Colone, Kate Lindsey, Sofia Guarnieri, Amy L. Lerner

Abstract

The menisci are essential in reducing contact forces on the tibial articular cartilage within the knee joint. Partial meniscectomy (PM) is a surgical treatment for meniscal tears, but may reduce the effectiveness of the menisci in dissipating compressive stresses, leading to increased contact forces on the tibial cartilage and a greater risk of developing osteoarthritis. By investigating meniscal geometry relationships, our study aims to help recover the intact meniscal footprint, which may be used to map regional material property variations across the tibial cartilages in patient-specific finite element (FE) models of the tibiofemoral joint. Our main objectives were to (1) perform MR Image-based meniscal measurements, (2) assess the interobserver reproducibility and intraobserver repeatability of these measurements, and (3) identify a systematic approach to make predictions of the intact meniscal geometry. Two independent observers performed independent MR image-based measurements on 20 subjects to characterize six key geometries for both the medial and lateral menisci. Intraclass correlation coefficient and root mean square difference results showed strong interobserver reproducibility and intraobserver repeatability in measuring meniscal dimensions. While linear regression analysis indicated insignificant relationships between many of the meniscal geometries relative to the tibial plateau width, there were significant intrameniscal relationships relative to the midbody widths on both the medial and lateral sides. These results suggest that the midbody width geometry could potentially serve as a predictor for estimating other meniscal geometries and approximating the meniscal footprint; however, subject-specific FE modeling may be necessary.

Presented by

Madison Lang, Kathryn Colone <mlang7@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Keywords

biomechanics, orthopedics, osteoarthritis, biomedical engineering, engineering, MR Imaging

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Available April 16th, 12-1 pm

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Computational Model for Epithelial Cell Reintegration

Mimi Jüng1, Christian Cammarota2, Nicole Dawney3, Dan Bergstralh2,3

Abstract

The tightly-packed organization of component cells is critical to the function of epithelial tissues. As these tissues develop and densify, the addition of new cells can present a challenge to tissue organization; mitotic cells typically change shape and increase in size before dividing, causing them to crowd and potentially displace their neighbors. One way for a cell to alleviate crowding is to move apically to divide. After protruding from the layer and dividing, the daughter cells can reincorporate basally into the parental layer through an adhesion-based process called reintegration. In the Drosophila follicular epithelium, reintegration failure causes tissue disruption. I hypothesize that reintegration is a passive process that emerges from the physical properties of cells. An alternative possibility is that cells play an active role in reintegration, potentially through migratory or contractile behavior. We are developing a computational model, composed of polygonal cells in the XZ plane which simulate passive cell-cell and cell-substrate interactions, to distinguish between these hypotheses.

Presented by

Mimi Jung <mjung8@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

Departments of 1Biomedical Engineering, 2Physics, and 3Biology, University of Rochester, NY, USA

Keywords

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Available April 16, 12-1pm EST

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LungMAP Project: Characterizing Airway Development in Children’s Lungs

Phuong Le, Cory Poole, Gloria Pryhuber, Thomas Mariani, Timothy M. Baran

Abstract

The LungMap project is a national research project which seeks to create a molecular, genetic, and imaging database of the developing lung. At the University of Rochester, donors’ lungs are imaged post-mortem with computed tomography (CT). Through further data processing using the software Amira, each of the CT scans is segmented into a 3D structure in order to illustrate the lungs’ airway structure. Useful data about the bronchiole tree, such as the mean radius and mean length of each bronchus/bronchiole, is collected from this software. The current goal of the project is to perform statistical analyses on the bronchiole tree data for subjects with no known lung disease, in order to understand variability between and within age groups. In the long-term, the project aims to analyze the lung data to understand its relationship with genetic factors and comorbidities.

Presented by

Phuong Le

Institution

Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester; Department of Imaging Sciences, Pediatrics-Division of Neonatology, University of Rochester Medical Center

Keywords

bronchi, bronchiole, neonatal, branch length and radius, LungMAP

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Available April 16th 12pm - 1pm

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Automatic bone-based femoral coordinate system based on MR images

Sofia Guarnieri, Kate Lindsey, Erin Argentieri, Amy Lerner

Abstract

Bone-based coordinate systems allow researchers to make accurate measurement comparisons across subjects and within subjects across different scans. Previous coordinate systems have used a large portion of the bone, which may not always be available or used manual segmentations that introduce human error. In addition, the anatomic meaning of theses coordinate systems is unclear. The purpose of this study was to develop an automatic bone-based femoral coordinate system for use in shorter bones segments and to evaluate the amount of bone that is optimal to create a consistent coordinate system. A coordinate system was developed using two iterations of calculating the axis of the diaphysis and using a cylinder fit to the condyles. The evaluation of this coordinate system showed that at least 2.5% of the bone should be used in order for the coordinate system to be consistent. The SI axis pointed medially and anteriorly compared to the mechanical axis of the femur for all subjects. Understanding how CS’s vary for different amounts of bone used could guide decision in imaging on field of view to ensure the same percent of the bone is being captured regardless of the patient’s height. Using an automatic method also reduces human error and improves overall efficiency.

