Dynamic, Reconfigurable, And Hierarchical Biosynthetic Composites Via Collagen Self-Assembly Within Highly Crowded Microgel Pastes,
2025
Chapman University
Dynamic, Reconfigurable, And Hierarchical Biosynthetic Composites Via Collagen Self-Assembly Within Highly Crowded Microgel Pastes, Elif Narbay, Abbygail Caine, Sanika Pandit, Gabrielle Montgomery, Marion Harper, E. Daniel Cárdenas-Vásquez, Hatte Hamilton, Megan Hicks, Daniel Mattar, Kyle Choy, Marco Bisoffi, L. Andrew Lyon
Engineering Faculty Articles and Research
The fabrication of a new class of biomimetic biomaterials is reported using nanostructured microgel pastes formed from “overpacked” assemblies of ultrasoft poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) microgels and their composites with collagen. Despite the solid-like nature of microgel pastes, collagen fibrillogenesis is robust and rapid, with a 3D collagen network forming throughout the paste volume. Structural organization within the composite is interrogated via a suite of microscopy methods, while rheological characterization provides insight into the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the materials. Long-range fibrillogenesis is enabled by local crowding, dynamics, and spatial reconfigurability of pastes at the …
Characterization Of The Fatigue Threshold Behavior Of Uhmwpe,
2025
University of California - Berkeley
Characterization Of The Fatigue Threshold Behavior Of Uhmwpe, Bethany B. Smith, Anurag Roy, Robert O. Ritchie, Lisa A. Pruitt
Faculty Journal Articles
Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been the material of choice for bearings in total joint replacements (TJRs) for decades as a result of its excellent wear resistance, chemical inertness, energetic toughness, low friction, and biocompatibility. Utilization of this polymer in orthopedic devices requires oxidation, wear, and fatigue resistance. Balancing these important properties by tailoring processing techniques and modulating microstructural features has been an ongoing endeavor in the field. Research into the clinical applications of UHMWPE has primarily focused on the challenges of wear and oxidation while studies into the realm of fatigue have been more limited. Literature gaps exist in fully understanding …
Smart Dressings Accelerating Wound Healing With Tranexamic Acid-Infused Aligned Electrospun Nanofibers: In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments,
2025
The British University in Egypt
Smart Dressings Accelerating Wound Healing With Tranexamic Acid-Infused Aligned Electrospun Nanofibers: In Vitro And In Vivo Assessments, Samar A. Salim, Abdullah Elbadry, Eman Gomaa, Mennatullah Faisal, Elbadawy A. Kamoun
Nanotechnology Research Centre
The development of advanced wound dressings capable of accelerating healing and achieving effective hemostasis remains a critical challenge in managing traumatic and surgical wounds. This study reports the fabrication and comprehensive evaluation of a novel multilayered, sandwich-structured nanofiber scaffold composed of Tranexamic acid (TXA), chitosan (CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), L-arginine, and polylactic acid (PLA) for biodegradable wound dressing applications. Using sequential electrospinning, a four-layered scaffold was developed as a smart wound dressing, comprising an immediate-release TXA-CS-PVA layer for rapid clotting, a hydrophobic PLA barrier layer for protection, a sustained-release L-arginine-PVA layer to promote tissue regeneration, and a final PLA protective …
Palpation Characteristics Of An Instrumented Virtual Cricothyroidotomy Simulator,
2025
Sabanci University
Palpation Characteristics Of An Instrumented Virtual Cricothyroidotomy Simulator, Melih Turkseven, Trudi Di Qi, Ganesh Sankaranarayanan, Suvranu De
Engineering Faculty Articles and Research
Cricothyroidotomy (CCT) is a critical, life-saving procedure requiring the identification of key neck landmarks through palpation. Interactive virtual simulation offers a promising, cost-effective approach to CCT training with high visual realism. However, developing the palpation skills necessary for CCT requires a haptic interface with tactile sensitivity comparable to human fingers. Such interfaces are often represented by plastic partial mannequins, which require further adaptation to integrate into virtual environments. This study introduces an instrumented physical palpation interface for CCT, integrated into a virtual surgical simulator, and tested on 10 surgeons who practiced the procedure over a training period. Data on haptic …
Advancing Single-Molecule Nanopore Sensing: From Protein Conformation And Metal Binding To Dna Transport Via Hybrid Nanostructures,
2025
Southern Methodist University
Advancing Single-Molecule Nanopore Sensing: From Protein Conformation And Metal Binding To Dna Transport Via Hybrid Nanostructures, Matthew J. Odonohue
