Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Noninvasive Technique For Measuring Cardiac Output, Grace E. Kolar, Rachel Simonton, Eli Strohecker

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

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Naturify 2300, Yarina Yiwei Dai

Masters Theses

In my art practice, I explore the interplay between human desires to manipulate and anthropomorphize nature, as seen in the technological augmentation of plants and living entities. This investigation delves into how this intersection, alongside empathy towards these creations, contributes to fears of uncontrollability and the risks of addiction and excessive dependence on technology.

Bioengineering and genetic modification have cultivated unprecedented developments, allowing humans to manipulate the fundamental building blocks of life. My research speculates on this technology further, modifying the genetic code of organisms and creating bioengineered wearable entities with enhanced traits or entirely new functionalities. The primary objective …

Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy Measures Of Cerebral Blood Flow During Graded Hypoxia In Neonatal Piglets, Danielle Shoshany, Shadi Malaeb, Randolph Sinahon, Mert Deniz Polat, Meltem Izzetoglu, Patricia A. Shewokis, Kurtulus Izzetoglu

St. Chris Research Day

No abstract provided.

Long-Term Evolution Of Signs And Symptoms In Contact Lens Wearers, Laura Valencia-Nieto, Alberto López-De La Rosa, Alberto López-Miguel, María J. González-García

Ciencia y Tecnología para la Salud Visual y Ocular

El propósito del estudio fue describir la evolución de las adaptaciones de los lentes de contacto (LC) durante un largo periodo de tiempo, y determinar los factores responsables de los cambios en las adaptaciones. Se recogieron datos (tipo de LC, tiempo de uso, agudeza visual, síntomas y signos) de los usuarios de LC que acudieron a una consulta española entre 2010 y 2020. El perfil de los sujetos fue comparado entre 2010 y 2020. Las características de las LC se compararon entre los tipos, reemplazos y diseños de las LC. Finalmente, se evaluaron los factores predisponentes al cambio de LC. …

Modeling Synergistic Effects Of Integrin And Tgf-Beta Signaling In Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition, Prerak Thakkar

Biology and Medicine Through Mathematics Conference

No abstract provided.

Spectral Characterization Of High-Speed Sers Fluctuations, Makayla Schmidt, Emily A. Farley, Marit A. Engevik, Alexandre G. Brolo, Nathan Lemke, Nathan Lindquist

Science Symposium

The concept of plasmonic “hotspots” is central to the broad field of nanophotonics. In surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), hotspots can increase Raman scattering efficiency by orders of magnitude. Hotspot dimensions may range from a few nanometers down to the atomic scale and are able to generate SERS signals from single molecules. However, these single-molecule SERS signals often show significant fluctuations, and the concept of intense, localized, yet static hotspots has come into question. Recent experiments have shown these SERS intensity fluctuations (SIFs) to occur over an extremely wide range of timescales, from seconds to micro-seconds, due to the various physical …

Co-Designing Situated Displays For Family Co-Regulation With Adhd Children, Lucas M. Silva, Franceli L. Cibrian, Clarisse Bonang, Arpita Bhattacharya, Aehong Min, Elissa M. Monteiro, Jesus A. Beltran, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Kimberley D. Lakes, Gillian R. Hayes, Daniel A. Epstein

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Family informatics often uses shared data dashboards to promote awareness of each other’s health-related behaviors. However, these interfaces often stop short of providing families with needed guidance around how to improve family functioning and health behaviors. We consider the needs of family co-regulation with ADHD children to understand how in-home displays can support family well-being. We conducted three co-design sessions with each of eight families with ADHD children who had used a smartwatch for self-tracking. Results indicate that situated displays could nudge families to jointly use their data for learning and skill-building. Accommodating individual needs and preferences when family members …

The Contribution Of Micrornas To Rybp Silencing In Glioblastoma Multiforme, Alex B. Lee

Graduate Theses

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive and invasive tumor of the central nervous system (CNS). Survival rates are abysmal, with only 7.2% of patients alive 5-years after diagnosis. Because of this, understanding epigenetic alterations that give GBM tumors their aggressive phenotypes is critical for the development of more targeted and effective therapies. These alterations frequently affect a group of proteins called the Polycomb group proteins, which play important oncogenic and tumor suppressive roles in cancer. One Polycomb protein, the RING1- and YY1-binding protein (RYBP), is downregulated in a majority of GBM patients, suggesting a strong tumor suppressive property. In …