Presented by

Sofia Guarnieri

Institution

University of Rochester, Biomedical Engineering Department; Hospital for Special Surgery, Radiology and Imaging

Keywords

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Available April 16th 12-1pm

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Markerless Motion Tracking for Human Subjects using Open Source Deep Learning Software

William T. Phillips, John F. Drazan, Todd J. Hullfish, Josh R. Baxter

Morgan Farrow, Anh-Tho Antoinette Thi Nguyen

Abstract

Our research examines disagreement in the Writing Center, which is under the UR Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program (WSAP), through discussions of “othering,” racial and gender differences, and identity politics. We conducted a qualitative survey of University of Rochester Writing Fellows and Consultants about their experiences handling specific conflicts in the writing center. In addition to this survey, our research draws on published texts from a variety of writing journals. The results of our research were conclusive in supporting our hypothesis that disagreement within tutoring sessions in the University of Rochester Writing Center is prevalent and should be addressed by tutors. We found that addressing these findings in tutor training courses would be beneficial for tutors to both understand and better prepare for such scenarios. Finally, we garnered that disseminating the results to the greater academic community would stimulate discussion and open dialogue about issues surrounding race, gender, and class in writing centers.

Presented by

Morgan Farrow, Anh-Tho Antoinette Thi Nguyen

Institution

University of Rochester, Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program

Keywords

Writing, Identity, Disagreement

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Abstract

A major form of treatment that has been shown effective for chronic lymphocytic leukemia is the use of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy, which is used to clear tumor cells. This treatment is a way to take advantage of antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis, ADCP. Along with this treatment, time-lapsed videos of macrophages were taken to track phagocytic events that are occurring. In these videos, there were tissue culture TAMRA-dyed macrophage cells engulfing mAb-coated target cells, which produced visual “voids” in the dye-labeled macrophages during engulfment. The target cells were labeled with a pH sensitive Cypher5 dye. Using a Seg2Tracks program, created by Joshua Zent of Ohio State University, in Fiji, which is the ImageJ processing software bundled with imaging plugins, time-lapsed videos were used to annotate macrophage and voids manually to provide the “ground truth” dataset to create and validate an automatic annotating system. In a previous project, overlays of the macrophages were annotated and analyzed. In this project, the macrophage overlays on the TAMRA channel were taken independently and manually annotated for voids. As the voids were tracked, analysis was done to measure the change in area over time, the change in integrated density over time, and the persistence length of the voids during the phagocytic process. In addition to this, while looking at the Cypher5 channel, the voids were observed and noted for the change in integrated density, a measurement of area x mean gray value, which was seen to relatively increase throughout the absorption process within the macrophages. This would mean to show a decrease in pH due to the processing of phagocytic events. A future goal for this project would be to be able to automatically track the void progress through phagocytosis.

Presented by

Clare Heffernan

Institution

Unversity of Rochester, Wilmot Cancer Center

Keywords

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Positive Allosteric Modulation of the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor After Controlled Cortical Impact

Dinesh K. Sangadi, Akhila Sangadi, Orlando Martinez, David J. Titus, Timothy Johnston, Derk Hogenkamp, Kelvin W. Gee and Coleen M. Atkins

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) results in several pathological changes within the hippocampus resulting in adverse effects on learning and memory. Therapeutic strategies to enhance learning and memory after TBI are still in the early stages of clinical development. One strategy is to target the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), which is highly expressed in the hippocampus and contributes to formation of long-term memory. Positive allosteric modulation of this receptor using the drug AVL-3288 has been shown to increase attention and memory in rodents and has been tested extensively in clinical trials with human subjects. To determine if AVL-3288 improves outcome after TBI through the α7 nAChR specifically, we utilized Chrna7 knockout mice and compared their recovery to wildtype mice treated with AVL-3288. We hypothesized that AVL-3288 treatment would not improve learning and memory in Chrna7-/- mice after injury. To test this hypothesis, adult male C57BL/6 wildtype and Chrna7-/- mice received sham surgery or moderate controlled cortical impact (CCI) and were allowed to recover for 3 months. Mice were then treated with vehicle or AVL-3288 at 30 min prior to contextual fear conditioning. Treatment of wildtype mice after CCI with AVL-3288 significantly improved contextual fear conditioning, whereas no beneficial effects were observed in Chrna7-/- mice. Cortical and hippocampal atrophy were not improved with AVL-3288 treatment in either wildtype mice or Chrna7-/- mice. Thus, our results indicate that AVL-3288 improves cognition during the chronic recovery phase of TBI through modulation of α7 nAChR.

Presented by

Dinesh Sangadi <dsangadi@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

Department of Neurological Surgery, The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL

Keywords

α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, Chrna7, controlled cortical impact, hippocampus, learning and memory, traumatic brain injury

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Available April 16th, 12-1 PM EST

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Metabolomics Studies Reveal Altered Gut Metabolites in Metabolic Syndrome Mice that Disrupt Pparg Gene Expression

Eduardo Peralta-Herrera and Eliseo F. Castillo

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugar, abdominal obesity, and abnormal cholesterol levels that increases an individual’s risk to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. MetS affects about one-third of the US population and one-fourth of the world population. Currently, there are no medications to treat MetS, so identifying contributing etiological factors for future therapeutic targets is critical. The goal of this study was to determine the functional role of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in MetS. Therefore, we examined the GI tract of healthy controls (C57BL/6J) to mice with MetS (MS Nash). MS Nash mice were obese, had more peritoneal fat, fatty livers, and longer colons. Further examination of the MS Nash colon revealed decreased Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (Pparg) gene expression, a major gene that maintains intestinal homeostasis through fatty acid oxidation (FAO), maintenance of the microbiota and dampening of inflammatory pathways. Metabolomic analysis of colonic samples revealed significant differences in concentrations of metabolites allantoin and phosphorylcholine, which can be produced by bacterial species in the phylum Firmicutes and are upstream of PPARγ, to be decreased in MS Nash mice. Additionally, we found propionic acid, a short chain fatty acid and its precursor threonine, that are involved FAO also decreased in MS Nash mice. Overall, our results show factors (e.g. PPARγ, FAO metabolites) that are crucial for intestinal homeostasis are dysregulated in MetS mice suggesting a dysfunctional GI tract may be a contributing etiological factor in MetS.