Multidisciplinary Studies Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation presents the development and application of solid-state and hybrid nanopore platforms for single-molecule analysis of biomolecular interactions. First, a silicon nitride nanopore was employed to characterize the conformational states of the transferrin receptor (TfR), enabling discrimination between its monomeric and dimeric forms, as well as from its ligand, human serum transferrin (hSTf), despite their similar molecular weights. In a separate study, the same nanopore configuration was used to track the real-time binding of titanium ions to transferrin, demonstrating single-molecule sensitivity to metal-induced conformational changes. A hybrid microtubule–solid-state nanopore (MT–SSN) was then engineered, repurposing microtubules as electrostatically anchored conduits …
Fourier-Feature Mlp Toolkit For Gpu-Accelerated Cardiac-Mri 4dcmr Strain Analysis,
2025
Purdue University
Fourier-Feature Mlp Toolkit For Gpu-Accelerated Cardiac-Mri 4dcmr Strain Analysis, Aarnav T. Sabale, Marco A. Prado, Craig J. Goergen
Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship
This paper explores the embedding of a Fourier-Feature—enhanced multiplayer perceptron(MLP-FEE) at the heart of a newly refactored python workflow for four-dimensional cardiac-MRI strain quantification demonstrating how a single, compact network can outperform traditional convolution and spline-based methods. The original code, capable of orientation normalization, displacement tracking, and finite-difference strain computation, has been translated and consolidated into pytorch. By injecting sinusoidal positional encodings at the network’s input layer supplied a rich set of high-frequency basis functions hence enabling multilayer MLP to resolve gradients that cubic splines and conventional CNNs typically blur or struggle with. Profiling on an Apple-silicon GPU shows interactive …
Crevice Corrosion Mechanisms Of Cocrmo Alloys In Orthopedic Implants: Retrieval Analysis, Nano-Tribocorrosion And Cellular Responses,
2025
Clemson University
Crevice Corrosion Mechanisms Of Cocrmo Alloys In Orthopedic Implants: Retrieval Analysis, Nano-Tribocorrosion And Cellular Responses, Hwaran Lee
All Dissertations
Mechanically assisted corrosion and non-mechanically (chemically) driven corrosion in modular junctions of orthopedic implants using cobalt-chromium-molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys remain clinical concerns and may contribute to implant failure. The underlying corrosion mechanisms are not yet fully understood, leaving a critical research gap. We hypothesized that corrosion in modular junctions may be driven by aggressive local environments, including fretting, metal ion release (cobalt ion, Co2+), low pH and reactive oxygen species (ROS). This dissertation aims to (1) analyze corrosion modes and potential causes in modular junctions; (2) identify chemically driven corrosion modes on CoCrMo alloys using simulated inflammatory modular taper …
Mathematical Modeling Of Effects Of Tumor Location On Lung Function.,
2025
University of Louisville
Mathematical Modeling Of Effects Of Tumor Location On Lung Function., Lamargaret Temukisa Johnson
Master of Engineering Theses
Lung cancer has the highest rates of incidence and mortality of all cancers. Most lung cancer tumors are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC patients with lesions in the upper lobes are found to have better prognosis compared to those with lesions in the middle and lower lobes. Previous studies have suggested various causes for this discrepancy at both the organ-scale and tissue-scale. To model NSCLC growth in different locations within the lung, an organ scale lung model and tissue scale tumor model were coupled through the tissue pressure, and oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures. The coupling was used …
Impact Of Cysteine And Tyrosine Dipeptides On Cho Cell Performance In A Perfusion Mimic,
2025
Clemson University
Impact Of Cysteine And Tyrosine Dipeptides On Cho Cell Performance In A Perfusion Mimic, Corrin L. Pruitt
All Theses
Perfusion cell cultures typically achieve higher cell densities and generate higher volumetric productivities than fed-batch cultures due to continuous nutrient supply and spent media removal. Despite these advantages, perfusion cell cultures remain underutilized for licensed product manufacturing, primarily due to the lack of small-scale perfusion models for high-throughput process development and the complexities involved in media formulation capable of supporting high cell densities during long-term continuous operation. To avoid nutrient limitation at high cell densities, current perfusion processes rely on using higher perfusion rates, which results in significant media wastage and downstream product dilution. Therefore, there has been an effort …
A Deep Learning Approach For Semantic Segmentation And Its Application On Ctc.,
2025
University of Louisville
A Deep Learning Approach For Semantic Segmentation And Its Application On Ctc., Samir Farag Harb
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
This dissertation explores the modeling and analysis of medical images, focusing on the intricate task of colon segmentation and subsequent 3D reconstruction, which are critical steps in Computed Tomography Colonography (CTC) systems. The primary objective of this research is to develop precise segmentation approaches to enhance the accuracy of colon identification and reconstruction from abdominal CT scans. Three distinct segmentation approaches are proposed and evaluated: a Markov Random Field (MRF)-based approach, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning (DL) approach, and a sequential episodic training with dual contrastive learning Approach (G-SET-DCL) that has a flavor of few-shot learning (FSL). To …