Integrating Galectin-3 Into A Computational Model Of Cardiac Fibrosis Progression, Adam Pieratt

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cardiac fibrosis, a large contributor to heart failure, is the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in response to stress or injury. There are no approved treatments for cardiac fibrosis, and targeting specific species involved creates complex problems for drug development, so a computational model of the cardiac fibroblast signaling network can be used to observe the interactions involved in the progression of cardiac fibrosis. In this paper, a new protein called galectin-3 is integrated into this existing model, and connections are established to expand the coverage of the network. The additions are described, simulated using Netflux biological system simulation software, …

Modeling Sex-Specific Changes In Myocardial Fibrosis, Grace Martin

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Cardiac fibrosis, or accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the heart, can occur after a heart attack and increase the risk for further complications. Current treatments for heart disease do not include extracellular matrix regulators, partly due to the complicated signaling network responsible for the production of these proteins. By using a computational model of the signaling network in cardia fibroblasts, the relationship between particular molecules and downstream extracellular matrix production can be examined.

Biological sex is an important factor for cardiac health and …

Spatial Hearing In Simulated Reverberant Classroom Environments, Gabriel Seth Evan Weeldreyer

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Thesis, and Student Research

Spatial hearing provides access to auditory spatial cues that promote speech perception in noisy listening situations. However, reverberation degrades auditory spatial cues and limits listeners’ ability to utilize these cues for segregating target speech from competing babble. Hence, spatial unmasking—an intelligibility benefit from a spatial separation between a target and masker—is reduced in reverberant environments as compared to free field. This work tests the hypothesis that interaural decorrelation, the result of increasing reverberation, will broaden the perceived auditory source width with a cascading effect of reduced auditory spatial acuity and subsequently poorer spatial unmasking. To understand the perceptual consequences of …

Bcl2 Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery For The Treatment Of Kidney Fibrosis And Stomach Cancer, Humayra Afrin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Apoptosis, the programmed death of cells, is primarily regulated by a delicate balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals. The Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) family of proteins acts as anti-apoptotic agents, promoting cell survival. Dysregulation of these proteins is a common occurrence in conditions such as cancer and fibrosis, where overexpression of anti-apoptotic members can foster tumor cell survival and fibroblast activation. In this study, our aim was to explore the therapeutic potential of Bcl-2 inhibitors, both as a small molecule (specifically Navitoclax (Navi)), inhibitor and as Bcl-2 siRNA, for targeted treatment. Intravenous administration of Navi often leads to thrombocytopenia, necessitating …

Selective Transfection Of A Transferrin Receptor-Expressing Cell Line With Dna-Lipid Nanoparticles And Synthesis Of Parasite-Derived Glycans As Biomarkers For Leishmaniasis, Irodiel Vinales Lozano

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Despite notable progress in lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-mediated gene delivery, achieving selective transfection of specific cell types, such as cancer cells, remains a significant hurdle, hindering the advancement of innovative gene therapies. In this study, we engineered an LNP formulation encapsulating plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding the monomeric Green Lantern (mGL) fluorescent reporter protein. The DT7 peptide ligand targeting human transferrin receptor 1 (hTfR1) was also conjugated to the LNP surface for targeted delivery to hTfR1-expressing cells. Optimization of LNP composition yielded favorable particle diameter, ζ-potential, yield, and pDNA encapsulation efficiency. Evaluation of transfection selectivity using a panel of two engineered cell …

Development And Feasibility Studies Of Ai-Powered Socially Assistive Robotics To Promote Wellbeing Of Persons With Alzheimer’S Disease And Related Dementias, Fengpei Yuan

Doctoral Dissertations

The number of persons living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (PLWDs) has been keeping growing. In 2024, it is estimated that there will be approximately 6.7 million individuals living with Alzheimer's Dementia. This number will increase to about 14 million in 2060. Due to the damage in neurons, the capabilities of memory, thinking, and language will decline as the disease progress. As a result, persons with dementia will gradually withdraw from their social activities and become more dependent on others during their activities of daily living. Making it worse, our society is not ready for the increasing requirements of …

A Pattern Matching Algorithm For Self-Adjusting Basal Rates In Insulin Pump Systems, Lauren Smith

Doctoral Dissertations

In a Type 1 Diabetic, Insulin can be administered in a pump system. There are two types of insulin that must be given: basal and bolus. Basal insulin is a long-acting form of insulin that works in the background while fasting, while Bolus insulin is rapid/short acting given in response to food to immediately begin working to lower blood sugar.