Presented by

Eduardo Peralta-Herrera

Institution

University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine

Keywords

Metabolic Syndrome, Gut Microbiota, Metabolomics, Pparg

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Available April 16th, 12-1pm EST

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Collagen:Fibronectin Interaction Inhibitor Regulates Angiogenesis

Elizabeth L. Rath, Feyone La, Ryan Hasselkus MS, Angela Glading Ph.D.

Abstract

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, is a crucial part of development and wound healing. Abnormal angiogenesis is present in various diseases, and is accompanied by an increase in the levels of the cellular fibronectin, an extracellular matrix protein. The overexpression of cellular fibronectin results in the up-regulation of collagen I deposition allowing for disease progression, a process that requires binding of fibronectin and collagen. Angiogenesis is also required for tumor growth, and the increase in collagen deposition due to overexpression of fibronectin can promote the growth of tumor cells. We hypothesized that the interaction between fibronectin and collagen could regulate angiogenesis. We therefore tested the ability of R1R2, a peptide inhibitor of the collagen:fibronectin interaction for its ability to block angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, as well as explored its effect on pro-angiogenic signaling in endothelial cells.

Presented by

Elizabeth L. Rath <erath@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology

Keywords

Angiogenesis, Collagen, Fibronectin, ECM

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Available April 16th, 12:00pm-1:00pm

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Utilizing Signs of Altered Immunity to Develop a Theoretical Diagnostic for Endometriosis

Emily Laskey, Emily Schiller, Linh Hoang, Hanwen Gu, Lynn Sidor, Roger White, Anne Meyer, Nancy Chen

Abstract

Endometriosis is a chronic disease that affects more than 200 million women of reproductive age worldwide. Endometriosis is characterized by the aberrant growth of endometrial-like tissue outside of the uterine cavity, resulting in severe symptoms such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and infertility. There are currently no diagnostic methods available for endometriosis except for exploratory laparoscopic surgery – an expensive procedure which is only available to a subset of patients suffering from this condition. This project aims to identify signs of altered immunity in endometrial tissue to theorize a novel, noninvasive diagnostic using an in-depth literature review and modeling approaches. Six promising immune biomarkers were identified through a survey of current literature that had high predictive power of diagnosis for endometriosis in combination. Furthermore, a hypothetical immunoassay was developed to inform future researchers on possible applications of these biomarkers to create a lower cost, more accessible diagnostics for this condition. All results were supported by modeling analysis.

Presented by

Emily Laskey

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

Immunity, Endometriosis, Theoretical Design, Modeling, Diagnostic

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The Interaction between Dlg and GPSM2/Pins: an evolutionary perspective

Emily Schiller & Dan T. Bergstralh

Abstract

The spindle orientation complex is a conserved set of proteins that orient metaphase spindles. This complex is important in animal development as the orientation of cell division contributes to tissue shape and determines cell fate. In Bilaterian animals, the complex component GPSM2 (G-protein signaling modulator) is thought to interact directly with Dlg (Discs large) in a manner dependent on GPSM2 phosphorylation at the linker region. The functional consequence of this interaction is unclear. I am using an evolutionary approach to address this problem. Using next generation bioinformatic techniques, I have identified the amino acid sequences of GPSM2 and Dlg in Cnidarians, Placozoans, and Porifera, basal animals outside the Bilaterian clade. I show that a functional GPSM2 linker arose in cnidarians demonstrating that the interaction between GPSM2 and Dlg appeared in this phylum. Interestingly, neurons also originated in Cnidaria and spindle orientation is necessary for proper development of neural, but not all epithelial, tissue. Additionally, I show that Dlg diverged in organisms with unique requirements for spindle orientation including C. elegans and the syncytial sponge O. minuta. This work is revealing the evolutionary history of the GPSM2/Dlg interaction and suggesting new possibilities for its importance in spindle orientation during epithelial and neural tissue development.

Presented by

Emily Schiller

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biology

Keywords

spindle orientation, bioinformatics, Dlg, GPSM2, Pins, sequence alignment, evolution, bilateria, cnidaria, placozoa, porifera

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Available April 16th 12pm-1pm

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Presented by

Joel Reiter <jreiter2@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biology

Keywords

Genomics, Evo Devo, aphid, polymorphism, sexual selection

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Toni Hahn*, Clare Heffernan, Vu Bui, Joshua Zent, and Charles C. Chu

Abstract

To better understand some of the underlying mechanisms behind antibody therapies and their effects in cancers and autoimmune diseases, we are working to develop an “automatic” computer program capable of tracking phagocytosis. We prepared and annotated live cell video images through microscopy that we used to detect, quantitate, and track phagocytic events using ImageJ, a Java-based image processing system. We established “ground truth” datasets via student annotations that were used to troubleshoot software and track phagocytic events. Ground Truth data obtained from multiple lab assistants was then compared to data collected from an “automatic” tracking program to determine the program’s accuracy. This was completed over hundreds of frames of cropped video. Based on our results, we concluded that the current program’s identification method was not highly accurate in following macrophages across periods of time; however, we are currently working to obtain more data for comparison via larger image files and to improve our program to increase accuracy.