Sex-Dependent Differences In Cardiac Function And Strain In Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy,
2025
Purdue University
Sex-Dependent Differences In Cardiac Function And Strain In Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiomyopathy, Anna J. A. Webb, Bea O. Cabot, Aasish Chowdary, Wilhelm S. Smith, Benjamin Zeidler, Cortland H. Johns, Craig J. Goergen
Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship
Doxorubicin is a chemotherapeutic agent used to treat many types of cancer. While effective, doxorubicin can cause cardiomyopathy, a disease affecting the heart muscle. Although the effects of doxorubicin on the heart are well studied, the mechanisms leading to cardiomyopathy are not well understood. Previous studies have used murine models to study the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin. These reports showed that cardiac dysfunction is more pronounced in male compared to female mice. The goal of this study is to further evaluate sex differences in doxorubicin induced cardiomyopathy using 4-dimensional strain mapping techniques. In this study, both female and male C57Bl/6J mice …
Leveraging Genai For Biometric Voice Print Authentication,
2025
Southern Methodist University
Leveraging Genai For Biometric Voice Print Authentication, Erica Brooks, Lijo Jacob, Lani Lewis, Gaurav Mittal, Shivam Negi, Faizan Javed
SMU Data Science Review
This paper presents the development of a secure voice authentication system that delivers an inclusive solution for all users, including those with disabilities. Leveraging a Text-Dependent Active Verification process, the system combines a spoken passphrase with voice biometric coefficients and audio vector embeddings for reliable user verification. A vector database is used to efficiently store data and perform similarity retrieval. Initially, the system achieves a 71% spoof detection accuracy, ensuring that only genuine samples proceed to the embedding stage, where it attains a 55.21% accuracy in vector embedding and similarity retrieval. Furthermore, this approach paves the way for user-specific voice-controlled …
Acoustic And Hemodynamic Analysis Of Phantoms: Roughness And Flow Dynamics,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Acoustic And Hemodynamic Analysis Of Phantoms: Roughness And Flow Dynamics, Ethan Erik Olof Sundberg
Master's Theses
The purpose of this study was to determine whether different vascular phantoms, with and without a surrogate arm, could serve as effective analogs to the human brachial artery for assessing endothelial dysfunction, an early indicator of cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is characterized by plaque buildup and endothelial damage, which precede more severe clinical events and are often detectable through changes in vascular function. A 40” water tower was used to simulate diastolic pressure, enabling water flow through each phantom. Strain gauge pressure transducers were placed at both ends of the phantoms to measure pressure drop, while a microphone captured …
Optimizing Microfluidic Murine Fibroblast And Human Epidermal Keratinocyte Cell Culture In 70Μm Microwells,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Optimizing Microfluidic Murine Fibroblast And Human Epidermal Keratinocyte Cell Culture In 70Μm Microwells, Christian Navarro
Master's Theses
Cell culture is an essential technique utilized in biotechnology and medicine to remove systemic influences to study cellular behavior and morphological development of individual cell lines. However, conventional cell culture is two-dimensional and static meaning it can’t easily mimic in vivo conditions such as multicellular cell to cell interactions, fluid perfusion, or 3D structures which might alter cellular behavior and morphology. Microfluidic cell culture allows for the incorporation of in vivo conditions such as perfusion and chemical gradients allowing for more physiologically accurate models. The goal of this study is to develop a protocol for testing a microfluidic chip designed …
Insert Creation To Mimic Blood Vessels In Gel Phantoms,
2025
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
Insert Creation To Mimic Blood Vessels In Gel Phantoms, Courtney Bloom
Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses
Gel phantoms are commonly used in research settings due to their ability to mimic soft tissue. Creating these phantoms usually involves 3D printing an insert, embedding it in gel, and then washing the insert out. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is typically used as the insert material, but it often swells and deforms the gel during the washout process. Aquapour, a water-soluble material, was investigated as a potential replacement for PVA. Unlike PVA, Aquapour comes in a powdered form that can be mixed with water to create a castable slurry. To create molds to cast Aquapour, SolidWorks was used to design two …
Investigating The Effects Of Hepatocyte Growth Factor On Primary Myoblast Proliferation,
2025