Modeling in Diabetes can be represented by algorithmic approaches ranging from simple autoregressive models of the Continuous Glucose Monitor time series to multivariate nonlinear regression techniques of machine learning. Other examples of modeling in Diabetes include prediction models of hypoglycemia …

Supporting Text And Data Analysis Across Campus From The Academic Library, Amy Kirchhoff, Hejin Shin Phd

Digital Initiatives Symposium

The ability to comprehend and communicate with text-based data is essential to future success in academics and employment, as evidenced in a recent survey from Bloomberg Research Services which shows that nearly 97% of survey respondents now use data analytics in their companies and 58% consider data and text mining a business analytics tool (https://www.sas.com/content/dam/SAS/bp_de/doc/studie/ba-st-the-current-state-of-business-analytics-2317022.pdf). This has fueled a substantial growth in text analysis research (involving the use of technology to analyze un- and semi-structured text data for valuable insights, trends, and patterns) across disciplines and a corresponding demand on academic libraries to support text analysis pedagogy and text analysis …

Mathematical Modeling For Dental Decay Prevention In Children And Adolescents, Mahdiyeh Soltaninejad

Dissertations

The high prevalence of dental caries among children and adolescents, especially those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, is a significant nationwide health concern. Early prevention, such as dental sealants and fluoride varnish (FV), is essential, but access to this care remains limited and disparate. In this research, a national dataset is utilized to assess sealants' reach and effectiveness in preventing tooth decay, particularly focusing on 2nd molars that emerge during early adolescence, a current gap in the knowledge base. FV is recommended to be delivered during medical well-child visits to children who are not seeing a dentist. Challenges and facilitators in …

Advancing Brain Tumor Segmentation With Spectral–Spatial Graph Neural Networks, Sina Mohammadi, Mohamed Allali

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

In the field of brain tumor segmentation, accurately capturing the complexities of tumor sub-regions poses significant challenges. Traditional segmentation methods usually fail to accurately segment tumor subregions. This research introduces a novel solution employing Graph Neural Networks (GNNs), enriched with spectral and spatial insight. In the supervoxel creation phase, we explored methods like VCCS, SLIC, Watershed, Meanshift, and Felzenszwalb–Huttenlocher, evaluating their performance based on homogeneity, moment of inertia, and uniformity in shape and size. After creating supervoxels, we represented 3D MRI images as a graph structure. In this study, we combined Spatial and Spectral GNNs to capture both local and …

Tunable Dual-Phase Dual-Drug Delivery System Using A Plga Microparticle/Pva Hydrogel Composite, Timothy John Eck

Theses and Dissertations

Current drug-eluting coatings have demonstrated controlled long-term, sustained release but have only tried to mitigate short-term burst release as a negative side effect. For applications like wound healing, there is a need for a drug-eluting coating which is adjustable in both short- and long-term release, independent of each other. We present a tunable dual-phase dual-drug delivery coating composed of drug-loaded polymer microparticles and drug-loaded hydrogel which can control short term and long term release individually in this study. This coating was created using lidocaine and dexamethasone encapsulated in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) particles combined with lidocaine- and dexamethasone-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogel. Hydrogel drug …

Redesign Of Robotic Walking Training Device To Involve Zero Gravity Capabilities And Daily Activities, Chad Ballard

Mechanical Engineering Theses

Many patients struggle with disabilities that hinder their ability to walk. This project aimed to create a leg assembly capable of variable gravity so that it could be combined with a Robotic Walking Training Device, and lead to better rehabilitation options for patients. This was accomplished by deriving equations of joint torque, creating circuit diagrams for Arduino systems, modeling leg assemblies in CAD, and finally combining it to create a working small-scale prototype. The result of the prototype testing showed accurate movement on each joint, especially the ankle and knee segments, to create virtual zero gravity. In addition to this, …