Presented by

Toni Hahn <thahn4@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

University of Rochester, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center

Keywords

CLL, phagocytosis, technology, mAb therapy

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USING MACHINE LEARNING TO IDENTIFY ASTROPHYSICAL TRANSIENTS IN THE DESI SURVEY

Vashisth Tiwari, Amanda Wasserman, Segev BenZvi

Abstract

During the next five years, the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) will carry out a massive redshift survey of 35 million galaxies and quasars, mapping the large scale structure of the universe out to a redshift of 3. During the DESI survey we expect to nd galaxies that host bright transients such as supernovae, tidal disruption events (TDEs), and compact binary mergers. The identication of transients is important not only to ensure correct estimates of the host redshifts but also because it provides an opportunity to obtain serendipitous spectra of the transients themselves. Spectroscopic classification is the "gold standard" in the categorization of transients, making these discoveries invaluable when combined with data from large photometric surveys.

We have developed machine learning tools to identify and classify transients in galaxy spectra. In this contribution, we describe these tools, characterize their performance using simulated spectra, and estimate the sensitivity of DESI to transients important for both astrophysics and cosmology.

Presented by

Vashisth Tiwari

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

Machine Learning, Astrophysics, Dark Energy, Physics and Astronomy

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Available April 16 12-1 pm

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Toll-Like Receptors and Viral Persistence in Xenopus laevis

Vignya Dontu, Francisco De Jesus Andino, and Jacques Robert PhD

Abstract

Previous research with Xenopus laevis adult frogs revealed an unexpected association between the stimulation of toll-like receptor 5 (TLR 5), recognizing bacterial flagellin, and a resurgence in quiescent infection by the ranavirus frog virus 3 (FV3) persisting in asymptomatic frogs, leading to systemic, often lethal, infection. In contrast, TLRs 7 and 22, that both detect RNAs from pathogens, did not play critical roles in reactivation of infection in asymptomatic FV3 carriers. This raised the question as to whether these TLRs that are usually involved in host antiviral responses are involved during the primary FV3 infection. To determine whether TLR7 and TLR 22 participate in early X. laevis host response against FV3, we monitored their gene expression response in different tissues of adult frogs following infection with wild type FV3 and different recombinant FV3 deficient for putative immune evasion genes. It was hypothesized that the frogs infected with FV3 KO (∆64R- or ∆18K- FV3) strains would show higher expression of TLR 7 and 22 compared to the frogs infected with the WT-FV3 or mock infected with APBS. The data from this study indicates a rapid and significant increase of TLR 22 transcripts upon FV3 infection, but not TLR 7. Furthermore, we found that viral loads and macrophage recruitment at the site of infection was higher in the frogs infected with the WT strain compared to the recombinant KO FV3 strains. However, no other significant differences in gene expression response of immune or TLR genes were detected among the groups.

Presented by

Vignya Dontu <vdontu@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology

Keywords

Toll Like Receptors, Virology

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Manganese Promoted Oxidative Radical Addition Reactions

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a depressive disorder found in roughly 10-20% of moms following childbirth categorized by symptoms of depressed mood, loss of pleasure in activities, appetite disturbance, loss of energy, suicidal thoughts, diminshied concentration, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt. While there is much prior research documenting the effects of PPD on child cognitive development and temperament, few studies have looked at the effects of the disorder on child physical development and growth. The Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) cohort study in Rochester, NY has enrolled 326 pregnant women in their first trimester and followed 294 subsequent term-birth children, with continued follow-up through age 4. For this research project, we explore socioeconmic risk factors for PPD and their effects on infant growth and PPD prevalence within the UPSIDE ECHO cohort. For analysis, participants were grouped as “No PPD” and “PPD Suggestive” according to self-reported Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Survey (EPDS) scores at one month postpartum, and child growth was measured by weight-for-length z-scores calculated from applying WHO growth standards to measurements taken at six months postpartum. Based on the bivariate analyses of EPDS scores and infant weight-for-length compared to various PPD risk factors, there were no significant associations. Additionally, ANOVA testing showed no significant difference in the mean for weight-for-length z-scores between “PPD Suggestive” and “No PPD” groups. Although we had no significant associations when modeling EPDS as a continuous outcome (could be due to many overlapping variance between our exposure variables), we made a number of interesting observations when using the recommended EPDS cutoff of 13 for PPD: compared to those with a college degree, those without a college degree in the UPSIDE study had a 194% increase in odds of being "PPD suggestive"; compared to married women, single women in the UPSIDE study have a 44% increase in odds of being PPD suggestive. Compared to non-Hispanic women, Hispanic women in the study had a 127% increase in odds of being PPD suggestive. We had a relatively small sample, so it would be interesting to look at this again with multiple cutoff points in future research to prevent data loss. Among all PPD risk factors, marital status had the strongest positive association with EPDS scores and infant weight-for-length when considering both individual and adjusted linear models. While this result was not statistically significant, it would be interesting to examine this variable more closely in future research in different models containing less overlapping variance