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Investigating The Effects Of Hepatocyte Growth Factor On Primary Myoblast Proliferation, Grace Heller
Biomedical Engineering
Peripheral artery occlusive disease (PAOD) is a progressive vascular condition that affects over 200 million people worldwide and approximately 8 million in the United States. It is characterized by atherosclerotic narrowing of peripheral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow, ischemia, and, in severe cases, tissue loss and limb amputation. Although surgical revascularization is the gold standard, many patients—particularly those with comorbidities like diabetes— continue to experience poor outcomes, emphasizing the need for alternative therapies. One promising strategy is to enhance collateral arteriogenesis, the remodeling and enlargement of collateral arterioles that naturally bypass occluded vessels. Satellite cells (SCs), which give rise …
Toward The Application Of Natural Language Processing In Electronic Health Record Analysis For Taxonomy Development,
2025
Clemson University
Toward The Application Of Natural Language Processing In Electronic Health Record Analysis For Taxonomy Development, Latoya Mcdonald
All Dissertations
Electronic health records (EHRs) are pivotal resources for nurse practice because they increase the timeliness and reliability of patient information at the point of care and support access by multiple healthcare providers and the individual patients themselves. However, it is widely recognized that data extraction from EHRs is challenging due to the variability in the language used in clinical care notes and the lack of standardized terminology across healthcare systems. The broad objective of this dissertation is to develop taxonomy-based classification models for nursing care by applying feature engineering approaches to EHRs that include nursing care of ostomy patients following …
Design And Evaluation Of Antibody-Conjugated Microneedle Patch For Early Mrsa Biomarker Detection,
2025
University of Mississippi
Design And Evaluation Of Antibody-Conjugated Microneedle Patch For Early Mrsa Biomarker Detection, Kylee Marie Pop, Alexis Richie, Nicholas Jenkins, Andrew Holmes
Honors Theses
Post-operative orthopedic surgical site infections (SSIs), specifically those caused by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), present a significant clinical challenge due to delayed detection, increased morbidity, and current rising healthcare costs. Early detection of infection remains limited due to the current methods of diagnosis, which consist of observation of the surgical site and laboratory infrastructure for conformation of infection. To combat these issues, my team and I have designed and evaluated a minimally invasive microneedle diagnostic patch that continuously monitors for the presence of MRSA-associated biomarker PBP2a in interstitial fluids around surgical site incisions. Upon antigen detection, a colorimetric response …
Optimizing Hydrogel Performance Composed Of Japanese Pagoda Tree Extract Loaded-Gelatin-Sodium Alginate-Polyethylene Oxide For Biomedical Applications: Influence Incorporated Calcium-Based Metal Organic Frameworks And Zinc Oxide Nps,
2025
The British University in Egypt
Optimizing Hydrogel Performance Composed Of Japanese Pagoda Tree Extract Loaded-Gelatin-Sodium Alginate-Polyethylene Oxide For Biomedical Applications: Influence Incorporated Calcium-Based Metal Organic Frameworks And Zinc Oxide Nps, Samar A. Salim
Nanotechnology Research Centre
Gelatin/sodium alginate/polyethylene oxide hydrogel was synthesized by self-gelation method and utilized to achieve enhanced mechanical strength. Japanese pagoda, tree extracts rich in flavonoids and isoflavonoids was incorporated to enhance tissue repair along with ZnO-NPs to provide the hydrogel with necessary antimicrobial and other desirable biological properties. The inclusion of Ca-BDC MOF enhanced hydrogel matrix by providing more surface area and the presence of calcium ion needed for tissue regeneration. Results revealed that composite hydrogel displayed suitable gelation time and swelling rate that was further improved by incorporating the plant extract, ZnO-NPs, and Ca-BDC MOF. The efficacy of the tested formulations …
Conversational Voice User Interfaces Supporting Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Literature Review,
2025
Chapman University
Conversational Voice User Interfaces Supporting Individuals With Down Syndrome: A Literature Review, Franceli L. Cibrian, Concepción Valdez, Lauren Min, Vivian Genaro Motti
Engineering Faculty Articles and Research
Conversational Voice User Interfaces (CVUIs) are widely used in commercial applications such as personal assistants. CVUIs are beneficial for most users as they enable interaction through speech and natural language. However, recent studies indicate that underrepresented user groups, such as individuals with speech impairments and specifically those with Down syndrome, face challenges in using voice commands to control CVUIs. The anatomical and physiological differences affecting the voice, speech, fluency, and prosody of users with Down syndrome hinder their experience with CVUIs. This article presents the results of 43 papers related to the use of voice user interfaces supporting individuals with …