Passenger Traits That Predict The Bystander Intervention Model Steps During An Inflight Assault On A Flight Attendant, Michael Pettit

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Every major U.S. airline has experienced a violent inflight assault on one of their flight attendants. The problem is becoming more widespread, but industry leaders have few coping strategies. The first step toward addressing the issue is understanding the various aspects of the event, including the actions of other passengers (bystanders) who may witness the assault. There is ample literature on bystander reactions to similar events such as bullying, medical emergencies, injuries, and violent attacks, but none dedicated to a flight attendant assault or passenger reactions to it.

At the core of bystander action is the bystander effect, which postulates …

Use Of Mobile Technology To Identify Behavioral Mechanisms Linked To Mental Health Outcomes In Kenya: Protocol For Development And Validation Of A Predictive Model, Willie Njoroge, Rachel Maina, Frank Elena, Lukoye Atwoli, Anthony Ngugi, Srijan Sen, Stephen Wong, Linda Khakali, Andrew Aballa, James Orwa, Moses Nyongesa, Jasmit Shah, Amina Abubakar, Zul Merali

Brain and Mind Institute

Objective:This study proposes to identify and validate weighted sensor stream signatures that predict near-term risk of a major depressive episode and future mood among healthcare workers in Kenya.

Approach: The study will deploy a mobile application (app) platform and use novel data science analytic approaches (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) to identifying predictors of mental health disorders among 500 randomly sampled healthcare workers from five healthcare facilities in Nairobi, Kenya.

Expectation: This study will lay the basis for creating agile and scalable systems for rapid diagnostics that could inform precise interventions for mitigating depression and ensure a healthy, resilient …

Santa Clara Magazine, Volume 65 Number 1, Spring 2024, Santa Clara University

Santa Clara Magazine

14 - A CAMPUS ON THE RISE Six new buildings on campus aren’t the only changes brought by a successful $1 billion fundraising campaign. Lauren Loftus & Leslie Griffy

20 - HUMAN AT HEART How Santa Clara University is distinguishing itself as a leader in human-focused health care innovation. Lauren Loftus

26 - SHEPHERDING INNOVATION How wonder, and God, can make us better scientists. Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J.

30 - THE CO-OP Santa Clara University has long been a bastion of interdisciplinary learning. A new fund is taking cross-collaboration to new heights. SCM Staff

34 - MAKE AI THE BEST …

Lamina Cribrosa Insertions Into The Sclera Are Sparser, Narrower, And More Slanted In The Anterior Lamina, Fengting Ji, Mohammad R. Islam, Bingrui Wang, Yi Hua, Ian A. Sigal

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose: The lamina cribrosa (LC) depends on the sclera for support. The support must be provided through the LC insertions. Although a continuous insertion over the whole LC periphery is often assumed, LC insertions are actually discrete locations where LC collagenous beams meet the sclera. We hypothesized that LC insertions vary in number, size, and shape by quadrant and depth.

Methods: Coronal cryosections through the full LCs from six healthy monkey eyes were imaged using instant polarized light microscopy. The images were registered into a stack, on which we manually marked LC insertion outlines, nothing their position in-depth and quadrant …

Analyzing The Influence Of Design And Operating Conditions On Combustion And Emissions In Premixed Turbulent Flames: A Comprehensive Review, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr. Eng., E. A. El Shenawy Prof. Dr., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Ibrahim Ali Mousa Eng., Mohamed M. Abdel-Raouf Ibrahim Dr. Eng.