Presented by

Juan Ramon Feliciano

Institution

University of Rochester Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry

Keywords

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Online Distraction at Work as a Moderator of the Relations of Need Thwarting to Subjective Vitality and Work Engagement

Kayla Zilke and Dr. Christopher Niemiec

Abstract

Using self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2017) we explored the moderating effect of online distraction in the workplace on some of the negative effects need thwarting. Through self-reports of work engagement, vitality, basic psychological need satisfaction, need frustration, and need thwarting, the following hypotheses were tested in a sample of 242 individuals: basic psychological need thwarting and frustration in the workplace is negatively associated with work engagement and vitality (Hypothesis 1), while need satisfaction is positively correlated with them (Hypothesis 2). Need thwarting and frustration are in turn associated with greater involvement with online distractions, such as social media use (Hypothesis 3). Finally, engagement in online distractions buffers the adverse effects of need thwarting on subjective vitality and work engagement (Hypothesis 4). In line with Hypothesis 1, need thwarting and frustration were both negatively correlated with work engagement and vitality. Structural equation modeling revealed that need frustration and thwarting were positively correlated with online distractions. Finally, a moderation analysis showed a small buffering effect of online distractions on the negative effects of need thwarting, namely vitality and engagement, in line with Hypothesis 4. Understanding the relations among online distraction, need thwarting, need frustration, need satisfaction, subjective vitality, and work engagement helps to identify behaviors employees can engage in to improve, however slightly, their psychological work environment.

Presented by

Kayla Zilke

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

Psychology, work, SDT, online distraction, employee engagement

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Effects of Prenatal Stress on Cytokine Levels and Placental Vascularization

Lejla Sose

Abstract

Stress has been associated with increased pro-inflammatory and decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, which have been shown in previous research to negatively affect pregnancy and child development. Additionally, pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to negatively impact placental vascularization which has been associated with poor peri- and post-natal outcomes. In this study, I examined the relationship between stress, levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-a cytokines in the first trimester, and the placental surface area/vascularization ratio in 130 normal pregnancies within Understanding Pregnancy Signals and Infant Development (UPSIDE) cohort study in Rochester, NY. Multiple linear regression and correlation analyses showed that stress did not significantly affect the levels of cytokines or the surface area/vascularization ratio of the placenta, but several trends were observed. Cytokines alone did not significantly affect the surface area/vascularization ratio. Age, family poverty income ratio and education were significant predictors of stress scores, but not of cytokines or surface area/vascularization ratio. The results suggest that other mechanisms are at play and provide opportunities to expand the research question to include different cytokines and placental measures across trimesters.

Presented by

Lejla Sose

Institution

University of Rochester Medical Center

Keywords

Stress, Cytokines, Inflammation, Placenta, Prenatal health

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Available April 16th 2021, 12-1 pm EST

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Let’s,,, talk about it: The comma ellipsis in computer-mediated communication

Lily Steiger, Chung-Lin Martin Yang

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of the comma ellipsis (,,,) as a pause in computer-mediated communication (CMC). We hypothesize that the comma ellipsis is used to mark a shorter pause than the regular ellipsis (...) through analysis of its use and perception. Studying CMC can provide insight into the ways that language is changing and is being molded by its users especially through social media. Prior researchers (e.g., Kalman & Gergle, 2014) have investigated many CMC tools, but, to our knowledge, no published study to date has explored the comma ellipsis. This study presents participants with identical sentences containing either the comma ellipsis or the regular ellipsis to examine differences in production between the two. As internet language can lead to miscommunications between those who are familiar with its customs and those who are not, this research attempts to bridge that divide by shedding light on one rapidly growing CMC tool.

Presented by

Lily Steiger

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences

Keywords

Language, Linguistics, Computer-Mediated Communication, Internet Language, Ellipsis

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Agriculture is highly dependent on weather conditions, and previous research at the country-level suggests that poorer countries are more significantly affected by climate change than richer countries. Moreover, evidence from climate science research suggests that extreme weather events are more likely to occur and that temperature and rainfall is becoming more volatile. This will have wide-ranging and damaging effects in poorer countries as a large proportion of the population in poorer countries are dependent on the success of agriculture. By exploiting annual variation in temperature, rainfall, crop yields, and crop prices within 313 apportioned Indian districts, I test whether higher temperature and less rainfall significantly decreases the aggregate output value of 13 major crops. I find that a 1℃ deviation above the temperature trend line leads to a 27% decrease in output value within a state for a given year, indicating massive losses from large fluctuations in temperature.

Presented by

Pramod Manohar

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Economics

Keywords

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Available April 12th 12pm-1pm EST

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American Identity and Attitudes Towards COVID-19

Selin Toprakkiran, Jonathan Gordils

Abstract

Using the dual identity model, we examined wow Democrats and Republicans define the American identity, and how this might impact the relationship between identifying as an American and COVID-19 outcomes (attitudes and precautions). Data was collected shortly before, during and after the 2020 presidential election (n=1292). Results suggest that how people define what it means to be an American moderates the relationship between American identity and COVID-19 outcomes.

Presented by

Selin Toprakkiran

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

American Identity, COVID-19, Partisanship

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Neural Responses to Emotional Faces As a Mediator of the Association between Social Victimization and Psychotic-like Experiences

Shangzan Liu1, Abhishek Saxena1, Elizabeth D. Handley1,2, & David Dodell-Feder1,2

Abstract

Adolescent psychotic-like experiences (PLE) are linked to the increased likelihood of later psychopathology making it important to identify experiences that increase the risk for PLE. Both experiences of social victimization and atypical neural activity have been independently associated with PLE. However, few studies have examined the relationship between social victimization, neural activity, and PLE. This study utilizes structural equation modeling and the data from 4479 eleven- and twelve-year-old who participated in the two-year follow-up of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to examine these associations, as well as potential mediators and moderators. To this end, a latent variable representing social victimization was constructed from child-report of relational, reputational, and overt victimization, cyberbullying, and perceived discrimination. Neural responses to emotional faces during the Emotional N-Back task in brain regions of interest (ROIs) were used as neural activity. ROIs were identified by identifying brain areas involved in the neural networks that are found to be active during experiences of social victimization, exclusion, or defeat, and are implicated in psychosis, namely the default mode network (DMN) and salience network (SAN). Finally, child responses to the prodromal-questionnaire brief child-version were used to represent PLE. We found that social victimization was significantly associated with PLE, such that more social victimization was related to both the more experiences of PLE and more PLE-associated distress. Mediation analyses indicated that this association was partially mediated by DMN, but not SAN, activity to emotional faces in comparison to neutral faces. Further, mediation of the social victimization-PLE association through the DMN was specific to PLE and did not generalize to internalizing or externalizing behavior. Future work should examine whether the pathways continue to be independent in older adolescence and examine the effect of potential moderators, such as genetic risks for psychosis or social support. These results indicate that bullying and discrimination may be good targets for intervention to reduce PLE in adolescents and thus their risk for later psychopathology.

Presented by

Shangzan Liu

Institution

University of Rochester1, University of Rochester Medical Center2

Keywords

social defeat, psychosis, default mode network

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Trends in Lab-TAB Coding for Anger Frustration: 6-month and 12-month Infants by Sex

Simone Greenberg, Tom O’Connor PhD, Jessica Brunner, Jishyra Serrano

Abstract

Childhood temperament traits develop early on in childhood and form the basis for later personality and diverse coping mechanisms (Goldsmith et al., 1987). The Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (Lab-TAB) was used to evaluated infants’ responses to stimuli in a controlled laboratory setting. The arm restraint episode of Lab-TAB was used for the anger frustration measure. 6-month and 12-month infants were made excitable by a motion toy and allowed to play with the toy for a period of time. An adult restrained the infant’s arms so the infant could no longer play with the toy, and the infant’s responses were coded. The four indicators measured were latency to anger, intensity of struggle, intensity of facial anger, intensity of and vocalization. We hypothesized that there would be a significantly higher composite score amongst all indicators in males compared to females and in 12-month infants compared to 6-month infants. In a 95% confidence interval (p<0.05), there were no significant p-values for any of the indicators. Despite the insignificance of the data, there were a few potential trends distinguished that support some aspects of the existing literature. 12-month infants had a greater anger frustration response than 6-month infants. However, the results diverge from previous studies concerning sex differences. The insignificance of the data was likely due to its large variance and a small subsample size (N=31). Future studies must be conducted with a larger subsample size and adequate adjustments for confounders to verify the results.

Presented by

Simone Greenberg

Institution

University of Rochester Department of OB/GYN

Keywords

Temperament, Anger, Frustration

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Children’s Temperament and Associated Externalizing Behaviors: The Moderating Role of Family Representations

Yensy N. Sanchez, Lucia Q. Parry, Patrick T. Davies

Abstract

Presented by

Yensy Sanchez <ysanche3@u.Rochester.edu>

Institution

Department of Psychology, University of Rochester

Keywords

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Describing Community Health Worker Implementation of WORTH Transitions, an Evidence-Based Program for Justice Involved Women with Substance Use Disorders and HIV Risk

Zainab Shah, Timothy Hunt, Amali Epa-Llop, Johanna Elumn, Karen Johnson, Lisa Puglisi, Kiranpreet Sekhon, Emily Wang, Hannah Bonbrest, Rachel Chen, Helayne Drell, Thinh Le, Ashley Leung, Diane Morse

Abstract

This project establishes a sustainable partnership structure between the EcoReps Community Engagement Committee (CEC) and St. Mark’s and St. John’s Episcopal Church (SMSJ) as part of the EcoReps: Intro Leadership & Sustainability curriculum. As a result of inclusion in the course, dedicated students are introduced to community-engaged work in sustainability, food justice, and urban agriculture while working on projects that connect their skills, resources, and passions to unmet needs identified by SMSJ to improve environmental equity in the Beechwood community of Rochester, NY.