Journal of Engineering Research

Recently, premixed combustion has dominated the field of combustion research worldwide. The current work is a review that addresses the effects of design and operating regimes on the combustion and emission characteristics of premixed turbulent flames. The study accounts for recent developments aimed at overcoming combustor operability issues that influence emissions and flame stability. Various experimental setups have been utilized in investigations, with results pertaining to performance and emissions concerning premixed turbulent flames. Thus, the objective of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the effects of swirl vane angles and equivalence fuel-air ratios for tests conducted both …

Building For Safety: Design Considerations For Refuge Areas In Tall Buildings From Quality Management Perspective, Enass. A. Salama, Heba. M. Gaber, Ahmed. M. Selim

Journal of Engineering Research

New El Alamein City is one of the largest urban projects in Egypt, and the largest project on the north coast. Tall buildings (super high-rise buildings) are considered the prevailing trend by architectural designers to obtain the maximum view of the Mediterranean Sea. The provision of safety evacuation in emergencies for these buildings’ occupants is a crucial challenge from the Quality management point of view. In contrast, there are no sufficient architectural design guidelines for the tall buildings provided by the Egyptian code for protecting buildings from fire, especially the design of the refuge areas. This study aims to investigate …

Effect Of Organic Compounds Additives For Biodiesel Fuel Blends On Diesel Engine Vibrations And Noise Characteristics, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi Prof. Dr. Eng., E. A. El Shenawy Prof. Dr., Mahmoud Soliman Eng.

Journal of Engineering Research

The extensive consumption of petroleum fuel directly correlates with both hazardous exhaust emissions affecting human health and contributing to global warming. Initially, biodiesel fuels were proposed as a viable alternative to address these issues. This perspective finds support in numerous published studies that highlight how the significant catalytic effect of nanoparticles allows for their integration into biodiesel blends, resulting in improved combustion characteristics, reduced exhaust emissions, and enhanced performance. This study investigates the impact of additives on biodiesel fuel properties and its effects on engine performance metrics such as brake power, brake thermal efficiency, exhaust gas concentration, engine vibration, and …

Investigation Into The Impact Of Ammonia Hydroxide On Performance And Emissions In Compression Ignition Engines Utilizing Diesel/Biodiesel Blends, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Mohammed Osama Elsamadony Dr. Eng., Abdallah Salem Abdalhadi

Journal of Engineering Research

In recent times, there has been a surge in scientific endeavors aimed at combating global warming. Various methods have been employed to address this issue, including the substitution of fossil fuels with more environmentally sustainable alternatives and the combination of different fuel types. This can be achieved through the integration of innovative injection systems and the simultaneous combustion of alternative fuels alongside fossil fuels, or by modifying fuel injection systems such as in the PCCI, RCCI, or HCCI systems. In a particular research investigation, a blend of ammonia hydroxide and diesel, with volume percentages of 7.5% and 92.5% respectively, was …

Enhancing Diesel Engine Performance By Directly Injecting Blends Of Ammonium Hydroxide And Including Liquid Petroleum Gas As A Partially Premixed Charge, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Mohammed Osama Elsamadony Dr. Eng., Abdallah Salem Abdalhadi

Journal of Engineering Research

Recently, scientists have made significant strides in addressing or mitigating environmental issues. Researchers have adopted various approaches to tackle these issues, such as replacing fossil fuels with more environmentally friendly alternatives or blending multiple fuel types. This can be achieved by either integrating these two trends through the use of new injection systems and simultaneous combustion of alternative fuels with fossil fuels or by modifying fuel injection systems, exemplified by the PCCI, RCCI, or HCCI systems. Consequently, these methods have proven effective in reducing environmental pollutants, enhancing thermal efficiency, and decreasing specific fuel consumption. In this study, ammonia hydroxide and …

Experimental Investigation On Combustion And Emission Characteristics Of Co-Combustion Of Pulverized Biomass With Diesel Fuel In An Industrial Burner, Medhat Elkelawy Prof. Dr, Eng., Hagar Alm-Eldin Bastawissi, Ahmed Abou El-Yazied Prof. Dr., Saad El-Malla Dr. Eng.

Journal of Engineering Research

This study presents the combustion and emission results obtained from a laboratory furnace equipped with a 35 kW industrial burner that utilizes co-combustion of pulverized biomass and diesel fuel. The experiment compared the co-combustion of pulverized biomass and diesel fuel with diesel fuel alone. Three different loading ratios of pulverized biomass from residual beet samples were used. Temperatures were measured at various positions inside the furnace to analyze combustion performance. It was observed that increasing the biomass loading ratios led to higher flame temperatures and improved combustion compared to diesel fuel alone. The concentrations of pollutants such as Co, HC, …