Presented by

Renee Sipos

Institution

University of Rochester, Community-Engaged Learning Capstone

Keywords

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Re-envisioning Bedside Stories: A Virtual Adaptation of the Hospital Elder Life Program for Isolated Seniors at Risk for Delirium

Rui Ting Liang, Divya Naidu

Abstract

The increased isolation of elderly patients, especially those in hospital quarantine due to COVID-19, can lead to greater risk of delirium. Delirium is a decline in mental state and results in a sudden confused state of mind and can make it more difficult for the patient to recover from illness. The restrictions put in place to limit visitors and volunteers due to the pandemic have exacerbated the isolation of patients. This project focuses on implementing virtual volunteering to increase contact with elder patients enrolled in the HELP program. Guides for volunteers will be created to support virtual engagement such as question prompts for memory recall, steps for video conferencing with patients, and exercise interventions. The effectiveness of virtual volunteer visits will be evaluated through surveys and questionnaires to the participating patients in isolation and measuring delirium rates.

Presented by

Rui Ting Liang, Divya Naidu <rliang7@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

Highland Hospital, Center for Community Engagement, University of Rochester Medical Center

Keywords

Delirium, COVID-19, Isolation, Virtual, HELP, Patient-Care, Geriatrics

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▼ Special Guest: Hajim Grand Challenges Scholars Back to top

Access to Clean Water through EZ Water

Afnan Ahmed

Abstract

Presented by

Afnan Ahmed

Institution

University of Rochester, Grand Challenges Scholars Program

Keywords

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Restoring & Improving Urban Infrastructure

Alec Jorge Tapia

Abstract

Infrastructure is the combination of fundamental systems that support a community, region, or country. Society faces the formidable challenge of modernizing the fundamental structures that will support our civilization in the centuries ahead. My poster briefly discusses how I have gained insight and experiences to address this challenge and fulfill the five competencies outlined in the Grand Challenges Program.

Presented by

Alec Tapia <alec.tapia@rochester.edu>

Institution

Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences

Keywords

Urban, Restoration, Infrastructure, Improvement, Grand Challenges

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Improving Access to Clean Water in Rural Dominican Republic

Andrew Carter Balogh

Abstract

In many parts of the Dominican Republic, the infrastructure to adequately supply easy access to clean water is lacking. As a result, people must purchase jugs of water that have been purified by a company with a water treatment facility. The cost of clean water is difficult to meet for an entity that needs to supply a large quantity of people with potable water, such as a school. The Escuela Taller Santa Maria Josefa Rosello, a K-8 school in the rural village of Don Juan, has been spending an estimated $500USD each month on water.

The University of Rochester Chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) has spent 7 years working at the Escuela Taller Santa Maria Josefa Rosello implementing a chlorination system to the existing water infrastructure. My involvement with EWB resulted in a 4-year-long effort to build the resilience of the school's water system and improve the water testing capabilities of the school. Through two trips to the project site, twice a week EWB planning meetings during the school year, and classwork, I was able to monitor the water quality of the implemented chlorination system and develop improved monitoring methods using image processing of bacterial tests.

Presented by

Andrew Balogh

Institution

University of Rochester, Hajim School Grand Challenges Program

Keywords

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HospiPal

Deric Toro

Abstract

Last year, I founded HospiPal, a mobile application that will tackle the lack of interoperability found in medical technology that limits physician-patient, as well as physician-physician communication. It builds a network that:

- Allows physicians to securely share and discuss medical records irrespective of their hospital system - Allows physicians to have access to their patient’s health journal in which patients provide details of their daily physical and emotional state - Creates a central repository of a patient’s health record - Removes the need of using various hospital apps to communicate medical history with their care team - Allows 24/7 communication with their care team

During my time volunteering on the pediatric cancer floor of Hospital Pediatrico Universitario, I noticed an overwhelming trend: patients with low socioeconomic status often received worse care, in part due to a lack of proper communication with caregivers. This adverse disparity unfairly affects the health outcomes of people around the world as well as the disadvantaged communities of my own home.

With HospiPal, I plan to eliminate the communication barriers that maintain this unruly cycle by creating a network that will allow physicians to provide holistic care. Using telehealth platforms that will promote the active conversation of a patient’s social and situational hardships between physicians is only the start of how I plan to improve our healthcare system.

Presented by

Deric Toro

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

HealthCare

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Engineering Better Medicines for Endometriosis

Emily Laskey

Abstract

Poster for National Grand Challenges Program.

Presented by

Emily Laskey

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

Grand Challenges Scholar Program, GCSP

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Symptoms based diagnosis of endometriosis

Emily Schiller

Abstract

Endometriosis is a disease characterized by the growth of endometrial-like tissue, the tissue that lines the uterine cavity, outside of the uterus. While the symptoms of endometriosis vary between patients, common symptoms include incapacitating pelvic pain, abnormal uterine bleeding, and even infertility in as many as 40% of patients. Despite affecting at least 10% of women worldwide, the only current method of diagnosis is laparoscopy, a surgical procedure that enables physicians to view the pelvic area. However, not only is this procedure invasive and costly, but it has technical limitations as a diagnostic tool for endometriosis and there is still an 11-year diagnostic delay (time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis of endometriosis) in the United States. This diagnostic delay is likely due to a lack of research and awareness of endometriosis among physicians and the general public. As part of the international Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) 2020 team, I have developed a non-invasive method of diagnosing endometriosis. By addressing this project through five competencies (Research, Interdisciplinary, Entrepreneurship, Global, and Service), I have contributed to the National Academy of Engineering’s Grand Challenge of Engineering the Tools for Scientific Discovery.

Presented by

Emily Schiller

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biology

Keywords

endometriosis, noninvasive, diagnostics, symptoms, predictive modeling, random forest, machine learning

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Development of a Novel, Noninvasive Diagnostic for Endometriosis using Menstrual Euent

Hanwen Gu

Abstract

Presented by

Hanwen Gu

Institution

Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester

Keywords

Diagnosis, Biology, synthetic biology, engineering

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A Novel Non-invasive Diagnostic for Endometriosis

Isabel Lopez-Molini and iGEM 2020 team

Abstract

Currently the only way to diagnose Endometriosis is through an invasive surgical procedure known as laparoscopy. This procedure can be risky, expensive and causes overall pain and discomfort post operation. Additionally, endometriosis is an under researched disease in which scientists still don’t understand the pathways that underlay it. The availability of diagnostic tools as well as general knowledge of this disease is scarce. Aftermath is women spending an excessive amount of years enduring disruptive and agonizing discomfort on a daily basis. Development of a non-invasive diagnostic tool is critical. As part of the International Genetically Engineered Machinery (iGEM) 2020 team, my team as well as I were determined as well as inspired to tackle the underdiagnosis of endometriosis.

Presented by

Isabel Lopez-Molini

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

women's health, molecular biology, endometriosis, diagnostics

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Design a Novel, Noninvasive Diagnostic for Endometriosis using Menstrual Effluent

Jinghong(James) Tang

Abstract

Presented by

Jinghong (Tang) Tang

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biology

Keywords

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Access to clean water through partnership

Leonor Teles

Abstract

Presented by

Leonor Teles

Institution

University of Rochester, Hajim School of Engineering, Grand Challenges Scholars Program

Keywords

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Grand Challenge-Engineer the tools of scientific discovery-Robotics and discovery

Madhavan Murali

Abstract

When the National Academy of Engineers decided upon the Grand Challenge of "engineering the tools of scientific discovery", for many people, space jumped into their minds. But the act of discovery encompasses a wide variety of fields, from oceanography to geography and, perhaps most importantly, robotics. For my presentation, I hope to show the growing influence of robotics and mechanical design in scientific experimentation and exploration, including robotics applications for clearing space debris for future space missions and analyzing samples for deep-sea expeditions.

Presented by

Madhavan Murali

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

Robotics, Grand Challenges Scholars Program, Discovery

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A non-invasive approach to diagnosing endometriosis

Meghan Martin

Abstract

Team UteRus, the 2020 University of Rochester international Genetically Engineered Machines (iGEM) Team, sought to create a novel, non-invasive diagnostic for endometriosis using menstrual effluent. Endometriosis is a chronic disease that causes abnormal endometrial-like tissue growth outside of the uterine cavity. It affects more than 200 million women worldwide and can lead to severe symptoms impacting reproductive health. No diagnostics are currently available except for exploratory surgery. Our team developed a diagnostic test for endometriosis using synthetic biology. The design is similar to pregnancy test, detecting biomarkers in menstrual effluent that are implicated in endometriosis patients in abnormal quantities. Not only is our design accessible and low-cost, we utilized an interdisciplinary approach to further the effectiveness of the project including raising endometriosis awareness and creating a symptom-based predictive model to indicate likelihood an individual has endometriosis.

Presented by

Meghan Martin

Institution

University of Rochester, Department of Biology

Keywords

iGEM, Synthetic Biology, Endometriosis

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NAE Grand Challenges Scholars Program: Provide Energy from Fusion

Samantha Kapushy

Abstract

Presented by

Samantha Kapushy

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

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Humanistic Perspective on Advancing Personalized Learning

Shannon Lue Chee Lip

Abstract

Presented by

Shannon Lue Chee Lip

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

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Engineering a Novel Diagnostic for Endometriosis Using Menstrual Effluent

Presented by

Grace Romania

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

Food, Urban, Agriculture, Sustainability

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Dead and Unburied: Human Remains in Museums

Julia Granato

Abstract

Human bodies, usually no longer living, have been the subject of spectacle and intrigue for centuries. Before modern museums, early collections of curiosities, called “Wunderkammer” or “wonder rooms,” housed human remains alongside magical stones, paintings, sculptures, and taxidermy animals. In the 15th and 16th centuries, anatomical collections with vast human osteological specimens were assembled, studied, and put on display to be viewed by anthropologists, physicians, anatomists, phrenologists, other students of science, and even the general public. Today, both antique and fresh corpses can be found in nearly every museum and countless exhibits across the United States and all over the world. Despite the popularity of such attractions, there is still discourse surrounding the display of human remains. This research project explores the archaeological and philosophical perspectives of the treatment of human remains in museums today, particularly those who do not fall under NAGPRA’s jurisdiction. After establishing a broad historical backdrop of the collecting and display of human remains in the Western world, this project investigates a single case study: the Hyrtl crania at the Mütter Museum in Philadelphia, PA. Using this case study, the topics of dark tourism, structural violence, and the implications of such dealings with the dead are examined. Additionally, the complex and meaningful relationship between society and their dead is illuminated.

Presented by

Julia Granato <jgranato@u.rochester.edu>

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

Human Remains, Dark Tourism, Structural Violence, Physical Anthropology, Phrenology, NAGPRA, Repatriation

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Imagined Roots: Adopted Lineages in Caribbean Literature

Shannon Lue Chee Lip

Abstract

Presented by

Shannon Lue Chee Lip

Institution

University of Rochester

Keywords

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